The Field Report

December 16, 2024|

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Trent Brandenburg and his family wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!! When asked what a farmer does in December, Trent replied “It’s cold!!” Actually, Trent has been finalizing his seed and crop protection chemical orders for the 2025 growing season.
A big December farm management decision is the timing of crop sales for corn and soybeans that Trent has in storage. Trent will wait until early January to sell. It is a tax consideration. Trent said “It depends on which year you want the income.”

The wet November peaked soil moisture in Trent’s area at record levels at the 4-inch and 8-inch levels. Currently they are average. At the 20-inch level, the soil moisture plateaued at below average levels in November and is now at near-record lows. The U. S. Drought Monitor shows the north half of Illinois abnormally dry, including the area Trent farms. The area of Illinois northeast, east, and southeast of Trent’s area shows moderate drought.

More from The Field Report

Dry Weather Hastens Harvest

October 25, 2024|

September in central Illinois was one-to-three-inches short of average rainfall. Trent Brandenburg took full advantage of the natural drydown and good field conditions to get his crops from the field to the bin. Trent has completed his soybean harvest. He estimated "about three days" to [...]

Not Quite Harvest Time Just Yet

September 18, 2024|

Trent Brandenburg's earliest-planted corn is "about a week away" from drying below 25% moisture. At that level, he could lower his drying expense at the grain elevator. "Now, if there's an incentive..., " Trent indicated that an elevator offering a special on drying could get [...]

Replanting Done, Corn and Beans Look Good

July 8, 2024|

Trent Brandenburg has replanted his few ponded field "wet spots" as many as three times. The replanted areas are "thin," Trent observed, because "It has been too wet. But at least [replanting] will keep the weeds down." Trent is now mowing and scouting his fields [...]

First Round Of Planting Done, Ponds Need Replanting

June 6, 2024|

Trent Brandenburg is done with his "first round" of planting, as he puts it. The corn and soybeans he planted in April are up and growing in excellent condition. Trent's later-planted crops are germinating but not as far along as his April plantings. The frequent [...]

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