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HARVEST SEASON DODGING RAINDROPS
Thursday, September 16th, 2010 -- 12:29 pm
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
After a rough year last year, 2010’s harvest is going much better for area farmers.
UW-Extension Crops and Soils Agent Richard Halopka says the harvest is in full swing, but farmers have had to dodge downpours.
"After last night, we're at a standstill again until the surface moisture burns off," he says.
He figures the corn harvest is about 30-40% complete, a bit ahead of normal, but far ahead of last year.
"Last year, we had a very cool season. We had our first frost right at the end of September. That caused the corn to be mature before it was mature on the stalk," Halopka recalls.
While some have predicted a record corn harvest this year, it will be hit and miss in our area. The heavy rains have stressed the crop in low-lying areas, but very high yields in other parts of the field should make up for it. Soybeans are looking excellent and many farmers are going for a 4th cut of alfalfa.
With the harvest in full swing, he says drivers should be cautious.
"If you're driving, just slow down a bit. You're in a hurry, the farmer's in a hurry. Observe what's going on before you try to pass equipment," he urges.
The Wisconsin Ag Statistics Service projects corn yield at 159 bushels per acre. But total production is expected to be 469 million bushels, up five percent from 2009. If realized, both yield and production would be record highs.
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