Consistent Scouting & Timely Decisions
With planting complete and crops off to a strong start, focus now shifts to protecting crop health and maximizing yield. The decisions made in the coming weeks will play a key role at harvest.
Now is the time to stay proactive with in-season management. Many growers are considering a second herbicide pass in corn and soybeans to stay ahead of weed pressure. As temperatures rise, weeds grow quickly— competing for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight — while shortening herbicide effectiveness windows. Timely applications are critical to maintaining clean fields and protecting yield.
Nutrient management is also top of mind. Mid-season applications, including micronutrients like MAX-IN® ZMB, can support plant health during rapid growth. Fungicide applications may also be warranted where disease risk is present. For corn, side-dress applications of nitrogen and sulfur remain important to meet peak nutrient demands and protect fertilizer investment.
Tissue sampling is another valuable tool this time of year. While soil tests show what’s available, tissue samples show what the plant is actually using, allowing for in-season adjustments and better planning for future fertility programs.
What to Watch in Your Fields:
• Stand uniformity and emergence
• Herbicide performance and late weed pressure
• Weed competition driven by heat and moisture
• Early signs of insects or disease
• Visible nutrient deficiencies
For alfalfa and grass hay, now is a good time to evaluate fertility needs following first cutting to support regrowth and forage quality.
Consistent scouting and timely decisions are key. By staying ahead of challenges and adjusting as needed, crops can stay healthy and positioned for strong yields. Contact your local Premier agronomist for any questions or concerns out in your fields.
Ken Jahnke
Division Sales Manager
