Harvest woes are complicating the late maturing corn and soybean crops in western Ohio as well as elsewhere across the Corn Belt. Damp, dreary days have delayed grain dry down and prevented timely harvest.

Compounding the issue, increasing levels of moisture induced crop diseases are being reported by farmers and grain buyers.

The latest challenge reported to us is corn kernels actually spouting at the base of the ear. Ears that have remained upright with husks open have collected water at the base. Kernels that reach blacklayer (35 percent moisture or less) can imbibe water and germinate when temperatures are above 50 degrees. Sustained rainy conditions have not only increased disease levels in corn kernels, now we are experiencing the kernel sprouting as well in some of the same fields.

Sprouting kernels reduce test weight and yield but themselves are not a direct hazard when feeding the corn to livestock. However it is important to note that the gibberella molds in particular produce mycotoxins that create livestock feeding problems.

As mentioned in this column two weeks ago, timely harvest, minimizing kernel damage during harvest, proper drying and aeration are critical in preparing adversely affected grain for storage.

Of course, long-range weather forecasts are rarely more than 60 percent accurate (according to many well respected meteorologists).
However, relying on Mother Nature to provide in field drying for this year’s corn crop may be a long shot. Natural gas and propane suppliers should deliver significantly more drying fuel this fall than in the last several autumns as farmers need to rely on artificial drying to avoid grain storage losses.

Grain moistures above 18-20 percent favor the growth of field molds. Thus, the longer corn remains in the field, the greater the chance of mycotoxin production. Consequently, corn allowed to dry in the field to avoid drying cost may end up costing you more in the long run.

Soybeans not yet combined may have disease challenges as well. Phomopsis seed rod is a fungal disease of soybean seed which is characterized by chalky white, shriveled, shrunken soybeans. Locally, farmers are reporting a higher incidence of Phomopsis on the mid to late group 3 soybeans rather than the early group 3 and group 2 varieties.

Fortunately, we are capable of treating seed beans with fungicide treatments. Seed companies are well prepared to deal with this issue. Fields heavily infested with Phomopsis should be harvested as soon as possible to reduce the disease impact.  Rotate away from soybeans for a couple of years to reduce the inoculum level or till in the residue if growing continuous soybeans.

Most farmers agree with the value of crop rotation but this year’s wet harvest will also reduce the acreage planted to wheat.  Although an important rotational crop, many farmers are not willing to endure the greater chance of reduced yield due to delayed planting.

Harvest time safety cannot be emphasized enough during a wet fall. Please be safe! Farmers are an increasingly rare, and valuable resource!

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.