Cheyenne County corn harvest slowed by weather

This could be a record year for corn harvest, according to a report from the United States Department of Agriculture.

The Nov. 8 report stated that national corn production is up one percent from last month’s forecast and is now predicted at almost 14 billion bushels, which represents a 30 percent increase from last year. If correct, this will mean a record production year for the United States. This would be the highest yield in the U.S since 2009, according to the report. Officials at USDA predict an average of 160.4 bushels per acre nationwide.

Corn harvest in the Cheyenne County area began in early October and is still underway. The time frame for harvest is about the same as usual.

The yields have been good so far this year, said Ben Hardy, grain originator at Frenchman Valley Coop in Chappell.

“It’s been a little harder for people to get it out of the field this year,” Hardy said.

Snows and rains during October and November prevented some farmers from harvesting, while some had to plant late because of wet weather earlier in the year.

The harvest is going slow this year, said Logan Snyder, merchandiser at Scoular Grain in Sidney.

“Corn’s been having a tough time getting dry,” he said.

A combination of humidity, rain and snow in the area probably all played a part in this, Snyder agreed.

“The quality and yield has been really good,” he added.

Harvesting 200 bushels per acre is not out of the ordinary in the Cheyenne County area this year, he added.

Corn is fairing much better than last year. Both irrigated corn and dry land corn are doing well, Snyder said. Most of the dry land was used for millet this year.

“What is out there did well,” he said.

On average farmers are harvesting between 10-20 bushels per acre more than in 2012, Snyder said.

Only about 25 percent of the corn crop in this area is still in the field, according to John Calahan, grain merchandiser for Crossroads Cooperative in Scottsbluff. In his opinion, yields have been average to slightly better than average this year and quality has been exceptional. However, some farmers won’t be able to enjoy these high yields and good quality.

“Hail took a toll on the whole region,” Calahan said. “From Sidney to Scottsbluff.”

Calahan agreed that moisture was an issue this year. He also cited higher humidity levels and rains for the slower dry-out time for corn this year. These rains are good for the subsoil moisture, but detrimental to harvesting in a timely fashion, Calahan said.