Above average corn and soybean crops were seen across central and south central North Dakota. The Red River Farm Network Crop Tour presented by Pioneer started day four at Steele, North Dakota. Elite Ag Solutions owner Neil Fanta is looking at an average corn crop. The more production soils will average about 160 bushels per acre or better. Catch the start to Thursday’s tour.
Soybean pods are filling near Kulm, North Dakota. Ag Outfitter LLC owner Bruce Kusler said some farmers may have 25 bushel per acre soybeans. “But, if someone said 80 bushels per acre, I’d believe them.” The crops at Kulm and north are thriving, while farmers south of Kulm missed out on many rains, causing crops to suffer. With fewer sunflower acres in the area, blackbirds have made the transition to the corn crop. Learn more in this video.
Pioneer Sales Representative Todd Sjostrom said the Jamestown, North Dakota area had near perfect planting conditions. An above average corn crop is expected, with the variable for soybeans being white mold. Harvest is expected to start at the end of September or early October. Get a crop update from Sjostrom in this video.
At Tower City, North Dakota, Innovative Ag Solutions operators Justin Johnson and Brandon Larson said later-than-normal planting and rains benefited the crop. “The early soybeans are doing well,” said Johnson. “An average soybean yield would be in the mid-30s, and I’m expecting an above average crop.” The corn crop is also expected to be above average, according to Larson. The Tower City area is 200-plus Growing Degree Units ahead of the long-term average.
Near Hope, North Dakota, Keith Ihry Pioneer Seeds Sales Associate Matt Powell said about 80 percent of the corn is dented, and “stalk integrity is not a concern at this point.” Soybean harvest is expected to start the third week of September. Watch the final update of Thursday’s tour.