Harvest

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.

Figure 1. Lodged corn due to stalk rot diseases. (Photo by Tamra Jackson-Ziems)

Stalk Rot Diseases in Nebraska Corn Fields

September 22, 2017

Stalk rots can be found in corn across Nebraska. This story addresses the risk factors and how to scout for stalk rots, assess stalk strength, and determine extent of damage in a field. Fields with high levels of stalk rot should be given priority at harvest to reduce yield losses due to lodging.

Chart of ISU research on rate of corn dry down

ISU Studies on Rate of Soybean and Corn Dry Down in the Field

September 21, 2017

How fast do soybeans and corn dry down in the field? That's the question Iowa State University researchers examined in studies conducted near Ames over the last three years in corn and soybean fields. These briefs share highlights from what they found and can be useful in assessing your fields.

Farm grain bins — Figure 1. The various sized bins on this farm allow for storing different moisture contents. Wetter, more dense grain works well in the smaller bins so that more airflow per bushel can be delivered. Drier grains where aeration is the primary need store well in the larger bins. If the grain is wetter, drying grain in layers can help increase airflow per bushel. (Photo by Paul Jasa)

Natural Air Drying of Binned Soybeans

September 20, 2017

If soybeans were harvested above 13% moisture, natural air drying can be used to reduce moisture to 13% for longer term storage. How long that drying takes will vary with several factors. This guide can help you estimate the length of drying for your soybean moisture, aeration system, relative humidity and temperature.