Dry topsoil conditions dominate farmer discussions in our area; as many corn, soybean, hay and pasture fields languish from lack of moisture. Earlier planted corn and soybean plants with deeper, more developed root systems, are generally holding up better than later seeded stands.  

Extensive replanting of soybeans has provided mixed results. Many fields now sport populations of well over 200,000 plants per acre.  he process of replanting broke hardened soil crusts, allowing a good number of the early May seeded plants to emerge, while often destroying less than 25 percent of that first time seeding. Depending on follow-up showers, depth of the replanting and location in the field, some field areas have many more plants than are desired. Drier hilltops and other areas may still look relatively bare, awaiting germination of seed placed in dry soil that has not been moistened by rain.  

Double cropped corn or soybeans after first cutting hay, or the taking of ensilage from a small grain seeding, are also being challenged due to lack of moisture. The topography of the field often determined whether or not emerging plants could be rowed last week. Spotty stands are the norm, rather than the exception. Most farmers have been disappointed lately, knowing that nearly all of the stated challenges could be overcome by a 24 hour 2-3 inch shower, or several days of significant rainfall.

Since most area wheat was forced towards maturation due to hot weather around Memorial Day, dry down of the grain has progressed, helped along by the mostly dry climate. If drier weather continues, we would expect a high quality grain to be harvested relatively soon. However, drawn out rain events would reduce test weights and total yield. Remember that each wetting and drying cycle, after wheat has reached a suitable harvest moisture, diminishes both quality and bushels binned.  

With limited acreage this year, farmers should be able to combine the wheat crop fairly quickly. Fields should be cut as soon as grain can be thoroughly thrashed from heads with little damage.  Most combines are capable of doing a good job at 17-18 percent moisture, requiring the wheat to bin dried to 13 percent. Some producers prefer to do that air dry down process at the farm, while others are able to take advantage of buyer subsidized drying incentives.  

After wheat combining this year, two immediate challenges will need to be addressed. One, do you bale the straw? And two, do you double crop soybeans? Both questions were addressed somewhat in last week’s Ohio Farm News column, but a few conversations this past week has prompted me to provide additional insight to the decision process.

First of all, straw prices may be at, or soon approach an all time high. Straw demand is strong and lack of wheat acreage has livestock farmers and other straw users aggressively questioning wheat growers about the purchase of straw right out of the field.  

Consider though, that each ton of straw removed takes approximately $30 worth of phosphorus and potash from the field. Do you add another $10 for organic matter (Nitrogen) and micro nutrients within a ton of straw? Is the “straw is good for the ground theory” also supported by increased biological activity? 

All are important factors to consider. Of course, if the straw can be baled on a timely basis, removal of some of the material may be advantageous to double cropping of soybeans.

When questioned last week about double cropping soybeans even if the soil is dry, several farmers emphatically said they would double crop soybeans regardless of dry soils or the soybean price. Their reasoning: running the drill through the wheat stubble helps the straw decay and contributes to a soil mellowing valuable to the next year’s corn crop. Having a chance (with sufficient rainfall) to combine double crop soybeans is just a bonus.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.