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Illinois farmer expects corn yields will be comparable to 2021

A southeastern Illinois farmer says timely rains have him optimistic about his corn crop.

David Kermicle of Richland County tells Brownfield there has been a fair amount of rain in his area the last four weeks.

“At this point in the Olney area, I think we are looking at every bit as good a crop as we had last year, which was very, very good.”

He says increased seed costs for 2023 are concerning, but he is hopeful a plentiful harvest will help pay for next year’s inputs.

“Actually, with the yields we may be able to raise, if the price of corn stays good we will be alright.”

He says the potential for diseases like southern rust and tar spot are also top of mind.

“I think anytime it is this humid it can definitely happen, so there is some concern and we have sprayed most of our corn already.”

Kermicle says about half of the corn fields in his area are pollinated.