Northwest North Dakota

Brian McNamee

We finally got the rain and heat needed to make the crop flourish in Northwest North Dakota. It’s turning out to be one heck of a year for alfalfa. I’m already seeing bigger than normal stacks in the yards, and it’s good to see! A lot of cow/calf operations were running on empty this spring.

Wheat is starting to turn and harvest could start less than two weeks. There will be some huge swings in yields, depending on seeding dates. Early crops could be under 30 bushels per acre (bu/A) while the later stuff looks like 80 bu/A or more. It’s crazy to think this two-week window could mean $250/acre this year.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

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Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

This week we’re looking at plant health below the surface. As a soybean plant’s cotyledons begin to turn yellow, a drop off the roots take over as the primary food and water source. We rarely apply nitrogen to soybeans, but they actually have a high demand for it. Soybeans get nitrogen through root nodules like these pictures. The nodules are formed from micro rhizobia in the soils.

To make sure your plants are getting the nitrogen they need, dig up a few plants. Make sure you can see white ball-like growths on the roots. Some are large and some are small. We like to see 3 to 5 large ones or 7 to 10 small nodules. Also make sure they are healthy, working nodules. Split it in half and look for a steak pink color. If it is green inside, it’s no good. Brown inside means it has run its course and is done.

Some soils have abundant mircro rhizobia, while others are lacking and require an inoculant is applied to the seed. The inoculant is live rhizobia and must be applied within a certain window before planting. Talk to your Latham Seeds Dealer or RSM to learn about the inoculant we offer.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

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Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Latham® dealer Steve Gades stands In a field of LH 5402 RR near Morris, Minnesota. This corn has the flag leaf up and close to tasseling.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

With much needed heat this last week, crops in the southern half of Minnesota are starting to shape up. Things look a little better than they did in recent weeks. This plot just south of Redwood Falls is an example of what heat can do to help the crop.

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Northern Wisconsin 

Joe Salter

Pictured above is LH 4242 VT2 PRO.

Although it is hard to see in the photo below, there is significant variability in this plot and it’s not just due to different hybrid numbers. There are about 14 hybrids in this Latham SuperStrip™ plot, which tests existing and experimental products. What I love about these plots, is good or bad, we get a first-hand look at some of the potential up and coming genetics in our lineup.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

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North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Corn continues to grow at a rapid rate and some soybean fields are starting to close their rows. Lack of rain over the last 10 days and temperatures pushing into the 90’s is starting to stress both crops.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

A sure sign of summer is when sweet corn makes it on the dinner table. It was a long spring so I encourage you to take time and enjoy this summer season.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Tassels have started to show up and will continue for weeks to come as planting dates were widespread this year. The tassel is the beginning of an important process that starts ear development, and protecting the plants during this time is vital. Stress during this point of plant development can slow down this process, reducing yields.

There are many diseases this year that could affect our crops, so I highly recommend applying fungicide to both corn and soybeans. Data shows fungicides pay by allowing the plant to stay healthy.

During the past three years, we have seen a yield increase of 9.8 bushels per acre on first year corn and 14.9 bushels per acre on corn-on-corn Fungicide actually allows the hybrid to dry down further and finish as designed.

The best time to spray fungicide on soybeans is R3 to R4. The average yield response to soybean fungicide during the last three years has been 3.9 bushels per acre.

 

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Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

Recent rains have been a godsend to the drought-stressed area of my region in North Dakota. The Minot area received more than 2 inches in the past 24 hours, I’ve heard reports of 4 to 6 inches north of there. The corn and soybeans have turned the corner and look great.

Areas in Central and Southeast ND have more moisture than needed. This morning I noticed extreme lodging in wheat and an alarming amount of soybeans under water. https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?ND

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

The corn is growing so tall that I have to keep a close eye on my little crop scout. Latham® LH 3937 VT2 PRO RIB is really stretching out with warmer weather. This is a great time for tissue testing fields. If there is a nutrient deficiency, make sure applications are made before tasseling so the plants get the most benefit.

 

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Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Well, we made it! Many corn fields throughout SESD made it to knee-high by the Fourth of July. Although the norm has changed and we are used to seeing corn shoulder-high by this time of year, it still feels good to meet the goal of an old wives’ tale. Recent temperatures have been good to us. Daytime temps in the upper 80s help us accrue much needed heat units. Warm daytime combined with overnight lows below 70 have been ideal for corn growing.

They say it takes water to make water, and boy do we have water! Over the holiday weekend, many areas got 4 inches of rain. These two photos were taken just two miles apart. We are once again beyond saturated. However, as you get closer to central SD, it’s beginning to to dry up like usual. Crops there only receive 1/4” this past weekend.

