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
Illinois has seen a lot of crop go in the ground in the past month. Corn is around 75% planted, and beans are around 68% planted. Until the rains this past weekend, some areas had become very dry, and emergence was being delayed because a lack of moisture. Most areas did receive enough rain to alleviate germination issues with some areas receiving way too much rain.

Wheat is progressing along and is fully headed and pollinated in the south. This “maturation line” will progress north at 75-100 miles per week. It looks to be an average crop with a lot of unevenness suppressing the top end yields.

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

Michigan
The planting season in Michigan has begun between periods of rain. The USDA estimated our soybean crop to be 15% planted as of May 7. This is very close to our five-year average of 16%. Although we are near average for this date on the calendar, growers are becoming a little anxious as the days pass with little field work. Corn planting is behind average at only 6%. This slow corn planting is mostly due to cold soil and air temperatures. This limited corn planting may delay soybean planting on some farms that use a single planter for both crops.

As most growers have great capacity for most field work, including planting, our planting progress can move forward quickly when conditions allow. Increasing soil temperatures and improving soil conditions hold promise for fast emergence and stand establishment.

— Mark Seamon, Research Director Michigan Soybean Committee

Minnesota
The recent rains have come as a mixed blessing. Farmers are raring to go, but crop planting has been limited in Minnesota. The delayed spring snow melt has resulted in widespread flooding in the northwest. However, according to the Drought Monitor, more than 40% of the state is rated in drought status D0-D1. USDA-NASS reports topsoil moisture supplies were rated 9% short to very short, 72% adequate, and 19% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 14% short to very short, 72% adequate, and 14% surplus. During late April, soil temperature (4 inches deep) has stubbornly remained below 50^oF across much of the state. The first few days of May sunshine will rapidly change that.

According to the lates USDA-NASS crop progress report, planting is well ahead of last year, but 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 northwest). Things will be touch and go for a while, with many long days (and short nights) occurring, as the late spring has narrowed the planting window. But #plant23 will get done; it’s the Minnesota way!

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

Missouri
The water faucet has shut off in Missouri. More than 50% of the state is designated abnormally dry or moderate drought. Many farmers across the state have eased up on planting to wait for some moisture. Rain is in the forecast for later this week to hopefully get us back on track. Many farmers have continued planting in the dry conditions, and planting progress has made some big jumps over the last couple weeks.

Corn is estimated to be 92% planted in the state with 56% of that planted crop emerged. Soybeans took a large jump over last week to reach 50% planted with 21% of the crop emerged. With our sunny days and warm temps, cotton took one of the largest acres-planted jump since May 1. As of May 8, 40% was planted, a new 35% gain in just seven days. Our rice crop is getting close to being planted with 85% of the crop in the soil with 61% of that crop emerged. Winter wheat ratings for today are 63% of the crop being “good” with 40% of it headed.

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

Wisconsin

Warmer and drier conditions statewide have led to increased field work for the week ending May 14, 2023. According to the last USDA-NASS report, soybean in Wisconsin is estimated to be 24% planted, with 3% of that planted soybean emerged as of May 14. The soybean planting progress is only 6% behind the 5-year average (2018-2022). As of May 14, corn is estimated to be 33% planted but still lags behind the average by 12%. Furthermore, only 5% of the planted corn has emerged.

The slower progress in soybean and corn planting can be attributed to the wet and cold weather conditions at the beginning of the season. Additionally, some fields are still too wet for large equipment to function effectively. Moreover, the relative delay in corn planting progress can be attributed to growers prioritizing early-season soybean planting.

— 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.

Minnesota

As winter begins to lose its grip on the state, Minnesota farmers are busy planning. Input availability still varies considerably across categories and locations. Farmers are still facing sticker shock on all inputs and services, however, fertilizer prices are dropping a bit. Of the farmers I chatted with, management plans in place are now versions P, Q and R. Most of the standard tillage and fertilizer applications occurred as scheduled last fall. Consequently, minor change in crop acreage allocation is anticipated, but spring rains and potential planting delays impacts may modify that.

