Planting corn in cold wet soils results in reduced yields. When the soil temperature reaches 50o F and is rising (with ideal moisture), that is the optimal time to plant corn. Regularly check soil temperatures 4-inches deep just after dawn with a thermometer. To avoid problems, check the weather forecast and soil temperatures on fields to be planted. Wet soils or fields with more crop residue and/or poor drainage tend to be wetter and colder. Water keeps the soil cold requiring 10X more energy than air to warm up soil. Improving drainage, reducing soil compaction, and improving organic matter (from live roots) allow soils to dry out faster. A good live cover crop like cereal rye may transpire 0.2 to 0.3 inch of water per day, drying out and warming the soil. Early during the corn planting season, plant corn varieties with a high cold tolerance. Many corn varieties vary in their cold tolerance as do company ratings. Look at the cold tests and seed viability and plant the highest c...

  Extreme weather appears to have become “normal”. Actually, maybe the last 50 years (1960- 2010) may have been “abnormal” when you look at long-term climate records. What is considered extreme weather today was more normal several hundred years ago. What should we expect and how can we adapt in the future? Yearly average moisture for Northern Ohio has been 32-36 inches with 42-50 inches in Southern Ohio. The last four years have been among the top ten wettest on record and Northern Ohio averaged 50 inches (excluding Lake Erie affected counties), possibly going to 60 inches. Northern Ohio weather today is more like Southern Indiana weather 30 years ago. Extreme weather events will change your future farming operation. During wet springs, farmers use large equipment and additional hired help to plant in a shorter time period. Growing winter cover crops with evapotranspiration may dry the soil quicker. Controlled traffic and cover crops also promote firmer soils for timely planting. ...