IP Crop Network, October Report

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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. 

Illinois
Harvest is progressing at a steady pace across the state with 40-50% completion on both corn and beans. Rain across much of the state and a wet forecast for the end of the week likely will keep the numbers pretty steady. Many local elevators in the south are already full of grain and have shut off open storage and moved to cash-only or priced-later, allowing the elevator to move the grain. Storage could become a real issue as harvest progresses.

Soybean yields across the state have been good to excellent. Central and northern Illinois report yields as expected to slightly better, while the south is seeing well-above-average yields. A lot of 70-80 bu field averages are being reported south of I-70 with strips in fields being checked at 90-100 bu.

Corn yields are running in line with beans for the most part. Central and northern Illinois are reporting average to above-average yields, while the south is seeing well-above-average yields. A few fields of more than 300 bu averages are being talked about, with a lot of growers settling in at 240-260 on fields where, historically, 180-190 would be considered excellent. The severe storms that passed through the state on Monday produced significant winds, possibly causing some corn lodging. The light of the day on Tuesday will tell the tale about how the unharvested fields fared.

Wheat planting has progressed at a steady pace with the northern areas being almost complete and the southern areas about 50-60% complete. Late-week rains will determine in how much wheat gets planted in the south. Although many growers will push planting into early November, saturated fields in the middle of October don’t dry out very fast, and acres will get curtailed very quickly if this ends up being significant rain event.

One of the biggest talking points in the countryside is availability of fertilizer and chemicals for the 2022 crop, let alone the significant price increase that these inputs have taken. A lot of rumors are circulating around chemicals, specifically glyphosate and glufosinate, which retailers are being told they will get 70-80% of what they sold in 2021. This could get very interesting!

North Dakota
Soybean harvest is about 70% complete in North Dakota. Yields are all over the board. Some fields were abandoned or harvested for hay in western North Dakota. Yields were below average throughout most of the state but better than expected with the drought conditions.

Areas of North Dakota received some late-season rains, and warm weather caused some of the soybeans to start regrowing, leading to some green bean issues. Kochia and waterhemp were very difficult to control in the hot, dry weather, making harvesting difficult.

Corn harvest is about 30% complete with below-average yields.

A lot of fall tillage has been completed, and it is good to see how many producers have incorporated cover crops into their production practices.

Michigan
Harvest of the 2021 Michigan soybean crop is off to a good start with about 30% harvested. Both yield and quality of the early harvest is reported as good. Yield reports range from problem fields in the 20s to excellent fields in the 70s. Several days of significant rainfall in the first week of October has stalled harvest activity and has allowed almost all fields to reach harvestable maturity. It is now just a matter of field conditions to get the rest of this crop through a combine and into storage. 

Bean moisture content has been lower than preferred with many growers harvesting 10-11% moisture in the first few days of October. Early reports of protein and oil content have been favorable. Seed size in some areas is smaller than expected.

Infections of tar spot in corn throughout the state has pulled some growers away from soybean harvest to harvest corn fields with poor stalk strength or those that have already lodged.

Minnesota
Minnesota is still dry, but recent rains continue to ease drought stress. According to the drought monitor, none of the state is rated D4 (exceptional drought). The northern third of the state is rated severe to extreme drought (D2-D3). Areas in the southern third of the state are rated no drought to Moderate drought (none, D0 or D1) 

Crop harvest is well underway in Minnesota. Corn silage and small grains have been harvested. Small grain growers report reduced yields; however, quality is decent. Minnesota dry bean harvest is almost complete with more than 90% in the bins. Soybean harvest in the northern third is near completion with relatively low yields reported. Soybean harvest in the southern third of the state is in full swing, however excessive green stems and morning dews have impacted harvest speeds. Farmer yield reports in this region vary from “definitely drought impacted” to “best year ever!” 

Field work continues. Tillage happens when resources (drivers and tractors) are available, mostly as the morning dew evaporates. Soil temperatures remain above 50°F, limiting fall N fertilizer applications. However, P and K fertilizer is going down. There is a great concern expressed as to input availability in the spring and input price uncertainty.  

Missouri
The hottest August occurred this year. We had an average state temperature of 77.5°F (1.5°F above average). Out of the June-July-August period for 2021, August was the hottest month, and August was the fourth warmer-than-average month seen this calendar year. We were also dealt a drier month with a statewide average of 3.02 inches of rain (0.69 inches below the long-term average). By the end of August there were indications of abnormally dry conditions impacting parts of central, southwestern, and southeastern Missouri.  

