Crop Progress Report

Crop Progress Report July 11, 2014 – Dennis Bischer In general most crops in the area are looking good and their growth stage is advancing rapidly. We are reaching the time of year where we switch from controlling weeds to controlling diseases. Sugarbeets- The first applications for control of cercospera leafspot are beginning. Begin by spraying the varieties that are most susceptible first followed by those that are more resistant. Remember to always rotate fungicide classes and to tank mix fungicides. Soybeans- Soybeans are beginning to reach growth stage R1. R1 is the beginning of flowering and signals when to start applications for the control of white mold. Although control options for white mold in soybeans are limited, we do have a few options such as Aproach, Endura and Cobra. Dry Beans- Weed control applications are nearing completion and in general the crop is in good condition. There are very few areas that suffered from too much water, although we did have some acreage that was replanted due to wind. Fungicide applications for white mold control will begin in the next couple of weeks. Corn- The corn crop continues to vary in its growth stage. In the last two days I walked a corn field that was 4 feet tall and another that was 4 inches tall. In general, the corn crop looks good with herbicide applications almost complete along with early fungicide applications. Wheat- Fields of wheat are turning from green to yellow. The Frankenmuth area expects harvest to start the week of July 14th. Harvest in the Rapson area usually begins 7-10 days later. Remember that Jupiter is a later variety and fields planted to it will most likely not be ready to harvest as early as those planted to other varieties. Alfalfa- First cutting of alfalfa was a good crop and as second cutting is beginning it appears to be a pretty good crop also. Generally we like to fertilize alfalfa after first and third cutting. If you missed applying fertilizer after first cutting it can be applied after second. For product specific recommendations for your farm please consult one of the staff members in Rapson.