Latham’s South Central Minnesota sales region is preparing for the new sales with a product launch meeting, featuring 12 new corn hybrids in the 90- to 100-day maturity range. The new hybrids include the following technologies: Genuity® SmartStax®, Agrisure Artesian™, Genuity® VT2 Pro®, Genuity® VT3 Pro® technology. There will also be new conventional and silage-specific hybrids.

Latham is able to offer such diverse lineups because our position as an independent, family-owned company allows us to access the industry’s leading traits from multiple technology providers. Our soybean and alfalfa line up will also feature a few new exciting releases, including a new soybean product in a 2.1 maturity that blends two of the hottest Latham® Hi-Tech Soybeans in one bag. Latham’s alfalfa line up also brings two new exciting lines including a new salt tolerant and a new Round up alfalfa release.

Wet conditions in Minnesota continued to hamper field work for the week ending June 9, 2013. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, there were just 2.6 days suitable for fieldwork statewide. Statewide average temperatures were 6.6 degrees below normal. Corn planting only advanced 3 percentage points to 90 percent, which is behind last year’s 100 percent and the five-year average of 99 percent. Corn emergence increased 13 percentage points to 78 percent, remaining behind last year’s 100 percent and the average of 95 percent. The statewide average corn height was 3 inches tall, compared to 13 inches last year, and the average of 7 inches.

Soybean planting last week statewide advanced 17 percentage points to 72 percent planted, which is behind last year’s 99 percent and the average of 95 percent. Soybean emergence also moved along to 38 percent emerged.

Heat and sun are needed throughout the state. As of June 10, the Southwest Experiment and Outreach Center at Lamberton listed growing degree days at 66 vs. a historic average of 120.

The spring of 2013 is bringing back memories of 2011, when some areas of the state were done planting while other areas were too wet. Planting has progressed well in Central and South Central Minnesota. From Granite Falls to St. Cloud and south into the greater Redwood Falls – New Ulm area, 97% of the corn acres have been planted with a great start on soybeans. In the southwest and southeast parts of the state, planting progress depends on where rains have fallen. Precipitation totals across the state are available from NOAA.

In between rain falls, I have read stories about skipping pre-plant incorporated and pre-emerge herbicides. Even though it is getting very late, we only get one chance to plant our crop. Be safe and work smart to ensure you have the best crop possible

The University of Minnesota Extension recommends planting full season beans until June 10. According to Bruce Potter, IPM Specialist with the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center, replanting or switching corn to earlier maturities is never an easy decision. He offers the following advice:

Yield potential from reduced stands must be weighed against potential yield reductions from later planting dates. Are missing plants still coming? Check for decay and below ground insect damage. Injured and greatly delayed plants should be viewed with skepticism. Scattered, late emerging plants will be out-competed by more vigorous neighbors and contribute little to yield.

If replanting, consider the length of the growing season that remains and select hybrids of appropriate maturity. When replanting very thin to non-existent stands, seeding directly into the existing seedbed is a better option than working up mud. Existing plants should be removed by appropriate herbicide or tillage when replanting low but variable stands. Tillage may also be needed with fields hardened by heavy rain or previous tillage problems. Evaluate fields carefully; you may only need to spend the time, money and effort to replant a portion of the field.

Click on the links below for additional information:

• planting date and populations
• hybrid maturity considerations
• Late planting