Latest News From Harvest

8 Field Activity Data Types You Need to Collect Now
8 Field Activity Data Types You Need to Collect Now

Data — a word that packs a punch but can be hard to define. From planting to irrigation, it's necessary to have a digital record of these field activities to participate in sustainability and crop traceability programs.

2023 Crop Production Déjà Vu? USDA's Latest Report Shows Brazil's Crop Isn't A Disaster, Despite Crippling Drought Early On
2023 Crop Production Déjà Vu? USDA's Latest Report Shows Brazil's Crop Isn't A Disaster, Despite Crippling Drought Early On

USDA cut its estimate for Brazil’s soybean production by 1 MMT in the March WASDE report, which was less than what the trade expected. USDA didn’t make any cuts to Brazil’s corn.

Central Life Sciences Launches New Insecticide For Stored Grains
Central Life Sciences Launches New Insecticide For Stored Grains

Gravista-D can be applied as a pre-bin treatment and on post-harvest grain as it flows into storage for extended residual insect control.

Seed Impact Mill Technology Hammers Herbicide-Resistant Weeds
Seed Impact Mill Technology Hammers Herbicide-Resistant Weeds

Harvest weed seed control systems have a hefty price tag, but some farmers and researchers say they are a good investment and provide a ROI, especially where resistant weeds are taking over and control options are few.

The El Niño Effect: Is El Niño to Blame for the Historic Heat and Drought that Gripped the U.S. in 2023?
The El Niño Effect: Is El Niño to Blame for the Historic Heat and Drought that Gripped the U.S. in 2023?

From the intense heat in the South to drought blanketing much of the U.S., weather stole headlines again in 2023. What caused such extreme conditions? One meteorologist explains the culprits of the heat and drought.

5 High-Yield Farmers Share Their Secrets
5 High-Yield Farmers Share Their Secrets

It’s no surprise those who chase high-yield honors set aside acres for that very purpose. However, there’s something to learn from the management practices that go into growing a record crop.

No Dryland Crop to Harvest: West Texas Cotton Farmers Open Up About the Harsh Realities of 2023
No Dryland Crop to Harvest: West Texas Cotton Farmers Open Up About the Harsh Realities of 2023

West Texas is the largest cotton production area in the country, but after battling drought and heat, area farmers say the dryland crop is a failure, and the irrigated acres are only yielding half of normal.

West Tennessee Farmer Says He Just Harvested the Best Cotton Crop of His Life
West Tennessee Farmer Says He Just Harvested the Best Cotton Crop of His Life

After a year of struggles in 2022, this year’s crop reaped weather that was much more favorable for growing cotton. Burlison, Tenn., farmer Brad Williams describes this year’s growing season as almost perfect.

Harvest Update: Less than 5% of Corn Acres to Go
Harvest Update: Less than 5% of Corn Acres to Go

According to USDA’s final crop progress report of the season, 96% of corn has been harvested — a 3% increase from last week.

Harvest Update: The Home Stretch for Remaining Corn Acres
Harvest Update: The Home Stretch for Remaining Corn Acres

According to USDA’s crop progress report, 93% of corn has been harvested so far – an increase 5% from this time last week.

Lost and Found: Bottle Hunter Digs Extraordinary Farmland Treasures
Lost and Found: Bottle Hunter Digs Extraordinary Farmland Treasures

Tom Askjem disappears under farmland, descends to depths of 13’-plus, and returns to the surface with treasure—bottles and glassware from agriculture’s past.

Harvest Update: 13 States Wrap Up More Than 90% of Soybean Harvest
Harvest Update: 13 States Wrap Up More Than 90% of Soybean Harvest

According to USDA’s crop progress report, 88% of corn and 95% of soybeans have been harvested so far.

East-Central Texas Farmer Blown Away By Cotton Yields This Year
East-Central Texas Farmer Blown Away By Cotton Yields This Year

East-central Texas farmers battled historic heat, along with no rain during the heart of the growing season. The outlook on the cotton crop was bleak, but one Texas farmer says cotton harvest produced several surprises.

Combine Cleaning: How A 30-Min. Air Bath Pays Big Dividends 
Combine Cleaning: How A 30-Min. Air Bath Pays Big Dividends 

Here's how and why you need to clean your combine after harvest and before you park it for the winter.

Harvest Update: Less than 10% of Soybeans to Go
Harvest Update: Less than 10% of Soybeans to Go

According to USDA’s crop progress report, 81% of corn and 91% of soybeans have been harvested so far.

4 Best Practices to Winterize Your Spreader
4 Best Practices to Winterize Your Spreader

According to the team at Heartland Ag Solutions, taking the time now to prep equipment for spring is vital.

Ferrie: Four Steps to Make Sure NH3 Applications Stay in the Ground
Ferrie: Four Steps to Make Sure NH3 Applications Stay in the Ground

Moisture availability is one of the biggies to check out, says Ken Ferrie. He also details some upcoming agronomic events, like his Beyond The Basics five-part webinar series and the virtual Corn & Soybean College.

