Start Planning for 2027

The last round of rain has probably finished off this year’s crop. Everything in this area is looking good, and it looks like we will have a very good crop. Corn is filling out nicely with deep kernels, and the beans are all filling out their pods. In a month’s time, there will be combines rolling in both corn and beans.

It is understandable that our minds are on this year’s crop, but it is important to start thinking about next year’s crop as well. During harvest, keep notes on which corn is standing well and which corn is not. This information can help make hybrid selection for next year a little easier.

Also keep track of any stray weeds that may not have been visible in the middle of the field. This can help you adjust your chemical plans for next year. It has been a very wet growing season, and there are bound to be a few weed escapes.

Keep track of areas in your field that may not be keeping up with the rest of the field yield-wise. It is possible that those areas need some additional fertilizer going into next year. If this year’s crop is struggling in an area, there is a good chance next year’s crop may struggle there as well.

Grid sampling is a good way to determine which areas of the field need some help and which areas may have enough nutrients that you can cut back on applications. Taking the time to identify these areas can help you make better fertility decisions and put your inputs where they will provide the most benefit.

If you get into a field that isn’t performing like you thought it would, give your SFG agronomist a call. We will be happy to jump in the cab with you and help determine what may be causing the problem and what can be done to improve that area for next year.