Maryland Regional Crop Reports: November 2023

Reports are for crop conditions up to November 16, 2023.

Western Maryland

Harvest is winding down. Nearly all of the corn and full-season beans are in the bins. Some of the double-crop beans weren’t even worth the cost of the fuel to harvest them. Cover crops are looking good as is the commodity wheat and barely. There are still a few acres that will get some rye. Manure is flying as we race to beat the December 15 deadline. Hay stocks are short but FSA has had the county designated a disaster area so there is some assistance available to make up for the shortfalls. Yields are all over the place depending on when the crop was planted and when the showers arrived. As always everyone is looking forward to 2024 being a better year.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

No Report.

Northern Maryland

2023 harvest has been about as smooth as anyone could ask for with very few weather interruptions. All but a few acres of corn and double-crop soybeans remain. Some rains here and there have been just enough to get cover crops and small grains off to a good start, especially those fields planted early, which have put on substantial growth and tillers. Corn yields have been very strong across most of the region and even record-setting on some farms. Soybeans on the other hand are average to below average in many fields and double-crop beans range from very poor to good. All things considered, yields (especially corn) were impressive considering how dry we started and finished the season; timely rains sure do make or break yields!—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Both corn and soybean harvest is finishing up. The high yields across the region have made grain delivery the last fewPreview (opens in a new tab) weeks a little frustrating. Tanks and piles are full. Granaries have been working to move grain out, but purchasing grain with reduced hours. On a positive note, that seems to be resolved now. The weather has cooperated to make harvest as easy and stress free as possible. We are finally receiving some rain to replenish ground water. Small grains are off to a good start.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Corn harvest is 95% complete. Most full season soybean has been harvested. It has been very dry in the region, and soybean moisture is below 13%. Soybeans are dusty and farmers are blowing off combines due to fire hazard. Soybean yields are coming in average to slightly above average depending on how much rain fields received. Double crop soybean following wheat is still a few weeks from being harvested. Wheat planting is underway and farmers are planting into dry fields. In many fields, cover crops are already seeing substantial growth and some farmers continue to drill winter cereal cover crops following soybean harvest.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Wrap-up: The last acres of soybeans and corn are making their way off fields as we wind into the last chapters of 2023 season. The season started early, with ideal planting conditions in early April. Many growers planted beans and corn during that early window. Conditions turned dry and cooler through the latter part of April and into May and June. Growers struggled with annual ryegrass burndown control. Rains returned as we turned the page into summer and crops responded well. Concerns over the wheat and barley crop, which appeared uneven through he late spring, were unfounded. The small grain crop was of great quality and yield. Growers struggled during the later harvest period as rains delayed harvest well into July. Most corn made it through the pollination window with adequate moisture. Dry conditions returned once again in August and September, resulting in drought stress to beans and corn. Corn harvest started a little earlier than normal. Overall yield reports are above average, and something to be grateful for given the dry conditions later in the season. Beans were more of a mixed bag. Early planted beans performed well for the second year in a row, with most of the crop made by the time the rain ran out. Double crops beans ranged from very poor to very good depending on rain timing and stage of beans. The fall harvest season has been good. Wheat and barley has germinated well and is growing fast with warmer than normal fall temperatures.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: September 2023

Reports are for crop conditions up to September 7, 2023.

Western Maryland

Still dry! Pasture is all but gone. Corn silage harvest is well underway. Some areas have gotten some timely rains and their beans and corn will Fair better. Most double crop beans are suffering. So send rain, we will welcome it.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

Crops are drying down quickly in this hot, dry weather. Corn harvest is underway, with soybeans to follow shortly. With the drought, grass hay did not grow back as quickly, reducing third cutting. Remember to stay hydrated in this heat!—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

