Kelly Robertson Farms

Crops:

I have looked at several fields of early corn this week and last week and there are pollination issues in lots of areas.  The hot dry weather and low humidity are also taking its toll on the later planted corn.  I saw several fields yesterday that were rolled up and turning white.  Some were knee high others were trying to put a tassel out.  There are also a lot of compaction issues in some of these fields in some areas due to the constant early rain and replanting.  Long silks are also another concern in some areas as this is a sign of trouble pollinating.   

There are also lots and lots of soybeans that are “yellow”.  At first you might think of Round Up Flash but most of these fields the plants have very small root systems or restricted root systems and we are seeing nutrient deficiencies because of the root system.  Some fields are growing out of it but others are going backwards.  At this stage of the game with the temps and low humidity we need a rain on both the corn and beans.  I have also had a report of some tissue test on these beans showing low K and B due to the small root systems.  I saw one field of later planted beans that looked wilted yesterday evening.  

Safety:

Please be safe out there guys.  Yesterday I saw a farmer driving a Rogator almost take the door off a car in town.  He was driving to fast to start with and weaving in and out of the “parking lane” along the side of the road.  Slow down not only in your equipment but in the heat.  Several reports of farmers getting “sun poisoning” and heat sickness.  I know we need to spray and bale hay and mow but please take care of yourselves while you’re doing it. 

Spraying Food for Thought!

From the Frank James blog.  Round Up kills non Round Up corn pretty good…………….(link)…  Don’t let this happen to you.  Know your hybrids and communicate that to the operator of the sprayer, custom applicator, chemical company or service company.