Agronomy Zone 17

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• Aaron Ahrenholz (12)
• Jeff Anderson (7)
• Jacob Evans (12)
• John Furlong (3)
• John Haney (6)
• Brian Hartman (8)
• Rich Howe (3)
• Bill Kessinger (6)
• John Kleiman (9)
• Tony Lenz (14)
• Mike McKibben (8)
• Keith Niemeier (11)
• Tony Plenggenkuhle (7)
• Kyle Ross (9)
• Jim Rowley (8)
• Kevin Ryan (12)
• Thom Schreeg (10)
• Brenton Schwab (9)
• Louis Sutton (12)

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Spring 2010 has to date given Northern Indiana, Northwest Ohio, and Michigan excellent planting conditions.  Northern Indiana finished the winter about 12” below normal for snowfall which allowed planting to get started early.  The weekend of April 25-26 we received approximately two inches of rain which has delayed progress for the first part of this week.  In most areas, corn is probably approaching 65 percent complete.

Northwest Ohio received approximately three inches, which has basically stopped progress.  Many of the operators had a very strong start on corn planting.  At present, best estimates are 60-70 percent completion of corn and around 10 percent on beans.

Michigan received one inch or less, depending on location, which did not have much of an impact on progress.  I planted a plot in Ovid on April 28 and found soil conditions to be near perfect; likewise on the 29th in the Kent City area.  Our dealer in Kent City will likely be done planting corn the morning of April 30 and move on to beans. Planting progress is in the 70 percent range.

Any way we look at this situation the outcome is likely the same: later harvest with less-than-hoped-for quality. When a growing season like 2009 is encountered, many growers may have a tendency to look at shortening next year’s hybrid maturity choices as a “hedge.” Is this a good option?

My first reaction is to say no – mainly due to potential yield loss. Current hybrids have the capacity to adapt the timeframe needed to reach silk stage (R1) based on planting date. This may result in significant decreases in time spent in the vegetative stage, yet could show significant increases in the time spent from silk to physiological maturity. To make maturity picks for the next season based on the last and potentially moving away from hybrids best adapted to your region will most likely be a disappointing experiment.

Continue to make educated choices based on historic yields and Growing Degree Days data. If 2010 spring conditions cause delayed planting, a good rule of thumb is to attempt to hit that optimum planting date. If planting is delayed by 10 to 14 days, consider a hybrid which matures five days earlier than the full season hybrid which was targeted.

In this way you can hedge against yield and quality losses if the area experiences an early frost but does not place your yield potential at risk by drastically deviating from adapted hybrids best suited for your area.

2009 started out with a protracted, as well as late, planting followed by one of the coolest summers on record. Growing Degree Day development ran behind most of the summer, but pollination finished under good environmental conditions.

After a short period of heat, most areas in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio experienced cool, humid conditions. As the crop moved towards maturity, these earlier environmental conditions created much concern.

In many areas of Region 5, soybeans began to exhibit Sclerotinia white mold, prematurely stopping development in up to 70 percent of the field. In the southern part of my Indiana area, where rain was a rare commodity from June through early August, Soybean Cyst Nematode was a persistent problem. Much to my surprise, Sudden Death Syndrome was not widespread.

Yield potential of both Liberty-Link and Roundup Ready varieties appear to be good. Early Liberty-Link yield results in the Stryker, Ohio area have been reported at 58.4 bushel per acre.

Corn faced many problems this year due to the environment. Diplodia, Gibberella and Fusarium ear diseases were also widespread.

Northern Indiana recieved 7-10 days of good harvest weather which has helped wrap up soybean harvest for 2009.  Bean yields ran in the 40-65 bushel/acre range, with 40-45 bushel catching the average.  Corn harvest is progressing.  Grain moisture has come down but only a few points.  Annual GDD accumulation was lagging in most of my area which, in combination with early frosts and freezing temperatures has left many areas with high grain moisture and slow drying conditions prior to storage.  A high incidence of ear diseases have been noted across this geography which has negatively impacted grain quality, raising questions regarding long term storage.  Corn yields have been good with many 200+ bushel reports.

Northwest Ohio soybean harvest, for the most part is complete. Reports indicate yield ranges of 25-70+ bushel/acre with an estimated avereage of 45-50 bushel/acre.  Corn harvest is progressing with some areas finally showing sub 20% grain moisture while others still struggle with high moisture corn and slow drying. Many of these same areas show evidence of multiple ear disease and the consequent poorer grain quality.  A snapshot of yields at this point would be a range of 160-200+ bushel/acre. Considering the fact that areas such as Van Wert were very dry during critical plant developmental periods, the yield range is very good.

Northern and Western Michigan soybean harvest is basically complete with yield reports indicating good to excellent (many mid 50 bushel averages).  Liberty Link beans in the Kent City, Michigan area averaged 60 bushel per acre. The cooperator indicated quick emergence and excellent plant health contributed to the performance.  Corn harvest is progressing in Michigan with good to excellent yields.