Also last weekend, while  sitting outside enjoy the fireworks show, I noticed fireflies. When you start seeing fireflies, it’s time to watch for rootworm. With potentially poor root systems from wet spring weather, it’s important to be proactive. Start scouting for rootworms in your corn fields.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Although it has been hot enough in Northeast South Dakota to push along crop development, it has also been wet. More than six inches of rain has fallen during the past month. Some areas south of Watertown received that much in a short time period, cashing Highway 81 to flood.

Corn leaves are turning yellow firing as they show signs of stress from saturation. Soybeans have been stunted, as well. We’re also seeing some cutworm damaged to corn and soybeans, so make sure you’re scouting your fields.

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Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

This field of Latham® LH 0995 E-3 in Wilkin County Minnesota looks very healthy as it enters the R-1 development stage. To keep fields clean and healthy, weeds must be controlled. I’m seeing a lot of Lambsquarter as pictured here, Pigweed and winter annuals. Effective weed control requires a combination of tactics including tillage, herbicides and seed selection. Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds offers farmers choices with a full lineup of Roundup, Liberty link, Extend, LLGT27 and E-3 products. We need to be good stewards of these new traits and rotate them to prevent weed resistance.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

Crops really took over during the last week after we received lots of sunshine and heat units. Some corn is already higher than our heads.

 

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Northern Wisconsin 

Joe Salter

The last few weeks have been pretty good in Northern Wisconsin.  Pictured here is Latham® LH 4450 CNV, which planted June 21. A fair amount of the corn made it to knee high by the Fourth of July.  Spraying still a challenge in our area due to rain, and some area farmers hope to get another shot of nitrogen on their crop.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Farmers are all smiles in Southern Wisconsin after a warm week. Our crops needed some heat, and they got it! Wayne Melton of Cambridge, Wisconsin, is pictured here with Latham® LH 5739 SS RIB that was planted May 15. Given this spring weather, I don’t think he could be any happier with the health and progress of #Crop19.

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North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

This good looking field of Latham® LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB near Burt, Iowa, has the flag leaf up and is ready to start tasseling.

 

Northeast Iowa 

Craig Haaland

Here’s a field of LH 5249 SS in Mitchell County. After getting a slow start this spring, fields are uniform now. Farmers are finishing up spraying and crop scouting is underway. Lots of warm, humid weather with rain is creating a favorable environment for pests. Soybeans are really growing and are looking good.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

This Latham 2184 R2X, which was planted into 4-foot high cereal rye, looks to have great potential!

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

I can finally say that planting is complete in Eastern Iowa. The final field of soybeans went into the ground July 8 for first time planting. We will truly get a sense of what impact planting date has on crop yields this fall. Pictured here is Latham LH 5249 SS, which was planted June 8 west of Iowa City. It’s at V9 growth stage.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

These hard boxes are ready for return to Latham HQ, signaling the close of this season. A big thank you to everyone! Now it’s time to start a new seed selling year.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Latham’s LH 5742 RR was planted June 1 in this Hardin County plot.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Weather has been variable across Central Iowa. State Center saw destructive hail. Areas of Boone received 12 inches of rain within 48 to 72 hours. Where weather events haven’t struck the crops look pretty good. This week the early corn is tasseling. Early to mid-May soybeans are starting to flower.

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Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

This will be a good test of two soybean technologies and their corresponding herbicides for weed control. Latham® Roundup Ready 2 Extend® soybeans were planted in rows on the left and Latham’s Enlist E3 soybeans were seeded on the right. There is a bit of a planting overlap, which I am sure get adjusted properly when the sprayer runs the proper line.

I’ve been hearing reports of great weed kill with both portfolios this year. It really helped that the Extend window was pushed back to the 10^th this year.

Although crop development is behind schedule, they’re turning the corner. Dirty fields are getting cleaned up, and rows are starting to close as plants grow. Have a good 4^th of July weekend everyone!

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

I have been walking Latham SuperStrip and MiniStrip research plots the past few days and am very impressed with the rapid growth. One hybrid that keeps standing out is LH 3695 VT2 PRO RIB, which is shown here on the right. Notice how healthy it is. It’s dark green in color with semi-upright leaves. It’s very evident why 3695 was a plot winner last year. I expect it to be a repeat winner in 2019.

