The Indiana soybean harvest is ahead of schedule. Statewide about 30% of the crop has been harvested compared to 20% last year at this time. But a forecast change in the weather may slow the pace of harvest, especially for soybeans, according to Brian Early, Indiana agronomist with DuPont Pioneer, “You are losing a little daylight every day; and, with more rain, it will take longer each day to get the moisture out of the soybeans.” He said, in addition, the corn that remains in the field is deteriorating quickly, “The stalks were not in good shape to begin with because of the drought, and they are starting to get very weak.” He said any storms will bring serious harvest challenges.
But even with a slowdown in harvest activity, harvest should be completed early enough to get fall field work completed. Early is recommending growers look at field fertility issues following this summer’s drought, “Soil sampling would be a good thing to do this year. Although, keep in mind with the dry soil some of your nutrient levels may seem a little off from what they usually are.” With lower yields, there is the temptation to cut back on fertilizer, but Early warns that may not be a good idea going into next year.
He told HAT most of the corn and soybeans are coming out of the fields very dry and, as a result, very little drying is needed, “It is nice to save a little this year on drying costs.” You can hear the complete interview with Brian Early on the DuPont Pioneer agronomy page and audio section of the Hoosier Ag Today Smartphone app.
[audio:https://www.hoosieragtoday.com//wp-content/uploads//2012/10/earlywrap.mp3|titles=Soybean Harvest May Slow as Rain Begins]