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Local Ag Expert: Drought Starting To Cut Into Yield Potentials

August 02, 2023 Steve Schwaller

(Lakefield, Mn.)– Extremely dry conditions are starting to take a toll on corn and soybean crops locally. Jim Nesseth of Extended Ag Services in Lakefield says it’s starting to get noticeable…

“Certainly seeing some signs of drought stress, especially on some of the lighter soils. I know a lot of those soybeans are starting to shrink and I know we’re starting to see a little bit of firing on the lower leaves of the corn.”

He says it undoubtedly is going to have an impact on yields…

“I really thought we had a potential for some 200 plus bushel corn pretty easy and I think maybe we’ve lost five, 10 percent of that already and soybeans probably the same thing. Soybeans have a little more of a chance here in August to get some moisture to maintain some yield, but it’s definitely hurt our crop.”

Nesseth says yield potential will continue to decrease even more the longer we go without measurable rainfall.

He says the dryness is also causing issues with increased spider mite and aphid activity in soybean fields.

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