JIM STORDAHL
Dealing with moldy corn woes
Recently there have been numerous reports of “moldy corn” across Minnesota. The late harvest, high moisture corn, and continuing wet conditions have contributed to this problem.By Jim Stordahl , November 13, 2009
Challenging fall harvest leads to questions about soybean drying and winter storage 
A challenging soybean harvest is creating many questions related to storage and drying.
By Jim Stordahl , October 23, 2009
Soybean handling and storage
Soybeans are usually traded on a 13 percent moisture basis, so it is to the farmer’s advantage to harvest, store, and sell soybeans as close to 13 percent moisture (wet basis) as possible. Soybeans that are wetter than 13 percent moisture are likely to mold under warm conditions and buyers usually apply shrink factors and drying charges when wet beans are delivered.
By Jim Stordahl , October 16, 2009
Post-harvest tips for later maturing corn
The cool growing season has delayed corn maturity creating concern among corn growers. The biggest challenge with corn is removing the excess moisture after harvest. Last year, many acres remained in the field until the kernel moisture was low enough for a practical harvest.
By Jim Stordahl , October 09, 2009
How to stop spread of cluster flies
Over the past few weeks, we have been fending off a bumper crop of large, often slow moving flies. These flies are known as cluster flies, a name that describes their habit of clustering in large numbers inside attics.
By Jim Stordahl , September 25, 2009
The arrival of home-invading bugs
The boxelder bugs are gathering on the outside of some homes in large numbers, and the multi-colored Asian lady beetles will probably arrive soon.
By Jim Stordahl , September 18, 2009
Solving fruit fly puzzle can be tricky
A cracked tomato, an overripe banana, an unrinsed beverage can in the recycling bin or a damp mop used to wipe up a punch spill: all are an open invitation to those pesky fruit flies!
By Jim Stordahl , September 04, 2009
Early harvest, immature corn still valuable
Due to late planting dates and a cooler than normal growing season this year, many corn fields may be harvested for silage. There is even great potential for corn in these fields to be too immature for proper corn silage harvest.
By Jim Stordahl , August 28, 2009
Strategies to optimize corn silage quality and yield
With the corn crop approaching the milk stage, now is a great time to begin planning for corn silage harvest. Proper harvest management is critical for high quality silage, and it starts with harvest timing. This ensures that the harvested crop is at the optimum moisture for packing and fermentation.
August 21, 2009
Moisture brings lawn mushrooms
As a result of the rain and humid weather, mushrooms are appearing in many lawns. Their presence in the lawns prompts homeowners to search for a safe, effective chemical that will make them disappear.
By Jim Stordahl , August 14, 2009
Time to renovate raspberries
Most summer-bearing raspberry plants are through producing and a few of the fall-bearing varieties are starting to ripen. In most cases, raspberry plants produced a good crop of fruit over an extended period of time. Now it is time to renovate the patch and prepare for a good crop of easy to harvest berries for next year.
By Jim Stordahl , August 07, 2009
Fall alfalfa establishment starts late summer
Planting new stands of alfalfa during the late summer is an excellent way to establish alfalfa.
By Jim Stordahl , July 31, 2009
Now is the time to plan for garden storage
Interest in gardening is at an all time high. Increases in food prices coupled with a sagging economy has sparked many families to begin growing some of their own food. It may amaze many first-time gardeners just how much food can be produced from a small backyard garden.
By Jim Stordahl , July 24, 2009
Cool temps: it’s not a corn year
It’s deja vu all over again. The early part of our growing season will go down as another cool growing season. Not quite as cool as 2004 – but close.
By Jim Stordahl , July 17, 2009
Bats in your belfry? Don’t be scared.
Each summer, we get numerous calls on pests in homes, but bats top of the frustration list. Anyone that’s dealt with this problem may consider this a profound understatement. In fact, on more than one occasion, an exasperated homeowner has suggested fire as a control measure – a big fire!
By Jim Stordahl , July 10, 2009
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