Unpredictable weather patterns have left much of Minnesota parched. The Minnesota Department of Resources says that some parts, especially east of Interstate 35, are very dry.
Because the rain hasn't been consistent, some areas get a lot while others get little. Jake Andrle from Legend Seeds observed varying rainfall experiences among nearby farmers.
Farmers and seed dealers have gathered near Elgin, sharing their experiences and strategies to cope with drought conditions. Jake Andrle emphasized the shift towards hybrids and varieties known for their drought resilience, given the repeated dry spells in the region.
It's often said that rain is like a bank – you deposit during wet seasons and withdraw during dry spells. Even though there was a good amount of rain in the spring, now there isn't enough. Many farmers near Rochester haven't seen a lot of rain lately.
Sharing his insights, Ryan Miller from the University of Minnesota Extension, highlighted the alarmingly low rainfall this summer - just about half of the usual. He further noted the adverse impact of last week's extreme temperatures, which might have prematurely ended the growth of many cornfields.
Such challenging conditions, Miller observes, have led to the potential early harvesting of some fields. The yield quality remains a concern. Any incoming rain will likely benefit the future crops more than the current ones.
This is really sad because the area around Rochester is known for having really good soil. But now, even deep down, the soil is super dry.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-skyf
Categories: Minnesota, Harvesting, Weather