Local Crop Conditions         

[SEPT. 20, 2005]  LOGAN COUNTY -- Logan County suffered through heat and dry weather this summer. The saving graces for area crops were probably the record soil moisture we began the season with, and the fact that hot days were in the 90’s instead of the 100’s. Many people are comparing 2005 and 1988, but 1988 began with very little soil moisture, and had several days over 100 degrees.

Harvest progress varies by area of the county, with the eastern portions of the county lagging behind. Most harvest work has been done in corn, and I would estimate 20 percent of the corn has been harvested in the county. Yields have been better than anticipated, but substantially below the past two years. Yield ranges for corn have been 30-180 bushels per acre with high variability in every field.
Not very many soybeans have been harvested, with less than five percent completed. Early yields have been as variable as corn, with a range from the low 20’s to the upper 50’s.
Corn stalk and ear shank quality is suspect this year. In stress situations, we tend to get more stalk rots in corn. This can lead to stalk breakage and harvest problems. There seems to be quite a few ear losses at the head of the combine due to the weak ear shanks.
Soybean harvest should pick up greatly after the weather dries out. Most harvest work will shift back to soybeans, and probably remain there until soybean harvest is complete.

[News release]