Several factors adding up to early harvest

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Several factors adding up to early harvest

A combination of timely planting and hot, dry conditions should result in an early harvest across much of the Corn Belt.  

Mitch Heisler, product marketing manager for Illinois-based Wyffels Hybrids, says he expects harvest to be in full swing much earlier than the past couple of years.

“We got planted at a good time. I also think some of the hotter temperatures that we saw in August (will) move this crop along a little bit faster. And then, unfortunately, the dry weather as well (will lead to) plants shutting down early.”

He tells Brownfield some Illinois farmers could begin harvesting next week.

“But, (we’re) probably a couple weeks away from going full-speed. And I think it’s the same thing in southern Iowa. We’ve seen some people who have started to harvest.”

And Heisler reminds customers to keep an eye on stalk integrity, especially in drier areas.

“That plant is still trying to fill those kernels, so it might start to cannibalize the stalk in order to do that.”

He says fields that start to deteriorate need to be scheduled for the first half of harvest.

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