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Drought worries enter the crop season

Dry conditions have caused early-season concern for farmers across the Midwest.

After many farmers were able to plant in good conditions, the rains have been few and far between, which could take the top off yield estimates despite the ability to get timely fertilizer applications in.

“If we hit the V5 or V6 growing stage, we are starting to determine yield,” said Eric Wilson, an Illinois agronomist with Wyffels Hybrids.

One aspect of the dry conditions is the impact of early-season herbicide applications not being activated.

“If you don’t have good, ideal growing conditions for those crops to metabolize that stuff in a timely fashion, you can get a little crop injury,” Wilson said. “It can make corn look a little sick, a little yellow, for the time being.”

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Trending Video

What I’m Checking Behind the Planter This Spring

Video: What I’m Checking Behind the Planter This Spring



This is the first episode of a new behind-the-scenes series on our farm.

Today I’m checking behind the planter looking at planting depth, seed-to-soil contact, and making sure we’re placing seed into moisture, even in a dry spring.

Everything can look good from the cab, but this is where you find out what’s really happening.

We also ran into a prescription issue that slowed us down, which is a good reminder that even when conditions are ideal, the little things still matter.

If you’re planting right now, it’s worth taking a few minutes to check behind your planter.