TOPICS FOR THIS UPDATE:

• Planting and Early Spring conditions….
• Temperatures & GDU accumulation
• What’s going on in my fields right now….
• Crop Water Use
• Rapid Growth Syndrome in Corn
• Insect Update
• Soybean Update

PLANTING AND EARLY SPRING CONDITIONS…..

2023 planting season started off very cold.  The month of April was on the cold side with the only real period of warmth around April 17-20.  May, however, saw warmer temperatures from about May 5 and on.  As usual this all impacted emergence.  The below photos show some of the potential issues that caused uneven emergence.  The first photos show the impact of residue from harvest conditions last fall along with cold soil temperatures.  The streaks are spreader issues from the combine.  This field was planted right before a down turn in temperatures.  Overall stand is good, but was uneven due to the residue.  Considering the early cold temperatures at planting, corn stands are very good overall.  Pioneer hybrids showed strong emergence and stand establishment.  The last photo shows the difference on emergence between P1170AM and a 112 day competitor.  Along with the genetics, Pioneer seed treatments give an extra boost.  We are seeing very good early growth out of some of the new hybrids like P1164AM & P1170AM.   As of today, the early planted corn (ie. April) looks best…

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of June 9th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2023:

Planting Date     GDD’s2022          Average GDD     Departure from average

April 17                  756                        629                                 +127 (+7-8 days)

April 26                 712                         570                                 +142 (+8 days)

May 9                     656                         506                                +150 (+8 days)

As you can see from the above numbers, we are much ahead of the 30-year average.   The corn crop is reflecting this as well as overall growth has been rapid.  These numbers are a week ahead of 2022 as well.  After a cold planting season, the crop has really ‘taken-off’.  We are off to a ‘fast start’ which is usually a positive for yield…now, if we can just snag a good rain!

The above images are the temperature and precipitation forecasts for the next 7-14 days with the current drought monitor map for Nebraska.  We have been much above normal temperatures for the past two weeks; however, it looks like we may potentially be cooling off somewhat over the next few days compared to the last few days.  Average high temperatures so far in June have been 6-7 degrees above normal and average low temperatures are 2-4 degrees above normal.   After a cooler weekend, temps are forecasted to be back in the 80’s.   Hopefully the precip maps will turn out true and we will snag a good rain….some areas around us have received moisture the last two days.  It’s a pattern where one is lucky or not….

WHAT’S GOING ON IN MY FIELDS RIGHT NOW?...

As mentioned above, overall corn stands are very good.   The majority of the April planted crop is in the 7-8 leaf stage-of-growth and the May planting dates are 5-6 leaf…this is one week ahead of 2022.  From V1-V10, corn gains a leaf collar about every 83 GDU’s…this will be about every 3 – 4 days with current forecasted conditions.   This would put us in the July 10-15 time frame potentially, for tasseling.

• At V5, leaf and ear shoot initiation will be complete and a microscopically small tassel is initiated in the stem apex tip, or top of the growing point.
• At V6, the growing point and tassel will be above the soil surface and the stalk is beginning a period of greatly increased elongation.
• Determination of potential kernel rows around will be completed around V7 (range of V5-V8)…all fields are now is this stage….
• The corn root system is now rapidly transitioning to the main nodal root system.  When hot temperatures occur following a cool spell, crop growth at this stage can be uneven.  Areas of heavier residue will start to look shorter.  It will take a little time for that to catch up.
• At V9, an ear shoot will develop from every above-ground node, except the las six to eight nodes below the tassel.  Growth of most of the lower stalk ear shoots eventually slows, and only the upper one or two ear shoots will develop into a harvestable ear.
• At V10, the time between the appearance of new leaf stages will shorten….generally every 2-3 days.
• We are now heading into the rapid growth and accumulation of dry matter by the plant.  The window for brittle snap will start to grow exponentially over the next few weeks.
• Watch temperatures as you are spraying post-herbicides on corn or beans over the next several days.  When temps are in the 90’s and humidity is very low or high, the potential for crop response from post-application of herbicides will increase.  It is not recommended to be spraying during the heat of the day if temps are in the low-to-upper 90’s…both for potential crop response and herbicide control.

CROP WATER USE

 CROP STAGE OF GROWTH & ROOTING DEPTH:

From the chart, you can see that average rooting depth for V6-V8 corn is approximately 20-25″, depending upon weather conditions, soil type and structure, etc.  Currently the AquaSpy moisture probes are showing 12-24″ rooting depths across soil types and planting dates, so we are very much in the normal on rooting depth.  However, soil moisture profile is low overall and it is now easier to pick out dryland corners, etc.

