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

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-0^oF 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 32^oF. 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

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
Crops in Illinois are coming out fast. There are a few folks finishing up with both corn and beans, but overall, around 65% of the beans and around 60% of the corn is harvested. Yields are all over the board with the general consensus being that yields are better than expected. There is significant rain in the forecast for the end of this week, but we have had one heck of a run on harvest weather.

In the next two weeks, most growers will be finished up with harvest and readily planning, working ground and applying fall fertilizers and chemicals. In the south, the winter wheat planting is well underway with around 50% of the acres planted.

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

Michigan
Soybean harvest has begun but is proceeding at a slow to moderate pace. Slow crop maturity has had the biggest effect to this point, but wet field conditions are now extending the delay. Dry down between R6 and R8 seems to be slower than normal. A few unofficial reports are showing average yields. Hopefully, the best yielding fields are yet to be harvested.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

Minnesota
Minnesota is dry! Rain will be needed this fall to ease drought stress. According to the Oct. 5 drought monitor report, none of Minnesota is rated D4 (exceptional drought). Approximately 94% of the state is rated abnormally dry to extreme drought (D0-D3). Scattered areas across the state (7.6%) are rated severe drought (D3)

Due to the dry conditions, crop harvest is well underway in Minnesota. Small grains harvest is all but complete, with growers reporting better-than-expected yields. Quality is decent.

Minnesota edible bean harvest is almost complete with more than 90% in the bins. Corn grain harvest pace is ahead of the five-year average. Farmer reports for corn yields vary considerably; August thunderstorms, or lack thereof, were quite impactful.

Soybean harvest is in full swing. Excessive weed escape, soybean green stems and morning dews have impacted harvest speeds. Farmer yield reports vary from “pretty bad” to “much better than expected!”

Field work continues. Tillage happens when resources (drivers and tractors) are available, mostly until the morning dew evaporates. Scattered showers are softening some ground. Soil temperatures remain above 50^o F, limiting fall N fertilizer applications. However, P and K fertilizer is being applied. There is a great concern expressed concerning soil moisture availability in the spring.

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

North Dakota
The harvest is progressing slowly in North Dakota. According to last week’s NASS report, about 23% of soybeans were harvested by Oct. 2. We had a few days of heavy rains last week, so the harvest did not progress as quickly as anticipated. We had about a week’s delay in harvesting.

The adverse weather also delayed harvest for crops such as corn, canola sunflower and others. Only 8% of corn acres were harvested by Oct. 2. About 22 % of canola and the majority of sunflowers had yet to be harvested. Winter wheat planting was underway, with about 65% were planted by Oct. 2.

The weather is promising this week. I anticipate that farmers can make good harvest progress. There are no new yield estimates, but the last USDA report estimated about 33 bu/acres of soybeans in North Dakota, which is slightly lower relative to 35 bu/acre yield in 2022.

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

Missouri
Intermittent rains and cooler weather are the major stories for Missouri as we roll deeper into harvest. We have seen much cooler weather the past 10 days, and it has been great to not make it past mid-80s, which is a welcomed relief and giving the chill of fall. This past week, we had lows in the lower 40s and even some upper 30s in northern Missouri, so we should see the later-planted crops beginning the turn for harvest.

Hearing from our Missouri Soybeans field services coordinator, Dylan Anderson, and Baylee Asbury, Missouri Soybeans Director of Education and Outreach, who are both on the road this week visiting producers, the southeastern Missouri farmers are finished with soybeans or will finish with soybeans this next week and move straight to picking cotton. Some areas of the state have decreased moisture, so farmers switched out of corn to beans to reduce shattering loss. Overall, the perspectives on yield weren’t great early in the season, but the farmers are saying the yields are way better in beans. There are some seeing soybean yields in the range of 60 to 80 bu/ac for the good crop areas.

Per the USDA weekly report for Oct. 10, corn is 96% ready for harvest with 56% of the overall crop harvested, and 30% of the crop is rated as “good.”

Missouri soybean harvest is progressing with 97% of the crop dropping leaves and 27% of the crop harvested. The soybean crop has 38% rated as “good.” Missouri cotton has 92% open bolls and 23% of the crop harvested with 48% of the cotton crop rated as “good.” Southeast Missouri rice harvest is 79% completed. Missouri winter wheat planting is 14% completed with 2% of the winter wheat emerged. Our pasture and range land conditions are very dry, so the upcoming rains predicted across the state are needed/wanted.

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

Wisconsin

According to USDA-NASS, Wisconsin had 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending Oct. 8. Corn finished the week with 67% of the crop matured and 9% harvested for grain. Corn condition was rated at 51% good to excellent, up 1% from last week. Corn harvest is slightly ahead of last year.

Soybeans dropping leaves were at 86%, which is 1% behind the five-year average and 4% behind the previous year. Soybean condition was 49% good to excellent, unchanged from last week. Soybean harvest was 27% complete, which is on par. This week, much more progress is anticipated, but rain is expected to slow down the harvest towards the end of the week.

Winter wheat planting progress is currently at 62%, with 38% of the winter wheat having already emerged.

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

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

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

The dry weather is definitely the topic of discussion across most of Illinois. There was some rain this past weekend across the southern third of the state but not enough to end the moderate drought we are in. The crop is 100% planted with the exception of the double-crop beans that will be planted after the wheat crop is harvested. Wheat harvest will begin this week in the southern tip of the state and progress north after that.

The corn and bean crop both have held up well during the recent dry period, saved by cool nighttime temps and the crop being in the early vegetative stages. Some of the earliest planted beans should make the reproductive stages by the June 21 “magic date.” With the weather pattern now seemingly shifting to a more normal pattern of equal chances of rain, the crop in Illinois has a LOT of potential … just a matter of water.

