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Southern Nebraska farmers credit strong growing season thus far

A south-central Nebraska farmer says it’s been a good growing season so far.

“Id say crops around here are some of the best we’ve seen. Beans have really started coming around, so hopefully it stays like that.”

Jay Reiners, who raises corn and soybeans, says there is some concern in the region about disease pressure.

“Southern rust is getting close to us, it’s all around us. Everyone is spraying fungicide for preventative,” he says.

Southwest Nebraska farmer Jan TenBensel says soybeans have gotten off to a good start.

“Of course in our area, the August rains are what makes the soybean crop, so with a little bit of luck, if we can see some moisture here over the next two to three weeks, we’re going to be golden on soybeans,” he says. “If we don’t, it’s going to be mediocre, at best.”

The USDA’s latest report showed soybeans in Nebraska were 75% good to excellent, with 55% of the crop setting pods.