There’s an old Midwest saying that if corn is going to “make it,” or mature before the first frost, then it needs to be knee-high by the Fourth of July. It’s only June 4, and corn is already knee high in many places. I talked with a producer from Central Illinois whose corn is waist-high. This corn crop is looking outstanding for the most part. I’ve noticed several producers cultivating. I’ve always admired those producers who can cultivate their corn without the blight as I was not one of them!
Alfalfa is also off to a fantastic start. First cutting has already been put away, and insect spray seems to done the trick. Several fields are one week to 10 days away from second cutting. Remember, with the extreme growth that is occurring, alfalfa will need to be feed to keep tonnage at an optimum level. I spoke with a local agronomy center where they’re recommending applications of 100 pounds of P and 100 pounds of K. Although this might cost $80/acre, remember your goal. You want or need good healthy plant to harvest the most tonnage.
Soybeans have been slow to respond for the past two weeks. It doesn’t appear that much growth has taken place with too much rain in some spots and too little in others. T he amount of rainfall (or lack thereof) and hotter than expected soil temps have slowed soybean growth to a crawl. Be patient and hope the soybean crop will snap out of it. In the meantime, scout for aphids.
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