KTIV, IA
10-13-06
Uneven Harvest For Some Siouxland Farmers
A mixed bag. That's how one crop expert describes what western Iowa farmers
are are finding in the way of yields from their fields this fall.
Corn yields are ranging all the way from near zero in some places where it got
too hot and too dry in July, to surprisingly good in others where rain fell when it
was needed. That's according to Iowa State University Extension Crop
Specialist Joel DeJong. He estimates about one-tenth of northwest Iowa's corn
is harvested now.
DeJong says the soybean harvest is nearing completion, and while there are
some problem spots, overall, this may be one of the best years for soybean
yields in the area. Statewide, well over two-thirds of the bean crop is in storage
already and farmers have brought in nearly one-fourth of the corn. Across the tristate area, harvest progress is close to the five-year average.
The vast majority of crops matured in time to escape damage from this week's
killing frost, which will speed up the process of drying corn that's still in the fields.