Harvest Updates from Iowa Corn leaders - Tues., Oct. 4, 2011

Harvest Updates from Iowa Corn Leaders - Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011

Jerry Main of Fairfield says farmers in his area are busy harvesting soybeans. Many farmers in southeast Iowa were harvesting corn but switched to soybeans on Monday. There were a lot of soybeans planted in July that were not quite ready yet, but still, he estimates that 75 to 80 percent of soybeans in the area will be harvested by the end of this week. He estimates that about 25 percent of the corn had been combined prior to farmers switching to soybeans. Yield reports for corn have ranged from 56 bushels per acre on the low side, to 150 or 160 bushels per acre in areas that had a little more moisture. Main says farmers are reporting soybean yields that are better than expected, just as the markets are reflecting.

Roger Knoblock, of Lester in Lyon County, says soybean harvest is underway with about 60 to 70 percent of it completed. Yields in northwestern Iowa vary depending on what areas had more rain. Areas north of Highway 9 had more rain and the soybean yields reflect that. Yields are ranging from the 50 bushels per acre to 65 or 70 bushels per acre. Some corn has been harvested but everyone is working on soybeans now.

In western Iowa, Kevin Ross of Minden in Pottawattamie County, expects harvest to ramp-up today and through the rest of the week. Many farmers in his area have been waiting for soybeans to be ready and for the corn to dry down more. He expects a busy week as harvest gets into full swing.