We have received very little rain over the past 4 weeks, causing the rapid dry down of crops. Most corn is denting and quickly approaching black layer and full season soybeans are starting to drop leaves; some due to maturity and some due to lack of moisture. Most corn ears look decent, so the bulk of the crop should make an ok yield, although the further west you go in the region the more severe the drought has been. Soybeans on the other hand are quite variable with some small pods and small beans. Double crop soybeans are especially hurting. Corn silage chopping has been in full swing for about two weeks now; corn grain harvest will not be far off. We did find tar spot in several fields in Harford county, but all at very low levels that should not affect yield. Many acres of cover crop have been flown into standing corn and it could use some rain to germinate. Pasture and hay is suffering in the heat and drought.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Hopefully by the time this is being read, we are thankful about rains on the weekend of the 9th/10th!! Parts of the upper shore region are drier now than anytime this growing season. Most of the corn is mature and drying fast. Late corn is dying fast. Early maturing beans look good and are dropping leaves. Late maturing beans and double crop beans are dropping leaves also – due to drought! Corn harvest will be starting by the time this is printed with bean harvest beginning the following week. Cover crop seeding is well underway. Hay quality and yield have been phenomenal recently.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Corn is drying down. Both full season and double crop soybean are looking good. Full season soybean is on average in early reproductive stages. The crop dusters have been flying, aerially seeding cover crops. Herbicide-resistant palmer amaranth and marestail have escaped management in some fields and precautions should be taken during harvest to prevent seed spread. If at all possible, palmer amaranth should be hand pulled at this point in the season.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

In the last report I noted that we continued to receive rain just in the nick of time. Well our luck has run out. Conditions are very dry across the majority of Southern Maryland. As a result, corn is drying down, whether it’s ready or not. Corn harvest is in full swing with reports of good to very good yields for early planted corn. I suspect the majority of the corn crop corn was made when the drought started. Beans are another story. Double crop beans are affected the most, with many fields failing to recover overnight and patches on knolls or sandy areas dying. Full season beans planted early were also mostly made and are drying down now; though bean size is probably going to be smaller. Deer damage is readily apparent in later planted beans that are failing to re-grow or canopy following deer feeding. Of course these fields are hot spots for weeds, including common ragweed and the pigweeds.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: July 2023

Reports are for crop conditions up to July 6, 2023.

Western Maryland

Rain has been hit or miss here but crops are still looking good considering the erratic precipitation patterns of late. Barley harvest is complete and wheat harvest is in full swing. Disease was low but test weights and yields are still being accessed. Hay yields continue to suffer but hopefully El Nino will kick in and we will get more much needed precipitation.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

Frederick County has received notable rainfall in the last few weeks that has prevented potentially drastic crop condition reductions following the spell of hot and dry weather in May and June. Early corn is approaching the later stages of vegetative development, while most of the crop remains in the V8-9 stages. Soybeans are generally in notable shape, even with the early season drought. Scouted fields remain generally low in typical pests though Japanese Beetles have emerged and are maintaining a watchful eye. Soybean aphids were observed in two fields, however with more recent rains and populations well below IPM threshold values, they may remain an afterthought. Wheat harvest has progressed well with field average yields reported in the 80-110 bu/ac range. Crop moisture however has remained a touch higher than desirable. Additionally, maintain a watchful eye over earlier fields that have dried recently and have received rains–reports of low falling-numbers from local mills indicate the presence of sprouted wheat. Barley yields were outstanding as some growers noted personal bests in the 150-170 bu/ac range.—Mark Townsend, Frederick Co.

