Emergence, Weed Control & What Comes Next

Widespread planting progress was made across Farmward territory over the past week, with both corn and soybeans going into the ground at a tremendous pace.

After several dry weeks and growing concern around moisture conditions, the recent rains were extremely welcomed across all regions. The moisture should help activate pre-emerge herbicides, improve seed-to-soil contact, and support more even germination as crops begin to emerge.

Now, attention is starting to shift toward emergence, early-season weed control, and monitoring how crops respond to cooler and wetter conditions.

What We’re Seeing Across the Region

Southern Region

Planting progress across the southern region varies significantly depending on the operation. Some growers are completely finished, while others still have soybeans or portions of corn left to plant.

The recent rain event slowed field activity over the weekend, but the moisture was much needed after dry conditions developed over the past couple of weeks.

This next week, we expect to begin seeing some of the first planted corn and soybeans emerge.

With soybeans already planted in some areas, growers still needing to apply soybean pre-emerge herbicides should pay close attention to crop emergence before spraying.

Seed treatments are also becoming increasingly important as cooler and wetter conditions create a better environment for early-season disease pressure.

Some corn fields have now been in the ground for nearly 20 days, meaning growers should begin monitoring:

• Emergence consistency
• Early weed pressure
• Potential crusting concerns
• Timing for upcoming post applications

Northern Region

Recent widespread rains brought much-needed moisture across the northern region, with many areas receiving between 2"–2.5" of precipitation.

The rain should help activate pre-emerge herbicides while also improving soil conditions after several windy and dusty days.

For growers who were unable to apply pre-emerge herbicides ahead of the rain, there is still time once fields become fit again. Additional options like layby residuals with the first post application can also help maintain weed control programs.

Soybean planting is expected to ramp up quickly once growers return to the field.

There are also continued conversations around soybean seed treatments, especially with current cool and wet conditions. Seed treatments providing fungicide and insecticide protection can help improve stand establishment and protect yield potential early in the season.

Nitrogen management is another topic beginning to surface. Growers are encouraged to track rainfall totals between planting and June 1st. If rainfall exceeds historical averages, a pre-sidedress nitrate test around V3–V4 can help determine available nitrogen levels and guide additional recommendations if needed.

Western Region

Planting progress accelerated quickly across the western region over the past week, with both corn and soybeans being planted at a rapid pace.

The recent rainfall was welcomed and should significantly improve:

• Seed-to-soil contact
• Germination conditions
• Pre-emerge herbicide activation

Since mid-April, approximately 115 Growing Degree Days have accumulated in parts of the region, meaning some of the earliest planted corn fields may be close to emergence.

However, cooler and wetter conditions this week could slow emergence slightly.

One positive takeaway is that mild temperatures following the rain should help reduce crusting concerns compared to the hot, drying conditions experienced in previous years.

Pre-emerge spraying activity has remained very busy, and the recent moisture should help improve overall herbicide performance. For fields that may have missed a pre-emerge application, there are still options available.