Some Points to Ponder as You Struggle With Decisions About Late-Planted Corn

By:  Bob Nielson, Purdue University

As May transitions to June, many Indiana corn growers are faced with substantial acreage yet to plant. Statewide, as of May 26 (USDA-NASS, 2019), only 22% of the state’s corn crop was estimated to have been planted. That disappointing planting progress positions the 2019 planting season AT THE MOMENT just slightly ahead of the similarly slow 1996, which currently holds the unenviable record for the most delayed planting season in the past 40 years. AND, there is still a chance we will surpass (or should I say “fall behind”?) that record by the time this planting season is finished. In the remaining days of May, thunderstorms continued to rumble across the state… sometimes across the north… sometimes across the south… sometimes through the central counties. Unless a rapid shift from rainy to sunny, warm, and windy occurs soon, the prospects of serious planting progress through the first week of June are dismal.

Slowest planting seasons since 1980.

Slowest planting seasons since 1980.

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Managing Stress on the Farm

Farmers are no strangers to stress. Their livelihood is dependent on factors they cannot control, including weather, market volatility, and government regulations. This planting (or lack of) season is no exception thanks to Mother Nature, and the relentless rain. It is important though, for farmers and their loved ones to prioritize their health, especially in times of difficulty.  Continue reading

Current Weed Issues II: Revised Herbicide Management Strategies for Late Planting

By:  Mark Loux, Ohio State University

We’re running about a month behind in many cases, and with respect to weeds we are a month later than normal in implementing herbicide programs.  The most important thing to know about this is that we are well into the period of summer annual weed emergence, most of which occurs between early May and the end of June, which overall shortens the period of weed control that we need and allows earlier application of POST herbicides.  There are some advantages to this – here’s what it means for those fields just planted or that will still be planted within the next couple weeks: Continue reading

Forage Options for Prevented Planting Corn and Soybean Acres

By:  Stan Smith, Ohio State University

Today, as we sit here on May 28, we know three things for certain:

  • Ohio has the lowest inventory of hay since the 2012 drought and the 4th lowest in 70 years.
  • Ohio’s row crops will not get planted in a timely fashion this year.
  • Despite improvement in the grain markets over the past week or two, for those with coverage, Prevented Planting Crop Insurance payments may still yield more income than growing a late planted corn or soybean crop this year

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Prevented Planting Decision Tools

By:  Sam Custar, OSU Extension Educator

We have reviewed two prevented planting decision tools that can serve as a resource in your decision making process with your crop insurance agent. Both tools also provide resources for determining replant decisions.

In a recent Farmdocdaily article Schnitkey, G., C. Zulauf, K. Swanson and R. Batts. “Prevented Planting Decision for Corn in the Midwest.” farmdoc daily (9):88, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 14, 2019 they highlighted their decision tool. Continue reading

Prevent Plant Meeting to be Held at Robert Fulton Ag Center

By:  Eric Richer, OSU Extension Educator

For those farmers who want to know more about the Prevent Plant crop insurance tool, there will be an informational meeting at the Robert Fulton Ag Center, 8770 State Route 108, Wauseon, OH 43567 on Wednesday, May 29th at 8:30 am.  The meeting is open to the general public and will be hosted by OSU Extension and partners at Rain & Hail and Farm Credit Crop Insurance.  No RSVP is necessary but seats are limited to 100.  Discussion will include but is not limited to options regarding planting corn, addressing cover crop issues, using prevent plant after other fall seeded or perennial crops.  Other decision aides will be addressed. For associated reading, visit www.ohioagmanager.osu.edu or https://farmdoc.illinois.edu

Gypsy Moth Treatments Have Begun in Williams County

You may have seen low-flying aircraft just above the tree tops in Fulton and Williams counties this past Sunday, and wondered what in the world are they doing? These aerial treatments are part of the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s ongoing effort to suppress European gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar). This destructive insect feeds on trees and shrubs, and in its caterpillar stage, can consume up to 1 square foot of foliage every 24 hours. This results in defoliation of the tree, and can ultimately result in tree death. Continue reading

Emergency Forages for Planting Early to Mid-Summer

By:  Mark Sulc and Bill Weiss, The Ohio State University

Many forage stands were damaged this past winter, and the wet spring has further deteriorated stands that appeared they might recover. It is now too risky to try to establish perennial forages, with the warmer summer weather at our doorstep. We should wait until August to establish perennial stands. Meanwhile, what options can we consider for growing forage this year?

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What’s Your Number?

Do you know your number? ..your soybean cyst nematode (SCN) number that is. If you don’t, Williams County OSU Extension can help. As part of a larger initiative called the SCN Coalition, we will be soil sampling soybean fields to estimate the size of SCN populations throughout the state, and what portion of these populations are becoming “resistant to the resistance.” Continue reading

Corn Management Practices for Later Planting Dates – Changes to Consider

By:  Peter Thomison and Steve Culman, The Ohio State University

As prospects for a timely start to spring planting diminish, growers need to reassess their planting strategies and consider adjustments. Since delayed planting reduces the yield potential of corn, the foremost attention should be given to management practices that will expedite crop establishment. The following are some suggestions and guidelines to consider in dealing with a late planting season. Continue reading