Farmers saw above normal temperatures and slightly below average moisture in September — leading to corn and soybean crop in many areas to either reach maturity, or be very close to maturity, by the middle of October.
According to the Minnesota Farm Guide, most of the early-planted corn hybrids have now reached physiological maturity and is drying down, while some later planted corn may need a bit more time to reach desired kernel moisture content for harvest.
Along many area farms, dried-out corn stalks remain planted in the fields, ready to produce October and November corn stalk bundles for outdoor decorating as well as turning some fields into corn mazes for autumn family fun.
Most soybeans have been observed turning color and dropping their leaves, with full-scale soybean harvest ready to begin in many areas.
Area farmer Rick Olson had several trucks and combines out in the fields over the last several weeks, harvesting his soybeans in the dry, mild weather.
“The harvest so far this week has been good,” said Olson. “We should have it all harvested in a couple weeks.”
Farmer Alan Peterson of Clear Lake just completed harvesting 15 bushels of high-moisture corn for cattle and finished the soybean harvest Tuesday night.
“It’s been a great season, weather-wise,” he said. “We really didn’t have to irrigate much.”
As of last week, Central Minnesota farmers and agricultural experts said crops are on time for harvest, but rain delayed some farmers getting into their fields.
The state's corn maturity was six days ahead of the five-year average and three days ahead of last year, according to the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture's' Sept. 25 crop report. The report says 84 percent of the state's corn health is good or excellent.
“Corn and soybeans are at or near maturity, and we would be discussing results of some of the early harvested fields, but conditions do not allow harvest machinery to enter the fields,” said Tom Hoverstad, University of Minnesota scientist from the Research and Outreach Center in Waseca.
Foley farmer Jon Hansmeier said the amount of rain the area received throughout August and September has affected field conditions, making it harder for farmers to access their crops.
"The spring was wonderful. We were able to get everything planted very timely," Hansmeier said. "The rains came when we needed them, and now we just need it to quit raining."
Climate data shows that during the month of September, the St. Cloud area received a total of 3.08 inches, slightly lower than the area's average for the month, according to the National Weather Service.
Peterson said he’s achieved good yields from his crops because it was a warm summer and not too hot. He planned to start harvesting his corn this week also, depending on weather.
The climate prediction center, as of Sept. 15, called for an equal chance of above normal, below normal or normal precipitation for the month of October in Minnesota. There was a 40 percent above-normal chance for higher-than-average temperatures in October.
