Editors' Notebook

OMAHA (DTN) -- Oh for the days when it seemed a chorus of "Rain, Rain, Go Away" actually worked.

I'm sure those in the Midwest on their third and even fourth day of precipitation would dance the Hokey Pokey under the full moon and sing 20 choruses of the song (with emphasis on "come again another day" when we need you) if there was even a slim chance it would stop the deluge.

"We had rains of 2 to almost 9 inches in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa Wednesday and Thursday," said DTN Senior Ag Meteorologist Bryce Anderson. "We're seeing heavy rains elsewhere in the Midwest, especially south of Interstate 80 Thursday and headed for the Eastern Corn Belt through Friday.

"Omaha had around 2.5 inches. Lincoln had from 4.5 to 8.86. Western Iowa had from 2 to 3.6."

Reports are that the Missouri River is near to above flood stage in some areas. The town of Rulo, Neb., may be evacuated.

Of course in the ag business too much rain this time of year messes with harvest plans. Bob Birdsell of Stanberry, Mo., has had to delay his harvest. "We were going to work cattle today (Wednesday) and start harvesting the 2nd, but 2.20 inches of rain stopped both. There has been some harvesting done around here; yields sound great."

In other areas of the Midwest, where the rains haven't hit yet, harvest has begun and seems to be logging some impressive yield numbers. Steve Howe of Thurman, Iowa, reported, "We are just getting started on corn. It was testing 16.5% on Monday. The yield will be over 200."

Anecdotal reports have us thinking Illinois will be the star of production this season. Kenton Thomas who farms in Alexander County is already done with corn harvest.

"We are done with corn. Started cutting beans now. Most corn in our area leaving fast. A lot of beans being cut now getting ready real fast. Have not had a rain in three weeks so things drying fast. Yields are all above average. Harvest in southern Illinois in full swing now."

John Moore of Manhattan, Ill., said yields aren't quite what folks were hoping for, but they aren't bad either.

"Combines started rolling this week here in northeastern Illinois. Have heard yields up to 240 in corn. Beans were yielding well, but not quite what people had anticipated. Mostly hearing in the 50s and 60s. My son and I harvested the beans out of his test plot yesterday (Monday). They yielded anywhere from 60 for an early group 2 to 69+ for group 3.

"Still working on hay. Almost there. Keeps us busy and not thinking about the fact that our crops are not quite ready yet here at the end of September. I noticed that a lot of roadside ditches were mowed in the last week or so. I decided that that must have been the way a lot of farmers dealt with the fact that they could not be out in the fields yet. Kept their minds occupied."

Near Sterling, Ill., Keith Landis is getting ready to combine soybeans. "As for field work, we just finished the hay for the year and are preparing to combine beans and put up snaplage. Also preparing ground for winter wheat. We are also planning a day's break to run up to the World Dairy Expo this week."

Cory Ritter of Blue Mound, Ill., has been harvesting for 13 straight days as of Monday. "Might get a break later this week with a rain," he wrote in an email to DTN. "We are 60% done with beans, tomorrow we will catch all the beans that are currently ready. Yields have been good. 10-15 bu above 5-year average. Corn is one-third complete. Logistic issues at elevators are starting to show up with reduced hours. Planning when to go to town and when to go to bins is going to be a big factor in wrapping up harvest 2014! Yields are 50-75 bushels above the 5-year average."

In Hardin County, Ohio, Dan Hiller says bean harvest has started and just a little corn has been picked. "They just got started in early beans here," he wrote. "Hearing yields in the 50-70 range most in 55-60. Very little corn shelled, what has been hearing from 130-230, most in the 170-190, those who have shelled had problems with those fields for standability. I expect mine to come off late Oct/Nov.

"Some corn has the tops breaking out and will go down soon.

"Drove out Mendota, Ill., yesterday (Monday) to pick up parts; most of the crops were average to above average. Illinois crops looked super as they normally do. I can see some big yields coming out of those fields."

Kenneth Zahm of Marne, Mich., says harvest isn't happening in his area. "We are maybe a week away from combining soybeans; checked some corn, moisture around 34%. Enjoying the sunny weather with some other outdoor projects."

And, last but not least for those of us who love the plethora of apple species that become available at this time of year, Phil Carter of New Era, Mich., reports that picking is going at full speed.

"Temperature dropped 20 degrees this afternoon in about an hour," he wrote. "Some rain showers this evening. Harvests: apple picking is going full bore, we finished MacIntosh, will soon be done with Galas and Empires should start this week. Have a good crop of those with excellent quality and Red Delicious and Golden Delicious are just around the corner.

"Processors are being very fussy on what varieties they will receive and one processor has all of his suppliers on allocations (quotas, like last year).

"Nationwide is a huge crop and we will undoubtedly leave fruit in the field. Squash growers are going strong and corn chopping is also ongoing. No corn shelling yet. Trees are starting to turn color; even with depressed markets, fall is still my favorite time of year as we can see the benefits of the year's work."

Amen, Phil. Amen.

If you would like to participate in this email group of readers send me a note with your contact info. Cheri.zagurski@dtn.com.

(AG)

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