Minnesota’s drought impacted area (D0-D2) has shrunk from 78% of the state on Dec. 6 to 57% in early March. The eastern third of the state is relatively drought-free. However, western Minnesota has limited subsurface water available; timely rains will be needed to make a good crop.

In the middle of February, soil temperatures, at 4-inch depth, ranged in the high 20s (^oF) in the north (Crookston) and low 30s in the south (Lamberton). Reports that tile lines are still open indicate the frost line is relatively shallow. Farmers are cautiously optimistic of an early planting season, but April is still three weeks away.

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

 

Missouri

Moisture levels in Missouri have made a promising turnaround since our last update. We now have less than 5% of the state designated in a drought. Farmers across the state are well-positioned as we approach planting for corn and soybeans.

Wheat condition from the windshield looks very positive, and many fields are starting to green up. Hopefully with the early green up, we avoid any damage from March frosts. Stands appear to be strong at this time.

Farmers in the southern part of the state have started tillage and planting is approaching quickly. Temperatures in February were 6 degrees above average and March has started out well above average so planters will start moving soon.

— 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
With harvest now complete, growers have switched to preparing and planning the 2023 crop year. There are really a handful of concerns/thoughts on almost every grower’s mind:

• Fertilizer prices – Products applied this fall followed pretty closely to where we ended in the spring, $1,400-$1,600 NH3, $850 DAP, $860 POT. Urea has come off a bit with some recent buying opportunities at 25-30% discounts to spring, but not a favored product for N source in corn. There is some talk of the December-January prepay prices falling 10-20%, but those prices have not been quoted yet. We should know in the next two weeks!
• River levels at St. Louis – A large portion of the grain in Illinois that leaves the state goes through St. Louis. The river has rebounded some, but concern remains as we head into the heavy grain delivery period of January and February. If barges get loaded at less than 100% capacity, it will be a long winter of waiting in lines to deliver grain.
• Overall moisture levels in the soil – We have received some rainfall over the past couple of months, but subsoil moisture is still in a deficit state across most areas. As one grower recently stated, “The drought of 2012 started in the fall of 2011.” Let’s hope we don’t repeat that scenario.
• Other input prices/availability – Chemical prices seem to have moderated some with glyphosate and glufosinate dropping by almost half of where they were a year ago with availability in pretty good shape. Parts and equipment availability has not really improved at all, and some have commented that things continue to get worse. Fuel prices continue to drive growers to look for ways to reduce passes in the field without reducing yield. At current levels it is costing about $1/mile to put a semi-truck on the road to haul grain.
• The winter wheat crop has rebounded from the late planting/emergence and actually looks pretty good. Fall tillering did not have a chance to happen, so the crop will be relying on spring tillering for yield.
• The white corn market has surged, and growers in areas that have an outlet are considering switching to white instead of yellow. Premiums in most outlets got as high as $2 over yellow. There was a lot of white corn sold for $9/bushel.

 

Minnesota
Crop harvest is complete in Minnesota. As always, there is a remnant field still to be harvested, but these are few and far between. A blanket of snow covers what little winter wheat and cereal rye was planted this fall. Some farmers are concerned about future crop volunteer issues in 2023 due to excessive harvest escapes. Mostly, farmers are thinking about selling/delivery of the 2022 crop and 2023 planting decisions. Field work, soil sampling, tillage, manure and fertilizer applications, etc., have largely been completed. The dry fall allowed ample time for most farmers to complete field work, and even watch a ball game or two.

Minnesota is dry! What little fall rain received did not restore soil moisture status. Consequently, planting 2023 should prove to be interesting. According to the drought monitor, about 48% of the state is rated moderate to extreme drought (D1-D3).

The Nov. 29 USDA Crop Progress & Condition Report rates topsoil moisture supplies 53% short to very short, 46% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 54% short to very short, 45% adequate, and 1% surplus.