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Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

“Wet” is still the theme across Northeast South Dakota. Another 2 to 3 inches of rain fell this week in many areas. Wet soils are making it hard for farmers to get spraying done. Corn is yellowing due to nitrogen loss. Fortunately, the heat has really moved corn development along. Corn will be knee high by the 4th of July. Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) also is showing up in soybeans. Remember to choose Latham® IRONCLAD soybeans in affected areas for future plantings.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

With all the turmoil 2019 has brought us, I can honestly say that we have some healthy-looking crops. Plants are small but healthy. Soybeans are at V2 stage, working on unrolling that second trifoliate. We should start seeing flowers on soybeans in the next week or two. They will continue to grow in height but will begin their flower process shortly after the Fourth of July. Remember soybeans mature on a calendar year.

 

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Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

This photo shows LH 4519 VT2 PRO RIB in a Latham® SuperStrip research plot near Horace, ND. Many soybean fields across my area are showing signs of Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC). Our cool, wet conditions is perfect for IDC. If you’re seeing pressure from IDC, check out Latham’s IRONCLAD product lineup to help fight this battle in the future. Also, vigilant in your fight against weeds!

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

It’s wet! Parts of southern Minnesota have received close to 10 inches of rain in the last month, while other parts have experienced closer to 15 inches. This photo is a shot shows rainfall tracked by my weather station, just south of Redwood Falls.

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Northern Wisconsin 

Joe Salter

Most farmers in my area are finishing spraying, but i’s been challenging to get into some of these wet fields. Early-planted crops look good. Pictured here is our Fall Creek plot where LH 4795 VT2 PRO RIB looks to be an early favorite. It’s early vigor and good emergence is showing.  Picture two shows a great looking field of LH 4241 RR.  This is some of the tallest corn in our area, and I’m excited to watch this hybrid finish.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Wisconsin crops are starting to come around after we got some much needed heat.  This field is split planted LH 5245 VT2 PRO and LH 5635 VT2 PRO planted on May 15. View a drone video here: Southern Wisconsin Bird’s Eye View

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North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

We noticed some chemical damage on corn plants after they were sprayed Sunday in the intense heat.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

This field of LH 5725 VT2 PRO in Butler County emerged quickly and is looking really good. This farmer would like to finish spraying, but rainy weather is making it difficult. Corn and soybeans are coming along pretty good across northern Iowa. Keep walking your fields to stay ahead of weeds, insects and disease.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

 

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

LH 6285 VT2 PRO RIB is looking good at Latham® dealer Mike Wagner’s farm west of Tipton. It handled the 70- to 90-mph wind gusts just fine on Sunday night.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

A beautiful view of the rolling hills near Norfolk, Nebraska, planted to LH 2887 R2X.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

It’s interesting to watch two different corn products grow side-by-side in Pocahontas County. The right side of the field was planted to LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB. You can see these plants are darker green and a little taller than LH 5487 VT2 PRO RIB, which is planted on the left.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Thanks to the recent heat heave, crop development in Central Iowa has gained some ground. I’d say the corn is still two weeks behind last year’s crop, and soybeans are about three weeks behind. I expect soybeans will flower within the next two weeks. Be sure to walk your fields as we’re seeing water hemp, mares tail and Japanese beetles.

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Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

One of my favorite times of the year is upon us. One of the best smells in agriculture or in my opinion, anywhere. First cutting alfalfa!

Delays in cutting is literally like a road map. Virtually zero hay cut in the south and east part of my region and well over 50% in the north and the west. It follows the moisture and the planting delays.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

This photo shows LH 3937 VT2 PRO RIB in a Latham SuperStrip™ plot east of Enderlin, North Dakota. Strong emergence scores and good early growth despite these cooler temps are helping all the Latham hybrids this spring.

North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) recording sites are tracking heat units for corn growth, and it’s no surprise that heat units are way behind this year. The location at Lisbon has registered only 529 growing degree units (GDUs) since May 1, which is only 60% of last year at this time. Hopefully, warmer overnight temps will help bring this year’s crop to maturity.

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Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

 The main crop planting in is finally over in Northeast North Dakota. Now farmers with prevent plant acres are rushing to plant forages with the earlier harvest date set by the USDA. Warmer weather is expected this week, and heat is needed to move maturity along as all crops are lacking GDUs (growing degree units). Some herbicide damage is evident in corn due to the lack of growth and slow metabolization of herbicides. Soybeans should be flowering but also have been slow to progress due to the cooler weather. Remember to check herbicide application dates as many need to be applied shortly due to date and growth stage restrictions.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Surprisingly, last weekend we welcomed rain. Some farmers needed surface rain to break crusts and help seedlings emerge. The week also came with cooler temperatures. The 10-day outlook should be favorable corn growing weather, so we hope to see great progress. Many corn fields are close to canopy while others have a ways to go. I expect to see cover crops going in as a great option for all the prevent plant acres. Seed supply is tight, so contact your Latham® Dealer ASAP to reserve seed.

