June is here, and farmers are still attempting to plant corn. Wet fields have delayed and frustrated crop producers throughout the area.

There are a number of important considerations related to delayed and replanted situations. Dennis Epplin, University of Illinois Extension crop systems educator, offers some strategies to limit and manage the risk.

If you have crop insurance, know the provisions and coverage of your policy. Remember that there are several different kinds of policies, and coverage can be purchased at different levels. Before taking any action, notify your insurance representative and confirm your benefits.

There aren't many positive factors related to late planting. Warmer soil should benefit planting conditions.

Epplin says adapted maturity hybrids are still appropriate into at least mid-June. Research indicates that delayed planting slightly decreases the growing degree units (GDU) required for corn hybrids. In general, the decrease in GDU requirements was about 5 GDUs for each day of planting delay until mid-June.

"Keep your standard seeding rate," says Epplin. "A slight decrease because of warmer soils may be possible. Planting depth can be adjusted for conditions; however, do not plant too shallow."

Minimize tillage operations to save fuel and time. No-till can be a good option. Be careful about creating compaction.

Nitrogen fertilizer can be side-dressed if you have not made a pre-plant application. Planting is job number one. Side-dressed N is more efficiently used by the crop.

Pest management may be an issue with late planted corn. The late planted fields will be common yet still attractive to a range of pests.

Finally, do not compromise farm safety because of the stress of late planting, cautions Epplin.