Dr. Joe Lauer of the University of Wisconsin says the crucial planting window for corn in Wisconsin is shrinking. Farmers are being faced with replanting or late planting decisions, aided by cold temperatures and wet soil. Together these offer reduced seed germination and seedling emergence. To help you in the replanting decision making process, Dr. Lauer suggests you follow his 6 step program.
Click Link to Listen to Bryant and Dr. Joe Lauer’s conversation
- Determine plant population – To determine the number of plants in an acre, count the number of plants in ten rows, 17.5 feet long and take the average, multiply that by 1000, and you have your number of plants in an acre.
- Evaluate the overall health of your plants – Plants that are of questionable health should only be counted as a half-plant.
- Assess the unevenness of stands – Stand at the edge of your field and count the gaps in your field. Anything over 1.5 feet, you should deduct 2% of your total coverage.
- Compare the yield potential of a reduced stand to that of a replanted stand – when having to replant you obviously have to choose and earlier maturing variety, which always gives up yield potential.
- Calculate replanting costs – Replanting decisions must include the extra costs of tillage, fuel, labor, planting, seed and possible additional pesticides. And don’t forget the potential of additional drying costs at harvest time.
- Factor in risks of replanting – There’s no guarantee that when replanting you will produce a full stand.
Late planting
When planting corn after May 15th to May 20th, make sure you use a shorter season hybrid to maximize the best relative maturity for your situation.