8-Lessons Learned from 2019Tyne Morgan – AgWeb – Farm Journal12/27/20192019 will go down as one of the most challenging crop-growing journeys in history; much of that stemming from unforgiving weather.  Late planting, unforgiving conditions, leading to a wet and snowy harvest.The yield story is one many growers didn’t see coming, creating a year full of agronomic lessons that could last a lifetime.For instance, we would tell a grower not to mud corn in unless he's doing it for crop insurance. That corn stand is so crucial, make sure you get it right.Not so much to worry about the calendar but to focus on the quality of job getting done.2019 taught everyone that planting dates don’t always matter.Stop worrying about the neighbor and know what is right for your farm.If we look at planter studies and planter attachments and how we can teach the planter to dance, it's just as important on June 5 as it is on May 5 as it is on April 15Don’t get in a rush and forget about necessary planter maintenance and set up.As genetics continue to improve, the crop is a little more forgiving when it comes to weather and planting dates. The idea of getting in a panic and forcing that crop in, I don't think we have to do that anymoreBe patient and know what the hybrid’s strengths are – cold germ tests.We have the technology that allows us to plant fast and do it in marginal conditionsSee item #1  marginal is still better than mud, but the pace is faster than it used to beWith a lot of our new genetics today, the last 30 days make the cropThe whole year matters, hope and disciplineDon't never walk away from a growing crop,’ because you don't know when the next opportunity is going to come along.Some tore out a marginal crop only to get another marginal crop plantedStick to your marketing plan.  Delayed planting sprouted a bullish reaction in the markets. Once the market realized a late-planted crop could still be made, that reaction turned sour.Those with less emotion involved took advantage of what the market gave for opportunities.https://www.agweb.com/article/lessons-learned-2019-planting-dates-dont-matter