Hot, dry conditions continue to impact corn and soybeans in northeast and north-central North Dakota. The Red River Farm Network Crop Tour presented by Pioneer started the third day of its week-long run at Minto. Pioneer sales professional Steven Schuster said the recent rains likely have much of an impact on the crop. “We could have better bean size on later varieties, but most of the soybeans are done.” For corn, harvest is expected to be two-to-three weeks earlier than normal. Watch RRFN’s Minto, North Dakota coverage.
At Crary, North Dakota, Stromme Seed Company owner Trevor Stromme said the lack of moisture hurt the crops. “The corn is variable across the region. Beans have drought stress in areas, but otherwise I think everything’s going to hold its own and you know, I think we’re going to be in for an average crop.” Stromme said there hasn’t been much disease pressure and few insect issues. Catch more of Stromme’s conversation as he visits with RRFN’s Megan Ternquist.
McArthur Seed Company owner Jordan McArthur said the Munich, North Dakota area faced severe hail damage early in the season, forcing some replanting. Watch the story. Lakeview Seed owner Brock Mitchell at Rock Lake, North Dakota is also dealing with weather challenges, primarily from hot, dry conditions. Mitchell is hoping the crop will finish strong.
At midday, Pisek, North Dakota farmer and Pioneer sales professional Scott Bylin said dry conditions will take some yield off the top of the crop. “I think we’ll have some early soybean maturities harvested in middle end of next week, which is a couple weeks early.” Bylin also said sugarbeet farmers in the area will likely harvest their corn before beets, which is unusual for the area.
At Rolla, North Dakota, Pioneer sales rep Ross Garrison offered his perspective on the crop. “The corn looks really good, heading for black layer. The soybeans held pretty strong, which means strong genetics for the crop. No aphids in beans this year.” Garrison shares advice for growers.
Wednesday’s tour ended in Fessenden, North Dakota. Pioneer Seed sales rep Leon Klocke said yield is looking surprisingly well for the corn. “When we started in the spring, the ground was dry. The rains came after planting. About five weeks ago, they stopped. The last rain was about July 29. We only had one-tenth of an inch of rain last weekend” Despite that, Klocke remains hopeful for an average or above-average yield. Listen to more about what this means for the crop.
Red River Farm Network’s first annual Crop Tour continues through Friday, August 31, covering northwest Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. The Red River Farm Network Crop Tour is presented by Pioneer. Follow tour progress on Facebook, Twitter and via #RRFNCropTour18.