Questions Arise with the Weather

Farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin love to talk about the weather and the lack of rain in May and June has ramped up the chatter.
 
The corn in many parts of Federated’s service area is showing signs of drought stress, and soybeans are suffering as well. Some late-planted soybeans have struggled to get out of the ground, and even with the rains this past weekend, crops have a lot of catching up to do.
 
These conditions raise many questions. If your questions and concerns are among those listed below, read the Syngenta/NK and U of MN Extension links that follow for detailed information – and then talk to your Federated Agronomist as you consider your best options going forward.
 
Corn Questions:

• What’s the impact of drought at this point in the season?
• At what point in the growing cycle will yields be most affected?
• What is the percentage of yield reduction at each stage of development under drought conditions?
• Can smaller plants yield well?
• How will the lack of moisture affect disease pressure?
• What about nutrient availability during a drought?

 
Effects of Drought on Corn
Drought-Stressed Corn
 
Soybean Questions:

• How do soybeans respond to drought in the early vegetative stages?
• At what stage do soybeans need the most water?
• How resilient are soybeans?
• How deep will soybean roots go for water?
• When is irrigation most beneficial on soybeans?

 
Early Season Effects on Corn [and Soybeans]