#Plant2026 for Success
You’ve weighed the agronomics and the economics — and now the planter is rolling. The decisions don’t stop, though. The weather changes plans, equipment breaks and pests pop up. Every step plays a role in the success of your planting season as well as the growing and harvest seasons to come.
Be proactive and go to the field sooner rather than later. Once that crust hardens, it can hinder or even prevent crop emergence. Either or both will cost you money.
U.S. corn planting progress is off to its slowest start since 2013. With only 14% of the corn crop in the field as of May 1, Dan Basse of AgResource Company thinks a record U.S. corn yield is already off the table.
It’s also time to consider switching to corn planting if you are unable to plant corn and soybeans simultaneously. Beware of salt-burn risks in spring strip tillage, and start checking soybeans for bean leaf beetles.
When you plant corn does matter, but there are in-season factors that play a significant role in final outcomes as well, according to USDA and agronomists.
As of May 1, USDA estimates 14% of the U.S. corn crop has been planted. That compares to a five-year average of 33% planted.
A state that battled widespread drought last spring has seen a nearly 180-degree turn around with weather recently, as a steady stream of moisture is preventing North Dakota farmers from planting so far this year.
Above all other years, 2022 is the year we need to be left alone to do what we know how to do best: feed, clothe and fuel our country and the world, says Caleb Hamer.
Much of the Midwest is seeing cool, wet conditions while the West is increasingly dry. If you plant in poor soil conditions, you will pay for that mistake at harvest, say agronomists. Their recommendation: be patient.
Ukrainian farmers in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia are determined to get their fields planted this spring.
With these high corn prices, plant corn when conditions are right, says Ken Ferrie. Don’t act in haste and set yourself up for corn replant decisions. If you have to push conditions and plant, go with soybeans.