(Lakefield, Mn.)– The recent heavy rains we experienced were accompanied by wind in some areas that caused damage to corn fields. Jim Nesseth is with Extended Ag Services in Lakefield…
“Probably where we saw the most damage in the corn side is where we really had some drought stress. We’re seeing some stalk rot in a lot of that corn, a lot of that corn cannibalized trying to get some moisture and some nutrients to develop that ear and with that dry spell that we had. So we’ve got some corn fields that are kind of vulnerable and so with this recent wind and rain we’ve got some corn that’s tipped over, we’ve got some that’s broke off above the ear and below the ear, and so. The stalk quality’s not very good out there, Steve, so I would expect that our producers will kind of assess those fields and as soon as they can probably get it, I think the corn will probably go out before some of the soybeans are combined.”
On a positive note, Nesseth says the rain was still in time to help out some of the soybeans that are still green…
“Yeah, I think they’ve got a good chance to increase in some seed size. I think it will add some yield in some cases. Other cases where the beans are starting to drop the leaves it’s probably just a little too late to help them. We’ll always take the moisture but sometimes we get a little bit more than we want and so that’s going to present some challenges for harvest coming ahead.”
Nesseth says the additional chances of rain that are in the forecast will likely further complicate things. And he says the recent conditions will likely make variations in yields even greater.
The extended outlook for our area for mid to late September is for below normal temperatures and somewhat above normal precipitation.
