As forecasts remain dry and warm, drought will continue to impact 2022 harvest results as well as influence planning decisions for 2023.
A warmer and drier than normal summer reduced yield potential after a delayed early planting season.
Percent of normal precipitation and departure from normal temperature data for June through August 2022 from High Plains Regional Climate Center
September precipitation was drier than normal, and temperatures were warmer than normal. These warm and dry conditions helped crops mature on time and ahead of any major frost issues, but did not help late-season grain fill. With crops already behind from early planting, this left an even greater strain on yield potential.
Percent of normal precipitation and departure from normal temperature data for June through August 2022 from High Plains Regional Climate Center
Over the course of the past month, drought has continued to build. The fall outlook does not appear to show any hope of alleviation. Without a wet winter and spring, drought will continue to remain an issue into 2023.
United States drought monitor maps for October, September, and May 2022 from US Drought Monitor
When it comes to pricing and economic outlook, corn is favored over soybeans going into 2023 with an expected yield of 190 (corn) over 60 (soybeans). This significant change raised anticipated return on corn by $30.50 and dropped return on soybeans by $9. Variable cost (VC) per acre and land costs are rising. While all fertilizer prices have been rising by 10% or more, UAN prices have increased by over 40% and ammonia increases surpassed 60%.
GFS and ECMWF generally agree on a warmer and drier fall period, but the GFS forecast shows a larger area with much drier and warmer conditions. This will help harvest finish up well ahead of normal but can lead to drier than standard grain weights and some lost yield at the elevator. Drought conditions will remain in place and expand as winter approaches.
GFS long-term forecasts
ECMWF long-term forecasts
Higher profit margins are expected for corn than soybeans this fall which will sway planning decisions for 2023. Additionally, the outlook continues to be dry and warm in the long-term forecasts. Drought will persist unless winter and spring predictions increase expected precipitation.
With a dry spring hanging over the corn belt, concerns of returned crop stress remain going into the second half of the season. Regional drought monitor maps give reason for this concern as drought lingers in across much of the central US.
As the heat of summer nears, so does the threat of fungal diseases infecting turf. Planning a fungicide application with adjuvants based on environmental conditions and the turf ecosystem can improve fungicide effectiveness.
Fungicides are an important part of plant health, protecting crops from disease. Corn tar spot, southern corn rust, and frogeye leaf spot are a few diseases that can be costly if not treated with an effective fungicide application. Planning an application with adjuvants specifically targeting these diseases is imperative to reducing disease pressure.
How do great ideas turn into high-quality products? The idea is translated into a stable, quality formulation then the questions begin. At what rate should the product be applied? When should it be reapplied? Can it be mixed with other materials? Does it need to be watered-in? We answer these questions by conducting field trials to put new product ideas to the test under real-world conditions.
Adjuvant decisions may not seem like a big deal, but they can make a real difference in active performance, agronomic effects, and overall cost of an application. It’s important to ask questions to understand product composition and potential agronomic effects to determine if an adjuvant will truly be cost effective.
Have you ever purchased a potted plant and noticed that after a few rounds of watering it, the water was going straight down to the drainage holes? This classic case of water repellency or hydrophobicity in the soil can be resolved with the use of soil surfactants, or wetting agents.
With ongoing drought in the southern plains and increased snow cover in the the north and west, the US is split between dry and wet conditions this spring. As rain and snow cover relieve California and surrounding states, the extra water is causing concern for dam pressure and flooding.
Maintaining consistent and uniform conditions within turfgrass ecosystems can be challenging. But, with effective turf management strategies such as the use of a wetting agent, localized dry spot, moss growth, and other ecological pressures can be managed in turfgrass ecosystems.
Burndown applications provide control early on to keep weed pressure low throughout the season. Improve coverage, minimize environmental interference, and ensure effectiveness by making sure these adjuvants are included in your burndown tank mix.
What happened at this year’s largest golf industry show? From sold-out seminars to a jam-packed trade show, this year’s GCSAA conference was a success. New connections, networking, and education surpassed expectations.
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