Farm Bureau Young Leaders estimates 2018 corn yields at 207 bushel/acre

[August 22, 2018]    Last week the 4th annual Logan County Farm Bureau Young Leaders crop tour went underway.

Participants Alan Moldenhauer, Kyle Atteberry, Matt Wrage, Eli Klokkenga, Blair Bruns, Brent Gieseke, Kyle Klockenga and Cody Pettit dispersed amongst the corn fields across the county to collect the samples. While collecting these samples observations were taken of the overall condition of the corn crop.

Every growing season bring us different challenges. This year had a set of its own. The spring was delayed by one of the coldest Aprils on record. Snow fall the first three Sundays in April had many farmers wondering if they would ever get in the field.

Surprisingly enough the 2018 crop was planted in what was a record time for many farmers. The cold April was followed up by a very warm and dry May and June. The rains finally came midsummer and were sporadic but the heat was widespread and was here to stay.

The heat and humidity contributed to the 2018 corn crop boasting the worst year for the fungus “Grey Leaf Spot” in recent memory.

All in all this year’s crop appears to very solid. While it is not predicted to break any records it will likely place amongst the top five for Logan County.

The yield estimate was done with the same method as the last four years, pulling ear samples and taking harvestable ear counts from multiple fields in each township. From there, kernel counts are done and the count relies on the law of averages.

One important factor is the estimation of the weight of the kernels (how many kernels will it take to make a bushel). Guessing too low we overestimate the crops potential. Guessing too high we underestimate the crops potential as we did last year. Last year a factor of 87,500 kernels per bushel was used.

August of 2017 was cooler than average with plenty of moisture which equated to a deep kernel fill and record test weight. 2017 kernel weights back figured to 78,800 kernels per bushel.

This year the group chose a factor of 85,000 kernels per bushel. This summer’s heat, drier conditions, and heavy disease pressure will likely contribute to a lower kernel weight than 2017.

The results of the 2018 FBYL crop tour projects the Logan County corn yield to be 207 bushels per acre. Changing the kernel factor to 2017’s actual kernel factor of 78,800 would increase the yield estimate to 223 bu/acre. For more information on this year’s crop tour contact the Farm Bureau office at 217-732-7326.

[Matt Wrage]