Tag Archives: soybean

Southeast Minnesota & Northeast Iowa “From the Field™” Crop Report: June 5, 2013

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The broken record continues to play this week as more rain blankets the area. Strong winds and sun earlier this week allowed some farmers to get onto their sandier ground. For the majority of the area, however, farmers are now turning to insurance providers to explore prevented planting options.

For farmers who got crops planted earlier, remember it’s now time to start scouting fields. Many soil-borne pathogens strike as soon as the seed begins to take on water; others strike young seedlings. Because seeds can germinate quickly and emerge in 3 – 5 days, it’s not too soon to start walking fields. Check plant populations, evaluate stands and be on the lookout for early summer diseases. Is there a germination problem? Do you see effects of chilling or crusting?

Another topic that should now become a focus is evaluating planting conditions for soybeans. We recommend planting soybeans at a depth of around 1¼” deep. While we’ve achieved our 60 degree soil temperature needed for optimal planting, wet soils can have a detrimental impact on soybean yield. Soybeans are more delicate so it’s more difficult for them to emerge through soils that are crusted or too wet. Soybean emergence in tough environments like these can lead to low or variable stands, cotyledon loss, plant injury and even plant death. Patience continues to be key. Wait for fit conditions to plant. Cross your fingers for some good sunny drying days this week!

 

Time to Begin Early Crop Scouting in 2013

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While some Midwest farmers will get the opportunity to reenter their fields this week, there won’t be much rest for the weary. With some seed already in the ground, it’s important to start scouting those fields now.

Post-planting is an ideal time to begin scouting one’s crops. Many soilborne pathogens strike as soon as the seed begins to take on water; others strike young seedlings. Because seeds can germinate quickly and emerge in 3 – 5 days, it’s not too soon to start walking your fields.

Check plant populations, evaluate stands and be on the lookout for early summer diseases. Is there a germination problem? Do you see effects of chilling or crusting?

Assessing your situation ASAP will allow you to formulate a plan while there’s still plenty of time to implement it. You could replant in parts or in all of a field now, so you can attain the yields and returns you want this fall. Information on corn replanting decisions is available from www.agronext.iastate.edu/corn. Click on the “Planting” topic, then click on the “Replant Decision Aid Calculator” tab and use that tool and related information to help make a replant decision. For a resource on soybean replanting decisions, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/pm1851.pdf.

Another benefit of evaluating current stands is to help you determine what adjustments should be made before planting next year’s crop: Do you need to adjust your planter settings or your planting speed?

Once you get past the mechanical issues, look at the disease pressure. If soybeans are damping off, perhaps next season you should opt for seed-applied fungicides? Do you need to pay closer attention to a particular soybean brand or corn hybrid’s disease rating?

Seed selection is one of the most important decisions affecting yield. Click here for tips on selecting soybean brands and selecting corn hybrids.

Central & Eastern Iowa “From the Field™” Crop Report: May 29, 2013

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Heavy rains pounded our region again over the last week. Some areas received 4 to 5 inches with more predicted the next few days. Planting has halted in most areas until drier conditions move in. Corn is all but complete with 95% planted. Emergence and stands looked very good last week, but now will have to be scouted for flood and ponding damage.

Soybean planting continues with about 50-60% planted at this time. Early planted soybeans look very good, but we will now have to address replant issues on some acres. I’ve received questions on when to switch to an earlier soybean. I recommend staying with your current soybeans until June 20. The yield potential is still high and we should benefit from the soybeans originally selected for these fields.