Category: Corn

July 2021 Grain Market Report

Dale Johnson, Farm Management Specialist
University of Maryland

Information from USDA WASDE report

Attached is the summary for the July 2021 WASDE.

Corn

2021/22 harvest acres projection was increased by 1 million acres. The beginning supply estimate was adjusted down 25 million bushel. The net effect of these two adjustments on estimated supply was an increase of 150 million bushel. On the demand side, feed & residual estimate was increased by 25 million bushel and export estimate was increased by 50 million bushel. The result of these supply and demand estimates was an increase in ending stocks of 75 million bushels and an increase in the stocks to use ratio from 9.2% to 9.6%. December futures prices on June 10 closed at $6.16 per bushel. Prices through June declined with a spike in late June but have since declined to $5.32 on July 12.

Soybeans

There were no changes in the 2021/22 soybean estimates in the July WASDE report. November futures prices on June 10 closed at $14.59. Prices through June declined with a spike in late June but have since declined to $13.51 on July 12.

Wheat

There were small adjustments in most supply and demand categories resulting in a net effect of a 105 million bushel decrease in ending stocks decreasing the ending stocks-to-use ratio from 36.6% in June to 32.1% in July. Since these estimates are for a crop a year away they have little effect on prices. Nearby (July) prices on June 10 closed at $6.84. Prices through June declined $6.34 on July 12.

Maryland Grain Checkoff Referendum

A referendum to continue the Maryland Grain Checkoff Program (MGCP) will be held on July 22, 2021, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the annual Commodity Classic at the Queen Anne’s County (QAC) 4-H Park. The Checkoff Program works to improve Maryland grain farm profitability by funding market development, research and education projects focused on the needs of our farmers. Funding decisions are made by a board of grain producers from six regions throughout the state.

“The Maryland Grain Checkoff Program is made possible by farmers to benefit farmers,” said Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board (MGPUB) President John Bruning. “I have seen firsthand how the projects funded with checkoff dollars have benefitted my own farming operation and Maryland grain farmers across the state.”

If passed by a majority, the 30-year-old Checkoff Program will continue from October 1, 2021 for an additional five years. One half of one percent (.5%) will be collected on the net value of each bushel of grain sold. The checkoff will be deducted at the first point of sale on all grain, with the exception of sorghum and soybeans. MGPUB does not administer the soybean checkoff program and grain refunds are available by written request to MGPUB.

“We encourage grain producers to support the referendum and become members of the Maryland Grain Producers Association (MGPA),” says Bruning. “Membership dues to the MGPA may be deducted directly from your checkoff assessment. Checkoff dollars cannot be used for lobbying, so membership is essential to ensure our farmers have a voice in Annapolis.”

To be eligible to vote, a person must be financially engaged in the growing of grain as an owner, tenant, or sharecropper. Contact Lindsay Thompson for information or for an absentee ballots at 443-262-8491, lindsay.mdag@gmail.com, or write to MGPA, 123 Clay Drive, Queenstown, MD 21658.

More information about the Maryland Grain Producers and the Checkoff Program can be found online www.marylandgrain.org.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: July 2021

Reports are for crop conditions up to July 1, 2021

Western Maryland

The barley harvest is complete and the yield reports are very favorable. The combines moved t the wheat fields and that harvest is now underway with the balers following close behind. Early reports of wheat yields are also favorable. Corn and early beans looking good after a little battle with Mr. Slug and his friends. The recent heat has been good for the crops and allows for a favorable harvest, rains and cooler temperatures are forecast to be on the horizon. —Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Northern Maryland

Crops look very good across Northern Maryland, and we just received some timely rains that the corn and soybeans will appreciate and should make for good double-crop planting/germination conditions. Wheat harvest is progressing with reports of average to very good yields and heavy test weights. Most all corn has been top dressed with the second shot of N. Earliest planted corn will be tasseling in a couple of weeks and early planted group III soybeans are very close to R1. There has been spots of some severe slug damage on early planted soybean fields. A lot of hay was put up over the past few weeks with the good drying weather.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

The heavier soils on the upper part of the shore are holding up well. However the mid shore is getting dry and hoping for July 4th rains! Wheat harvest is almost complete with yields being average and above. The dry/cool/long grain fill period proved good for wheat yields again. Scab was low to nonexistent. Corn is beginning to tassel/silk and looks good. Early planted Group 3 soybeans are blooming and look good. So far, there has been plenty of moisture for germination of double crop beans. There have been many acres of 2,4-D and Dicamba beans sprayed with minimal off site movement issues.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Corn growth has taken off in the last couple of weeks. On average it’s about 4-5 feet tall. Sidedress N has been applied or is currently being applied to late planted corn. Full-season soybean has been planted and on average is at the V4 stage, and 7-10” tall. For the most part crops are looking good, although corn is showing some signs of water stress in sandier areas. Wheat harvest began around June 20th and is ongoing. Wheat yields are reported as average.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

