• Early Spring conditions and weather outlook…
• Cold soils and Corn/Soybean Emergence & Disease…
• Things to Keep in Mind when Planting Early…
• Plant First & Hybrid Stress Emergence Ratings…

EARLY SPRING CONDITIONS & WEATHER OUTLOOK

                           

The first map above is the current US drought monitor map issued on March 17.   The second map is the same as the first only from March 18, 2025.  Not surprising that our part of the country is worse than this time last year, considering the lack of precipitation we have received over the past six months.  See map below:

This map is the Precipitation Rank by Climate District from October 1 of 2025 to March 22 of 2026. It shows that we are currently having the 133rd wettest period, out of 136 years of record keeping.  In other words, there have only been three years in the past 136 years that have been drier than 2026 in the Oct-Mar time frame.  We are desperately dry again!

 

Contrast this with the map from 2025 for the same time period in which we had the 75th wettest year out of the past 135 years.  While dry last year, we were not as dry as 2026 over this time period.  However, the overall soil moisture profile is at least somewhat better heading into the 2026 growing season than it was at this same time last year….it is the top 6-12 inches that are most concerning right now.  If dry conditions persist through planting season, this difference will most likely show up in soil and residue conditions at planting.  Things to keep in mind as planting gets closer:

• Achieving good seed-to-soil contact will be more of a challenge if these conditions continue. It will take higher amounts of water to create both good seed-to-soil contact and germinate the seed.
• Pre-watering before planting may be needed if dry conditions persist.  Along with the planter, you will want to make sure your pivots are ready-t0-go before planting begins.  See link for video on pre-watering.  Pre-watering before Planting….
• Residue breakdown over this winter has also been minimal with the dry conditions.  This creates potential to have a less than uniform planting depth.  However, with the lower overall yields last year, and the open and windy winter months, there is less residue in the fields than prior years.  While this will help with uniform depth, many fields are open to increased soil erosion from wind due to the open spots in many fields, even those that were not tilled have many open spots….
• The top crust of the soil will most likely be harder than normal due to the dry, open and windy conditions of this winter….another reason to possibly consider pre-watering.
• Would expect the rye cover crop to be more ‘spotty’ than normal.  We would expect the rye to not get as tall as normal, either…very much like last year.

Hopefully we will have received some moisture by the time planting begins and this will all be a moot point….however, the next 10 days are forecasted to be dry….

COLD SOILS AND CORN & SOYBEAN EMERGENCE

Optimal soil temperatures for planting corn is 50 degrees and above.   Imbibition of cold water can lower germination rates and cold soil temperatures can delay emergence allowing for more diseases to set into the seedling.  If temperatures go as predicted above, we have a good chance for rapid soil temperature improvement, however, it will still take 4-5 days of such temperatures to reach minimal planting temperatures, especially on a consistent basis, so one will want to allow for a couple of warm days before dropping planter in the ground (as always, what the nighttime temperatures will be, is the key thing here).

Here is a quick look at how a seed germinates.  Imbibition of soil water happens within the first 48 hours and is why it is critical to plant when soil conditions and soil temperatures are right.  Main point to keep in mind, is that the best time to plant is heading into a 2-4 day warm temperature period right after planting.  Most reduced stands occur when planting into a cold spell, or before giving the soil temperatures time to warm up some right after a cold period.  See link below for more info.

Soil Temperature and Cold Emergence

Because we always have variable temperatures during planting season, we recommend increasing soybean (by 10k/a) and corn (by 1-2k/a, unless already dropping 34-35k) populations when planting early.  We tend to plant soybeans when it seems to cold for corn, but soybeans are really not any better out-of-the-ground than corn….just less risk involved versus corn.  Keep in mind, that along with temperatures, the amount of crop residue will play a role here.

DAYS TO EMERGENCE: SOYBEAN AND CORN

This graph helps explain days to emergence that it takes for both corn and soybeans when soil temps are at different levels. When soil temps are at 50-55 degrees it could take 3 weeks to see emergence. The next graph shows why we recommend planting soybeans early – it’s to maximize our flowering and podding days to allow for more time (days) for pods to set.

   

SOYBEAN/CORN EMERGENCE PROCESS:

Soybean Emergence:

Imbibitional Phase:

• Happens less than 24 hours; typically 8-12 hours. After imbibitional phase ends, the risk of chilling injury also ends.

Osmotic Phase:

• A much slower uptake of water occurs. Seedlings can be more tolerant to soil temps as low as 35-40 degrees. Will increase days of emergence and increase risk of soil borne pathogens if soil is cool.

Corn Emergence:

Wait to plant until soil is at 50-55 degrees

• Kernel moisture = 10-12% @ planting
• Imbibition of soil water
• Kernel moisture = 30%
• Soil at 50-55^oF
• Enzymes:  starch -> sugar

Typically 80 GDU’s: radicle emergence

Typically 130 GDU’s: plant emergence

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN PLANTING EARLY

• • Fluctuating soil temperatures can cause imbibitional seed chilling, erratic emergence and cold temperature injury
  • Average last freeze date:  3^rd-4^th week in April for Central Nebraska…
  • Seed Soil Contact is key to fast emergence and stand establishment…..soils that are too wet can lead to side wall compaction, crusting and poor seed to soil contact.  In dry conditions, it gets more difficult to get good seed/soil contact as air pockets are increased due to loose and crumbly soil structure, which is why having pivots ready-to-run is key here.
  • Herbicide injury can occur more often in cool, wet soils where the plant isn’t growing at an optimal pace.
  • Planting Depth….Optimum planting depth for corn is 1 1/2 to 2″, with 2″ best under normal conditions as this is best for optimal nodal root development.  Soil temperature fluctuates more in the top 1” = one reason why we plant at 1 1/2  to 2″ deep.   Never plant shallower than 1 1/2″ and we see no reason to go deeper than 2 1/2″.   Always err on the deeper side vs. the shallow side for depth.  More bushels are lost from too shallow than too deep of planting.   Optimum soybean planting for soybeans is 1-2″…err on the deeper side under cold conditions.  As mentioned above, if soil conditions stay dry, expect soil conditions to be harder than normal and seedbed will be ‘crumbly’ with high amount of air pockets, impacting planting depth and reducing seed-soil contact.
  • Plant populations….Consider increasing population drop under heavy residue and cooler conditions.  This is especially so for soybeans….if planting in April consider bumping up soybean seed drop by 10% to offset adverse weather conditions….even more needed if planting in April and have a tilled seedbed.  Most of the time any replant discussions would’ve been eliminated had seed drop been bumped up at planting.  Seed corn maggots have been an issue the last few years on tilled, sandy soils when planting in April.  In these situations, it is highly recommended (almost a requirement) to use Lumiderm insecticide seed treatment for increased protection from seed corn maggots.  See photo below from 2025 field with a split planter of Lumiderm vs. no Lumiderm…upwards of a 20 bu/a increase in the strips w/ Lumiderm versus no Lumiderm.

