Corn maturity varies widely across the Northern Plains, depending on when it was planted. University of Minnesota Extension Corn Agronomist Jeff Coulter is fielding questions about frost dates. “A good general guideline is the corn needs 60 days once it starts silking to reach black layer. I think a lot of the corn in the Red River Valley started silking in late July or early August. We need all of September and the first part of October before a first hard freeze.” After a fast start, Coulter says growing degree units are falling behind. “It varies, but it seems like we’re behind schedule a bit. With cooler temperatures and moisture, it will help the corn during grain fill. It’s always good to pick up moisture here and we have a long way to go.”
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