As forecasts remain dry and warm, drought will continue to impact 2022 harvest results as well as influence planning decisions for 2023.
A warmer and drier than normal summer reduced yield potential after a delayed early planting season.
Percent of normal precipitation and departure from normal temperature data for June through August 2022 from High Plains Regional Climate Center
September precipitation was drier than normal, and temperatures were warmer than normal. These warm and dry conditions helped crops mature on time and ahead of any major frost issues, but did not help late-season grain fill. With crops already behind from early planting, this left an even greater strain on yield potential.
Percent of normal precipitation and departure from normal temperature data for June through August 2022 from High Plains Regional Climate Center
Over the course of the past month, drought has continued to build. The fall outlook does not appear to show any hope of alleviation. Without a wet winter and spring, drought will continue to remain an issue into 2023.
United States drought monitor maps for October, September, and May 2022 from US Drought Monitor
When it comes to pricing and economic outlook, corn is favored over soybeans going into 2023 with an expected yield of 190 (corn) over 60 (soybeans). This significant change raised anticipated return on corn by $30.50 and dropped return on soybeans by $9. Variable cost (VC) per acre and land costs are rising. While all fertilizer prices have been rising by 10% or more, UAN prices have increased by over 40% and ammonia increases surpassed 60%.
GFS and ECMWF generally agree on a warmer and drier fall period, but the GFS forecast shows a larger area with much drier and warmer conditions. This will help harvest finish up well ahead of normal but can lead to drier than standard grain weights and some lost yield at the elevator. Drought conditions will remain in place and expand as winter approaches.
GFS long-term forecasts
ECMWF long-term forecasts
Higher profit margins are expected for corn than soybeans this fall which will sway planning decisions for 2023. Additionally, the outlook continues to be dry and warm in the long-term forecasts. Drought will persist unless winter and spring predictions increase expected precipitation.
Crop dusters and spray drones are taking flight, but is what’s in the tank enough to take on this year’s disease pressure? A strong fungicide or insecticide application can make or break a successful cropping season, but the optimum tank mix is incomplete without the right adjuvants.
With tightening EPA regulations and increased label restrictions on dicamba, Corteva’s Enlist One® and Enlist Duo® are seeing increased adoption. As more growers make the change, choosing the right adjuvants to use with Enlist One and Enlist Duo is key to ensuring optimum weed control.
Explore UW-Madison’s turf research studies from the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association Field Day. Dr. Soldat’s Soil Science Program showcased an athletic field management study comparing conventional & organic approaches. Dr. Koch’s Plant Pathology Program highlighted a leaf mulching study.
With a dry spring hanging over the corn belt, concerns of returned crop stress remain going into the second half of the season. Regional drought monitor maps give reason for this concern as drought lingers in across much of the central US.
Turf needs water to survive. If not managed effectively, soil moisture can cause consistent problems such as water-repellancy that create dry patches, inconsistent turf appearance, and in severe cases, complete loss of turf. Turf wetting agents help move water into the soil, improve uniformity, and increase moisture retention.
Soil water management plays a big role in both agriculture and turf industries, but turf holds secrets to advancements in moisture management technology that haven’t reached agriculture yet. Agricultural wetting agents are here and ready to help farmers manage water and keep moisture in the soil.
As the heat of summer nears, so does the threat of fungal diseases infecting turf. Planning a fungicide application with adjuvants based on environmental conditions and the turf ecosystem can improve fungicide effectiveness.
Fungicides are an important part of plant health, protecting crops from disease. Corn tar spot, southern corn rust, and frogeye leaf spot are a few diseases that can be costly if not treated with an effective fungicide application. Planning an application with adjuvants specifically targeting these diseases is imperative to reducing disease pressure.
How do great ideas turn into high-quality products? The idea is translated into a stable, quality formulation then the questions begin. At what rate should the product be applied? When should it be reapplied? Can it be mixed with other materials? Does it need to be watered-in? We answer these questions by conducting field trials to put new product ideas to the test under real-world conditions.
Adjuvant decisions may not seem like a big deal, but they can make a real difference in active performance, agronomic effects, and overall cost of an application. It’s important to ask questions to understand product composition and potential agronomic effects to determine if an adjuvant will truly be cost effective.
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