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Southeast Minnesota farmer has “really phenomenal” crop coming

Many farmers are looking at excellent corn and soybean yields if the weather cooperates through harvest.

Gail Donkers grows corn, soybeans, and alfalfa near Faribault in southeast Minnesota.

“You know, it’s really kind of scary (because) it’s really phenomenal. When those derecho winds are predicted, my husband and I just looked at each other and (said) ‘of course, we have a stellar crop out there.’ So yeah, really really good. We’re super excited about the crop that’s out there this year.”

Speaking to Brownfield at Farmfest in southwest Minnesota last week, she said recent strong winds did cause some minor tree damage.

“In 2018 we got hit by a tornado on September 20th, something no farmer needs to have, lose all the grain bins and dryers and those types of things. So whenever we have severe weather, the hair rises on the backs of our necks and we go ‘please miss us.”

Donkers says while consistent rains have been good for the crops, it has also complicated making hay.