Water use till maturity for Corn: Beginning Dent 5”, ¼ milk 3.75”; ½ milk 2.25”; ¾ milk 1”.
Water use till maturity for Beans: Beg. Seed 6.5”; Full Seed 3.5”; Leaves beg yellow 1.9”.

Crop Update: The past few weeks have resulted in a rapid decline in non-irrigated crops and crops that have been impacted by Goss’ wilt, Fusarium crown rot, and stalk rots. There’s already been quite a bit of discussion about this, but prioritizing harvest for those fields is important.

Even though we haven’t had as long of an irrigation season as 2023, the breakdowns experienced by farmers this year has made it feel long. We unfortunately haven’t received that last August rain that normally finishes us up on corn. Corn still needs 1″ of soil moisture at 3/4 starch. Be careful not to quit applying water too early on beans. Soybeans still need nearly 2″ of water when the leaves begin to turn yellow. Technically, when the white membrane has separated from the seed inside the top several pods, they are no longer using moisture. Evaluating the soil moisture status in each field will help you determine if/how much more irrigation you need. Here’s wishing a safe finish to the growing season and harvest to all!

Fall Planting: Kelly Feehan, Extension Horticulture Educator shares the following, “Fall is a good time to plant, but timing is important. For lawns, seeding is recommended by September 15, especially turf-type tall fescue. Kentucky bluegrass could be seeded a little later and be fine, unless there is an early hard freeze. Fall is a very good time to plant many shrubs, shade trees and evergreens. Shade trees can be planted almost up until soil freeze. Evergreens are best planted in September or early October to allow time for root establishment and reduce the risk of winter dessication. While it’s getting late to plant most vegetables, cool season vegetables with short days to maturity could be planted in early September for a fall crop. This would include vegetables like radishes, green onions, and lettuce. Spring flowering bulbs and garlic are best planted after soil temperatures have cooled, usually in early October.  It’s important to keep the soil of newly planted plants moist, but not saturated, up until the soil freezes.

Early September is the best time to divide peonies. While peonies can go years without division, dividing them can increase blooming for many years. Peony division also helps reduce disease and provides more plants for the garden. To divide peonies, first cut the stems to near ground level. Next, dig up the plant, saving as many roots as possible. Remove soil from roots gently by hosing it off. Using a sharp knife, divide the root clump into small sections. Each division should have healthy roots and three to five buds, which are usually pinkish. When replanting, select a location with at least half a day of full sunlight, but more is better. Dig a hole large enough to hold the root ball, but shallow enough so buds are only covered by one to two inches of soil. Planting peonies too deep can prevent them from blooming. After planting, water thoroughly; then keep the soil moist up until the ground freezes to encourage root growth.”