The Field Report
More from The Field Report
“Real Good!” Harvest Progress Reported
Trent Brandenburg is three-quarters done with his corn harvest and one-third done with his soybeans. "I wish it would dry out some more so I could cut beans," Trent said, alluding to recent heavy rains in he area. Overall, Trent sees the crops as well above average, but not record-setting like 2014.
Above Average Corn, Below Average Price
The two-and-a-half to three inches of rain that just fell on the land Trent Brandenburg farms, ensures a good corn crop this year, maybe as good as last year, Trent observed. Then he added the veteran farmer's usual disclaimer, "if we don't have hail or a wind storm for the rest of the season."
Crops Look Good Overall, But Not As Good As Last Year
Trent Brandenburg has his corn and soybean planting done, side dressing done, corn sprayed and beans yet to spray. Corn is "not so good on some soils," Trent said, noting that poor germination in cold, wet soils, took a toll. "It's not the best, but uneconomic to replant, so we'll leave it," he concluded.
It Won’t Take Long…
"It won't take long when you get in gear and go!!" Trent Brandenburg is ready to start planting, but it is just too wet and cold. Trent began planting on April 15 last year and was done by mid-May. So he's willing to wait for the warmer temperatures and better field conditions. Trent is following the corn and soybean markets closely as corn took a plunge on the USDA report then went up a bit. Soybeans went up. Trent already has his inputs set for the corn and soybean acres he plans to plant, so he is not shifting acres to soybeans despite the markets' temptation. Trent has his machinery as ready as can be. He observed "It won't break down until you use it." Trent has mowed his yard twice. He says he is tired of tiding his mower and wants to ride a tractor.