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Cropping Issues in Northwest Minnesota

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Harvest and Care of grains . . .

Late Harvest Resources Available from U of M Extension
To provide detailed information for growers, University of Minnesota Extension has developed a website full of resources devoted to dealing with this unusually cold and wet harvest season.

Post-Harvest Tips for Late Maturing Corn
Corn maturity issues and persistent wet conditions are proving challenging again this fall. The following tips were prepared by Dr. Ken Hellevang, NDSU Extension Ag Engineer who specializes in stored grain management. These comments appear in the NDSU Crop and Pest Report .

Fungal Growth on Corn ("Moldy Corn") in Minnesota in Fall 2009
Recently there have been numerous reports of "moldy corn" across Minnesota. The late harvest, high moisture corn, and continuing wet conditions have contributed to this problem. At least two main questions should be considered. Are the problems at this point significant ear and kernel rots that are damaging the kernels, or is the problem primarily superficial growth of fungi on the grain surfaces?

Crop Maturity & Harvest Issues
This collection of articles has been compiled by Dr. Bob Nielsen, Agronomist, Purdue University, because of the challenging 2009 harvest season in Indiana and throughout the Midwest. Delayed planting of crops, slow crop development due to cool summer temperatures, significant incidence of late season foliar diseases and ear rots in corn, slow grain dry down due to cool fall temperatures, and frequent periods of rain resulted in a frustrating end to the growing season.

When in doubt about the applicability of the information to your geographic area of the country, please contact the author(s) of the articles or consult with your own university Extension specialists.

Corn Ear Molds and Stalk Rot
by Del Voight, Penn State Interim Grain Crop Specialist found in Field Crop News, October 6, 2009, Vol. 09:30

Storing, Drying, and Handling Wet Soybeans
Soybean moisture levels of 16 to 20% or more at harvest have been reported throughout the state as this challenging harvest season continues.  If storage temperatures are below about 60F, soybeans at 13% moisture can usually be kept for about 6 months without having mold problems.  At a higher moisture content, how long can soybeans be stored before mold becomes a concern? This article appears in Minnesota Crop News.

Grain Production and Management
Add to your list of stored grain resources on the web. These items are available through University of Wisconsin Extension and their UW Cooperative Extension – Team Grains

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