IP Crop Network – November Report

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This 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 to this report.  

Michigan
Soybean harvest is nearly complete in Michigan. Harvest was smooth and efficient this fall with good weather. Some soybean moisture was lower than hoped for at 9-11%, but many others were harvested near ideal at 12-14%. Beans went into storage in good condition.

The November USDA NASS Crop Production Report estimates a state average yield of 51 bushels per acre. This is very good for Michigan as our record state average is 51.5 bushels.

Anecdotal conversations with farmers and elevator operators indicate that a significant portion of the 2024 soybean crop has not been priced as growers are hopeful for better price opportunities in the future.

 – Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee  

 

Minnesota
Minnesota was dry, but early November rains eased drought concerns a bit. If fall rains do not restore soil moisture status, planting in 2025 will prove to be interesting. According to the drought monitor, about 84% of the state is rated moderate to severe drought (D1-D2) status. As reported in the Nov. 4 USDA MN Crop Progress report, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 63% short to very short, 35% adequate and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 59% short to very short, 40% adequate and 1% surplus.

Crop harvest is all but complete in Minnesota. Corn silage, small grains, edible beans, and soybeans have been largely harvested. Corn grain harvest is proceeding rapidly with 95% harvested by Nov. 4. Grain moisture has been sufficiently low that grain drying, so far, is limited in scope. Early on, soybean harvest was slowed due to excessive green stems and overly dry pods/seeds reducing combine speeds. Some farmers are concerned about future crop volunteer corn and soybean issues in 2025 due to excessive harvest escapes. Farmer yield reports vary from “weather impacted” to “about average.”

Field work, soil sampling, tillage, manure, fertilizer applications, etc., continues. Soil temperatures have been excessively high (>50oF), limiting fall N fertilizer and manure applications. When soil temps drop (<50oF), nitrogen, as well as P and K, fertilizers will be going down. An early freeze of surface soils may shut down nutrient applications, an event that would add a lot more work to be done before the 2025 planting season starts. Current soil temperatures make this a doubtful event. Given the recent low river levels around Memphis, there is still some concern expressed about crop input availability in the spring.

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

 

North Dakota
North Dakota had a great soybean production season in 2024 despite disease challenges such as white mold, phytophthora and soybean cyst nematode. According to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) report on Nov. 8, North Dakota’s 2024 soybean production is forecast at a record 251 million bushels, up 15% from last year’s production of 219 million bushels. The area for harvest, at 6.6 million acres, is up 7% from 2023. The yield is forecast at 38 bushels per acre, relative to 35.5 bushels per acre last year.

Unlike many falls, we had a relatively warm and dry fall this season that allowed farmers to have a smooth and efficient harvest. The soybean harvest was completed 1-2 weeks ago; the corn and sunflower harvest continues and is close to being done this week.

Now that harvest is almost completed, we need moisture to replenish topsoil and subsoil moisture for the next crop growing season.

 –Miki Miheguli, Director of Agronomy & Research, North Dakota Soybean Council  

 

Missouri Update
According to the USDA’s NASS, farmers had 4.8 suitable days for field work in the week ending Nov. 3, 2024.

Harvest is starting to wrap up for most of the state of Missouri. Corn harvest is sitting at 91% which is 8% ahead of the 83% 5-year average. Soybean harvest is slightly behind corn at 86% of the crop being harvested but is still 17% ahead of the 69% 5-year average.

The soybean crop was looking very promising for much of the state, until southeast Missouri got hit with rain from Hurricane Helene. This article from state soybean specialist Dr. Andre Froes de Borja Reis details the unusual circumstances that happened in Helene’s path.

Winter wheat planting is well underway as well, sitting at 79% planted, which is 11% ahead of the 69% 5-year average. The crop is looking good so far with 44% emerged and 61% rated as good to excellent.

– Blake Barlow, Director of Agronomy & Research, Missouri Soybeans

IP Crop Network – October Report

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This 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 to this report.  

Illinois
Illinois’ harvest is progressing along nicely. Corn harvest is running on the five-year average around 31%, while soybean harvest is running ahead of pace at around 45%. Overall, corn yields are better than expected. Soybean yields are all over the board. Some very good yields, 90-plus, being reported where the August rains fell. And where they didn’t, yields of 35-45 bushels per acre are common. There’s a definite trend on earlier maturity beans being some of the highest-yielding acres. We will see a shift in maturity next planting season with more acres going to late 2 to early 3 and less group 4 beans. 

 – Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l  

 Michigan 

Soybean harvest is well ahead of schedule this fall in Michigan. USDA reports that 40% of our crop was harvested as of Oct. 6. This compares to a five-year average of 21% at this time. Some soybeans have been harvested at very dry moisture content (less than 10%) even when soybean stems are tough to pass through the combine. 

Harvest timing of soybeans is very good for winter wheat planting, but soil moisture levels are so low that germination and emergence are delayed and/or variable. Most soybean growers are pleased with being able to harvest without rain interruptions and grain going directly to storage or not paying drying charges.     

 – Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee  

 Minnesota
After a very wet spring, Minnesota is dry yet again! According to the Oct. 3 drought monitor report, about 94% of Minnesota is in the early stages of drought (rated D0-D1). The Oct. 7 Minnesota Crop Progress Report states topsoil moisture supplies were rated 57% short to very short, 42% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 40% short to very short, 58% adequate, and 2% surplus. 2024 has been a different year. Soil went from excessively dry in March 2024 to excessively wet in June back to dry in October. Rain will be needed this fall to ease drought stress this winter. Without rain, the 2025 planting season will be more than a little interesting. 

With temperature highs consistently in the upper 80s, late August and September were warm and largely dry, allowing the crops to accumulate the heat units needed to mature the crop. Consequently, crop harvest is well underway in Minnesota. The small grains harvest is all but complete, with some growers reporting lower than normal yields. Edible bean harvest is almost complete with more than 86% in the bins. Corn grain harvest has started. What limited reports for corn yields I have varied considerably. Following a delayed planting season due to excessive May rains, precipitation, or lack thereof, from the August thunderstorms were quite impactful. Those sites with deep rooting zones shine, especially in areas adjoining a drowned-out spot. Soybean harvest is in full swing. Excessive weed escape, soybean pod pops and green stems have resulted in reduced combine harvest speed. Farmer yield reports vary from “pretty bad” to “much better than expected!” Given the current dry forecast, harvest should be completed earlier than average. This will leave time to correct some of the field damage created during the wet spring. 

Field work continues, especially on compacted sites and drown-out spots. Tillage happens when resources (drivers and tractors) are available, mostly until the morning dew evaporates. What limited scattered showers we receive are softening some ground. Soil temperatures remain well above 50oF, thus limiting the fall N fertilizer application window. However, ag lime, P and K fertilizers are being applied. There is a great concern expressed concerning soil moisture availability impact on cover crops and winter small grains establishment. Farmers are expressing concern about moisture recharge and soil moisture status for next year’s crops. We will not know the true impact on these issues for some time. 

