The number one factor to high yields is rapid and uniform seed emergence and stand establishment. Slowing the planter down to plant at a pace that’s within the capabilities of your planter is paramount to obtaining a high-quality stand. We are aiming for our seed depth to be around 2” but if we need to go deeper to plant into good moisture then that’s certainly acceptable. We should check our planter at least once in each field to ensure the planter is performing the way we expect it to perform. Evaluate residue cleaners, planting depth, press wheels, and your closing system to ensure good seed-to-soil contact so we can obtain high quality stands.

For decades we have used 50 degrees as the right soil temperature to start planting corn. However, with improvements to our 10-day forecasting, seed treatments and hybrid vigor, the more important piece of information to be focused on is our day Growing Degree Unit (GDU) accumulation totals. If we want rapid and uniform emergence, aim for our 5-day GDU accumulation total to be over 70 GDU’s.

A strong start requires the right nutrients applied at the right rate, at the right place at the right time! Consider utilizing starter fertilizer to give seedlings an early boost, especially in cooler soils where nutrient uptake can be slow. Banding nutrients like phosphorus near the seed improves root growth. Zinc and Sulfur also play a critical role in early plant health and vigor.

Uneven emergence can cost us yield. Every plant needs to emerge uniformly and rapidly. We are aiming for plants to emerge within 12-24 hours of its neighboring plants for optimal performance. Having consistent down pressure, planting depth and good seed-to-soil contact helps avoid variability. Monitoring our weather forecasts and planting into a good warming trend can help ensure rapid early growth. Feed these rockstar seedlings with the proper nutrition to carry you through the season. You can’t have a 400-bushel crop without a stand of equal quality!