Preparing for planting: Setting the tone for the season

“Planting sets the tone for the entire season,” says Tom Larson, director of agronomy for Stine^®. “When growers focus on field conditions and equipment readiness, they’re positioning each acre for strong performance before the crop even emerges.”

Watch the field, not just the calendar

It is tempting to focus on the date, but soil temperature and moisture levels tell the real story. In “When is it time to start planting? Key considerations for a strong start,” we emphasize the importance of placing seed into fit soils so crops can emerge evenly and face less early stress. 

Uniform emergence begins with planting into environments that support early root development and consistent stand establishment.

For example, corn requires a minimum soil temperature of 50°F to germinate properly, along with a forecast of warm, consistent conditions to promote uniform emergence. Soybeans can withstand slightly cooler soils but perform best when temperatures are above 50°F, as cold stress at planting can reduce vigor and lead to uneven or weakened stands.

Stine agronomists recommend measuring soil temperatures at a 4-inch depth, ideally in the early morning, when overnight lows are most accurately reflected.

Check equipment before the rush

Proper planter maintenance is equally important. In “A successful planting season hinges on proper equipment maintenance” and “Dust off your planter: prep checklist,” we highlight key steps, including checking meters, confirming seed depth consistency, evaluating downforce systems and inspecting closing wheels before heading to the field.

Taking time now to calibrate equipment can help prevent uneven stands and lost yield later. It can also help prevent untimely and costly maintenance issues that can bring planting progress to a halt. To keep equipment at peak performance, it must be properly tuned, especially during critical windows like planting when every hour in the field matters.

Stick to your plan

Even with careful preparation, planting season can bring unexpected challenges. In “#Plant24: Stick to the plan,” we encourage growers to develop a clear strategy and avoid making reactive decisions when factors change.

That includes:

• Prioritizing fields based on soil type and drainage
• Maintaining consistent planting depth
• Monitoring emergence
• Staying disciplined with hybrid and variety brand placement

By following a thoughtful plan and adjusting to real-time field conditions, growers can maximize yield potential and strengthen ROI. Disciplined placement, depth and field order help ensure uniform emergence and consistent performance across acres.