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

Missouri 

The dry weather continues in Missouri with 6.5 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending Oct. 6, according to the USDA-NASS crop progress report. Corn harvest is well underway at 62% harvested which is 17% ahead of the 45% 5-year average. The yields have been exceptionally high from the conversations I have had, and the report confirms that 84% of the crop is rated good to excellent. 

Soybeans are also looking very good, with 72% rated good to excellent. There is slightly more variability in the soybean crop due to the lack of rainfall late in the summer when pods were filling. Harvest is 23% complete, 9% ahead of the 5-year average. 

For our winter wheat, 10% has been planted, and 2% has emerged, which puts us right on track for the five-year average.   

– Blake Barlow, Director of Agronomy & Research, Missouri Soybeans 

Wisconsin 

According to the USDA NASS reports, farmers in Wisconsin had 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Oct 6. The warm and dry conditions allowed for good progress in the soybean harvest and advanced corn maturity. However, soil moisture levels have begun to decline, with 39% of topsoil and 35% of subsoil rated as short. Still, 45% of topsoil and 53% of subsoil are considered adequate. 

Corn is on track, with 95% of the crop now in the dent stage and 70% fully mature. That’s about a day behind last year but a day ahead of the five-year average. So far, 10% of the corn for grain has been harvested, and the corn silage harvest is 80% complete, which is ahead of both last year and the average. Corn condition has dropped by 3% from last week, now standing at 61% rated good to excellent. 

For soybeans, 97% are changing color, and 90% are dropping leaves. The soybean harvest is now 61% complete, putting us 12 days ahead of last year and two weeks ahead of the average. Soybean condition has dipped slightly, with 59% rated good to excellent, down 5% from last week. 

Winter wheat planting is progressing well, with 63% completed, which is two days ahead of both last year and the average. Additionally, 36% of the winter wheat has emerged. 

– Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison  

IP Crop Network – September Report

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This 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 to this report. 

Illinois
Harvest has begun in full force in the southern part of Illinois with early yield results being “above average.” Some of the early bean yields, maturity 2.5-3.2, are in the 75-90 bushel/acre range with a few small areas climbing to 100. April planted corn is dry, running 13-15% moisture with excellent yields. The “harvest line” will continue to push north at the pace of about 50-75 miles/week. Harvest in central Illinois will likely get running hard in about 2-3 weeks.

Many areas of the state, especially the southern half, are moisture-deficit right now. But looking at the forecast, the driest areas are in line for the tropical depression to bring some much-needed moisture. The late planted beans and the double crop beans behind wheat have likely had the top edge taken off due the dry conditions of the last four weeks. However, yields should still be average to just slightly above average. Fall seeding of wheat, cover crops and other fall crops is steadily happening as the time is right and crop comes off.

– Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l

 

Michigan

The Michigan soybean crop is responding to shorter days and cooler nights by moving into late maturity stages. Most fields are in R6-R8 stage with exceptions on either side. Late season weather has not been extreme in any directions with a tendency for drier than optimum soil conditions in many areas. Where irrigation is available, water is being pumped more in the past three weeks than any other time this year. Hopefully dryland soybeans have access to deep soil moisture to develop adequate seed size.

While crop pests have not been a big concern in the past month, it is not difficult to find Japanese beetles, bean leaf beetles, soybean aphids, downy mildew, septoria brown spot, soybean vein necrosis, Sudden Death Syndrome and white mold. In almost all cases, these pests are below action thresholds and are being observed for management tactics in 2025.

The Sept. 9 USDA Crop Weather Report shows the Michigan soybean crop as 59% good to excellent and 29% fair with 26% dropping leaves. The status of dropping leaves is 5% above our five-year average for this date. Harvest dates should be a little earlier than normal this year.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

 

Minnesota
Minnesota is drying down a bit, with 12.5% of the state reported to be abnormally dry. The Sept. 3 USDA-NASS MN Crop Progress reports “Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 12% very short to short, 77% adequate and 11% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 7% very short to short, 81% adequate and 12% surplus.” Many of the crop growth parameters are lagging the five-year average. However, the crops are maturing at an acceptable rate. An early freeze could seriously impact yield and quality of the crops.

Harvest is underway in Minnesota. The small grains are being harvested. Small grain growers are reporting variable yields due to the planting delays. Some growers are reporting issues with falling numbers. The excess water experienced earlier in the season impacted these crops. Soybeans are setting pods and reached 92% in early September. Reports of green stem syndrome, which occurred frequently in the drought years, have been nominal. However, this syndrome is usually not spotted until leaf drop occurs. The condition of the crop was rated 66 percent good to excellent.

As leaves senesce, germination of late season weed seeds, especially waterhemp, in soybean and corn fields have been reported. This may make the results of Harvest Weed Seed Destruction studies very interesting. Most populations are manageable; however, there has been increased grower interest in pre- and post-harvest weed control options.

Planting into moist soils may have introduced compaction issues in some fields. Given the current harvest (soil) conditions, growers are optimistic about completing fall field work and tillage after a successful harvest.

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

 

Missouri
Missouri has been dry the past three weeks with an average of 6.4 suitable days for field work each week according to the USDA-NASS crop progress report. The week ending Sept. 8, 2024, had 6.8 suitable days for field work.

Corn harvest has started across the state with 46% at maturity and 7% already out of the field. The crop is looking great with 82% rated good to excellent and the yields are confirming that in the fields that have been harvested.

Soybeans are nearing maturity with 14% dropping leaves, 8% higher than the 5-year average, indicating a slightly earlier harvest than normal. The soybean crop is also looking very good with 73% rated good to excellent!

– Blake Barlow, Director of Agronomy & Research, Missouri Soybeans

 

Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, the weather conditions for the week ending Sept. 8, 2024, were favorable for farm work, with six days considered suitable for field activities, according to the USDA-NASS crop progress report. Farmers completed the small grain harvest and began planting fall-seeded crops. Despite a dry week, moisture levels remained strong, with 80% of topsoil and subsoil across the state rated as adequate to surplus.

Corn development made good progress, with 90% of the crop reaching the dough stage and 58% in the dent stage. The mature stage had advanced to 5%. Corn condition remained stable at 64% rated as good to excellent, similar to the previous week.

Soybean pod setting was nearly complete, with 45% beginning to change color—two days ahead of both last year and the five-year average. About 10% of soybeans were dropping leaves. The overall condition of the soybeans improved slightly, with 62% rated as good to excellent.

Oat harvest was nearly complete, with 98% of the crop already harvested. Winter wheat planting has advanced to 11%, and there were initial reports of emergence in some fields.

– Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

IP Crop Network – August Report

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This 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 to this report. 

Illinois
As I travel across the state, I have to say I think the USDA may have the right yield number. 225 bushels per acre is a BIG number for a corn average across the state, but the crop looks amazing. What’s scary to think about is for every acre that makes only 180-200, there has to be an acre making 240-260. It’s simple math, but still hard to process those kinds of yields on a wide scale.

The bean crop is well on its way to BIG yields as well. The August temperatures have been about as pleasant as you can get. Even in southern Illinois, having temps every day in the low-mid 80s is unheard of for August. The only real question now is how fast, or slow, does the crop mature and dry down for harvest.

– Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l 

Minnesota
After an extremely wet and difficult planting season, soil moisture in Minnesota is uniformly not dry. According to the drought monitor, none of Minnesota is reported to be in any form of drought. Drown out spots are widespread. The amount of acreage lost to drown out in 2024 will be significant. However, yield potential for the remaining cropland is high. Soil moisture is variable, but sufficient for most of the state. USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reports topsoil moisture supplies were rated 7% short and 93% percent adequate to surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 6% short and 94% adequate to surplus.

Corn condition was rated 58% good to excellent, Soybean condition was rated 63% good to excellent, and spring wheat condition was rated 83% good to excellent. Reports from several wind shield surveys indicate weed control programs were largely successful. However, canopy closure is delayed, and most farmers have used a second pass program to insure weed damage was limited, especially for waterhemp. Diseases, especially phytophthora and white mold, have been reported; farmers are managing them as best as possible. It is a bit early for soybean sudden death syndrome and brown stem rot to become evident. Scouting reports of soybean aphids and other insects being found are increasing; the insect population is being managed as they hit threshold.

Crop growth stage is progressing, but like many crops, remains behind average. According to the Aug. 5 Minnesota Crop Progress Report, soybeans blooming or beyond reached 83%, seven days behind average. Soybeans setting pods reached 48%. Corn silking was at 81%, five days behind the five-year average. Corn dough reached 31 percent. Spring wheat was 100% headed and 3 percent harvested. It appears, due to the delayed planting date, the wheat harvest window may be very compacted.

Grain yield in 2024 will be greatly dependent on rain fall and soil moisture as seed/kernels fill over the next six weeks. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting much of Minnesota to have equal chances of moisture and temperature being above or below normal for late August and September. Due to the variable planting dates and variable soil moisture status, yield estimates across the state are highly variable. In addition, we could have an early killing frost, which would severely impact yields at harvest. Minnesota farmers will make a crop; how much of a crop is up for debate.

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

Missouri
Missouri farmers had 6.6 suitable days for fieldwork for the week ending Aug. 11, according to the USDA-NASS crop progress report. With topsoil moisture content at 70% adequate to surplus, conditions are good, but we will need rain soon to retain the yield potential.

Soybean conditions are good with 77% of the crop being good to excellent. Soybean blooming is at 84%, 2% higher than the 5-year average, with 64% of the crop setting pods.

Corn conditions are also good with 81% being good to excellent. Corn silking has reached 86% with approximately 44% dented, which is 25% ahead of the 5-year average.

Overall, the corn and soybean crops are looking good across the state!

– Blake Barlow, Director of Agronomy & Research, Missouri Soybeans

Wisconsin
For the week ending Aug. 11, Wisconsin farmers had approximately 5.3 suitable days for fieldwork, according to USDA-NASS crop progress report. Early-week rain slowed fieldwork, especially in central Wisconsin, and increased topsoil and subsoil moisture levels to over 90% adequate to surplus across the state.

Corn silking had progressed to 84% completion, which is four days behind last year. About 36% of the corn had reached the dough stage, and 5% had reached the dent stage. Corn was rated 63% in good to excellent condition, up 2% from the previous week.

Soybean blooming reached 88%, with 66% of soybeans setting pods, which is three days ahead of last year. Soybean conditions improved 2% from previous week, reaching 62% good to excellent.

Oats coloring was at 95%, and 58% of the oat for grain crop had been harvested, which is 3 days ahead of last year and 5 days ahead of the 2019-2023 average. The winter wheat harvested for grain was nearly complete, with 94% done.

– Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison 

IP Crop Network – July Report

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This 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 to this report. 

Illinois

The crop across the state is in many different stages. Most of the state has received some amount of rainfall over the past seven days and currently the remnants of Hurricane Beryl are dumping 1-6 inches of rain across the southern third of the state.  

Corn and beans across the northern two-thirds of Illinois have progressed nicely with a high percentage of the corn fields now pollinating. Beans that were planted in April are also now entering reproductive stages. The southern third of the state has the most variability in the crop stages.  

Prior to today, there were still a lot of beans being planted/replanted due to adverse conditions. The soaking hurricane rain will halt planting for now, but for any flooded areas, growers will still replant through the month of July to try and salvage some income from those acres. 

– Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l 

 Michigan 

It took until late June to get our soybean crop planted in Michigan. A few fields fell into the prevented plant category, but this is limited to poorly drained fields with excessive rainfall. The crop has lots of variability by field caused by planting date and within field by water damaged low areas. The best-looking fields were planted early and have weathered the excessive rainfall better than later planted smaller beans.  The most advanced fields are at full canopy and in the R2 growth stage.   

 Most pre-emerge herbicides worked well this year with adequate rainfall for incorporation and activation. Similarly, post-emerge herbicides have performed well, as weeds have been actively growing. Because of the active growth and sometimes waiting for dry field conditions, weed size was bigger than preferred. 

 The USDA crop weather report for July 8 rates our soybean crop as 60% good to excellent and 35% fair with 22% blooming. Topsoil moisture is rated as 17% surplus, 72% adequate and 11% short. This has us set up for good yield potential if the remainder of the growing season is beneficial. But maybe not quite as good as the commodity marketers believe.              

 – Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee 

 North Dakota 

June and early July have been wet and cool in most areas of North Dakota. Although small grains are developing well under these conditions, crops such as soybeans, dry beans and corn are lagging due to a lack of growing degree days. According to USDA’S NASS report published on July 8, there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 0% concise, 3% short, 77% adequate and 20% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 0% concise, 5% short, 79% adequate and 16% surplus. The overall crop growing conditions are rated as fair to good for most crops in the state. Soybean conditions rated 1% very poor, 6% poor, 35% fair, 56% good, and 2% excellent. Soybeans blooming was 9%, well behind 29% last year and 18% for the five-year average. 

Wet, cool and humid conditions created an ideal environment for disease development; the top concerns are seedling diseases, white mold, FHB and a few others. Weed and disease management have been the top priority for most farmers in the region although timely application of herbicides and fungicides has been an issue due to wet and windy conditions. 

