Planting of soybeans is coming to an end here in the west central part of the state. Corn planting is in full swing as soil conditions are as favorable as they have been in a long time for April. Many worked through the weekend to get as much done as possible before the rain forecasted for mid-week. Sprayers continue to roll as they strive to keep up with planters to ensure that all planted crop is covered. Soybean burndown and pre-emergence chemistries are on track to be done with in a day or two if not done already after soils dry up from the rain that we received Wednesday- Friday. The rain we received was enough to activate all of the residual herbicides being applied.

The average temperature for our area this week was 69 degrees. The sun and wind caused a bit of a crust on our fields so many were praying for a rain. From 4/26-5/2 we have received .40-.80 inches of rain across the territory. The wind was back this week which brought sprayers to a halt for a few days but were back at it as the wind was conducive to spray.

.40-.80 inches of rain with more forecasted for Friday.

Soil planting (Moisture and Temperature) conditions in the furrow are excellent. The soil surface has developed a bit of a crust that has caused some stress for plants trying to emerge. The rain came in perfect timing to help with this stress.

Some producers continue to work ground in front of the planter. Others continue to plant No-Till or green into cover crops.

Majority of soybeans planted over the past month are @ VE as we start to see the cotyledons begin to surface and we start to row the fields at 60 mph from the truck. With conditions being favorable we anticipate emergence to speed up over the next few weeks.

This week was the first week we seen corn plants emerge. Fields that were planted early April are at V1 where the first leaves are a distinct oval shape and are above ground. Other are @VE and just starting to push above the surface. We anticipate that we will be able to row many corn fields throughout the weekend.

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We are starting to see a number of white grubs in the furrow as we are planting corn. We continue to promote seed treatment to protect our seeds as they are germinating.

Giant Ragweeds are in full force! Winter annuals are coming to an end due to burndown chemistries. We hope that with the rain activation this week the residual herbicides that have been applied will help control any weeds coming up in the near future.

None present currently

None present

Many covers are burnt down and are crispy, but there are a few that are planting green into some beautiful rye.