A month-long drought period this spring caused area farmers to have great concern over crop germination and eventual yields.
But, according to independent crop consultant Steve Hoffman, dry weather and above-normal temperatures actually worked in their favor.
Hoffman, of In-Depth Agronomy, tells Seehafer News the extremely dry stretch from the middle of May into mid-June created a fear it was going to have a detrimental effect on yields.
“As it turned out, we had just enough rain at just the right amount of time,” he explained. “Every drop of rain that fell was put to use. None of it ran off.”
Hoffman explained the results were encouraging.
“In the end area farms were very, very happy with their alfalfa, corn silage, and soybean yields.” He revealed. “Also, winter wheat was above average so no complaints on yields at least in this local area.”
We also asked the area agronomist about the heavy rain event measuring 2 and a half to 3.3 inches about a week ago and how it could have been a concern but might turn out to be a long-term benefit.
“Usually when we get that amount of rainfall we’ve got water sitting in low spots. But the fact that the rain came over a two-day period it also set,” he said. “Basically what we’d like to see happen is the subsoil moisture needs to be recharged for next year’s crop. So when we get a dry spell next year there’s a reserve there.”
Hoffman added, “Surprisingly we are above normal this year for both corn silage and corn grain yields.”