• Soybean planting date:   UNL research shows that you can lose up to ½ bu of yield potential per day after May 1^st.  Just remember, the earlier you can plant will help maximize the days of flowering and pod set, to give you more time for re-flowering and setting more pods. (Refer to chart referenced earlier in this update).
• Soybean seeding rate: we recommend 140,000-160,000 seeding rates. This seems to give us a good compromise between seed cost and potential loss from storms or other unforeseen events. Here are a few scenarios to consider when looking at seeding rates:

           

The above graphs show Corn Yield by Seeding Rate and Corn Yield by Week Planted for Nebraska using Granular Insights data from Pioneer Hi-bred.  The data shows what we have seeing in our geographic area as well.

See link for more planting information, tips, and resources from Pioneer….lots of good information here: 2026 Pioneer Central Region Planting Guide and Resources

CORN AND SOYBEAN EARLY SEASON DISEASE REMINDER & LumiGEN Seed treatment:

Planting early, cool soils, and dry/wet soils, all come with the increased risk of early season diseases.  Keep in mind that Pioneer has THE industry-leading seed treatments on corn and soybeans.  No company has more active ingredients.   A new addition to the LumiGen corn seed treatment for 2026 is Lumidapt Valta LS, a biological plant nutrition seed treatment of micronutrients.  Pioneer testing has shown a 2 bushel increase from this treatment.         Lumidapt Valta LS Seed Treatment Tech Bulletin

No seed company in the industry offers the number of MOA’s that Pioneer does.  We have seen the difference vs. competitor over the past few years!

PLANT FIRST RECOMMENDATIONS

One of the most frequently asked question is “What product should I plant first?”  With the cooler soil temperatures normally experienced at the beginning of planting, we believe that it is important to start with a hybrid that shows strong emergence and early vigor.  The below bullet points show our recommendations for “plant first” products if soil temps are cool. The hybrids are listed by maturity not by how well they emerge.  These are products that have shown to have strong emergence and early vigor over the past several seasons.  Selecting one of these hybrids to start with can help provide the best chance for optimum emergence when soil temperatures are cooler at the start of planting.  However, considering how fast our soils can warm up, and if one is planting into a warm stretch, we don’t have an issue with starting with most any hybrid…key is the first 48-72 hours after planting.  Keep in mind the 2-5 day forecast ahead of anytime you are planting.  Remember also, that we will continue to experience soil temperature fluctuations as we go through planting….whether planting in April or May….keeping right product, for right acre is just as important.

• 105-109 CRM – P05081, P08527, P09076*, P0859, P09944*, P10300
• 110-118 CRM – P1170, P11056, P12517*, P13476Q*, P13777, P1413, P15517, 17677
• * – very strong emergence….

Please contact us with any questions or comments you may have.  Thank you for your business!!

Have a safe planting season!!

Starman Seed & Supply, Inc.

With harvest on the back half now, it’s time to send out an update on what trends we are seeing from this harvest, and what contributed to the yields we ‘are not’ seeing.  Overall, average irrigated yields on corn are down across the general area (throughout much of Nebraska as well), for both heavy and sandy soils; however, the sand has seen a steep drop off from past few years.  In fact, some sandy fields are seeing the poorest yield in 10-15+ years. This leads to the question of ‘why’?  This update will try to provide a few answers to this question….

Quick Takeaways:

• Irrigated corn yields are down 3–30% from average.
• Sandier soils hit hardest — shallow rooting + N loss from July rains.
• Cloudy during grain fill + warm nights reduced test weight and kernel depth.
• Tar Spot + Southern Rust compounded late-season stress.
• Cooler, wet early September increased ear molds.

PERFECT STORM….

As mentioned in the title to this update, 2025 was a ‘perfect storm’ of stress events.  Environment has the greatest impact on final yield. We can ‘do everything right’ to the best of our ability, but Mother Nature has final ‘say’ on how ‘what we do’ turns out.  As in every year, there is no one single cause for the yields we are seeing this year; however, 2025 gave many different stress events, from beginning to the end of the year and each stress compounded the other as the year progressed, and these stresses went from one extreme to the other.

1) ….2025 Precipitation….from lack-of to excess…

As always, precipitation (both amounts and timing of) plays a big role in final yield. The three images below helps put into perspective the impact precipitation had on irrigated yields:

        

the first map shows total precipitation rank by climate district from April 1 to mid-May.  For this time period, NE Nebraska was the 125 wettest out of 133 years….only 8 years in the last 133 years were drier than 2025 at planting. This led to loose seedbeds (saw tillage impact this to a greater degree than normal), poorer seed-to-soil contact which meant that we had to irrigate 5-7 times just to get the corn up and in even shape….crop was stressed from the beginning. The dryland corners showed up wetter than the irrigated circle during harvest because of this dry period causing uneven emergence and growth.

The second graph shows 2025 accumulated precipitation from April 17 to the present, with the red line showing 2025 and the black line showing the average.  As in the first map, note just how dry we were up until later half of June, in fact, DESPARATELY dry….then starting the last week of June we saw 10-15+ (up to 20″ in localized spots) inches through to August 1st.

