During the past week soybean harvest has kicked into high gear.  The extended dry period has allowed farmers an uncommon opportunity to harvest non-stop. In some fields they are having trouble staying ahead of the drying beans – grain moisture dropping as low as 10%, increasing the chance of shattering before harvest.

Soybeans generally are the first crop to be harvested, but even then it depends on the planting date of the corn and soybeans.  Some years, the soybeans are planted late enough that both crops are ready to harvest about the same time.  Corn harvest will begin in the next seven to ten days for many fields.

Regardless which crop is harvested first, this is payday for the grain farmer. It only comes once a year, which can be difficult for the average wage-earner to understand.

By the time the crop is mature, most of the expense of producing corn or soybeans has been incurred. But there is no return to labor and management until the crop is harvested, stored and sold. 

Because of the harvest rush, safety will be more important than ever for the farm and non-farm population. Harvest time means farm equipment will be on our roads.  Be considerate, show patience, and allow farmers space to get combines and grain hauling vehicles from field to field. It is only a short-time irritation and we need to remember that farmers contribute greatly to our economy and this is their payday. 

The dry conditions this fall will also increase the chance of combine and field fires, particularly in cornfields. Even with the rush to harvest, farmers will need to be extra careful to prevent combine fires, especially since a new combine may cost between $400,000 and $500,000.