Planting Season Update

We finally got into the full swing of planting season over the last two weeks, and a lot of field work has been done. The earlier planted corn is beginning to emerge, and it is soon time to start scouting fields. Early season observations have shown some slower emergence due to the cooler weather last week. That is not terribly surprising considering we experienced nearly 10 days of cool and overcast conditions.

This week we will begin evaluating those early season stands to make sure populations are adequate. At this time of year, we can begin losing up to 5 percent of yield potential for every week planting is delayed, which makes stand evaluations very important. Anything below 28,000 plants per acre could potentially become a candidate for replant, but we still need to determine whether some of the “blanks” will emerge with warmer temperatures and improved growing conditions.

The past few days have been much more favorable for emergence, so overall there is not a major concern with the early planted corn at this point. SFG agronomists are out in the fields daily, so reach out if you have any emergence or stand concerns.