An estimated 52% of the corn harvest was completed by the October 4 USDA report. Soybean acres showed about two-thirds dropping their leaves, and only 11% of the crop in the state had been harvested. Fifty-five percent of the soybean crop for the state was rated as “good.” Missouri’s cotton crop is behind the previous two years average for bolls opened with only 80% opened, which translates to 2% of the state’s crop being harvested on October 3.  

Our rice harvest is faring better than 2020. We have about 54% of the rice crop harvested. As we roll into fall, winter wheat planting has begun in Missouri, with an estimated 6% of the crop planted.

IP Crop Network, September Report

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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.   

Illinois
Harvest is underway in all parts of the state. Depending on the region, yields range from well-above expectations to well-below expectations. In general, the central part of the state is seeing average to just-above-average corn yields. As you move north, the yields fall off a bit, and as you move south, it likely will be the best crop many growers have ever harvested. Central yields in the 220-240 range, which is kind of what is expected, while early yields in the south are seeing 220-270, on soils with a yield history under 200. 

The corn crop is drying extremely fast, and beans are ripening at an accelerated pace as well. As of today, not all growers are running, but by this weekend and headed into next week, things will likely break wide open. There are some slight chances of rain that could slow things a bit, but harvest pace will pick up quickly in the next 7-10 days. 

Early bean yields are very good, right in the range of expectations. There has been a very good bean crop in many parts of the state for the last several years, so everyone knew continuing the climb was going to be tough. There are some double crop beans in the southern part of the state that likely will be in the 60-bushel range, which is phenomenal. That coupled with the 100-bushel wheat crop, was a very profitable acre. 

Wheat acres are poised to see another increase as well. The past crop was the best most growers ever raised. That, coupled with the opportunity to sell June 2022 wheat for $7, and acres are going to go up.  

Michigan
The Michigan soybean crop is sprinting to the finish line as crop maturity ranges from R6 to R8. Most fields are fully yellow with significant leaf drop. A few days of good drying weather likely will result in the harvest of the most-advanced fields, while most fields likely will be ready to harvest by Oct. 1. 

Weather conditions throughout the past month have been variable across the state. In general, the crop condition and yield outlook have improved compared to one month ago. USDA, in its most recent report, is estimating the Michigan average yield to be at 50 bushels per acre. This is a two-bushel increase over the last estimate. In comparison to the potential that this crop has shown in earlier growth stages, some areas experienced dryness during pod fill, which reduced seed size and caused some seed abortion within pods. The youngest pods on the tops of plants that developed with rainfall in late flowering stages were not able to live up to their full potential as dryness followed as those pods tried to fill. 

If weather in the next month allows an earlier-than-normal harvest, growers should have adequate time to conduct soil sampling, tillage, nutrient and lime applications.        

Minnesota
Minnesota is still dry, but recent rains have eased drought stress a bit. The Sept. 7 USDA-NASS Crop Progress Report noted topsoil moisture supplies were rated 15% very short, 26% short, 54% adequate and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 22% very short, 37% short, 40% adequate and 1% surplus.” 

Harvest is underway in Minnesota. The small grains have been harvested. Small grain growers are reporting reduced yields, however, quality is good. Minnesota dry beans dropping leaves is over 90%. In the Sept. 7 report, dry bean harvest was 10% complete. Soybean coloring (changes in leaf color as the plant approaches maturity) exceeded 75%, dropping leaves exceeded 35%. Soybean response (derived estimated seed size and seed number per acre at harvest) from the recent rains have increased USDA-NASS yield estimate from 43 bushels per acre in August to 47 bushels per acre. 

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 pre- and post-harvest weed control options.  

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

Missouri
The first week of August featured below-average temperatures, but this did not last long, as August proved too hot with several days in the upper 90s and lows in the upper 60s and 70s. Most locations across the state did not report triple-digit heat, and August was the hottest month for the June-July-August period. The summer patterns continued with Summer 2021 proving to above average, and there were above-average dew points in Missouri. August also proved to be drier than average, which made August 2021 the second consecutive driest August on paper. There were pockets of precipitation throughout the state, but the vast majority of areas did not reach their average rainfall totals for August.  

Many areas of the state are awaiting harvest, but corn harvest has begun in southeast and southwest Missouri. For corn, the state is 95% at dent with only 50% of the crop mature, less than 10% harvested at this time.  

The early maturing soybean varieties are beginning to turn. Pod set is almost complete for the state with 94% completed, and an estimated 30% of the crop turning color, which translates to only 10% dropping leaves.  

An estimated 17% of our rice crop is harvested, and in the cotton crop there is about 28% of the bolls that have opened.

