This feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed to this report. 

Illinois

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

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

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

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

 Michigan 

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

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

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

 – Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee 

 North Dakota 

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

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

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

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

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

Minnesota 

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

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

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

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

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

Missouri 

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

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

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

Wisconsin 

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

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

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

This feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed to this report.

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Cameron Hilgenberg, The DeLong Co.

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

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

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Cameron Hilgenberg, The DeLong Co.

This feature from SSGA’s Agronomy Action Team highlights growing conditions for identity preserved crops from different regions around the country. Thanks to the states/regions that contributed to this report.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

—Bryan Stobaugh and Eric Oseland, Missouri Soybeans

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

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

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

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

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

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

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

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

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 Katelyn Engquist. 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
Across Illinois harvest is winding down in both corn and soybeans. At the end of this week, around 90-95% of the crop will be harvested. In the end, the yields followed the rain. Where timely showers fell, yields were tremendous. Where the rain didn’t fall, yields were disappointing or even just plain poor. Some of the dry areas in Southern Ill. have seen a lot of acres of sub-100-bushel corn, 30-45 bushel full-season soybeans and 10-20 bushel double crop soybeans after wheat. Crop insurance will play a role in the year end finances for many growers across the state.

Tillage, tillage and tillage… that has been the activity for a lot of areas over the past few weeks. It isn’t often we get a dry fall that allows for endless time in the fields.

The winter wheat crop is off to a very good start with very good emergence and good growth heading into the winter.

2024 planning is now well underway with a lot of fall fertilizer being applied and ground worked according to the plan next spring. Fertilizer prices have significantly softened year-over-year, but with grain prices slipping $2 on corn and $2-3 on soybeans, fertilizer had to come down. Fertilizer pricing might be the best example of “what the market will bear” of anything sold, in any industry. Take potash for example. It is being mined out of the same hole in the ground it has for the past 50 years, and it is still 0-0-60 with zero improvements in the product itself. Realizing operating and transportation costs do vary some, we have seen prices change 250% just in the last 10 years. Last year it was $900 per ton, now its $550 per ton…the topic could be a master’s thesis for an economics grad student.

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

Michigan
It is taking most of October and November to get the 2023 Michigan soybean crop harvested. As of Nov. 13, we are 83% harvested which is 11% behind last year’s pace but similar to our 5-year progress. The second and third week of November is allowing significant harvest progress.

State average yield is predicted to be 47 bushels per acre in the most recent estimate by USDA. This would be consistent with last year’s yield. While an average yield is appreciated compared to the expectations in the early season this year, this crop yield has disappointed some growers as the crop appeared better than that because of good weather through most reproductive growth stages. This crop and the business of agriculture is great but has a way of keeping us humble.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

Minnesota
Minnesota is dry, but predicted rain is hoped to ease drought concerns. If fall rains do not restore soil moisture status, planting 2024 will prove to be interesting. According to the drought monitor, about 44% of the state is rated moderate to extreme drought (D1-D3). The Nov. 6 USDA Minnesota Crop Progress report topsoil moisture supplies were rated 30% short to very short, 65% adequate and 5% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 49% short to very short, 48% adequate and 3% surplus.

Crop harvest is all but complete in Minnesota. Corn silage, small grains, edible beans and soybeans have been largely harvested. Sunflower and sugarbeet harvests are nearing completion. Corn grain harvest is proceeding rapidly with 86% 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 corn and soybean issues in 2024 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., continues. Soil temperatures have been excessively high, limiting fall N fertilizer applications. With the recent drop in soil temps (<50^oF), nitrogen, as well as P and K, fertilizers are going down.  Given the low river levels around Memphis, there is a great concern expressed as to input availability in the spring.

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

Missouri
With a couple of cold snaps hitting Missouri over the past couple of weeks, we are beginning to see our landscape change. Last week, we had a warming trend and allowed a lot of field work to continue. We have not had much precipitation near the end of October and into November. For the first week of November, the USDA predicted we had 6.6/7 good days for field work, and Missouri is not registering any surplus of topsoil moisture.

The Missouri corn crop is 94% harvested and the soybean crop is 91% harvested. The cotton crop is about 93% picked. The 2023/24 winter wheat crop is 85% planted with 65% emerged. The winter wheat crop is looking good for the early season with the timely rains a couple weeks back.

We have heard that throughout the state we saw good soybean yields, which was not to be expected with the dry conditions over the summer. Keeping in mind, we did have some regions of the state that had decreased yields due to the extreme, dry conditions.

