IP Crop Report, July Report

This monthly feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for Identity Preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed this month. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with David Kee or Shane Frederick. You can also follow David Kee on Twitter for some of the latest, most-interesting information on agronomy and research that affect IP and other farmers.

Illinois
Illinois is a big state, especially north to south, and with that comes a lot of variability. That is exactly where the soybean crop is at today – highly variable. Some of the better soils that were planted on the early side are approaching R3, while some of the toughest soils that hold water have yet to begin flowering. The double-crop beans in the southern third of the state have just emerged, too, and are growing slowly. Moisture levels across the state vary from excessively wet to excessively dry; it just depends where you are at.

July rain makes a corn crop, August rain makes a bean crop!

Michigan
In a state like Michigan, where tourism is important, sunny and warm is a great combination. But while the beach goers and fishermen are happy, our crops are asking for a drink. In the past week, some areas got some rainfall to relieve crop stress, but other areas are still waiting. Some of Michigan is in the USDA “abnormally dry” designation while some has hit “moderate drought.”

The most-recent crop progress report rates the soybean crop as 60% good to excellent. Earlier-planted fields continue to grow, while later-planted fields are struggling with access to soil moisture and are growing slowly. Many fields are in the R1 growth stage.

Most growers remain optimistic with hopes for better moisture as the crop progresses through reproductive stages.

Minnesota
An old Texas rancher once told me, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a bit; it’ll change.” That philosophy applies to Minnesota. Minnesota soils were excessively cold and wet to allow optimal planting in May. Now 17% of the state is rated drought stage D0-D1 (abnormally dry to moderate drought). The drought monitor outlook is predicting somewhat-below-average soil-moisture conditions for much of the state for the remainder of the growing season. As usual, moisture stress is more evident on the coarser soil. The periods of above normal heat have resulted in slightly above-normal corn-growing degree days for early July. To date, drought impact on crop yield has been nominal. However, some rain will be needed to finish this story’s ending. There may be considerable bushels riding on the August rainfall.

Due to delayed planting, crop growth has been lagging compared to average, but it’s coming along. This may be a good thing for soybeans as white mold is more impactful when weather conditions are moist and temperatures are mild. Implementing weed control practices has been challenging, but weed control has been successful for the most part. Insect and disease pest pressure has been variable. Pesticide availability has been reported as variable with some products being readily available, while others have been limited. Fertilizer prices have been dropping, just not precipitously.

Grower confidence is good, especially considering the roller coaster year to date.

Missouri
Post-emergent herbicide spraying has wrapped up for most of the state in corn and for first crop soybeans. Fungicide applications are in full swing for corn throughout the state. The high commodity prices and threats of disease, like tar spot, will likely result in a record year for fungicides nationwide. Much of Missouri is experiencing drier than average conditions, especially in areas like Southeast Missouri where non-irrigated corners are beginning to die off.

In Missouri, corn silking is 36% and 2% at dough with corn conditions hovering around 50% as good. Soybean crop is 19% blooming. We are seeing around 3% of the soybean crop setting pods with an overall soybean condition being 44% listed as good.

The cotton crop of Southeast MO is 74% squaring with 32% setting bolls. The overall cotton condition is 58% listed as good. Missouri’s rice crop is 7% headed with an overall good rating representing 52% of the crop.

Winter wheat harvest is 98%. On July 5, 2022, USDA reported that only 88% of the crop was harvested, but with the dry weather, we expected this to catch up.

North Dakota
Crops are variable in North Dakota, ranging from fair to good and excellent. They were seeded later but into warm and moist conditions, so stand establishment is generally good. Crops are advancing quickly with the recent precipitation and warm temperatures. There is so much variability in crop growth stages across the state. Majority of the small grains are beginning to head out this week, well behind the previous year and average.

Soybean growth stages vary widely based on seeding date and growing season length. Late-seeded soybeans are at growth state V1 to V3, and about 22% soybeans are starting to bloom. Corn is reaching knee high and above in some areas but struggling below knee high in other areas. The early seeded canola is at bolting to flowering, while late-seeded and reseeded canola are at 4-6 leaf stage.

Pest control continue to be important in our region. According to earlier report from North Dakota State University, larger numbers of grasshopper nymphs were found and reached economic threshold in some cereal and soybean fields. Grasshopper control is still undertaken in some locations, especially near the field edges.

Herbicide applications have been in full swing in the past several weeks as farmers try to stay ahead of weeds after the wet spring.

Several big storms moved through the state and caused wind damage, hail damage and sand blasting at multiple locations. Small acres of soybeans, sugar beets and other crops were reseeded or patch seeded after the damage.

Iron Deficiency Chlorosis are seen in soybean fields across the region. Disease pressure is high in our state due to wet, moist and thick crop canopy combined with conducive weather conditions and the presence of multiple disease-causing pathogens.

We had about 15% of acres not planted this year due to wet conditions and delayed seeding, according to Hunter Insurance Agency.

As expected, challenges continue in North Dakota, but we are still somewhat optimistic about the season and hoping for August rain and a long fall.

Note: To see more state Crop Progress reports from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS): click here.