Clouds clearing for corn farmers

By Scout Nelson

Farmers, researchers, and agricultural professionals gathered at the University of Minnesota's Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca to address the significant challenges posed by this year's exceptionally wet planting season.

According to the latest USDA estimates, as of mid-June, 93% of Minnesota’s corn crop had emerged, which is slightly behind the usual progress due to the persistent rainfall. Of this, 26% of the crop was rated fair, 3% poor, 53% good, and 17% excellent.

Tom Hoverstad, a seasoned SROC Agronomist who is set to retire after a career spanning four decades, highlighted the severity of the weather conditions: "This was the third wettest May in Minnesota on record." He explained how the excessive rain disrupted the typical planting windows, leaving many farmers with limited opportunities to sow their fields effectively.

Hoverstad highlighted the critical issue of rain timing, stating that this year's unpredictable weather patterns had only two main planting windows for corn, limiting the time for breaks in planting, herbicide applications, and fertilizer treatments.

Hoverstad noted that many farmers have reported uneven emergence of their corn crops due to these challenges. To mitigate issues like crusting of soil and uneven growth, some have resorted to rotary hoeing, which has helped improve emergence rates by a few thousand plants per acre.

He also discussed the implications for herbicide application: "The irregular emergence and delayed growth mean a longer window of vulnerability to weeds. Proper timing of post-emergence herbicide applications is crucial to prevent weed competition during critical growth stages."

Jeff Coulter, an expert at the meeting, emphasized the importance of addressing early-season nitrogen deficiencies and favorable weather conditions during critical growth phases like tasseling and pollination to minimize yield losses and optimize yield potential.

Despite the setbacks caused by the wet spring, farmers are actively implementing strategies to maximize crop health and yield potential. The consensus among experts and attendees was clear: proactive management and adaptation to weather challenges will be key to navigating this challenging planting season successfully.

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