By Scout Nelson
The 2026 planting season in Minnesota has started earlier than normal in many parts of the state, but cool weather conditions have also created challenges for crop development. Dry field conditions allowed planting to progress quickly, especially across southern Minnesota. However, colder temperatures and occasional frost concerns have slowed crop growth and raised questions about stand conditions, weed management, and replanting decisions.
University of Minnesota Extension specialists Dr. Jeff Coulter, Extension Corn Agronomist, and Matt Pfarr, Extension Educator – Crops, discussed crop conditions and management decisions during the May 20 Strategic Farming Field Notes session. Growing Degree Units since May 1 have remained 3% to 7% behind long-term averages at research centers in Waseca and southwest Minnesota. Even with cooler temperatures slowing crop growth, planting progress has still remained slightly ahead of normal due to early planting dates.
Frost and freeze warnings have raised concerns for corn producers, but the growing point has remained below the soil surface during early growth stages. Because of this, many corn plants should recover from frost injury without major stand losses. Windstorms and blowing soil also caused sandblasting damage in some fields, although many plants should continue recovering. Cooler temperatures and dry soils have also contributed to temporary nutrient deficiency symptoms in some corn fields.
Soybean planting has occurred over a wide range of dates this season. In southern Minnesota, many producers started planting during the week of April 6, while wetter areas completed planting later in May. Some soybean fields have experienced soil crusting after rainfall events. Timely rotary hoe use or shallow planter operations have helped improve crop emergence in affected areas.
As temperatures warm and moisture levels improve, weed growth has continued increasing. Specialists have encouraged producers to apply postemergence herbicides when weeds are no taller than 3 to 4 inches. Overlapping residual herbicides has also helped improve waterhemp control.
Long-term crop rotation research in Minnesota and Wisconsin has also shown that adding a third crop, such as a small grain or alfalfa, may improve profitability, reduce pest pressure, support soil health, and increase corn yields by up to 10% following alfalfa.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dleonis
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Weather