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Sporadic harvest activity in east central Illinois revealing some surprises

An east central Illinois agronomist says he expects harvest activity to pick up this week, weather permitting.

Kris Ehler, sales agronomist for Ehler Brothers in Champaign County, says there’s been sporadic corn harvest in his area.

“For the most part, growers aren’t quite ready yet.”  He says, “From what I have heard though, sub 20% moisture on corn. It’s surprising a lot of growers once they’re actually getting out into it. That heat last week really pushed things along pretty fast.”

He tells Brownfield that disease pressure could limit corn yields, but optimism is high for soybean yields.

“Everything through the reproductive stages was fantastic.”  He says, “We had ample moisture, a lot of sunshine, not a lot of wind. I think we’re set up. Seed weight is a big thing, and we had a very wet August to really pack in seed weight for soybeans.”

Statewide, the USDA says 8% of the corn crop is harvested with 58% in good to excellent condition, 88% dented, and 50% mature, while 4% of soybeans are harvested with 57% in good shape and 46% dropping leaves.  One percent of winter wheat is planted.

AUDIO: Kris Ehler – Ehler Brothers