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Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Proper weed management is critical. Apply herbicides correctly by following guidelines for proper application methods and rates. Remember, timing of application is critical. Remain vigilant in your fight against weeds all season long. Pictured here is a farmer near Horace, ND, filling his tank with Enlist Duo. He’s spraying a field of Latham 0995 E3.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

LH 5245 VT2 PRO stands out like a rock star in Southwest Minnesota. Heat in the extended forecast will be very beneficial for our crops this week.

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Northern Wisconsin 

Joe Salter

The Northern Wisconsin crop looks better every day.  Warmer days with scattered rain are in the forecast.  The crop is popping out of the ground and making great gains. Weed issues also surfaced last week as you can see in this field planted to Latham® LH 4452 RR. The biggest weed issue is giant ragweed. Giant ragweed, which grows taller than corn in search for sunlight, is considered one of the most competitive weeds in our agronomic crops. Giant Ragweed has also shown herbicide resistance. This field was sprayed one week ago, so it will get special attention over the next week to make sure this competitive weed does not survive.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

With excessive moisture falling across the region this spring, we’re seeing nutrient deficiencies and compaction in corn.  Sulfur is not available on the lighter, sandy soils, causing light green variable stands across fields.

It’s important to walk fields this time of year to address issues before significant yield loss occurs. We’re spraying soybean stands in southern Wisconsin for Thistle Caterpillars.

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North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

This leaf discoloration appears to be from frost damage, but we haven’t had any sub-32 degree temperatures. It is a result from rapid temperature change. We’ve seen spring temps range from the low 90s to the mid-40’s with high humidity, giving corn the appearance of frost damage.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

This field of Latham’s popular Latham® 2186 Liberty Link soybean in North Central Iowa looks really good. Overall, soybeans are looking pretty good throughout my territory. Corn fields are coming around, but there are many drowned out spots. Farmers are spraying and scouting fields.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

This stand of LH 5635 VT2 PRO has great potential. Late planting and excess rainfall create perfect conditions for weed pressure, so I’m hoping the post application herbicide will take care of weeds until a good canopy is established. Late-season fungicide applications will also protect corn yield.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

The crop is progressing in Eastern Iowa. We are well into the next phase of planting season of spraying, side-dressing and scouting.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

Excess rain fall causes more low lying flooding across our whole territory.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

This field of late-planted soybeans near Oskaloosa could start flowering in two to three weeks.

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Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about the dates for in-crop spraying of Dicamba. The Minnesota deadline remains June 20. We’re also inching closer to the deadline in North Dakota, leaving us a very small window.

Just a few reminders about North Dakota’s specific rules for Dicamba:

• No applications may be made after June 30 or after the first bloom (R1 growth phase), whichever comes first.
• No applications may be made if air temperature of the field at the time of application is over 85 degrees Fahrenheit or if the forecasted National Weather Service high temperature for the day exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Applications of the product may only be made from one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset.
• Applicators must maintain a speed of 12 miles per hour or less when applying products.
• Applications must be made with a minimum of 15 gallons of spray solution per acre.

There are many weedy fields, but we can cover hundreds of acres with modern equipment. Sprayers have been rolling like crazy. Be safe and stay positive!

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

It was a tough start to the year, and the challenges continue. This picture shows a soybean field that needs replanting due to cutworm damage. I’ve heard many reports of cutworm activity, especially on cool trashy soils. If you’re in a minimum or no-till environment, scout fields for damage.

Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

The end of #plant2019 is in sight! Most farmers in Northeast South Dakota have finished planting soybeans. Crop progress is slow this year. The earliest corn is nearing V6, and the latest planted corn at V1-V2. Most soybeans are in the 2nd to 3rd trifoliate. We will need heat units and a late frost this year to get this crop to maturity.

Corn progress for 2019 this week featuring LH 4454 VT2 PRO RIB.

Corn progress in 2018 this week featuring LH 4452 RR.

 

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Ladies and gentlemen, we have corn plants! It has been one wild spring. Now that most all corn has been planted, we can start to watching it grow. Crop development lags compared to years past, but planting conditions will be a bigger player in the end result. Fields that were worked too wet have poor emergence due to lack of seed-to-soil contact. Seeds planted into excessively wet soils will battle sidewall compaction all season long. With overflowing water levels, watch nitrogen (N) levels in fields and consider applying additional N throughout the growing season.

Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Pictured here is a very nice field of Latham L 3695 VT2 PRO RIB near Barnesville, Minnesota. A lot of corn fields that were planted early have uneven emergence, growth variations across the fields and some yellow plants. I believe the current variation is mostly due to weather, rooting and compaction issue, plus lack of nitrogen supply. Some farmers in my area have been using light tillage to help aerate the root zone since cold rains and wet planting conditions compacted soils.  I’m also seeing fields suffering from denitrification. Farmers are side-dressing nitrogen, so the corn plant has more food to meet its needs during rapid growth stages. Keep scouting fields because weed control is important to maximize plant health.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

Due to wet planting conditions across southern Minnesota, we’re seeing compaction issues like stunted, yellow corn.

Undesirable planting conditions has also resulted in many cases of uneven emergence in southern Minnesota, like this plant in the center.

Northern Wisconsin 

Joe Salter

It’s still wet in areas of Northern Wisconsin.  Some farmers are still trying to get seed in the ground between rains. The last of the plots for Northern Wisconsin went in last week. First crop hay is being made.

 

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Fields across Southern Wisconsin are mostly planted. Once you drive north of Madison, you’ll more fields that have not and will not get planted in 2019.  The early planted corn looks really good, despite the lack of heat units and emergence that took four to five weeks.

Overall, you can tell the fields that have been stressed this spring due to compaction, moisture or poor planting conditions.  I’m seeing a lot of average stands in the fields. All things considered, it looks good for what farmers have gone through in 2019.

This field of LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB was planted May 16, just a few hours before one of many rainfall events.  Lucky enough, it stayed wet and helped to get the stand established.

North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

 Heavy rain fell again early this week causing, ponding along the Iowa-Minnesota boarder. This is a common sight from Northwood, Iowa, to Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Here’s a good looking no-till field of Latham® L 2186 L in in Mitchell County, Iowa. Soybeans overall look pretty good throughout my area, and the corn is coming along. Farmers had gotten a lot of spraying done until one to two inches of rain fell last Saturday. The 7- to 10-Day weather forecast isn’t looking too promising to get the spraying finished. With weed and insect pressure, it’s important to keep scouting fields!

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

These photos show Latham® L 2249 L planted into 3-foot tall cereal rye that was seeded last fall. A burn down herbicide typically would be applied while cereal rye is 3 to 6 inches tall. Due to a wet spring, the winter rye grew beyond the typical pre-emergent herbicide stage. This stand of soybeans still looks great! This grower has been giving credit to his increased soybean yields to using cover crops the past six years.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

 We finally planted the final soybean plots on June 18, so it’s time to move on to spraying and side-dressing nitrogen.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

This field of LH 6477 VT2 PRO RIB was planted June 4, directly across the road from a field that was planted April 20. The only difference is a 45-day rain delay.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Near Humboldt, Iowa, 1.8 inches of rain have fallen since June 17 where this photo was taken yesterday. This field got drowned out and was replanted already this season. Hopefully, these ponds drain fast enough so this farmer doesn’t have to plant it for the third time.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Pythium has been identified in Central Iowa. Pythium is one of the most common fungi associated with seed rot and seedling blight of corn. It infects plants with undeveloped nodal root systems. Several species of Pythium can rot the seed prior to germination or infect young seedlings before or after emergence. While we often see chest-high or even shoulder-high corn by the Fourth of July, some fields will struggle to grow knee-high by this year’s holiday. Heat units will be critical right now as corn continues to develop.

Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

I know most everyone throughout Latham Country is dealing with too much rain, but North Dakota its quite the opposite. Between May 1 and June 12, Minot has received .80 inches of rain all growing season. Crops are already showing stress and corn looks weak and brittle. Winter wheat is about half as tall as normal and heading out. Most crops are hanging in and will recover easily with some timely rain, but this is the third year of drought for these farmers. In 2017, Minot got 7.8 inches for the entire growing season, in 2018 they got 9.7 inches of rainfall with most of that coming early and late. Less than one inch of rain fell for a 7-week stretch starting around the 4^th of July.

Send the rain our way!

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

We received help from my grandson today while we crop scouted! In the photo, he is pointing at is a corn plant that emerged 3 to 4 days after the first plants popped out of the ground. A uniform stand is important because it ensures that all plants compete evenly for nutrients and sunlight while maturing at the same time. Late emerging plants may delay harvest with small, wet ears. It is important to remember which fields have emergence issues so you can pay special attention to them in the fall.

