Wheat Updates

Our Farm Manager, Duane Reichenberger of Colwich, Kansas, reports: “South-central Kansas is plenty wet after a very wet June and what has started out to be a very wet July. Wheat harvest is 99% complete with yields averaging around 40 bushels per acre with a few yields reaching into the mid 50s. The crop struggled from armyworm, tornados, hail, heavy rainfall, rust, high moisture, low test weight and finally mud. All that remains of the 2004 wheat harvest is a few mud holes left to be cut and tracked up fields.

On the flipside, the moisture and mild temperatures have been great for the dryland milo and soybeans in the area. The early milo is starting to shoot heads while the later milo is recently sprouted. The soybeans are looking very good as well. We are very optimistic about the possibilities for the fall crops.” For additional information, please contact Duane Reichenberger

Farm Manager, at (316) 796-0465.

Mark Callendar, farm manager in Dighton, Kansas, reports: “Good moisture has finally been received in southwest Kansas and southeast Colorado. 4" to 9" of rain has been received across the area in the past three weeks. This has helped to replenish the subsoil moisture, but created problems for wheat harvest. Wheat harvest is just now getting wrapped up; dryland yields are well below normal because of drought conditions and freeze damage. Irrigated yields are good, 60 to 70 bpa, but the quality is not as good because of the wet conditions. Test weights are low and there has been some sprouting in the heads.  Very little of the white wheat could be milled because of the sprout damage. There are some areas that the wheat was not worth harvesting because of the freeze damage; this was predominately in west-central Kansas.

The corn and soybean crops are in good condition, but are slightly behind normal.  Approximately 30% to 40% of the milo and sunflowers acres are behind normal because of rain delays during planting. Generally speaking, the attitude of area farmers has improved significantly with the recent rainfall.” For additional information, please call Mark Callender at (620) 397-5160.

Midwest Updates

Southern Illinois, West Kentucky, and East-Central, Missouri:

Accredited Farm Manager Bred Cude, Nashville, Illinois, reports: “For most of the area, corn planting was completed in April, which was the earliest ever. Much of the soybean crop was also planted in early to mid May. This was the result of a warm and dry April-early May. We began receiving rain in mid May and have had a few periods of extended rain and wet conditions since that delayed the completion of planting for those not yet done. During the last week of June, most of the corn had either just completed pollination or was in the midst of pollinating. The temperatures were ideal, but we had just endured a dry period and the shallow roots the crop had set due to the early rains may have caused some pollination challenges, as I saw a good deal of longer-than-normal silks on the ears. Fortunately, we received a good general rain over the 4th of July weekend. This should help the crop finish pollination and start grain fill. Overall, I feel the corn crop has excellent potential, if good pollination was achieved.

The soybean crop is also off to a good start, with good, uniform stands and a few fields already beginning to bloom. Much of the post-herbicide has been applied or will be in the next week or so. The rain over the 4th weekend will also add height and blooms to this crop. As always in this area, we still need some continued timely rains to ensure the crop’s yield potential.” For additional information, feel free to contact Bret Cude at (618) 327-9242.

Minnesota/Northern Iowa:

Ron Cherland, Accredited Farm Manager from Fairmont, Minnesota, reports: “Below normal average temps in May and June slowed corn and soybean development after a very early planting season. Corn growing degree units (GDUs) are about 100 or around five days behind normal. The south-central portion of Minnesota has been in very good shape up to this point. North Iowa along the border received excessive rains with considerable drown out and hail in areas. 

Over the July 4th weekend, most of the area received 2.5"-7" rain. For the most part, there will be little lost to drownout, and this has recharged the soil moisture through the profile.  Warmer temps are needed to push the crops along. Most corn is 4'-5' now and soybeans started to blossom about a week ago. This new rainfall will give crops a push as we receive warm temps again. Soybean aphids have not been a problem to this point in the season. The main concern is the extended period of wetness on the soybean plant and possible resulting diseases.

Crop potential and outlook in this area remains good for this year.” Please contact Ron Cherland, AFM at (507) 238-2052 for additional information.

Real Estate & Auction News

Southwest Iowa Consignment Land Auction Will Offer Over 2,000 Acres

Farmers National Company's, Pat Hengen of Crescent, Iowa, announced on July 26 that FNC will be holding a second consignment land auction on Thursday, September 2, 2004, starting at 10 AM. The event will be held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The offering will consist of over 2,000 acres as 14 farms located in Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Shelby Counties. The land will consist of productive farmland, rural home building sites in the Loess Hills near Honey Creek, Iowa, and CRP hunting tracts in Page County. If you would like to receive more information on this auction, click here… Southwest Iowa Consignment Auction or call Pat Hengen at (712) 545-9138.

South Dakota Ranch Auction

On Thursday, September 9, 2004, Farmers National Company will be offering the Buckles Family Ranch, Martin, South Dakota at public auction. The property is located in Bennett County and is represented by FNC agent Dave Hickey, O'Neill, Nebraska. The ranch will be offered in 22 tracts for bidding as well as any combination thereof or the total unit. The ranch is made up productive irrigated center pivot cropland, wheat land, pasture, and outstanding ranch improvements, including a 2,000-head background feedyard, four homes, grain and machine storage. In addition, the ranch has abundant wildlife, including excellent waterfowl habitat on a large spring-fed lake. For a complete auction brochure, call Dave at (402) 336-3500 for more information.

NEW LISTING - Missouri Farmland

2,627 acres near Memphis, Missouri. This property has something for everyone! There are prime tillable acres with extensive terracing and conservation practices to maximize production and establish a solid return on your investment. Several tracts are enrolled in CRP with guaranteed income, as well as recreational uses. Tracts with timber, water, and well-maintained pasture or CRP, provide excellent wildlife habitat for quality turkey, quail, and deer hunting. Rural water and good highway access provide for multiple country building sites. Farm can be purchased in its entirety, or, can be divided into tracts ranging from 60 to 600 acres. For more information contact: Randy Dickhut, Agent, at (217) 223-9747 L-18378

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