As of Tuesday, July 29th, the drought monitor report indicates marked improvement. Barton and the surrounding area now totally out of dry conditions. Now 86% of the state is drought free. One year ago, it was 11%. The six-to ten-day outlook (Aug. 5 to 9) indicates a 50 to 70% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Aug. 7 to 13) indicates a 50 to 60% chance of likely above normal temperatures and 33 to 40% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation.
We are now into August. Overall, the weather hasn’t been quite as hot as the last several summers. We have been more humid and wetter than any extended period since 2020. Where are we in terms of our summer crops?
• First, overall, weed control is good to excellent in summer crops. This is despite more summer rain than we have seen in years. In a way, the rains and less extreme temperatures have aided in the effectiveness of herbicides as less stressed weeds are better controlled through better herbicide uptake. And for the most part, corn and sorghum were planted early enough to establish and help shade out weeds. Even soybeans in narrow rows overall effectively shaded out weeds.
• The rain should also allow for better, earlier, volunteer wheat control aiding in controlling wheat streak mosaic virus. The rains have resulted in some very weedy stubble fields but there is adequate time for control.
• Corn – Much of the crop was planted in a timely fashion allowing for good growth and establishment. This year, many fields were starting or had tasseled and silked by July 4th. This allowed pollination and seed set prior to hotter weather. The drier and hotter conditions recently certainly impacted yield but as of now this crop has much better dryland and even irrigated yield potential than in the last several years. Most irrigators should have been able to use less water. And if a producer is following corn with wheat this fall, harvest should allow a better planting window and chance for soil moisture recharge.
• Sorghum – Most fields look good, and many are starting to head. Yield potential as of today is there but predicted higher temperatures and drier weather over the next several weeks will determine yield. On the plus side, sorghum handles heat and drought better than corn. Except for some double-cropped fields, stands and uniformity look good.
• Soybeans – Dryland fields look mostly good, however, the conditions in late May and June did result in some delayed planting. Plants are blooming and setting pods. The critical time for soybeans is now through early September so while yield potential is there, the outlook isn’t as promising as for corn and sorghum.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