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Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

Continued progress has been the theme in Northeast South Dakota. Scattered showers have fallen, but most farmers were able to finish planting corn and soybeans. We had some crusting issues where farmers had to replant corn. Soybeans are emerged and corn is progressing nicely even though we are behind in growing degree units.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Planters have been rolling in full force this last week. Nearly all corn that will be planted is in the ground and farmers have a good start on soybeans. One positive about late planting is the warmer soil temperatures help crops quickly emerge. Crop condition out of the ground is variable. Some fields are saturated, and corn is light green to yellow, while other fields have had some great drying days and crops look great. Farmers are pushing to finish up this planting season in the next couple weeks.

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Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Cool, wet conditions have put stress on germination and seedlings pushing out of the ground. As pictured below, we are walking a corn field northeast of Breckenridge, MN to check emergence, evaluate stand and consider replant. We are seeing the effects of cold stress such as uneven emergence, swollen seed that has not germinated, and fragile or absent primary root. If a decision is made to replant, compare yield potential of the existing stand with yield potential of the replant. Be sure you consider insurance or government program restriction.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

While putting a Soybean SuperStrip™ Plot near Hanska, Minnesota, a break was needed in the 90-degree weather with these important young ladies who brought out some Gatorade.

Many farmers continue to fight the mud to try to get their crop in.

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Northern Wisconsin 

Joe Salter

A lot of progress was made in the field during the last four days. There is still a fair amount of corn silage being planted, but the majority of field activity is soybeans.

Weeds will become a bigger issue and the ability to get into the fields to spray will also be a challenge.
First crop of hay came off last week.  Field below is near Goodhue, Minnesota.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

New Latham Dealer Brady Broedlow is impressed with his stand of L 2187 GT27 soybeans in Helenville, WI.

With a lot of planting conditions not ideal, some of the recently planted soybeans are struggling to come through.  Sounds odd, but in some areas we could use a nice shower to get some of the struggling crops out of the ground.

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North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

Field of LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB looking good south of Garner planted on April 23.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Below is a nice field of L 2295 R2X in Mower County. During the last 4 days, a lot of soybeans got planted and the sprayers are running hard. There are still some fields that are fairly wet, so some will be prevent plant and others still will try to get some soybeans in the ground during the next 7-10 days. With that being said, the 2019 planting season is coming to an end. Next up is starting to scout fields.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

Nitrogen is very important in having a successful corn crop and there are many ways to apply nitrogen all season long.  Spreading out applications is essential because it is very volatile.

You can apply N before you plant, but it is more likely to deplete before the plant needs it. Side dressing has great benefits because of possible N deficiency due to large amounts of rainfall this spring. There are different soil and tissue testing available through our Latham Data Forward Agronomic Advisory Services to determine if and when N is needed.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Product development is a key part of Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. We plant replicated soybean trials throughout our company footprint. This research plot was planted north of Delmar in Eastern Iowa.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

 

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Three brothers working to help

The central region has been making hay while sun shines. We have been blessed to have 5 days of warm weather to dry fields out to complete planting, replanting, side dressing and spraying. Poor stand is showing up in some fields in Central Iowa. These plants are likely to experience root and stack issues as it develops. Some sidewall compaction has also been problematic. Take great notes as these will be helpful as we develop a harvest plan.

put in a corn plot in Buena Vista County!  First year Latham® Dealer, Adam Skog, was very pleased with how hard working all these guys are. Thanks guys!

Family working together is what Latham is about!

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

The central region has been making hay while sun shines. We have been blessed to have 5 days of warm weather to dry fields out to complete planting, replanting, side dressing and spraying. Poor stand is showing up in some fields in Central Iowa. These plants are likely to experience root and stack issues as it develops. Some sidewall compaction has also been problematic. Take great notes as these will be helpful as we develop a harvest plan.

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Eastern North Dakota

Brian McNamee

I have been spending a lot of time evaluating plant stands in customers’ fields. Planting conditions were less than favorable this year and farmers had to push the limits in the few small planting windows. Corn and soybeans were both planted into wet and cool soils. Many areas have crusting issues causing poor emergence. Farmers are breaking out the rotary hoes in hopes to loosen up the ground. Stand loss of 20 to 35% is not uncommon and unfortunately it is too late for replant.

This have definitely been the most adverse planting year I can ever remember. The good news is that I see about 10 times more sprayers than planters in the field, which means we are moving forward into #grow19.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

We’re watching a couple issues in corn fields this spring. Early seeded corn is having a tough time getting out of the ground due to cool soils. The hotter temps we had last week created some soil crusting in wet soils, making uneven emergence an issue. Monitor fields daily to verify if replanting is necessary and contact your Latham dealer for hybrid recommendations.