ET USAGE:

ET, or evapotranspiration, has been exceedingly high over the past week.  Total ET from June 1-9 was 2.41 inches for our area for an average of .27in/day.  Relative humidity over the past week has also been below normal with the increased temperatures, which increases overall ET rates.   The above forecasts will see this trend slow down somewhat if cooler temps stick around.  The two charts below show ET rates for vegetative and reproductive stages for corn.   The chart on the right breaks down ET rates for weather conditions.  Note the increase under hot/dry conditions.  We have been running .10 inches above what the hot & dry figures show over the last week….

                                                             

Things to keep in mind over the next weeks on irrigation management:

• Good idea to check to make sure your pivots are applying what the timer says it is.  Being short .20-.30″ each circle adds up to a lot over the irrigation season.  You want to catch this early…..
• Be ready to begin irrigation ‘season’ earlier this year due to the reduced soil moisture profile.  We will need to start irrigating sooner to help ‘push’ water into the lower profile if no help from mother nature.  This will be critical for pollination and grain-fill.  Remember, the greatest impact yield loss from water stress occurs from two weeks before to two weeks after tassel.
• Keep in mind control hours on electric pivots, you may want to change control hours as the year progresses.
• Be prepared for wells to lose pressure over time in heavy irrigation periods.   May want to check on acid supplies for acidizing wells later in the year.
• Check satellite imagery often starting now and through August to catch any sprinkler issues or water patterns in time for them to be corrected.
• Always keep safety in the forefront as you irrigate….take your time when around power boxes, motors, etc.

RAPID GROWTH SYNDROME IN CORN

Rapid growth syndrome usually occurs when corn leaves fail to unfurl properly and the whorl becomes tightly wrapped and twisted. It is generally associated with an abrupt transition from cool temperature to warmer conditions.  This syndrome usually occurs in the late V5 to early V6 stage, but can occur through and beyond V8-V9.   Hybrids can also vary in there susceptibility to this.   So far, we are not seeing much of this condition.

The Good News: Yield doesn’t seem to be affected by the twisted growth.  Once the plant is chest high the only evidence that remains is the leaves can have a crinkled appearance….this is also the yellow leaf phenomenon.

Crop Focus: Rapid Growth

INSECT UPDATE:

Corn Rootworms –

It’s about that time to start seeing our annual rootworm hatch. When we see the cotton start to fly, or the famous lightning bugs, we will know rootworm hatch is underway because it takes about the same GDU’s (680-750 soil based degree days) for all of these things to happen.

Some fun facts:

• Larvae in sandy soils can become scratched and lacerated causing more mortality
• Flooded or saturated soils will cause more mortality
• Dry soil in late summer creates deep cracks for adult egg laying for better winter survival….which we had in 2022.
• CRW will go through 3 growth stages (Each last 7-10 days)
• 3^rd Instar will create the most damage to corn roots
• Begin scouting continuous corn acres mid-to-end of next week and throughout the month of June.

There are many management practices that can help mitigate the risk of yield loss or lodging due to corn rootworm. The best recommended strategy is to rotate to soybeans.  Overall pressure was much less in 2022, so hopefully, overall larvae populations are starting from low numbers.  The new Vorceed Enlist technology from Pioneer will be a new ‘tool’ in the toolbox for CRW control for next year.  Vorceed will offer three distinct modes of action for protection against CRW.  More on this technology as the summer progresses.

Corn Rootworm: Scouting & Management Practices

European Corn Borer:

We have yet to see ECB moth flight.  However, we should begin to see moth over the next two weeks with egg-laying taking place the third week of June most likely.  For those of you who have conventional corn and/or popcorn, begin scouting for this pest the week of the 19th and beyond.  We will keep everyone updated on this pest….

SOYBEAN UPDATE:

Per what seems to be the norm now, soybean emergence and growth has been slow.  However, fields are starting to take off as of late.  Heavier residue fields will continue to show some unevenness for the next few weeks.  We are starting to hear of soybeans randomly dying in dryland corners or dryland fields.  We have yet to take a look at these spots, but most likely is a result of the dry conditions….dry conditions leading to little moisture in the rootzone…greatly increased potential for herbicide carryover from prior year.  Usually something like this does not have ‘one’ cause for its happening, but is a combination of stresses.  We are not seeing much for insect activity currently…very little bean leaf beetle and very little painted lady larvae.

Herbicide Applications:

The next couple of weeks will see the great majority of post applications for Enlist and Xtend soybeans.  Below are some attachments for BMP’s for Enlist along with nozzle recommendations and tank cleanout.  Please monitor wind direction and speeds as you begin applications to limit off-target movement of herbicides….

2023 Enlist Best Management Practices

Qualified Enlist Nozzles

Tank Cleanout Recommendations

What are some important reminders that are good to keep in mind before applying POST herbicides?

