MONROE - Despite concerns about dry weather this summer, area farmers are seeing higher than average crop yields this harvest.
The 2015 harvest season is growing to a close, said Green County Agriculture Agent Mark Mayer, and while late summer conditions pointed to less hopeful yields, soybeans and corn are both looking to exceed expectations. Low rainfall in late July and into most of August was a concern for planters in Green County. The dry conditions were particularly worrisome in August for those monitoring soybeans because it is peak growing time for the crops.
For beans, the county has recorded roughly 55 to 65 bushels per acre despite the lack of rain during crucial growing time and the added nuisance of white mold found on some crops. The five-year average has been 52 bushels, with the highest yield at 56.5 in 2011. Compared to last year's figure of 51.7, Mayer said the area should have a higher yield average for 2015.
"Overall, we've had very good yields despite the dry weather we had in July and August," Mayer said. "Corn and bean crops are being harvested above normal and the quality is generally pretty good."
Mayer even said the harvest has been ahead of schedule.
For corn, yields have been averaging 175 to 200 bushels, although there have been a number closer to 250. Mayer said most have had "excellent test weights" and the weather has been beneficial to the farmers.
A drying cost for corn will generally take 15 to 20 cents per bushel off of the amount paid to farmers for their crops. This year, the weather has dried out much the yields already, saving farmers money.
John Wuethrich, a local farmer, said that has been the case with his harvest. Lower fuel costs this season has also saved his operation some money as well. Though the lower cost of crops has been a problem for farmers, Wuethrich sees the average of $3.50 per bushel as a positive.
"I think a guy could make it work," he said. "It's lower than it has been, but it's better than last year."
Wuethrich Farms predicts its average corn yield to be 220 to 240 bushels per acre. The operation has 400 acres of corn and soybeans.
For beans, Wuethrich said an average of 74 bushels per acre is a happy sight for him.
"For the amount of rain we had, I was pretty impressed with them," he said. "It's been going great."
The 2015 harvest season is growing to a close, said Green County Agriculture Agent Mark Mayer, and while late summer conditions pointed to less hopeful yields, soybeans and corn are both looking to exceed expectations. Low rainfall in late July and into most of August was a concern for planters in Green County. The dry conditions were particularly worrisome in August for those monitoring soybeans because it is peak growing time for the crops.
For beans, the county has recorded roughly 55 to 65 bushels per acre despite the lack of rain during crucial growing time and the added nuisance of white mold found on some crops. The five-year average has been 52 bushels, with the highest yield at 56.5 in 2011. Compared to last year's figure of 51.7, Mayer said the area should have a higher yield average for 2015.
"Overall, we've had very good yields despite the dry weather we had in July and August," Mayer said. "Corn and bean crops are being harvested above normal and the quality is generally pretty good."
Mayer even said the harvest has been ahead of schedule.
For corn, yields have been averaging 175 to 200 bushels, although there have been a number closer to 250. Mayer said most have had "excellent test weights" and the weather has been beneficial to the farmers.
A drying cost for corn will generally take 15 to 20 cents per bushel off of the amount paid to farmers for their crops. This year, the weather has dried out much the yields already, saving farmers money.
John Wuethrich, a local farmer, said that has been the case with his harvest. Lower fuel costs this season has also saved his operation some money as well. Though the lower cost of crops has been a problem for farmers, Wuethrich sees the average of $3.50 per bushel as a positive.
"I think a guy could make it work," he said. "It's lower than it has been, but it's better than last year."
Wuethrich Farms predicts its average corn yield to be 220 to 240 bushels per acre. The operation has 400 acres of corn and soybeans.
For beans, Wuethrich said an average of 74 bushels per acre is a happy sight for him.
"For the amount of rain we had, I was pretty impressed with them," he said. "It's been going great."