IDC is starting to show up in soybeans in many areas. Insect pressure is low in most areas, but farmers are closely monitoring pests such as cereal aphids, soybean aphids, grasshoppers and wheat midge. 

Overall, crops are progressing well. However, the cool and wet weather have delayed development of corn and soybeans. 

 – Miki Miheguli, Research Programs Coordinator, North Dakota Soybean Council 

Minnesota 

What a difference a year makes! Last year, Minnesota was dry. According to the July 6 drought monitor report, 98% of the state was in abnormally dry (D0) to severe (D2) drought status. Today, none of Minnesota is rated in any form of drought. The spring rains were frequent, and planting was difficult and extended. Due to the extensive number of drowned-out areas and spots just not planted, the number of harvested acres in the fall will be less than what was predicted this spring. A more precise estimate of planted acres will be available in August as growers are currently submitting prevent plant claims now. 

 The planted acreage is not limited by insufficient water. In the July 7 Minnesota crop progress report, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 1% short to very short, 48% adequate and 51% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 1% very short to short, 51% adequate and 48% surplus. A much-needed dry spell is predicted for the first part of July. NOAA is predicting a somewhat warmer-than-normal and drier-than-normal summer (July through September) – but not as severe as summer 2023. Weed control has been difficult to attain as the weather, and the extended planting window has considerably complicated application efforts. Crop canopy has not closed in many fields, so weed control remains an important issue. Growers and applicators should pay close attention to label restrictions in this variable growth stage environment. 

Most of the annual crops are now in the late vegetative/early reproductive growth stage. However, due to the extended planting window, crop growth stage is highly variable across the Minnesota landscape. Due to the high humidity and mild temperature, disease pressure is high in many areas. Many growers are attempting to apply fungicides to susceptible crop acres with variable results. Growers are also applying post-emergent herbicides on the late-planted acreage. Reports from pesticide applicators indicate tank mixing of herbicides (coarse droplet size generally required) and fungicides (fine droplet size preferred) will be a more common occurrence in 2024. This requires compromise in several factors of pesticide application. The efficacy of crop pest management may be reduced, but time to apply is limited and decisions must be made. As always, the impact on yield will be determined, finally, at harvest.   

The 2024 planting season has been difficult. The crops are now up, although emergence has been extremely variable. The lack of canopy closure over much of the crop acreage is worrisome. Crop yield will be dependent on the success of post-emergent weed control program, stem disease pressure and the future insect issues. The current recommendation is to scout, scout, then scout some more. Timely management will be critical for decent yields. These and other concerns will make July and August two very long months. Consequently, 2024 will go down as one of the most complicated cropping years, ever. 

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

Missouri 

Rain has been hitting all around in Missouri. The Coast Guard just abandoned the restrictions of use on the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Charles, Mo., due to flooding and currents. Over the past six days there have been two deaths due to flash flooding in Boone County (Columbia, Mo.), and it has led to the state only seeing 3.9 days for suitable field work over the past seven days with 73% of the state’s topsoil moisture rated as adequate. Our pasture and range lands are doing well right now. Our wheat harvest slowed with 5% more wheat to be harvested in 2024.   

A majority of the Missouri corn crop is rated “good” with 60% of it silking and 9% at dough. One-third of our soybean crop is blooming with 8% of the crop already setting pods. Overall, 62% of the Missouri soybean crop is rated as “good.” Our cotton crop will be getting a dose of rain this week from the remnants of Hurricane Beryl with 61% of it squaring and 5% setting bolls. Rice will be setting heads in the coming weeks – estimated at 3% of the crop beginning to set heads. Overall, these past weeks of hot days have really helped the rice crop push forward in maturity. 

– Bryan Stobaugh, Director of Licensing and Commercialization, Missouri Soybeans 

Wisconsin 

Farmers in Wisconsin faced ongoing challenges due to the weather, with only three days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 7, according to the USDA-NASS crop progress report.  Frequent rain resulted in topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions being rated as adequate to surplus across the state.  

Corn emergence is nearly complete, with 1% of the crop starting to silk. Soybean blooming reached 22%, two days ahead of last year. Corn and soybeans were in good condition, with around 60% rated as good to excellent. Oat condition was rated 78% good to excellent, with 84% of the oat crop headed and 32% coloring. Winter wheat condition is at 81% good to excellent, with 90% of the winter wheat crop colored.  

– Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison 

IP Crop Network – June Report

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This 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 to this report.

Illinois

Most of Illinois has had a chance to finally get finished with planting. The southern part of the state has seen some significant rainfall events that have led to localized flooding and a considerable amount of replant acres. A comment from a grower summed it up well: “I think we will finish cutting wheat before we are done planting corn. … Never done that before.”

The central and northern parts of Illinois are progressing nicely and have a good crop started. Some of the earliest planted corn in southern Illinois will be tasseling next week, and some of the early planted beans are flowering today. The bean crop is all over the board, with some growers having been done since April and others just finishing this week. As the wheat is being cut the double-crop (DC) bean planters are chasing the combines. Wheat is coming off early this year; some years it is the Fourth of July before all of the DC beans are planted. This year, I expect most of the wheat will be cut by the beginning of next week, and DC beans closely behind – all done in June.

With all the rain in the past month, controlling weeds in soybeans is a real issue. Waterhemp, Palmer amaranth and pigweed are growing at an alarming rate and even the higher rates of post herbicides are struggling to take them down.

The overall bean crop in Illinois is off to a very good start as well. More information from the latest USDA NASS Crop Progress Report.

– Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l

 

Michigan

Michigan has had challenging field conditions for the past six weeks and counting. Most growers have had to work in short windows of opportunity between rainfall events. Most rainfall amounts have not been excessive in amounts but in frequency. This rain created soil conditions that were less than ideal for tillage and/or planting. As days and weeks passed, many growers made decisions to accept the wet conditions and get planting. Soybean emergence has been better than expected with planting conditions being marginal. Rainfall has helped those fields that were rushed by a couple of days.

The June 10 USDA NASS Crop Progress Report shows soybeans as 87% planted with 68% in good to excellent condition and 28% in fair condition. Our planting progress has been within a few percent of our five-year average for several weeks. But most growers don’t like to see the calendar flip to June with soybeans left to plant.

Soybean crop health is mostly good, and crop pests have not been unusually challenging yet. We will need good growing conditions for a while to get this crop well rooted and established before any hot and dry conditions put stress on these young plants.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

 

North Dakota

Planting continues in North Dakota this week. I anticipate the majority of farmers will wrap it up this weekend or early next week. Then shift their focus from planting to in-season crop management, specifically weed control.

Crop conditions were average across the state with few challenges such as emergence, crusting, weeds, IDC (specific to soybeans), soil salinity and wind damage. Some of the most frequent pest issues in the area are weeds and getting them sprayed timely due to wet soil conditions and wind.

