If you would like more information on Stine Seed Company, please contact:
David Thompson
(515) 677-2605
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Stine Seed Company
22555 Laredo Trail
Adel, IA 50003
Phone: 800.362.2510
Fax: 515.677.2716
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The Effects of the Late Harvest on Spring Planting
Adel , IA - January, 15 2010
With corn still standing in some areas of the region, farmers across the Corn Belt are feeling the pain of the late 2009 harvest. Add a brutal, snow-packed winter on top of an already moisture-soaked field, and it is easy to see why farmers would be concerned with the fate of their 2010 crops.
Many concerns plague the minds of farmers across the region as the timing of planting affects the yield potential of the entire crop. These overly wet conditions have caused growers to make changes in post-harvest activities, seed purchases and planting schedules.
The usual fall fertilizer application and tillage have been moved from a post-harvest activity to a pre-planting duty, creating a timing issue as this narrows the planting window. A delay in planting could cost a grower maturity days and thousands of dollars in lost yields. Generally speaking, the earlier the corn crop is planted, the drier the crop will be, therefore reducing drying expense and improving bottom line profits.
After a year like 2009, some farmers may consider making changes in the hybrids of seed they purchase for the spring, such as switching to a shorter corn maturity hybrid. Although switching to an earlier-maturing hybrid will pay dividends in a shortened growing season and help spread out the workload at harvest, in order to maximize yield potential growers should always plant a significant number of acres to hybrids that are considered full-season for their area.
Is the 2010 crop doomed before it’s even planted? Not necessarily, as it depends on the February and March weather forecasts. More moisture in the spring months could generate more headaches, but dry conditions and warm temperatures could dry the soil and create ideal planting conditions for growers.
For more information, seed purchasing needs or agronomic advice, please contact your local Stine agronomist and visit www.stineseed.com.
About Stine Seed Farm, Inc.
As the nation’s largest independent seed company, Stine Seed Farm, Inc., headquartered near Adel, Iowa, is focused on developing and marketing the world's best-performing corn and soybean seed through its retail arm, Stine Seed Company. Stine Seed Farm, Inc., operates the industry's largest corn and soybean breeding and development program, advancing and testing nearly 1 million unique soybean varieties and more than 100,000 preliminary corn hybrids annually. For nearly four decades, Stine’s soybean research program has been regarded as the soybean genetics supplier of choice to the seed industry and Stine has consistently lead the Patent Board’s Food, Beverage and Tobacco industry segment in growth and industry impact. For more information, call toll-free (800) 362-2510 or visit the Web site at www.stineseed.com.
