The Chat 'n Chew Cafe (Purdue University)

The Chat ’n Chew Cafe was developed in honor of all the small town coffeeshops where farmers and business folk have congregated for years to shoot the breeze and share gossip about corn, soybean, wheat, cows, hogs, bankers, basketball, lawyers, and the like.
In its current iteration, the Cafe offers direct access to timely agronomic newsletters from land-grant universities around the Midwest, an up-to-date calendar of major educational events around the Midwest, direct access to Purdue Extension field crop specialists and field crop Web sites. You can also access the archive of my Corny News Network articles.
... R.L. (Bob) Nielsen, Purdue Agronomy

Educational Events

Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification Programs

Commercial Pesticide Applicator CCH Programs (OISC)

Click month to display events. Click again to close.

(14 - 15 Dec)
Indiana CCA Conference
Organized by Purdue Extension & the Indiana CCA Program. Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Indianapolis, IN.

Serving all of your "corny" needs since 1995, the Chat 'n Chew Cafe offers a comprehensive "menu" of timely agronomic information from Purdue and other land-grant universities around the U.S. The Cafe is owned and operated by R.L. (Bob) Nielsen, State Extension Corn Specialist at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Follow @PurdueCornGuy

UPDATED Tri-State (IN/MI/OH) Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybean, Wheat, and Alfalfa now available in hard copy or as a free PDF download.

Timely News Articles

(9 Apr)
Purdue Pest & Crop Newsletter
Purdue Univ.
Black Cutworm Moths Have Begun Their Arrival 2021 Black Cutworm Pheromone Trap Report Armyworm Pheromone Trap Report – 2021 Check Out The New Purdue Weed Science Website! North Central Weed Science Society Graduate Student Presentation Videos Volunteer Hemp Seedlings Are Here Broomsedge Bluestem– Indiana Farmer Introduced The Plant To Me As Poverty Weed Years Ago Matching Pasture Owners With Livestock Owners – Midwest Grazing Exchange 17-Year Cicadas Are Coming: Are You Ready? 2021 Popcorn Agri-Chemical Handbook

(9 Apr)
Nebraska Crop Watch Newsletter
Univ. of Nebraska.
Factors to Consider When Multiple Herbicide-Resistant Soybean Traits Coexist Three Practices May Help Farmers Achieve Higher Soybean Yields, Profits Evaluation of Nitrification Inhibitors through the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network Cover Crop Termination Tradeoffs Final Results from a Multi-state Study on Cover Crop Termination with Herbicides Managing Residual Herbicides with Cover Crops Avoiding Injury from Seed Corn Maggot Preventing Grass Tetany, Flash Grazing for Early Weed Control Controlling Summer Annual Grasses in Forages

(9 Apr)
Automation and Robotics in Production Agriculture
Michael Boehlje and Michael Langemeier, Univ of Illinois farmdocDAILY

(9 Apr)
Don’t Panic! But there may be Freeze Damage to Kentucky’s Small Grains
Carrie Knott and Conner Raymond, KyGrains.info, Univ of Kentucky

(7 Apr)
Just How Surprising Was the Prospective Plantings Report for Corn and Soybeans?
Scott Irwin, Univ of Illinois farmdocDAILY

(6 Apr)
Pennsylvania Agronomic Crop News
Pennsylvania State Univ. Extension
Early Spring Weeds in No-Till Fields Updated Fungicide Efficacy for Control of Corn Diseases Available Spring Weed Control in Grass Hay and Pasture Cover Crop Burndown Timing

(6 Apr)
Ohio C.O.R.N. Newsletter
The Ohio State Univ.
Control of dandelion with spring/summer herbicide treatments Weather Update from NOAA/NWS/Ohio River Forecast Center Calibration for Rate Controlled Sprayers CFAES Ag Weather System 2021 Near-Surface Air and Soil Temperatures/Moisture

(6 Apr)
Minnesota Crop News
Univ. of Minnesota Extension
Planting date is just one factor affecting yield potential Fallow fields last year? Here’s what you should know to prevent fallow syndrome Timing matters: How to limit spring nitrogen loss for corn Steps to optimize corn planting How to approach carbon market opportunities

(6 Apr)
Iowa Integrated Crop Management Newsletter
Iowa State Univ.
Preemergence Herbicides, Dry Soils and Rain

(6 Apr)
the Bulletin: Pest mgmt & crop development information for Illinois
Univ. of Illinois
Does This Product Work?