While I do not have accurate statistics, there are many prevent plants and re-seeded acres in North Dakota this spring.

According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released on June 10, 2024, for the week ending June 9, 2024, there were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Top moisture supplies rated 1% concise, 9% short, 76% adequate and 14% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 1% very short, 12% short, 74% adequate and 13% surplus.

Planting progress varied among different crops: cereals (planted 94-97%), sugar beets (100%), canola (93%), sunflower (75%), flax (86%) and dry edible beans (80%). Soybeans planted was 81%, behind 90% last year, and near 83% for the five-year average (USDA’s NASS report, June 10, 2024). Emerged was 45%, behind 52% last year, and equal to the average (USDA’s NASS report, June 10, 2024). Soybean conditions rated 0% very poor, 4% poor, 29% fair, 64% good and 3% excellent.

– Miki Miheguli, Research Programs Coordinator, North Dakota Soybean Council

 

Minnesota

Planting season has been challenging this year, but it is largely on track with the five-year average. Some acres were planted in April, but the late April/early to mid-June rains tightened the planting window. Some farmers have chosen to plant soybeans and other crops due to the extremely limited corn and small grain planting window. Considerable replanting of drown-out spots has occurred, but, at this time, there have been few reports of growers filing prevent plant claims. This may change. Crop emergence has been a bit variable, especially in some crust-prone sites and those seeds near, but not in, saturated soil sites.

According to the latest USDA NASS Crop Progress Report and Drought Monitor report, Minnesota is not dry. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 2% very short-short, 58% adequate and 40% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 6% very short-short, 64% adequate, and 30% surplus. Drought impacted acreage (D0-D4) has decreased drastically from 99.8% on March 5 to less than 3% on June 8. Abnormally dry soil is not a problem in most of Minnesota.

Pre-emerge herbicide application has been difficult. In some cases, farmers had to choose between planting or applying herbicide. Due to wet conditions, herbicide efficacy is a concern (leaching of some products) but appears to be largely effective. Over the top herbicide applications (like planting) are in full swing. Excessive wind speeds and rain have limited application efforts. Crop scouting has started, and issues are being managed as they reach critical levels.

Overall, crops appear to be in decent shape overall, and growers are still cautiously optimistic of attaining an average to above average yield. Timely summer rainfall will still be critical for crop success.

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

 

Missouri

With frontal boundaries consistently passing through Missouri, we have had rain off and on every week this spring, and it has accounted for 4.4 working days for the week ending June 9, per USDA reports. These rains have caused some replanting in areas of the state, but the overall planting for our major crops is ahead of the five-year average. The forecast for the next seven days is looking hopeful for drier conditions, but we don’t want things to dry too fast as we have more than 75% of the state with adequate soil moisture.

Missouri’s corn crop is 97% planted with 90% of that emerged. Both numbers are above the state’s five-year average, per USDA data. The state’s corn crop is doing well with more than half the crop rated as “good.” The soybean crop would be the one that most could believe to be behind in planting, but per the five-year average, it is 12% more complete, with 79% of the crop planted and 67% of that crop emerged (15% higher than the five-year emerged average for June 10). The soybean crop is trending well with 60% of the crop rated as “good.”

Missouri’s cotton crop is in the ground with 8% of it squaring. Also, the rice crop from southeast Missouri is planted and is trending “good,” with 73% rated at this level. The winter wheat crop is headed and in “good” condition. The pastureland is rated as good, which is to be expected, with the amount of moisture we have available.

The next seven days will prove to be a final push to complete soybean planting. After these next seven days of low 90s for temperatures, our farmers will be looking for a shot of rain to cool things down a bit and allow those young seedlings to grow. Overall, it has been a different year for the state, but we are seeing significant progress when we do have a few days in a row after the rains to work.

– Bryan Stobaugh, Director of Licensing and Commercialization, and Eric Oseland, Director of Agronomy, Missouri Soybeans

 

Wisconsin

Some parts of Wisconsin still struggle with wet weather. The USDA reported only 2.9 days good for field work last week, delaying planting and spraying. Corn is 87% planted, six days behind the 5-year average. Corn is 78% up, with 69% good to excellent conditions. Beans are 87% planted, one day behind the 5-year average. Beans are 75% up, with 73% good to excellent conditions. Topsoil moisture is 70% adequate and 28% too much. Strong winds over the weekend should help fields dry up.

The last month has been very wet, with some places getting 3-6 inches of rain. This means that most farmers need to focus on weed control. Most farmers in our area are applying herbicides to corn and soybeans as the crop height/weed size requires. The nitrogen side dress season is also busy in our area. There are no unusual problems or concerns, but the season is still young. Luckily, the next 8-14 days look warmer, which will help with some post herbicide applications. The overall bean crop in Wisconsin looks very good so far.

– Cameron Hilgenberg, The DeLong Co.

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

IP Crop Network – May Report

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This 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 to this report.

Illinois
Currently, Illinois’ planting progress, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), has corn at 42% (down 4% compared to the 5-year average) and soybeans at 39% (down 4% compared to the five-year average).

Planting progress is extremely variable across the state. There are a few areas where growers are done and a few areas where growers have yet to even start. Ten-day forecasts continue to show fairly significant chances of rain six days out of the next 10. While May 14 is not late, it will be June very quickly with rain every two to three days.

Grower attitudes in the wet areas are going downhill fast. Most will hang on to current crop plans through Memorial Day weekend. If we are not planted come June 1, look for the acreage shifts to start. A lot of growers are just not equipped to handle a high percentage of their corn crop with extremely high moistures at harvest, let alone the expense of that much drying.

The wet weather and frequent heavy rains and winds have not been good for the winter wheat crop. Severe lodging in places and grain quality will likely suffer due to excessive moisture.

– Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l

 

Kansas/Nebraska
USDA NASS reported that on May 12, Kansas completed 61% of corn planting and 33% of soybean planting. Our area is ahead of that with about 80% of corn in the ground. The crop is coming up well, and farmers are happy. Most farmers are waiting for dryer fields to put in soybeans. Our draw area is lagging behind the state average with about 20% of soybeans done. Nebraska has reported a lot of progress in planting since last week, reaching 60% for corn and 50% for soybeans. The week before, the state was at 31% for corn and 20% for soybeans.

– Cameron Hilgenberg, The DeLong Co.

 

Michigan
The calendar is moving faster than planters in Michigan this spring. Rainfall has been keeping most growers with many fields just out of reach from being fit for planting. Conventional tilled fields with corn residue from last year is especially slow to dry this year. The latest USDA crop progress report shows soybean planting at 22% which is up 9% from the previous week but 7% behind the five-year average.

