By Per Peterson and Randy Miller
This weekend’s rain further saturated area farm fields, and the wet weather limited the state to 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork, according to the USDA’s crop report.
For the week ending June 24, corn condition decreased slightly to 84 percent good to excellent. The soybean crop was 97% emerged — four days ahead of average. Soybean condition also decreased slightly from last week and rated 79% good to excellent.
“The first planted corn is ahead of development because of heat in May and early June,” said Bruce Potter, Extension IPM Specialist for the University of Minnesota. “Otherwise things are at or behind. Most areas in southern Minnesota have had too much rain.”
Potter said spraying is a big issue right now.
“Not all corn is sprayed,” he said. “Many acres of soybeans need a post-emerge application. The dicamba application for Xtend beans has passed, so weed control will be an issue. Fields that did not get a pre-herbicide are going to be problematic.”
Eighty-nine percent of the spring wheat crop is jointed or beyond — five days ahead of the five-year average. Spring wheat headed reached 36%, one day behind last year but two days ahead of average. Spring wheat condition improved slightly from last week, rating 86% good to excellent.
Potter said the Lamberton area received just 0.2” over the weekend.
For more on this article, see this week’s Headlight-Herald.