(2 Apr)
Nebraska Crop Watch Newsletter
Univ. of Nebraska.
Q&As on Nitrogen Investment in Corn This Year Irrigation Well Water in Nebraska: Nutrient Concentrations and Other Properties Manure Phosphorus and Water Quality Army Cutworm Scouting Urged in Western Nebraska Wheat and Alfalfa

(29 Mar)
Minnesota Crop News
Univ. of Minnesota Extension
Video: Why soil structure is important for crop production Optimize the rotation from alfalfa to corn When is Early Too Early to Plant Small Grains (part II) Wheat nutrient management: How to maximize yield and maintain protein near 14%

(26 Mar)
Wisconsin Crop Manager Newsletter
Univ. of Wisconsin
Free Soybean Cyst Nematode Testing is Back in 2021

(26 Mar)
Adoption of Precision Agriculture Technologies
Michael Boehlje and Michael Langemeier, Center for Commercial Agriculture, Purdue University

(24 Mar)
Michigan Extension Field Crops News
Michigan State Univ.
Begin managing white mold in soybeans this spring

(23 Mar)
Planting Time Considerations
Emerson Nafziger, Univ of Illinois farmdocDAILY

(23 Mar)
Michigan Extension Field Crops News
Michigan State Univ.
Interested in planting soybeans early? Tune in to the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast on April 1

(22 Mar)
Minnesota Crop News
Univ. of Minnesota Extension
With rising fertilizer prices, how can farmers reduce costs this spring? When is Early Too Early to plant spring small grains? Spring fertilizer decisions: Should you use nitrogen inhibitors and other enhanced efficiency fertilizers?

(19 Mar)
Nebraska Crop Watch Newsletter
Univ. of Nebraska.
Managing Soybean Cyst Nematode Starts Now SCN Survey Update and 10th Annual ‘Tode Awards Soybean Gall Midge Updates and Tools for 2021 Nebraska Soybean Foliar Fungicide Use Survey Water Law 101: Part 2, Other Water Rights Crop Insurance 2021: The Role of the New Enhanced Coverage Option 2021 Crop Insurance Projected Prices and Guaranteed Prices

(18 Mar)
Kansas Agronomy E-update
Kansas State Univ.
Residual herbicides for corn First hollow stem update: March 18, 2021 New Kansas Mesonet tool for estimating wheat growth stage Optimal corn seeding rate recommendations 2021 Grain sorghum management publication now available

(16 Mar)
Ohio C.O.R.N. Newsletter
The Ohio State Univ.
Typical March Weather Continues Wheat Growth Stages and Associated Management- Feekes 6.0 through 9.0 Topdressing Wheat with Liquid Swine Manure Time is now to purchase the right nozzles for your spraying needs Forage Planting – How to Do It Well Transition to Organic Grain Workshop Offered on March 30

(12 Mar)
Nebraska Crop Watch Newsletter
Univ. of Nebraska.
Nebraska On-Farm Research Network Publishes Results and Videos of 2020 Farmer-Conducted Research Online New Online ‘Farm Stat’ Tool Allows Farmers and Agronomists to Easily Analyze Data from Their Own On-Farm Research Water Law 101: Part 1, the Basics Pasture and Forage Minute: Deciphering a Hay Test Pasture and Forage Minute: Alfalfa Weeds and Thinning Stands

(12 Mar)
Michigan Extension Field Crops News
Michigan State Univ.
Phosphorus and potassium fertilizer recommendations for high-yielding, profitable soybeans

(11 Mar)
Kansas Agronomy E-update
Kansas State Univ.
Pay attention to growth stage for spring herbicide decisions on wheat Be aware of fire weather conditions during prescribed burning season Topdressing wheat with sulfur Chloride as a topdressing nutrient for wheat Be patient as spring planting approaches: Soil temperature and moisture update Understanding herbicide modes of action

(10 Mar)
Iowa Integrated Crop Management Newsletter
Iowa State Univ.
Best Management Practice for Spatial Layout of Field Trials

(Updated 9 Mar)
Changes to FAA Drone Rules Worthy of Your Attention
RL (Bob) Nielsen, Purdue Univ.