The third map shows just how wet July was with NE Nebraska climate district showing the wettest July in last 133 years, or since records began. This increased N-loss from leaching on the sands, impacted timing of N applications, and led to reduced root depth and volume…all of which led to shorter plant height in the lighter sand. We can see this from the graphs below:

This first graph is a line graph showing each individual sensor from an AquaSpy soil moisture probe in sand. Note the movement of water by the crop on the 4″, 8″, and 12″ sensors, with just slight movement on the 16″ sensor and maybe a tick of movement at 20″.  There is no discernible movement from the 24″ sensor on down throughout the growing season. By looking at this graph, it appears that the corn plant was only pulling from 20″ and above, or at the one-to-one-and-a-half foot depth all season. This means that the majority of the sandy fields were pulling water, nutrients, etc., from only half the soil volume as compared to the past few years…while at the same time living in an anerobic (no oxygen) environment (which impacts overall soil productivity) through all of July. In other words at peak energy time for the plant (ie. pollination). Couple this with a normally lower pH & lower fertility on very coarse sand, and the plant was not setup to deliver high yields….

Contrast this with a graph from heavy soils….

Note the movement all the way down to the 40″ sensor. However, even here, while movement reached normal depth, there was plentiful moisture throughout the rootzone. Key thing is that soil depth and volume were more conducive for water, nutrient uptake in the heavy soils vs. sand.  Just two extremes on moisture at different stage of corn growth….both a negative to intensive, irrigated corn production. ‘Rain makes grain’ is a true statement, but mostly for the true dryland acre.

Field drainage (one of the top five in yield factors) was a big factor in overall yield. Some of the lower bottoms saw poorer yields versus higher ground from being over-saturated for so long, plus the lower ground would’ve had a longer period of leaf wetness vs. higher ground leading to heavier leaf disease. In a year like this year, even one extra hour per day was significant if it happened over 30-45 days in a row….

2)….Grainfill….Reduced Sunlight and Higher Nighttime Temperatures….

Sunlight….is what fuels the engine of the plant and is a critical component of both yield and plant health.

The above graph is solar radiation for the 2025 growing season for Elgin, NE. Note the two highlighted boxes showing sunlight during grainfill. From the beginning of pollination around the middle of July to mid-September, sunlight trended below normal (many smoky days here as well), with a steep drop off heading into the late half of grainfill.  While we had good kernel counts to start grainfill, the engine was only getting half the fuel it needed, when it needed it the most….now, contrast this with 2024 sunlight:

Much better sunlight from pollination throughout the grainfill period.  There was a dip in mid-August, but September turned sunny and hot and the crop finished well with high test weights, very good kernel depth and excellent late-season health.  This was not the case for 2025. As was mentioned earlier this year as harvest was starting, test weights and kernel depth were going to be off compared to last year, due in part to reduced sunlight.

Higher nighttime temperatures….nighttime temperatures affect yield due to respiration of the plant. At night, the plant respires (‘burns’) energy during hours with no sunlight. Higher nighttime temperatures lead to higher energy consumption by the plant during nighttime hours, couple this with reduced energy production from lack of sunlight during the daytime hours, and the plant is setting itself up for lower yields through lighter test weights and smaller kernel depth….at minimum poorer late-season plant health. See map below:

This map shows departure from normal average minimum temperatures for June-July-August 2025. Antelope county was 2-3 degrees above average through this period. While this has minimal impact in sunny weather, it is a negative to yield in reduced sunlight and when it occurs over a longer time period, especially during grainfill.  It’s been said that every night that has a temperature that stays 70 degrees or above is a 1% reduction in yield….not sure we fully buy this, maybe .3-.4%….regardless of what it is exactly, there is a cost to higher nighttime temps.      I discount this loss if we have normal to above-normal sunlight. However, we think it does show up in years where sunlight is reduced. We had 8 days with lows over 70 degrees in 2025.

Bottomline….higher nighttime temperatures have to be offset by good sunlight during the day….something we did not have this year. As grainfill was beginning there was already a governor starting to be applied on the plant’s engine….

3) Disease…and more disease….and more disease….

The 2025 growing season saw the highest severity of leaf disease in our many years of experience from Southern Rust and Tar Spot. Disease, by itself, was not the sole cause of lower yields, but it played a very big role in overall final yield. For the second year in a row (which has not been experienced before) infestation of Southern Rust was very high. Weather patterns of good southerly flow out of the gulf all summer and fronts (moisture) moving through from the NW, in my opinion, created conditions for severe Southern Rust outbreaks. Temperatures and humidity allowed for rapid and continual development of this disease throughout the growing season. Tar Spot infestations also showed up earlier and heavier than in 2024, with rapid development of this disease from end-of-August through September. In many ways, Tar Spot was like someone with an already weakened immunity system contracting Covid and then Covid killing them…same for the corn plant, it was already weakened from other stresses during the year and Tar Spot was the final event that ‘pushed it’ over the edge. Fungicide paid huge dividends for yield this year (like last year) and two treatments increased yields in most cases as well.

A comment on disease and sunlight and plant health.  In many fields last year, Southern Rust was just as heavy as this year (though Tar Spot was not) and yet, overall irrigated yields were much above normal.  This shows the impact sunlight, temperatures, and humidity play in the development and impact of disease from year-to-year. Some sand fields this year saw much poorer yields with a fungicide application in 2025 versus yields in 2024 with no fungicide application. Those fields in 2025 that got off to a clean start and fast growth (in other words, were healthy from the beginning) were able to ‘fight off’ the disease better when it came, maintaining yield close to 2024. Again, disease was a HUGE factor in final yield in 2025, but not the sole factor.  Genetic tolerance also played a role….across hybrids and companies….

4) GDU Accumulation….Ear Molds….

The chart below shows GDU accumulation for the 2025. As mentioned in our updates from this past growing season, GDU accumulation was trending above average in April and through the first half of May, but then we cooled down and stayed slightly above average through July and but then increased in August. Most of the reason for being above normal GDU accumulation was due to the warmer nighttime temperatures mentioned above….which was a negative to yield.

Now note the black box at end of August into first part of September.  Note the lack of GDU accumulation, the cold temps in early September and this is also the time we received higher rainfall around Labor Day. All of this contributed to increased development of ear molds. Ear molds were common in most all fields, regardless of planting date, etc.  The amount of ear mold development is also a product of husk architecture and grain quality (as well as tip feeding from insects), so there can be differences in ear mold severity between hybrids. Since we were not seeing the same test weights or kernel depth as past years, this led to increased ear mold development under the cooler, wetter conditions. This increase in ear molds further reduced test weights and kernel depth, even though kernel counts were good.  If we would’ve had the weather we experienced at the end of September this year, at the beginning of September, ear molds would have been almost non-existent.

