Critical harvest date is quickly approaching for forage fields. Many growers are scrambling to get the third or fourth cut before September. Light scattered showers at the end of the week with amounts between 0-20 mm. Corn silage harvest started in some areas with average to below average tonnage. Some deals are made between corn growers and livestock farmers on low yielding fields for silage.
Smut is evident in many fields.
Spider mite numbers remain high in dry areas, with control not as effective as hoped. Lambs quarter, ragweed, and foxtail escapes common in many fields. Harvest ongoing with good quality beans being delivered, but with a higher percentage of splits. Third cut alfalfa is off in many areas with some hoping for a fourth cut. Rains are helping to replenish the dry soils thoughout the area.