I-80 Harvest Tour:  Widespread Drought in Minnesota Cuts Yields, But Corn Still Better Than Expected
I-80 Harvest Tour: Widespread Drought in Minnesota Cuts Yields, But Corn Still Better Than Expected

Drought hit farmers hard in Minnesota this season, so farmers are finding mixed results at harvest. Many are disappointed with soybeans but say their corn yields are better than expected.

Southwest Cotton Needs a Rebound
Southwest Cotton Needs a Rebound

While a few cotton fields flourished with yields to brag about at the gin, the majority of the region’s production suffered, from one weather extreme to another.

Six Sources of Soybean Harvest Losses And How To Address Them
Six Sources of Soybean Harvest Losses And How To Address Them

A handful of soybeans scattered on the ground doesn't look like much, but small numbers can quickly add up to large losses. Evaluating the situation and making adjustments can help you take more beans to the bin.

Harvest Update: Growers Dodge Weather to Wrap Up Final Acres
Harvest Update: Growers Dodge Weather to Wrap Up Final Acres

According to USDA’s crop progress report, 71% of corn and 85% of soybeans have been harvested so far, which is considerably ahead of the five-year average.  

An Ode to the Grain Cart Driver
An Ode to the Grain Cart Driver

God bless grain cart drivers. They are great mind readers, understanding all those hand signals that are hard to interpret and hard to see, and the person who generally takes all the blame.

Best Practice Do’s and Don’ts for Anhydrous Ammonia Applications
Best Practice Do’s and Don’ts for Anhydrous Ammonia Applications

Farmers applying NH3 can maximize their dollars and use of the product by not applying it until soil temperatures are no more than 50 degrees and trending lower, according to Iowa State University Extension.

Harvest Update: Corn and Soybean Progress on Track With 2022
Harvest Update: Corn and Soybean Progress on Track With 2022

According to USDA’s crop progress report, 59% of corn and 76% of soybeans have been harvested so far.

I-80 Harvest Tour:  Lingering Drought in South Dakota Produces Disappointing Soybean Yields but Surprises in Corn
I-80 Harvest Tour: Lingering Drought in South Dakota Produces Disappointing Soybean Yields but Surprises in Corn

It’s a tale of two crops in South Dakota with corn yields exceeding expectations while soybeans missed those late season rains and have been overall disappointing. 

Harvest Update: Corn and Soybean Progress Ahead of Average
Harvest Update: Corn and Soybean Progress Ahead of Average

According to USDA’s crop progress report, 45% of corn and 62% of soybeans have been harvested so far this year.

Corn Yield Checks In and Out of the Combine
Corn Yield Checks In and Out of the Combine

Ken Ferrie offers five practical agronomic tips you can use during harvest this fall. These practices can help you improve corn performance and yield outcomes across your farm.

Three Ways to Be a Successful Soybean Yield Sleuth 
Three Ways to Be a Successful Soybean Yield Sleuth 

If your combine monitor is showing a wide range of yields in the field, Ken Ferrie says to investigate. Evaluate soybean stand, pod set and bean size while there’s agronomic evidence.

Ferrie: Huge Yield Swings Found In Iowa and Illinois Cornfields
Ferrie: Huge Yield Swings Found In Iowa and Illinois Cornfields

Weather woes took a huge bite out of corn yield potential this season, especially in northeast Iowa and parts of western Illinois. Where farmers got timely rains, the yield reports coming in are not as wide-ranging.

Harvest Update: Overall Soybean Progress Nears Halfway Point
Harvest Update: Overall Soybean Progress Nears Halfway Point

Harvest progress on soybeans nearly doubled from last week and corn progress is ahead of the five-year average.

Harvest Update: Corn and Soybean Progress Jumps Ahead
Harvest Update: Corn and Soybean Progress Jumps Ahead

Nearly a quarter of corn and soybeans have been harvested for 2023.

Ken Ferrie: Scale Carts Are An Important Backup For Yield Monitors
Ken Ferrie: Scale Carts Are An Important Backup For Yield Monitors

A calibrated monitor usually does a good job of telling you where yield is changing in a field within a hybrid, but it may not tell you exactly how one hybrid is yielding against another.

Fall Planted Cover Crops Can Break a Corn Soybean Rotation and Improve Soil Health
Fall Planted Cover Crops Can Break a Corn Soybean Rotation and Improve Soil Health

Fall is a great time for farmers to plant cover crops to improve soil health.

Harvest Update: Are Recent Rains Too Little Too Late?
Harvest Update: Are Recent Rains Too Little Too Late?

USDA's weekly crop progress report shows harvest progress slightly behind average for corn and soybeans.