2025 Yield Impact Summary
Factor	2025 Trend / Condition	Impact on Yield & Crop Health
Spring Moisture	Extremely dry at planting (top 10 driest in 133 years)	Uneven emergence, poor seed-to-soil contact, shallow early roots, early nodal root development impacted.
July Rainfall	Record wettest July on record (10–20” rainfall in spots)	N leaching, saturated soils, reduced root depth and oxygen, uneven plant height
Sunlight	Below normal from pollination through grainfill	Reduced kernel depth and test weight, slower sugar conversion
Nighttime Temps	2–3°F above normal; 8+ nights >70°F	Increased respiration losses, lower energy efficiency, potential 6–10% yield drag
Disease Pressure	Severe Southern Rust & Tar Spot (2nd year in a row)	Early leaf death, reduced grainfill duration, higher benefit from fungicide
GDU Pattern	Warm early, then cool and wet in early September	Increased ear mold risk, delayed drydown, reduced kernel quality
Soil Type Impact	Sands hit hardest; heavy soils fared better	Sandy fields showed shallow rooting and poorest yields in 10–15 years

Bottomline….

Each growing season we see these stresses show up, however, we usually don’t see all of these show up in the same year and to such extremes…or, we have something that offsets the stress….like extra sunlight, lower humidity, etc.

Other factors such as breakdowns of equipment, timing of fertilizer and chemical applications…anything that delayed or interfered with timely management….became more exaggerated as the year progressed.

The most true statement heading into 2026 is that no two years are alike weather wise….July 2026 will not be the July of 2025….

Please contact with any questions or comments you are seeing as harvest continues.  Thank you for your business and support!!

Have a continued safe and successful harvest!

Starman Seed & Supply, Inc.

 

 

Topics:

• Growing Degree Unit Update/Weather Forecast
• Corn/Soybean Update
• Prioritizing Harvest….
• New Corn Hybrids for 2026…

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of September 9th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2025:

Planting Date     GDD’s2025          Average GDD         Departure from average

April 17                  2577                           2488                              +89 (+5 days)

April 24                 2526                           2442                              +84 (+5 days)

May 1                     2479                           2395                              +84 (+5 days)

GDU accumulation has been below normal since the last update on August 19th.  However, we continue to be ahead of the average, though we did lose 3 or so days since the 19th of August.  Considering how cool it has been, this is not as big a loss as what was to be expected.  This did give the crop a break, which was much needed back in August.  Since the last update, we have accumulated average of 15 GDU’s/day, which is 4-5 GDU’s less/day than average.  We should potentially see another 300+ GDU accumulation over the next 14 days if temps stay as forecasted. If this holds true, this means we will have accumulated 2700-2900 GDU’s by September 24th, which would mature most all hybrids regardless of planting dates….

Current Corn Conditions…..

• Current stage of much of the corn crop is as follows:  Most fields are following the above GDU accumulation.  105 day and earlier hybrids planted before April 24 are 3/4 milk line – fuller season hybrids are 1/2-2/3 milk line.  May 1 planting dates are 1/4-1/2 milk line.  Most fields will take another 10 days (April planting dates) to 20 days (May planting dates) to finish, using average-to-above average temperature forecasts over this time period.  The current 10-14 day forecast looks conducive for development, but it will be interesting to see how the hot temperatures and breezy conditions predicted over this period will affect overall plant health and staygreen. Both grain color and kernel depth look very good at present; however, these next two weeks will still be important for final test weight and kernel depth. Silage harvest is getting underway, and early indications are normal to above-normal tonnage….
• Below are a couple of photos showing impact of kernel depth and test weight on final yield….
•    
• Note the second photo showing size of ears.  Note that all the ears are same rows around and kernel count, however kernel depth and weight is much different between the ears, with corresponding reduction in yield. We are still impacting kernel depth and test weights over the next couple of weeks….keep this in mind for last irrigations, etc…
• Sunlight:  Solar radiation for all of the grain fill period, beginning in mid-July, has been below normal. We saw good sunlight in mid-August, but since the last week of August and into September, we’ve seen much below again. Sunlight plays a key role in kernel depth and test weight, as well as overall plant health. September 2024 saw much above normal sunlight which played a role in the good late-season plant health that we saw last year. So far in September this year, we are not having that luxury. This increases the potential for a negative impact on stalk integrity later into harvest for 2025, due to reduced photosynthesis going to overall plant health….this will be exacerbated by the high levels of disease present in most fields this year.
• Disease:  As we saw in 2024, overall leaf disease pressure has been high this year….mainly Southern Rust; however, Tar Spot is starting to takeoff in some area fields. Most all corn fields in the area are ‘marked up’ with leaf disease.  Even fields with fungicide are marked up to some degree, though much reduced versus no fungicide applied.  The biggest drivers of disease right now is Southern Rust and Tar Spot. The cooler weather as of late has slowed Southern Rust down some, but it is still active and will increase in activity with the increasing warmer temperatures that are forecasted.
• While the 2025 crop is ahead in development versus 2024, it seems like area fields are losing their color a little earlier than last few years.  This color change is due to crop maturity, but is also a reflection of the overall disease pressure and severity within the fields. Southern Rust does not overwinter here, so it is not usually a concern, however, if we get a lot of southerly winds, and/or hurricane outflow, we have a greater chance for this disease to develop.  Southerly trade-winds were very active all summer which drew the disease into our area.
• As was to be expected, we have seen higher levels of, and earlier appearance of, Tar Spot in the area versus last year. Early infestation levels of this disease were low, but we are now seeing this disease really takeoff in some fields (and hybrids) over the past 10 days or so, and we would expect this disease to increase in infestation levels as the growing season reaches an end. While not having much impact on overall yield, this disease will be a big factor in late-season standability across hybrids and fields.
• 
• 
• This set of photos was taken September 9th, all from the same field. They show differences in Tar Spot tolerance across three Pioneer hybrids. We are seeing the P13777 family show very good tolerance to Tar Spot. For Tar Spot, Pioneer offers some of the leading tolerance, across their hybrid lineup, within the seed industry. We continue to see Pioneer show better tolerance than many competitive hybrids and brands. 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 high incidence of disease pressure in 2025, 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.
• Irrigation demand is slowing down, and we can see the end, but with the warmer temps coming it is still needed in the sandy soils and on the later planting dates (end of April & May)….even in the heavy soils, as black layer is still 2+ weeks away on these later planted fields. 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 as temps warm up and breezy conditions prevail. Keep this in mind over the next 5-7 days. If irrigation is planned, better to water earlier than later….Don’t shutoff too 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 really starting to turn now.  Forecasted heat over next 5-8 days should move things along….
• Disease:  Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is present in much of the area, with some fields showing heavier levels of infestation.  White Mold infestations have been very light this year….caught a break here. Overall 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, as with past few years, we expect this insect to be present in area fields. 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 (very dry conditions at planting and emergence, consecutive days of high winds at V4-5, wet and cool summer with intermittent heat spells, reduced sunlight during grain fill, high disease pressure) in 2025 have the potential to impact late-season stalk quality.  As mentioned above, diseases like Southern Rust & Tar Spot will have some of the biggest impact on stalk quality.  Heavy fields of Southern Rust and late Tar Spot will be very likely to have poorer late-season stalk quality.  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 drop suddenly, as these are signs of premature plant death.  See photo for ‘ghost stalk’…..