As I write this, temperatures across the region are reaching into the upper 90’s and rain has been hard to come by. Crops are moisture stressed, with earlier corn just beginning to tassel. Critical rains are expected today and tomorrow, so hopefully by the time this is read, all crops will have received some much needed moisture. Barley harvest is mostly complete and wheat harvest is well on the way. Yields have been good to very good given the wet fall. Some wheat is taking its time drying down. Soybeans are in good condition. Very early planted beans have made good strides. Beans planted the first or second week of May are a bit behind compared to most years. Spider mites are plentiful in vegetable crops, and will begin to show up in bean fields soon, especially if the hot, dry weather continues. Second cutting of hay is being made now. We need more rain so keep cutting.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

List of University of Maryland Agronomy Faculty

 

2021 Maryland Commodity Classic

The annual Maryland Commodity Classic is taking place on July 22nd starting at 9:00 AM.

Come by the Queen Anne’s County 4-H Park to hear the latest research, interact with friends, discover the most recent Dr. Miller Awardee and scholarship recipients, and enjoy Bob Farmer, a comedian!

Please register online prior to our event, here!

Tickets are $10 before 2:30 PM or $20 after 2:30 PM. There will be no entry after 3:30 PM. Please pre-purchase tickets if possible.

Be sure to bring cash for lunch and snow cones!

CCA credits are pending.

Be On Lookout for Tar Spot: A New Disease of Corn

Andrew Kness, Agriculture Agent | akness@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Harford County

Before anyone panics, this disease has not been confirmed in Maryland; however, it is close by and could potentially spread to our state. As you’re scouting fields this summer, keep this one in the back of your mind.

Tar spot is a fungal disease of corn caused by Phyllachora maydis. It was first discovered in the United States in 2015. In Latin America where tar spot is more common, another fungal species, Monographella maydis, is known to occur in complex with P. maydis;  however, only P. maydis has been found in the United States.

The initial occurrence of tar spot in 2015 was limited to a couple of counties in Indiana, but by 2018 it had spread across much of the US corn belt and caused serious economic damage. In 2020, tar spot was confirmed in corn fields in Lancaster County Pennsylvania (Fig 1). We believe this large geographic jump was due to seed that had infected corn residue that was planted into variety trial plots.

Map of US showing distribution of Tar Spot
Figure 1. Map of tar spot in the United States after the 2020 growing season. Map generated from: https://corn.ipmpipe.org/tarspot/.

Symptoms of tar spot are primarily the presence of glossy black, raised lesions on the leaves (Fig 2). These lesions look like someone splattered paint or tar on the leaves, hence the name. These symptoms have been observed to occur from VT to maturity. Lesions are also visible on dried plant parts.

Black tar spot lesions on corn leaf
Figure 2. Tar spot symptoms on a corn leaf.

The fungus that causes tar spot overwinters in infected corn residue; however, it is unknown how well, or if, this pathogen will overwinter here in Maryland or if this disease will be of any economic importance in this region.

Currently there are no management recommendations for this disease for our area, because as stated, it is yet to be confirmed in Maryland and unknown if it will be a problem. For the 2021 corn crop, be on the lookout for this disease in your corn fields, especially if your have any corn hybrid trials planted in your field. If you suspect you found this disease, please contact Andrew Kness (410-638-3255, akness@umd.edu) and we will work with you to confirm identification.

 

July IPM Insect Scouting Tips

Emily Zobel, Senior Agriculture Agent Associate | ezobel@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Dorchester County

Be sure to check all labels carefully before applying and combining insecticides and herbicides.

Soybean: Scout for the usual defoliators, including bean leaf beetle, Japanese beetle, and caterpillars. The treatment threshold is 15-20% defoliation for bloom to pod fill. Note that defoliation percentages should be based on the entire soybean plant or canopy, not just the top leaves or worst leaves. University of Nebraska Extension has a nice guide for defoliating insects in soybeans (https://croptechcafe.org/defoliating-insects-in-soybeans-thresholds-training-and-tools/).

Adult Dectes Stem Borer will be emerging over the next several weeks. Chemical control is not recommended since it would require multiple applications to reduce larval infestations, which is not economical. However, if a high number of adults are found, harvesting that field as soon as it matures will reduce losses associated with lodged plants.

Field Corn: At the start of silking, scout for Japanese beetles and stink bugs. For Japanese beetles, the treatment threshold is when there is less than ½ inch of silk and less than 50% pollination, and an average of 2 or more beetles per ear. For stink bugs, the threshold is 1 bug per 10 plants (V1 to V6), 1 bug per 8 plants (V14 to VT), and 1 bug per 4 plants (R1 to R2). Stink bugs and Japanese beetles are ‘edge’ pests, so treatment may only be needed around field edges and pivot tracks.

