Thursday, October 8, 2026

We finished off the harvesting of 2026 corn yesterday evening.   We had 3 fields with some corn that was replanted in late June, and we got those captured yesterday. It was just a few acres of replant all together, <15, but it was certainly not dry like most of the rest of the corn crop has been.

Harvesting corn in one of the last fields of 2026

Removing the corn heads for the final time for 2026

Totaling up the results, the corn yield was down 11% from 2025 (which was the best-ever corn crop for us).  So, given all the excess rains (and White River flooding) this result is not too shabby.  Flat fields and creek bottom fields that normally excel were held back.  The hilly fields were the bright spots!   We are grateful and thankful, for any positive result is not guaranteed.  We rely on our Maker for the increase.

John reviews the yield information with me

Doing some scouting this morning, I found 2 fields where we can return this afternoon to cut some replanted soybeans.  There are 3 more fields with replanted soybeans that are not ready today.  Looking over the DCB, it will be at least a week or 10 days until we cut those.  If we are not able to harvest for a couple days, then we can begin the clean-up work on the corn heads.  The trucks will be busy too, delivering corn to GPC and soybeans to ADM.

The last wheat field for 2027 was planted October 6.   The others were planted from September 28 to October 1.   The earlier ones are turning the fields green. Larry did the planting of the wheat crop again; this makes more than 50 years that he has done this for us!  I’ll get some wheat pictures this weekend.  I think wheat looks beautiful at every stage of growth.

We use a broadcast method to plant the wheat crop.  Nutrien blends the 2M seeds/acre into the granular fertilizer and then the mixture is spread uniformly across the fields.  Larry uses our JD 9R540 with the 2660VT machine to incorporate that blend into the soil.

Larry is a careful operator

Larry and John discuss the progress of the planting of 2027 wheat

We are enjoying these beautiful October days.  Warm, sunny, clear blue skies, and cool evenings.  Does it get any better than this?

Pat took this picture the other day while walking home from the farm office/shop. Yes, southern Indiana can be beautiful too.