The longer the plant stays green, the better the standability will be as harvest progresses.  Bottom line….there is a higher probability for the 2025 harvest to have significantly more issues with stalk integrity as harvest progresses, especially if sunlight stays reduced through September, limiting overall photosynthesis.  This is one year where you want to be ready ‘to go’ at the first opportunity….equipment, labor, etc.

New Corn Hybrids:

         

 

The above photos are some of the new hybrids for 2026 with a couple of the leader products from the show plot.  For 2026, Pioneer has over seven new corn hybrids across the 105-115 day maturities.  The photos above show some of these new products.  Please contact for more information on these products.

In 2024, Pioneer introduced the new Powercore Enlist, Powercore Ultra Enlist and Vorceed Enlist technology in corn. All new hybrids from Pioneer, starting 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 package, with very good staygreen and improved brittle and root scores.  These are some numbers to watch as harvest progresses.

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

Starman Seed & Supply, Inc.

 

Topics:

– Growing Degree Day Update

– What’s going on in my fields?…..Corn Development, ET rates, Disease, etc. 

– Insect Update

– Soybean Development

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of August 3rd, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2025:

Planting Date     GDD’s2025          Average GDD         Departure from average

April 17                  1872                           1766                                +106 (+4 days)

April 24                 1821                           1720                                +101 (+4 days)

May 1                     1773                           1673                                +100 (+4 days)

From the above numbers, you can see that we have gained a couple of days over the past two weeks.  While the past week has been cool, the third week of July was above normal temps.  So, even though it doesn’t feel like we should’ve gained anything versus normal over the past two weeks, numbers say otherwise.  Based on the above numbers and planting date, need another 40-45 days to reach maturity for average 111-114 day hybrids with normal temperatures….there is still a lot of growing season left that is critical to final yield.  More on this in the maps below…

The above map is the average temperature for July 2025.  Note that July’s temperatures have been about as ‘average’ as you can get over the past 133 years…..not too hard to see why the year has been very average for GDU accumulation.

The above map is the average high temperature rank for July 2025.  Here we see the coolness that we are experiencing.  No stress, but doesn’t ‘move things along’ so well…

   

The above map is the average low temperature rank for July 2025 and the graph is the daily love temperature for Elgin for the whole of 2025 so far this year.  In the map, note that we have had higher low temperatures for July and for most of the growing season from the graph.  This is what is keeping our GDU accumulation normal….however, this comes with a cost, as higher nighttime temperatures mean higher plant respiration, which is a negative to plant development and a stress inducer…keep all of this in mind for final kernel count, weight and impact on late-stalks as the rest of the growing season plays out.

Last comment on current conditions….the above map is the total precipitation rank for July 2025.  Note that July 2025 was the 4th wettest out of the past 133 years….we are ‘wet country’.  This has been a blessing, but like most things, one can have too much of a ‘good thing’.  Besides issues like delaying N applications/leaching and reduced soil oxidation, the wet conditions have increased humidity and turned our fields into petri dishes for disease.

WHAT’S GOING ON IN MY FIELD?…..Corn Development, Disease, Crop Water Use..

Most of the corn crop is in the early-R3 (Milk) to R3 (Milk) stage.  The heat on the last weekend in July helped move the crop along.  As noted above, the crop has continued to develop in these cooler conditions.