Alfalfa: Continue scouting for potato leafhoppers (PLH). Cutting will destroy many of the nymphs, and adults will often move elsewhere, but be sure to scout the regrowth. A rough threshold estimate is 20 PLH per 100 sweeps on alfalfa 3 inches or less in height, 50 PLH per 100 sweeps in 4-6 inch tall alfalfa, and 100 PLH per 100 sweeps in 7-11 inch tall alfalfa. A more precise threshold chart can be found on the Penn State Extension website https://extension.psu.edu/potato-leafhopper-on-alfalfa.

 

June 2021 Grain Market Report

Dale Johnson, Farm Management Specialist
University of Maryland

Information from USDA WASDE report

Attached is the summary for the June 2021 WASDE.

Corn

The only change in 21/22 corn estimates was a negative adjustment of 150 million additional bushels in the Ending 20/21/Beginning 21/22 stocks. This decreased the 21/22 ending stocks 150 million bushels and increased the estimated stocks to use ratio from 10.2% in May to 9.2% in June. December futures prices on May 12 closed at $5.93. Prices through May declined to a low of $5.23 on May 26 but have since rebounded and closed at $6.15 on June 10.

Soybeans

The only change in 21/22 soybean estimates was an adjustment of 15 million additional bushels in the Ending 20/21/Beginning 21/22 stocks. This increased the 21/22 ending stocks 15 million bushels and increased the estimated stocks to use ratio from 3.2% in May to 3.5% in June. November futures prices on May 12 closed at $14.44. Prices through May declined to a low of $13.26 on May 26 but have since rebounded and closed at $14.59 on June 10.

Wheat

21/22 Wheat yield estimates were increased 0.7 bushels per acre which resulted in a 26 million bushel increase in production estimates. There was a 20 million bushel decrease in the Ending 20/21/Beginning 21/22 stocks estimate. Import estimates decreased 2 million bushel. On the demand side Feed & residual estimate was increased 10 million bushel. The net effect of all these estimate changes was a decrease of 4 million bushels in ending stock and a decrease in the stocks-to-use ratio from 36.9% in May to 36.6% in June. Nearby (July) prices on May 12 closed at $7.30. Prices through May declined to a low of $6.40 on May 26 but have since rebounded and closed at $6.83 on June 10.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: June 2021

Reports are for crop conditions up to June 3, 2021

Western Maryland

Corn and beans are all in the ground for the most part and the first cutting hay is in the barn. We received some welcome rain and cooler temperatures but it looks like the heat is coming back. That’s good for the corn as long as the rain showers continue. Wheat and barley are in full head and ripening nicely. Some alfalfa second cutting has been harvested and the rest will be soon.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Northern Maryland

For the most part, all corn and nearly all full-season soybeans are in the ground and coming along nicely. Earliest planted soybeans are around V4, earliest corn is close to V6 and sidedress nitrogen is starting along with post-emerge herbicides. Barley is ripening and wheat is looking good so far—still a bit too early to notice any head scab symptoms but the weather has been dry so scab should be fairly low this year. We received some very much-needed rain over Memorial Day. Prior to the rain it was perfect hay weather, and first cutting of alfalfa has been made. Triticale yields were reported to be very strong.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

We were getting dry before the Memorial Day weekend rain. Corn and beans are both off to a great start. Post emergent herbicide applications are under full swing. Corn is being sidedressed. Barley harvest will start Monday. Wheat still looks good with scab levels very low. Lots of high quality hay was made before last weeks’ rains.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Shore

Wheat has flowered and is drying down. Cover crops have been terminated, although some were saved for wheat harvest due to favorable spring growth. Corn has been planted, and is generally around VE to V3 stage. I’d estimate half of soybean acreage has been planted. The earliest planted beans are around V2. We had a couple of weeks of very dry weather, which caused some growers to pause planting. Over Memorial Day weekend, it rained 2-3”, which was much needed to recharge the soil profile. Herbicide-resistant weeds, such as common ragweed, marestail, and Palmer amaranth, are starting to emerge. Now is the time to spray these seedlings to stay ahead on control.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

The region experienced a dry spell in the last month but rains returned over the last couple of weeks. Corn growth continues to be behind most years with many variable fields. Most corn fields are exhibiting some yellowing chlorotic growth. I expect plants to green up soon with return of moisture and warmer growing conditions. We have had some issues with pre herbicide activity most likely due to limited moisture to activate herbicide in to the germination zone. Side-dress N applications have begun this week on corn. Full season soybean planting is wrapping up. Barley will be ready to come off any day. Wheat fields are beginning to yellow. Unfortunately, we continue to see increasing levels of ryegrass in wheat. This has been a tough year for killing ryegrass prior to planting corn and soybeans. Cooler weather and tank mixes may be limiting herbicide activity as well as some potential herbicide resistance. There was a lot of nice dry hay during the dry spell.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

List of University of Maryland Agronomy Faculty

Will Your Preemergence Herbicides be Effective?