Northern Maryland

For the better part of 6 weeks, most of the region received very, very little rainfall; however, that has changed in the past two weeks where we have had multiple storms, bringing anywhere from an half inch to several inches of rain per storm. This rain was much-needed for the corn and soybean crop, as well as hay and pasture. Barley harvest wrapped up prior to the rains with very strong yields. Since wheat has matured it has been difficult to find enough dry weather to cut it. So far, wheat yields are very good with no DON but unfortunately test weights and falling numbers are declining in some areas. Earliest planted corn is in tassel, although most of it is only about 5-6’ tall. The dry April, May, and the bulk of June, coupled with relatively mild temperatures and low light intensity from the Canada wildfires, has resulted in some of the shortest corn in memory. Moisture is present as we go into tassel and silking, so hopefully we get decent pollination. Soybeans are also growing slowly but are rebounding; some early maturities are starting to flower. Regrowth on hay is very slow.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Barley harvest finished during drought conditions with record yields. Wheat harvest has been underway for 2 weeks in between storms/ humidity/wildfire smoke. Test weight was above 60 lbs per bushel to start with, but as expected, has lowered after the stretch of rainy weather. Like barley, yields have been record breaking. While wheat harvest has been underway for 2 weeks, it’s only half complete. Even with 2 weeks of rainy weather, there are areas in the region that is still relatively dry. The storms have been spotty. Some areas have had 6 rain events with a grand total of less than an inch while other areas are over 5”.  Corn and full season beans look much better, but will need significant additional rain for decent yields. With beans blooming and corn tasseling, farmers are concerned about poor light quality resulting from the smoke filled atmosphere from wildfires up north. This is a new phenomenon for our region with very little research data available. Let’s hope for west winds with blue sky!—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Wheat harvest is underway. Corn maturity is varied. Early planted corn is tasseling. Corn that was planted late is still in early vegetative stages. Double-crop soybean is being planted. Full season soybean is 6-12” tall on average, in vegetative stage. There were scattered rain storms over the past couple of weeks, with some areas receiving significantly more rain than others. Non-irrigated crops in areas that had limited rain are showing signs of water stress, particularly in sandier soils. Herbicide-resistant ragweed and marestail are apparent in fields across the region.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

We have seen dry and we’ve seen wet this month. Most areas of the region received decent rains in the last two weeks. Crops responded well. Corn is now tasseling with moisture just in time for pollination. Our corn crop is much shorter in stature than normal, but the crop overall looks good. Soybeans follow much of the same story. Early planted beans have canopied. The barley crop is now off. The wheat harvest season has been challenging, with limited harvest windows. Good news is the wheat crop has been excellent in terms of both yield and quality. Double crop beans are going in as soon as the wheat comes off. Vegetable crops are just beginning to come off. Heavy rains have hampered quality of some vegetable crops.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: June 2023

Reports are for crop conditions up to June 1, 2023.

Western Maryland

To say we are dry would be an understatement. Corn planting is winding down and the last of the full-season beans will soon be finished up too. Barley and wheat are in full head a bit ahead of normal, whatever that is. The dry weather is a good thing for cereals as the conditions are poor for fungal growth. It will be interesting to see what effect the dry weather will have on test weight and yield. First cutting alfalfa and most of the grass hay is in the barn or silo. Rain will be important very soon for forage regrowth and corn and bean growth. The cool evenings and overnights have been the only blessing but heat is on the way.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

Frederick County has finished planting corn. There may be the occasional field that remains, but this is the exception. Early corn is at the V4-5 stage while later planted fields are approaching V2. Seedling diseases have been nearly non-existent in scouted fields, though wireworm pressure has been observed in both corn and soybean fields. Soybeans are 90% planted; early beans are around V2 while most are VC-V1.  The majority of the hay crop is made and in the barn. Annual weeds have emerged and are approaching a foot tall in some fields, though weed pressure has remained limited given the dry weather and resulting effective burndown applications. Second cutting alfalfa is underway, some weevil pressure had been observed in the occasional field though generally there has been relatively limited pressure. Most barley is at or near soft-dough stage, while the wheat crop has finished flowering and is moving into grain fill. Both small grain crops appear in good to great condition given the limited disease pressure.—Mark Townsend, Frederick Co.