• Pollination overall seems to be good so far.  Finding the usual checkerboard pattern of missing, or late pollinated kernels, on the butt of the ear, or scattered on the ear, but overall looks good.
• 
• Tassel Wrap.  The above photo shows what has been called this year, tassel wrap.  This is where the last leaves of the plant stay ‘wrapped’ around the emerging tassel, delaying full tassel emergence, and thereby, pollen shed.  This phenomenon has been observed across the cornbelt and we saw some of this here as well.  However, we have yet to see where this played a huge role in pollination.  As always, please let us know if you see any issues in your fields.  The following link is a good summary of this phenomenon.
• Wrapped Tassels In Corn
• Plant height this year is across the board….shorter in the sand.  The very windy conditions experienced in mid-late May impacted this greatly.  Rows around on the ear were being developed when the windy conditions occurred as well…we are thinking some of these fields were impacted by reduced rows around in some cases…from 16-18 rows average to 14-16 rows….
• At R1, potassium uptake is essentially complete, and nitrogen and phosphorous uptake are rapid.  Last round of N should be on, or getting on now….   
• Blister Kernel occurs approx. 10-14 days after Silking.  Starch has begun to accumulate in the watery endosperm and the kernels are beginning a period of rapid, steady, dry matter accumulation that will continue until physiological maturity in approx. 50-60 days after silking.
• At Blister Kernel, maximum ear length is achieved.  Although not as severe as at Silking, stress over the next two weeks can still have a profound effect on yield through kernel abortion….think higher nighttime temps here….
• Kernel abortion from stress can occur through the Milk stage(18-22 days after silking), however when the plant reaches Dough, kernel abortion will no longer take place, and any yield reduction from then on out will be from lower test weight.  We are currently in the ‘tip-back’ stage of growth.  This stage will last over the next two weeks or so.  Temperature and sunlight will play a role here….potential for increased ‘tip-back’ is higher this year versus past years due to temps and reduced sunlight.
• As far as sunlight is concerned, we are currently trending below normal over the last month.  Sunlight, of course, is now a much bigger yield factor, since we are now beginning the crucial grain fill period.   As such, how much sunlight, and when it occurs during the grain-fill period, will play a role in overall yield and late-season plant health.   Lack of sunlight early in the grain fill period (i.e. right now) can increase potential for the ear to tip-back.  Extra stress will occur if sunlight is reduced and temps (especially nighttime) are higher than average.  This stress occurs because, since temps are high (especially nighttime temps), the energy demand on the plant is higher than average; couple this with reduced photosynthesis, and this leads to greater energy in the plant just going to maintain itself and not to filling the ear.  It is an axiom in corn production that when you have to run your air conditioner at night, it is not good corn growing weather.
• Beginning about mid-June, Relative Humidity has been above normal, with a daily average RH in the low-to-upper 70’s%.   While this leads to decreased ET rates; it increases the potential for more disease in corn and soybeans.
• We are seeing an increase in leaf diseases in corn from just this past week. For one, we are seeing first signs of Southern Rust lesions in some area fields.  not heavy yet, but present.
• This disease can ‘blow up’ quickly, so highly recommended to watch your fields for outbreaks….better yet,  we recommend to apply a fungicide to halt the disease if not already done so.  We are finding it heavier in untreated vs. treated fields at present.  We continue to see Tar Spot, Grey Leaf Spot and Northern Corn Leaf Blight slowly increase in area fields as well.  Keep monitoring for leaf diseases, even if field already treated, over next few weeks for sudden outbreaks….
• Fungicide applications should be on, or going on now.  You want to protect the plant when it is working the hardest, which is silking through milk stage (which is  NOW!).  Reminder, a fungicide will not help control Goss’s Wilt or Bacterial leaf streak.
• With all of the rain, it has been easy to lose track of ET rates.  Corn at Blister Kernel is average of .28/inch per day and Milk stage is .25″/day in normal weather….we are closer to .30+/day when hot & windy.  Overall ET rates have been below normal over past cool conditions but expect them to increase when heat returns later this week.

SOYBEAN UPDATE

• Much of the crop is in the late-R3(pod set) to R4(full pod) stage-of-growth, to R5(Beg. seed) in the early-planted fields.  Considering how many acres of soybeans were planted by May 1st this year, stage-of-growth is ahead of normal.  Overall plant height will be average to tall…the beans have really taken off as of late.  Keep this in mind when irrigating….
• Peak water use, nutrient demand, and overall energy demand in the plant occurs at R3 and into R4 stage….i.e. right now and into the next few weeks!
• ET rates in soybeans reach peak at R3 into R4 stage (.30+ in/day) and will continue to stay high through R6(full seed).    See comments above on corn ET rates, as the same applies for soybeans.  One will need to be careful not to water constantly to help reduce disease potential (see below on white mold) due to a constantly ‘wet canopy’.   If White Mold becomes a problem, it will be best to water at night and leave off during the day so the canopy has some chance to dry out.    In heavy soils, when irrigation is needed, we recommend running a heavy irrigation amount (.80 to inch+) and then leaving it sit for a while.
• We are just starting to see the first signs of White Mold in a few area fields.  Weather conditions of the past few weeks have been conducive for development of this disease.  How much this disease will impact this year’s crop is unknown yet, however, the high humidity of recent weeks will greatly increase the potential for this disease….lodged beans will also increase the likelihood of this disease as well. Any second treatments for White Mold should really be on by now.   See the attached link for White Mold management.    Managing White Mold in Soybeans    We recommend Aproach, Viatude, or Delaro fungicide for any white mold control.   High temps and dry mornings will slow the disease down.
• Sudden Death Syndrome – so far not seeing much for SDS in area fields.  We would expect to see more of this show up as the weeks progress.
• We are also seeing first signs of Frogeye in soybeans….just a lesion or two.  Keep an eye out for potential increase in this disease under these humid, wet conditions.

INSECT UPDATE – Corn & Soybeans

• Western Bean Cutworm numbers are historically low this year.  They can be found in sandy fields, but overall infestation levels are low versus what we have seen in prior years.  Any treatments now will be strictly rescue…
• We starting to see 2nd brood ECB moths start to fly.  Keep this insect in mind on your conventional and popcorn acres over the next two weeks.
• Overall insect pressure in soybeans has been very light.   Very little defoliation going on yet.  Begin scouting for Bean Leaf Beetles as they will begin feeding on developing pods over the next few weeks.  So far we are not finding any Soybean Aphids.   If you have made an insecticide application already, or are going to, this should give you season long control unless a severe outbreak of one of these insects occurs.
• Dectes Stem Borer – be on the lookout for this insect starting now and into harvest.  We have seen the adult beetles in some area fields over the past few weeks, actually pretty heavy amounts of adults as well.  Watch field edges first and let us know if you are seeing wilted and dying plants as they move in from the grassy edges.  If you see this, keep these fields in mind for earlier harvest.  Dectes Stem Borer in Soybeans
• Seeing a few small colonies of Corn Leaf Aphids(dark green aphid) in area corn fields.   They tend to proliferate under cooler and damper conditions, so we may see them increase as time goes on.
• So far just seeing a few areas of Spider Mite colonies.  If temperatures turn out as forecasted (cooler temps and higher relative humidity), infestation levels should be on the light side.  Rather surprised to see some in these conditions; however, keep an eye out for this insect over the next month or so.

Please mark your calendar for the Pioneer Annual Customer Appreciation Supper  which is set for Friday, August 22nd.  Invite will be coming out soon!  The Pioneer Plot Tour is tentatively sent for, Wednesday, September 3rd.

Please contact us with any questions or comments you may have!   Thank you for your business!!

Starman Seed Service, Inc.

 

 

 

       

TOPICS FOR THIS UPDATE:

• Temperatures & GDU accumulation update
• What’s going on in my fields right now…
• Fungicide/Diseases in Corn,
• Insect Update
• Soybean Update

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of July 6th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2025:

Planting Date     GDD’s2025          Average GDD         Departure from average

April 17                  1232                           1138                                +94 (+4 days)

April 24                 1181                            1092                                +89 (+3.5 days)

May 1                     1135                            1045                                +90 (+3.5 days)

Since the last update on June 11, we have gained 3-4 days.  Instead of slightly behind normal, we are slightly ahead of normal on GDU’s.  Kind of hard to believe considering the up-and-down nature of our temps over the last few weeks.  Below maps are 6-10 day and 8-14 day temperature forecasts.

