IP Crop Network, September 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 should 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
Harvest is slowly starting across Illinois with yields average to above average in most areas, at least on corn. A few of the Group 2 beans are being cut across the state with yield reports of “close to last year” and a few reports of slightly under a year ago.

There were some dry pockets in August, and we saw soybean fields showing significant signs of stress. There will be some yield loss in those areas, just not sure how much. The double-crop beans look good, and yields are expected to be in the upper range for that planting. A few more growers will start every day, but the bulk of harvest is still 2-3 weeks off.

Michigan
The Michigan soybean crop is finishing up the season much as it started – with lots of variability. Some growers are expecting an excellent crop, while others are hoping for an average yield but preparing for something less. Lack of rainfall has been the biggest limiting factor in many areas across the state. Most of the rainfall throughout the growing season was variable in amount and coverage, so many fields have received significantly lower total rainfall amounts than normal, while others received rainfall outside of the most critical growth stages of soybeans.

Harvest timing may be a little earlier than normal in some areas where planting dates were early and variety maturity groups are early. These fields are showing maturity with mostly yellow plants and some dropped leaves. Other fields are in earlier growth stages with mostly green plants. The most recent USDA crop weather report indicates that 38% of Michigan soybean fields are dropping leaves.

Because yield estimates in standing soybeans can be so misleading, there is optimism for better-than-expected yields. But the reality of weather challenges has most growers ready to accept something less this year.

Minnesota
Parts of Minnesota are still dry (about 26% rated abnormally dry to sever drought). Recent rains have eased drought stress a bit. According to the Sept. 6 USDA-NASS MN Crop Progress Report, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 29% short to very short, 68% adequate and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 25% short to very short, 72% adequate, and 3% surplus.

After a late start due to excessive moisture in May, harvest is underway in Minnesota. Small grains are being harvested, with delayed maturation of corn and beans. One farmer stated, “Crops are 1 to 2 weeks behind normal.” Northwest Minnesota small grain growers are reporting decent yields and quality is good. Corn dough reached 92%, and corn dented reached 47%. Dry beans dropping leaves status is 55%. Dry bean harvest was not mentioned in the Sept. 6 report. Soybean coloring (changes in leaf color as the plant approaches maturity) exceeded 25%, about four days behind the 5-year average. Crop yield estimates are variable, but the overall farmer expectation for 2022 harvest is decent yields and quality. Minnesota growers appear to be more concerned with drought impact on a short, or poor-yield, corn crop than soybean. Time will tell.

The recent rains have also spurred germination of late-season weeds, especially waterhemp, in soybean and corn fields. Most populations are manageable, however, there has been increased grower interest in alternative pre- and post-harvest weed control options, such as use of weed seed destructors and “planting green” into 2023 cereal rye cover crops. Some concern has been expressed on volunteer corn still present in soybeans and the impact on corn insect and disease pressure for next year’s corn crop.

Growers are optimistic about completing fall field work and tillage after a successful harvest.

Missouri
With harvest fast approaching, Missouri producers are gearing up for some corn harvest and preparing for other crops. For Missouri 96% of the corn crop is at dough with 92% of the crop being dented. Only 44% of the corn crop is mature as of the Sept. 11 USDA report, and 5% is harvested. Overall, 44% of the corn crop is rated “good.”

Almost all the soybean crop in Missouri is setting pods, with 10% of the crop dropping leaves. Overall, the soybean crop rated “good” represents an estimated 41%.

The Missouri cotton crop is progressing too, and 35% of the crop is opening bolls with none of the crop harvested at this time. Overall, 52% of the cotton crop is rated as “good.”

North Dakota
North Dakota experienced hot and dry weather conditions throughout many parts of the state in August. These conditions helped the drying down of crops such as canola, chickpeas, lentils, flax, small grains and peas in preparation for harvest, but they did not help crops such as soybeans, sunflowers and corn in dryland farming situations.

Small grains and field pea harvesting is complete or at full speed across North Dakota. Yields have ranged from average to above average. Winter wheat planting is expected to start in the coming weeks, mostly in areas with prevented planting. Harvesting of canola, flax and sugar beets continues in many parts of the state. Most dry beans are nearing or are at seed maturity. Corn is generally ranging from dough to dent stages (R4-5).

Soybeans are in the late-seed development to initial maturity stages (R6-7). Soybeans with early maturity are turning color in some areas, while many fields are still green. Some early planted soybeans might be ready for desiccation in a couple of weeks.

Grasshoppers continue to cause damage to crops, although infestation levels vary from one field to another. With soybeans and other row crop canopies opening up, weeds such as pigweed, kochia, common ragweed and others have become more visible.

Harvest should be wrapping up smoothly if we have warm sunny days along with some precipitation in September.

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