Tag: crop update

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: July 2020

Reports are for crop conditions up to July 9, 2020.

 

Western Maryland

Dry weather has set in. Widely scattered thunderstorms have now become coveted. Wheat harvest is in full swing and those fields are being rapidly planted into double crop soybeans. Third cutting alfalfa is underway as well. Hay will be short this year. Plans are being made to plant oats after corn silage for additional forage.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

In some areas the corn appears to be starting to curl. Between the thunderstorms over the past few days and the small change of thunderstorms predicted over the next few days, hopefully that will provide some relief (even if temporary) from the heat and humidity. Corn has certainly surpassed being “knee-high by the fourth of July”. Wheat and barley harvest is underway. I have heard more reports of frost damage than Fusarium head blight damage. —Kelly Nichols, Frederick Co.

Northern Maryland

Rains have been very sporadic and isolated since the beginning of June. Soils are quite dry; corn and beans are feeling the effects of the heat and lack of moisture. Earliest planted corn fields are dealing with the dry conditions better than later planted fields, with some fields starting to tassel. Barley harvest is completed with highly variable yields due to frost damage. Wheat harvest is nearly complete with mostly good yields, minimal frost damage, high test weight, and good quality. Early maturing varieties didn’t fare as well. Double crop soybeans are being planted as soon as the straw leaves the field. Disease pressure in corn and beans is very low with the dry weather.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper Eastern Shore

Wheat harvest is all but finished. Yields were mostly 70-100 with test weights over 60 lbs/bu. The region has had a few dry spells, but most areas have been getting thunderstorms on and off. While I might not rate corn with record yield potential, it is still above average and looks good in most areas. There have been pockets of wind damage to corn including green snap, uprooting, leaning, and bent over. Full season soybeans are off to a good start with most fields reaching full canopy. Double crop soybeans have emerged and are also off to a good start. Hay (alfalfa and grass) yield and quality has been good. The pest of the year so far has been slugs. Up until 2 weeks ago, I was getting daily calls about slug damage to corn and beans.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

Conditions are very dry. Soybean planting is not complete; however, we have reports of soybean unable to be planted due to dry conditions. Corn is also beginning to curl due to drought. Wheat harvest is underway.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Crops were moisture stressed until two days ago, when storms brought from 3-6.5 inches of rain throughout most of the region. Rains were just in time for corn with earliest corn beginning to tassel and entering he critical pollination stage two weeks ago. Full season soybeans are off to a good start. Double crop beans are germinating well. Both needed the recent rains. Palmer amaranth has grown strides in the last two weeks, taking advantage of the hotter temperatures. Barley harvest is complete and wheat harvest as mostly complete. Wheat has been a mixed bag. Unfortunately much of the upland wheat had frost damage. Some farmers are reporting yields of frost damaged wheat in the 40-50 bushel range with isolated fields down to 10-20 bushels. Wheat that escaped cold injury is yielding well with very good quality. Frost damaged wheat with poor kernel development is also growing new tillers and the straw is very tough. Farmers have made some good second cutting hay in the last month. The week of very hot weather has set cool season grasses back for the summer. Tobacco is being topped with the first cutting expected to begin next week.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: April 2020

Reports are for crop conditions up to April 1, 2020

Western Maryland

Temperatures have been above normal for most of the month. Soil moisture is also slightly above average. Manure applications as well as commercial fertilizer applications are in full swing. Small grains are looking good and in some cases oats have overwintered without significant damage, increasing potential forage options. Corn will soon be going in the ground and some sweet corn is already planted. Will the mild winter result in increased weed, insect and disease issues this year? Only time will tell. –Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

Farmers have been applying manure and fertilizer over the last couple of weeks. It’s been a bit wet, but it’s warming up, and we’ll see more planters in the fields over the next few weeks. I have gotten several questions about controlling Japanese stiltgrass, mostly in pastures and hay fields. Japanese stiltgrass is an annual, so the key is to prevent it from producing seeds. It also germinates earlier than crabgrass, so it is important if you have stiltgrass to be out earlier (i.e. late winter/early spring) when scouting and using control methods like a pre-emergent herbicide. For more information, please visit the Frederick County Ag FAQs page. –Kelly Nichols, Frederick Co.

Northern Maryland

It’s been a mild March and small grains are off to a quick start. Most all wheat has had it’s second shot of nitrogen and is coming along nicely. Field conditions have been fair, although a tad on the wet side that has interrupted some field work, like manure applications; but overall, not a bad start to the 2020 field season. Soils are warming up fast and planters should be hitting the fields in a couple of weeks. –Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Shore

Most lime has been spread. Most second applications of nitrogen with herbicide have been made to small grains. Over half of manure has been spread and cover crop burn down started a couple weeks ago. Planters are ready to, just waiting on warmer/drier weather.  –Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Winter wheat looks good in many fields. We have seen much growth in the past two weeks. Growers have been applying manure across the region. Cover crops have been terminated on what seems to be about half of the acreage. I have not seen any early season corn planted yet. Field conditions are quite wet at the moment due to recent rains. –Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Farmers are busy preparing for planting. Rain showers have slowed some field work. Everyone is busy spreading litter/manure, applying herbicides and completing field operations before planting commences in the next week or so. Small grain crops are at jointing stage. Most of the second N applications have been made. Hay fields are greening up now. We have not experienced any issues with crop inputs. –Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: August 2019

Reports are for crop conditions up to August 1, 2019

Western Maryland

It has been hot and dry the last few weeks. Overall, crops still look good. Some corn fields are beginning to curl, but hopefully the rain that is on it’s way will help. Farmers have cut the second cutting of grass hay, and the third cutting of alfalfa hay. —Kelly Nichols

