No Major Problems Expected for Harvest
With harvest activity set to begin in the next few weeks, the crops look to be in good shape. While we have some stalk rot and ear mold around, for the most part disease issues have not been a major problem in corn. Thus, Rod King, agronomist with Brodbeck Seeds, sees a problem-free harvest, “It has been a very healthy crop, so that should help it finish well with lots of photosynthesis energy left to produce grain.” He added that the crop should move slowly and naturally toward maturity, “We will not have a lot of premature death caused by disease.” As for soybeans, King sees nothing major impacting harvest, “Overall I think we should see good bean size because we have plenty of moisture and nutrients.”
Despite some heavy rains in August and in early September, King does not expect a major problem with crop dry down, “We do have a lot of moisture in the system, plenty of humidity and moisture in the soil, and that may encourage some late season mold to set in. But I think we are on pace for good dry down.” With a little cooperation from the weather, he says Indiana should have a good harvest. He expects harvest activity to be in full swing by the third week in September.
Be sure to participate in the Hoosier Ag Today integrative poll next week which will focus on when you plan to start your harvest. Starting on Monday, you can text us your estimate or log in on our web site. Watch for details beginning Monday.