July Agronomy Division Update

July has always been the mark that summer is half over. Combines are making their way through wheat and barley fields, double crop soybeans are being planted, and the corn is receiving its last pass of nitrogen and herbicides.

As we move into the heart of the growing season, this is also a critical time for crop scouting and in-season management decisions. Fields should be monitored closely for nutrient deficiencies, weed escapes, insect pressure, and early signs of disease. Identifying these issues early allows for timely responses that can protect yield potential and reduce the need for more costly rescue treatments later.

Hay crops have been extremely short this year, creating a forage deficit for many producers. We are well stocked with summer annual seed for those looking for another forage option, including products that can help fill gaps quickly and provide quality tonnage for late-season feeding.

Most areas are starting to receive “some” rain. Hopefully, this pattern will continue to strengthen and bolster crop production. With recent moisture and heat, crop growth has accelerated, making it even more important to stay ahead of fertility and protection needs. Foliar nutrient applications, post-emergence herbicide treatments, and fungicide or insecticide applications may be warranted depending on field conditions.

Rockingham is positioned correctly on fertilizer and will be able to offer competitive nitrogen prices through the rest of the growing season. Our field sales team is available to walk fields, evaluate conditions, and provide recommendations tailored to each operation to help finish the season strong.

Please reach out to your field sales representative or location manager for any recommendations and pricing. Thank you.

-DJ Myers, Agronomy Division Manager