Northern Maryland

We got through the entire month of May without any measurable precipitation. Such weather has made for great conditions for making hay, and this is one of the few times in recent memory where pretty much all of the first cutting hay crop was put up before June 1; although yields did appear to suffer in some fields due to the dry weather. 99% of the corn crop is planted and emerged, with earliest planted corn around V5-6. Almost all full-season soybeans have been planted and are anywhere from just planted to V3-4. Both corn and soybeans have yet to show wilting, but they are both growing very slowly due to the lack of rain. Fortunately we are running well below with temperatures in the 70s most of the month. Wheat is just starting to turn and appears to have very little disease pressure; we will see how the dry spring affects yield and test weight. We are hoping for a bit of rain in the coming weeks.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Early planted corn greened up, but definitely has reduced yield potential. Later planted corn looks great- good color and uniform. Early beans are finally outgrowing slug feeding. Like corn, later beans look great. Barley harvest will begin 1st week of June. Wheat is starting to turn. There was great hay made last week. Soil conditions across the region are getting dry.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Wheat and barley are drying down. Corn has been planted, and is generally around V1 to V5 stage. Most soybean has been planted and early soybean plantings have emerged. Herbicide-resistant weeds, such as common ragweed, marestail, and palmer amaranth, are starting to emerge. Scout and spray early to stay ahead on control. Some farmers have utilized late-terminated cover crops to help manage weed pressure through providing a mulch on the soil surface. Deer are prevalent in fields and causing damage on corn and soybean seedlings.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Temperatures finally touched the 80°F mark this week. Cooler temperatures and lack of rainfall has slowed crop progress in May. Most corn fields are a kaleidoscope of yellow shades and uneven stands. Black cutworms, slugs, wireworms and seed corn maggot are active across the region. We received scattered showers last weekend that helped crop conditions improve in most areas. Soybeans follow much of the same story. Early planted beans look decent. Barley is drying down with harvest expected any day. Wheat will not be far behind. Ryegrass continues to be a challenge for producers in both burndown situations in corn and beans, as well as small grains. My thought is the cooler weather is affecting the performance of glyphosate, especially on larger plants. The pockets of glyphosate resistant ryegrass are expanding in our area as well. The drier weather has been good for making hay- we saw a lot of balers in the field last week.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):

Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Region Crop Reports: May 2023

Reports are for crop conditions up to May 4, 2023.

Western Maryland

Welcome rains fell over the weekend but cooler temperatures will stall the corn that has been planted. Most of the triticale has been harvested and the barley is in head. First-cutting alfalfa will soon be mowed when sun and rain allow. Corn planting will continue at breakneck speed since soybeans are haunting farmers from their seed sheds. Thus far peaches and apples are faring ok as long as the nighttime cold temps don’t drop too far. Spirits are high since our recent rains and farmers are eternal optimists.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland 

We have finally received some much needed rain, with areas around the county getting a total of 2-3 inches in the past several days. However, this cool and wet weather has slowed planting, as well as crop and summer annual weed emergence. A majority of corn has been planted. Some emerged corn is yellow due to the cooler weather. Barley and wheat are heading.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Much of the small grain acres for forage have been harvested in the last three to four weeks. Many wheat acres are moving past flag-leaf and into heading, though this has been slowed with recent weather. Barley across the county, though short, is headed and into flowering. Some early planted corn has emerged and generally appears okay, however the cooler temperatures have slowed development and in some cases resulted in a few more yellow leaves. Not many soybean acres have been planted thus far, though the ones that have are not yet emerged.—Mark Townsend, Frederick Co.

Northern Maryland

The season was off to an early start, with most everyone that had a corn planter had it rolling full tilt by April 20 or so, which is normally around the time folks are just playing around with planter settings. Since last week, the rains came and temperatures took a nose dive and we went from hot and dry to cool and wet, which has stopped planting. Right now a good majority of the corn crop is planted, with some emerged and looking ok but it is probably wondering where the warm weather went. Some soybeans have been planted, but not a lot. This weather brings the possibility of slug pressure. Early wheat varieties have already flowered; later varieties should be heading in the next few days.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

