The Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour’s primary goal is to provide the industry with accurate late-season information about likely corn and soybean yields during the upcoming harvest season at the state and regional level.
With USDA already lowering yield expectations due to this year's widespread drougt conditions, the 2012 Crop Tour will undoubtedly be a closely watched industry event again this year.
Crop Tour’s data gathering methods are disciplined and produce consistent results. The Tour’s crop scouts – especially the new ones – receive formal instruction beforehand and training from Tour veterans along the way.
Results from the Tour have a big impact on Pro Farmer’s annual crop production estimate released at week’s end. But observations gathered during the Tour can be just as important as the data itself
Overview of the 2012 Pro Farmer Midwest Crop Tour
Eastern Tour overnight stops:
Sunday, Aug. 19 – Columbus, Ohio
Monday, Aug. 20 – Fishers, Ind.
Tuesday, Aug. 21 – Bloomington, Ill.
Wednesday, Aug. 22 – Iowa City, Iowa
Thursday, Aug. 23 – Owatonna, Minn.
Western Tour overnight stops:
Sunday, Aug. 19 – Sioux Falls, S.D.
Monday, Aug. 20 – Grand Island, Neb.
Tuesday, Aug. 21 – Nebraska City, Neb.
Wednesday, Aug. 22 – Spencer, Iowa
Thursday, Aug. 23 – Owatonna, Minn.
AgWeb.com will be your home to extensive coverage of the 2011 event. You'll find news, photos, videos and direct reports from the Tour leaders. Coverage will begin on Aug. 19.