IP Crop Network, April 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.

Michigan

Widespread significant snow and rainfall since last fall have recharged soil moisture in almost all areas of the state. This puts Michigan in the common position of waiting for field drying to begin planting. I am not aware of any ultra-early planted soybeans in our state this year up this point. The weather forecast for the coming week is suggesting very good drying and warming conditions which will surely get a few planters moving. Limited field work has occurred with some manure applications and top dress fertilizer on winter wheat.

Soil temperatures have reached into the 50s in the past couple of days at a 2-inch depth at some automated weather stations. Air temperatures are expected to reach the high 70s and low 80s in the coming week, which should increase soil temperatures. The forecast for 10-21 days shows a return to more-average temperatures. The judgement for field work timing and its correlation with weather are beginning with a clear picture of the best decisions to be available in October. The risk and reward comparisons are being made in many farmers’ minds as they consider their options.

— Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

Minnesota

Winters grip is slowly fading. Lakes and rivers are flowing; tree and shrub buds are starting to swell. Soil temperatures (4-inch depth) are increasing slowly, with highs ranging from the mid-30s at Lamberton to the low 50s at Waseca. Snow covers much of northern Minnesota. In the next week, sunshine and warmer days are in the forecast for much of the state. Farmers remain cautiously optimistic for a normal start to the planting season; however, none that I know has started planting.

Minnesota drought conditions are variable; approximately 51% of the state is rated abnormally dry (D0) to moderate drought (D1). Drought appears more severe in western Minnesota compared to the east side of the state. The dry conditions are allowing some of the southern growers’ time to start manure applications and tillage operations. In the snow-covered areas of northwestern Minnesota, tillage and other field preparation activities are limited.

— David Kee, Director of Research, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

Missouri

We will be off to the races in Missouri this week with field work. We have temperatures in the 70s all week with no rain forecasted until the weekend. Sprayers have been running for a couple of weeks now, so many fields are prepped to plant. Soybean planting started in some areas of the state last week, but this week we will see a large amount of planting progress occur for corn and beans.

Across virtually the entire state soil conditions are dry enough to plant. It has been so warm in Missouri in March and April you almost have to remind yourself that it’s still very early because it feels like May!

Wheat conditions in the state are rated 1% very poor, 2% poor, 22% fair, 73% good and 2% excellent. Year over year that is 22% higher categorized as good. Looks like things will be shaping up nicely for the wheat crop. I suspect a fungicide application will be popular to protect against head scab. 

— Eric Oseland, Director of Agronomy and Research, Missouri Soybeans