Marion County Extension Program Director Dale Miller says that some producers in the county are getting an early start on harvesting corn as a result of the drought. Farmers are yielding between 60 and 120 bushels per acre, as compared to the 10-year average of around 154. Miller says that not only is there less corn, but test weights show that the kernels are smaller as well.

Periodic rain has allowed the soybean crops to say relatively health. Beans are more resilient than corn in drought conditions, Miller explains.

Miller says corn yields should improve as it’s mainly poor-looking fields that are being harvested right now, but it still will vary from field-to-field. He reminds producers to talk to their crop insurance agent and leave test strips up, and he asks motorists to be careful and patient as the harvest gets into full gear this month.