Corn silage harvest is wrapping up while high moisture corn harvest is in full swing. Early grain corn harvest reports point to above average yields and excellent quality. In the eastern part of the area, nitrogen deficiency is some fields which was caused by excessive rainfall will have a negative impact on yields. Soybeans harvest is underway. Reports are of above average yields with early results in the 45 to 55 bushel per acre range.
White mold is present in many fields but, few fields are severely infected.
The Alfalfa Critical Fall Harvest Period will end around October 10th to 15th however, as of the end of September, temperatures were quite high and alfalfa was still actively growing. Waiting to harvest until we have had 2 or 3 heavy frosts will reduce the risk of winterkill. Excessive soil moisture is hampering field activities on a number of farms. Daytime temperatures have been slightly above normal most days reaching into the mid-20's. Nighttime temperature lows have mostly been in the mid to upper single digits, but some areas have received a light frost on a couple of nights.