• Impact of weed height
• Influence of temperature
• Significance of rainfast period

Each of these alone or in-combination can lead to lessor than expected performance.

Impact of Weed Height

Something to share that could easily get overlook is how much faster weeds grow per day in June than in April.   As you know well, Palmer amaranth grows rapidly; much faster in June than April

• Data from University of Delaware on Palmer amaranth growth in 30 day period
  • April 5^th planting date – 2.5” up to 5”
  • May 12^th – 5” up to 10”
  • June 12^th  – 10” up to 16”
• To learn more…https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/publications/FS-1192_ControlLargePalmerAmaranth_CommonRagweed_Soybean_or_Corn_feb2022_ada.pdf
• So how does the performance of Enlist One® herbicide + Liberty change with increasing weed height?
  • Multi-state study funded by Corteva & BASF – Enlist One 2 pt + Liberty 32 oz
    • 3-4” Palmer amaranth verses 6-8”
      • 90% vs. 78%
    • 3-4” Waterhemp verses 6-8”
      • 98% vs. 82%

• Learn more about the importance of tank-mixing to optimize Palmer amaranth control
  • Click to watch video…https://aaes.uada.edu/videos/2020-pigweed-size-influence-on-herbicides/

Influence of Temperature

Most research suggests weeds are best controlled when air temperatures are between 75-86F

So what happens when air temperatures are colder or hotter than ideal?

• Glufosinate performance declines under colder night/day temperatures
  • Decreases basipetal (movement to base of leaf) translocation
    • Best results with 68F night and 75F day temperatures
      • Read more…https://www.jstor.org/stable/4046882

• Mesotrione performance declines with hotter day temperatures
  • Under high temperature stress; reduced mesotrione translocation & faster metabolism by weeds
    • Best results with 72.5F night and 90.5F day temperatures
      • Read more…https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2015/06/weed-control061715.html

Significance of Rainfast Period

 Many different factors are at play when determining the success or failure from an unanticipated rain shower; herbicide characteristics, adjuvant type, RH, temp., intensity of rain

Important to know as well, weed species will respond differently

• Glyphosate – rainfast period of 4 hours needed to control goosegrass and Palmer amaranth, while 24 hours needed for pitted morningglory
• Glufosinate – rainfast period of 1 hour was needed for goosegrass and pitted morningglory, while 24 hours was needed for Palmer amaranth
• • Read on to learn more…https://repository.lib.ncsu.edu/bitstream/handle/1840.16/4809/etd.pdf?sequence=1
• Reference rainfast period for POST herbicides by clicking this link…https://www.canr.msu.edu/weeds/extension/weed-control-guide/2018WG-table-11.pdf

Thanks to Jason Gibson, Market Development Specialist, Corteva Crop Protection for the above info and tips!

Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have over the next few weeks.  Stay cool and stay safe!   Thank you for all of your support!!

STARMAN SEED SERVICE, INC.

With the 2023 Planting season upon us, we wanted to give a quick update as we begin thinking about planting.  One thing that is certain is that 2023 spring planting conditions will be different from the 2022 spring conditions, in both residue and soil moisture.   There is decent moisture in the top ten inches currently, versus bone dry a year ago….sand knobs, on the other hand, are starting to get dried out.   However, conditions are not ‘wet’ and this can change in a hurry if dry conditions persist along with strong winds.   Another change from last year is the impact on crop residue.  This winter, crop residue stayed put for the most part, which hopefully means that residue conditions at planting should be more like ‘normal’ versus last year.   The increase in moisture this winter should help with crop residue breakdown as well.   On the flip side, we still are not seeing the ‘rotting’ stalks, etc., that we normally experience, even though we received more moisture this winter than last winter.

Topics for this Update:

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

EARLY SPRING CONDITIONS & WEATHER OUTLOOK

Keeping all of this in mind, let’s look at a few weather maps to put things into perspective as we plan to begin planting.  We will look at the drought monitor maps first.

               

The first map is the latest drought monitor map dated April 4th.  The second map is from end of December, 2022.   Note the overall improvement from last the beginning of the year.  While this is a good sign, note that we are still under extreme to severe drought conditions.   So, while we have moisture in the upper profile that is improved versus 2022, the overall soil moisture profile (0-3′) has only slight improvement from 2022.   If dry weather and windy conditions persist through planting, we will see dry conditions similar to last year.   Hopefully, with a little more moisture in the upper profile, we won’t experience the hard soil conditions that we had to plant into the past two years.

The next few maps show the latest seasonal (Apr-May-Jun) and monthly (Apr) temperature and precipitation maps.  Please note that the seasonal maps were issued March 16th and the monthly maps on March 31st.   This is just to show the latest trends….

