Posted: 7/3/07
Shoulder-high by the 4th of July; crops in excellent condition
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Knee-high by the Fourth of July? Try head-high and tasseling.
The old farming maxim that a good growing season would produce corn as high as oneís knees by July 4 is certainly passe. Credit better genetics, improved farming practices that enable farmers to plant many more acres of corn per day, and the change in our climate as the main reasons why "shoulder high by the Fourth of July" has become the rule of thumb.
"We are 10 to 15 days ahead of normal. But itís really hard to say whatís normal anymore," said Houston/Fillmore Extension Educator Jerry Tesmer. "We normally see corn beginning to tassel in mid-to-late-July. By the Fourth of July this year, there will be some fields in this area that will be producing tassels," he said this past Thursday morning. "I donít think Iíve ever seen corn tasseling that early before."
Farmers in Houston County enjoyed a perfect spring planting season. They were able to get into the fields early, the area received plenty of rain and experienced a warmer-than-normal June, which expedited the growing process.
"Right now, all of the crops are looking very good," Tesmer continued. "I drive past a lot of fields through Fillmore and Houston counties on my way to work, and everything looks very good."
Although official figures arenít available yet, the number of corn acres in Houston County increased this year, due to higher corn prices and demand. If Mother Nature continues to be kind to the men of the soil this summer, could area farmers experience another "bin buster," reminiscent to the record-breaking harvest in 2005?
"Itís too early to predict right now," Tesmer replied. "Weíre off to a very good start. But there are many variables. If we get hit with a hot, dry spell during pollination time, that would reduce yield potential. Or if we had an extended cold, wet period, or summer storms with hail that could reduce yields too."
The soybean crop looks excellent as well, according to Tesmer. Farmers got the beans in early, received plenty of moisture, and the above-average temps in June gave the beans a real boost.
"I havenít heard of any soybean aphid problems yet. Thereís been some reports of aphids in southern Minnesota, but not to levels that would cause any damage. But if we get any hot, dry weather, that could bring them on."
Many farmers are beginning to harvest their second crop of alfalfa. Most farmers reported a very good first crop, and the second cutting looks good to excellent as well, Tesmer reported.
The small crops are looking great, with most fields of oats, wheat, and barley headed out. Thanks to plenty of rain, small grain stocks are long and strong this year, which will help produce a good straw crop. Hail, heavy rains and winds could put a damper on the small grain and straw yields due to lodging, Tesmer cautioned.
"All in all, things are looking very good. We have plenty of topsoil and sub-soil moisture. If we can continue to get timely rains, without any bad storms, we could have a very good year."
Caledonia Argus
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