Southwest Minnesota “From the Field™” Crop Report: May 8, 2013

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

South Central Minnesota missed the snow that was forecasted last week and received only a few scattered showers instead. The last two days of warm sun has planters on the move. The areas around Renville, Bird Island and Willmar have been planting corn since May 3, whereas the Redwood Falls / New Ulm area was finally able to start on Monday. Areas in southwest and southeast Minnesota are still too wet for fieldwork. Our first Latham® super strip corn plot in Minnesota was planted yesterday afternoon southeast of Sleepy Eye.

South Central Minnesota & North Central Iowa Crop Report: October 17, 2012

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

As a whole, corn yields in in North Central Iowa and South Central Minnesota were very good considering the growing conditions we were faced with this year. Although the yield variations were very dramatic, averages were above most people’s expectations. Corn harvest is 98% complete with tillage close to being done. Yields in the area seemed to show better in general with longer season maturities.

Dry harvest moisture was a very common theme this year. The entire harvest was like nothing most farmers have ever seen, but with that being said, soybean yields offered many pleasant surprises. Yields showed up very well in this area. For many areas, it was an “opposite year” as areas in a field that typically drowned out raised the averages this year and the higher areas of the farms didn’t yield quite as high. It will be interesting to see the acreage mix for next year with soybeans holding their own under very tough growing conditions. Soybean harvest is complete and tillage of the bean stuble is varied this year with dryness causing a concern for the future.

Southwest Minnesota Crop Report: July 18, 2012

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

The stretch of above-average temperatures with below-average precipitation continued this week. The southwestern part of Minnesota remains dry, while some central areas of the state received more an inch of rain. Topsoil moisture supplies in the July 16 report by USDA’s NASS Minnesota Field Office were rated 47 percent adequate to surplus, down from 60 percent the previous week. Precipitation last week was very hit and miss: Around New Ulm and a bit south, close to a half inch fell on Thursday night. The Sleepy Eye area only received a tenth. Condition of the crops throughout south and south central Minnesota remain stable, considering how dry it has been. Our early season moisture is holding crops together but they are starting to show signs of heat stress.

While driving through southern and South Central Minnesota, you’ll see yellow soybean patches caused by Iron Deficiency Chlorosis, Soybean Cyst Nematode or root diseases. If you’re experiencing yellowing areas, visit with your Latham® Hi-Tech Seeds dealer about planting Latham brand soybeans with the IRONCLAD designation. For really tough soil conditions, plant our Mr. Defense 2183 R2. See www.lathamseeds.com for our complete 2013 soybean lineup.

Farm Fest is August 7-9, so stop by the Ag Tent booth #4106 and register for our grand prize drawing. Also remember to visit www.lathamseeds.com to register for the 4th Annual Latham Freedom of Independence Ride and to learn more about our Latham Country Fair on Aug. 25 in Alexander Iowa.