By Scout Nelson
The expertise of University of Minnesota Extension specialists Seth Naeve, Jeff Coulter, Dean Malvick, and Liz Stahl, this article highlights key grain quality challenges affecting corn and soybean producers and provides research-based recommendations for harvest, grain management, and storage under prolonged wet weather conditions.
Minnesota farmers are facing grain quality challenges after prolonged rainfall delayed harvest and kept crops exposed to wet conditions for an extended period. As harvest resumes, growers are being encouraged to closely monitor both soybean and corn fields for quality concerns.
Soybeans have been particularly vulnerable this season. Excess moisture during late-season development has increased the occurrence of diseases such as purple seed stain and Diaporthe seed decay, which can reduce grain quality and result in elevator discounts.
Harvesting soybeans as soon as field conditions allow can help limit further damage. Extended exposure to wet conditions may worsen fungal infections and increase the risk of preharvest sprouting and seed deterioration.
Another issue being observed is Soybeans of Other Color (SBOC), a seed discoloration condition found in some varieties. While internal seed quality generally remains unaffected, severe discoloration can create grading and marketing challenges.
Corn growers are also reporting quality concerns, including sprouted kernels developing on ears after prolonged warm and wet weather. Hybrids with upright ears and tightly wrapped husks appear to be more susceptible because moisture can become trapped around kernels.
To reduce additional losses, specialists recommend harvesting affected corn fields promptly and drying grain quickly after harvest. Cleaning grain before storage may also help minimize storage problems caused by excess fines and debris.
Farmers should also assess stalk quality throughout harvest. Fields affected by drought stress, nutrient deficiencies, stalk rot diseases, or continuous corn production may face a greater risk of lodging.
Common warning signs include broken plant tops, weak stalks that snap easily, and hollow stalk tissue near the soil surface. Prioritizing these fields for harvest can help reduce yield losses and improve harvest efficiency.
University of Minnesota Extension specialists recommend regular field scouting, timely harvest, proper grain drying, and careful storage management. These practices can help protect grain quality and minimize economic losses during a challenging harvest season.
Recommendations
- Harvest soybean fields with disease symptoms as soon as possible to reduce further quality losses from fungal infections and seed deterioration.
- Monitor corn fields for sprouted kernels and harvest affected areas promptly to minimize additional grain quality damage.
- Dry grain quickly after harvest to prevent fungal growth, spoilage, and further quality degradation during storage.
- Prioritize fields with weak or lodging-prone stalks to reduce harvest losses and preserve yield potential.
- Scout fields regularly for grain quality issues such as seed discoloration, fungal diseases, and stalk rot before harvest decisions are made.
Photo Credit: getty-images-pixelift
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans