Tag Archives: crop report

Central & Eastern Iowa Crop Report: May 16, 2012

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We had a very big week for planting across the region as soils dried and farmers got back in the fields. Corn planting is complete. Although we’re see a few crusting issues, overall corn is off to a great start. Corn stages range from emerging to some early plantings at E3. Keep an eye on all fields for insects and weed pressure. The early warm temperatures have given some species of weeds an advanced start and are causing problems. Soybean plantings moved very quickly. Some producers have adjusted planting depth for lack of top soil moisture in some areas. Most soybeans will be planted this week if the weather cooperates, so we’ll need to keep scouting fields and watch for bean leaf beetles and other insects.

Crop Report 05/09/12: Planting is a Test of Patience

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In spite of widespread rain showers during the past week, corn planting remains ahead of schedule. Iowans had planted 64% of their corn acres by Sunday, which is ahead of last year’s 52 percent and the five-year average of 58 percent. Nebraska advanced to 74% of their corn acres planted and Minnesota to 73%. Just 34% of Wisconsin’s corn crop was in the ground as of Sunday, that’s 16% more than a week ago and 4% ahead of the 5-year average. Soybean planting is a bit slow, as well.

“We’re still within the window to plant corn and achieve high yields. Farmers have until late May to get their seed in the ground,” Roger Elmore, professor of agronomy at Iowa State University with research and extension responsibilities in corn production. “It’s far better to wait for good soil conditions than it is to ‘mud in’ your seed.”

Planting early ensures the best yields if weather conditions are right. Planting in wet soils can lead to other, yield-robbing situations like compaction. Forty-one percent of Iowa’s corn crop was planted in just 4 days, so it won’t take long for the remaining seed corn to get out of the bag and into the ground.

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