Also fields that have different planting dates make it more challenging to correctly apply herbicides. Scout fields before application to identify hybrid growth staging and size of weeds to be controlled.

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Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

It has been a busy week in Northeast South Dakota! Finally we have dry weather so farmers have been able to get in their fields. Many farmers are wrapping up corn planting. Many acres won’t be planted due to standing water and time running out. The main focus now is getting soybeans in the ground.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

While spring planting has been significantly delayed in Southeast South Dakota, the hay/alfalfa crop is on schedule. Farmers are juggling making the first cutting of hay with planting. The good news is that planters are in the fields everywhere. We have finally gotten enough consecutive dry days and warm temps to make it look and feel like spring. Corn plants are emerging, and we can “row the fields” while driving by. Many farmers are pushing to get in as much corn as they can while others have decided to switch from corn to soybeans. We’re hoping for two or more weeks of great farming weather.

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Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

We’re planting a Latham® SuperStrip plot near Tabor, Minnesota. High yield is a desirable characteristic for any hybrid, but there are many more things you can learn. Note how different corn or soybean products respond in an environment that closely mirrors your farm. Get to know each hybrid in your geography as some products may flower earlier or later than predicted. Record how they respond to disease pressure or moisture. Keeping notes like this can help with production selection for the next planting season.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

Working on getting Latham® SuperStrips in the ground near Willmar, Minnesota, with local dealer Ed Arndorfer.

Last week, while doing some early season plot evaluations, I noted differences in emergence. Latham’s LH 5245 VT2 PRO  stood out as a rockstar, emerging rapidly at Prokosch Farms Corn SuperStrip near Wabasso, Minn.

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Northern Wisconsin 

Joe Salter

Progress is slow, but it’s progress none the less.

A couple more plots went in the ground the past few days, so there are only a few more to plant. I am excited about all the plot locations and where the future is headed!

All these SuperStrips™ will help our team choose the right hybrids and varieties for Northern Wisconsin. There are still a lot of acres to get planted. Farmers in the western part of my region are finishing, but those in the eastern part are struggling to get going due to weather conditions.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

Farmers are working long hours to make the most of the field conditions that are fit to plant. We’re praying we miss the rainfall on Tuesday night, so we can finish planting corn this week before transitioning to soybeans. We got three soybean plots planted last week to get some side-by-side data on Enlist® Soybeans in southern Wisconsin.

L 2486 L soybeans only took eight days to emerge and are looking great.

LH 5739 SS planted May 15 is off to a great start in Cambridge.

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North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

Many farmers are harvesting their first cutting of hay in North Iowa.

 

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

My assistant and I had everything under control! We put in a SuperStrip™ plot early this week in Steele County, Minnesota.

There hasn’t been much action this past week due to wet fields. A few farmers were able to start planting again Sunday, and it appeared that everyone was rolling by Monday. Some remaining corn and a lot of soybeans went in the ground early this week. Overall, the corn has emerged and the stand looks really good at this point. A few fields of soybeans have emerged.

Some farmers got out rotary hoes to break up crusting soils.

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

Planting in Northwest Iowa has progressed with some much needed sunshine. Corn that was planted around May6 looks good. You can see LH 5245 VT2 PRO RIB has great potential!

 

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

We were fortunate to pick up planting again on Sunday in Eastern Iowa. We checked on some early planted soybeans and found some feeding from soybean beetles. Make sure to scout your early planted soybeans. Corn plots are coming along well.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

Jordon Brewer and Matt Topf are planting soybeans into rye.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

Below is a friendly reminder on the appropriate window to spray Xtend® soybeans. For more information, click here.

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Corn is 99% planted and soybeans are 75% planted in Central Iowa. Stands are looking better than expected, considering all the crop stress. Corn plants across the region have yellow spots where corn is either lacking sunlight or nitrogen.

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Eastern North Dakota

Brain McNamee

This week I wanted to post a picture of emerging corn, but truth be told, there isn’t much to show. Cool temps have delayed emergence by 2 to 3 weeks. Next week will likely be a different story as daytime temps are climbing into the mid-80s. Small grains thrive under cool, damp spring conditions, so at least this field of winter wheat is off to a good start.

Southeast North Dakota

Gary Geske

The crop is finally emerging after we were blessed with sunshine and warmer weather this week. We are all quite busy getting the crop planted where possible, but it’s also time to check emergence and seedling condition on previously planted acres. If a replant is needed, let your Latham® Dealer or RSM know as quickly as possible for a field inspection. They can help you decide which Latham product best fits your replant situation.