What do things look like over the next one to two weeks?   The above maps show temperature and precipitation outlooks for the next 6-10 and 8-14 days. These maps were issued on April 6.  After a colder than normal March and first few days of April, we are finally getting a warming trend showing up.  Next weeks temperatures will be in the 70’s to 80 degrees for highs.  While finally seeing some warmer temps, we are currently behind normal in soil temperatures by the calendar, due to the cool conditions of the past weeks.   It will take a number of days of 70-80 degrees to warm up the soil to even minimal temperatures for planting….I’m sure there are still a few spots of frost to come out of the ground.   Local 4″ soil temperature in soybean stubble was 34 degrees at 10:30am on April 7th.   As far as precip is concerned, the outlook is at least positive.   Hopefully this pans out as there is nothing that a good 1-2″ rain would not help fix.

COLD SOILS AND CORN 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.  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….remember, soil temps are currently colder than normal for this time of year.   See link below for more info.

Soil Temperature and Cold 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…last year we had a frost on May 22nd…
• 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.
• 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 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 planting.   Optimum soybean planting for soybeans is 1-2″…err on the deeper side under cold conditions.
• 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 seed drop by 10% to offset adverse weather conditions….even more needed if planting in April and no-tilling.  Most of the time any replant discussions would’ve been eliminated had seed drop been bumped up at planting.

See links below for more info…

Corn Planting Depth and Spacing

9 Steps to a Perfect Corn Stand

Preseason Planter Checklist

PLANT FIRST RECOMMENDATIONS

One of the most frequently asked question is “What product should I plant first?”  With the cooler soil temperatures 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….

Also keep in mind that Pioneer has the industry-leading seed treatments on corn and soybeans.  No company has more active ingredients.   We have seen the difference over the past few years!

• 105-109 CRM – P0404, P0622, P0924
• 110-118 CRM – P1082, P1164, P1122, P1278, P1366, P1563

PIONEER STRESS TEST

You can have confidence in the Stress Emergence scores from Pioneer as they use their own proprietary stress test.  The Pioneer Stress Test (PST) is the highest stress level test in the industry which induces cold shock levels not likely to occur unless you would be planting corn today!   These tests are replicated numerous times from seed harvest thru planting.  Replications help reduce variability.  Also, Pioneer field calibrates the results of PST scores in numerous plots throughout the Midwest each year so a PST score can be turned into real world stand establishment values.

Specifics of the Pioneer Stress Test

• The Pioneer Stress Test (PST) is a proprietary vigor test used on all Pioneer brand corn products.
• It was developed in early 2000s as an improvement upon the saturated cold test.
• The Pioneer Stress Test imposes extreme imbibitional chilling and anaerobic stresses, beyond that of the saturated cold test.
• PST remains a competitive advantage for Pioneer; Hence protocol and scores are not published
• Stress Emergence scores are the best way to differentiate products for early stand establishment under stress

 

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

Starman Seed Service, Inc.

 

Harvest is very close…a few dryland corn and soybean acres are starting to come out….hearing low 30’s to upper 20’s on the dryland corn moistures and 13 or so, on soybean moisture on dryland.

Topics

• Growing Degree Day Update/Weather Update
• Current Corn Conditions….
• Pre Harvest…

As of September 14th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2022:

Planting Date     GDU’s2021          Average GDU     Departure from average

April 21               2876                         2716                        +160 (+8 days)

April 28              2810                         2646                       +164 (+8 days)

May 9                  2747                        2575                         +172 (+8.5 days)

As of the above numbers, we have accumulated enough GDU’s to mature just about all hybrids in the April planting dates and very close in the mid-May planting dates.   Only hybrids that are true black layer currently, are 106 and earlier, planted in April….and quite a bit of dryland of course.

Current Crop Conditions….

• Much of the corn crop is at 2/3 milk line to almost black layer, depending upon planting date and hybrid.
•  
• The photo above compares ear size and type across new and current hybrids from the Pioneer Show Plot.   Ear size and length is very similar to prior years here.  The other photos are the same ears, but showing maturity line and grain color.  It may be a little hard to tell in the photos, but grain quality and color are looking very good right now.   The new hybrids are looking good for both kernel depth and test weights.  The high test weight hybrids, like 1185, are almost ‘candy corn’ color right now.  One can see that we are very close to black layer here.   Keep in mind the mid-May planting dates yet, on full season hybrids (1278, 1563), for another watering first of the week if no rain.
• Over the past two weeks, we have been seeing more and more late-season N deficiency show up on lower leaves across both heavy and lighter soils.  These symptoms are slowly working there way up the plant as each week goes on.  We normally see some of this is dry years, as conditions have not been as conducive for N mineralization as the past few years.  Also, as mentioned in a prior update, overall root mass is most likely less than in previous years (what you see above ground, is what you have below ground).  A reduced root system size would mean a reduced area to scavenge for both nutrients and water, compounded under drought and limited water availability.
• Video link on current staygreen conditions in the Pioneer Show Plot – September 15, 2022….Pioneer Show Plot – Staygreen

Pre-Harvest….

