By David Copenhaver
The Carrington Research Center Foundation Seed program started our initial planting plans in early February. The history of varieties grown and herbicides used, for each field, along with historical seed sales are considered in the planning process. Early planting communication occurs between the CREC director, Foundation Seedstock managers and director, NDSU plant breeders, ND Crop Improvement and Seed Association (NDCISA) personnel and private industry personnel. This communication provides necessary planting information on varietal continuance, new varieties, and potential new experimental increases.
The REC Spring Conference in early March is the scheduled meeting for the NDSU Foundation Seed Program Planting Intentions for each REC. A list of 14 crops and almost 70 different varieties and potential new releases were discussed before selection for planting at each Center. Last-minute variety planting changes will happen until seed is in the ground.
A three-inch rain late last fall and about 50 inches of snow over the winter helped provide decent moisture for spring planting. April 24 started our spring season with barley planting. With minimal delays, planting went well and our cool season crops were completed on May 15. Rain, totaling 2.4 inches for the May 17 event, helped reduce the effects of record high temperatures and strong winds. Soybeans have been planted and, as a supplement to our CREC Livestock Unit, hay barley, silage corn, and a custom blend for grazing was planted.
Source : ndsu.edu