By David Bau
Heavy spring rains resulting in flooded fields have delayed planting for many farmers in southern Minnesota. Many of these farmers will have to decide what to do when the final planting dates of May 31 for corn and June 10th for soybeans.
The USDA’s Federal Crop Insurance Corp. policies have prevented planting provisions for payment if planting cannot occur before the final planting date. There are also options to plant after the final planting date, but with reduced insurance coverage.
For most of Minnesota, the final planting date for corn is May 31. It is May 25 for northern counties. The final planting date for soybeans in Minnesota is June 10. The late planting period extends for 25 days after the crop's final planting date at this point the insurance coverage is reduced to 55% for corn and 60% for soybeans.
University of Minnesota Extension agriculture business management educators have posted extensive information regarding prevented and delayed planting on their website. (Link:
z.umn.edu/prevplant18)
- Additional resources are available for farmers and their advisers. A worksheet developed by Iowa State University and adapted for Minnesota by Extension economists Robert Craven and Kent Olson, to evaluate their options when prevented from planting. The worksheet also helps evaluate whether to replant or not. The worksheet template is available online. (Link: z.umn.edu/3i80)
- Additional information and details regarding federal crop insurance rules and guidelines can be found on USDA's RMA website.
- For agronomic information related to crops, late planting and the effect on yields, late planting rates and maturities, cover crops and more, visit the University of Minnesota Extension Crops website. (Link: www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/crops)
- Search the early summer hail and flooding page for fact sheets specific to your situation. (Link: www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/crops/hail-and-flooding)