• From all appearances, it looks like the key word to use to describe yields (both corn and soybean) in 2022 will be variable.   The amount of available water, the early planting conditions, residue, hot temperatures and areas of spider mites, have all created more variability in area fields than we have seen for a few years.   This is related to harvest stands and overall ear size and kernel depth/weight.  The continued dry weather has exposed more center pivot issues over the past few weeks as well.
• The main key overall on yield will almost certainly be water availability.
•                                  
• The above photos show Stateside Precipitation Ranks for June-August 2022 and August 2022.   As you can see, Nebraska has the dubious honor of being the driest in the country over these periods.   NE has had the 3rd driest June-August over the past 125+ years and the 2nd driest August (hard to believe when you consider this includes the ‘dirty 30’s!).   We see the impact of this dry weather in the dryland acres, but it has to have some impact on the irrigated as well.  Its hard to believe that we can have above trendline irrigated yields over a wide spread area when our dryland looks this rough.
• Especially when you consider how much water was needed in 2022.   Since January 1, we have had ET rates of 47″ as of September 14th.   10 year average is 31+”.  This is over 15″ above average for total ET.   Couple this with the fact that we are almost 11″ below normal for the year in total precipitation and one can readily see why our dryland looks as it does.
• Of the 47″ of total ET, 40″ has been from April 1 to Sep 14th.   Over the growing season, we needed to come up with 20-25″ of water to cover the increased ET and rainfall deficit.   This is why the sand acre never shutoff all year and why we may find out that the heavy soils needed more water than what was actually applied.  In many cases, irrigation just replaced the normal rainfall deficit, plus a little more…meaning we were potentially short of overall water needs….    Irrigation was never meant to supply all the water needs of the crop….
• It has to rain in August to make soybean yield!   This is something we did not get in 2022.   Expectations would be for lower dryland soybean yields than we have seen for some years.  Keep in mind the yield loss on soybeans from low harvest moistures.   Be ready to ‘get them’ early if conditions stay hot and dry….
• The amount of stress, from the above factors) that has been on this crop has been the highest we have seen in 10+ years.  This has the potential to lead to increased late-season standability issues….especially on those irrigated fields that had increased moisture stress over the summer.   Most all fields have some plants that are shutting down prematurely as of this update.
• Bottom line….this will be a good year to have everything ready to go for harvest and to not ‘wait’ for the perfect conditions or harvest moisture.   Getting finished with harvest in a timely manner will pay dividends this year….harvesting earlier means better conditions to ‘air-dry’ the grain in storage as well.
• The Good News!…yes, there is good news….Kernel counts, grain color and grain quality look very good.   We expect high test weights (irrigated).   This should lead to good grain storage.  However, keep in mind the amount of ‘fines’ that will go in a grain bin if mixing dryland corners and irrigated together in a bin.
• Yields have the potential to be very good in many fields….whether as good as the last few years remains to be seen….

Thanks for your support and please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have!

Starman Seed Service, Inc.

Topics:

• Growing Degree Unit Update
• Quick Crop Update/Water Use/Weather
• Impact of Pivot Issues
• Corn/Soybean Insect Update
• Enlist E3 Soybeans and Weed Control System

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of August 14th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2022:

Planting Date     GDD’s2022          Average GDD     Departure from average

April 21                  2228                           2198                               +30 (+ 1.5 days)

April 28                  2162                          2148                               +14   (even)

May 9                     2099                          2054                               +45 (+ 2 days)

The above numbers continue to show us slightly ahead of normal for GDU accumulation since the last update 12 days ago.  Average daily GDU accumulation the past 12 days has been 23.  Average daily GDU accumulation over the next 14 days is forecasted to be 19, so we will definitely slowdown over the rest of the next two weeks if forecast holds true.   Forecast for GDU accumulation over the next two weeks is 274 GDUs.  If this holds true, this would give us 2502 GDU’s by September 1 for an April 21 planting date and 2328 GDU’s for a May 9 planting date.   For perspective, it takes approximately 2550 GDU’s for P1082AM to reach maturity and 2760 GDU’s for 1366AM.  The cooler temperatures will give the crop a break and extend the grain-fill period which is normally a very good trend for yields.   More info in the weather update below.

