Crop Progress Report

Crop Progress Report September 30, 2014 – Dennis Bischer Sugarbeets - Early harvest continues with yields that are better than expected. With good weather this could be a year for record yields. Soybeans - We expect a few fields of soybeans to be ready to harvest when weather allows. Although, most soybean fields appear to be more than a week away from harvest. Dry Beans - The excellent weather that we have had led many dry beans being harvested. 60 to 70 percent of the crop is off with yields ranging from 15 bags to 30 bags depending on the degree of white mold infestation. Corn - How about the recent weather to help our corn crop? It is much more likely to reach maturity now than it was 10 days ago, although we did have some frost damage to the upper portion of the plant. Silage harvest has begun and will continue for the next couple of weeks. A field planted on May 5th with 93 day corn is currently at 34 to 36 percent moisture. I think this gives a pretty good idea on where our corn crop is at right now. 98 day corn that was planted at the end of May is going to need some more heat in order to reach physiological maturity. Wheat - Planting is in full swing. Wheat acres are expected to be up this fall. Although all commodity prices are down, wheat looks like it is going to be a better crop to plant than corn or soybeans and is equal to dry beans in income per acre. Remember as planting date continues to get later to increase your seeding rate. From now until October 4th, I would plant 2 millions seeds per acre and then increase to 2.2 million seeds per acre after October 4th. Seeding depth of wheat should be at least 1" deep and a starter fertilizer in the fall is recommended to get the crop off to a good start. Alfalfa - Fourth cutting is now complete and it is starting to regrow. Hopefully, we can get some good weather to allow for adequate regrowth that will help the alfalfa overwinter. For product specific recommendations for your farm, please consult one of the staff members in Rapson.