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Farmers at FPS are uncertain about yields this year because of variable weather conditions

From Corn Belt to the Delta, farmers have varying expectations for yields. 

Eastern Nebraska farmer Quentin Connealy says harvest could start within two weeks, but his expectations are low because of prolonged drought.

“I’m usually optimistic, but it was hot and dry, and I think we lost some bushels, I just don’t know how much yet.”

Shane Brelsford in Southeast Iowa says despite a stretch of hot, dry weather in August, there’s still potential for a good soybean crop. “Late or mid-August rains might have helped the beans quite a bit.  I’m pretty optimistic about beans but corn I’m a little more reserved on.”

North Central Missouri farmer Chuck Weldon says it’s been an ideal growing season, but “our beans are a littel concerning becasue a lot of them are four foot tall and taller and that doesn’t necessaritly rleate to high yields.”

South-Central Minnesota farmer Harold Wolle, First Vice President-elect with the National Corn Growers Association, says excess moisture will push back harvest about two weeks. “The big story appears to tip-back on the ears.”

Mike Burkhardt in Central Indiana says some crops suffered after receiving nearly 20 inches of rain within six weeks, but yields could be above trend lines. “If we have any yield loss, it will be in the lower areas because we’ve had too much water.”

Arkansas farmer Brad Doyle, President of the American Soybean Association, says soybeans have benefited from timely rains. “There’re a few soybeans that are starting to turn, but not many. Most of them are starting to finish out.”