matt.quattlander's blog

2011 Corn Harvest has been somewhat long depending on where in Illinois and Missouri you may be located. As of Nov. 1, I would say corn is 95% done in the South half of Illinois and Missouri. Harvest started towards the end of August on early planted corn, and June planted corn is being finished up at this current time. Major yield variations occurred, depending on the amounts of spring and summertime rain received. Denitrification and leaching hurt yields in wet areas, compiled with drought and pollination issues in the summer.

Early yield reports have come in this fall indicate that corn after corn (CAC) may suffer from a “yield drag” similar to what has been witnessed over the past few growing seasons. Although there may be a yield penalty, the economics still need to play into which crop will make more profit per acre. Stocks for corn are already low and if demand stays strong we will we see more corn acres in 2012. Here are some strategies and things to consider when planting corn after corn. 

An amazing amount of planting has been done in the few short days afforded us in this region to get the crop in this year. We are getting plenty of practice, as this is at least the 3^rd year in a row that most farmers have had a tight planting schedule.  Most farmers are done with corn. The slowest areas are in southern Illinois where it has been the wettest, but even there, great progress was made last week with most growers at least 80% done. Other areas that are not complete mostly involve replanting drowned out areas.

Growers continue to push the bar when it comes to high yielding soybeans.  With new technologies, chemistry and management practices available, growers should target maximum yields for their conditions. Follow the 12 Best Practices for Soybeans and harvest big soybean yields!

Early maturity, dry fall conditions and a corn crop that was often smaller than the past few years contributed to near record harvest progress. Field work is mostly completed with lots of work done to correct the compaction of the previous year’s wet harvest season. Drainage tile is short because of the demand and the good field conditions. Many a wet hole is no more. Soil temperatures are finally cool enough to apply anhydrous ammonia, but soil conditions are often too dry to seal it in.

Diplodia ear rot is starting to make an unwelcome appearance again this year. Danny Himes, Luke Anderson and myself made one count of close to 5% damaged ears in the Windsor area of Shelby county IL. last week in a corn following soybean field. It is normally worse in a corn following corn rotation because the source of infection is from the previous years residue. Wet weather around and following silking and any kind of injury to the plant favors infection.