Ask The Agronomist Blog
Have Patience With Fields Planted Early
April 25, 2012
Posted by:
Dave Koehn
Despite general warnings about early planting, corn planting is well under way in central and south-central Illinois. The warmer than usual start to spring got growers in the field as early as March 17; to date my region has recorded almost 85% of the fields are planted. We are two to three weeks ahead of schedule for average planting seasons.
For the most part, fields are growing well but we are keeping a close eye out for cold and frost injury, a common issue with early planting. We’re also paying close attention to fields most recently planted – about 10 to 12 days ago – in cool and wet soil conditions. We encourage concerned growers not to make quick decisions about replanting and to allow the crop to have a chance to grow on its own before pulling the trigger. Replanting can be costly and doesn’t guarantee a higher yield.
It takes about 120 growing degree units for corn to emerge; over the past two weeks, we’ve accumulated about eight GDUs per day. As we begin to accumulate the necessary heat units, we should start seeing the expected growth. In cooler temperatures, it can take two to three weeks for the corn to emerge with ideal yields.
I’ve had many growers ask me over the past few weeks, “If this was your field, what would you do?" I tell them I’d be patient and give it another five days or a week. Warm weather is in the forecast, so let’s give our crops a chance. The slow and steady progression early on does not necessarily harm overall yields because of the corn’s resiliency.
For your questions and concerns about fields that have been planted early, contact me or a Stine Regional Sales Agronomist in your area.
Consider Soybean Plot to See How New Varieties Measure Up
February 14, 2012
Posted by:
Dave Koehn
As research and technology lead to more and more offerings in the soybean industry, growers are curious about how new varieties measure up to what they’re currently using. But, between busy schedules and a wealth of information to wade through, growers can find it challenging to decide which, if any, new product is the right fit.
A soybean plot is a great way to compare varieties. You’ll see which varieties yield the best, and how they perform in your soil type and weather conditions. It’s a helpful way to put solid evidence behind decision making for 2013.
This year, between Liberty Link® Soybeans and Genuity® RoundUp Ready 2 Yield® Soybeans, Stine is releasing about 80 new varieties. We’re encouraging growers to work with a Stine District Manager or Regional Sales Agronomist to see firsthand how our varieties compare against other top tier lineups.
To learn more or get started on setting up a soybean plot, contact your Stine Regional Sales Agronomist today.
Proper Field Management Can Increase Corn Yields
November 16, 2011
Posted by:
Dave Koehn
Proper Field Management Can Increase Corn Yields
November 16, 2011
Posted by:
Dave Koehn
Proper Field Management Can Increase Corn Yields
