#Plant2025 for Success
You’ve weighed the agronomics and the economics — and now the planter is rolling. The decisions don’t stop, though. The weather changes plans, equipment breaks and pests pop up. Every step plays a role in the success of your planting season as well as the growing and harvest seasons to come.
Farmers in the Southern Plains are finally starting to see much-needed moisture hit their fields. It may be too late for winter wheat, but it’s a hopeful sign for those needing the rain to even plant summer crops.
Farmers in some states can expect BCW damage in corn by mid-May. One larva can ruin five corn plants in a 24-hour period. Rescue treatments are most effective and economical -- not seed treatments or Bt hybrids.
USDA’s latest Crop Progress report shows while corn planting is now right on track with average, the soybean planting pace is well above average despite North Dakota and South Dakota farmers who are still sidelined.
“We have a pretty deep trough of low-pressure that’s kind of parked over the Midwest, which is leading to below-normal temperatures,” says Brad Rippey, USDA meteorologist. Here’s a look at the 30-day forecast.
Mississippi River Flooding Expected to Peak at the 7th Highest Level Ever Near Quad Cities Next Week
As the upper Mississippi River continues to rise, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the worst is yet to come, with a top 10 flood crest not expected near the Quad Cities for as much as two more weeks.
Soybeans planted from April 3 to April 10 were hit the hardest as they were snared by temperatures dipping below 28°F. Corn didn’t dodge the damage, either. Ferrie says some corn crops at the V1 stage were smoked.
Doug Hensley, President of Hertz Farm Management, says while farmland sales reached highs last year, they recently hit a plateau. Here are three market drivers Hensley encourages producers to consider.
Modern, high-tech planters can produce “picket fence” stands of corn with seedlings so uniform they look like they’ve been photocopied. But does precise planting pay?
As more farmers start planting, possible problems with weeds, such as waterhemp, are already impacting decisions. An Iowa State Extension field agronomist says farmers might need to be more aggressive in their approach.
USDA’s weekly Crop Progress Report shows 14% of the nation’s corn crop and 9% of the soybean crop is planted. Farmers in Missouri and Tennessee are planting at a rapid pace, but the upper Midwest is already behind.
The Corn Belt will see a cooler weather pattern set in, and parts of the parched Plains will see higher chances of rain during the next couple of weeks, according to Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien Ag Solutions.
When soybean seed sits in the ground for weeks, unable to germinate, the risk for Sudden Death Syndrome to develop trends higher. Yield losses upwards of 80% are documented.
A late April blast could bring sub-freezing temperatures as far south as northern Texas, sparking growing concerns about the potential damage to winter wheat.
From the potential for more cold weather later this week to additional moisture increasing chances for flooding in the upper Midwest, the forecast for the remainder of April could hold a few more surprises.
As the market balances its focus between increased planting progress and the reality of saturated soils and more chances of rain and snow in the northern tier of states, commodity prices could sway planting decisions.
Drew Lerner of World Weather, Inc. says he’s concerned about the potential for a widespread frost and freeze later next week. Current models are conflicting on how widespread it will be and how cold it will get.
USDA’s latest Crop Progress confirms planting is just getting started across the Corn Belt, but as forecasts change to milder and drier trend, planting progress could speed up this week.
Both crops get a green light for planting this Wednesday and maybe even for Tuesday in central Illinois. Ferrie says let soil conditions, moisture and local weather forecasts drive your planting and tillage decisions.
Row spacing is getting a closer look from farmers who are evaluating the practices that contribute most to soybean yield. Agronomic experts offer their insights here to help growers heading to the field this week.
University of Tennessee Extension weed specialist Larry Steckel says as farmers prepare to plant, it might be uncomfortable to spray early when fields look clean, but it’s a smart strategy for effective weed control.
Drought continues to tighten its grip across the Plains, forcing farmers in West Texas to make some very difficult decisions this growing season. It’s also causing concerns about crumbling cotton infrastructure.
With the impending snowstorm in the upper Midwest and Northern Plains, it may seem like the 2023 planting season will be off to a slow start. However, in states like Illinois and Missouri, planting has already started.
Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie says there’s a lot of value in the concept of “start clean and stay clean” for full-season weed control. He shares some advice as farmers prepare for planting this year.
Two to three feet of snow is forecast to fall over parts of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest this week. Some market watchers are beginning to question if 92 million acres of corn can actually get planted this year.
More ears at harvest is the key to higher yield. That requires starting with a picket-fence stand with photocopied plants, achieved by adjusting your planter as conditions change from field to field and within fields.
Just ahead of USDA’s Prospective Plantings report, the largest cotton growing state in the U.S. is seeing another year of drought, and with fields resembling the Dust Bowl, crop prospects are dwindling by the day.
Kevin McNew says the company’s survey of 2,000-plus growers shows they will plant 92.5 million acres of corn and 84.5 million acres of soybeans. Both estimates are counter to what USDA projected in February.
Wet weather in the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest is sparking conversations about a growing number of prevent plant acres this year. Is it too early to start conversations about the possibility of prevent plant?
“The planting priorities are number one,” says Dr. Lee Briese of Central Ag Consulting. Jamestown, ND
A new partnership between Corteva, Bunge and Chevron to create proprietary canola hybrids will boost vegetable oil supplies to fuel the renewable diesel market while also creating a new revenue stream for farmers.