AGRONOMIC UPDATE: September 27, 2024….last one of the year….

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of September 26th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2024:

Planting Date     GDD’s2024          Average GDD                 Departure from average

April 23                   2777                         2680                                +97 (+6.5 days)

May 4                      2694                          2602                               + 92  (+6 days)

May 14                    2597                          2506                                +91 (+6 days)

As one can see from the above table, we are FINALLY above normal for GDUs’.  Last year at this time, we had 2858 using April 23rd planting date.  Other than lack of rainfall, the month of September has been good for finishing the crop.  So far, September has been the 30th hottest in the last 132 years.  For the most part, we also had abundant sunshine in September.  This really helped kernel depth and test weights.

  • Overall staygreen has been better than expected, with some fields still holding on to their color.  However, those fields that had high levels of Southern Rust and/or Tar Spot are now quickly losing color and should be on the list for early harvest.  Crown Rot is still prevalent in many fields, so continue to watch those fields that dropped ears quickly, or ‘turned overnight’, so to speak….
  • High moisture corn, if planning on using fields planted in April, should be coming out now, as moistures are dryer than one thinks…due to the warm, dry, low humidity September.  Seeing dryland fields coming out at 14-20% moistures.  Early test weights have been good….see photo for corn harvest drydown and measuring corn loss….
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  • No trends for irrigated corn yields yet, but so far, early yields on dryland, heavy soils have been very good!
  • Soybean dryland yields have also been better than expected, considering no rain since July 1st for much of our area.  In those areas that received more rain, dryland yields are excellent.  Early irrigated yields are average to above average, but still to early for a trend….mostly early group II beans coming out yet, with some early planted 2.5’s starting to come out….see photo for soybean moisture impact on yield and effect of harvest delay on soybean yield losses.

POWERCORE ENLIST & VORCEED ENLIST

Photo shows the Insect Protection Modes of Action and Herbicide Tolerance Modes of Action for the new Powercore and Vorceed technology, along with the top available hybrids (new and current) for 2025.

Z-Series Soybeans

Photo shows the advantages of planting Z-Series soybeans from Pioneer, as well as the top varieties for 2025 in Z-series.  Early performance on the Z-Series has been very good!

It’s fun and rewarding to see one’s hard work over the past year come to fruition at harvest time; however, please remember that the most important thing is to be around to take advantage of that hard work.  Please stay safe out there!  Have a safe and successful harvest!

Starman Seed & Supply, Inc.

 

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AGRONOMIC UPDATE: September 18, 2024….Harvest is beginning….

   

Topics:

  • GDU/Weather Update
  • Corn – Soybean condition & Early Harvest trends…

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of September 18th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2024:

Planting Date     GDD’s2024          Average GDD     Departure from average

April 23                   2641                          2590                                +51 (+3 days)

May 4                      2558                          2500                               + 59  (+3.5 days)

May 14                    2462                          2410                                +52 (+3 days)

