Friday, August 27, 2021

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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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Soybeans
Soybeans are progressing well, but one more rain would be amazing to capitalize on yields. Early beans are really starting to turn now and are looking very good and full. Some of the later 3000+ heat unit beans are struggling to fill the top pods. This is more relevant for IP soybeans, where smaller beans are not as favourable. The later beans are also showing the odd sign of SDS (sudden death syndrome) as well as some mold. Edible beans including azukis are set to come off next week! This is very early for the crop, so it will be interesting to see how quickly the soybeans finish up.
Corn
The corn is looking phenomenal and there is a strong potential for record yields. Cob set looks good, and now it is a waiting game. The main concern for the crop at this point will be its intactness as we move towards harvest. Due to the wet weather we received during the early summer, most corn fields have shallow root systems which is not ideal for stability. Coupled with that, the wet canopy during July promoted some anthracnose in the corn stocks. Just to top it all off, this dry weather now is forcing the plant to suck all of the moisture out of the corn stock in order to fill the cobs. Overall, lodging could be a problem in the corn crop, especially if we get any crazy weather events in the fall. This may be the year to consider taking the crop off wetter, in order to prevent the crop from falling over. So far, our agronomists have not reported seeing any signs of vomitoxin, but that still might show itself over the next couple weeks. Fields with cutworm feeding are noted to have a higher vom potential.
Wheat
Lots of fertilizer is down/going down on wheat stubble. We are seeing lots of farmers getting lime down after soil sampling, as well as MAP and potash on ground going into corn, or putting it on now for the next 3 years. A few farmers are also putting in some cover crops including oats and radishes or oats with potash and working that in. We encourage you to start thinking ahead about whether you will be planting wheat, and if you will be needing any certified seed. If you are wondering what varieties we will have in stock this fall, or hoping to claim some, please reach out to your agronomist. We are planning on accepting soft red wheat, soft white wheat and hard red wheat next year. Our hard red wheat premium program is looking to be comparable from this year. If this is something that you may be interested in, please reach out to Floyd for more information!

On a separate note, Wanstead has been working with some producers growing winter canola, and that crop is expected to be planted in the next week! If you are interested in growing canola in future years, please reach out to your agronomist for more information.
What are our agronomists up to?
Our agronomists have been staying busy with soil sampling, scouting fields for diseases, and getting in some well deserved vacation. If you can't get a hold of your agronomist, please call the office and we can get you in touch with someone who can help!

Jason, Darrin and Bradey are continuing to encourage soil sampling on wheat ground. Although the ground is very hard right now from the lack of rain, this service is still a great choice and we would be happy to get you signed up for your field(s) to get probed. Knowing what your ground needs will help you to spend your fertilizer money in the right places, to maximize on your future crop potential. This year, with the price of fertilizer, soil sampling can help you spend your money where you will be able to see the most "bang for your buck" and maximize benefits on your fields. With the variable rate applicator that the co-op runs, we can help you grow smart and save money! If you are interested in getting your fields tested, please reach out to your salesperson. 

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

Wanstead Co-op is thrilled to announce the return of our annual golf tournament! This will be held on September 7th at the Arkona golf course. Check out our website for more information!