FORT COLLINS: Most of the US Crop Watch producers reported that last week's rains significantly slowed corn and soybean harvest in their areas, but the forecast suggests drier weather should set in after Monday, allowing for a busier stretch of progress.
The Dakotas were the only Crop Watch locations where harvest pace was relatively normal last week, but all other producers reported delays. Only two of the 11 Crop Watch producers have completed their personal corn and soybean harvests: Minnesota and Ohio.
Just over half of the producers still harvesting their crops said progress is now slower than normal. The US Department of Agriculture a week ago reported that 66% of US corn was harvested as of Oct. 24 versus a five-year average of 53%. Soybeans had reached 73% versus the 70% average.
The Ohio Crop Watch corn was completed on Thursday with record yields for the field, meeting the expected yield score of 5. The producer was slightly surprised the corn could do so well with such a dry finish to the season, though he credits the success to excellent pollination weather and the lack of persistent summer heat.
Other Crop Watch growers have echoed similar thoughts on how corn yields stood up to frequent dry weather with help from milder temperatures and seemingly perfect rainfall timing.
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