Red River Valley looks to have commendable corn, soybean yields

WALCOTT, N.D. — Despite heavy rainfall in the area, soybean and corn producers in the Red River Valley region can expect commendable yields.

“Soybeans in the area are doing pretty well. The season started ideal, but since the beginning of July we have received a lot of rain and it set it back a little. Things have recovered well since then,” said Brady Anderson, CHS agronomist.

Due to the continuous rainfall since July, farmers in the area have been having to deal with white mold. However, pests and bug issues have been minimal.

“I think the biggest thing to pay attention to this year is white mold. There's still a lot of growing season left. Considering the 2021 season, maybe planning to spray for white mold, which many farmers in this area have decided to do,” Anderson said.

Another way to fight white mold is to implement crop rotation, giving the field and soil a yearly break from soybeans.

While growers in the region normally shoot for 50 bushels per acre or more for soybeans, Anderson believes the yield will be more around the 40-45 bushel range given the excessive moisture.

“The biggest issue has been excessive moisture and now a little bit of white mold. It just needs to quit raining for a couple weeks. Growers shoot for 50-plus for yield, or maybe even a little more. In the area given the moisture, I think that will be a little unlikely to obtain. I expect producers to be hitting the 40-45 range,” Anderson said.

As for corn, the crop has been handling the additional rain with ease.

“Corn this year has been doing really well and has handled the rain better than the soybeans,” Anderson said.

The corn crop has also handled the heat extremely well, despite the blistering temperatures. Corn in the region is an estimated two to three weeks ahead in the growing stage compared to last season’s as well.

“For the most part, the corn was developed enough when the rain started it handled it well and even helped it for a bit. The heat itself has also been exceptional, with this field reaching 2,000 heat units already,” Anderson said.

While the corn crop has been doing well, there are still some things producers should be on the lookout for.

"Corn borer population has increased, despite many growers in the region spraying for it. There has also been Goss’s wilt in pockets of fields. When thinking about next planting season, farmers may want to look at Goss’s wilt ratings on the hybrids they select,” Anderson said.

As for yield, Anderson estimates producers in the region will hit anywhere from 100-200 bushels per acre, or maybe a little higher.

“The corn is looking great and I look for people to start harvesting around mid-October,” Anderson said.