The above the 6-10 and 8-14 day forecasted temperature and precipitation maps.  As you can see from the maps, we are forecasted to be normal to slightly below normal for temperatures through the rest of this month, and normal to below normal precipitation.  The cool temps will slow down development and reduce irrigation needs, however, they will increase the potential for more late-season disease pressure to show up as cool temps means more dew and wet crop canopy’s.  Usually cool temps means more cloudy weather, so we will see what happens to sunlight over the next few weeks.    Much of the April planted corn crop is in the Dough to Beg. Dent stage, with some early maturity hybrids at 1/8 milk line.  The May planted crop is in the late-Milk to Dough stage.  Most soybean fields are in the R5 (Beg. Seed) to R6 (Full seed) stage.

WEATHER/CROP WATER UPDATE

• Relative Humidity – RH has been running 10% below normal through the first half of August.   This has influenced a couple of things….it has reduced potential disease outbreaks but has increased crop ET rates and the potential for increased numbers of spider mites.   From the above forecasts, expect RH to increase the rest of this month, increasing disease potential but lowering crop ET rates.
• ET rates – ET rates over the past 14 days have averaged .30 inch/day versus a normal of .25 inch/day, or a total of 4.25″.   This is equivalent to roughly 7 circles in 14 days @ .60″/circle.   ET rates over the past 30 days have also been .30 inch/day.  ET usage for 2022 over the past 30 days has been equal to the 2012 growing season so far.   As such, it has been difficult to increase soil moisture profiles in this time frame.   It has been especially hard to shut down much at all in the sandier soils.   This has been driven higher by the lower RH and hot temps.  However, the cool temps forecasted should lower the ET rates over the next two weeks, this will extend out the irrigation season but will at least give our wells a break…hopefully our rain chances and amounts will increase also.  The below charts are Crop Water Usage for corn and soybeans during the reproductive phases of growth.   From the tables below, current corn and soybean needs are still in the 6-8 inch range to finish the crop depending upon temperatures, RH, etc.

                           

• Sunlight – As always sunlight becomes a huge player during grain-fill for both yield and late-season plant health.   Sunlight over the past 14 days and the past 28 days has been 3.5% above normal.   This trend is very similar to 2021 but is still below the peak of 2012.   This should be a positive to yield.   On the flip side, with cooler temps usually comes increased cloudy weather.  If this occurs, and for how long of time, will determine any impact on kernel size/test weights plus any impact on late-season plant health.  Hopefully, we still get a lot of sun in the cool temperatures….
• Temperatures – The first half of August saw above average daily high and low temperatures.   Average Daily High was 4 degrees above normal and Average Daily Low as .5 degrees above normal.  Once temperatures get over 85 degrees photosynthesis slows down…the higher the temp, the slower the rate.   Let’s hope that in the cooler temps it is still sunny as overall photosynthesis rate will be higher.

IMPACT OF SPRINLER ISSUES & OTHER PIVOT PROBLEMS

Photos courtesy of Peter Starman

Above photo is a drone picture showing sprinkler issues, be it plugged nozzles or pressure regulators.  Just as in 2012, we are seeing a few more of these issues crop up.  The photo of the ears shows the difference from the good irrigated versus the sprinkler ‘rings’.   The other two photos are pictures of the plant canopy within the good irrigated versus the ‘rings’.  Just ‘food for thought’ as you finish the irrigation season and move into harvest and plan for next year….

CORN/SOYBEAN INSECT UPDATE

• Spider Mites – We are finding more spider mite colonies, mostly in sandier fields, than the prior few years.   The weather conditions this year has been conducive for an increase in infestations of this insect.  The cooler temps and dewy mornings should slow this insect down….plus, in these conditions, a natural fungus starts which drops their populations down.  We still have a month of grain fill left, so keep an eye out for this pest to keep it from ‘turning’ your corn field too ‘fast’.
• European Corn Borer – Still seeing very little in the way of ECB.  However, we just started to see moths fly this week, so expectations are for an increase.  If you have popcorn or conventional corn acres, keep this pest in mind also.
• Soybean pests – so far, insect activity in soybeans continues to be very light.   We are not seeing much for soybean aphids or bean leaf beetles so far.  Expectations for major outbreaks of these pests are low…

One pest you may run across in your soybeans is the Green Cloverworm.   This insect is in most soybean fields every year, but is usually not an economic pest.  It wraps itself up similar to a Painted Lady.  Numbers are very low, but, since there is not much activity, you may notice this one…

ENLIST E3 SOYBEANS AND ENLIST WEED CONTROL SYSTEM

Introducing the Enlist E3 Soybeans from Pioneer.   Enlist herbicide was approved for Antelope County last spring and the Enlist technology is available to spray going forward into 2023..