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Northeast South Dakota

James Keltgen

A drier forecast is finally coming for Northeast South Dakota. Not much planting progress was made this past week as more rain fell. Corn acres will be lower as farmers are switching crops in an attempt to get fields planted. Some planted corn is emerged and some is nearing emergence.

Southeast South Dakota

Ramie Coughlin

Spring planting in Southeast South Dakota continues to be delayed by rain every few days, but growers are working hard to plant when and where they can. Many fields look like this one in the photo. However, growers are not ready or willing to throw in the towel on cornhusking yet. Delayed planting throughout most of the Midwest has many believing that corn prices will much more attractive this fall than in recent years. This past week we started switching full-season hybrids for shorter season hybrids. Latham® Dealers are working hard to get the right seed in place for when planting finally brakes loose. The 10-day weather forecast looks favorable for some planters to get in fields yet this year.

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Northern Minnesota

Ken Highness

Nathan Wesolowski, a new Latham® dealer from the Tabor, Minnestoa, is planting 160 acres to Latham® Hi‑Tech Hybrids LH 3427 GT/CB/LL.

Southern Minnesota

Justin Prokosch

Planting progress is pretty slow due to the ample amount of moisture we’ve received. Most growers are hoping for drier conditions, so they can soybeans in the ground.

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Northern Wisconsin 

Joe Salter

Time is running out to get this year’s crop planted, yet many growers remain optimistic about getting all their seed in the ground. Last week brought some good planting days, but rain has once again brought everything to a screeching halt.  Corn is starting to emerge as shown in the pics. Many fields across Northern Wisconsin tell the same story… Growers are doing their best to get what they can planted, even if that means planting around water holes.  Others are switching to early maturity options.

Many variables should be considered before switching to an early maturity hybrid:

• Choose a hybrid with excellent dry-down and high test weight.
• What is the potential use, dry grain or silage?
• Trade an A for an A! Don’t trade your high-yielding hybrid in for a leftover hybrid that’s early maturity.  Make sure you can get superior alternatives.

Southern Wisconsin

Greg Mair

The acres that got planted are off to a good start plus the rally in the commodity market has farmers optimistic about the future of this year’s crop. Fields are looking green as corn and soybeans, which were planted the week of May 13, begin to emerge.  LH 5249 SS RIB, planted May 14, was spiking through on Sunday in Janesville, Wisc. Latham® Liberty L 2249 L soybeans have gotten off to a fast start in Cuba City.

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North Central Iowa

Cory Greiman

Too much rain this past week means very little field work got done in North Central Iowa and South Central Minnesota. Unfortunately, more rain is in the forecast for this week.

Northeast Iowa

Craig Haaland

Rain, rain, go away!

Anywhere from 3 to 4.5 inches of rain has fallen during the past week, so virtually nothing has gotten planted since last Tuesday. Everything is saturated, so it will be awhile before we can finish the 2019 planting season. Corn is starting to pop in the fields that were planted earlier. This field of Latham® LH 5400 is spiking through in Mitchell County, Iowa.

 

Northwest Iowa

Darin Chapman

Farmers in Northwest Iowa are having a difficult time keeping their planters going due to heavy rainfall.  As much as I like to wait for ideal planting conditions, this year is an exception. We need to get seed in the ground, so we’re being strategic with the planter pass by keeping the dry top soil on top and not running our row cleaners too aggressively.  By not running too aggressively and only moving debris with little to no top soil, we can keep the press wheels riding on the dry top soil to avoid plugging the planter with mud.

Eastern Iowa

Jerry Broders

Weather continues to be the limiting factor for spring planting 2019. Farmers in a small area of Jackson County were able to plant for a couple of days last week, but fields across most of Eastern Iowa weren’t fit.

Western Iowa

Larry Krapfl

This has been the season of extreme weather. Much of my area was adversely affected by flood waters this spring. Then on May 28 a devastating storm moved through the Adair-Stuart-Casey area. Torrential rains, hail so heavy it resembled a snowstorm and strong winds created hazardous conditions. Overturned semis temporarily shut down a portion of the interstate.

West North Central Iowa

Bart Peterson

LH 5245 VT2 PRO emerged like a rocket, and LH 5742 RR also had great emergence in this Latham® SuperStrip Plot north of Hardy, Iowa, that was planted May 6. Now all this plot needs is some sunshine and heat!

Central Iowa

Bryan Rohe

Getting your 2019 corn and soybeans crop in the ground will be extremely important to take advantage of rebounding markets. Central Iowa farmers are eager to finish planting, but Mother Nature isn’t cooperating. I’d say 90% of the corn acres and 65% of the soybean acres in my area are planted.

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