We were ahead of schedule planting until the heavy rains last week. Soil moisture is optimum/excessive with last weeks 4-6” rain. Early planted corn has faded to a yellow hue with the recent cold weather. Early planted beans have been providing slugs, breakfast, lunch, and dinner with cloudy damp weather. Planters are full and tractors are fueled up waiting for dry sunny weather. Small grain has headed and is being sprayed with scab protectant fungicides. A little dot of hay was made before the rains.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

After a very dry couple of weeks, we had a heavy rainfall last weekend, ranging from 3-4 inches across the lower shore. Corn planting began before the rain, and now farmers are waiting for the ground to dry out to continue. Some farmers are concerned they will have to replant some corn acreage planted prior to the rain. Winter wheat is looking good and heading out. Fungicides are being sprayed on wheat. Most cover crops have been terminated, but those that remain look great and will provide a nice mulch for reducing summer weed pressure.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Planters have been running for weeks now. May-like temperatures in April brought about nearly ideal conditions, and many folks rolled the dice with early planting. It appears it was a good bet as stands have emerged well with no frost. I suspect we are close to 90% planted in So MD. We have many acres of early planted soybeans again this year. Rain was hard to come by with soil conditions becoming dry a couple of weeks ago. Rain 10 days ago and last weekend was much needed though it delayed planting progress. The current week of cooler weather has slowed crop progress, but overall we are in good shape. With recent rains, keep an eye out for slugs in newly emerged fields. In other crops, barley is headed out with some fields turning already. Wheat is headed and flowering now. We have seen an extended flowering period in wheat this year, with a lot of variability in flowering across the same fields. Alfalfa weevil pressure has been high this year. Be sure to scout fields for weevil injury. I have seen a lot of fields with a white cast due to severe feeding injury. In our area, pyrethroids are no longer working well due to resistance. Steward EC is the best alternative. On the fruit and vegetable front, plasticulture strawberries has an excellent growing season and are ripening now. I expect a bumper crop of berries this year. All of our main season vegetable crops are preparing to go in the ground this week.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):

Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: August 2022

Reports are for crop conditions up to September 2, 2022.

Western Maryland

As the old saying goes you are only two weeks away from a drought. We have been 11 days without rain until August 30, when we received a welcome soaking. The high heat coupled with even more sporadic showers led us to the cusp of drought stress. Corn was curling and beans were cupping, the shower alleviated the situation and will help the double crop beans. On the upside, the dry weather has allowed for corn silage harvest to shift into high gear. Yields are very good leading us to hope corn grain yields will be as well. Cover crop planting will commence shortly with the winter annual forages behind corn silage being the first. Combines will hit the fields later in the month to start on the early corn followed by the early beans. Thus once in full swing harvest will last into late October or early November depending on precipitation. Pastures and hay fields are looking great for this time of rain thanks to the showers of late July and early August.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

The last month has been pretty dry in our region. Corn is quickly drying down, and silage harvest has begun. Double crop beans are filling pods. Hopefully we get a bit more rain to help finish out the season. —Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

End of July and first couple of weeks of August have been without much moisture. While most of our soils hold a decent amount of moisture, but I believe we’ve come up a little shy on water for corn and full season soybeans to have reached their full yield potential. Corn silage harvest started last week and it will not be very long before combines hit the fields. Some full season soybeans have started to turn, which is a bit earlier than usual, likely due to the lack of August rains. We did have a period two weeks ago of cooler, wet weather, which brought on the first occurrence of tar spot in corn to our county, which is now a hot topic of discussion.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

While half of the region has received adequate rains recently, the other half is in drought conditions. 99% of corn is made and harvest is beginning. Early maturity beans are starting to turn, but later maturity groups are suffering in the droughty areas. Troublesome weeds are popping up above bean canopy. A few areas have podworms and stink bug levels above thresholds.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

Weather has been extremely dry in most of the region. Farmers have been irrigating when possible; however, the majority of our rowcrop land is unirrigated. Corn is drying down. Soybean is on average in early reproductive stages. Cover crops are beginning to be aerially seeded via airplane. However, there are concerns of a poor cover crop stand due to the dry weather. Herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth is apparent in many fields. Now is the time to walk the fields to pull mature Palmer plants. Herds of deer continue to be sited grazing in soybean fields.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

