Todd Easton Coles County August 27, 2010: A very few combines including my own have been working on corn fields since the mid to late part of last week. From what I have seen so far not too many records will be set in our area. Another less than desirable finding is the stalk quality in several fields is not very good and should be watched closely. Some of the earliest planted soybean fields have began to turn colors and could see a combine in two weeks or so. I have been pleasantly surprised with how well most of the beans have filled out in spite of the hot and dry conditions they have had to endure. Hopefully next week I will be more optimistic about what is out in the fields as we get into different fields and later varieties. Until Next week good luck and best wishes for your harvest season.

Crop Watcher 08-20-10 Anticipation

Todd Easton Coles County August 20 2010: The heat wave finally broke at the beginning of the week after some much needed rains came thru over the weekend. Unfortunately the rain was varied across the county with the north half getting an inch and a half or more and southern parts of the county barely got a sprinkle. Hopefully this weekend will bring more measurable precipitation because the soybean crop could still really use it to fill out the pods. The corn crop is now in the dry down phase as producers are in a rush to get equipment ready for the early harvest. Over in the far west side of the county there are reports of a few combines going after wind damaged corn fields and moisture tests are in the low twenties on some fields. Hopefully next week we will have some reliable yield reports to share and see how this crop dealt with this seasons challenges.

Crop Watcher 08/13/10 SAFETY FIRST!

Todd Easton Coles County August 13 2010: Well it is still very hot across the area and I’m sure much of the rest of the state. Weather forecasters promise a cool down this next week preceded by some rain and producers are sure hoping they are right. The extreme heat is pushing corn crop development forward very quickly and potentially causing a small reduction in final yield. Sample ears pulled from fields are testing from 30 percent to 40 percent moisture on my latest planted field with late maturity corn. Late season diseases have shown up in fields more than normal this year such as Grey Leaf Spot and Diplodia ear rot that has several producers worried about their final sample at harvest. Soybean plants being pulled out of fields are still looking good and still have good pod counts but those pods have just began to fill and without some moisture soon the yields may take a big hit this fall. The area unfortunately had a vivid reminder that the greatest profession in the world is also one of the most dangerous. A well known and liked local producer was tragically pinned by a piece of machinery he was working on and will be missed by many. It just can not be said often enough or loud enough SAFETY FIRST EVERYDAY!

Crop Watcher August 6 - HOT

Todd Easton Coles County August 6 2010: Hot is the word in our area and many others it sounds it sounds like, Crops seem to be tolerating the relentless heat for now but much more of it and the top end of potential yields may be sacrificed. GDU’s for April 15th corn is at 2300 this week putting us at 300 units above average quite the opposite of last year’s situation. Many large and good looking ears are being pulled out of fields fully dented and showing developing starch lines. Soybeans are entering the R6 stage finishing up pod fill and may show some yield reduction caused by this heat but time will tell. As much of an effect as the heat may have on the crops don’t forget the profound effect it can have on you. Keep cool, take it easy, and watch out for others.

Crop Watcher July 30 - Movin Along

Todd Easton Coles County July 30 2010: The calendar page has been turned over once again and has put us into the month of August already. Our corn crop is developing rapidly and I am confident that next time the calendar changes there will be several combines out in the fields getting started. Corn fields across the county are well into the dough stage with some beginning to dent. Growing degree units are just over 2100 for April 15th planted corn and should reach the standard 2700 GDU’s that is theoretically needed to mature a corn crop this month pretty easily. Soybeans have had no lack of water as they approach the full seed stage (R6) and should have a lot of potential and they work toward maturity which will be after several fields of corn have been harvested.