North Dakota

With the exceptionally warm and dry conditions of the 2021 growing season, corn is drying down quickly across most of the state. In areas where the drought was extreme or exceptional, much of the corn that failed to tassel or produce an ear was chopped or baled a month or more ago in many cases. Early maturing varieties have already reached black layer in many areas, but later hybrids may still have a few days or weeks left to go.

Soybean harvest for most of the state will begin in about a week. Some early season varieties have been combined and, as expected, the yields are quite variable, from 10 to 45 bushels. The recent rains will help the longer-season soybeans and add some size to the seed, but for most the rains came too late.

Fall work is in full swing and fall weed control is a top priority. With the early harvest of small grains and the recent rains, weeds are emerging. Farmers are being encouraged to be vigilant and control these late-emerging weeds as kochia and waterhemp are capable of producing viable seed, even at this late date.

IP Crop Network, August Report

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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.  

Illinois

The crop across Illinois overall would have to be considered very good. There are some pockets of less-than-average, but overall, it will be an outstanding crop across the state.

A good indication of the crop condition is evident in the amount of corn acres that had a fungicide applied. Yes, the rise in commodity prices have helped justify that decision, but growers will not spend money on a bad crop. I would have to say this is by far the most acres I have ever seen get a fungicide in Illinois. One little, small-town/rural airport had 13 planes flying out of it at one time, and the waiting list at was 12-14 days. The corn that got planted in the first week of April has progressed quickly and will likely be at physiological maturity, black layer, in another 10-14 days.

The soybean crop looks to have equally good potential at this point, as well. A large portion of these acres had a fungicide applied as well. It’s a little tougher to tell the exact acres, as most of this is done with ground-application equipment, not aerial. It will be important to continue to receive timely rains in August to fill the pods that are set, but most fields have set a pretty significant pod load. A few fields are starting to show signs of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Time will tell how bad the infection is and what any potential yield reductions are. The positive side to seeing a little SDS is that typically you don’t find SDS in below-average beans. It takes that heavy pod load drawing on the root system to see the symptomology.

Coming off of the best wheat crop in recent memory, wheat acres likely will be flat at worst case scenario to slightly up. I don’t think Illinois will get back to 1 million acres of wheat, but it could be the second- or third-largest planting if we have a good fall. The price of corn will keep wheat acres at bay, but if something would happen to corn price in the next 60 days, then wheat acres could jump significantly.

Michigan

The soybean crop in Michigan has improved in many areas over the past month. While individual rainfall events have not been consistent or widespread, almost all soybean areas of the state have received enough to relieve crop stress from earlier dryness. Although plant size and appearance are not always accurate yield predictors, they does point to good potential yields. Pod set is well-established and will offer a strong number of beans per plant as long as future crop stress does not cause abortion of pods or beans within pods. Many fields are showing new growth and new blossoms on the top of the plant, which, hopefully, will result in some extra bushels per acre.

Soybean diseases of Phytophthora, Sudden Death Syndrome and White Mold will be reducing yields in some fields. SDS and White Mold are especially frustrating as the symptoms are showing up now and normally in high-yield environments.

This current critical pod-filling stage leaves room for effects on yield – both positive and negative. But most growers are optimistic as they prepare for harvest of the 2021 crop.

Minnesota

Minnesota is dry! According to the drought monitor, about 79% of the state is rated severe- to extreme-drought stage. USDA-NASS reports topsoil and subsoil moisture status 81% short to very short, with no sites reporting surplus soil moisture

Crop conditions are greatly decreased. Corn condition was at 36% good to excellent. Soybean condition declined to 34% good to excellent, compared to the previous week’s 36%. Spring wheat condition improved to 12% good to excellent, compared to the previous week’s 9%.

Wheat and small grain harvests are well underway (spring wheat harvested exceeded 32%), with multiple farmers reporting a lower-than-normal yield but higher-than-average crude protein levels. Corn and soybean crops are in the early reproductive stages with corn silking attained 96% and corn at or beyond 28% dough stage. Soybeans blooming reached 96% or greater and pod set reached 69% or greater. Yield estimates are highly variable. Actual corn and soybean yields in 2021 will be greatly dependent on rain fall and soil moisture loss as seed/kernels fill over the next six weeks. However, NOAA is predicting much of Minnesota to have a drier- and warmer-than-normal August and September.

Missouri

Missouri saw unseasonably cooler temperatures in July, with a statewide average temperature of 76.5°F (1.2°F below the long-term average). July was the fourth month in 2021 to have temperatures below the average. During the last week of July, there were several days in which areas of the state climbed into the 90s, but there were no daily accounts of us officially hitting 100°F. Most of our low temperatures were in the 60s with some in the 70s being reported. Most concerning, precipitation for the month was 1.41 inches above average (actual 5.12 inches), so this was the fifth consecutive month of above average precipitation.

