Area crops behind, but better than most in state

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- While counties north, south and west of here are still floundering from recent heavy rains and related storms, the picture doesn't appear to be as bleak in Brown County.

Tornadoes and hail were reported near Grove City, Litchfield, Benson, Parkers Prairie and Brainerd last week.

Weekly precipitation was 1.3 inches above normal. Crop progress remained slow due to lack of sunshine and heat. Seed rot, disease, and cutworms were among the larger producers concerns.

Corn was 99 percent emerged as of Sunday, the same as a year ago. Soybeans were 82 percent emerged, compared to 99 percent last year and 93 percent for the five-year average.

"We're behind but not looking too bad," Brown County Extension Educator Wayne Schoper said. "It's way too early to make predictions but we're looking better than many places. But we don't expect to have yields like the past two years."

Schoper said warm but not hot days and nights are needed for 24-hour plant growth.

"If the temperature stays below the mid 90s during the day and above 56 degrees at night, things will really go to town," Schoper said.

Some area farmers experienced extensive cutworm damage in parts of their fields and replanted parts of their fields.

The soybean aphid, a new insect, believed to have been brought here from China several years ago, has also appeared in area fields along with European corn borers and potato and leap hoppers.

Schoper said crops are more vulnerable to insects when they are under a lot of stress.

Meanwhile, the 2001 Summer Field Day takes place today at the University of Minnesota Southwest Research and Outreach Center west of Lamberton. Field tours, clinics and exhibits run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Final tours depart at 1 p.m.

Tours will include one on specialty/edible soybeans and their added value to agricultural production.

Don Wick, Farm Director at WCCO radio, will present "May You Live in Interesting Times," a journalist's perspective on agriculture news over the lunch hour.