Northeast Ohio Agronomic Crop Report

Northeast Ohio is finally drying and in some cases may be too dry. For the most part crops especially soybeans are looking good despite the late start. The problem with late planted crops is that they often lack the root systems to overcome extended periods of dry weather without experiencing stress. The biggest problem I see is poor weed control. Producers need to get on top of this situation as soon as possible without delay. Every day you wait is another day that your crops have to share moisture with unwanted weeds. Corn and beans are very vulnerable until the row canopies over. Even then if the weeds are well established they will continue to outgrow crops. You need to spend a few hours walking your fields to determine the extent of weed populations and their stage of growth. Post- emergence applications are all about timing. Weed populations that look insignificant now can quickly get out control. A scattering of yellow foxtail plants at 2 inches may look harmless but once those plants develop and grow to 3 feet they can become a big problem at harvest. Do not overlook the broadleaves such as Lambsquarter and Pigweed. A few of these scattered across the field could be big trouble in the future. We are seeing more and more Glyphosate resistance in this species of weeds. I am leaving Mark Loux’s article up in Agronomic Tips to use as a reference for post weed control. Mark outlines several combinations of herbicides that will help to control these troublesome weeds in both corn and soybeans. Remember the only way to determine if you have a problem is to get out and walk your fields.

Here is this week’s crop progress report for Northeast Ohio.

Corn: is developing fast. Growth ranges from V-3 to V- 7 or 8. For the most part it has good color except in the low areas that dried out last. The only problem is the high variability in growth size within the fields. This could be a problem at pollination time. Corn planted in that very small window of opportunity around the first of May could be reaching tassel in the next couple of weeks.

Soybeans: Soybeans planted the first week of June are now in the V-4 stage of growth. They should canopy over in the next 7 to 10 days if not sooner. Soybeans look good and because their growth and development are governed more by day length should develop on schedule.

Wheat: Is in the dry down stage. Combines should be in the field this weekend. The producers in Central and Southern Ohio have harvested their wheat and yields were surprisingly good with low levels of Head scab and Volmitoxin. Let’s hope this holds true for Northeast Ohio.

Oats: Are heading out and starting to turn.

Forages: First cutting hay is 60% complete and the quality coming out of the field now is marginal. Producers should be harvesting 2nd cutting Alfalfa soon.