     

These maps need to be taken with a grain-of-salt as they change daily; however, they are predicting normal temps over the next week with a warming trend into the third week of July.  Some major ag-weather sites are saying the potential for cooler temps through the first two-to-three weeks of July is high.  This is good news as far as no stress on the crops, but will possibly delay silking dates as compared to normal….thereby increasing potential for later-maturing crops vs. last few years.  More on this in the next section….

What’s going on in my fields?

• The corn crop in our area looks very good at present time.   Overall color is still good considering the amount of rain some areas have had over last two weeks.  Much of the corn crop is in the V12-V15 stage, which is tracking very close to normal and one leaf stage behind the 2024 growing season.   From V10-VT, corn gains a new leaf every 50 GDU’s, or about every other day.  Cooler temps will delay this to 2.5 days/new leaf.  Majority of tasseling will most likely occur from July 13-24th.  Keep in mind that hybrids silk early, or late, versus their maturity rating.  It always seems to take a little longer than expected….
• Kernels per row began around V12 and is continuing through and up to tassel stage
• Nitrogen needs will continue to grow through tasseling and into early reproductive stages.  Nitrogen uptake in corn is very rapid now through tassel (up to 4-8 lbs per day).  As we have discussed in the past, today’s hybrids use nitrogen later in the growing season and into the reproductive phases.  You will want to keep that last shot of N available for after tasseling….40-50#.  Keep in mind that the higher amounts of rain received in some sandy soil areas may have caused some N leaching to occur.  Keep this in mind as you determine your final N applications.  Overall color, however, looks very good throughout the area….
• We are now into the rapid growth and accumulation of dry matter by the plant.  The window for brittle snap is still open from now to tassel….
• Under field conditions, pollen shed usually occurs in the late morning and early evenings.
• Pollen shed will extend for one to two weeks, but if field is uniform in plant emergence and height, pollen shed is 80% complete in 5-7 days from full tassel emergence….this will take place next week for most fields.  Expect some unevenness in tasseling/silk emergence in most fields due to the spring rains moving crop residue around and slowing emergence.
• At tassel, vegetative development is now complete; maximum plant height and root depth is achieved.
• VT overlaps with R1 (silking stage) when visible silks appear before the tassel is fully emerged.  By definition, growth stage R1 (Abendroth et al., 2011) for an individual ear is defined when a single silk strand is visible from the tip of the husk. An entire field is defined as being at growth stage R1 when silks are visible on at least 50 % of the plants. This whole field definition for growth stage R1 is synonymous with the term “mid-silk”.
• A captured pollen grain takes about 24 hours to grow down the silk to the ovule for fertilization.
• Peak pollen shed usually occurs in mid-morning.   Some research indicates that pollen shed decreases after temperatures surpass 86F.   A second “flush” of pollen often occurs in late afternoon or evening as temperatures cool.   Pollen shed may occur throughout most of the day under relatively cool, cloudy conditions….. Crop Focus – Corn Pollination Success
• Weather conditions influence pollen shed.  If the anthers are wet, the pores will not open and pollen will not be released.   Thus, on an average summer morning following a heavy evening dew, pollen shed will not begin until the dew dries and the anther pores open.  Similarly, pollen is not shed during rainy conditions.   Cool, humid temperatures delay pollen shed, while hot, dry conditions hasten pollen shed.  We have seen more problems with pollination under cool temps vs. warm temps.
• Generally 2-3 days are required for all silks on a single ear to be exposed and pollinated, with the silks on the butt of the ear emerging first.  The silks will grow from 1-1.5 inches each day and will continue to elongate until fertilized.  If not pollinated, silk elongation stops about 10 days after silk emergence due to senescence of the silk tissue. Unusually long silks can be a diagnostic symptom that the ear was not successfully pollinated.
• Silk emergence and growth is dependent upon turgid pressure within the plant, in other words how much water is available in the plant to cover all of its needs.   If this is limited, (ie. dryland, low-gallon wells, etc.) silk emergence will be slowed and delayed with potential to miss the pollen shed.   Under severe water stress conditions pollen shed will still take place like normal, however, silks can be delayed, which means potential for poor pollination.
• It takes approximately 55-60 days from silking (R1) to physiological maturity.  So if a field is silking on July 15^th, it will need until September 15^th to reach maturity, given average weather.  Current 6-10 and 8-14 day forecasts call for normal temps which would give us an average of 23-26 GDU’s/day.
• High nighttime temperatures (ie. any stress) begin to play a role in final yield during grain-fill as this causes the plant to work harder to maintain both yield and overall plant health, thereby lowering potential final yield.

Corn Leaf Disease/Fungicide

• The next four to six weeks will be critical for disease infestations and fungicide applications.  So far we are not seeing much for disease in area fields….a little bacterial leaf streak starting.  Keep in mind that if we see cool temperatures and wet conditions, potential disease outbreaks will increase exponentially.  We will also see a wider range of different diseases.
• So far we are not seeing any Tar Spot in the area, however, it has been confirmed in Antelope county.  So, we expect that we will see some lesions moving forward.  Hybrid tolerance is first line of defense with a fungicide giving added protection.  Pioneer offers the best hybrid tolerance to this disease in the industry.  We will keep you posted on this disease if we find it….   See slides below:
• 
• If you are planning on only one fungicide application, the best timing for this application is after pollination, as the crop is working the hardest at this time and has the highest demand for energy.  We want to protect as much of the leaf surface as possible in this time frame, which is from pollination and the two weeks after.   Corn on corn acres are always a good place to start with fungicide applications.
• While any hybrid can have a response to foliar fungicides, hybrids such as P05081, P05466, P0924, P09944, P0995, P1185, P1278, P13476Q, P13050, P14830, & P1563 are hybrids to focus on first for higher probability of response from foliar fungicides, especially if gray leaf spot infestations are high…..
• 2025 Pioneer Foliar Fungicide Considerations Guide ….This attachment is a list of Pioneer hybrids and their potential response to a fungicide application for Gray Leaf Spot and Norther Corn Leaf Blight and Tar Spot. The chart also shows staygreen and stalk strength ratings for each hybrid.   This chart can help with fungicide management decisions.  Highly recommended to fungicide corn with current weather conditions….
• See attachments on disease and fungicide management – Maximizing Foliar Fungicide in Corn
• 2025 Fungicide Efficacy for Control of Corn Diseases.   This attachment shows efficacy and posted residuals by active ingredient.

