Dry conditions continue to cut into crop potential across the Red River Valley. Ada, Minnesota farmer John Brainard says the sugarbeet pre-pile harvest will begin in the upcoming week in his region. “Right now the sugar content is high but the tonnage is low.” Wheat yields have also fallen short following a prolonged stretch of hot, dry weather. “From a cost of production perspective, we’re not even gonna be breaking even on wheat this year,” Brainard said. In far northwest Minnesota, Scott Younggren’s wheat harvest is getting started, with some fields producing 70 to 80 bushels per acre. However, soybeans are showing drought stress. “I’m not quite sure our soybeans can be able to finish putting pods on with the moisture we have.” Both growers commented on the large cracks in the soil caused by prolonged dryness.
