1992- Another Unusual Crop Season

Abstract

<p>According to the October Crop Report the 1992 Iowa com and soybean yields are estimated at 135 and 42 bulac, respectively. These numbers may change somewhat in the November and January crop reports; however, there is little question that the crop is a big one. The main concern as of mid-October was getting com dry enough so that harvest can proceed. As the crop matured 10 to 20 days late, it is not surprising that wet grain would be a problem. Ear and stalk rots and grain physical quality problems could also be concerns. With the small acreage set-aside (5%) Iowa farmers are expected to harvest 13.1 million acres of com, 8.1 million acres of soybeans. At present yields this would be the largest com crop in terms of total bushels produced in the state's history. With all the "headline producing" problems during the year why are yields so high? The answer is ~ at key crop stages. A very dry June in some areas and the extremely cool July and August came close to being major problems. However, except for fields that were replanted for various reasons (hail, dry soils, etc.) or the areas flooded in September, crops are decent in nearly all regions of the state.</p>