Most of the spring planting is finished, with a few stragglers. Rain last week greatly improved emergence with seed that was mudded in. Crops in general look very good. With the rain just over a week ago, crop growth has sped up immensely; however, rain would be helpful presently, with the warmer temperatures and high winds drying out the topsoil. The main activity to date is pesticide applications on developing Canola flee beetle activity and weed control, primarily in small grains and some early corn. Baling of first cut alfalfa is beginning in the area.  However, yields appear less than usual with the early frosts this spring, and grass growth appears less than usual, so additional forage planting will likely be needed. Prevent Plant will be anywhere from 20-30 percent of the acreage not planted. Hard decisions will have to be made to decide whether to plant a cover crop or desiccate weeds, as needed, for cover. A few might use the hay decision and retain a much smaller amount of insurance coverage. The research center activities have moved along very nicely.  Research using barley and oats as cover on saline areas is being done at the research center, to determine productivity and soil healthy issues.

Bill Hodous

Ext Agent/Ramsey County

NDSU Ext County Programs