Filling In The Blanks In A Poor Corn Stand Is Not A Good Idea

Jun 02, 2014

Heavy rains not only delayed corn planting in Michigan this May, but for the corn that did get planted, we are seeing emergence problems in some fields.

Corn emerging May 30, 2014.

Corn emerging May 30, 2014

Corn planting in much of Michigan was delayed by the cool, wet spring in 2014. According to the USDA Crop Progress Report for May 2014, only 18 percent of the corn crop was in on May 18; by May 25, approximately 53 percent was planted. This is still considerably behind the five-year average of 82 percent planted by the fourth week of May.

Corn planted in early May under “less than ideal conditions” or pounded by rain is just coming up. There are undoubtedly some questionable stands, but what can be done at this late date?

Visit the field and evaluate the stand. It requires some time, but will give you a good idea of dollar return on the crop that is out there and growing. It may be better to keep what you have than to start over.

Don’t be tempted to plant into an existing stand to “fill in the gaps.” If the existing corn is at the two-leaf collar state or larger, competition from the original plants can negate any benefit from re-planting.

It is most-likely too late to replant, but if you are considering this, use the U2U Decision Support Tool for Corn Growing Degree Days to select the hybrid and evaluate the probability of reaching maturity this fall. An overview of how to use the tool is available at Michigan State University Extension.

If the decision is made to tear up the corn and plant the field to something else, be sure to take into account the herbicides that were used. Table 12 – Herbicide Crop Rotation Restrictions in the 2014 Weed Control Guide for Field Crops is an excellent resource. Always consult the label for details on specific herbicides used.

Soybeans may provide a producer with a viable option if herbicide restrictions are not a concern. Late-planted soybean recommendations are available at MSU Extension.

Finally, it is important to consider your crop insurance options. “Late Planting Decisions with Crop Insurance: Decision Guidelines for Michigan Producers in Spring 2014” provides a comprehensive review of crop insurance options. This guide will soon be available at the Farm Information Resource Management website.

Taking time to carefully evaluate the field and make plans can save time and money in the long run. Resources are available through MSU Extension to help producers make those decisions. To contact a local MSU Extension educator, go to the MSU Extension Find an Expert webpage.

Source : msu.edu

Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.