Pioneer Brand A-Series Enlist E3 Soybeans – These are exclusive, next-generation varieties that combine the world-class Pioneer genetics of A-Series soybeans with Enlist E3 soybean technology.   These varieties have the same yield potential and agronomics that you have come to expect in the Pioneer A-series soybeans.  They offer best-in-class yield potential with very good tolerance to White Mold, SDS, Iron Chlorsis, etc.   Below are links to profile sheets on the top varieties for our area.

P18A73E Soybean

P23A40E Soybean

P25A16E Soybean

P28A65E Soybean

Enlist Weed Control System – The Enlist weed control system delivers clear advantages.

• On-target Applications: Enlist herbicides feature near-zero volatility and reduced potential for physical drift.  It is neighbor friendly….
• Freedom to Spray: Growers face no calendar cutoff dates and no time-of-day restrictions for application.  It is not a Restricted Use Pesticide….no special training necessary to use..
• Ease of Use: Wide application window (through R1 stage) with greatly reduced buffer zone needed for sensitive crops.
• Exceptional weed control: Offers consistent weed control performance with more weed control options than other trait technologies.  It can be applied tank-mixed with Liberty and/or multiple forms of glyphosate.  This combination offers the best weed control.

Going forward into 2023, Pioneer will continue to have the current lineup of Xtend A-Series soybeans plus the Enlist E3 soybean technology.

Reminder that the Pioneer Customer Appreciation Supper is this Friday evening, August 19th.  Pioneer warehouse – Elgin, NE….5:30-8:30.   Bring the family!

Thanks for your time!

Starman Seed Service, Inc.

 

Topics:

– Growing Degree Day Update/Forecast Maps

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

– Insect Update

– Soybean Development

TEMPERATURES & GDU ACCUMULATION:

As of July 26th, we have accumulated approximately the following for Growing Degree Units in 2022:

Planting Date     GDD’s2022          Average GDD     Departure from average

April 21                  1766                         1735                                + 31 (+ 1 day)

April 28                  1700                         1685                                +15  (even)

May 9                     1637                          1591                                +46 (+ 2 days)

As one can see from the above numbers, the corn crop is moving along at the normal pace.   We even lost a day or two since last update two weeks ago.   I would agree with this.  Silking and pollination occurred at a normal timeframe.   Let’s look at the upcoming forecasts….

From these maps we see that the next two weeks are predicted to be above normal for temperatures and below normal for precipitation….’and the beat goes on’ as they say….

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

Most of the corn crop is in the R1 (silking) to R2 (Blister Kernel) stage, with some early R3 (Milk).   So far I would estimate that most fields in the area are done pollinating, other than the very last planted acres.   I would expect to see some uneveness in pollination/silking due to the uneven emergence we saw this past spring, especially in the high residue areas of the field.

• Plant height on the corn crop.   This year is a 180 degree swing from 2021.  Overall plant heights are much shorter than last year across all fields and shorter than normal really.   The sands especially are shorter than normal…shorter than I have seen for some years.  Ear height also is shorter than a year ago.   Last year, most fields had ear height at head high or above.  This year it is chest to groin high.   This should be a positive for harvest and residue management heading into next spring.   However, the factory above ground is not as robust maybe as some years….
• A captured pollen grain takes about 24 hrs. to grow down the silk to the ovule where fertilization occurs and the ovule becomes a kernel.
• Overall pollination seems to be good so far.   Finding the usual checkerboard pattern in some fields and some sandy fields are showing a little more skips on the butt of the ear on the bottom side of the ear.  These are the first silks out so could be potential water stress.   Many of the sandy fields have what we would call a ‘Droughty’ look to them, meaning the tassel did not extend out above the last leaves, but more just ‘poked out’ and is almost ‘sitting’ in the last leaf.   This phenomenon could have affected early pollen drop as well.   The crop has definitely been pushed hard over the last month.   At first glance, ear set seems to be normal across hybrids….finding normal rows around each hybrid and ears are starting to elongate….
• At R1, potassium uptake is essentially complete, and nitrogen and phosphorous uptake are rapid.  Last round of N should be going on over the next 7-10 days.
• 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.
• 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.
• As far as sunlight is concerned, we are currently running about 8% percent below normal over the last 14 days (last year at this time we were 10% below normal), or from V14-Blister Kernel.  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.
• Relative Humidity over the past two weeks has been 8% below normal, with a daily average of 68% RH during this time frame.   This has led to increased ET rates.  This, coupled with continued above normal temps over this same timeframe, and we can see why crop water demands continue to be high….and how much of a God-send the rains of the past couple of weeks have been.
• ET rates for the past 15 days have been averaging .31 inch/day.  This is .04 inches above the normal of .27 inch/day.   Total ET usage over the past 15 days has been 4.65″.   The rains, indeed, were a blessing!!   The forecasted warm temps will keep these ET rates high for the next two weeks yet….keep in mind corn at Blister Kernel is average of .28/inch per day in normal weather and soybeans are now at peak usage at R3 stage….over .30 inch/day normal.  Maintaining an adequate soil moisture profile will be key over the next three weeks or so.   As you think about irrigation needs over the next two weeks, keep temperatures and relative humidity in mind as we move forward to see what actually occurs to help reduce potential water stress or potential over watering.  If dew points are low (dry mornings), that means relative humidity is low, and ET rates will stay up higher than normal.  On the flip side, if heat indices are high in which a 95 degree actual temperature feels like 110 degrees, then relative humidity is high and ET rates will be average to below average.  Forecasts for next few days are calling for low dew points meaning potentially higher ET rates than normal.
• So far corn leaf diseases continue to be on the low side.   Seeing mainly Bacterial Leaf Streak, which has increased quite a bit over the last two weeks.   Some fields showing first grey leaf spot as well and we have seen a few Northern Corn Leaf Blight lesions around.  So far not seeing an increase in disease in the areas that had hail back in June, most likely due to the hot, dry conditions.     Crop Focus – Northern Corn Leaf Blight
• Fungicide application should be on on the first planted fields and going on now, and into next week on the later planted fields.  You want to protect the plant when it is working the hardest, which is silking through milk stage (which is  NOW!).  Reminder, Fungicide will not help control bacterial leaf streak.