We have experienced a return to drier conditions in the majority of the region. Harvest of shorter maturity corn has started with reports of very good yields. Corn is drying down quickly with harvest expected to hit full swing in the next week or so. Soybeans have suffered over the last few weeks due to limited rainfall. We are finding podworms and podworm feeding injury in many double-crop soybeans throughout the area with many fields above threshold levels. If you have not already scouted fields for worm activity, I encourage you to do so soon.  We are also observing Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp becoming more evident in the drier conditions.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):

Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arrundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: May 2022

Western Maryland

Erratic weather patterns continue to dominate and challenge us here in Washington County. While we can still use precipitation, it has recently been coupled with wild temperature swings. In the 70s or low 80s and then back to the low fifties with nighttime temperatures on several occasions hovering near freezing. Triticale harvest is over half finished but very little corn has gone in the ground. First cutting alfalfa will begin early next week barring rain showers. First cutting hay of any kind looks like it will be below normal. Forever the optimist, second cutting will be better.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

Small grain silage harvest is in full swing. Manure is being hauled and corn is being planted. Some soybeans have been planted. First cutting of hay may also start soon. Over the past month, most of the area has been at or above normal rainfall, according to the National Weather Service. Field work may slow down depending on much rain we get this weekend, but next week is forecasted to be drier and in the 70s. —Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

The trend for April has been a continuation of March—cool temperatures that rarely want to move out of the 60s. As a result, the start of planting was about a 5-10 days later than usual for this region. Most planting kicked off the week of Easter. In general, small grains look good. Barley is headed out and wheat is a couple of weeks away. Some rye has been chopped for feed. Pastures and hay fields are enjoying the cooler temperatures.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

Soil moisture has been perfect for spring crops, field work, and planting. Soil temperatures have been a little cool for this time of year. Many acres of corn and beans have went in over the past week. Barley is fully headed and wheat will be in a few days. Both look good. Hay and pastures look good, but the cool weather has them a little behind normal.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

Wheat is starting to pollinate. It’s been a relatively dry spring, making for an average to above average wheat crop, with minimal disease pressure. Cover crops have been mostly terminated. However, where still standing, cover crops are looking great. These late-terminated cover crops should bring additional benefits to the fields, such as providing substantial organic matter to the soil, and in some cases releasing nitrogen on the soil surface. Growers have spread poultry manure. Weather has been relatively favorable these last couple of weeks for planting. Corn has started to be planted. Much more corn acreage is expected to be planted in the next weeks, to be followed by soybean planting.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

The region has experienced good planting conditions over the last week. Corn planting progress is still a bit behind schedule with cooler soils limiting the number of early-planted acres. Most farmers are finishing up with corn planting and have started with soybean planting. Recent showers were welcome with soil conditions becoming slightly dry during the last couple of weeks. Wheat is in the early heading stage and many fields will be flowering by the time you read this. Farmers will be evaluating the need for a head scab fungicide in the next few days. Many wheat fields are exhibiting yellowing in the upper canopy that is not readily attributable to any disease. We are also seeing a lot of powdery mildew in the lower canopy, but very little in the upper canopy. Insect and disease pressure has been light so far. Forage crops look great this spring. Alfalfa weevil are very active this year and many fields required treatment. Pyrethroid resistance continues to be an issue for our growers. First cutting of cool season grasses is underway.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):

Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arrundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: October 2021

Crop reports are for conditions up to October 8, 2021.