Kurt Vollmer, Wee Management Specialist | kvollmer@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

Despite a less than ideal Memorial Day weekend, I’m sure many of us are grateful for the rain. While corn was planted several weeks ago, many places went for weeks without significant rainfall. As a result, many fields lacked adequate moisture to properly activate any preemergence herbicides that were applied. The amount of moisture required to activate a particular herbicide depends on its water solubility (Table 1). The lower the water solubility the more rainfall or irrigation is needed to activate the herbicide and move it into the root zone. Soil-active herbicides such as atrazine, Princep, Balance Flexx, and Prowl need more than 0.75 inches of water to become activated. Under ideal conditions (good activation, no excessive moisture, and sensitive weed species), most preemergence products will provide control for about 3 to 4 weeks after application. Therefore, it’s a good time to start scouting fields to see if an early postemergence application is needed. Remember, preemergence herbicides will not control weeds once they’re up!

Along with products you are considering for postemergence weed control, be sure to include a soil-active herbicide in the tank mix to help extend residual weed control. Group 15 herbicides such as Dual and Outlook can extend control of grasses, pigweeds, and other small-seeded broadleaf weeds. The addition of atrazine can help to improve the efficacy of certain postemergence herbicides as well. Finally, always be sure to consult the label for the proper application rates and tank mix requirements for your crop and soil type.

Table1. The Relative Amount of Water Needed to Activate Common Herbicides and the Duration of Residual Weed Control.

Trade Name Amount of Water Required to Activate (inches) Duration of Residual Weed Control (weeks)
Atrazine > 0.75 4-5
Balance Flexx > 0.75 2-4
Callisto 0.33 2-4
Dual II Magnum 0.33 – 0.5 4-5
Harness 0.5 – 0.75 2-4
metribuzin 0.33 2-4
Outlook 0.33 2-4
Princep > 0.75 4-5
Prowl > 0.75 4-5
Valor > 0.75 4-5
Zidua > 0.75 4-5

*Table adapted from the 2021 Mid-Atlantic Weed Management Guide.

 

Maryland Crop Report: May 2021

Reports are for crop conditions up to May 6, 2021

Western Maryland

The weather here has been a little dry. Soil moisture levels are adequate but more rain would be welcome once the corn is planted. Triticale harvest is rushing to a conclusion to make way for manure tankers followed closely by the corn planter. Full season soybeans are also being planted and the first of the alfalfa is being mowed. Wheat is looking good and barley is in full head. Hopefully May will bring more showers than April did. —Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Northern Maryland

Corn and full season soybean planting has been in full swing for about two weeks now. The weather and soil conditions have been great. We were starting to get slightly dry but some timely showers this week brought some needed moisture. Corn and soybeans that have emerged look very good. Barley is heading out, triticale has been cut, and wheat varieties are between boot and heading. Right now head blight risk is low in our region, but that can change quickly so don’t fall asleep on it!—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper and Mid Eastern Shore

Barley is in stage 10.1 – 10.5 and looks good. Wheat is in stage 10 – 10.1 and also looks good. Corn and soybean planting is moving along rapid and smooth. Soil conditions have been ideal since planting started. Early planted corn and beans are germinating and emerging without too many issues. We are off to a good start. There have been a few acres of hay cut and baled. Most of the rest will be cut in the next few dry days. —Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

Wheat is in boot stage or starting to head. Cover crops have been mostly terminated. Growers are spreading poultry manure and some lime. There has been more tillage than normal this spring, as wet conditions during harvest last fall caused ruts in fields. 10-20% of corn acreage has been planted. Weather has been relatively favorable these last couple of weeks for planting, although scattered rains have prevented some fields from drying out. A few farmers have started planting soybean, with much more acreage anticipated for next week.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

The region has experienced good planting conditions over the last couple of weeks. Corn planting progress is still a bit behind schedule with cooler soils limiting the number of early-planted acres. We have earlier planted soybeans this year as well. Germination and plant stands for both crops look good. Recent rains have made for ideal conditions for slugs. Farmers are keeping a careful eye out especially in no-till fields with heavy crop residue. Wheat is at the late boot to early heading stage. Farmers will be evaluating the need for a head scab fungicide in the next week. Insect and disease pressure has been light so far. Forage crops look great this spring. Alfalfa weevil were active very early this year and many fields required treatment. Pyrethroid resistance in alfalfa weevil is common in our area. First cutting of cool season grasses is underway. Tobacco transplants are ready to go to the field this week.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.