Items by Chad Lee
What to consider if switching to RR-only or non-GMO corn hybrids
By Chad Lee,
Raul Villanueva,
and Travis Legleiter
Published on Oct. 14, 2025
As farmers look at the economics of 2025 and the projections for 2026, some are considering cutting back on traited hybrids for the RR-only or non-GMO hybrids. The RR-only and non-GMO hybrids could reduce seed costs by about $20 per acre up front.
Cover crop considerations for 2026
By Chad Lee,
Erin Haramoto,
and Hanna Poffenbarger
Published on Oct. 13, 2025
Farmers in Kentucky have been managing many fields no-till and low-till for decades. Cover crops are needed to help reduce soil erosion, especially when following soybeans. Soybean residue is decomposing by February in many fields, leading to soil erosion. The top priority of a cover crop in these fields is to reduce soil erosion.
A wet spring and dry summer make for wild yield swings
By Chad Lee
Published on Sep. 12, 2025
Most of the regions in Kentucky growing corn and soybeans received between 40 to 51 inches of rain by the first week of July. Most of those same regions have received very little or scattered rains since.
Corn is not making your days more humid
By Chad Lee
Published on Jul. 25, 2025
When it gets very hot and very humid, people see the fields of tall, green corn and point the finger at these fields. Corn is not making your days more humid unless you are walking in corn fields all day.
Corn is Demanding a Lot of Water and Our Soils Should Have It
By Chad Lee
Published on Jul. 16, 2025
According to the July 6, 2025 USDA Crop Progress Report, 40% of corn in Kentucky had reached silking and 4% had reached the dough stage. From the earliest appearance of tassels until pollination is complete corn demands the most water and is the most sensitive to a lack of water.
Corn across Kentucky will jump over the next week and we’ll find out if we need to pay for any planting sins.
By Chad Lee,
Matt Dixon,
and Mohammad Shamim
Published on Jun. 20, 2025
The heat and sun over the next few days will send a lot of corn to tassel and will help younger corn reach rapid growth. All of the corn that had looked pale and yellow during those storms will reach a deep green color by Monday, June 23, 2025, as long as it has adequate nutrients and good roots.
Kentucky Wheat Yield Contest Changes for 2025
By Chad Lee
Published on Jun. 13, 2025
The Kentucky Wheat Yield Contest has two major changes for 2025. The first change is a new harvest area size of 1.50 acres. The second change is the addition of Wheat Quality Awards.
Cover Crop Options on Prevented Planting Acres in 2025
By Chad Lee,
Chris Teutsch,
Erin Haramoto,
Hanna Poffenbarger,
and J.D. Green
Published on Jun. 13, 2025
As of the June 9, 2025 USDA Crop Progress Report, corn planting progress was only 88% which is 7 points behind the 5-year average of 95%.
Flooding and Freezing Effects on Wheat and Corn
By Chad Lee
Published on Apr. 11, 2025
Articles in this newsletter address the rainfall totals received since the first of April and the expected nitrogen losses from those conditions. There are other concerns about how the wheat crop will recover from the excessive rains. The following are some expectations and assumptions. Be cautious with these.
Winter Wheat in February
By Chad Lee
Published on Feb. 21, 2025
Most winter wheat survived well during the previous cold weather. While the air temperatures dropped near zero most soil temperatures at 2 inches below the surface remained above freezing (Kentucky Mesonet).