We’re Way Ahead On Growing Degree Days
Trent Brandenburg is happy with his corn and soybean crops so far. The corn is fully pollinated and ear fill is underway. Trent wants more rain to get the test weight of the corn kernels up. The early growth and maturity is due to the number of degree days so far. “We’re ‘way ahead on degree days,” Trent happily noted.
On the other hand, Trent’s soybeans are chest-high and maybe have a little too much water. Trent’s experience has been that the tallest soybeans do not yield as well as more normal- sized plants. Trent has so far not observed any disease problems in his soybeans. Trent is busy mowing roadsides, where the grass is growing as well as his corn and soybeans.
More from The Field Report
From Drought To Ponding And Replanting
In barely months, Trent's challenges have gone from extreme drought to repeated ponding and replanting. Trent has replanted some corn and soybeans twice, only to have the ponding return yet again. "I don't think I will try to replant corn [...]
Corn And Soybean Planting Done, Some Germinated, More To Come
Trent Brandenburg is happy to have completed his corn and soybean planting by the 15th of May. "It's slow," he said, commenting on the germination delay by the recent cool temperatures. Moderately heavy rains the last few days have caused [...]
Worked Some Fields, With A Sunny Day Could Begin Planting
Trent Brandenburg has "worked a couple of fields, they're barely ready" after several days of rain last week. "If we get a sunny day tomorrow I could plant some," Trent continued. The long-standing extreme drought in central Illinois has been [...]