(8 Mar)
Purdue Crop Chat: Impacts From February's Severe Weather
Shaun Casteel, Bob Nielsen, and Eric Pfeiffer. Purdue Extension & Hoosier Ag Today.

(8 Mar)
Handy Bt Trait Table for U.S. Corn Production
Chris DiFonzo, Michigan State Univ.; Pat Porter, Texas A&M Univ.: UPDATED FOR 2021

(8 Mar)
Minnesota Crop News
Univ. of Minnesota Extension
Growing cover crops in Minnesota: 4 great resources to get you started

(5 Mar)
Purdue Pest & Crop Newsletter
Purdue Univ.
2021 Spring Burndown Considerations: Air Temps And Herbicide Efficacy Weed Management Resources Spring Herbicide Applications On Winter Wheat Poison Hemlock 2020 Applied Research In Field Crop Pathology For Indiana Is Now Available Spring Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) Soil Testing For Indiana Growers Quick Survey On Soybean Management Effects On Yield And Quality Everything In Moderation When Applying Potash Forage Events To Put On The Calendar

(3 Mar)
Pennsylvania Agronomic Crop News
Pennsylvania State Univ. Extension
Rising Fertilizer Prices Highlight Value of Soil Testing and Manure Nutrients Soybean On-Farm Network Seeking Farmer Participants Hemp Permitting Season is Here Date Posted Benefits of Early Burndown Herbicide Applications Date Posted Cold Temperatures and Pest Populations Date Posted

(2 Mar)
Michigan Extension Field Crops News
Michigan State Univ.
Status of Michigan’s overwintering 2021 wheat crop

(2 Mar)
Ohio C.O.R.N. Newsletter
The Ohio State Univ.
Spring Planting Outlook Projected Returns for 2021 - Increasing Fertilizer Prices May Force Tough Decisions Is It Too Early to Apply Nitrogen to Wheat?----Yes Gearing Up for Spring Still Time to Frost Seed Red Clover Water Quality Wednesdays Continue March 3rd

(26 Feb)
Scouting for Wheat and Small Grains Condition following Bitter Cold Temperatures
KyGrains.info, Univ of Kentucky

(24 Feb)
Minnesota Crop News
Univ. of Minnesota Extension
What the latest research says about nutrient management in tile drainage systems Is It Cold Enough Yet? What Winter Can Tell Us About Insects in 2021

(23 Feb)
the Bulletin: Pest mgmt & crop development information for Illinois
Univ. of Illinois
Additional Illinois-Specific Dicamba Restrictions For Applications In Soybean Midwestern Hemp Database: 2020 Research Report

(18 Feb)
Kansas Agronomy E-update
Kansas State Univ.
Potential for winterkill to the Kansas wheat crop Expectations for a late-emerged winter wheat crop Factors involved in winter survival of canola in Kansas Late winter kochia control in fields going to soybeans, sunflowers, and wheat Soil temperature impacts on western corn rootworm 2020 Kansas Performance Tests with soybean varieties report Herbicide application practices in Kansas Soybean seedling diseases webinar series to begin on Feb. 23 Great Plains Cotton Conference, February 23 & 24 Crop Talk webinar series for northwest and north central Kansas

(17 Feb)
Iowa Integrated Crop Management Newsletter
Iowa State Univ.
2020 Summary of Foliar Fungicide Trials on Corn in Iowa

(16 Feb)
Ohio C.O.R.N. Newsletter
The Ohio State Univ.
Health and Safety Recommendations for On-Farm Grain Bin Facilities Summary of Multi-State State Research on Soybean Row Width, Planting Date, and Plant Population Corn and Soybean School: Q and A on Corn Disease Management with Fungicides Considerations of a Flexible Lease Arrangement Certified Livestock Manager Training Webinar Series Register Now for Virtual CTC Updated Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendation Webinar Lady Landowners Leaving a Legacy Series