 

Missouri
Rounding out end of the year for 2022, we have some updates for the crops remaining in the ground. As of Nov. 27, about 2% of the corn crop remained on the stalk. We are not sure where these 2% fall within the state, but we can assume it is the crop that most farmers left to wait as they got their beans harvested and/or cotton picked.

Our 2022 winter wheat is 92% emerged right now with 58% of the crop rated as “good” by the USDA’s survey. There was only about half a day suitable for field work the last week of November, and with there being 64% of the state with adequate topsoil moisture, we know we have had a few rainy days ending the month. Rounding out November, about 28% of topsoil across the state was “short” on moisture, with only 8% of the topsoil on workable acres being “very short” on topsoil moisture. To give a bit of comparison for the subsoil moisture, Missouri’s workable ground is 50% adequate, 37% short and 13% very short.

We are ending 2022, and we hope to see our soil moisture increase in the coming weeks. We do have some rain forecasted with cold temps to follow. Merry Christmas to all and have a safe and wonderful New Year from you farmer leaders and staff at Missouri Soybeans!

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 in full swing with soybean harvest peaking for the past 7-10 days. The phrase we have heard the most describing soybean yields is, “I thought they would be a little better.” This likely is coming from the standpoint of better-than-expected corn yields, with beans just not being at the same level. Fields that last year were making 70-80 are making 60-70 this year. As we move to the lighter, more-variable soils, yields are even more erratic. Growers reporting 5-70 in the same pass across the field.

Field conditions are extremely dry with field and equipment fires happening on a daily basis. A lot of soybeans are being cut in the 8-11% moisture range. The late-planted beans and double-crop beans after wheat are definitely going to take a yield hit from the dry finish to the summer. What once were 50-60 double-crop beans are now going to be in the 30-40 range.

Michigan

Harvest of the Michigan soybean crop is in full swing. Early harvest was limited this year, but the first week of October allowed many growers to begin harvest. The USDA crop weather report from Oct. 2 showed soybeans as 14% harvested. The second week of October was more active than the first with most farmers making good progress. Field conditions are very good in most cases with combines, grain carts and trucks moving through fields without the ruts that seem more common in recent years. This is allowing good planting conditions for winter wheat, which may see an increase in acreage this year. Reports of low grain moisture have been reported in some places, while other areas have perceived that drying is slower than expected.

The dry conditions from this growing season are evident with reduced yields on lighter, soils but many other soils are producing better-than-expected yields. State average yields seem to be in line with our long-term average yield. If this happens, many people will be surprised to see average yields with such limited rainfall in many areas.

Minnesota

Minnesota is dry. Rain will be needed to ease drought stress. According to the Oct. 6 drought monitor report, none of Minnesota is rated D4 (exceptional drought). However, approximately 75% of the state is rated abnormally dry to extreme drought (D0-D3). An area in the southern third of the state (3.71 % of the state) is rated severe drought (D3)

Due to the dry conditions, crop harvest is well underway in Minnesota. Small grains have been harvested. Small grain growers report better-than-expected yields. Quality is decent. Silage corn harvest is all but completed. Minnesota edible bean harvest is almost complete with more 75% in the bins.  Soybean harvest, while a bit late, is in full swing. Excessive weed escape, soybean green stems and morning dews have impacted harvest speeds. Farmer yield reports vary from “Better than expected” to “My 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 degrees F, limiting fall N fertilizer applications. However, P and K fertilizer is being applied. There is a great concern expressed as to input availability in the spring and input price uncertainty.

North Dakota

Soybean harvest is in full swing in most areas of North Dakota, and harvest conditions are great. Small acres of late-seeded soybeans or lower areas of the field need more time until harvest. The hard frost we experienced this week may have minimal impact on soybean yield and quality because most soybeans are at advanced growth stages and are less susceptible to frost damage. We haven’t received information on yield, quality or test weight yet.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor Map, the majority of eastern and central North Dakota is in moderate drought, while some areas in western North Dakota are in severe drought. A considerably higher amount of precipitation is needed across the state to replenish the soil for the 2023 crop.