Western Maryland

The weather has remained kind to us here in Washington County. We have had welcome rains that have been gentle in their nature. Soil moisture is at its optimum for fall planting. Early soybeans and corn harvest has begun, yields have yet to be reported. Most corn silage has been harvested and planting of winter annuals has begun. Additionally, wheat seeding will soon commence.  —Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

As I write this, it is lightly raining here at the Montgomery County Extension Office. Corn grain harvest is in full swing. I have not seen any soybean fields come off yet. Corn yields have varied depending on location and summer rainfall, but have overall been close to or slightly above average.—Kelly Nichols

Northern Maryland

Conditions have been ideal for corn harvest. Corn harvest started around the second week of September and is now in full swing. Yields are variable but most fields are running average to above average. A few acres of early soybeans have been harvested; double crop soybeans continue to look very strong. We’ve had good soil conditions for cover crop, small grain, and pasture seeding.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

Corn and soybean harvest is moving along smoothly, with the exception of lines at the granaries. It takes time to deliver high yields to market. We are setting records in both bean and corn yields. Farmers are reporting yields that they have never seen before! Soil moisture is adequate throughout the region with the few dry and wet spots. Cover crops are off to a great start. Troublesome weeds like glyphosate-resistant common ragweed and palmer amaranth are really showing up as beans are drying and the weeds are still green. Remember those fields for next year.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

The harvest season is progressing with no major problems. Corn is approximately 60% harvested. Soybean is drying down and ready to start harvest within the next week if the weather cooperates. Wheat and barley planting will begin soon. However, the ground is harder than desired at the moment due to lack of rain. Cover crop planting is going well; we have had significant acreage aerially seeded and ground planting has begun.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Conditions have been favorable for good progress on corn harvest. Yields are very good to excellent in most areas. Full season soybeans are mature and drying down. Some farmers started harvesting early-planted full season beans last week. Double crop soybeans are also looking very good. Vegetable harvest is winding up. The pumpkin and cucurbit crop is coming off now, with a decent pumpkin harvest this year. We did receive a report of alfalfa with second infestation of fall armyworm, assuming the next generation is now active.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

 

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: September 2021

Crop reports are for conditions up to September 2, 2021.

Western Maryland

Welcome rains have come to the area. Too late for some crops but late beans, hay, and fall crops will enjoy the drink. Corn silage harvest has been going on since early August with some of the crop drought-stressed in some areas of the county. Rain patterns all summer were scattered and erratic. At this writing, the remnants of Ida are replenishing soil moisture.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

As I’m writing this, Ida is giving us what might be the first county-wide rainfall; most rainfall to date has been scattered across the region, leaving parts of the area drier than others. Our usual soybean insect pests are munching away in soybean fields; however, soybeans can withstand a fair amount of leaf defoliation before a spray threshold is reached. Scout fields for leaf defoliation and/or pod damage in order to determine if the threshold has been reached. Traps for fall armyworm and western bean cutworm near Poolesville have remained empty. Recent rainfall has greatly improved double crop beans and brought a lot of drought and heat stress corn back around just in time for grain fill. Folks were really starting to get going with corn silage harvest before the Tropical storm shut them down. I’ve heard from some Extension colleagues a little further south and they are experiencing the largest infestation of armyworms in years. I received a report of one field of Teff grass being severely defoliated by armyworms just this week. Although we aren’t capturing many in traps we should keep an eye out for this destructive pest.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co. & Jarette Hurry, Frederick Co.

Northern Maryland

The past 2-3 weeks have been very hot and humid and has really driven accelerated maturity of corn and soybeans, especially in pockets of the region that did not receive as much rain over the summer and on lighter soils; I think it’s likely taken some yield off the top of the corn crop and some soybeans. Double crop soybeans have put on a lot of growth and are looking good; hopefully the September weather will favor good pod fill. Corn silage harvest started about two weeks ago. The heat stress has also brought out a lot of symptoms related to stem diseases in soybean, as well as fall armyworm in hay fields (and lawns). Corn for grain is nearly all dented and the earliest at black layer. With the recent heat, corn grain harvest should start in a couple weeks.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

