Stick to Proven Planting Fundamentals
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INDIANAPOLIS — It has been a while since Midwest farmers have had a ‘normal’ spring. This year is no exception. Despite the uncertainties this spring – whether that’s managing planting equipment, cool soil temperatures or prioritizing fields – following proven planting fundamentals will set up corn and soybeans for success in 2020.
“We’re looking at a compressed planting season,” said Tony Johanson, Mycogen Seeds commercial agronomist in Nebraska. “We've learned to adapt to trying weather conditions over the last couple of years. This spring, don’t jump the gun to start planting but rather wait until conditions are right, regardless of what the calendar says.”
Focus on planting fundamentals
Johanson stresses that while farmers are eager to get those planters rolling early, it’s best to wait until the conditions are right. And when planting begins, don’t bypass crucial fundamentals:
- Double-check your planter to confirm everything is functional.
- Get out of the tractor cab and dig behind the planter to make sure seed depth and seed spacing is correct. Corn seed depth should be 1.5 to 2.25 inches.
- Ensure the seed trench is closed right so soil can absorb moisture for uniform emergence.
Johanson said some Nebraska farmers were still making decisions on which crops to plant in early April. His advice is to make these decisions based on economics rather than moisture considerations as it can be easier to produce 200-bushel dryland corn than 60 bushels of dryland soybeans. If farmers manage inputs and lock up a profitable price, then a shift toward more corn can make sense.
Manage crops beyond planting
After a relatively mild winter, soil temperatures are likely warmer than normal. This can lead to early weed emergence and increased weed populations prior to planting.
“Keep in mind that not all weed species emerge at the same time,” said Kyle Quick, Mycogen Seeds commercial agronomist in Indiana. “The earliest to emerge include kochia, lambsquarters, and common and giant ragweed.”
On the soybean side, farmers have increased access to Enlist E3® soybeans and Enlist™ herbicide technology in 2020. Used with Enlist herbicides, Enlist E3 soybeans give farmers three modes of action to control problem weeds, including ragweed, waterhemp or Palmer amaranth.
“Farmers interested in using new soybean traits in 2020 should talk with their local retailers to understand what each technology offers,” Quick said. “Understand the label, which herbicides to pair and state restrictions. Then look at the variety agronomics. Come up with a plan that matches your needs with common weeds and diseases on your farm.”
For more information about planting in ideal conditions this spring, talk with your local retailer and visit Mycogen.com.
During a compressed planting time frame, stick to the fundamentals despite the uncertainties.
About Mycogen Seeds
Mycogen Seeds offers leading genetics in corn, soybeans, silage corn, sunflowers and canola. A retail seed company of Corteva Agriscience, Mycogen maintains a robust global research and development program. Mycogen delivers diverse seed solutions with high-performance genetics and the latest and broadest trait technology options. Mycogen works with its retail network to tailor product solutions and help farmers be better acre after acre. For more information about Mycogen® brand products, visit Mycogen.com or follow Mycogen Seeds on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
About Corteva Agriscience
Corteva Agriscience is a publicly traded, global pure-play agriculture company that provides farmers around the world with the most complete portfolio in the industry - including a balanced and diverse mix of seed, crop protection and digital solutions focused on maximizing productivity to enhance yield and profitability. With some of the most recognized brands in agriculture and an industry-leading product and technology pipeline well positioned to drive growth, the company is committed to working with stakeholders throughout the food system as it fulfills its promise to enrich the lives of those who produce and those who consume, ensuring progress for generations to come. Corteva Agriscience became an independent public company on June 1, 2019, and was previously the Agriculture Division of DowDuPont. More information can be found at www.corteva.com.
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™ ® Trademarks of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. The transgenic soybean event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Dow AgroSciences LLC and MS Technologies LLC. Enlist Duo® and Enlist One® herbicides are not registered for sale or use in all states or counties. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your area. Enlist Duo and Enlist One herbicides are the only 2,4-D products authorized for use with Enlist crops. Consult Enlist herbicide labels for weed species controlled. Always read and follow label directions.
Contacts
Kacey Birchmier
Corteva Agriscience
515-535-6149
kacey.birchmier@corteva.com
Sarah Petersheim
Bader Rutter
414-739-4616
spetersheim@bader-rutter.com