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Wins and Losses: Reflecting on the 2024 Growing Season
When planters hit the field in spring 2024, seven key questions shaped our outlook: water availability, heat impact, input costs, market dynamics, corn rootworm pressure, planting timing and disease management.
Now with harvest behind us, we can see how these factors played out and how farmers adapted their strategies throughout the season.
Key Takeaways:
- Shifting disease patterns demanded quick adaptation and proactive management throughout the 2024 growing season.
- Early planting and favorable harvest conditions helped farmers maximize their yield potential.
- Strategic hybrid selection and pest management decisions proved vital for successful outcomes.
The 2024 growing season pushed every strategy to the limit. While some factors worked in farmers’ favor — like an extended harvest window and early planting opportunities — others pushed them to adapt quickly.
From shifting disease pressures to market challenges, here's how the season played out:
The Challenges We Faced
Southern Rust's Unexpected Move North
Southern rust made an aggressive push into new territory this season and reached further north than we've seen in over two decades. According to data from the Southern Corn Rust IPM Pipe, the disease expanded well into the central Corn Belt, even reaching the Dakotas and portions of the southern states.
The disease caught many farmers off guard, especially in regions where it hasn't traditionally been a concern. Fields without timely fungicide applications faced significant yield hits, reminding us that quick action matters when diseases strike.
Having a solid disease management strategy isn't just helpful — it's essential. Working with your local agronomist to select tolerant hybrids and plan fungicide applications can make the difference when challenges like this arise.
Growing Rootworm Pressure
Corn rootworm expanded its reach in 2024, particularly in the northern Corn Belt. LG Seeds agronomists spotted early warning signs — from root feeding to lodging — in areas where this pest usually rides the bench. At the 2024 Corn Rootworm Monitoring Network meeting, data from over 570 sites across the U.S. and Canada highlighted shifting pest populations and feeding patterns that need attention.
The winning approach? A reliable integrated pest management approach. This means thinking about crop rotation, choosing multi-trait hybrids with rootworm protection and working with your agronomist on targeted treatment plans when needed.
Late-Season Weather Challenges
While the season kicked off wet and full of promise, an August micro-drought hurt what could have been record-breaking yields in many areas. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, over 33% of the Midwest dealt with some level of drought stress during crucial growth stages.
Market Challenges
The financial reality of farming brought its own challenges in 2024. Rising interest rates forced tough decisions on equipment purchases and operations. Pair that with falling commodity prices, and it squeezed margins — making strategic planning more important than ever.
According to USDA data, post-harvest sales often brought in much lower returns, creating even more challenges for farm operations.
The Wins We Celebrated
Early Planting Success
Getting an early start proved to be a pivotal strategy in 2024. Despite cool temperatures on opening day, early-planted fields delivered standout performance.
Later-planted fields struggled with excessive rainfall during critical growth stages. But early acres demonstrated how good field position and timely planting lead to a yield advantage.
This success reinforces a key lesson: when conditions allow for early planting, take that opportunity. It can set your crop up for strong performance, especially when combined with the right product selection and seed treatments.
Less Greensnap
Greensnap was less of a concern in 2024. Damage occurred later in the season, which reduced yield impact. Smart hybrid placement played a key role in this success. Farmers who selected products with superior stalk strength and prioritized their fields for harvest saw the benefits.
This proactive approach, combined with favorable timing, meant fewer snapped stalks and better harvestability across fields. It's a clear example of how the right genetics paired with strategic management can protect your yield potential.
Reduced Tar Spot Spread
After several challenging years, tar spot pressure stabilized in 2024. While the disease appeared in some fields, we didn't see the aggressive spread that marked recent seasons.
According to the Crop Protection Network's monitoring data, tar spot was found less frequently in areas that saw it in previous years, particularly in key growing regions across the Midwest.
Farmers who combined resistant hybrids with timely fungicide applications generally stayed ahead of the disease. This proved that while tar spot remains a threat, we have the tools and technology to manage it effectively.
Regular scouting and working with your agronomist on a solid disease management plan continue to be your best defense.
Extended Harvest Window
The 2024 harvest season gave farmers one of the best windows we've seen in recent years. Strong plant health and minimal late-season disease pressure meant corn stood well through harvest, while favorable weather conditions enabled efficient fieldwork.
Crown rot and stalk integrity issues were notably lower this year, leading to less lodging and smoother combining. A combination of good genetics and cooperative weather helped many farmers bring in their crop on their terms — a welcome relief after more challenging harvest seasons.
Looking Ahead to 2025
While 2024 threw its fair share of curveballs, it also showed us what works: quick adaptation, smart hybrid selection, and proactive management.
As you start planning for next season, remember your LG Seeds team is here to help you choose the right products and build a strategy that fits your operation. Reach out to your local agronomist and get started on crafting your strategic plan for 2025.
Performance may vary from location to location and from year to year, as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible and should consider the impacts of these conditions on the grower’s fields.
Agronomy Team