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

Most of Illinois has received adequate rainfall over the winter with soil profiles pretty well full of moisture. I finally saw puddles forming in fields again around mid-January. There are a few drier pockets to the north and central Illinois, but overall, it’s in pretty good shape.

Growers are paying close attention to the December futures prices as crop insurance prices are being set here in February. The volatility factor that the RMA uses to set premium costs has been relatively low ,and it looks like premiums could be down $3-6/acre depending on the scenario and coverage chosen.

Fertilizer prices continue on a downward trend. This is great news except for the guys that prepaid last fall at higher prices.

The Illinois winter wheat crop is looking good and has improved over the winter. Although planted into very dry conditions which led to delayed emergence, the resiliency of this crop is amazing. The moderate winter temps have allowed for growth through most of the winter and the crop has caught up and is pretty close to average from a growth stage perspective for this time of year. A lot of growers took advantage of the frozen ground over the last two weeks and have made the initial nitrogen applications with more to come in late March/April.

Planting intentions for the 2023 planting season seem to be favoring corn on a few mores acres than last year. The true test will be when we can head to the field. The earlier the spring, the more corn acres.

— Scott Eversgerd, Field Agronomist, Southern Illinois, Pioneer Hi-Bred International

Minnesota
Minnesota is snow covered and dry! There has been some snow melt, but the blanket of snow persists. According to the Feb. 9 drought monitor report, about 60% of the state is rated abnormally dry to severe drought (D0-D2). Of more concern, about 37% of the state is rated moderate to severe drought (D1-D2). For early January to early February, mid to southern Minnesota soil temperatures, at the 4-inch depth, have been hovering between 28 and 32 degrees. If the snow melt becomes mainly surface runoff, planting 2023 could prove to be interesting. A lot depends on spring thaw, the runoff/infiltration ratio, and future weather events.

Farmers are working with their advisers, finalizing plans for planting 2023, arranging input delivery, etc. The farmers I have talked with are not planning to significantly change their crop rotation. However, this decision is not set in stone. Much depends on spring weather and the replant decisions that may, or may not, be required of them.

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

Missouri
Like most of the Midwest, Missouri has been subject to an unseasonably warm and dry winter thus far. More than 50% of the state is categorized as abnormally dry or in a moderate drought. Extension specialists across the state are preparing farmers that a continuation of the warm trend could result in increased disease and insect pressure for the upcoming growing season. Results of the 2022 harvest showed a slight decline in average soybean and corn yields across the state likely due to scattered drought pockets during the growing season. We aren’t projecting any significant changes in planting acreage for 2023.

Some fertilizer prices are beginning to mellow, and supply has been reported to be sufficient. Low natural gas prices will hopefully continue to bring fertilizer prices down to a more manageable price point. It will be important that the river systems are replenished with rain to allow for transport going into the spring.

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

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
What a fall!

For most of Illinois, the harvest weather has been absolutely fantastic. Until the rain on Oct. 25, many growers had been running for 25-30 straight days with no weather breaks in between.

The crop overall can be summed up in one phrase: “Corn was better than expected; beans were a bit disappointing.”

The early beans – both maturity and planting date – were better than the later beans due to the dry August. Early, full-season beans did have some yields of 70 or more with a lot of them catching 60-65. The later-planted and double-crop beans really took a hit from the dry weather, as fields that had potential yield of 60-plus ended in the 35-45 range, mostly due to extremely small seed size and some pod abortion in the driest areas. A lot of beans were cut at moistures well below 10%, which could be an issue for seed quality as Illinois has a significant footprint of seed production from all of the major seed companies. Time will tell, as the first germ/quality tests are just now being run.

Early planting intentions for 2023 look pretty flat compared to 2022. Most growers are talking similar corn/soy splits as to what they planted this year – at least for now.

As of Tuesday, Nov. 8 harvest was around 90% complete across the state with many growers turning their attention to fall tillage, land maintenance and fall fertilizer applications. Fertilizer prices have remained flat to spring prices with no downturn even being mentioned. The low water levels on the Mississippi River at St. Louis are causing some anxiety around grain shipments as we head into the end of the year and the big January-February grain push. Hopefully some significant moisture will fall soon, and barges will begin loading at 100%.

Michigan
Harvest of the 2022 Michigan soybean crop is getting close to finished in early November. NASS had estimated harvest at 77% complete as of Oct. 31. A few more good harvest days in November have allowed that number to reach into the 85-90% range as of Nov. 8. There have been a few widespread delays due to rainfall this year, but harvest conditions have generally been favorable. Grain moisture and quality have been good to excellent, while field conditions have allowed equipment traffic without significant compaction or ruts.

The dry conditions in many areas of the state have caused yield loss, especially on soils which have reduced water holding capacity. Other growers have commented on the resiliency of soybeans to perform well even with limited rainfall.

While record high yields are not making many conversations, a mention of yields being higher than expected is common this fall.

Minnesota
Minnesota is dry, but predicted rain is hoped to ease drought concerns. If fall rains do not restore soil moisture status, 2023 planting will prove to be interesting. According to the drought monitor, about 52% of the state is rated moderate to extreme drought (D1-D3). In the Nov. 7 USDA Crop Progress report, topsoil moisture supplies were rated 63% short to very short, 37% adequate and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 58% short to very short, 42% adequate and 0% surplus.

Crop harvest is all but complete in Minnesota. Corn silage, small grains, edible beans and soybeans have been largely harvested. Sunflower and sugar beet harvests are near completion. Corn grain harvest is proceeding rapidly with 92% harvested by Nov. 6. Grain moisture has been sufficiently low that grain drying is limited in scope. Early on, soybean harvest was slowed due to excessive green stems and morning dews reducing harvest speeds.  Some farmers are concerned about future crop volunteer issues in 2023 due to excessive harvest escapes. Farmer yield reports vary from “drought impacted” to “well above average.”