It is estimated that 96% of corn is silking (2% below average) with 68% of corn in the state at dough. Running 20% behind the 4-year average, Missouri’s corn crop has only 4% at dent, and overall, 55% of the corn crop is in good condition. The soybean crop is progressing with 78% of the crop blooming and 48% setting pods, which accounts for 55% of the crop being in good condition. For cotton, 100% of the crop is squaring and 90% of the crop is setting bolls, but there are no open bolls currently. Rounding out our major row crop, we find rice at 60% headed with 55% of the crop in good condition. For pasture and range, the crop is in good condition (67%).

Fall army worm presence is showing up in the southeast. We are seeing this in late planted soybean crop and in some hay and forage crop. With pyrethroid tolerance observed with army worms, producers are focusing on modes of action that target larvae.

North Dakota

On Monday, northeastern North Dakota received some good rain amounts. Langdon received close to 4 inches, and other parts of the region received between 1 and almost 3 inches. Of course, high winds and some hail came along with the rain. No reports as to how much crop damage may have occurred.

The rest of North Dakota continues to struggle with drought. We were told that some soybean fields are being cut for hay, as the plants are not setting pods and hay is in such short supply. The soybean crop will be very variable with some average to above-average yields, but most of North Dakota will have below average yields. Throughout most of the state rains are still badly needed and could help soybean yields.

Corn that did not receive timely rains will be cut for silage, but farmers cautioned to test for high nitrates. Overall, the corn yields will be way below average, and some fields will be abandoned.

Spring wheat harvest has progressed quickly for most of North Dakota. Like every crop, the yields are quite variable. The bright side is that some fields south of Fargo had some very good yields and good quality.

IP Crop Network, July report

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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.  

Illinois 

All you have to do is look at a map and see just how far it is from Chicago to Cairo, and with that considerable distance, the weather patterns vary greatly. Beginning around the last week of June, much of the state was getting excessive rainfall and flooding was a real concern across much central Illinois. The southern quarter of the state remained pretty dry, as did the northern tier of counties. This past week has seen the rains a little more widespread with almost all areas getting some rain.  

Most of the Illinois corn crop is now in that critical period: two weeks prior to pollination to two weeks post pollination. This four-week period will have a very significant impact on the final yield of the crop. With the recent rainfall and moderate temperatures, the overall Illinois crop looks to be in pretty good shape. This past week has seen a lot of growers applying fungicides to the crop to protect the yield from the major corn diseases like Gray Leaf Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight. The other disease that is keeping our attention is Southern Rust, and its northern movement out of the southern U.S. As of July 12, the pathogen has moved into Tennessee and a few unverified reports out of western Kentucky. 

Illinois’ wheat crop is mostly harvested by now, and the overall thought is that it was likely the best wheat crop most growers have ever harvested. In southern Illinois, where most of the acres are planted, field/farm averages were often in 90 to over 100 bu/acre. Grain quality was also very good with very little mycotoxin in the grain and exceptional test weights in the low 60s. 

The soybean crop is also advancing quite nicely with most acres having been treated with their final herbicide post applications. As mother nature continues to fight back, every year we have just a little more difficult of a time killing weeds, especially waterhemp and palmer pigweed. All we have to do is watch what is happening in the south to get a clearer picture of where we will be in 2-4 years – and the picture painted there isn’t very pretty. Pigweed species are developing resistance to all of the latest herbicide technologies. It’s going to be very interesting to see how this situation develops over the next five years. 

So far, 2021 so far has been on trend with 2019 and 2020, with a warm, dry April; a cool, wetter May; a hot, dry June; and a moderate-temperature, wet July. If the pattern holds, August and September will be hot and dry. 

Click here for the most-recent USDA NASS crop progress condition report for Illinois. 

Michigan 

The Michigan soybean crop continues to progress through late vegetative and reproductive growth stages with the most-advanced fields in R3 and others soon to begin flowering. Recent rainfall has alleviated much of the drought-like conditions with most of the soybean-growing area of the state now in the USDA categories of abnormally dry and no dryness. The variability of these rainfall events ranged from adequate rains to excessive amounts with ponding in low areas. Some areas with higher rainfall amounts are now dealing with stressed soybeans, which are showing early signs of SDS and Phytophthora, oxygen depleted soils, reduced nitrogen fixation and limited nutrient availability.   

