Off to a good start

In my early travels and as my crew continues to sample fields crops look pretty good at the moment. And as we are getting a colder rain today it is still needed and should carry us a ways. Sugar Beets I think are off to a great start. I have heard less this year, so far, of root infection issues than the previous 4 years. Corn is looking good for the most part also. One issue I have noticed and have discussed with colleagues in Ohio and Indiana are some patchy areas in these corn fields are showing up now and after investigating a little further we are finding some possible maggot or wireworm damage resulting in reduced stands in some fields in particular early planted that stayed in ground for a while. It is possible that the seed treatment dissipated enough to allow some damage to these kernels thus reducing stand in small areas.
Soys are emerging nicely and are also off to a good start. If we could just get warm and stay there more consistently we should be off to a great year.

Keep an eye on potash prices from here on out. The last I read we may dip into the low 500's by end of month. A 200 lb application at $525 will cost about $7.50 per acre less than at $600.