Soil moisture is adequate in most areas and surplus in a few areas. Corn harvest will begin next week. Cover crop seeding is well underway and the early seeded cover crops are off to a great start. Most farmers are anxious to get combines moving as the crop looks good. Soybeans are tall and filling out well. There are areas of sudden death syndrome showing up in many fields as would be expected with recent weather patterns. Hay fields still look good, but we have not been blessed with good haymaking conditions.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Corn is looking good and approaching black layer. Soybean looks great and pods are beginning to fill. We have had adequate rain in most places, even while storms have been somewhat sporadic. Herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth is apparent in many fields. Now is the time to walk the fields to pull mature Palmer plants. There have been no reports of major insect pest or disease outbreaks in grain crops. It’s looking like it will be a strong yield for grain yields.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

The region has received widespread rains in the last three weeks. Corn is in grain fill stages with earliest field’s ready for harvest any day now. Yields are expected to be good to very good. Rains helped soybean condition as well. Double crop beans have really responded well with excellent growth. Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is now evident, with patches showing up mainly in full season beans. We are also seeing Phytophthora crown and root rot show up in fields. Insect and mite pressure remains low. Palmer amaranth, common waterhemp and common ragweed escapes are clearly visible now with seed heads waving from above the plant canopy. Annual grass hay is being cut for the second time. Cool season grass is beginning to respond to the moisture with growth resuming.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

Regional Crop Reports: August 2021

Reports are for crop conditions up until 8/5/2021.

Western Maryland

We had a great wheat harvest and many optimists planted double-crop beans. It has been very dry in most of the county. Depending on where in the county you are located is the difference between chopping corn now and admiring your crop. Hay will be in short supply so many will plant forage oats for fall forage. Full season beans are looking good most places. We will continue to pray for rain. —Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

In general, Central Maryland has had a good combination of heat and rain, and the crops are looking great. Most of the region is close to or above the normal rainfall over the last 30 days. Fall armyworm and western bean cutworm traps near Poolesville have been empty this past month. Corn silage harvest will begin soon, especially if August turns up the heat.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

We’ve been fortunate to have excellent pollination conditions over the past 3 weeks when the vast majority of the corn crop was pollinating. Temperatures were in the upper 80s and occasionally low 90s with frequent storms that brought timely moisture. The majority of the corn crop is looking above average. Full season soybeans are beginning to set pots and look good; some fields had very spotty emergence due to slug damage early; we will see what August brings in terms of rain to help make the bean crop. Double crops had good soil moisture to germinate and are off to a decent start. Insect and disease pest pressure in both corn and beans has been minimal so far. Small grain harvest wrapped up a couple of weeks ago with big wheat yields.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper Eastern Shore

Soil moisture levels are all over the board. Some areas have been receiving rains while others have not. None of the region is too wet. Therefore, corn and early bean yield predictions also vary, but not disastrous. Corn will be 100-250 bu/acre plus. Early beans will be 40-80 bu/acre plus. Later maturing beans still have a long ways to go. Corn leaf diseases have been expanding/moving up the plant in the last few weeks. Soybean diseases have been minimal, but foliage feeding insects are increasing. Luckily most of the beans have plenty of foliage and can withstand some feeding. Trouble weeds, especially the glyphosate resistant weeds are starting to outgrow beans and showing their ugly heads(growing points). As with past months, there has been good quality hay harvested.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

Weather has been favorable and grain crops are looking good. Corn is around R3 reproductive stage. Full-season soybean is flowering. Deer are regularly observed grazing in soybean fields. Corn Earworm numbers are currently low. Herbicide-resistant weeds such as ragweed, marestail and Palmer amaranth are present and posing management challenges.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

The story this month is squarely focused on moisture. Temperatures across the region are reaching into the 90’s with sporadic isolated storms hitting here and there. Crops are now showing moisture stress. The corn crop is past pollination and approaching dough stage on earliest plantings. We could really use another rain to help fill corn out, but it’s looking to be at least an average crop. Soybeans are setting pods, with full season beans at R3-R5. We have not seen many pest outbreaks in beans yet. We are on the lookout for spider mites with the hot dry conditions. Cool season grasses are going dormant in the hot dry weather.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.