Corn – Soybean Conditions…

  • From the above numbers, we see that GDU accumulation has picked up over the last week or so as compared to the last update.  We are at now reaching GDU numbers that get us close to black layer.  The early maturity hybrids planted in April are at basically at black layer, which is matching the GDU numbers above.  The fuller season hybrids planted in April are now 3/4 milk and should reach black layer next week.  The mid-May planting dates are needing more time…still looking at needing till October 1 or so to reach close to black layer for full kernel depth and good test weights.  Hybrids will adjust their maturity to later planting dates, meaning they often will mature using less GDU totals than rated.  However, this can mean less kernel depth and test weights as compared to normal; especially in years like this one, where GDU accumulation has always been ‘behind’….any extra stress during a year like that, has the potential to compound the issue.  Temperatures for September have been above normal.  This has ‘pushed’ the crops along, but was much needed.  Current long-term forecasts continue to predict normal to above-normal temps through October and dryer conditions….
  • Corn staygreen heading into harvest will not be as good as last few years.  2024 has had too many stress events starting with planting conditions/heavy rainfall, periods of cool temps followed by heat, lack of rainfall during grain fill, to name a few.  This has put more stress on the plant, reducing leaf area for photosynthesis, causing the plant to ‘work harder’ than normal to maintain yield.
  • However, overall color has held up better than we anticipated, considering the heat/dry conditions of the past two weeks.  Continue to monitor staygreen over next few weeks.  Monitor those fields that lose color the quickest over next few weeks as they will be the first ones to go after for harvest.  Due to the increased stress the crop experienced this year, we still expect stalk quality to be poor come mid-to-late October….
  • See graphs below: 
  • Note in the first graph, the cold period during planting, and then the numerous prolonged cool spells followed by heat spells, that occurred throughout the summer.  Our area experienced the 30th coldest July/August out of the past 132 years.  Early cold/wet conditions slowed growth and impacted early root development, while the ‘ups-and-downs’ during the summer had the ‘plant engine’ running a little off.
  • In the graph on sunlight, note the lack of sun during early grain fill, this can cause ear tip-back and puts stress on the plant by reducing energy production that is needed during peak energy needs.  Thankfully, this has been followed by above normal sunlight, helping us ‘finish’ the crop in better shape than anticipated.
  • The last graph shows precipitation.  Note the high rainfall in May and June and the steady decline during grain fill.   Thank goodness we received the early rains considering how dry grain fill has been.  NE Nebraska saw the 16th driest July-Sep for precipitation in the last 132 years.  This added stress to the crop as well, and is the reason we have ‘turned’ earlier than anticipated as well, especially soybeans over the past month.
  • All of the above has lead to an increase in Fusarium Crown Rot as we continue to see more ears begin to drop and an increase in ‘ghost plants’ as the weeks progress.  Tar Spot has increased over last week as well, while southern rust is just a ‘slow burn’.
  • There is some very good corn in area irrigated fields, as kernel depth and color looks good as we move into the later half of September.  We still expect to see more variability in irrigated yields this year versus past few years from the growing season we had.  One of the biggest yield-limiting factors this year will still come from the early/heavy rains we received and the washed out areas/rows and drowned out spots that are in most every field.  Second potential on yield will be ‘can we get it our before it wants to fall apart?’  There will be more standability issues this year than we have seen over the past number of years.
  • Very early dryland corn/soybean yields seem to be good, much better than anticipated considering the dry July/Aug/Sep we had.
  • Grain moisture drydown is dependent upon temperature and ear husk structure.  Starting to see husks begin to open in fields now.  On average, it takes 15-20 GDU’s to lower grain moisture each point from 30% down to 25%, 20-25 GDU’s per point of moisture from 25% to 22% and 25-30 GDU’s per point from 22% to 20%.  A high of 75 degrees and a low of 55 degrees equate to 15 GDU’s, which should roughly take a point of moisture out per day when grain moisture’s are 25%+.  So temps in the mid-70’s for highs and mid-50’s for lows should take corn from 30% to 25% in a week’s time.  Forecasted temperatures for this weekend and through next week, will limit grain drydown, as we will accumulate only 10-15 GDU’s/day with the temps forecasted.
  • Silage yields have been trending normal overall…hearing a lot of upper-20’s to mid-30’sT/A for tonnage.
  • Soybean harvest moisture: There is an average yield reduction of 7-8% when going from 13% moisture to 8% moisture soybeans.  This means an average loss of 6 bushels/acre (using an 80 bu yield) just in moisture, along with potential reduction from header loss, etc.   The below chart shows the average yield lost from lower harvest moisture and delayed harvest over five year on-farm study from Pioneer.

All for now.  As harvest progresses, we will text out plot info and updates.  Have a safe and successful harvest!!

Starman Seed & Supply, Inc.

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AGRONOMIC UPDATE: September 10, 2024….late in the 4th quarter…

Topics:

  • Growing Degree Unit Update/Weather Forecast
  • Corn/Soybean Update
  • Prioritizing Harvest….
  • New Corn Hybrids and Soybean Series for 2025…

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of September 9th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2024:

Planting Date     GDD’s2024          Average GDD     Departure from average

April 23                   2464                          2471                                -7 (even)

May 4                      2381                          2378                                + 3  (even)

May 14                    2294                           2297                                -3 (even)

From the above numbers, we have gained since the last update on August 25th, when we were 3-4 days behind average.  However, we continue to struggle to get a consistent period of heat.  This past weekend -while beautiful weather – we only accumulated 11 GDU’s/day.  This just doesn’t help us to gain a lot of ground.  On the other hand, the crop has continued to move along and the forecast for the next 10 days will help this out.  We should accumulate 20+/day, which is above average for this time of year.  For comparison, at this same time last year, we had accumulated 2630 GDU’s by September 9th with April 23rd planting date….this puts us a good 8-9 days behind last year…this difference is the same across all of 2024’s planting dates used above.

