Orvin Bontrager  |   November 10, 2011

Corn harvest is rapidly winding down in central Nebraska.  An extensive dry period since Sept 1 has allowed the crops to be harvested with little soil compaction.

Soybean yields were good but not great.  The shorter season mid group II’s yielded higher than the longer season late group II to early group III’s.  Soybeans dried down very rapidly.  It was very difficult to harvest in the 12-13% seed moisture range.  Many dropped to 8% moisture from the warm dry winds.  3-4 bu/ac yield losses result from the very dry beans. 

Whole field averages of 70 bu per acre were fairly common, but many had higher yield expectations based on the number of pods.  Some soybeans shriveled back in the pods and the 3 bean pods turned to 2 bean pods.  Post emerge fungicides seemed to be hit and miss on payback.

Corn dried much better than expected.  Harvest got off to a late start, but warm dry winds dried the corn fairly well.  Plant health was excellent.  Many fields had a post tassel fungicide applied.  With little rainfall in Sept and Oct, corn leaves stayed very green for the most part.  Late stalk strength was good and stalk rots were minimal where the crop was managed properly with late irrigation water and fungicide applications.

Overall corn yields are off about 10 bu per acre from last year.  Pretassel greensnap hurt many hybrids, some severely.  Areas that had extensive greensnap in 2010 had better corn this year.  The very hot nights stressed the pollinating crop and contributed to poorer yields.  Some hybrids took the stress better than others.  Not giving up on the fields that had broken plants by proper water and fungicide application still produced respectable yields.  Seed corn inbreds and white corn hybrids were hurt the most from pre-tassel breakage.

The author does not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this feature, although it is believed to be accurate. The author assumes no liability or responsibility for direct or indirect, special, consequential or incidental damages or for any other damages relating or arising out of any action taken as a result of information or advice contained in this report. The author disclaims any express or implied liability or responsibility for any action taken, which is solely at the liability of and responsibility of the user. This content may not be redistributed without the consent of Vance Media Corporation. © 2012, Vance Media Corporation