14 November 4, 2014 2014 LOGAN COUNTY FARM OUTLOOK MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com
for planting. According to the University
of Illinois Ag offices, winter wheat needs
two weeks of time in the ground before
going dormant in the winter months.
Furthermore, due to the wetter harvest
season, famers planting winter wheat will
need to keep a sharp eye out for toxins and
molds that grow in wet conditions.
Wet fields also present a hazard for
farmers working in heavy machines. Soil
compaction will become an issue for
farmers this season as they attempt to
harvest in wetter soil.
Speaking of vehicles, some farmers may
resort to using more drivers to bring in the
crops faster, in an attempt to make up for
later harvests, which will increase road
traffic. Increased traffic means all drivers
will need to remain alert on the road,
especially if farmers are trying to drive in
with crops after nightfall.
Finally, if push comes to shove, some
farmers recommend waiting until the
ground is harder due to lower temperatures
and a light frost. However, a hard frost
could set in, resulting in crops that are too
cold to harvest, or even grain split due to
the cold.
Overall, the weather has resulted in a
difficult year for harvesting in 2014.
However, if the farmers keep on pushing
forward, they can fight the wet weather and
still bring in a very good crop this year.
Sources
weather-crimps-illinois-corn-harvest/
columnists/farm_and_ranch_life/weather-
events-could-affect-this-year-s-harvest-
stress-levels/article_3213d20d-e2b7-54d3-
9a2f-b60568b8ac0a.html
crop-watch-oct/pdf_e65c4a9a-50b0-11e4-
93cf-7fa6a0d6c481.html
crop/above-average-yields-make-up-for-
slow-pace-of-harvest/article_2502e2d2-
53d5-11e4-bd91-67373eff59fc.html
news/crop/illinois-farmers-having-hard-
time-with-timely-winter-wheat-planting/
article_96700668-5860-11e4-8134-
8f15b93f9ea1.html