The most-recent NASS report is rating the soybean crop as 64% good to excellent and 6% poor to very poor. This rating is similar to one month ago.       

There is much interest in the timing of crop maturity this season, as corn tasseling is occurring earlier than normal and soybeans are moving through reproductive growth stages. Hopefully crops will extend their reproductive periods instead of reaching full maturity early. For most farmers, there is a general sense of optimism as we get closer to the most critical period of pod fill with good plant health or the possibility to improve soybean health prior to reaching that stage.             

Minnesota 

Minnesota is dry. Approximately 93% of the state is in moderate to severe drought status. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 78% short to very short. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 73% short to very short. As noted, soil moisture reserves are very limited.  

Most of the annual crops are now in the reproductive growth stages, the period of maximum evapotranspiration and sensitivity to drought damage (seed set and seed fill). Small grain crop yields already have been impacted in northwest Minnesota. Early June was a period of excessive (>95F) heat, which also impacted small grain seed set and fill. As soybean and corn are currently in early reproductive stages, timely rains could still provide moisture needed for decent yields. Consequently, yield for these crops is predicted to be highly variable due to summer precipitation patterns (scattered thundershowers across the landscape). 

Disease and insect pressure have been manageable to date with no regional outbreaks reported. Weed control programs have been mostly effective to date. As the residual control for most of the pre-emergent programs have lapsed, the lack of canopy closure over much of the soybeans is worrisome.  The current recommendation is to scout, scout, then scout some more. These and other concerns will make July and August two very long months. 

Missouri 

June brought us above-normal temperatures for the first three weeks, but toward the end of the month, there was a departure to lower temperatures for the state. The conditions for those first three weeks led producers to critical areas of drought, especially in corn due to growth stage. But by the fourth week, we were seeing flooding conditions across many areas of the state.  

Over the last 12 days of the month, we ended up recording the wettest June in decades with some areas reaching 10-plus inches of rain. According to radar estimates during the last week of the month, northwest and central areas of the state saw anywhere from 10 to more than 15 inches, while the southeast portion of the state saw less than 2 inches of rain. This resulted in June being the fifth month in 2021 with above average precipitation.  

For the week ending July 11, the USDA update for Missouri crops is as follows: Corn silking was at 39% and 2% of the crop was at dough. Only 3% of rice was headed, and there was 88% of winter wheat harvested.  

Corn conditions were 53% good, and soybeans were 51% good with 20% blooming and 4% setting pods. Overall cotton was leading the conditions report with 69% being good. Rice was holding steady with 51% of the crop being in good condition. Pastureland was faring well with 66% being good. Soft red winter wheat took a significant hit with the rain at the end of June, and we saw extreme docking at the terminal delivery points due to extremely low test weight and poor quality.  

North Dakota 

North Dakota is in a drought for most of the state. According to the latest NASS report, soybeans are rated 11% very poor, 26% poor, 42% fair, 20% good and 1% excellent. These might be optimistic ratings, especially when the next week we are expected to have temperatures in the 90s. Soybean fields are yellowing in spots, and we expect it is the early signs of Soybean Cyst Nematode or root rot. Even with rain the yields have taken a big hit.  

Small grain has matured quickly, and harvest will begin soon. In some of the harder-hit areas, ranchers have cut the small grain for hay, as there are poor grazing conditions and the hay crop is small or non-existent.  

Corn is showing severe drought stress and is tasseling. Expect pollination rates to be hurt by the continued hot, dry weather.

IP Crop Network, June report

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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 have contributed so far. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with us by emailing David Kee or Shane Frederick. 

Illinois 

The June 7 Crop Progress & Condition Report from USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service has corn at 74% good-excellent (4% over the 5-year average) and 93% emerged (11% over). Soybeans are at 73% good-excellent (flat to the 5-year average), 93% planted (16% over) and 84% emerged (23% over). It’s pretty clear that the corn and soybean crop in Illinois are both off to a very good start. 

Extreme colds temperatures did get into the far reaches of northern Illinois last weekend, but extremely minimal damage was reported. Just to show the craziness of what a difference a week can make, a friend in South Dakota walked frost-damaged crops in 100o F heat! 

Much of the corn acres in Illinois are entering the “grand growth stage,” the stage in which plants have completely switched over to the permanent root system and have found the applied nitrogen with the days are getting warmer. At this stage, the plants can add a new leaf every 2 ½-3 days in the best conditions. The later-planted acres (late April–mid-May) are also growing fast and look really good. Overall stands across most of the planting dates are very good, with a few isolated pockets needing to be replanted. A lot of last-minute herbicide applications are being made before the crop height exceeds the labels. With the current pace of growth, good soil moisture and temps in the 80s, the first half of July will be very important, with many acres heading into pollination. 

