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Moisture conditions could shape corn harvest

An extension corn agronomist says moisture will influence the start of harvest for many growers.

Jeff Coulter with the University of Minnesota tells Brownfield crops in dry areas will likely need to be harvested first.

“Any fields that were under stress, you’re going to want to try to prioritize those first. But also remember the fields that are looking at a good yield, if they’ve been dry in the last month or three weeks or so, those are also high candidates for stalk lodging because they have that heavy ear.”

He recommends pre-harvest scouting.

“It’s important to look at your fields, kind of see how the stalks are standing (and) how strong they are. Pinch on some of the lower stalks, try pushing them over (to) see how well they stand up.”

Coulter says corn following corn is especially susceptible to lodging if it’s been dry the past month.