b'Seed Companies Scrambled in 2019as Weather Challenged Production2020 seed supplies called adequate. Frank Zaworski fzaworski@gmail.comTHE 2019 GROWINGseason in the United States forState University. A shorter growth cycle reduces seed yield.major crops, such as corn and soybeans, was widelyHow bad was it? The Illinois Emergency Management described as disastrous because of unpredictable weather andAgency determined the flooding was the states worst in more disease pressures. than 25 years. The conditions caused delays in the planting of The excessive rain and subsequent spring flooding in thespring crops, including corn and soybeans. In August, the U.S. Midwest and elsewhere sent seed companies scrambling to findDepartment of Agriculture (USDA) declared an agriculture disas-suitably dry planting ground that would mitigate the potential forter in the state.harm to seed crops intended for planting in 2020. Other areas of the Midwest, South, Southeast, and North Late planting due to cold and wet conditions during thefaced similar weather-related challenges to seed production. spring of 2019 shortened the growth cycle for major crops, says Susana Goggi, seed specialist and associate professor at IowaCorn Tested by Tough Planting ConditionsThe foremost challenge to seed production in 2019 was the wet spring, says Ryan White, head of North American Seed Production and Supply Chain for Syngenta. Planting corn really tested the creativity of our production agronomists and our seed growing partners. When we reached summer, we had a pretty good season overall with cooler temperatures that aided good pollination. In general, we met or exceeded our target yields in most cases.When we got to harvest, we had to, unfortunately, relive a little bit of the spring with wet conditions hampering harvest Dr. Susana Goggin of Iowa State University inspects corn test plot progress. 6/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2020'