During spring 2014, weather-related planting delays created serious challenges for field crop producers throughout Michigan. Resources are available to help farmers address the challenges of a cool, wet spring and delayed planting.
The cool, wet spring and subsequent planting delays have created significant challenges for Michigan field crop and forage crop producers. The adverse effects of this year’s weather can be minimized by adjusting management practices and making informed decisions. Because of this, Michigan State University Extension has created an online compilation of resource materials that producers can use to address the challenges created by this spring’s weather. The information is available at www.msue.msu.edu. Under the Agriculture table, go to Field Crops and then look in the lower right corner of the page under Resources. The heading for the page is “Cool, Wet Spring and Delayed Planting.”
The pest and crop management information will include topics such as: reducing sidewall compaction, improving soybean emergence in soils prone to crusting, monitoring and managing soybean diseases, delayed post-emergence herbicide applications, corn hybrid maturity decisions, assessing wheat stands, assessing and managing winter-killed alfalfa stands, and recommendations for late-planted soybeans.
The resource page also contains information that will help producers analyze their options should the cool, wet weather persist, e.g., plant corn late, switch from corn to an alternative crop, and crop insurance implications. These decisions are complicated and will differ from farm to farm. Possible scenarios and considerations for making these decisions are covered.
Source : msu.edu