Replanting is not an enjoyable aspect of farming. After spending considerable time, money and effort to seed a crop the first time, there is little pleasure to be gained in doing it again. Yet, it happens.

In our neck of the woods, many fields of soybeans and some of corn planted around the period of May 4-7 have seen planters and drills for the second time this spring, stressing farmers, seed suppliers and others. Just to the east of us, it appears corn placed in the ground around April 21-22 has required more attention than the soybeans.

Farmer-after-farmer will verify that ideal soil moisture, coupled with proper seed placement, provided the excellent seed to soil contact required for optimal germination for the first go around. Unfortunately, weather conditions that followed crusted the soil surface with a concrete like barrier to seedling emergence. A number of growers noted that if the seed had time to swell and initiate rooting prior to the hard rain, emergence was less of a challenge. Of course, that varies field-by-field, soil type by soil type. Darker soil was warmer, thus the seed in those areas had a head start on seeds placed in lighter colored dirt.

Countless fields were walked by farmers, seed dealers and crop insurance adjusters in trying to assess the need to either start over or patch in where necessary. Pocket knives, screwdrivers, trowels, shovels and spades dug and dug, in the effort to diagnose the seriousness of the problem. Viable seedling counts, coupled with what germinating plants that might still survive, all went into the replanting decision. Lets not forget crust busting efforts by running rotary hoes, in-line disks, empty drills and the like; some successful, others not.  

Reflecting back on previous years, one farmer noted that his goal is always to be finished planting by May 10 for the first time. He has had enough reseeding experiences to know that one can never be too comfortable or confident that a second trip to the field with a planter or drill might not be just around the corner.

When analyzing stands, crop managers do more than just digging up seeded areas. Judging the health of the seedlings struggling to emerge is a critical part of the assessment process. Has the young corn plant begun to leaf out under the surface? Will the soybean cotyledons be able to push crusted soil aside to reach sunlight and fresh air? Or, are the fledgling plants doomed to rotting or irreparable injury in their quest for emergence?

Then there is that stress factor mentioned earlier. Farmers agonize over less than perfect stands. Replacing a large drowned out spot is a no-brainer. Trying to decide whether a stand is adequate requires a completely different mindset. Yes, there are charts and tables that tell you that if it is such and such a date, and the stand is so many thousand, historically you should leave the field alone. Following those scientifically calculated guidelines is easier if that location is miles away; not so if that planting is one you drive by daily. If spotting in thin stands, deciding from the tractor seat where to set down the planter and where to lift it again is a tough one. On baked in soybeans, just the soil disturbance of the seed opening mechanisms may be sufficient to bring on significantly more plants.

Almost forgot! Was the crop insurance adjuster contacted? Can the same hybrid or variety of seed be obtained for the reseeding process? Is that seed treated or not? Can you buy more inoculant? Those questions lead to the others who disdain replanting. Naturally, every farmer wants service as soon as possible, but please remember that exhibiting patience makes everyone’s job more pleasant.