Friday in the Field | July 21, 2023

Recently, account managers in our trade territory took to the fields, taking a glimpse at what we might have in our bins this fall. I think everyone knows this growing season has been different than others.

If we look back at planting, we often saw optimal planting conditions and good soil moisture/emergence early on. Most fields planted before May 8^th had an excellent activating rainfall for preemergence herbicides around an inch. After those conditions seemed to grow increasingly dry, and other than a few spotty showers here and there, fields really took a toll in the months of June and early July.

The time has come to start applying fungicides to the crops. With the recent presence of moisture, crops are at an increased risk to be infected by a variety of fungi. Fields are now pushing a tassel and are actively pollinating which is the perfect time to apply fungicides and mid-season micronutrient fertilizers.

Every year, River Valley Cooperative asks its over 3,000 farm business owners to vote for representation in our boardroom.