“Highly variable” sounds cliché, but that is the best way to describe the crop conditions across North Dakota, northwest Minnesota and northeast South Dakota. The amount of prevented plant in the region is significant. Yet, the farmers who took a bet on corn and were able to get the crop planted will be pleased. The GDUs are well ahead of last year and above the long-term average. That has the corn denting. There were even a couple examples seen this week with early maturity corn at black layer. The soybeans are full of pods, but we still need to finish out that crop. Goss’s Wilt was a frequent topic on the tour, a phenomenon that really has not been seen in this region before. For soybeans, Sudden Death Syndrome and Brown Stem Rot are also somewhat new for this region and were seen. Conditions have also been right for white mold. There was a lot of discussion about insects on the tour, everything from hoppers to thistle caterpillars, but as a rule, the insect pressure was not at treatable levels. After two very difficult fall seasons, farmers are optimistic about the prospects for harvest, tillage, fertilization and the rest of the fall work. The Red River Farm Network thanks Pioneer and its team of agronomists, strategic account managers and sales representatives for their partnership in this annual crop tour.
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