As the last week of April gets underway, Ken Ferrie is evaluating soil temperatures and weather conditions to determine whether they’re adequate for planting corn and soybeans.
While his recommendations this week are specific for farmers based in central Illinois, the principles he shares can be used in all corn and soybean production areas.
Early vs. “Regular” Soybeans
For planned, early soybeans that have been treated for Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), Ferrie says farmers can go ahead and plant once field conditions are dry enough.
On the other hand, if you’re going to the field to plant “regular” soybeans not treated for SDS, you might want to drag your feet out to about May 15, given the current forecast for central Illinois.
The reason is, “You want to get those regular beans to pop out of the ground as quick as you can before they get infected with SDS,” explains Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist and owner of Crop-Tech Consulting, near Heyworth, Ill.
Avoid Corn Seed Chilling
To avoid seed chilling, Ferrie advises farmers to plant corn only under two conditions. First, check to see that the soil temperature is 50 degrees F or higher, and second, you want a promising weather forecast in the days following planting.
Ferrie says he sees a green light for both scenarios in central Illinois this week.
“We do have some lower temperatures predicted for this Thursday, but with three days predicted to be in the upper 70s to low 80s, I think soil temps will hold (high enough) for farmers to plant corn,” he says. “The following week looks to be safe as well.”
Be Proactive With Burndown Treatments
In talking with retailers, Ferrie says they are reporting difficulty getting glyphosate and some other products.
“If you have prepaid, check with your retailer to make sure they were able to get their shipments in,” he says. “You will need to react quickly, if you cannot get glyphosate and need to make a burndown treatment.”
If this is the situation you face, be prepared to use a preemergence grass herbicide with good residual before grasses come up.
Even if you are able to find glyphosate, be aware that prices are increasing quickly and you will likely pay more for it.
“The shortage of glyphosate is a big deal for everyone with cover crops,” Ferrie adds. “When you don’t have glyphosate to bring down your rye or your weed covers, things get expensive really quick. You can no longer rely on a solid residual to do the job.”
Get Ferrie’s complete Boots In The Field podcast report here:
Ferrie: Rushing To Plant Early Soybeans Could Cost You 30 Bu/A Of Corn Yield Next Year
‘We’re Chasing An Additional 10 Bushels With Early Soybeans,’ Agronomist Says
Glyphosate, Some Other Crop Protection Products In Tight Supply
Terminating Cover Crops This Spring? You Might Need Options To Glyphosate