Current Corn Conditions…..

  • Much of the corn crop is as follows:  April planting dates – 105-110 day hybrids 2/3-3/4 milk lines and 112-118 day 1/3 to 1/2.   Later planting dates are 1/8 to 1/3 for the most part.  Most fields will take another 10 days (April planting dates) to 30 days (mid-May planting dates) to finish, using average-to-above average temperature forecasts over this time period.  The current 10 day forecast looks conducive for development, so let’s hope it stays that way, as we need it.  Silage harvest is happening sooner than expected, which is a positive to further crop development.  The heat spell coming up will impact the crop in other areas, as it will move quicker than we have experienced as of late, more on this below….
  • Sunlight:  Solar radiation for September has been above average by 10%, which has been a positive to kernel development and hopefully plant health.  On the flip side, sunlight for the month of August was 3% below normal.  Most of the sunlight that was received in August was received in the last two weeks.  The first two weeks were below average by 5-8% which was during early-mid grain fill.  This would have a possible negative impact on stalk integrity later into harvest due to reduced photosynthesis.  Sunlight plays a key role in kernel depth and test weight, as well as overall plant health.  Again, September sunlight has been very good, and is forecasted to stay that way.
  • Disease:  If there is one big difference in this year over the past 5-8 years, it is in leaf disease.  Corn fields in the area have never been this ‘marked up’ with leaf disease for quite sometime.  Even fields with fungicide are showing more lesions overall, however, they are still reduced versus fields that had no fungicide applied.  The biggest driver of disease right now is Southern Rust.  This year has seen the biggest outbreak of this disease since 2006.  Most all area fields have this disease present, but the severity is not the same everywhere…and overall levels are not as high as was seen in 2006; however, there are some fields which are as bad as 2006.  This disease really ‘blew up’ the last week of August, but has slowed down some with the cooler weekend.  We are expecting it to increase in severity with the heat that is coming in this week.  This disease does not overwinter here, so it is not usually a concern, however, if we get a lot of southerly winds, and/or hurricane outflow (think hurricane Beryl in early July), we have a greater chance for this disease to develop.   See link for more info: Southern Rust in Corn              Tar Spot has been confirmed by leaf sample in our area.  Confirmation was 13 miles west of Elgin on a 113 day competitor hybrid.  With it being confirmed west of Elgin, this means that the disease is throughout our area now….and we have been finding it in most fields in the area this week.  This disease is a fast mover….see photos….113 Competitor hybrid.
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  • First photo is from August 15th, first lesions.  Second photo is two weeks later, August 29th and third photo is another week later, September 4th.  This disease bears watching in the years ahead.  This is on a hailed field, so progression is faster than normal.
  • This second set of photos is a comparison of a split planter of P1413AM vs. 112 day competitor, on tar spot and southern rust levels.  Photos taken September 10th.  This set of photos is from a field that had a fungicide applied.
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  • For Tar Spot, Pioneer offers some of the leading tolerance, across the hybrid lineup, within the seed industry.  Besides the irrigated acre, keep this in mind for the dryland and more marginal acres, that do not see a fungicide every year…
  • Due to the higher incidence of disease pressure in 2024, we expect to see an impact on area corn acres this year, most likely in late-season plant health.  See Prioritizing Harvest below for more info.
  • Because of the delayed growing season, it is somewhat early to determine overall grain quality heading into harvest.  Test weights are still being determined over the next couple of weeks.
  • Irrigation demand is slowing down and we can see the end, but is still needed in many cases.  Keep in mind that 1/2 milk line corn requires 2.5″ – 3″ to finish, more in hot weather.  ET rates will approach .30-.40+ over next few days if humidity stays low and winds increase.   Keep this in mind over the next 5-7 days.  Don’t shutoff to early….the longer it stays green, the better yield and plant health. 

