Rain Brings Hope for Corn Harvest Amid Drought Fears
Drought and hot temperatures this summer have raised concerns about the corn harvest in the KELOLAND region. However, a recent weekend rain brought relief with rainfall ranging from 3 to 7 inches in certain parts of the area.
Bruce Burkhardt, a farmer from Dell Rapids, who grows corn and soybeans and raises hogs on his multi-generation farm, remains cautious about this year’s corn crop. Due to a lack of rain, he expects most farmers to experience below-average yields.
Brown stalks in the fields indicate moisture stress, resulting in a yield reduction of 40 to 60 percent compared to areas where the impact is less severe. While most of Burkhardt’s corn is looking good, he emphasizes the need for more rain in the coming weeks to sustain the crop.
Fortunately, the rain came at a good time for soybeans, which had a rough start. Burkhardt and other farmers are hopeful that mother nature will provide further rainfall to support the crops.
Despite the varying impact of the rain, there is some inconsistency within individual fields. For example, on the Hoogestraat farm near Lennox, the amount of rain received and the size of the ears of corn differ greatly even within the same field.
Hoogestraat believes that the rain may have come too late to significantly improve corn yields, but he remains hopeful for an average year. The corn crop has faced several challenges throughout the season, and the recent rain has brought some relief.
The farmers also mention that the rain has positively affected soybeans, which they are particularly excited about. July and August are crucial months for soybean growth, and the added rainfall has brought potential for a successful harvest.
Additionally, Burkhardt notes that corn prices have fluctuated throughout the year, impacting farmers and sellers like himself. He has never experienced a year quite like this one, highlighting the unique challenges faced in the agricultural industry.
In conclusion, the rain has brought hope to farmers in the KELOLAND region for a successful corn harvest, alleviating some of their initial concerns. While significant challenges still exist, particularly relating to yield and the impact of drought conditions, the recent rainfall has provided a glimmer of hope. Furthermore, the positive effect on soybeans has created additional optimism for a fruitful season. As farmers anxiously await further rain, they remain resilient, relying on their expertise and the unpredictable nature of farming.
