Rain, Rain, Go Away.......

We asked for it and we got it. On Friday we were looking forward to a rain, and now Monday, we want some dry weather. Here in Keota we received between 2.25" and 3" over the whole weekend. Our ground took it very well and it didn't cause much erosion. If we get this much rain again this weekend though, it may be a different story. I spoke with my mother in Cedar Rapids and she told me she didn't receive much rain at all. Some DSMs in south central Missouri received 6" of rain. Growers had a good run this month, and now there will be a bit of a break.

I was out in a lot of muddy fields today. It was fairly dry by 4:30 pm this afternoon. There is a lot of corn up and just shy of V1 growth stage. There is even more corn just below or right at the soil surface. It has good color and with warmer temperatures for this week, it should just pop and really take off. My greatest fear at this point is frost. If we can get past May 10, then I will feel more comfortable.

USDA Crop Progress report came out today showing nationally that 50% of the corn crop is planted. That compares to 20% planted this time last year. In Iowa, 68% of the corn crop is planted compared to 41% last year. What really stands out to me is that in one week, Iowa growers planted 50% of the cron crop. Amazing!

Starting on April 10, I have recorded 185 GDDs. I have really noticed how closely to 120 GDDs corn emerges. Soil temperatures today were 54 degrees and we have had 3.05" of rain for the whole month of April in Keota. If you are interested in GDDs since you have planted, give me a call or an e-mail and I can calculate that for you.

Good luck with the remaining spring and be safe.

Perri