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Corn Harvesting Progress - Nov. 16, 2009

The challenging corn harvest of 2009 continues. In some respects there is some pretty good news; in many areas corn yields have been above average, November weather has been great and soil conditions for the most part have been very favorable for harvesting.

In addition, the good weather has allowed for better than average grain dry down, particularly for November. Corn that black layered naturally has been harvested in the 22-28 % range over the last 10 days. Corn that was close to reaching physiological maturity and measured, say 36 % moisture in mid October has crawled its way down into the 27 - 32 % range. Corn that was in the ½ milk line range when it was terminated and was measuring significantly more than 40 % moisture in October, has lost moisture as well but is still in the 35-40 % range.

Test weight has generally been lower than average. Corn that had reasonable maturity/ quality has increased somewhat in test weight as it sat in the field or was artificially dried. Less mature corn has shown considerably less improvement in test weight upon drying and in some cases has actually got lighter.

Key considerations for some producers are whether to harvest the crop or leave it for further in-field drying, with the distinct possibility that once the decision is made to leave the crop out that it may be March or April before the crop is harvested.

Obviously an economic decision needs to be based on potential crop yield loss from leaving the crop out over the winter and compare that to savings in drying costs and/or improvement in grade, price or marketing opportunities. Estimates for any of these values can vary widely! Experience suggests that yield losses would normally lie somewhere between 5 - 35 % for over wintering. (Yes, there are exceptions!)

If you lost 10 percent of the crop but eliminated most of the drying charges for corn that was 35 % moisture, you are further ahead to leave the crop. If on the other hand you loose 35 % of the crop yield then net revenues will be significantly less than if you harvested and dried the crop today.
The numbers are difficult to know. So perhaps a more qualitative approach is better. Here are some key questions to consider.

1. Standability: Evaluate stalk strength using the pinch or push test. Is there reasonable evidence that stalk strength is weak or suspect
2. Snow Load: Do you live in area where snow load is often significant in the fields
3. Crop Insurance: Has your harvest to date already put you over your guaranteed production level?
4. Crop Quality: Can you harvest the crop now and get corn that is Grade 4 or better?
5. Corn Moisture: Is your corn moisture currently less than 35 %?
6. Drying Charges: Is your corn drying done on your own farm?
7. Soil Conditions: Can you harvest today without rutting the soil?

If you answer "yes" to the majority of the above questions harvesting now is probably the best decision. If however you answer has been "no" to many of these questions delaying corn harvest, perhaps until spring may make more sense.

Figure 1. Off the Field and Into the Mill!
(OMAFRA-Spieser)