By Liz Stahl
The 2026 planting season was off to an early start in Minnesota but cool and downright cold conditions have also raised some concerns. Dr. Jeff Coulter, Extension Corn Agronomist, and Matt Pfarr, Extension Educator – Crops, discussed crop progress and next steps during the University of MN Extension May 20 Strategic Farming: Field Notes session. They were joined by moderator Dr. Anthony Hason, Extension Educator – Integrated Pest Management.
Overview of corn progress
We’ve had an early start to the planting season this year, particularly in parts of southern MN. Planting was early and progressed at a record pace. Conditions were dry, with areas picking up some moisture finally last week. Growing Degree Units (GDUs) since May 1 are 3 to 7 % behind long term averages at the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca and Southwest Research and Outreach Center, respectively. Cool conditions have slowed crop progress, but the crop is still slightly ahead of normal due to overall earlier planting dates.
Checking for issues in corn
Frost and freeze warnings have raised concerns, but with the growing point still below ground, corn should be able to recover from tissue damage without any losses to stand. Windstorms last week resulted in the sandblasting of plants, cutting off plants in some cases, but plants should be able to recover without any stand losses. Dry conditions combined with cooler temperatures may be resulting in apparent nutrient deficiencies. Where soil tests show nutrients are adequate, any deficiencies showing up in corn at this point are likely cosmetic. Once soils warm up and plants and roots start to more actively grow, plants should be able to better access nutrients in the soil.
Source : umn.edu