A particularly warm summer in central Minnesota is prompting crops to mature faster than expected. Most are advancing nearly two weeks earlier than usual. Especially notable is the swift change in soybean fields, which are moving beyond their golden phase and shedding leaves. This observation comes from Tyler Rice, a Local Extension Educator.
The rapid maturation may lead to challenges, especially concerning feed supplies. There's concern among farmers about the potential dryness of corn silage, which plays a critical role in feed storage and its fermentation process. This type of silage is mainly provided to the region's dairy cattle. As a response to the possible deficiency, farmers are considering alternatives like hay and other forage crops.
This season didn't just bring heat. There were various weather-related challenges that negatively impacted the yield. Some of these adversities included seeds not germinating correctly and a significant deficiency in water resources. These issues were further complicated by inconsistent pollination, leading to a less efficient fertilization process.
To understand the pollination process better, corn tassels, which signify the plant's male part, release pollen. This pollen is then gathered by silk strands that are connected to female flowers. A kernel is formed when the female reproductive cell is fertilized. Unfortunately, many kernels this season were never fully formed.
The region's average temperature stood at 70.8 degrees, slightly higher than usual but still about 2.9 degrees above normal. Rainfall was also less than average, with the area receiving only seven inches, which is 4.35 inches less than the norm.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-orientaly
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Soybeans, Harvesting, Livestock, Dairy Cattle