Emergence and development of planted fields is very good with soil moisture and temperatures being very good. Stand establishment is very good in most cases with consistent emergence of healthy seedlings.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

 

Minnesota
What a difference a month makes! According to the drought monitor, Minnesota went from 58% of the rated abnormally dry to severe drought to 35% abnormally dry to moderate drought. In early April, Minnesota was all but snow free (some snow patches in northern Minnesota) changing to pockets of standing water (southwest Minnesota) in early May. The recent rains have come as a mixed blessing. The relatively dry and warm winter has resulted in a lot of early planting. Crop planting in late April had been wide open, with significant acreage planted before May 1st. But with the recent rains, that has slowed. Minnesota farmers are still raring to go plant!

Soil moisture has improved. The May 13 USDA NASS reports topsoil moisture supplies were rated 10% short to very short, 70% adequate and 20% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 18% short to very short, 68% adequate and 14% surplus. During mid-April, soil temperature (4 inches deep) has stubbornly remained below across much of the state, causing some crop advisers to recommend caution for early planting. The first few days of May sunshine has rapidly changed that.

NASS also reported crop planting is well to slightly ahead of last year, but in some crops (soybeans) planting trails the five-year average. As soil conditions become appropriate, field work, pre-plant activities (fertilizer, some herbicides, etc.) and planting will occur, across the landscape, near simultaneously. There has been some talk that surplus moisture will result in requests for prevent plant status being filed on select fields (especially in the southwest). There was significant activity this last weekend which may not be reported in the May 13 NASS update. Things will be touch and go for a while, with many long days (and short nights) occurring as the spring rains have narrowed the planting window. However, #plant24 will happen; it’s the Minnesota way!

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

 

Missouri
Producers across Missouri have been in the field as much as they can between rains. Chasing “dry enough” soil has been the statement we have been hearing. We have had rain every three to four days for the past two-plus weeks, and it has proven tough when they were running equipment earlier this spring due to dry conditions. This week will be another week of rain with warmer and drier temps forecasted for the weekend. The hope would be to get back in the field late this weekend or early next week. Over the past two weeks, USDA estimated Missouri farmers/producers have only had 3.3 days for suitable work due to the weather conditions with only 32% of the state’s soils having surplus topsoil moisture, and the subsoil moisture being 76% adequate for last week’s totals of moisture.

Farmers have planted 72% of the corn crop with 54% of it emerged. Only 36% of the state’s soybean crop is planted with 25% of that planted emerged. An estimated 63% of the cotton crop from southeast Missouri is planted, and 87% of that region’s rice crop is also in the ground, with 73% of rice emerged and more than 50% of the rice crop is rated “good.” Missouri’s winter wheat is 90% headed with 73% of the crop being rated as “good.” Our state’s pastureland has rebounded with all of the rain this spring and is rated “good” across 72% of the crop.

– Bryan Stobaugh, Director of Licensing and Commercialization, and Eric Oseland, Director of Agronomy, Missouri Soybeans

 

North Dakota
Farmers made significant progress in planting in April before the recent rainfall. Although multiple rainfall events delayed planting in the past two weeks, they were much needed. Slow and steady rains helped the dry ground to soak in moisture and replenish the soil moisture levels. According to the NDAWN report, the cumulative precipitation to date ranges from 0.25 inches in the southwest to about five inches in northeast North Dakota.

USDA NASS indicated that for the week ending May 12, there were 4.4 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 3% very short, 18% short, 71% adequate and 8% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 3% very short, 20% short, 70% adequate and 7% surplus.

This week after the weather is calming down, farmers are starting to get back into the fields following the recent rains. According to a NASS report on May 12, about half of cereal crops were planted, all ahead of last year’s five-year average. About 22% of corn acres were planted, 21% canola acres and 92% of sugar beet acres were planted, all ahead of last years or five-year average. Soybean planting has just started; about 7% of soybeans have been planted so far, which is close to the five-year average.

There is a lot of positivity during planting season this year with timely rainfalls. However, this year, the NOAA Prediction Center forecasts a shift from El Niño, which brought a warmer winter, to La Niña by early summer. This transition is expected to result in average temperatures but slightly drier conditions, particularly on the western side of the state.

Overall, the planting conditions are good or close to ideal in many parts of the state. In the upcoming weeks, we need higher-growing degree days to help with germination and quick establishment of crops.

– Miki Miheguli, Research Programs Coordinator, North Dakota Soybean Council

 

Wisconsin
Last week’s weather in Wisconsin continued to challenge fieldwork with only 3.6 suitable days, mainly due to persistent wet conditions, according to the last USDA crop progress report. While this slowed planting progress, the rain benefited wheat and alfalfa. Topsoil and subsoil moisture conditions were mostly adequate to surplus. Despite the challenges, farmers made progress with tillage, planting and fertilizer application as conditions permitted.

Corn planting was ahead of schedule at 40%, with emergence at 8%. Soybean planting also progressed, reaching 37%, with 6% emergence. Oat planting was notably ahead of average at 68%, with 38% emergence. Spring tillage was also ahead, at 71%.

Winter wheat conditions remained strong at 85% good to excellent, though slightly down from the previous week. All hay conditions stayed steady at 74% good to excellent. Pasture and range conditions improved, with 59% rated as good to excellent, up 4% from the previous week.

— Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

According to NASS, Wisconsin had 3.5 days of good weather for field work last week. I disagree and think we had much less, as most farmers had to pause planting and only started again this past weekend in Southern Wisconsin. USDA says that Wisconsin is 40% done with corn and 37% done with soybeans. I think we are slightly ahead of both in our service area. Farmers worked hard this past weekend because they expect several rain events in the 6 to 10-day forecast. Wisconsin planting will make a lot of progress before the rains come.

– Cameron Hilgenberg, The DeLong Co.

IP Crop Network, April Report

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This 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 to this report.

Minnesota
Winter’s grip has faded. The snowbanks are melting away. Lakes and rivers are flowing; tree and shrub buds are starting to swell; and the grass is greening up. Soil temperatures (4-inch depth) are increasing, slowly, with highs ranging from the mid-30s to the low 50s in southern Minnesota. In the next week, rain, sunshine and warmer days are in the forecast for much of the state. Widespread rains this past weekend will help get the crop up once it is planted. Farmers are still cautiously optimistic for an early start to the 2024 planting season.

Minnesota drought conditions are variable; approximately 99% of the state is rated abnormally dry (D0) to severe drought (D2). Drought appears more severe in northern Minnesota compared to the southern part of state. On the April 8 Minnesota Crop progress report, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 36% short to very short, 59% adequate and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 50% short to very short, 47% adequate and 3% surplus. With the recent widespread rain, there appears to be enough water to get a crop up, but timely rain will be needed to make a crop.