For the soybean crop, things had unrolled a little differently. In recent years there has been a push to plant soybeans earlier, and this spring’s weather allowed many growers to do just that. Many of those fields already have been post-sprayed for weeds and are really taking off. The idea is to get the beans to reproductive stages by June 21, the longest day of the year. Based on current conditions and forecasts, that should be achieved on a lot of those early planted acres. As we came through May, the rest of the bean crop got planted into good conditions as well. We have seen a few more replanted acres due to some localized heavy rainfall events, but overall, the crop is in really good shape. Many acres are beginning to nodulate very well, and root growth is expanding rapidly. This is that stage in which beans go from yellow-green in color to a nice dark green in about 7-10 days. 

The wheat crop in southern Illinois is advancing along quite nicely as well. A few days of sunshine this week along with the expected temperatures should have wheat harvest starting in the southern tip of the state around June 20. That maturity line will progress north at the pace of 75-100 miles per week. Spring weather conditions for the wheat crop have been very favorable. It appears that Fusarium Head Scab infections are fairly low, and the last few weeks of cooler temps will allow for a very positive grain-fill period and finish the crop off very nicely. The only real danger for the crop now is a prolonged wet period during harvest. If we get through that OK, expect an above-average wheat crop for Illinois.  

Michigan 

Soybean planting in Michigan is nearly complete. Both the planted area and emergence have been about 30% ahead of our 5-year average throughout the planting season. According to USDA-NASS’s June 7 crop conditions report, 97% of the soybeans are planted and 87% are emerged. Emergence in most cases has been good to excellent. While limited, some stand establishment challenges have included seed corn maggot infestations and dry soil conditions at seed depth. Weed control from pre-emerge herbicides has been variable, mostly affected by rainfall after application.   

Most of the soybean-growing area of Michigan is included in the moderate drought category of USDA. Intermittent rainfall in small amounts has kept annual crops looking pretty good in most cases, but concerns about the growing moisture deficit are growing. NASS has rated the Michigan crop as 57% good to excellent with 4% in the poor to very poor categories. Optimism about the potential of the 2021 crop remains, but it is being challenged by high temperatures and lack of rainfall.      

Minnesota 

Planting is largely completed in Minnesota, with more than 90% of the corn, small grains and soybean crop emerged according to the June 7 USDA-NASS crop report. Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 51% very short to short, while subsoil moisture supplies were rated 42% short to very short. Drought impacted acreage (D0-D2) have increased from 37% in mid-May to 72% on June 1. 

Soil temperature, at 4 inches, has been greater than 50o F since May 13 at Lamberton and Waseca in southern Minnesota and May 16 at Crookston. Frost damage occurred in late May but, due to variable crop emergence and growth stage, was quite scattered. Replanting is occurring on some acreage, largely due to frost damage and/or drought. Widespread rainfall occurred in the last week of May with some locations receiving more than 3 cumulative inches and others receiving trace amounts. The recent heat wave has caused some concern, especially with small grains. 

Some reports of pesticide shortages are occurring, mainly from growers who have not prepaid for inputs last winter (Science for Success, June 2021 episode). Pre-emerge herbicide efficacy is still a concern but appears to be spotty. Over the top herbicide applications are in full swing. Excessive wind speeds have limited some application efforts. Disease reports are limited. 

Overall, planting has gone well, crops appear to be in decent shape overall, and growers are still cautiously optimistic. Timely rainfall will be critical to crop success. 

Missouri 

Missouri saw another cool May with daily highs being below average (average was 62° F, 2.2°F below the long-term average). It did align, temperature-wise, with May 2020 and proved to be our second-consecutive cool month, which was our third month below average for the year. Precipitation across the state varied but averaged above normal for the state. The average monthly total for precipitation was 5.30 inches (0.64 inches above the long-term average), and this followed the trends seen over the past 32 years. Six out of the eight prior months have been wetter than average, so we are seeing a significant trend to wet here. Some places in the state (east central counties) saw as much as 10 inches.  

According to the June 7 USDA-NASS crop update, 100% of the state’s corn and 65% of the soybean crop are planted. To compare the 5-year average for planted soybeans, 64% of the soybean crop is usually planted by now. As for emergence of the two crops during this wet and cool conditions, Missouri sees corn at 91% and soybeans at 49%.  

