Planting time is right around the corner for spring planted crops here in Sampson County. A lot of decisions have already been made by farmers looking ahead to the upcoming growing season and some are still being made. The commodity market is not looking great and will probably not improve much throughout the growing season. Input prices are still high, although not as high as a few years ago. There is no way to truly predict the weather throughout the season, as seen last year. Last season we saw extremes in every sense of the word, from droughts to floods. There could be some repercussions from farmers attempting to save money on last year’s failed corn crop. I can’t blame them for this decision considering the circumstances. Weeds and insects went unchecked in some cases and they could be prolific this season.

Weather, insects and disease pressure are always hurdles that must be dealt with in the growing season. How do we deal with these obstacles? I think we need to look at what we can and can’t control. If farmers will focus on what they can control, it will help to mitigate what they can’t. In corn specifically, good yields are attained at planting. This can be said about most any crop. A good uniform stand is essential in making good yield. Dr. Heiniger, Corn Specialist at NC State, has said many times that putting the right variety in the right field at the right time makes the best corn yields. He always follows that up by saying “that is easier said than done”.

Variety selection is a major factor in yield. Take a moment and look at the land you have to plant this season. Think about your rotation and the logistics of getting everything harvested as close to the optimal time as possible. Using this knowledge farmers are better able to figure out exactly where to put each variety. This gives them the best chance to make a good yield. Timing of planting is the only other factor to consider. Trying to get everything planted as close to optimal conditions is essential. This is truly easier said than done because equipment issues and weather are just a couple of examples of what could bring planting to a halt.

The next way to start out strong this growing season is with a good residual herbicide program. Residual herbicides are essential in preventing weeds from becoming a problem before the crops can develop a canopy and shade weeds out. Post-emergence herbicides could be cut significantly with a good residual herbicide and an even stand, saving some money. Insecticide and fungicide applications should be made according to economic thresholds, which can be found through NC State resources, the only way to determine if there is enough pressure to necessitate an application is through scouting.

I hope that some of these tips will be taken into consideration as planting season approaches. If farmers are able to plant in optimal conditions, start with a strong residual herbicide program, and scout early and often, they will be in the best position possible to achieve high yields. This also puts farmers in the best position to turn a profit this season despite the economic outlook.