Reports are for crop conditions up to June 6, 2019
Western Maryland
Planting is still behind “normal”, but we’ve had some sunny days in between the rain storms to allow for planting, cutting hay, and chopping small grain silage. Some corn fields look green and even, while others are uneven and may need additional nitrogen in the low spots. Some soybean fields have been planted and are germinated, while others are just being planted this week. The National Weather Service reports that since January 1, Frederick County has received 25-30 inches of rain, which is 4-12 inches above normal. –Kelly Nichols
Northern Maryland
Compared to this time last year, it’s a night and day difference. For the most part, the weather has been very cooperative for us. Corn is off to an excellent start and looks good around the region, with most at or past V6. Full season soybeans are also off to a good start and double-crop soybeans will be starting to go in the ground following small grains. Barley harvest is a little over a week away. Wheat looks good and is showing very little symptoms of head blight; let’s hope that translates into low DON levels. Most have gotten a much-needed good first cutting of hay. –Andy Kness
Upper & Mid Eastern Shore
There are more acres of corn around the mid shore than I have ever seen. It is anywhere from just being planted to almost tasseling. Weather has been fairly cooperative with herbicide and fertilizer applications and corn looks great so far. Soybeans are also off to a good start with the early planted 3’s starting to flower. The last of the full season beans are going in the ground now. Barley harvest is finishing up with decent yields and test weight. Wheat harvest will get underway shortly. Almost every acre of wheat was sprayed with a fungicide and there is very little scab in most fields. First cuttings of hay have also been good so far. What a difference a year makes! –Jim Lewis
Lower Eastern Shore
The weather has finally cooperated, and fields have dried down and were able to be planted. With the late start, farmers are still finishing full-season soybean planting, with approximately 80% planted. Corn across the region is on average V3-V5 stage; however some corn has just now emerged. Wheat has dried down. Strong storms this past week left standing water in many fields that flooded in 2018, but the soil is quickly drying with hot, dry weather this week. It is clear that herbicide resistant ragweed and marestail will be problematic in some fields. –Sarah Hirsh and Maegan Perdue
Southern Maryland
Conditions are turning dry in Southern Maryland. Corn began to curl two weeks ago on sander soils. Some sporadic rain showers are keeping crops looking good overall, but significant rainfall will be needed soon. Corn is being side-dressed now and postemergent weed applications made. We are seeing some variability in corn fields due to nutrient issues. Full season bean planting is now mostly finished. Barley harvest is just beginning with wheat not far behind. The wheat crop looks good overall. Once again, there are plenty of fields with herbicide resistant Italian Ryegrass escapes this year. A lot of good quality hay has been made in the last couple of weeks. The second cutting of alfalfa is underway. –Ben Beale
