Seed Companies Preparing for a Cold Wet Spring

Seed Companies Preparing for a Cold Wet Spring

 

seed consultnatsWith winter maintaining its hold on the Hoosier State, growers will be facing a delay in fieldwork and the first day of planting.  At Commodity Classic, there was lots of talk about the long, cold winter and the expectations of a cold, wet spring. Chris Jeffries with Seed Consultants said this winter has certainly taken a toll on fields across Indiana and Ohio, “It has been a tough winter, and it came upon us very quickly. I have one grower who still has corn in the field because he did not get a chance to harvest it before the storms hit.”

 

With freezing temperatures continuing into March, John Long with Mycogen Seeds says spring fieldwork will be put behind schedule, “With the depth of frost being deeper than normal, it is going to take some time to break that up.” He added that standing water may also be an issue. He worried that getting into the fields too early may lead to compaction.

 

John Long
John Long

He urges producers to not rush into planting. He says planting in good conditions is better than planting too early, “The hybrids you chose this year will need to have good vigor and cold germination. Nitrogen management will also be issue with plenty of moisture in the soil.” He added, with colder soils, seed treatments may be more popular this year.

 

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