The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service Crop Progress Report indicates that corn planting is underway, with an estimated 25% of the nation’s corn crop planted and 7% emerged. Soybean planting is also making progress, with roughly 23% in the ground and 8% emerged.
While planting is still in the beginning stages, Stine® Seed Company agronomists want to emphasize the importance of early-season stand establishment as a key priority for farmers.
“After the crop is in the ground, the work is just beginning,” says Tom Larson, Stine’s director of agronomy. “Evaluating stand establishment is one of the first and most critical steps after planting. Scouting fields to ensure uniform emergence and pinpoint potential issues early can help guide decisions for the rest of the season. Through Stine’s Yield Maximizer Program, our agronomists are available to work alongside growers, scouting problem areas and providing expert recommendations on next steps if stand establishment is a concern.”
How we help
Once the crop is out of the ground, those participating in the Yield Maximizer Program can rely on Stine sales reps and agronomists to evaluate stand uniformity and estimated populations.
Specifically, they’ll work with farmers to assess:
- Seed-to-soil contact
- Planting depth and spacing accuracy
- Emergence uniformity
- Target population versus actual stand
- Seedling health
- Cold shock or crusting issues
- Early insect or disease pressure
- Other environmental or mechanical stressors
Once scouting is complete, we use the data and insights gathered to help identify problem areas and determine the most appropriate next steps, including:
- Replant decisions guided by economics and product performance
- Local trial analysis to improve product placement and management decisions
- In-season crop management strategies, with an emphasis on problem areas
- Forward-looking planning using each season’s insights to improve the next
“Growers should think about stand establishment as a necessary step on the path to higher yields,” says Larson. “They know well that farming is not a set-it-and-forget-it business — it requires consistent scouting, timely inputs and the ability to adjust strategies based on what Mother Nature delivers. It’s not an easy job, which is why Stine’s sales and agronomy teams are available to provide personalized, season-long support paired with data-driven solutions to help keep yield goals on track.”
To learn more about our Yield Maximizer Program and how we can assist with your stand establishment scouting this spring, contact your local Stine sales rep. To learn more about crop progress across the country, view USDA’s weekly Crop Progress Report.