Northern Maryland

Most corn in northern Maryland is well past pollination and is now filling ears, with many acres in the dent stage. Late planted corn is yet to tassel and could use some moisture, but the vast majority of the crop that was seeded on time and filling grain looks very good. As long as we get some periodic rains, we should be on pace for some record yields. Soybeans have taken off in the past few weeks and are looking good. Second cutting of grass hay has been busy during the last couple of weeks with the good weather. Harvest of early corn for silage should start in the region within the next week or so. –Andy Kness

Upper & Mid Eastern Shore

While corn planting was spread out over two months, the grain fill period has tightened up. The early corn is dented, with the later corn just completing pollination. Corn in the upper part of the region looks phenomenal and is on pace to set record yields. The lower part of the region has areas suffering from drought conditions, which will prevent the record yields per acre, but there are record acres. Much of the corn has been treated with a fungicide for gray leaf spot, which is prevalent on the lower leaves in most fields. Overall, I am optimistic about corn yields. We are on pace for long lines at the granaries this fall! Depending on maturity group and planting dates, soybeans are anywhere from V1 to R5. Spidermites are causing damage in some of the droughty fields. Palmer and other pigweed are showing themselves above the canopy now. Remember, it is much better to walk out across that bean field and remove that one palmer plant now, rather than spread those half million seeds around with the combine this fall! There have been sufficient windows between rain to make good quality alfalfa and grass hay. –Jim Lewis

Lower Eastern Shore

Most corn and soybean have reached reproductive stages, while some late-planted crops are still in vegetative stages. Corn is still showing signs of drought stress in many fields. Dry and hot conditions will likely lead to corn yield loss, and we have seen evidence of incomplete kernel set. We have had multiple calls citing herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth, some reporting 5-6 ft tall Palmer. At this point, Palmer should be hand-pulled or, if that is not infeasible, the area should be mowed and sprayed with Paraquat to keep the Palmer under control. Herbicide-resistant common ragweed and marestail is also problematic in many fields. Deer are commonly seen foraging on crops. Cover crop enrollment period has ended and sign-ups are similar to last year’s numbers. –Sarah Hirsh

Southern Maryland

Excessive heat and limited rainfall over the last three weeks has taken a toll on crop conditions. Corn is curling and in many fields has browned up with ears turning (droopy ears) prematurely. Many of these fields were close to black layer and in very good condition just three weeks ago. The extent of yield loss will be determined by how mature the corn was when the drought stress occurred. I expect most early planted fields to be off 5-10%, while late planted fields may be off 40-60%. Soybeans are also struggling. Some double crop plantings have died. This is the time of year when herbicide resistant weeds become really evident in soybeans. We are finding Palmer amaranth emerging above the crop canopy now. Palmer is adapted to these hot dry conditions and will continue to grow and produce seed heads. Be on the lookout and remove these plants before harvest if possible. Cool season grasses have gone dormant and browned up. Tobacco harvest is underway. –Ben Beale

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Maryland Regional Crop Reports: June 2019

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

List of University of Maryland Extension Agents & Specialists.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: May 2019

Reports are for crop conditions up to May 1, 2019

Western Maryland

Good weather for most of last week allowed for corn planting to start all across Frederick County. I suspect around 15-25% of the crop got planted in short order. There were also a few farmers who decided to plant full season soybeans. I think a lot of that decision was made by those who have two planters and are gun shy after 2018’s wet weather that pushed full season plantings into June. Barley across the county is headed out. Triticale and wheat are in the boot stage and with any luck the rain will hold off so they can be chopped before head emergence. Hay and pasture fields are seeing orchardgrass in the boot stage to early head emergence. No good dry hay making weather is in the forecast.   –Matt Morris

Northern Maryland

I hope I don’t jinx it, but field conditions in the region, with the exception of a few low-lying fields, have been perfect for field work and planting over the last week to two weeks and a substantial amount of the 2019 corn crop has been planted. I’d estimate that 50% of the corn crop is already in the ground and most all will be finished within a couple of weeks. A few acres of soybeans have also been planted. Small grains are in fair to decent condition; the wet fall and winter caused a lot of uneven emergence and drowned out some fields. Disease and insect pressure in small grains is low. Barley has headed out and wheat is approaching the boot stage. Hay and pastures have greened up and are growing well. With any luck, the weather will hold out and we will have a decent first cutting. –Andy Kness

Upper & Mid Eastern Shore

Corn planting is in full swing with optimum soil conditions. Early planted corn is up and off to a good start. A few beans have been planted, with some emerged but growing slow. Small grains look good with low disease and insect pressure so far. Hay crops also look good and 1st cutting will begin with favorable drying/curing weather. –Jim Lewis

Lower Eastern Shore

The ground remains wet in most fields. Approximately half of cover crops have been terminated. The remaining cover crops are thriving with favorable spring conditions. Corn has been planted on a few fields with higher elevation; however, it is estimated that < 10% of the total corn acreage has been planted thus far, and no soybean acreage. –Sarah Hirsh

Southern Maryland

The weather is cooperating with farmers this spring. Most folks are finished or near finished with corn and are switching to full season beans. Ground conditions have been good for the last couple of weeks. Herbicide applications are working well this year, with frequent light rains occurring to incorporate herbicides. Some fields that were on the wetter side have been worked several times and might pose some problems if conditions dry out. Barley is headed. Wheat is at late boot to early heading. Farmers will be evaluating the need for a head scab fungicide in the next week. Insect and disease pressure has been light so far. We have observed some heavy aphid populations in a few fields. Hay and pasture fields are a mixed bag. Some hay looks really good this spring with first cutting already stated. Other fields, especially fall seeded orchard grass is very poor and requiring replanting. Tobacco is set to go in to the field starting next week. –Alan Leslie & Ben Beale

List of University of Maryland Extension Agents & Specialists.