Despite growing season challenges, farmers are feeling more optimistic as the crop moves towards maturity and goes in the bin. It was a delayed planting season for Rolla, North Dakota farmer Doyle Lentz. However, that delay may have saved some of the crop. “It was dry to start with and there were emergence issues with the canola,” says Lentz. “The soybeans have had two inches of rain over the past two weeks, so they look very good.” Further south along Highway 2, harvest is also just beginning for Niagara, ND farmer Randy Schaley. The on and off cool conditions have not been ideal for wheat harvest, but a strong bean and corn crop is still in the works. “A rain right now would help the pinto beans finish and for sure top off yield on soybeans. There are mixed emotions about rain because it’s time to get going on wheat harvest.”