Harvest Adjustments to Set Up For the Best Planting Season
Harvest Adjustments to Set Up For the Best Planting Season

Specialists from Bane-Welker Equipment and Co-Alliance share adjustments to make during harvest to set up for a successful planting season.

Ferrie: Reduce Header Losses In Soybeans To Pick Up $50 More Per Acre
Ferrie: Reduce Header Losses In Soybeans To Pick Up $50 More Per Acre

Yields can take a 5-bu.-per-acre hit as a result of the sickle running so high on stems it cuts off branches and allows them to fall below the deck. Losses can be reduced to 1 bu. per acre with header adjustments.

FS Agronomists Collect Corn Yield Data in Midwest
FS Agronomists Collect Corn Yield Data in Midwest

The data collected by the FS agronomists, including estimated yield and number of locations sampled, is uploaded to the FS Agronomy Yield Analyzer.

April-Planted Corn Hybrids Took A Blow To The Chin
April-Planted Corn Hybrids Took A Blow To The Chin

Ken Ferrie expects yields to climb as Illinois farmers start harvesting more of their May-planted corn. Looking ahead, he says farmers will see some challenges from herbicide carryover in 2024.

Ferrie: Corn Top Dieback And Lack of Uniformity Are Contributing to Unrealistic Yield Estimates Now
Ferrie: Corn Top Dieback And Lack of Uniformity Are Contributing to Unrealistic Yield Estimates Now

Some farmers in central Illinois are making yield estimates of 250 to 270 bushels per acre. Ken Ferrie says in many of those cases a more realistic estimate, though disappointing, would be in the 170 to 220 range.

Harvest Safety: Power Line and Railroad Tips You Need to Know
Harvest Safety: Power Line and Railroad Tips You Need to Know

Three safety tips to follow near power lines and railroad crossings this fall.

What Is a Carbon Intensity Score?
What Is a Carbon Intensity Score?

Here are the FAQs for farmers who are exploring carbon’s next chapter on the farm.

Angels In Blue Offer Helping Hands To Farmers In Crisis
Angels In Blue Offer Helping Hands To Farmers In Crisis

Farm Rescue's mission is to help farmers and ranchers who have had a major illness, injury or natural disaster by providing equipment and volunteer labor – free of charge – to perform time-sensitive services.

A Tale of Two Wheat Harvest Extremes is Now Playing Out in the Nation's Breadbasket
A Tale of Two Wheat Harvest Extremes is Now Playing Out in the Nation's Breadbasket

In eastern Kansas and Missouri, harvest is happening at a historic pace, but western Kansas is overcome by so much rain that winter wheat fields are now overgrown by weeds making those fields unharvestable.

Rural Heroes: John Deere Supports Volunteer Firefighters With Documentary Film
Rural Heroes: John Deere Supports Volunteer Firefighters With Documentary Film

John Deere and the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) have joined forces to support the new documentary film “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat.”

Ferrie: Seize Your Corn Growing Opportunities for #Plant2023
Ferrie: Seize Your Corn Growing Opportunities for #Plant2023

Do some final noodling on hybrid selection, planting processes and agronomic practices to grow that big-yielding crop you want to harvest next fall. Here are five tips to help you make this season a success.

Soybean Harvest Is Just Beginning in Brazil. Here’s What the Crop Looks Like
Soybean Harvest Is Just Beginning in Brazil. Here’s What the Crop Looks Like

After a week in Mato Grosso, the AgResource team estimates a final yield estimate of 60.3 bu. per acre, which is 8 bu. more than CONAB’s current forecast.

'Tis the Season to Bust the Biggest Christmas Tree Myths
'Tis the Season to Bust the Biggest Christmas Tree Myths

Unlike reports of a Christmas tree shortage, the Real Christmas Tree Board, which is the checkoff for Christmas tree farmers, says growers from across the country have been able to meet the increasing demand.

I-80 Harvest Tour: Harvest Wraps up with Dry Conditions Resulting in Surprising Yields in Ohio and Missouri
I-80 Harvest Tour: Harvest Wraps up with Dry Conditions Resulting in Surprising Yields in Ohio and Missouri

From Ohio to Missouri dry conditions impacted this year's production. Farmers are finding some disappointments at harvest but also some welcome surprises considering the lack of moisture during the growing season.

An Added Headache for Producers This Fall:  Vomitoxin Found in Corn in Eastern Corn Belt
An Added Headache for Producers This Fall: Vomitoxin Found in Corn in Eastern Corn Belt

Farmers and livestock producers are facing another headache this fall.  In parts of the eastern corn belt there are reports of vomitoxin in corn.  

I-80 Harvest Tour: Big Yields in Wisconsin Confirm USDA Projections
I-80 Harvest Tour: Big Yields in Wisconsin Confirm USDA Projections

In USDA's November crop report the agency put soybean yields in Wisconsin at 54 bushels per acre with record corn yields at 182 bushels per acre. Yield results from the field are backing up that forecast.