Weed escapes are becoming evident during this time of the year as we observe water hemp, kochia and others during and after harvest. Fall weed control is happening on some farms. After the small grain harvest, farmers are also focusing on soil sampling to test nutrients and soybean cyst nematode. Some white mold pressure on soybeans was reported this year.

According to North Dakota State University’s 2022 IPM Crop Survey, adult grasshoppers were observed in 90% of the fields surveyed. The highest densities of grasshoppers were observed in western North Dakota.

The drought from the past two years dramatically increased grasshopper populations and favored reproduction, which means grasshoppers may become an issue during the next growing season. No soybean aphids were observed in 87% of the soybean fields surveyed for the fourth year in a row. Bean leaf beetles are becoming a more common pest of soybeans in North Dakota. Beetles were detected in sweep net samples and defoliation estimates in soybean.

Defoliation ranged from 1 to 20% defoliation. Spider mites were observed in 30% of the soybean fields scouted and were most common on field edges late in the season, according to the NDSU Crop & Pest Report.

Missouri  

A very dry beginning to harvest has given farmers a great start in getting crops out across Missouri. However, the recent cool, fall temperatures have slowed drying in the field for both corn and soybeans. This is especially true for the fields that were planted a little later than average due to the wet spring. Many reports of green stems are making soybean harvest go very slow. Usually, green stems are in fields that received a fungicide or in the later-planted fields. Yield reports have been both positive and negative for both corn and soybeans, mostly depending on areas that caught rains versus areas that did not. A rain across most of Missouri early this week will likely keep farmers out of the field for the rest of the week. Cold temperatures look to settle in early next week, which likely will bring our first frost for a large portion of the state. 

According to the latest USDA NASS update, 93% of the corn crop in Missouri is mature with 53% of the crop harvested. Only 41% of the corn crop is rated as “good. Overall, 88% of the Missouri soybean crop is dropping leaves, and only 22% of the crop was harvested as of October 9, with 42% of the crop being labeled as “good.”  

For our other crops, cotton is pushing to maturity with 98% of the bolls open and 14% of the crop harvested. The overall crop rated good is 57%. The Missouri rice crop is closing in on being harvested with the dry conditions seen the past 30 days. Currently, 78% of the rice crop is harvested. The winter wheat crop is going in the ground with 12% planted, and 3% is emerged. For our pasture and range acres, 19% of the crop is rated as good.  

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

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

Michigan
Michigan soybeans have rolled into the month of August with as much variability as the rest of the growing season. Much of the summer has been abnormally dry in most areas of the state. Some areas have gotten a little relief from this, as scattered thunderstorms have helped with soil moisture while others are still waiting for rainfall. The growth stages of late flowering and pod fill are making the dry conditions a bigger concern for yield loss. Crop health appears better than some expect with limited moisture. As pod development asks for more energy, nutrients and moisture from the plant, crop health may be sacrificed.

The most-recent USDA crop conditions report shows 49% of Michigan soybeans are in the good and excellent categories. This is positive and appreciated by those growers. For others, we may be learning how soybeans are able to produce with small amounts of rainfall.

Growers are hopeful that the remainder of the month of August will bring good weather to improve soybean yields.

Minnesota
After an extremely difficult planting season, soil moisture in Minnesota is variable. According to the drought monitor, about 34% of the state is rated abnormally dry to severe-drought stage. Northern Minnesota is in decent shape as is much of the area bordering Iowa. Other than that border area, the southern third of the state is dry. However, farmers remain cautiously optimistic. Soil moisture is variable, but sufficient for most of the state. USDA-NASS reports topsoil moisture supplies were rated 28% very short to short and 72% percent adequate to surplus. Subsoil moisture was rated 24% very short to short and 76% adequate to surplus.

