Tag Archives: SD- Southeast: Bill Eichacker

Southeast South Dakota Crop Report: September 26, 2012

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With no rain in sight, harvest is moving right along. Thirty-five percent of the corn and 50% of soybeans has been harvested. There won’t be any record-breaking yields to report this year, but many farmers are surprised at how well some varieties are doing. I’ve seen some soybeans yielding more than corn in some areas.

Dry, windy harvest conditions also means there is a greater risk of
fire. Prevention is key to avoiding a fire. Carry a fire extinguisher on all of your farm equipment. At the end of the day, clean off debris with high pressure air or water. Then place your equipment in a clean, open area just in case a fire would occur.

Southeast South Dakota Crop Report: September 19, 2012

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Dry conditions helped progress corn harvested to 20% statewide. This is well ahead of the 5-year average of only 1%. Most silage has been cut. Corn yields are coming in better than expected. I talked with one area farmer who was averaging 125 bushels per acre. Soybean harvest is only at 15%. The soybean moisture is at 8% and the seed size is reported as very small due to dry growing conditions. I’m hearing soybean yields about 30 bu/A.

Southeast South Dakota Crop Report: June 27, 2012

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What a difference a week can make! It’s like our corn crop is on steroids. On average, corn grew over 10″ last week. The average height is 28 inches, according to South Dakota crop reports. I have been in fields where the corn is 48 inches or better; corn was averaging 12 inches here tall this time last year. Tasseling will not be far away. Some parts of my region could use another shot of precipitation really while others have had some isolated heavy rains. Most areas are setting good for moisture. Temperatures were warmer for the third consecutive week, and these temperatures are becoming an issue we’re hearing more reports of stressed crops. Remember to drink plenty of water and stay in a shaded areas if you must be outdoors. Don’t forget about the pets and livestock either!

Soybeans are coming along but are no way near being canopied like the corn is. Alfalfa is 25% cut for the second time. A lot of insects are taking over the alfalfa fields as some farmers are taking to the fields; spraying for these pests is robbing the yields on their stand.