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

North Dakota

We have less than favorable conditions during harvest, especially for later-season crops such as corn and sunflower. Farmers faced a time crunch for post-harvest activities such as tillage and fertilizer application.

The soybean harvest was completed during the 1st week of November. According to the NASS Report on Nov. 13, corn harvested was 76%, behind 95% last year, but near 72% for the five-year average; sunflowers harvested was 59%, well behind 90% last year and behind the 72% average.

According to the NASS report for the week ending Nov. 12, topsoil moisture supplies rated 3% very short, 14% short, 77% adequate, and 6% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 5% very short, 26% short, 67% adequate, and 2% surplus.

In 2023, North Dakota soybean farmers harvested 6.15 million acres of soybeans (NASS Report, Oct. 2023). The average yield per acre was estimated at 33 bushels per acre, down 2 bushels from 2022. Production is forecasted at 203 million bushels, up 2% from last year (NASS Report, Oct. 2023). The area for harvest at 6.15 million acres, is up 8% from 2022.

Overall, the soybean harvest was completed, and yields were 33 bushels per acre which is slightly lower than the historical average of 35 bushels per acre. Farmers continue to wrap up corn and sugar beet harvest, and this week’s weather is encouraging to make great progress.

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

Wisconsin

In the week ending Nov. 5, the Wisconsin corn crop reached 98% maturity, as reported by the USDA-NASS Crop Progress report. Despite the advanced maturity, the corn for grain harvest was 50% complete, 2% behind last year and 5% behind the five-year average. Corn condition was reported to be 54% in the good to excellent.

According to the latest USDA Crop Production report released on Nov. 9, the forecast for corn production stands at 530 million bushels, based on conditions as of Nov. 1. Although corn yields are expected to average 171 bushels per acre, reflecting a promising 6 bushels per acre increase from the Oct. 1 forecast, this figure is down by 9 bushels per acre compared to last year. The estimated corn planted acreage is 4 million acres, with an anticipated 3.1 million acres to be harvested for grain.

Shifting to soybeans, the harvest was reported to be 83% complete as of Nov. 5, trailing behind last year by 10% and 1% below the average. The forecast for soybean production is 101 million bushels, with a yield of 49 bushels per acre. Although this yield represents an increase of bushels from the October forecast, it is down by 5 bushels from 2022. The estimated soybean planted acreage is 2.1 million acres, with 2.07 million acres slated for harvest.

As for winter wheat, planting progress has reached completion, with 90% of the crop having already emerged. Additionally, 50% of the winter wheat is reported to be in good to excellent condition, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous week.

— 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

A mixed bag across the state on moisture. While some areas have received rainfall in the past 30 days, just as many areas have not. The soybean crop in the areas of no rain really have started to show the signs of the drought stress, and it is happening at the very crucial grain-fill period. Early maturities have turned yellow and are heading to maturity fast, while the later maturities are still green in most cases and have not yet reached maturity. In the double-crop areas that have missed the rains, areas of many fields are actually dying from a lack of moisture. I have spent more time in soybeans fields in the past four weeks than I have in the previous four years combined.

There is a lot happening in our bean fields. I have found all of the following: SDS, red crown rot, soybean vein necrosis, brown stem rot, triazole fungicide phytotoxicity, phytophthora, thrips, spider mites, dectes stem borer, soybean loopers, green clover worms, pod worms, and web worms. Name a disease or bug and it’s probably out there.

Some ultra early varieties planted in the south are now being harvested with average yields being reported. What was once thought to be the bright spot, the soybean crop, has dropped off a bit and most are reporting/expecting average yields.

Corn harvest is starting to gain steam. By next week, 50%of the growers will have at least started. Moistures are running in the 20-28% range on April planted with yields right around APH levels or slightly under.

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

Michigan

The Michigan soybean crop is advancing in maturity across the state with some color change occurring in early maturity and early planted fields. Other visible changes are from disease symptoms, primarily white mold and SDS. These diseases are taking significant bushels but are mostly spotty within fields.  Rainfall during podfill was adequate in most places which has built some optimism for yields. As crop maturity become more obvious, variability within fields will be a clear harvest challenge.

Many fields have emergence timing ranges of more than a month due to very dry seedbed conditions which were not alleviated until late June.  It appears that there won’t be much soybean harvest in September this year.

The most recent crop progress report from NASS rates the Michigan soybeans as 53% good to excellent.  This report also shows 85% adequate to surplus topsoil moisture.

– Mark Seamon, Research Director, Michigan Soybean Committee

Minnesota

Minnesota is dry!

