Standing crops have farmers worried on Owatonna

OWATONNA — The number of corn stalks still standing in the fields may have deer hunters grumbling, but it also has plenty of farmers worried what will become of this year’s harvest.

Although the past week of warm, dry weather has allowed farmers a chance to get into fields, early October snow and a month of intermittent rains did nothing to help farmers trying to get corn and beans out of the ground and to the market.

“Before today, I was maybe 40 percent done with beans and had done no corn yet,” said Brian Schmidt, Friday. “Basically, I worked a day and a half on beans in October.”

Schmidt farms about 240 acres on his own in addition to acres shared with his brother between Claremont and Owatonna.

Although both beans and corn are generally late harvest crops, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Services, during the month of October, less than two days were rated as suitable for fieldwork each week.

Across the state, soybeans were 44 percent harvested, compared to 91 percent last year and the five- year average of 93 percent. Corn was at 6 percent harvested, 22 points behind last year and 42 points behind average.

Statewide, sugarbeets were 71 percent harvested, 16 points behind last year’s figures.

The unharvested crop will not only mean a loss for this year, but can effect next year’s planting. The 2009 planting season had a late start after 2008 crops were also left standing due to early snow.

Schmidt said despite all this, he — like other farmers — is still hoping for a good crop.

“We still had high hopes of a very good crop if we can get it,” he said.

However, the longer the crops stay in the field, the more quality can drop.

“Especially with corn, we’re dealing with quality issues. We’re loosing the test weight because the crop didn’t mature right because of the cool summer,” Schmidt said. “ You could loose 10 percent to 15 percent on test weight.”

The bad weather also effects prices. With a possible loss looming, supply is down but demand is up.

Prices received by Minnesota Farmers for Corn in October averaged $3.40 per bushel, an increase of 23 cents from the September price, according to the USDA, NASS Minnesota Field Office. Soybeans were up 11 cents to an October price of $9.65 a bushel.

Schmidt said he is hoping the weather will stay clear enough to catch up by Thanksgiving.

“The extended weather forecast sounds pretty good until Thanksgiving. If that holds true, it would be possible to get done by Thanksgiving,” Schmidt said. “It’s a matter of making decisions. There might be some guys who will have to let corn stand all winter.”

Rick Hiltbrand, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Chanhassen, said next week’s weather should hold out for farmers in this area.

“What we’re thinking right now is that Monday will be dry through Wednesday. So we have several days coming up where farmers will be able to continue working in the fields.,” Hiltbrand said.

It will also be unseasonably warm, with highs around 50 to 55 degrees next week.

“Normally, you’d be looking at highs in the middle 40s, so temperatures will be quite mild,” Hiltbrand said. “Also, if things work out, humidity levels in the afternoon are going to be pretty nice, especially on Tuesday. It looks like we will have some pretty nice mild weather for early November.”

Wendy Reuer can be reached at 444-1565.

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