Wednesday, July 8, 2021

AGRONOMY WEEKLY NEWS
This new weekly e-newsletter will be delivered to your inbox midweek. It will focus on local agronomy news in and around our Wanstead branch locations. Information you'll receive comes from our Wanstead crop sales advisors.

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Wheat
It's official... harvest is here! We had some wheat come to the elevator early this week, although we have now been temporarily stopped due to the rain. So far the quality has been really good: grade 2, with high test weights and fairly low moistures. From Monday to now, the moisture range has been from 12.5% to low 20%’s. It was interesting to see how quickly the crop was drying down just throughout the day, dropping percentages in some cases. Straw quality has been reported as good, although it was coming off tougher than normal for some growers. The concern now is how these rains may negatively affect the wheat crop over the next few days. The potential for fusarium and sprouting, especially in lodged wheat exists, so we are encouraging farmers to keep their eyes open for that. Lodged wheat seems to be unfortunately ample in our area, forcing farmers to combine slower. Market prices are still holding strong above $7, but fertilizer prices are in line with market prices. Our agronomists are encouraging all growers to soil sample the ground once the wheat comes off. Knowing what your ground needs will help you to spend your fertilizer money in the right places, to maximize on your future crop potentials. If you are interested in getting your fields tested, please reach out to your salesperson. 
Soybeans
Unfortunately, despite a good start to the soybean crop, a large percentage of fields are not looking so good. There is significant, and widespread yellowing on plants, which can in many cases be attributed to a loss of nitrogen. Microbes that normally help soybeans to make their own nitrogen are feeding on stocks and other debris in the field. Essentially, the carbon to nitrogen ratio is askew, and that is not good for the crop. In addition to the nitrogen issue, extreme rain events are putting extra stress on the plants. Variability in fields is extensive due to laying water, and plants that were under water for long periods of time are at risk of root rot. Additionally, in this hot and wet weather, foliar diseases thrive, which is why our agronomists are really encouraging all of our growers to get out and check out how their field is doing. On the plus side, pests and insects do not like this weather so they are less of a risk this year. In fields where herbicide is yet to be applied, we are recommending adding a soybooster to the mix to try and help the crop along. Fungicide timing is not far off with the soybeans starting to flower. 
Corn
The corn crop this year is THRIVING! We are a few weeks away from corn tasseling (planting date dependent), which means we are not far off for corn fungicides which are best applied after tassel but before the silks turn brown. Some growers are also considering applying some over the top nitrogen with Y drops which could be done once the ground dries up. 
What are our agronomists up to?
Our agronomists are currently out looking for any leaf diseases in the crops and working with growers to plan any fungicide applications. They are also starting to receive some signage for seed, custom application, or crop inputs, and they will be planning on getting those out in the next few weeks. If you are interested in having a sign on your crop, please reach out to your agronomist! 

Bradey: 519-312-7767
Jason: 519-330-9746
Darrin: 519-330-9812