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Minnesota farmer looking for corn to bounce back

A southeast Minnesota farmer is hoping his corn crop bounces back this year.

Brennen Toquam of Blooming Prairie says corn yields were down about 10 percent in 2018.

“Mostly (because of) too much rain, (which) didn’t allow that corn plant to use nitrogen. And it’s never good when you’re planting in June, so that was challenging (too).”

He tells Brownfield while the crop rotation will remain half corn and half soybeans, he is considering some management changes.

“Maybe instead of some of the SmartStax corn we’ll plant a little more double pros just trying to cut costs a little bit. We’re also trying to be a little bit smarter with where we put fertilizer. Not necessarily cutting back, but putting it in a better spot where that corn plant can use it better.”

Toquam says technology helps him determine what to spend on inputs.