Producers Blog
Where’s the Heat?
Jason Fryda (DSM, Region 3 – Western Nebraska)
Where’s the heat?
As I sit at my computer writing this blog, I can’t believe it is already June 11. Well, I say that now because, to be honest, here in central Nebraska we have not seen much of a summer…yet. The weather man says it will be around 100 today!
Now, I am not complaining because in the majority of my district, we have been blessed with some very nice and welcomed rain. We have also been able to enjoy our afternoons without overheating and most evenings require a light jacket. That all being said: The corn and beans definitely need some heat.
Corn right now is anywhere from V3 to V5. For the most part, stands are very good. I have had several phone calls from customers that were amazed in our vigor and how quickly our plants popped out of the ground. Always good to hear! In some areas, we have experienced some cold soil injuries caused by long periods of temperatures around 50 degrees or below. Our snow storm and cold spell in early April didn’t help us out at all! So if you are walking your fields and dig a plant that has “cork screwed” under the ground, check your planting date.
Like I said, the corn needs some heat. We are starting to see a lot of yellowing and the past week it almost seemed as if the corn had just stopped growing. If we get the heat this week we should see a substantial change in both color and height.
Beans are anywhere from just being able to row to V2. Just like the corn, the beans have been slow to come with the cool weather. But I hope to see some good growth from them too this week if the heat comes.
To wrap things up, keep scouting your fields. I know with the cool weather and some of the wind and hail, we have opened that plant up for some potential disease pressure. AV5 fungicide may be something to think about.
From central Nebraska, I wish you all a great growing season filled with high yields!
