Harvest

Figure 1. It's likely that a combination of factors this year led to weakened corn ear shanks, large ears, and stalk and ear rots which together may have contributed to increased ear dropping. — Figure 1. It's likely that a combination of factors this year likely led to weakened corn ear shanks, large ears, and stalk and ear rots which together may have contributed to increased ear dropping.

Potential Reasons for Weakened Ear Shanks and Ear Loss

November 3, 2017

While sustained high winds for several days in late October was likely the final catalyst, a number of factors may have led up to increased ear drop in corn. This article looks at potential factors throughout the season that may have eventually led to a challenging harvest.

Figure 1. High winds this week caused corn to go down in many southern Nebraska fields, complicating harvest. (Photo by Jenny Rees) — Figure 1. High winds this week caused corn to go down in many southern Nebraska fields, complicating harvest.Making some adjustments to your combine settings can help capture more ears. (Photo by Jenny Rees)

Combine Adjustments for Downed Corn

October 27, 2017

As if rain delays weren’t frustrating enough this harvest, a broad swath of southern Nebraska experienced high winds Thursday and Friday, downing corn and leaving 20-60 bu/ac grain on the ground in some areas. Implementing some of these recommended combine adjustments may be just the ticket for getting more grain in the wagon.

USDA-NASS: Just 17% of Corn and 33% of Beans Harvested

October 16, 2017

As of Monday corn harvest was 17% done, well behind the five-year average of 39%, and soybean harvest was at 33%, well behind the average of 67%. Harvest progress in many other corn and soybean production states also lagged.

Flooded soybean field in northeast Nebraska — Figure 1. Harvest is going to be challenging this year in flooded soybean fields in northeast Nebraska (Photos by Amy Timmerman)

End of Season Flooding Effects on Soybeans, Harvest

October 13, 2017

October has gotten off to a wet start in most of the state and particularly in northeast Nebraska where some mature soybean fields are now flooded. Considering potential impact on yield and ability to harvest these fields will be critical in the next few weeks.

Figure 1. Maintaining grain quality during extended storage requires extra care and management.

Long-term Grain Storage Requires Good Management

October 13, 2017

Grain stocks in Nebraska, as well as the US, continue to increase. Maintaining these stocks to protect grain quality and value requires good storage practices to start with and continual monitoring to avoid damage from insects and disease. This guide addresses what to watch for and specific steps you can take to protect your stored grain.

To avoid compacting more of the field, the grain cart should run down the same row middles as the combine. An auger extension may be needed on the combine to get the wheel tracks to line up. The wheel spacing on the combine, tractor, and grain cart should be adjusted to all run between the rows.

Avoiding Compaction at Harvest

October 11, 2017

If you're worried about compacting still-wet soils this fall, these recommendations can help you avoid or reduce potential compaction and its effects on next year's yields.

Figure 1. A grower using a Picket combine, specifically designed to harvest dry beans, and his regular combine took advantage of favorable conditions Sept. 30 to harvest dry beans in the Nebraska Panhandle. While conditions have generally been wet, this day there was little or no wind, and the dust hung in the air throughout the field. (Photo by Gary Stone)

Precipitation Slows and Complicates Dry Bean Harvest

October 6, 2017

Dry bean harvest in the Panhandle is going slow this season. In most years, dry bean harvest is completed by the end of September; however, this year precipitation events over the last several weeks have slowed harvest and have now brought it to a standstill.

Recommendations for Harvesting Alfalfa in October

October 3, 2017

Alfalfa's growing season is usually over by mid-October, but this year many fields received late season rain that's contributing to a substantial, high quality alfalfa crop. Here are some recommendations for a successful harvest when drying times are apt to be slow.