Farm Progress released on Apr. 14 guidance for farmers facing uneven stands or gaps in their fields, emphasizing that decisions about replanting should be made based on stand counts, timing, and economic viability.
The topic is important as it affects both the profitability and productivity of farm operations during challenging planting seasons. Farm Progress operates as a key agricultural media entity offering news, market analysis and educational tools to support farmers nationwide. The organization publishes regional brands and organizes events such as the Farm Progress Show to highlight innovations in the sector. According to the official website, it delivers digital resources and community-focused programs to enhance farm operations.
Tyson Raper, Extension cotton and small grains specialist at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, said: “If you can get back into the field quickly and establish the replant, it makes sense to replant.” He also cautioned that if timeliness is not possible, “the decision to keep the crop is typically the right one.” Zachary Treadway from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture highlighted cotton’s resilience: “One of the blessings of cotton is that it will compensate for low populations… We do not recommend planting to achieve 15,000 plants per acre, but the data shows that cotton can compensate for the stand loss.”
For corn growers, Shelley Kerns from Louisiana State University AgCenter advised assessing plant populations by counting living plants in sample areas across fields. If numbers fall below certain thresholds—18,000 to 20,000 per acre—replanting may be justified depending on conditions such as soil type and field history. Kerns noted that late replants should use early-maturing hybrids for better yield potential.
Jarrod Hardke from University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture recommended maintaining current rice crops when stand counts meet specific minimums: three or more plants per square foot for hybrid rice or five for varieties. He said: “While that is a significant decline [in yield], when you add in cost…the likely outcome of replanting is no better than the current situation.” Hardke also stressed caution due to ongoing financial uncertainty: “It will be difficult this year to accept any additional cost for rice when economics are already in the red.”
According to its official website, Farm Progress supported agricultural communities by offering resources like market updates and educational programs through 18 regional and national brands connecting with farmers nationwide via print publications and digital platforms. It functioned as part of Informa PLC’s Informa Markets Division while organizing major industry events such as Husker Harvest Days.
As unpredictable weather patterns continue affecting crop establishment each season across regions served by Farm Progress’ network,according to its official website, access to timely information remains critical so growers can make informed decisions about whether—and how—to replant.
