The past week has been another dry week despite the promising potential of rain in the weather forecasts. After threats of thunderstorms from the west, the week ended with approximately four-tenths of an inch total rainfall from two separate showers. The first shower disappeared quickly due to the dry soil and warm temperatures. The second shower provided a greater benefit due to overcast skies and cooler temps, allowing the moisture to move to the root zone of the growing crop. Daytime temperatures cooled down to the low 80’s from the previous week highs of the mid 90’s.
The corn is quickly growing due to the cooler temps. Plant height ranges from 4 inches to waist high. The plant roots are down in the soil moisture and reaching deeper. There are areas lying in dry soil waiting for moisture to germinate it. Hopefully we received enough moisture get these areas growing.
Many of the early planted soybean fields have emerged and can be seen down the row. However, a large number of fields were planted during the week of high temperatures and like the corn; some of seed is in dry soil. Hopefully the rainfall was enough to get it spouted and keep it growing.
Some farmers have tried to combine wheat this week but found that the crop isn’t as matured as it appears. After inspecting our fields, I notice the grain is still soft and substantial number of stalks with green color remaining. Wheat harvest is still several days away.
Local grain bids are corn $5.07, soybeans $13.34, and wheat $6.13.
Have a great week.
David G. Hankammer
Farmer
St. Clair County
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