Crop update for northeast Iowa

September 14, 2016 12:58 PM
Blog Post

Corn is nearing the end of its maturity here in northeast Iowa, where most of it is in between R5.75 (3/4 milk line) and R6 (physiological maturity), with the late planted fields at or past R5.5 (1/2 milk line). With all of the moisture that we’ve seen here in this area of the state, we have been seeing concerns of corn stalk rot. We encourage growers to begin scouting their fields and prioritize the fields that need to be harvested first. Use the “pinch” or “push” test to determine if stalk rot is present. Evaluate at least 100 plants in each field (20 plants in 5 different locations). If 10–15% of the plants are rotted or lodged when conducting these tests, schedule those fields to be harvested early to ensure a better chance of harvest success.


Soybeans have turned rapidly within the past couple of weeks due to warmer temperatures and maturity progression. Many soybean fields have reached the R7 stage (one normal pod on the main stem has reached its mature pod color) and expect the early planted soybean fields to reach the R8 stage within the next 7-10 days. Some fields in the southern part of the territory could start to be harvested within the week if the weather patterns become favorable.


We have received our more than our fair share of rain over the past couple of weeks, particularly in the northeast corner of the state, where we had flash flood warnings again. Here at the farm last week, according to the Mesonet, we had a total of 3.7 inches of rain, with last Friday (Sept. 9) receiving 2.4 inches in one system.  


Related articles:
Crop Update for Southern and East Central Iowa
Crop Update for Northwest Iowa

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Terry Basol Field Agronomist in NC Iowa

Terry Basol is an agronomist in north central Iowa and field specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

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