Water Management

2025 has seen above normal rainfall over the last month…..up 130-200% over the last month and 200-300% over the past two weeks.   What a change from April/May!  This means that we have excellent soil moisture profiles heading into pollination, which is a real positive to the dryland and limited irrigation acre.

Below are some key water management tips to keep in mind:

• The greatest yield loss from moisture stress occurs in the period two weeks prior to two weeks after pollination.  For the next two weeks, the corn crop will be at its peak water usage, with ET rates of .30+ inches per day – higher when temps are in the mid-90’s and higher yet when combined with low humidity….lower under cool and cloudy conditions.
• ET rates over the past two weeks have been average…. .20-.25/day depending upon temperatures, etc.  However, we are reaching peak water use in corn, and with the potential higher temps forecasted out two weeks, it will be important to stay on top of overall water needs by the crop.
• At present, we are seeing fairly good root depth according to the soil moisture probes….sandier soils are 20-32″, very similar to last year, and heavy soils are 24-36+” (slightly below average) depending upon plant date, conditions and soil type.  Remember that maximum plant height and root depth are achieved once the plant tassels.
• Wet conditions of past few weeks has led the corn plant to be somewhat ‘lazy’ with root development, especially in the upper root structure.  Under saturated soil conditions, we expect to see some root lodged corn if a strong storm moves through the area.

Insect Update

Just beginning to see Western Bean Cutworm egg masses in sandy fields.  They are just getting flying.  Expectations are for higher pressures this growing season.

Keep these tips in mind over the next few weeks:

• To scout for this insect, check the sandier fields first and look on the upper side of the leaf for a white, or purple, egg mass.  These will be found on the upper 1/3 of the plant.
• We again have pheromone moth traps located west of Elgin.
• Treat when the fields are 95% tasseled.  Use high rates (5-6oz) of a Capture-like product to give you 3-4 weeks of residual control.
• WBC are attracted to those fields that are closest to tasseling, so this means the later planted and later silking fields have the highest potential for infestations.  Cool conditions will delay and extend their flight, so what may appear low numbers now can pickup in two weeks, which is why we recommend the extra residual.
• Once a field has been tasseled, any egg masses that hatch will see the larvae move straight to the ear tip, so treatment soon after tasseling is critical.
• AML versions of Pioneer hybrids offer control of WBC/Corn earworm.  No need to treat these hybrids for WBC – these include P05081AML, P1122AML, P12904AML, P14830AML, & P2042AML and the new Enlist hybrids – P10625PCUE, P13777PCUE, & P1742PCUE.

Corn Rootworm

Adult beetle emergence will begin soon, if not already occurring….and will continue over the next few weeks.  Monitor your continuous corn acres for adult beetle populations to:

• Prevent high numbers interfering with pollination through silk-clipping.  Males emerge first.
• Help with rootworm control in your continuous corn acres.  Strongly recommended to use Steward insecticide (by FMC) for control of adult beetle populations to help with next year’s control of rootworm.  This product has shown excellent results for both kill and residual, which can be upwards of 30 days.  As far as timing for control, it is best to wait until there are pregnant females present.  The new Vorceed CRW technology has been shown to give 98% beetle control.  We will watch for this trend over next few weeks.
• We are seeing some rootworm feeding from larvae in a few fields.  This may contribute to increased chances for root lodged corn under saturated soil conditions.

Grasshoppers….seeing very small grasshoppers in many sandy fields.  Numbers are low and defoliation is very minor….

Dectes Stem Borer.…Be aware that adult beetles have been emerging over the past weeks and have been migrating into area soybean fields….much as they have in the past few years….no treatment guidelines at this time….just more for you to be aware and watch as the year progresses.

Soybean Development

• Most of the soybeans in our area are at late-R1 (Beg flower) to late-R2 (Full flower).  I would not be surprised to see early R3 (pod set) on some fields end of next week….especially in those fields planted mid-April and with early maturity varieties.  Most fields are finally coming around and growing.  No-till and later-planted fields have been slow to ‘get going’ this year.
• Soybeans should be nodulating heavily at this stage.   At the beginning of the reproductive stage, soybeans will still put on 50% of their vegetative growth.
• Crop water use in soybeans starts to increase rapidly at full flower, peaks at R3 and will stay high through R6, or full seed  Flower stage is usually the time when the soybean plant begins to pull from the deeper root zones….we see this happening on the soil moisture probes in the area.  Heavy soil moisture profiles are full enough that very limited irrigation will be needed on soybeans through July, unless temps turn off hot.  Sandy soils will need monitoring as area rains have been spotty ove the past week or so and they may need a shot of irrigation to keep growth moving.
• We continue to see a yield response from a fungicide application in soybeans, either at R1/R2 for white mold (applications of which should be on, or going on, the first planted, and going on this week for later planted acres) and/or a later R3 (pod set) stage of growth.  Environmental conditions over the next two months will determine disease incidence and overall level of disease infestation….and so far, we have had weather conditions conducive for higher outbreaks of disease, both soybeans and corn.  Just a reminder, keep an eye out for Frogeye Leaf Spot  in soybeans as not all fungicides control this disease.  This disease is normally not an issue in our area and many varieties have very good tolerance to this disease.  See attachment for more info on this disease….Frogeye Leaf Spot in Soybeans
• Recent weather conditions have increased the potential for White Mold.   If current weather trends continue into August, expect White Mold outbreak to be as high as two years ago.  For White mold management see attachment:  Managing White Mold in Soybeans  Highly recommended to apply a fungicide for white mold to most acres.  Apply Viatude, Aproach, or Delaro for best control…really, only control….for white mold….2025 Soybean Foliar Fungicide Efficacy Chart

Thank you for your business!!   Please let us know any questions or concerns you may have!!

Starman Seed & Supply, Inc.