Planting between the rain showers

Planting has progressed primarily focused on getting corn out. Friday morning was very active as I drove through the western half of the county with tractors rolling and dust flying. I have reports of some farms with all nearly all of the corn planted and others that just have a field or two in. Most of the farms nearly complete are in the eastern half of the county where sandier soils allow for an earlier start. Some farmers are planting around the wet spots in hope to come back later and fill in.

Wheat nitrogen topdressing was finally finished up last week. The wheat has generally hit growth stage 6 and thus need to be careful with applications particularly herbicides due to potential injury. The canopy is closing in and the crop will advance quickly so scouting for disease particularly where the variety is susceptible to powdery mildew or stagonospora.

Since April 20th we have received 117 GDD. Rainfall for the week of April 28th inculed .30 inches Monday and 1.3 inches Saturday. The low temperature of 28 degree made for a cold morning but should have had limited effect except for the most tender of vegetation.