(15 Feb)
Everything in Moderation When Applying Potash
Jim Camberato and Shaun Casteel, Purdue Univ. Agronomy

(11 Feb)
Kansas Agronomy E-update
Kansas State Univ.
Late winter kochia control in fields going to corn or grain sorghum Cover crop termination considerations 2020 Kansas Performance Tests with Corn Hybrids report now available corn Save the Date - Great Plains Cotton Conference, February 23 & 24 New Crop Talk webinar series for northwest and north central Kansas

(12 Feb)
Considerations for Frozen Ground Nitrogen Applications
Edwin Ritchey, John Grove, and Josh McGrath; KyGrains.info, Univ of Kentucky

(11 Feb)
Iowa Integrated Crop Management Newsletter
Iowa State Univ.
2020 Summary of Herbicide Evaluations for Marestail (Horseweed) Control in Soybean ISU SCN-resistant Soybean Variety Trial Program results for 2020 Summary of 2020 Insecticide Evaluations for Soybean Pests

(9 Feb)
Minnesota Crop News
Univ. of Minnesota Extension
What is the best soil test option for phosphorus? Gopher Coffee Shop podcast: Phosphorus and potassium

(5 Feb)
Filter the Kool-Aid Before You Drink It!
RL (Bob) Nielsen, Purdue Univ.: YouTube video (60:00 mins)

(4 Feb)
Purdue Crop Chat: More Precipitation is Needed
Shaun Casteel, Bob Nielsen, and Eric Pfeiffer. Purdue Extension & Hoosier Ag Today.

(2 Feb)
Pennsylvania Agronomic Crop News
Pennsylvania State Univ. Extension
Comparing Xtend and Enlist E3 Soybean Systems

(2 Feb)
Ohio C.O.R.N. Newsletter
The Ohio State Univ.
Ag Tech Tuesday Webinars Highlight 2020 eFields Results Soil Health Webinar Focuses on Cover Crop Management Corn College and Soybean School Upcoming Cold Temperatures and Winter Wheat Herbicide Resistance in Ohio Waterhemp Populations Fertility Calculator for Ohio Recommendations - Version Update Crop Diversification to Improve Your Bottom Line Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference Will Be Virtual Spraying Done Right!

(26 Jan)
Crop Resilience to "Normal" Weather
RL (Bob) Nielsen, Purdue Univ.: YouTube video (25:05 mins)

(21 Jan)
Kansas Agronomy E-update
Kansas State Univ.
Sunflower disease management in Kansas 2021 wheat variety fall forage yield comparison Emergency measures to control wind erosion World of Weeds: Marestail 2021 Kansas Corn School webinar series - Feb. 4 and 11 North Central Experiment Field Winter Update - January 27

(20 Jan)
Pennsylvania Agronomic Crop News
Pennsylvania State Univ. Extension
Updated Crop Management Guides Available for 2021 Did I Sell My Grain Too Soon? What’s New for Agronomic Weed Control in 2021

(20 JAN)
Ohio C.O.R.N. Newsletter
The Ohio State Univ.
Gibberella Ear Rot and Vomitoxin in Corn Upcoming Agronomy Team Programs Soil Health Seminar Focuses on What Soil Health Tests Tell You Improved Soil Health Linked to Nitrogen Fertilizer Efficiency Across Corn Belt Northwest Ohio Corn and Soybean Day - January 21 New Private Pesticide Applicator Virtual Training Water Quality Wednesday OSU Extension to Host "Planning for the Future of Your Farm" Workshop

(14 Jan)
2020 Univ. of Kentucky Corn Research Report
KyGrains.info, Univ of Kentucky

(14 Jan)
2020 Univ. of Kentucky Soybean Research Report
KyGrains.info, Univ of Kentucky

(14 Jan)
South Dakota Pest & Crop Newsletter
South Dakota State Univ.
SDSU Extension’s Soybean Week Dives Into Pest Management, Soil Health and 2021 Outlook SDSU Southeast Farm Virtual Annual Meeting New Training Options Available for Pesticide Applicators in 2021 South Dakota Pest Management Guides

