The combines are taking a break before returning to the fields for the final leg of fall harvest, which will likely begin next week. We finished picking our irrigated corn and while we are happy to have a viable crop, the yields were a little disappointing.
Our corn was trucked to both the local co-op and to a chicken facility about 45 minutes west. Because of a worse-than-expected corn harvest across the country, demand for corn has kept prices steady. That’s good news for farmers who had an all-around disappointing fall harvest. Many farmers will receive payouts from the federal crop insurance program to counter the yield losses due to drought and excessive heat. Much of our irrigated corn was assessed as having zero yield. That’s disappointed for a farmer that spent time and energy preparing the fields, planting the seeds and keeping the fields weed-free.
Our dryland soybeans, which also performed worse-than-expected, were swathed and bailed this weekend. Those soybean plants will be feed to our cattle as part of their winter feed ration. We will cut our irrigated soybeans and transport the beans to the local co-op next week.
- The combine unloads corn into the grain cart.
As usual, my role in fall harvest was minimal as I had to work all day. I did, however, continue my role in nutritional support by delivering lunch and dinner to the guys when possible. I always enjoy fall harvest because it means the beginning of cool mornings, changing leaves and football on the weekends.
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