News

Farmer concerned about rainy harvest delays

The wet weather spell across much of the Corn Belt is causing concerns about getting crops harvested in time.

Central Illinois farmer Marty Marr tells Brownfield Ag News they had 90% of their corn harvested and 30% of their beans done before the rains hit.

“There are going to be some areas out in these fields that we’re gonna have to leave some spots, I’m afraid. And, we had done so in a couple of corn fields where we have to go back and pick up, you know, a six- or eight-acre piece out of a field.”

Marr says the timing could have been worse for corn and they are largely happy with yields.

“Yields are very good. They’re, of course, above normal just about everywhere we go here. (We’ve) really been blessed with great yields. Just very, very fortunate in that area. Corn and beans both!” Marr says they’re pretty concerned about their soybean harvest but still hopeful.

“We’re getting into an area where you’re going to start to wonder whether some of these beans start popping out on you. Just trying to get across some of these fields could be a real challenge. We might have to resort to some things like whipping out a set of tracks here just to get some harvest done. But, if we can get a run at it, hopefully clear off a big area here with little time.”

Marr is director of the Illinois Corn Association board for District 10. He farms west of Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County near New Berlin.

AUDIO:  Interview with Marty Marr (3:00 mp3)