As the 2024 growing season unfolds, unusual weather has played a significant role in shaping crop conditions across various regions. From record rainfall in northern Iowa to a prolonged planting window in the Mid-South and significant hail in the High Plains, farmers have faced numerous challenges. 

LG Seeds agronomists shared their observations and advice to help navigate these unpredictable conditions.

Key Takeaways:

• The 2024 growing season has seen extreme weather, leading to varied crop development. 
• This has required tailored, adaptive management strategies across regions.
• Proactive crop management, including timely planting, nutrient applications and vigilant fungicide use, is crucial to navigating unpredictable weather conditions.

Jed Norman - Northern Iowa

The planting season in northern Iowa began with expectations of dry conditions, but record rainfall quickly changed those plans. Despite the challenges, planting kicked off in mid-April — only to be halted by late-April rains. Farmers had to adapt, piecing together planting efforts through May.

Jed Norman, with 12 years of experience as an agronomist, noted he saw more replant acres this year than he ever has. The excessive soil moisture and flooding created tough growing conditions from the start. Effective crop management, including timely, precise planting and nutrient applications, became crucial.

Crop development in northern Iowa varies widely, with stages ranging from knee-high to fully pollinated. Soybeans, influenced by day length, show significant height differences. Surprisingly, despite the earlier excess moisture, disease pressure has been low overall. However, some early root and seedling diseases have been identified. Tar spot appeared early but hasn’t posed a significant threat thanks to proactive fungicide applications and hybrid selection.

Now, the main concern is nitrogen deficiency due to missed sidedressing opportunities, which could potentially impact yields. 

Looking ahead, Jed advises farmers to maintain vigilant scouting programs, especially during reproductive stages when crops are more susceptible to stress-related issues. Harvest timing will be crucial, as the challenging spring conditions have resulted in a spread-out harvest. Pay attention to potential standability issues and red crown rot during harvest. 

Despite the challenges, soybeans are performing well, and LG’s diverse soybean portfolio, including XtendFlex and E3 soybeans, is showing promise.

Dan Mitchell - Mid-South

The Mid-South experienced an unusually extended planting window from April through June, resulting in crops at various growth stages. Timely rains have kept the June crops in good shape, but disease pressure is rising. Southern rust, driven north by Hurricane Beryl, poses a significant threat. Farmers who maintained a standard fungicide program and timed their applications well are better positioned to manage this disease.

Tar spot, while not widespread in the Mid-South, is another concern: it likely overwintered and may spread. Common diseases like gray leaf spot and northern corn leaf blight require timely fungicide applications at VT or shortly after. Insect pressure remains low, with only Japanese beetles and stink bugs posing minor threats. 

Soybeans are benefiting from earlier planting windows than corn, plus the timely rains. Double-crop beans following wheat in particular have shown good returns. Dan emphasizes the importance of vigilant scouting given the varied growth stages. 

Matt Teply - High Plains

In the High Plains, planting progressed well, especially in areas like western Kansas, where rain delays were less problematic. Cooler-than-average temperatures in May delayed emergence in some areas, but overall, corn and beans got a good start. 

However, June brought significant hail, which caused crop damage. Rainfall in June and July has been average to above average, and this has helped mitigate drought conditions in some areas.

Southwest Nebraska and parts of western Kansas continue to experience extreme drought, and crop stress. Most of the region is now entering or has completed pollination, with dryland corn lagging behind non-dryland by about two weeks. The end of July is crucial, and timely rains could significantly impact yields.

Disease pressure remains minimal, but issues with insects, particularly grasshoppers, have been notable. Farmers should also monitor for western bean cutworm and stay aware of spider mites, especially after wheat harvest. Fusarium stalk issues may arise from late-season stress and heat.

Matt predicts above-average yields in irrigated areas, while dryland yields hinge on late-July weather. Soybeans are generally faring well, though high pH and high iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) acres are struggling from May’s weather.

Broad View of 2024 Crop Conditions and Outlook

The 2024 growing season has been characterized by extreme weather and varied crop conditions. Whether it’s record rainfall in Iowa, long planting windows further south or hail in the High Plains, farmers have faced big hurdles. 

Effective crop management, timely fungicide and nutrient applications, and vigilant scouting are essential to navigate these conditions and optimize yields. 

Reach out to your local LG Seeds agronomist for tailored advice and support throughout the growing season.