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CROP UPDATE

Most producers in Southern Minnesota finished up planting soybeans during the end of May and the first part of June. However, there are a still a few areas in south central Minnesota near the Iowa border where fields have been too wet to finish soybean planting. There has also been some replanting of early-planted corn and soybeans in portions of fields that drowned out as a result of heavy rains in mid-May. Portions of some corn fields also had to be replanted due to poor emergence and reduced stand counts that resulted from the extended period of cool, wet soil conditions in late-May.

Many producers have now begun applying postemergence herbicides for weed control in corn. With the high amount of acres planted to Roundup Ready corn and soybean varieties, a majority of the weed control in corn and soybean production is accomplished through the use of postemergence herbicides. By comparison, 10-15 years ago, postemergence herbicides for weed control were secondary to the use of soil-applied preplant and pre-emergence. In addition to giving crop producers better options and more flexibility for weed control, the move toward a higher percentage of postemergence herbicides has also been more environmentally friendly. The postemergence herbicides are generally safer to use and are much less likely to runoff into lakes, rivers, streams or tile lines, as compared to many of older soil applied chemicals.

Editors note: Kent Thiesse is a former University of Minnesota Extension educator and now is Vice President of MinnStar Bank, Lake Crystal, MN. You can contact him at 507-726-2137 or via e-mail at kent.thiesse@minnstarbank.com.