(Worthington, Mn.)– The cooler than normal spring is causing delays in field work and planting. That’s especially the case in southwest Minnesota, where’s it’s also been pretty wet in some cases. Liz Stahl is with the University of Minnesota Extension Service in Worthington…
“Of course, you know, we’re right in that prime planting window now for corn and soybeans but, you know, most of our corn and soybeans of course are still sitting in the bag. I mean there’s been a little bit of activity. People have been able to get out in the fields a little. I’ve seen some fertilizer going down but again it’s been pretty much just too wet yet, too, to get out there. But that’s the thing. Don’t get worried yet. We’re not at a point to be too stressed out about planting dates. If you look at those long term averages research done across southern Minnesota, again, we’re typically in that 98, 99, 100 percent of our optimal yield when we plant within that April 25th to May 10th window, so again we’re looking out to May 10th. Hopefully we’re going to have a lot activity before that point and, of course, we’re not really starting out as an average year. It’s been definitely cooler than normal so when it is cooler than normal that window can switch over a little bit, a little bit later. And even if you look at that May 15th planting date, not saying that we’re going to get delays up to that point, but just,again, on our long term averages that’s about 95 to 98 percent of maximum yields.”
Stahl recommends producers start planting once soil conditions are favorable, even if soil temperatures are below the recommended 50 degrees. She also recommends planting soybeans first if those fields are ready to go prior to those intended for corn, which typically goes in the ground first.