It is still early in the season, so growers should consider their early planting insurance timelines before planting the crops. The dry conditions have allowed some of the growers’ time to implement fertilizer, manure and tillage operations. Many of the producers are scheduling weed “burndown” herbicide applications to manage an early weed flush. In some of the recently snow-covered areas of northwestern Minnesota, tillage and other field preparation activities have been limited.

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

Missouri
Despite the unseasonably warm winter and start of spring, most farmers in Missouri have patiently held off putting seed in the ground to this point. Although we have heard of a few early planters, the majority of the state will be hitting the field with planters when fields dry up over the next week. With that said, farmers are ready to go. Seed is treated, fields are fertilized, tilled and burndowns have been sprayed. Temperatures this week were in the mid-to-upper 70s here in central Missouri, so southeast Missouri will be out in full force. Although we have received some much-needed rain throughout Missouri over the last couple of weeks, we are still dryer than we would like to be at this time. The general recommendation is for farmers to conserve water as much as possible, which means terminating cover crops earlier than we may normally recommend. We have a few shots of rain in the window of the forecast, but it doesn’t look to be a soaking rain.

As of this week’s USDA report (https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/8336h188j), 7% of the Missouri corn crop is planted. This is up 4% over the fiv-year average. An estimated 14% of the Missouri rice crop is planted, which is 12% over the 5-year average. For winter wheat, about 2% was headed from around the state with 64% of the state’s winter wheat crop represented as “good.”

—Bryan Stobaugh and Eric Oseland, Missouri Soybeans

Michigan
In direct contradiction to some predictions, I don’t know of any livestock or wildlife that has gone berserk or the loss of eyesight from humans looking at the eclipsed sun on April 8 in Michigan.

Michigan has seen some days of dramatically high temperatures over the winter and early spring, but they have been isolated to only a couple of days at a time. This has a lot of farmers thinking of planting earlier than normal but opportunities for field work have been very limited. I’ve heard of some oats, sugar beets and a few soybeans being planted very early but on limited acres. Current field conditions and weather forecasts seem to be indicating that significant very early planting won’t be happening in Michigan this year.

Discussions of farmers planting intentions don’t seem to vary far from normal. Weather conditions during the planting season seem to have the greatest impact on crop choices of Michigan farmers. The 2024 crops all have 100% of their yield potential at this point. We’ll see how that changes as we deal with whatever challenges may be coming our way.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

Illinois
Quite the reversal versus the first of March for most of Illinois. The first two weeks of March was busy with a lot of activity – most of the spring applied NH3 is applied, and most fields are worked within one pass of planting. The last few weeks have been just the opposite. Very little field work has been done and most areas have been wet with cooler than normal temperatures. The exception would be the far southwest corner of the state where planters are rolling as I write this and getting close to 50% planted in that part of the state. There continues to be the willingness to plant beans before corn; a lot of that has to do with an acceptable bean stand may be 65%, corn needs to be 90-100%. Heavy rain is forecasted for the southern half of the state starting on Wednesday morning and continuing into Thursday; 2-4 inches is being forecasted for a lot of areas.

The winter wheat crop is looking good, with almost all of the spring N applied and waiting to make the head scab fungicide application for the last pass of the season. As always, the weather in late April/May will determine the final yield, but as of right now, the crop has a lot of potential.

The next time we dry out it will be like dropping the flag at Daytona. With the planting capacity of today’s farmers and with all the prework that is done, this could be one of those years where the state plants 1.5-2.0 million acres of corn a day.

– Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l

Wisconsin
Last week’s weather wasn’t great for farming in Wisconsin. Snow and rain made it hard to work outside, giving us less than a day to get things done, according to USDA-NASS April 8 report. But here’s some good news: all that rain and snow helped bring back soil moisture. Topsoil moisture condition was rated 80% adequate to surplus and subsoil moisture condition rated 69% adequate to surplus.

In terms of how our crops are doing, we managed to get a bit of spring tillage done – about 5% of what we need – when we could finally get out into the fields. That’s ahead of where we were last year by six days and two days ahead of our usual pace over the past five years. We’ve also made some progress on planting oats – about 4% of the way there. Our pasture and range lands are looking good, with about 70% rated as either good or excellent. And our winter wheat? Well, it’s looking pretty great – about 72% of it is in good to excellent condition.

– Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

North Dakota
North Dakota had one of the mildest winters in 2024, as did many other Midwest states. We did not have much snow this winter to replenish the soil moisture, but this weekend’s rain was helpful. The areas in southeast, south-central and southwest North Dakota received about 0.5-1 inch of rain on April 7, which is helpful to start this year’s cropping season. Northeast and northwest North Dakota did not receive rain this weekend, and drought conditions continue. We had a few days of strong winds last week and this weekend that caused soil erosion in many parts of the state.

Overall, in North Dakota topsoil moisture supplies rated 12% very short, 35% short, 51% adequate, and 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 13% very short, 35% short, 49% adequate, and 3% surplus (USDA NASS Report, April 8, 2024).

The weather is starting to warm up, but no field activity is happening; no acres have been planted yet. It is too early to start planting in our northern climate. According to the USDA NASS report on April 8, on average, producers in North Dakota intend to begin fieldwork on April 19.

According to USDA’s Prospective Plantings data released in late March 2024, growers intend to increase in soybean acres in the United States in 2024. Nationally, soybean planted area for 2024 is estimated at 86.5 million acres, up 3 percent from last year. In North Dakota, growers indicated to plant about 6.9 million acres of soybeans in 2024, which is up 11% relative to 2023 at 6.2 million acres. There are some significant shifts in acres of different crops compared to last year. For example, barley and sunflower acres are expected to decrease (-32%. -23% respectively) significantly relative to 2023. There is a significant increase in acres of lentils and dry edible beans in 2024 compared to 2023 (51% and 17% increases).

– Miki Miheguli, Research Programs Coordinator, North Dakota Soybean Council

 

IP Crop Network, March Report

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This 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 to this report.

Minnesota
As one of the mildest winters on record begins to lose its grip on the state, Minnesota farmers are busy planning for the next crop. Input availability is decent but can vary considerably across categories and locations. Farmers are still facing sticker shock on all inputs and services; input return on investment is of considerable concern.

Of the farmers I chatted with, many are well ahead of schedule implementing those plans. The mild winter has allowed ample time for tillage and crop amendments/fertilizer (P, K & lime) applications. Consequently, minor change in crop acreage allocation is anticipated. Spring rains, and the potential planting delays, impacts may modify that.

Minnesota’s drought impacted area (D0-D3) has grown from 89.8% of the state in late December to 99.5% in early-March. Dry, abnormally warm, wilds have been fanning the flames of wildfires, especially in southern Minnesota. About 46% of the state is rated abnormally dry. Most of the very limited snow melt infiltrated into the soil, so current soil moisture status isn’t bad. However, parts of Minnesota, especially the southeast, have limited available subsoil water; timely summer rains will still be needed to make a good crop.