Field work, soil sampling, tillage, manure and fertilizer applications, etc., continue. Soil temperatures have been excessively high, limiting fall N fertilizer applications. With the recent drop in soil temps (below 50^oF), nitrogen, as well as P and K, fertilizers are going down. There is a great concern expressed as to input availability in the spring and input price uncertainty remains a concern.

Missouri
Over the past month, we have seen a push by our Missouri producers to harvest. Some were praying for a rain to allow for a bit of a slowdown. During the end of October, we did have some moisture come to us, and we would hope for more to replenish the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. As we look at the grain movements of 2022/23, we can hope for more rain to raise our river basins and give our crops a way south to the mouth of the Mississippi.

Currently, corn harvest is 90% completed. The Missouri soybean crop removed from the field is 86%. Our cotton crop is 92% picked. The winter wheat crop is 83% planted, and winter wheat represented as “good” is 53% ,with 57% emerged.

North Dakota
The soybean harvest is completed in North Dakota. According to the NASS report, the soybean harvest was 99% completed for the week ending Oct. 30. That is ahead of 94% last year and 82% for the five-year average. Yields are about average, maybe above average in the Red River Valley. Crops are coming off in good quality and moisture.

Drought conditions continue in North Dakota because we have not had rain since August or September in many areas. The majority of North Dakota is under moderate to severe drought, according to USDA’s drought monitoring map. We may receive some precipitation this week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Illinois

The week of May 9 probably will set a record for the amount of crop that can be planted in a 7- to 10-day period. In 2019, Illinois planted 1 million of acres of corn a day. I think that will be blown away this year. Planters are bigger, and there are more of them. Most growers now have a bean planter and corn planter, and quite a bit of pre-work is done. Look for 1.5-1.75 million acres a day to be planted by the end of the week.

Wheat is coming on strong with flowering now hitting the wheat belt of Illinois. Should be a good crop, but it will not beat last year.

Michigan

The 2022 growing season has started with some green up of the winter wheat crop. Cool temperatures, along with consistent rainfall, has not allowed for field work in most places. At this date, this is not a significant issue for Michigan soybeans, but the sugar beet and wheat growers would like to be getting a stronger start to field operations.

The USDA planting intentions report indicated that Michigan growers plan to plant about 9% more soybeans in 2022 than in 2021. Expected corn acres are about the same as the previous year. So additional soybean acres will come from winter wheat that was not able to be planted last fall and some minor crops.

Contracts for specialty soybeans, including non-GMO and food-grade soybeans, are reduced compared to a year ago. Some reasons that I have heard for this change include planning for weed control challenges, such as herbicide resistant weeds and potential profit of commodity soybeans. It is likely that attractive contracts for dry edible beans have also taken some acres away from specialty soybeans.

Optimism for the 2022 season remains high as commodity markets continue to offer profit opportunities.

Missouri

Cool, wet weather across Missouri in April kept planters in the shed, and the state is well behind the five-year average for corn and soybean planting. Wet springs bring concern for diseases in wheat, especially fusarium head blight (scab) if the wet weather continues through flowering. However, warmer, drier weather in early May will coincide with much of the wheat flowering and should deter the development of fusarium head blight.

As of May 1, only 27% of corn in Missouri was planted with only 3% of that emerged. Soybean planting is about 5% due to all the wet weather we have had, and Missouri cotton producers are less than 10% planted. Rice planting is also very behind. In 2021, rice planted was 62%, but for May 1, 2022, there is only 5% of rice acres planted with 1% of that emerged.

We are looking forward to a drier beginning to May 2022, so we can get our crops in the ground.

Minnesota

The recent rains have come as a mixed blessing. Crop planting has been extremely limited in Minnesota. Rains over frost laden soil have resulted in widespread flooding in the northwest. However, according to the drought monitor, less than 7% of the state is rated as in any form of reportable drought status (D0-D1). Soil temperature (4-inch deep) has stubbornly remained below 50^oF across most of the state. The predicted next few days of sunshine will rapidly change that.

To date, farmers report field work has been minimal. However, the lull has given growers ample time to ready their equipment. As soil conditions become appropriate, field work, pre-plant activities (fertilizer, some herbicides, etc.), planting and planting will be occurring across the landscape near simultaneously. The surplus moisture over cold, semi-frozen soil will result in some requests for prevent plant status being filed on select fields (especially in the northwest). Things will be touch and go for a while, with many long days (and short nights) occurring, as the later-than-normal spring will narrow the planting window. But the job will get done; it’s the Minnesota way!

North Dakota

Spring planting is delayed in North Dakota due to cold temperatures and excessive moisture. The fields across the state are too cold and wet to plant; some farmers in the northeastern part of the state do not have access to fields because of the closed or washed-out roads. Planting also is slow in drier areas because of undesirable field conditions such as cold soil temperatures.

According to USDA Crop Progress and Conditions report, there were only 2.3 days suitable for field work until the week ending May 8. This report also shows that 80% of North Dakota’s topsoil moisture and 71% of subsoil moisture were rated adequate or surplus for the week ending May 8. Soil temperatures across North Dakota for the week of April 24-30 averaged in the mid-to-high 30s to low 40s, based on data from the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network.

Spring wheat planting was 8% completed until the week ending May 8, which is 63% behind the last year and 37% behind the five-year average. Planting of corn, canola, sugar beets, oats, barley and dry edible beans ranged from 1% to 6%, well behind the last year and five-year average.

Back-to-back blizzards in April and recent precipitation provided adequate (or excess) moisture in North Dakota. Even western North Dakota received adequate moisture to improve the drought from last year. Farmers are impatiently waiting for weather and soil conditions to improve to complete spring planting.