Iowa weather during the last week of May behaved like, well, Iowa spring weather.
For the week, temperatures statewide were close to or slightly below long-term averages, and soil temperatures were general for rapid growth and development of both corn and soybean.
In addition, sporadic rains from “dust settlers” to “goose drowners” led to lots of variability in crop progress, with only a day or two suitable for field work; some areas of northwest and west central Iowa being the exceptions where more work time was available.
We are entering the most challenging part of the season for corn and soybean replant decisions. Before now, yield losses were minimal from each additional day of delayed planting, but now those losses are becoming much more significant. That means checking stands and seedling condition closely, especially from now for the next three weeks or so. If replanting is warranted, time and good seedling establishment are especially critical.
See postings this week (June 1 and 2) on this Integrated Crop Management News site for specific recommendations.
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