Monday, October 21, 2024

We are nearing the end of #harvest24.  The regular-crop soybeans were finished off on the 14th, one week ago.  Then, we turned our attention to the remaining corn fields.  We marched through that until we got to the final field at the Huey farm.  Down there were some acres that we replanted in June, and we had to go around those patches.  Therefore, we have about 15 acres of corn left to harvest.

We intend to begin with the double-crop soybeans today, and work our way through those.  It could take 3 days; it could take 5.  With a heavy dew each morning, it will be difficult to start in those until about noon each day.  We will see how quickly we move through those.  After those are done, it is my thinking that we will return to that little bit of remaining corn, at least by next Monday.  The weather is predicted to remain dry and warm through October, but they tell us an arctic blast is coming in November.  Brrrr!

It is always a plus to finish off harvest in October.  You can usually have reasonable working days through this month, but when November arrives, you never know what is coming… in the past we’ve had Novembers that are sunny and warm, and some that are rainy and bone-chilling cold.  We will see.  In any event, we should be done with harvest before November arrives.

We have about 3 conservation projects lined up to work on this fall.  We have made arrangements with Dustin Hatton to work on terraces and waterways at the Dunn farm, Huey farm, and Schutter farm.  Not a big amount of projects, but the outcome of these will improve the conservation in those locations.  I’ll probably plant rye as a cover crop over the top of any dozing work Dustin does this fall to protect the worked areas.

Nutrien is applying fertility needs for 2025 already.  As we clear off the current crop, they use the soil tests and apply the needs for next year’s crop.  In effect, 2025 has already begun!  So, as we think about the end of harvest, our minds are already engaged in planning for the 2025 crop.

The weather for this October has been exceptionally nice for our field operations.  You can take the trucks in the field anywhere you need.  It has been more pleasant in the field.

We are grateful for this fall’s harvest. PTL!