Ninety-nine-plus percent of the state is rated abnormally dry (D0) to extreme drought (D3) stage. Rains in early August eased drought stress a bit. However, according to the Sept. 5 USDA-NASS MN Crop Progress report: “Topsoil moisture supplies were rated 71% short to very short, and 29% adequate. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 72% short to very short, and 28% adequate.”

After a late start planting, due to excessive moisture in May, harvest is underway in Minnesota. The small grains harvest is all but completed. Due to accelerated maturation, harvest of corn and beans will soon follow. One farmer stated, “Crops are 1-2 weeks ahead of normal”.

Northwest Minnesota small grain growers are reporting decent yields. Crop yield estimates are variable, but the overall farmer expectation for 2023 harvest is fair yields and quality. Minnesota growers appear to be more concerned with drought impact on a “short” (poor yield) corn crop than soybean. Time will tell.

The recent rains have also spurred germination of late-season weeds, especially waterhemp, in soybean/edible bean/small grain fields. Most weed 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 weed electrification systems. “Planting green” into 2023 cereal rye cover crops proved to be risky in some drought impacted areas. Obviously, there is a lot more to learn before adoption of this practice becomes widespread. There has been some concern expressed on the volunteer corn still present in soybean fields and the impact on corn insect and disease pressure for next year’s corn crop.

Growers are optimistic about having time to complete fall field work and tillage after a harvest.

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

Missouri

Getting into mid-September, we have finally seen a few days under 90 degrees. Right now, central Missouri is seeing some of its first precipitation in weeks, with only 0.25 inches expected to fall on Monday in portions of the state. As our forecast for temps change this week, we will be looking at temps hovering in the upper 70s to lower 80s range this week and into the weekend with lows in the mid to upper 50-60s range. There looks to be very little rain coming our way over the next 10 days. With some temperature relief in most of the state, harvest will be full speed ahead for rice and corn and into soybeans.

Our corn crop is about 98% at dough, 94% of crop at dent, and 51% of the corn crop is rated as mature. This results in about 9% of the corn crop harvested to date. Overall, the heat and dry weather this year resulted in our corn crop only rating 33% good for this week per the USDA data. Our soybean crop is starting to mature with 17% of the crop dropping leaves and about 39% of the crop rated as good. Our cotton crop is setting bolls with 97% of the crop set, and 34% of the Missouri cotton crop is seeing bolls open. Sixty-five percent of the cotton crop is rated as good. Our rice crop is hitting the headers across the southeast corner of the state with 14% of the rice crop harvested. For this week, the Missour rice crop rated good across 60% of the acres.

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

North Dakota

Soybeans are advancing nicely in North Dakota. Soybean harvest started last week for very early maturing soybeans in the east and southeast parts of the state.

We had some disease issues during the 2023 production year. Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) continues to be a problem in soybean production. An increase in SCN numbers has been tested on June SCN samples according to Agvise laboratories; this could be due to conducive environmental conditions for SCN development during the growing season. The spread of SCN to western North Dakota also raises more challenges to soybean production in that region. Phytophthora pressure is heavy this year. Late-season phytophthora is showing up in multiple soybean fields. Also, the phytophthora pathogen is shifting to new soybean production areas in western North Dakota. High numbers of soybean aphids, grasshoppers, and spider mites were reported. White mold has been consistently an issue, especially in fields that received rainfall and have high yield potential.

We had spotty rains during the growing season, so yields might be variable this year. We anticipate harvesting average or slightly below-average. yields According to USDA estimates, the estimated average yield in North Dakota is about 33 bu/acre, which is slightly lower than last year’s average of 35 bu/acre. We believe the estimation is close to reality given the growing condition we have this year.

The NASS report rated soybean conditions as 4% very poor, 14% poor, 31% fair, 46% good, and 5% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 47%, ahead of 34% last year, and near 46% for the five-year average.

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

Wisconsin

Wisconsin experienced 6.6 suitable days for fieldwork during the week ending on Sept. 10, as reported by USDA-NASS. Although there was some improvement in drought conditions in the northern parts of the state due to rain, the overall dryness persisted in most areas, further deteriorating crop conditions.

Corn is at 92% in the dough stage and 66% in the dented stage, which is 3% ahead of the 2018-2022 average for both stages. Corn in the mature stage accounted for approximately 16%, and the corn condition was rated as 50% good to excellent, reflecting a 3% decrease from the previous week and the previous year. Corn for silage harvest is 18% completed.

Soybeans have set pods in 99% of the soybean crop, with 9% of soybeans currently dropping leaves, trailing behind the five-year average by 3%. The soybean condition was reported as 47% in good to excellent condition, showing a 6% decline from the previous week and a 9% decline from the previous year.

— 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.