The third of four U.S. Grains Council (USGC) videos chronicling the 2016 U.S. corn growing season for overseas customers is now available for all viewers online, highlighting conditions on farms in Arkansas, Missouri, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
USGC continues to help overseas customers follow the U.S. corn crop on a daily basis through its Grown Corn Facebook page and ongoing trade servicing from 10 overseas offices. This annual series, produced with the assistance of state corn organizations, is an additional and vibrant way for customers to see U.S. farmers and how their crops are faring.
By early July, pollination wrapped up in the U.S. Corn Belt, at which time most farmers were able to take a first look at their crop’s yield potential. Most of the U.S. Corn Belt experienced good growing weather this spring and summer, which led to good pollination.
“The corn has tasseled, and it’s pretty uniform and even,� said Wisconsin farmer Casey Kelleher. “We’re hoping to see additional moisture as well.�
Besides waiting on timely rains, most farmers at that time were watching their plants for insect and disease pressures.
“The main thing we try to do is keep the stalk healthy,� said Arkansas farmer Tommy Young. “We try to make sure all the leaves remain healthy and we want that stalk to remain strong and green all through harvest.�
Further north, South Dakota farmer Ryan Wagner reported he was also keeping a close eye on his plants to do what he could to ensure a bountiful and high-quality harvest.
“In the corn, I haven’t seen a whole lot for the insect pressure that can sometimes occur,� Wagner said in the video. “But it’s still fairly early in the growing season, and those things can come on late.�
Despite Wagner’s caution, Porter remained optimistic.
“I’m thinking there’s going to be a heck of a yield this year,� Porter said.
Past segments of the 2016 video are available here.