Corn condition was rated 7% very poor to poor and 63% good to excellent. Soybean condition was rated 5% very poor to poor and 66% good to excellent. Spring wheat condition was rated 0% very poor to poor and 82%, good to excellent.

Reports from several wind shield surveys, indicate weed-control programs were largely successful. However, canopy closure was delayed, and most farmers have used a second pass program to insure weed damage was limited, especially for waterhemp. Due to the dry and hot June and July, iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) flared up in many western Minnesota soybean fields. Other diseases/syndromes were evident but not widespread. It is a bit early for soybean sudden death, brown stem rot or white mold to become evident.

Crop growth is progressing, but slightly behind schedule. Soybeans blooming or beyond reached 81%, five days behind average. Soybeans setting pods reached 36%. Corn silking was at 75%, five days behind the 5- year average. Corn dough reached 13%. Spring wheat was 100% headed and 45% coloring. It appears, due to the delayed planting date, the harvest window will be very compacted.

Actual corn and soybean yield in 2022 will be greatly dependent on rain fall and soil moisture loss as seed/kernels fill over the next six weeks. This past weekend’s storm was very helpful. However, NOAA is predicting much of Minnesota will have a drier and warmer-than-normal August and September. Due to the late planting and variable soil moisture status, yield estimates are highly variable

Missouri
Corn and soybeans look average overall north of I-70. However, in much of Missouri, there’s a fear that, while the corn looks good, hot, dry weather during pollination might cause that look to be deceiving. Likely, we lost a lot of top-end yield potential (50-60 bu.) during that dry weather even though rain has picked up recently. South of I-70 some producers have begun chopping corn for silage to salvage some value as the drought is much more severe in that region. Some producers in southwest and southeast Missouri are weighing the option of chopping soybeans as well to supplement feed, as hay quality is very poor and soybean yields are not promising. Disease pressure overall has been low throughout the state although some of the hot weather has made symptoms of what diseases are present to be more prominent. Rains through August are going to be critical to finish out the soybean crop as soil moisture levels are still low.

Corn across Missouri was 95% silking in the Aug. 8 USDA report with 66% at dough. Corn rated good represented only 44% of the crop. The soybean crop is progressing with 78% of it blooming and 44% of the crop setting pods. Overall, the soybean crop rated good represented 42% of the planted crop. Cotton is progressing, and 91% of crop is squaring, which is behind this time last year (2021 was 100% squared). Only 67% of the cotton crop is setting bolls, which is 21% behind 2021’s crop as of Aug. 8. Overall, the 2022 cotton crop rated good only represents 47% of that planted. The Missouri rice crop is progressing, but only 35% of the crop is rated good with 16% rated excellent. To update our rangeland and pasture crops with the seen drought conditions across the state, the Missouri pasture and range condition rated good is only 20%.

North Dakota
Crop-growing conditions are ranging from good to excellent in the majority of North Dakota’s production areas. Relatively higher-yield potential is anticipated if there are timely rains and decent harvesting conditions in the fall.

Crops are being observed at a wide range of growth stages. Soybeans are heading to pod development stages — the most critical period for having minimal stress to maintain yield potential. Winter wheat is being harvested this week and following weeks. Spring wheat fields planted in early April are expected to be harvested in a couple of weeks.

Few foliar diseases were noted yet in soybeans, except for reports of bacterial spots in some fields. Crop protection efforts continue with high disease potential and insect pressure in certain areas. Grasshoppers remain a concern in certain areas where they are chewing up heads and pods. Soybean aphid and cereal aphid numbers continue to rise, but the majority of fields have aphid numbers that are well below threshold levels. Weed management activities at this stage are primarily focused on scouting for weed escapes and late-emerging weeds and monitoring weed population in the field.

Overall, crops are advancing quickly under good growing conditions in North Dakota. Timely rains in August are welcome as it is one of the critical yield determining factors.