Cotton planting in Missouri is down (98% planted) over the 5-year average (88%). Our rice crop is 100% planted with 58% of the crop planted looking “good” and a total emerged at 96%. The winter wheat in Missouri is 96% headed, which is 2% behind the 5-year average with 30% of the crop looking “fair” and another 58% looking “good,” and no acres of winter wheat have been harvested.  

Note: Missouri’s Climate Report from the University of Missouri will be live later this week. Details in this update were from the authors of the report prior to upload to the website. 

North Dakota 

Most of North Dakota is experiencing drought conditions. The southeast has good growing conditions and parts of the southwest did receive some good rains, but even with the rains the recent hot temperatures will deplete the moisture quickly. Click here to see the drought map. 

Crop emergence was uneven in many areas of North Dakota due to dry conditions and highly variable temperatures.  

One week ago, many areas of the state had frost, and thousands of acres of soybeans were damaged. Many farmers had to replant. A few patient farmers are seeing some fields with frost damage starting to recover as the growing point survived. Some other soybean fields had to be replanted to very high winds blowing dirt and sandblasting the plants, cutting them off below the growing point. 

Going from frost one week ago to 100° F temperatures this week is very concerning, and the crops are showing moisture stress. Yields probably are already impacted, but there is still time if the state can catch some good rains within the next couple of weeks. 

According to the June 7 USDA-NASS crop report, 23% of soybean conditions were rated good and 43% were rated fair. Other conditions were rated: excellent (2%), poor (23%) and very poor (9%). Soybean planting was at 95%, well ahead of 71% last year and ahead of 87% for the 5-year average. Emergence was at 65%, well ahead of last year (29%) and ahead of the 5-year average (52%). 

IP Crop Network, May report

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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 have contributed so far. If you would like to contribute, please get in touch with us by emailing David Kee or Shane Frederick. 

Illinois 

Illinois has seen quite a variation across the state in planting conditions and planting progress.  

As with most years, many growers in the eastern part of the state have completed 100% of their planting. Progressing west, that dwindles to about 25% complete. Corn and soybeans went in around the same time, as there has been much press recently about planting soybeans early. No doubt the northern Illinois sees that advantage. Moving south, especially south of I-64, the results have been a little more inconsistent. 

The crop has been slow to emerge with the cooler–than–normal temps. Coming out of Mother’s Day weekend, some areas to the north reported widespread frost. Overall stand establishment has been in the adequate range so far. A few areas have caught heavier rainfall events, and there could still be some replant decisions to be made in the next week or two. The emerged crop needs sunshine and heat. Once the temps go up and the clouds disappear, this crop will respond with some pretty extraordinary growth.  

The wheat crop began pollinating in the south at the beginning of last week. The maturation line will progress north at about 75-100 miles per week. So, what happened in Cairo last week will happen in Springfield next week. Many growers in these pollinating areas have been busy applying fungicides for Fusarium Head Blight, a potentially devastating disease. As with most fungicide applications, we are betting on conditions post-application to see if the pathogen will be at economic levels. Although the temperatures were a touch lower than optimum for fusarium, we definitely had a conducive environment from a moisture standpoint. 

Michigan 

The Michigan soybean crop is off to a strong start this spring.  About one-third of the expected 2.5 million acres have been planted as of the first week of May which is about 25% ahead of the five–year average. Some of these acres were planted very early (late March and early April). Most of those are just now emerging, while some emerged previous to a couple nights of temperatures in the low 20s. It is interesting to continue to learn about the ability of soybeans to handle cold temperatures,. In most cases they are more hardy and resilient that previously thought. 

Field conditions at planting have been very good in most fields with less soil moisture than normal. For some droughty soils, this is a little concerning as soil moisture at the seed level may not be adequate for germination. Other fields that normally struggle with excessive moisture are near ideal in planting conditions. 

Strong soybean market prices and a good start to the planting season have built an optimistic outlook for the industry in 2021.  

Minnesota 

Minnesota farmers are busy planting! Planting progress of most crops is slightly behind 2020 but well ahead of the five-year average. Minnesota’s drought–impacted area (D0-D3) has shrunk from 87% of the state (mid-April) to 37% in mid-May. In the first week of May, soil temperatures, at 4–inch depth, ranged in the low to high 40s (oF) in the north (Crookston) and upper 40s to mid 60s in the south (Lamberton).  

Reports are that crop emergence of early planted fields are somewhat variable, but emergence is improving rapidly as soil temperatures rise. Due to the excellent planting conditions (dry soil) seedling disease issues are not currently common, however, farmers frequently report concerns with pre-emergent herbicide efficacy and thus future weed control issues. Tillage decisions are critical as it impacts management of three variable issues: residue, emerging weeds and soil moisture. Optimal management of all three will impact yield and crop quality. 