(14 Jan)
the Bulletin: Pest mgmt & crop development information for Illinois
Univ. of Illinois
Make Sure You Know ALL The Changes For 2021 Dicamba Applications In Soybean

(13 Jan)
Minnesota Crop News
Univ. of Minnesota Extension
Over-application of potash containing chloride can hurt soybean yields Reducing Bt-trait acres in 2021 Minnesota corn production? Implications for European corn borer

(13 Jan)
Covered Cropland vs. Cover Crops: Broadening the Perspective
Carl Zulauf, Gary Schnitkey, Krista Swanson, Nick Paulson, and Joe Janzen, Univ of Illinois farmdocDAILY

(11 Jan)
Iowa Integrated Crop Management Newsletter
Iowa State Univ.
SCN-resistant Soybean Variety Trial Program results for 2020 Summary of 2020 Insecticide Evaluations for Soybean Pests

(6 Jan)

High Yield Corn: Philosophies & Strategies

RL (Bob) Nielsen, Purdue Univ.

Full YouTube video (1:04:03)
Shorter viewing options: Part 1 (24:10), Part 2 (27:30), Part 3 (26:28)

(6 Jan)
On-farm Research: Why and How?
RL (Bob) Nielsen, Purdue Univ.: YouTube video (56:13)

(5 Jan)
Ohio C.O.R.N. Newsletter
The Ohio State Univ.
Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage for the 2021 Crop Year Let the 2020 eFields Report Help You Reach Your Farm’s New Year’s Resolutions Register Now for Upcoming Virtual Agronomy Team Programs Water Quality Wednesday Farm Office Live Winter Edition Organic Production Winter Webinar Series

(5 Jan)
Minnesota Crop News
Univ. of Minnesota Extension
How to take a good manure sample Reducing weed seed and foreign material in soybeans for export

(5 Jan)
Average Corn and Soybean Yields Across the Midwest
Gary Schnitkey, Carl Zulauf, Nick Paulson, and Krista Swanson, Univ of Illinois farmdocDAILY

Handy Resources

To Bt or not to Bt: Is That Your Question? (WI): Useful information for folks considering a switch back to non-Bt corn hybrids.

Applied Research in Field Crop Pathology Indiana - 2019

Converting between Mehlich-3, Bray P, and Ammonium Acetate Soil Test Values

Corn & Soybean Diagnostics - Mobile apps (Purdue): IOS or Android smartphones; iPad

Corn GDD Estimation Tool: Estimate GDD from planting to various corn growth stages for different regions of the Midwest.

Corn Nitrogen Management for Indiana

Corn Nitrogen Rate Calculator: Calculate economic optimum N rates for several Corn Belt states.

Corn Plant Population Guidelines for Indiana

Corn Yield Response to Sulfur in Indiana

Crop Cost & Return Guide (Purdue)

Crop Protection Network - Resources: A collaborative land-grant university effort.

Differentiating 2,4-D and Dicamba Injury on Soybeans (Purdue)

Farm Analysis Solutions Tools (IL)

Forecast and Assessment of Cropping Systems: A project developed by Iowa St. Univ. to forecast and evaluate soil-crop dynamics in real-time.

Herbicide Classification Chart

Herbicide Resistant Weeds Chart

Hybrid Bt Trait Reference Guide

iNaturalist: A crowd-sourced species identification system for plants and pests.

Integrated Pest Information Platform: Info on the development of soybean rust, southern rust, etc. in the U.S.

Int'l Survey of Herbicide Resistant Weeds

Midwest Cover Crop Council

Seed Treatment Reference Guide (WI)

Soybean Cyst Nematode Field Guide (IA)

Soybean Cyst Nematode Info (IA)

Soybean Research & Information Network

Take Action Against Resistant Pests

Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybean, Wheat, and Alfalfa: Order hard copy; Download PDF copy (free)

Weed Control Guide for Ohio, Indiana, & Illinois - 2020: Purchase PDF version or printed hard copy

Weed Identification Field Guide (IA)

Yield Data Processing & Cleaning (NE)

Yield Monitor Operation & Calibration (NE)