We hope everyone has enjoyed a week without high levels of rain accumulation or intense heat!
What we have been seeing this week:
The crops are progressing well with the warmer weather we have experienced over the last couple of weeks. Cereals have all been sprayed with fungicides and are looking really good. If they can stay standing through the growing season, there is potential for a big cereal harvest this year.
Early-seeded canola also looks very promising. The plants are vigorous and have established a strong canopy but later-seeded canola is suffering from the excess moisture that has plagued many areas. These fields show signs of waterlogging, which has affected root development and plant health. It’s interesting to see some fields in full bloom right next to others that have just been sprayed with herbicides, reflecting the varied planting and growth stages across the region.
Corn and soybeans are the most affected, currently recovering from excess moisture and cold weather. The corn, for the most part, is very uneven, with many fields showing a range in height from 12 inches to 4+ feet. The uneven growth is a direct consequence of the fluctuating weather conditions and the high moisture levels in the soil.
We suspect there have been higher than normal nitrogen losses this spring due to both leaching and denitrification, processes that are exacerbated by above average rainfall. These nitrogen losses could have an impact on the corn. We are also 30% behind in degree days compared to this time last year, which has further impacted growth. The lack of accumulated heat units has slowed down the development of the corn, making it challenging for the plants to reach their full potential.
Soybeans are recovering from higher than usual levels of iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC). IDC is a common issue in high pH soils, and the excess moisture has likely exacerbated the problem by limiting the availability of iron to the plants. However, the soybeans are greening up and are well into the flowering stage, which is a positive sign.
The recent heat wave will have likely aided these two crops in their recovery and growth, providing the necessary warmth to boost metabolic processes and improve overall plant health. Continued warm and dry conditions will be crucial for these crops to fully recover and reach maturity.
While there have been significant challenges this growing season, including excess moisture, cold weather, and nutrient deficiencies, there are also reasons for optimism. The cereals are looking strong, early-seeded canola is promising, and even the struggling corn and soybeans are showing signs of recovery. With careful management and a bit of favorable weather, there is still the potential for a successful harvest across the board.
Check out our latest YouTube videos om IDC and Waterhemp below.
Catch more like these on our YouTube Channel HERE!
Have a great weekend!
Bru and Jenn
