Midwest Crops Conference Set for Jan. 21-22

Oct 16, 2024

The Midwest Crops Conference promises updates from three Midwestern universities on ways to improve farm yields and profits in 2025.

“This conference offers a comprehensive exploration of current and critical crop topics,” says Denice Ferguson, agricultural business and policy specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

Agronomists and economists from MU, University of Nebraska and Kansas State University will share their latest findings on corn, soybean and wheat pests and diseases, how to control input costs, cover crop management, nutrient management and what to expect in the 2025 growing season. Other topics include the latest findings from the Missouri Strip Trial Program, weather impacts, biologicals and soil and water management. Leading agricultural industry experts will also speak at the two-day event.

The Midwest Crops Conference is Jan. 21-22, 2025, at the Stoney Creek Hotel in St. Joseph. Attendees can receive up to 14 hours of continuing education units.

For more information, contact Denice Ferguson at 816-279-1691 or deniceferguson@missouri.edu.

Register at http://muext.us/MCC2025. Follow the conference on Facebook at https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558054971237.

Source : missouri.edu

Video: Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

A rapidly changing Midwest weather pattern is unfolding in 2026 as areas that recently slipped into abnormal dryness and flash drought conditions are now facing the threat of heavy rain and repeated storm systems.

After a wet spring erased early drought conditions, regions across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Missouri have quickly dried out again since mid-to-late May. Soil moisture is dropping fast, and crops like corn and soybeans are beginning to feel the stress of rising temperatures and lack of consistent rainfall. Now, weather models show a major shift.

A developing system moving in from the Northern Plains is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall across the Midwest. While some areas may miss out, others could finally see much-needed relief from the growing dryness. In this video, we break down:

Current drought conditions across the Midwest

Why a flash drought is developing quickly

Timing and path of incoming storm systems

Which states are most likely to see heavy rain

How long this wet pattern could last

Will this rain end the drought or create new flooding risks? Watch the full forecast to find out.