Corn

The corn continues to thrive as it enjoys rain after rain after rain. Not much has changed for the corn crop over August. Cob set looks good, and now it is a waiting game. 

Choppers and planes did a significant amount of fungicide acres this year which was especially beneficial due to the excessive moisture, and was a huge asset to fields that suffered storm damage and had resulting warped stalks. If you are considering using a helicopter or plane next year to spray your field, please let our team know as soon as possible. It helps us to know in the early spring whether we need to reserve a plane, and for how many approximate acres!

The wet weather we have gotten this growing season so far is being soaked right up by the corn crop. With the kernels having ample moisture to fill, we are getting prepared for a large corn harvest with big yields. On the other side of the spectrum, this moisture has been the perfect storm for diseases (including Vomitoxin) with its wet canopy, so we are very happy to see how many fields were sprayed.

Soybeans

Soybeans continue to use the latest bouts of moisture to fill pods in the key yield determining August month. Unfortunately, the crop will likely be mold prone especially in many drowned out areas. This could result in higher levels of sclerotia which will show up in harvested samples as a long black ergot fungus.

Once again, given our heightened moisture levels, there is increased weed pressure in both IP and conventional soybeans. We expect to see pre-harvest burndowns in fields this year, and if that is something you feel your field may need, please feel reach out to your agronomist for product recommendations.

We are once again in the midst of completing IP soybean contracts. If you have IPs in the ground, you can expect to get an email or phone call over the next few days/weeks (if you have not already), to clean up the final few pages of the contract before we get into the thick of harvest. 

It is estimated that harvest is still over a month away, even for early planted/early variety soybeans due to how wet we have been. We want to assure all of our customers that our Alvinston elevators will be operational (post-storm) for soybean harvest, and we look forward to serving you!

Wheat

Maintenance of wheat fields is in full swing. We are seeing significant soil sampling occurring. This is the perfect time to start your rotation of consistent and effective soil sampling which will help you to plan for P+K needs on your fields. Wanstead is proud to offer grid, zoned, and perimeter composite sample options! Take advantage of our VRT technology before it becomes busy again. If you have gotten sampling done, and are curious about the results, please note that it usually takes us approximately 10 days to see results back from our 3rd party lab.

That being said, it has been difficult so far to get in field with the resulting fertilizer blends and work the ground as the field conditions have not been fit. Coupled with that, liming on fields has slowed by our operators as to not make a mess of any ground. Once the fields are once again fit, we expect it to be "go-time".

We are also dealing with volunteer wheat in wheat stubble fields. Talk to your agronomist about plans to deal with the volunteer wheat before it gets too far ahead. Clover catch maintenance has also been a priority lately. Determining whether to cut, spray and work clover fields is something you can bounce of our one of our sales experts to see what would work best for your operation.

Also, if you are thinking about still putting in a cover crop, make sure to call your agronomist to book product or talk planning! Planting your cover crop this time of year helps to ensure that the crop does not get too much of a top, but still establishes a good root system. If you don't put something green into your field, Mother Nature will!



Jason (519) 330-9746

Darrin (519) 330-9812

Natalia (519) 383-4843

Mike (519) 466-9200

Last but not least, now is the time of year to start thinking about preparing for fall wheat planting. Our early seed order deadline is the second week of September. We have a great selection of C&M Seeds and Secan wheat varieties for Soft Red, Hard Red Wheat, and Rye.

In other news...

During the month of August, many of our staff members are taking much deserved vacations! If you cannot get ahold of someone, please call the office, and we can make sure that you get the help you need!