Don’t Push the “Panic” Button!

Even though spring planting has been delayed by unseasonably wet and cold weather, there’s no need for corn farmers within the Upper Midwest to push the “panic” button.  We’re still within the ideal planting window, so work your crop plan.

Research shows that hybrids adjust to planting dates.  Adapted full season corn hybrids can compensate somewhat for later plantings.  As planting is delayed, hybrids shorten the time between planting and silking.  Full-season hybrids almost always outperform short season hybrids, so farmers really don’t need to consider switching maturities until May 25.

Let soil temperatures and soil conditions – not the calendar – dictate planting dates.  At this point, fields are not yet fit for planting. Your yield potential will be more negatively affected by planting in wet soils than waiting even a couple of weeks for better conditions. On average, farmers will lose about half of a bushel/acre per day due to delayed planting. Research shows farmers will lose more yield if crop is planted into less than ideal conditions, so we encourage you to wait for soils to warm up and dry out.

Corn planted into wet soils will be prone to problems throughout the growing season such as: stunted plant growth; slow infiltration of water and/or ponding; high surface runoff under normal or light rainfall; poor root system development, or rootless corn; and even nutrient deficiency. Potassium deficiency is caused by corn roots not being able to take up potassium from compacted soils.

REMEMBER:  The majority of yield is determined during planting. “Patience” is key right now. Good things come to those who wait for the right seedbed conditions!