Farmers in the Midwest have a yearly cycle of tasks that are crucial for successful crop production. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown, including planting and harvesting dates for corn, wheat, and vegetables, along with irrigation and other essential tasks:
January
- Tasks: Equipment maintenance, seed ordering, planning for the upcoming season, reviewing soil tests.
- Irrigation: Not typically needed.
February
- Tasks: Attend agricultural conferences, finalize crop plans, continue equipment maintenance.
- Irrigation: Not typically needed.
March
- Tasks: Begin field preparation (tilling, applying fertilizers), start planting cool-season vegetables (spinach, lettuce, peas).
- Irrigation: Not typically needed, but ensure drainage systems are clear.
April
- Tasks: Continue field preparation, begin planting corn (late April), and wheat if not already planted.
- Irrigation: Monitor soil moisture, start irrigation if necessary due to dry conditions.
- Planting Dates:
- Corn: Late April to early May.
- Wheat: Spring wheat planting starts in early April.
May
- Tasks: Complete corn planting, begin soybean planting, continue planting vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers).
- Irrigation: Start regular irrigation schedule for newly planted crops.
- Planting Dates:
- Corn: Early May.
- Vegetables: Various vegetables, including warm-season crops, should be planted.
June
- Tasks: Finish planting soybeans, weed control, start side-dressing corn with nitrogen.
- Irrigation: Regular irrigation, especially during dry spells.
- Planting Dates:
- Vegetables: Continue staggered planting for succession crops.
July
- Tasks: Pest and weed control, monitor for signs of disease, side-dressing if necessary.
- Irrigation: Ensure consistent moisture, particularly for corn during pollination.
August
- Tasks: Harvest early vegetables, monitor crop development, begin planning for fall harvest.
- Irrigation: Maintain irrigation for corn and vegetables as needed.
September
- Tasks: Begin harvesting corn for silage, start harvesting early maturing corn and soybeans, plant winter wheat.
- Irrigation: Reduce irrigation as crops reach maturity.
- Harvesting Dates:
- Corn: Silage corn harvested in early September, grain corn harvest begins late September.
- Soybeans: Begin harvest late September.
- Wheat: Plant winter wheat in late September.
October
- Tasks: Continue harvesting corn and soybeans, prepare for winter wheat emergence.
- Irrigation: Minimal, mainly for winter wheat if dry conditions persist.
- Harvesting Dates:
- Corn: Peak harvesting period.
- Soybeans: Peak harvesting period.
- Vegetables: Harvest fall vegetables.
November
- Tasks: Complete harvest, soil testing, apply fall fertilizers, field cleanup.
- Irrigation: Typically not needed.
- Harvesting Dates:
- Corn: Late harvest for remaining fields.
- Soybeans: Finish harvesting.
- Wheat: Ensure winter wheat is well-established.
December
- Tasks: Equipment storage and maintenance, review and plan for the next season, attend educational events.
- Irrigation: Not needed.
Additional Notes:
- Corn Planting Dates: Optimal planting window is late April to early May.
- Wheat Planting Dates: Spring wheat is planted in early April, winter wheat is planted in late September to early October.
- Vegetable Planting Dates: Varies widely; cool-season vegetables (e.g., spinach, lettuce) in March-April, warm-season vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, peppers) in May-June.
Irrigation:
- May-August: Critical for newly planted crops, especially during dry spells.
- July-August: Essential for corn during pollination and early grain fill stages.
- September-October: Reduced need as crops mature.
This schedule helps ensure that all necessary tasks are completed on time, promoting healthy crop growth and optimizing yields.
Triple K Irrigation is here to help. Visit our website (www.irrigationsupplyparts.com), call us at 517-45-8741, or email us at info@triplekirrigation.com.
