Farmers experienced several quality issues with the 2019 crop. So, what lessons can be learned from this? The two major small grain disease issues farmers faced in 2019 were bacterial leaf streak and scab, according to NDSU Extension cereal crops plant pathologist Andrew Friskop. Variety selection will be key when it comes to the 2020 crop. “Another question I get asked a lot is about budgeting input costs,” says Friskop. “It’s always good to have in the back of your mind that two fungicide applications may be needed. Although we’re thinking about wet now, that may change. Scabs concerns really come late June and early July.” The most common question Friskop has been receiving all winter long is about standing corn. With that comes an elevated risk for disease in those fields, which may impact crop rotation decisions for next year. Listen to the story.