One Word Summarizes Yields in Drought-Hit Areas of the Western Corn Belt: Disappointing
South Dakota Harvest 092922
Harvest progress is running a bit ahead of normal in the western Corn Belt, including South Dakota, where harvest is around 9% complete on corn and soybeans. The continued dry conditions are pushing the harvest along quickly.
Around Elk Point, S.D., Doug Hansen combined some early soybeans that yielded well below his farm averages.
"These two fields ran in the low 40s, which would be at least 15 bu. off our normal," Hansen says. “We were 11.5 inches of rain behind normal for the growing season, so that's substantial."
The soybeans were short with the driest conditions in his area since the drought of 2012.
Farther north near Centerville, S.D., Tim Ostrem has already harvested some dryland corn, with yields that are down nearly 50%.
“It's really a tough year," Ostrem says. "We’re talking 90 bu. per acre and it should be 180 on a field average, and some of my other fields that are heavier I would be shooting for over 200 on those.”
Fortunately, because he could harvest the corn early, he got a better price, which will offset some of the lower production. And Ostrem’s yields are better than others in his area.
"I’ve heard of guys being zeroed out. Their corn just lost it and it's toast," he says. Many cut corn for silage already if there was anything to salvage."
These farmers say they will rely on crop insurance and look ahead to next year.
More on harvest 2022:
From the Combine Seat: Weed Prevention Starts in the Fall
What Surprises Will the September Grain Stocks Report Hold?