More information: USDA NASS Minnesota Crop Progress & Condition 

Missouri 

April did turn out to be a wet month for Missouri. It also ended up being a bit of a temperature roller coaster. Missouri had an average temperature of 54.5°F, which was 1.1°F below average. A cold snap with freezing temperatures did happen on April 21-22, causing vegetative growth damage, plus forage crop lodging. The statewide rainfall total was 4.76 inches. More details on our climate for the month of April can be found here. 

Heading into the last week of April and first few days of May, there was a big rush for corn planting due to favorable temperatures and soil conditions. We also can attribute this to our large–scale planting equipment placing many rows of corn in the ground per pass. We are still behind our five-year average for corn acres being in the ground. Our average is 62% planted, but we saw only around 50%. Only 15% of this year’s corn has emerged. Soybean planted equated to 10% complete, compared to the five-year average of 8% at this time. An estimated 2% of soybean had emerged by May 2. Around 65% of the Missouri rice crop has been planted, and cotton planting was only 3% completed as of May 2. Winter wheat was 31% headed, and the crop was rated 5% poor, 36% fair, 53% good and 6% excellent. However, the soft red winter wheat in Central Missouri has not begun to head but is at flag leaf to boot stage (Feekes 8 to 10) with serious wheat producers using targeted fungicide for scab (FHB). 

More information: USDA NASS Missouri Crop Progress & Condition

North Dakota

North Dakota is extremely dry, and a nice general rain would help the crops germinate. The dry and cold conditions are slowing emergence of small grains and early seeded corn.

Corn planting is progressing rapidly and at around 40% statewide.

Sugarbeet planting is at 85% or greater.

Wheat planting is at 90%

Barley planting is at 75%

Soybean planting is at 10%

With the dry conditions planting can progress quickly.

IP crop report

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Note: This is a new, monthly feature from SSGA’s agronomy action team, highlighting growing conditions from different regions around the country. To contribute or for more information, please email us at dkee@agmgmtsolutions.com. 

Michigan
The past two weeks have been abnormally warm in many parts of Michigan. This fact, combined with drier–than–normal soil conditions, has allowed some farmers to get a start on planting soybeans. Most growers who have planted soybeans have been planting small fields or small areas as their confidence in the weather for the next 30 days can be described as cautious. One weather station in southern Michigan has reported soil temperatures above 50 degrees (at 2-inch depth) for 16 of the past 18 days, while other stations in central Michigan have reported three to five days above 50 degrees with most of those occurring after April 6. Because of good planting conditions and warm soil, germination and shoot elongation have been progressing in early planted fields. 

The planted soybeans are the exception as the vast majority of the expected 2.25 million acres to be grown in Michigan are not planted. There is a lot of activity in farm equipment preparation, seed delivery, fertilizer applications and some early tillage, as weather and field conditions have allowed.  There is a general optimism among growers and the field crops industry to start this growing season. 

Minnesota
Minnesota is dry, as 85% of the state is rated abnormally dry (D0) to severe drought (D2). A small section (0.11%) of the state in the northwest corner (Kittson County) is rated extreme drought (D3). Drought appears more severe in western Minnesota, compared to the east side of the state. The dry conditions are allowing growers’ time to finish manure applications and complete tillage operations. Soil temperatures (4–inch depth) are increasing with highs ranging in the upper 30s for Crookston to the lower 60s at Waseca. Mid- to late last week (April 7-10,) 0.5 to 2.0 inches of rain was reported by farmers, with snow in the forecast for the northwestern portion of the state. Farmers are still cautiously optimistic for an early planting season; several have started planting small grains.  

Missouri
Two weeks in February brought a harsher–than–normal winter in Missouri, averaging 20 degrees below normal, which equated to a state temperature average of 10.2 degrees, according to the Missouri Climate Center. Missouri finally experienced some above–normal temperatures in early April, and corn planting got off to a good start. Soft red winter wheat planting last fall was up considerably from the previous year – 650,000 acres, compared to 480,000 acres. The wheat crop survived the extreme winter cold temperatures very well, as there was adequate snow cover during the coldest periods. The largest areas of wheat in Missouri are in the southeast, southwest and central portions of the state. Wheat is generally in good condition, with no particular disease concerns at this time. 

The USDA has Missouri predicted for 3.4 million acres of corn and 5.8 million acres of soybeans. The USDA projection is steady for both major crops in Missouri. Soybean planting for 2021 will be underway soon. Many producers across the state are planting an earlier soybean crop, which is trending to what we’re seeing across the Midwest.