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

Michigan

The soybeans in Michigan were mostly planted in the second half of May without interruption by rainfall. The offset to the positive experience of an efficient planting season is that soils became very dry causing some germination and emergence issues. Some fields were planted down to 3 inches to find moisture. Emergence has been better than expected in some cases where young roots found moisture and continued to follow it downward as topsoil dried further. Lack of rainfall has also caused weed-control issues from pre-emerge herbicides not being activated or incorporated by rainfall.

The first rainfall in nearly a month fell on June 11 across much of the state. While appreciated, it was less than hoped for with most areas receiving 2/10 to 6/10 inches of rain. The past week has shown crop stress on most crops from dry conditions. Top growth is limited and variability of growth in fields with varying soil texture is being observed. Crop status ratings by USDA have the Michigan crop at 30% good to excellent and 70% very poor to fair. Topsoil moisture is rated as 91% short to very short.

While the Michigan conditions are concerning to most growers, knowing the drought status of other soybean growing areas helps us to be thankful for what we have and optimistic about the future.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

Minnesota

Planting season has been challenging this year, but it is largely completed in Minnesota. Some acres were planted in April, but the delayed thaw in northwest and the late-April/early to mid-May rains tightened the planting window. Some farmers have chosen to plant soybeans and other crops due to the extremely limited small grain planting window. Considerable replant of drown-out spots has occurred, but there have been few reports of filing of prevent plant claims. Crop emergence has been a bit variable.

According to the June 12 June USDA-NASS Crop Progress report and the Drought Monitor report, much of Minnesota is dry. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 41% very short-short, 54% adequate, and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 35% very short/short, 61% adequate, and 4% surplus. Drought-impacted acreage (D0-D4) has increased from 27% on May 16 to 72% on June. 8 Abnormally dry soil is a problem in most of the state.

Pre-emerge herbicide application has been difficult. In some cases, farmers had to choose between planting or applying herbicide. Due to dry conditions, herbicide efficacy is a concern, but it appears to be largely effective. Over-the-top herbicide applications (like planting) are in full swing. Excessive wind speeds and heat have limited some application efforts. Crop scouting has started, 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 be critical for crop success.

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

Missouri

The USDA crop update for June 12 has Missouri corn at 97% emerged with 45% of the crop rated as good. The soybean crop is 93% planted with 86% of that emerged, and the overall soybean crop is 42% good. Our cotton crop is thriving in the dry weather we’ve seen across the state with 97% of the cotton planted and 22% squaring. Overall, producers are saying that 64% of the crop is good. The rice crop is 99% planted and is doing marginally for its rating (46% rated as good). The winter wheat crop is being harvested with an estimated 20% cut and 45% of the crop is rated as good.

It wasn’t until this past weekend that most of Missouri saw rain. We had hit a significant dry spell here, and there are areas that are creeping into “severely” deficient moisture concentration for the soil. With some passing showers this past weekend, a bit of relief was seen, but across the entire state, we are needing more rain.

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

North Dakota

Planting season continues in North Dakota. The seeding conditions are fair to good depending on the soybean growing regions in the state. According to the NASS report, topsoil and subsoil moisture supplies are rated adequate in most areas.

The northeast region continues to remain dry in many areas with soil moisture in the top 2-4 inches ranging between 8-15%. Scattered showers recently were variable within the region.

Northwest North Dakota received rain showers and thunderstorms last week. As per NDAWN weather data, total rainfall in the early part of the month ranged from 0.02 to 2.54 inches. Rain events were scattered, and the majority were more localized to the central western part of the state.

South Central and Southeast North Dakota received 1.5 inches to 4.8 inches of rain last week. Though generally adequate soil moisture is present in the region, topsoil moisture is marginal in areas among several eastern and southern counties.

According to the June 12 NASS report, we had 94% of soybeans planted, well ahead of 70% last year and 87% for the five-year average. Spring wheat, corn, oats, and barley planting were all over 95%. Canola planted was 96% while sugar beat planning was at 99%. Dry edible peas planting was 97% while sunflowers planting was 75%.

With the warm weather and warm soil, plants are emerging quickly after seeding. More than 60% of soybeans have emerged so far in the state. As seeding progresses, weeds are emerging and growing rapidly. As planting concludes, and the focus will switch to postemergence herbicide applications.

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

Wisconsin

Wisconsin farmers have experienced an increase in fieldwork activities because of prevailing warm and dry conditions. According to the latest report from USDA-NASS, farmers had a total of 6.5 suitable days for fieldwork during the week ending June 11. The report indicates that soybean planting progress in Wisconsin is currently at 98%, with 83% of the soybean crop having already emerged. Remarkably, soybean planting is running ahead of the 2018-2022 average by 15%. The overall condition of soybean crops in the state is reported as 62% good to excellent.

Corn planting in Wisconsin has reached 97% completion, and 89% of the corn has emerged. Corn planting progress is currently 10% ahead of the 5-year average. However, there has been a 7% decrease in the overall good to excellent condition of corn, which now stands at 62%, compared to the previous week’s assessment. One of the main reasons for corn condition decline can be attributed to the very dry soil conditions prevailing in some areas of the state.

Although the warm and dry weather has facilitated the accelerated planting of both soybeans and corn, the lack of humidity has begun to impact the development of crops. As a result, some farmers have resorted to irrigating their fields to mitigate the effects of dry soil. The prevailing weather has provided favorable conditions for farmers to make significant progress in their planting activities. However, the dry soil situation and its impact on crop development remain a concern. Continued monitoring of the weather and irrigation efforts will be crucial for farmers as they strive to maintain crop health and productivity.

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

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

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