Weed Control, Filling in Ruts from Harvest Still on Farmer To-Do List

Planting progress has been slow, but that’s about what you can expect this time of year in Michigan.

“I’ve seen some guys put in some soybeans; a couple guys have tried some corn, but for the most part guys are just worried about their sugar beets right now,” says Pioneer agronomist Josh Whelan.

It’s been a bit cold and a bit wet, but Whelan says farmers in the Lansing area have been busy.

“Overall, the conditions have been pretty good. There’s been a lot of groundwork since March and people are definitely getting out there trying to kill some weeds. I know those that had some oats for cover crops are having a hard time; they didn’t get the winter kill they expected. So, I know a lot of folks had been out spraying those as well.”

While he’s pleased with fieldwork progress so far, Whelan would like to see some additional spring tillage before planting gets underway to take care of some of the unavoidable ruts from harvest.

“I know a lot of guys were still harvesting crops through January and February. I know the ground never really froze like we typically expect here in Michigan. The temperatures fluctuated quite a bit and whenever we did get cold temperatures we got snow, so it wasn’t suitable for harvest then either. So, I totally understand why there are ruts out there and don’t blame anybody for making them, we just need to make sure you try to fill them in a little bit before we get to planting.”

Whelan provides additional planting tips in the full MAT interview below.

Find your Pioneer salesperson and agronomist at pioneer.com/findmyrep.