CULTIVATION

My ‘Hot Take’ for the day….I know the word cultivate is a ‘four-letter word’.  However, the above pictures show what cultivation pass can mean on Palmer/Waterhemp control.   The first two pictures are side-by-side rows of cultivation and no cultivation.  The third picture is another look at that. The last picture is where the cultivator lifted up to cross a pivot road…notice the difference.  Granted weeds will come back in the cultivator rows, but MUCH smaller and less seed production.   Cultivation needs to be a tool in the toolbox again….

SOYBEAN UPDATE

• Much of the crop is in the late-R2(full flower) to R3(pod set) stage of growth.  The April planting dates are in the late R3 to early R4(full pod) stage.  This is ahead of normal in my opinion.   The heat has also pushed the soybeans along.   Just as in corn in the sands, it appears that plant height in soybeans on the sand knobs and no-till fields will be shorter than normal.  Some 30″ row soybeans in the sand will ‘just’ canopy.
• 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 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.
• R3 is the prime growth stage for fungicide/insecticide applications….some early planted and early maturity fields are in this stage right now with most all fields reaching this next week.  Same goes for any nutrient application such as N, as well.  Now and into next week will be excellent time for application.
• So far we have not seen any white mold in area fields.  Weather conditions of the past two weeks may have led to decreased potential for this disease to develop, or at least delay its onset.  August weather will determine the severity of any white mold occurrence.   Any 2^nd treatments for White Mold need to go on at R3 and should be going on now and into next week.   See the attached link for White Mold management.    Managing White Mold in Soybeans    We recommend Aproach or Delaro fungicide for any white mold control.   High temps and dry mornings will slow the disease down.

INSECT UPDATE – Corn & Soybeans

• Keep scouting for Western Bean Cutworm larvae.  Moth flight has been higher than last year, but so far infestation levels have been on the low side, just enough to warrant treatments in most sandy fields.   From GDU data, we expect that the flight is 80% complete.  Any potential treatments should be on, or going on ASAP, as we are now finding small larvae on the ear tips, on top of the silks.  Any delay in treating, and they will be too far into the ear tip for control.  Overall infestation levels are not super high, but many sandy fields still have the potential to have infestation levels that will cause economic damage.
• Corn Rootworm pressure has been somewhat lower than last year, although fields that were not beetle-bombed last year still saw higher incidence of root lodging and heavy adult beetle counts.    Adult rootworm beetle control should already be on, or going on now if planned….Steward insecticide by FMC is an excellent choice for control
• Overall insect pressure in soybeans has been very light.   Begin scouting next week for Bean Leaf Beetles as they will begin feeding on developing pods over the next few weeks.  So far we are not seeing much for 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 saw quite a bit of this in our area last year, especially south and east of Elgin.  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 their numbers increase in the area.   They are not an economic concern, but you may begin to notice them as you walk through your fields.
• We are just starting to see our first Spider Mite colonies…..very small and on the very bottom leaves.   However, if temperatures turn out as forecasted and relative humidity stays lower than average, infestation levels will increase.  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 19th.  Invite will be coming out soon!

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

Starman Seed Service, Inc.