We have seen excellent planting conditions across most of the western Corn Belt, and the USDA planting progress reports show that, with Nebraska, Iowa, and Colorado well ahead of the five-year average corn planting progress. There has been a lot of talk about planting beans early the last few years, and we are seeing those plans put into action this year. Plot seed was processed and distributed in a timely fashion this spring, and we have seen many commercial plots planted over the last 10 days. The research stations are also getting a good start to planting, with several area PCR plots in the ground already.

Below are some brief updates from the Technical Team Agronomists in the field.

Northeast Nebraska – Jamie Kathol

The 2020 planting season is going much differently than 2019 did and that is very welcomed by everyone. Corn and beans are going into the ground about a month earlier than last year in this geography and soil conditions are great. It is hard to believe after 2019, but a nice rain would be good right now as there are quite a few center pivots running to get the crop to germinate evenly. Planting is going at a rapid rate and I look forward to seeing everything emerge soon.

Southeast and East Central Nebraska – Mark Grundmayer

Planting progress went from a low idle to full throttle in east central and southeast Nebraska the past seven days. A few sporadic showers slowed things a bit on April 24^th but sunshine returned on the 25^th and allowed planters to roll again. The 7-10-day forecast looks favorable to keep planting activity maximized and may allow for some to finish planting the 2020 crop by May 1. Temperatures are forecast to be above average with near average rainfall, and that trend looks to continue thru most of the summer. The number of acres that can be covered with these current conditions is truly amazing.

Central Nebraska – Scott Dugan

Like a lot of areas, crops are going in at what seems to be a record pace. Corn and soybeans trickled in the ground the week of April 13^th, but the throttle was completely thrusted forward the week of April 20^th on both crops and essentially the area has not stopped since. Soil temps started in the high 40’s to low 50’s that week and have continued to climb ever since. Planting conditions have been all but perfect for germination and plant development and we have not seen any reasons for concern as of today. The rapid and ever-changing commodity markets have generated a lot of last-minute crop changes, but our LG Seeds team has options for any grower’s sudden changes. Planting in the area could possibly be done by the 1^st week in May which is a far contrast from last year. Weed control and the application window will be key moving forward as warm temps and soil conditions are ideal for both crops and weeds to rapidly grow. On behalf of the LG Seeds south central Nebraska team we would like to thank our customers and look forward to the rest of the 2020 growing season.

Western Nebraska and Colorado – Matt Teply

As of April 27^th, there is currently less than 5% of the 2020 crop in the ground for this region. There have been a few growers getting acres of corn and soybeans put in the ground, but on a limited basis.  With a very favorable 10-day weather forecast for the last week of April and the first week of May we will see planted acres increase dramatically. 

Northwest Iowa – Jeff Morey

There is a wide range of planting progress across northwest Iowa after last week’s weather. Some growers are done planting corn and have just started planting soybeans. While other’s have finished soybeans and just started planting corn. And there are still some growers just getting started this week. Depending on this week’s weather we may see some farmers finish up all their planting by May 1^st.  Most would agree this has been some of the best planting conditions we have seen in the last 4 years. Both the no-till and conventional tillage farmers have been very happy with the soil conditions. The soil has been warming nicely since our Easter snowstorm. There were a few acres of both corn and soybeans in before the snow that will have to be monitored for emergence issues over the next couple weeks. I have seen a few corn-on-corn fields that were conventional tillage that could use a rain as portions of the field have kernels lying in dry soil.

West Central Iowa – Greg Peters

Planting is advancing rapidly in west central Iowa.  Some producers started planting in early April with many planting soybeans. Most farming operations began planting corn on April 19^th and several people I have spoken with are finished with corn and working on the rest of soybeans. We have had minimal rain since March and one of the largest concerns is planting soybeans in dry soil. This is a larger problem in areas were tillage is or has been performed. Generally, the soil is dry in the upper 2” with sufficient moisture below. Looking at the forecast and rainfall predictions, I have been recommending that soybeans be planted down to the moisture. There is a chance for rainfall the next couple of days and if the rain is minimal many producers will be done planting this weekend.  

Southwest Iowa and Northwest Missouri – Mitch Barlow

We started planting on April 19^th and really started rolling on the 21^st. Soil conditions are ideal, and the weather has been excellent. Certain areas of Team 43’s footprint received rain on the 23^rd and other areas caught some on the 25^th.  Both events were spotty and did not hold us out of the field long.  Throughout the area roughly 70% of the corn is planted, along with 30% of the soybeans.  We could use a rain as the top couple of inches is starting to dry out and there are some soybeans sitting in dry soil.