At the beginning of March, soil temperatures, at 4-inch depth, ranged from the mid 20s to low 30s (oF) in the north (Mavie) and low 30s to mid-40s in the south (Lamberton). Farmers report many of tile lines are open. This, along with the early close of the ice fishing season, indicates the frost line is relatively shallow.

As an early start to planting is probable, farmers are cautiously optimistic of decent crop yields for 2024. However, May is still a ways away, and Minnesota winters have been known to be reluctant to leave the dance early.

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

Missouri
To sum up the winter for Missouri, it has been warm and dry. Our producers are working ground and adding fertilizer over the past month. We have been seeing scattered rains across the state and hope to have a few more chances coming soon that give us some reserve moisture. The state’s fertilization process has begun, and we are seeing herbicide (burndown) applications beginning to roll across the Bootheel region (southeast Missouri) of the state. We have heard of some planting, but many will be watching the weather to make sure they “meet the moisture” with subsoil and topsoil. More to come next month as we should be seeing more planters rolling seed across the plates and into the ground.

—Bryan Stobaugh and Eric Oseland, Missouri Soybeans

Michigan
The winter in Michigan has been very unusual with limited winter weather, including little soil freezing. Wet field conditions last fall left many fields with harvest ruts and/or tillage not completed. Sporadic opportunities throughout the winter offered chances for primary tillage to be completed. As we approach spring, some secondary tillage has also begun to prepare seedbeds for planting.

Many questions remain about soil conditions at planting as the normal freeze and thaw events have been given much credit for creating beneficial planting conditions. Soil moisture is adequate in most places in Michigan. Most areas had excess moisture last fall and have received some snow along with rain throughout the winter.

The challenging commodity prices have created more interest in premium pricing opportunities among farmers. Hopefully, this interest turns into additional acres of specialty soybeans.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

Illinois
Spring has broken early across most of Illinois. The warmer temps and lack of rainfall have allowed for quite a bit of field activity the past couple of weeks. The southern part of the state saw a large amount of preplant anhydrous go on as well as dry fertilizer. And some tillage. The central parts of the state saw tillage and continued field maintenance in preparation for the upcoming planting season. There were a few “social media” acres planted in the last couple of weeks, but no real acres to speak of. The winter long downtrend in grain prices has definitely put a damper on the prospect of planting another crop. While we have seemed to find a bottom, at least for now, margins will definitely be tight for 2024. As I have listened to several ag economists over the winter, unless there is some unforeseen major events, we are likely in the current range on prices through the 2027 crop.

Soil moisture levels continues to be top of mind to most growers. We did get some moisture this past weekend across a few areas of the state, and it was good to see a few puddles sitting in some fields over the weekend. We currently have adequate moisture to plant, but it will dry up quickly once the sun gets a little higher in the sky and temperatures increase. After last year’s record crop, at least according to the USDA, the trade thinks we have crops that are “bullet proof.” It will take a drought worse than 2012 for the trade to even think we won’t have another record year.

With a continued mild spring and warming temps, the last week of March will be like ringing the gate bell at the Kentucky Derby. This could be one of those years where 80% of the entire US crop gets planted in 2 weeks. The planting capacity of today’s farms is amazing!

– Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l

 

IP Crop Network, Mid-Winter Report

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This 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 to this mid-winter report.

Minnesota

Minnesota is experiencing winter weather! December was extremely warm. It appears a remarkable amount of field work was completed in December. It was so warm; I almost had on a short sleeve New Year’s Eve. Then our typical winter weather hit with a vengeance. Sub-0oF weather, near gale force winds and powdery snow became the norm. Snow cover across the state varies from bare ground to a foot deep. There appears to be more snow cover as you head west and north.

Soil moisture, or lack thereof, is of concern. The Jan. 9 Minnesota Drought monitor reports 15% of the state is not in drought status, 45% is rated abnormally dry and about 40% is in D1-D3 drought status. Prior to the last storm, 2-inch depth soil temperatures in southern Minnesota were hovering around 32oF. Consequently, what little moisture that fell in December infiltrated rapidly into the soil rather than running off into surface waters.

Discussions at the December crop meetings centered around the warm winter and the potential impact on pest pressure at planting. Concerns about reduced mortality of a variety of overwintering pests, and the subsequent need for chemical seed treatments, were frequently expressed. These concerns seemed to be reduced with the arctic weather of early January.

Concerns about soil water at planting seem to be increasing. Two dry years in a row has depleted deep (2 feet) soil water. Surface (top 6 inches) soil moisture levels vary across the state due to variable amounts of precipitation that fell near harvest. Current snow levels are helpful but would be insufficient to “make a crop.”  Concerns on the effectiveness of applying pre-emergent herbicides in dry soils were also expressed. These dry conditions are worrisome; however, it is a long time until April. Most of the farmers I talked with of late are planning on maintaining their current crop plan for 2024. These planting plans may, or may not, change. It will all depend on the weather around planting time (April through May).

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

 

Wisconsin

It’s too early to say anything.

— Shawn Conley, State Extension Soybean and Small Grain Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

Michigan
Thoughts about the 2024 growing season bring to mind the end of 2023. Wet conditions during harvest of many crops have left fields with compaction and tracks from combines, grain carts and trucks. In some cases, these tracks remain in the field because wet conditions persisted very late with lack of freezing temperatures to firm the surface to allow traffic and tillage. December temperatures were warmer than normal with little soil freezing. The first cold temperatures in January have come after significant snowfall. So, still not frozen soil. Forecasts for temperatures in the remaining winter season show warmer than normal conditions.

Optimism is the most common outlook among growers but are tempered by the expectation that commodity prices may be lower than the recent past.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

 

Illinois

Recent rain events have added much needed moisture to the soil profile, with most areas of the state now seeing tiles run again for the first time in nearly a year. Recent heavy rains in the southern half of Illinois have refilled most surface ponds and lakes and even a few of the smaller creeks and rivers have reached flood stage. Planning for the 2024 crop is in full swing with most growers looking to stay pretty close to acres on both corn and beans. Input prices have softened some with prepay fertilizer prices on NH3 in the $750/ton range compared to $1,200/ton a year ago. The steady decline in grain prices is probably the most troubling factor in the countryside right now. The University of Illinois released their 2024 crop budgets projections, and are negative across the entire state for corn and beans.

There was a significant amount of residual income from the 2022 crop that growers tapped into to make 2023 feel okay, however, those dollars are gone. As we progress through the late winter into spring, crop insurance prices will be set in March. Without a significant rally in prices, revenue guarantees will be well below production costs.

– Scott A. Eversgerd, Field Agronomist – Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’l