Current Soybean Conditions…..

  • Soybeans are starting to turn in much of the area.  Most fields are in mid-R6 to early R7.  The early group II soybeans are moving along quickly now.  A few mid-April planting dates with 2.0 maturity could be ready to harvest by next week, if heat comes as forecasted.
  • Disease:  Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is present in the area, but not at the levels it was seen last year.  The same can be said for White Mold infestations.  White Mold has been light, compared to last year.  Disease pressure in soybeans has been much reduced this year compared to prior few years.
  • Irrigation: Fields in the late-R6 to early-R7 stage need approximately 1.5-3″ of moisture to finish.  For reference, the chart below shows soybean stage of growth at R6-R7.  Don’t give up on that last watering…..
  • Dectes Stem Borer.  This insect enters the plant at a node and proceeds to ‘hollow out’ the stem leading to early plant death.   So far not much one can do in the way of management for this insect yet.  However, we are expecting to see heavier levels of this insect in our area versus the past few years.   Keep this in mind as harvest begins and progresses.   For more info see the following link….Dectes Stem Borer in Soybeans

Prioritizing Harvest!

The extremes in weather (early planting conditions/rainfall, cool summer with intermittent heat spells, reduced sunlight during grain fill, increased disease pressure, drought conditions) in 2024 have the potential to impact late-season stalk quality.  Southern Rust will have the biggest impact on stalk quality, which was the case in 2006.  Heavy fields of Southern Rust will be very likely to have poor late-season stalk quality.  We are also seeing Crown Rot show up in area fields.  Infestation is variable across the area, but it is noticeable.  See photo for ‘ghost stalk’…..

Stalk rots appear each year with varying degrees of severity. They are caused primarily by fungi and bacteria, but they can also result from environmental stresses. When these diseases or conditions happen, they weaken or destroy vascular tissue in the stalk, and the plant cannot transport water or carbohydrates effectively, which ultimately results in premature plant death and reduced grain fill.  The environmental stresses this year are putting more pressure on plant health.  Watch for those fields that lose staygreen quickly, or that have ears droop suddenly, as these are signs of premature plant death.  The longer the plant stays green, the better the standability will be as harvest progresses.  Bottom line….we are expecting 2024 harvest to have significantly more issues with stalk integrity as harvest progresses.  This is one year where you want to be ready ‘to go’ at the first opportunity….equipment, labor, etc.

New Corn Hybrids and Soybean Series

           

The above photos are some of the new hybrids for 2025 with a couple of the leader products from the show plot.  For 2025, Pioneer has over seven new corn hybrids across the 105-116 day maturities.  The photos above show some of these new products.  For 2025, Pioneer is also introducing new Powercore Enlist, Powercore Ultra Enlist and Vorceed Enlist technology in corn. All new hybrids from Pioneer in 2025 will have the Enlist technology, with Powercore providing above ground protection like the current AM products, Powercore Ultra providing above ground protection like the current AML products, and Vorceed is the new corn rootworm protection with RNAi performance.  These hybrids offer excellent drought tolerance (one new AquaMax hybrid) as well as good disease tolerance such as Goss’s Wilt and Grey Leaf Spot, with very good staygreen and improved brittle and root scores.  These are some numbers to watch as harvest progresses.

Pioneer has launched a new series of Enlist beans this year – the ‘Z-Series’ soybeans.   ‘Z-Series’ is the next generation in soybean breeding, bringing an increase in yield with improved, industry-leading, agronomic and disease scores.  Watch for Z-Series soybeans as harvest moves forward!

Just FYI, a quick update on Dicamba for over-the-top on soybeans.  As it sits today, there is no label for over-the-top application of Dicamba on soybeans for the 2025 growing season.  Dicamba is under review for renewed labeling under the FIFRA law with the EPA.  What label, if any, may come out by next spring is anybody’s guess at this time.  Bayer’s new proposed label to the EPA is for a pre-emerge only.

Please let us know any questions or concerns or comments you may have.   Let us know how we can help as harvest gets going!  Thanks for your support!

Starman Seed & Supply, Inc.

 

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