Now that we’re well into the fall, harvest season is well underway for some and even over many. With the craziness of the year, let’s look at the season from four different locations across the U.S. Four CHS Agronomy technical specialists have responded about how the growing season has been and how the upcoming harvest will be in those areas.
Southern Illinois, southwestern Indiana and Kentucky
This spring provided an ideal planting window for this region due to excellent weather and early on rains. After rain in July, unfortunately, we saw a dry spell in August and early September, ultimately impacting yields. Due to the dry weather late in the season, many crops did not mature as well. In terms of pests and diseases, it’s been an ideal year. Due to early season applied fungicides and insecticides, there has not been a strong need to invest in late season applications. Soybeans have seen a new disease called red crown rot, which deteriorates soybean roots and stems.
Corn has seen some pollination issues, especially from wind damage from the derecho seen in Iowa and other Midwest states in mid-August. Despite these weather impacts, corn has matured very quickly and is currently being harvested. Beans in the area are still maturing and it’s expected to see a large amount of winter wheat planted this fall due to good grain prices.
Western Arkansas, Oklahoma, southern Kansas and Texas
This region saw a growing season that was initially wet. Most places in Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas saw moderate rainfall, while Texas has remained dry and hot. Pressures included an extremely wet winter and spring on the eastern side while the western side was extremely dry. There were no new pest occurrences, with moderate to consistent pressure.
Harvest wise, winter wheat has been affected by wet periods while cotton has seen dry weather but will do well during harvest. Soybeans have been looking good in eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. Corn will have fair to moderate yield due to a fair amount of heat in June during pollination.
Washington, Oregon and Idaho
The growing season in this area started off good with moisture in unexpected areas. This provided a winter with good soil moisture and rainfall that went into the season in areas that are typically low rainfall. Oregon saw a wet early season and dry through the summer, similar to western Washington. Forest fires have played a role in the dry season on the west coast. Overall, the wheat crop has seen good yields. The remainder of crops, such as legumes, potatoes and corn, are seeing steady growth with overall average to above average yields.
North Dakota and Montana
The season has been a wild one for this area. The season started noticeably wet, causing a late planting. Unfortunately, they saw large numbers of prevented planting acreage. Despite a wet planting season, the area saw little to no rain till late July. Cereals were a couple weeks out from complete crop failure, but timely rain has allowed them to improve.
A couple weeks ago saw freezing temperatures with nightly temperatures getting down to 20 degrees. This freezing killed many crops. Overall, harvest has brought fair conditions, but worry remains over killing frost with later planted corn. Beans have matured with little issues, and cereals have flown through with harvesting.
How has the season been in your area? Follow CHS Agronomy on Facebook or Twitter and let us know by using the hashtag #Harvest2020.