After last year’s drought, which impacted most of the Midwest, local farmers are optimistic this year’s corn crop will be the best in several years. The jury is still out on soybean yields.
Bob Nielson, a corn specialist with Purdue University, said last week the next 45 days will be crucial in terms of rainfall.
At the time, he said Indiana farmers needed rain, and rain has been falling over the past few days.
“The subsoil moisture has been carrying us,” Nielson said. “Right now everything is looking good.”
Nielson said the heavy rains that caused area flooding resulted in bare acreage where farmers elected not to replant.
“We’re on a reasonable track for a good harvest,” he said.
Corn and soybean crops in Indiana and Ohio are in the best shape among the nation’s leading production states, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture Crop Progress report.
Paul Marcellino, the Purdue Extension educator for Howard County, said the crops in the county are doing pretty well and are maybe a few days behind what would be considered a normal year.
“There was a period where we needed some rain,” he said. “The yields look like they will be above average.”
Marcellino said there was some wind damage to the corn crop, where developing stalks snapped.
“It look like a pretty good season for both the corn and beans,” he said.
Kent Chism, who farms near the Howard and Cass county line, said his crops are looking promising for this time of the year.
“The corn yield should be better than in 2011,” he said. “We’re getting the rain we need. The saying is July rain makes the corn and August rain makes the beans.”
Chism said soybeans are developing plenty of pods and getting ready to bloom.
“The cooler temperatures slowed the development,” he said. “We could use some warmer temperatures, but not 100 degrees.”
Chism said a recent wind storm caused some damage to corn plants, but they are bouncing back.
Mark Kepler, with the Fulton County Purdue Extension office, said the area is looking at an excellent corn crop.
“It’s going to be one of the best,” he said. “The recent moisture has helped and the anticipation is for a good crop as the prices have come down.”
Kepler said the soybeans are looking “beautiful,” but the yield remains unknown.
Kepler said it’s too early to determine the soybean yield, adding it is reliant on August weather.
Tipton County farmer Kip Bergman said the area has received enough rain lately, but a soaking rain would help. Bergman is hoping for warmer temperatures.
“The corn yield will be a lot better,” Bergman said. “It will beat the harvest in 2012.”
Corn and Soybean Digest reported that 65 percent of the corn and soybean crops are reported as being good to excellent with the best reports coming from Kentucky for both crops.