The Official Newspaper for Foster County

Field and Garden: Fall harvest nearly complete in Foster Co.

Combines were moving through the fields of Foster County throughout October and into early November.

Soybeans were harvested first, and then the attention turned to corn.

Some farmers had to wait for the grain moisture content of their corn to come down. For the most part, however, this fall’s work seemed to go fairly smoothly.

Yields varied significantly across the county. Some fields received rain in August that other fields did not get. Soil type also significantly affected harvest results.

According to the reports I received, soybean yields typically ranged from the upper 20s to near 40 bushels per acre. There were a few reports of higher yields. The five-year average in Foster County is 35 bushels per acre.

This year’s corn yields were generally between 130 and 180 bushels per acre. The five-year average is 150 bushels per acre.

While many producers reported average to slightly better than average yields, a lack of rainfall this summer certainly affected production, especially in areas around Hawks Nest, Grace City and McHenry.

County-wide, the period from July through September was the third driest on record.

Foster County is now classified as an area of moderate to severe drought according to the National Drought Monitor.

Our subsoil moisture content is among the lowest in the state, and water levels in many dugouts and sloughs have dropped significantly during the last couple of months.

We need precipitation before planting and grazing begin in the spring.

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Some farmers are applying fertilizer this fall, whereas others are choosing not to, mainly because of the lack of soil moisture. It’s just too dry to work the fertilizer into the soil.

It was this time last year that fertilizer prices increased rapidly.

The cost of anhydrous ammonia has come down slightly since spring, but it’s still about three times more expensive than in 2020.

Urea and ammonium sulfate prices are both down slightly compared to last November, whereas the phosphate and potash fertilizers have remained nearly steady in price.

Soil sampling to determine nutrient content is vital. It’s just too costly to apply more than the required amount of fertilizer.

Farmers also need to consider which type of nitrogen to apply, its placement, and the timing of the application.

All of these factors can lower nitrogen use efficiency, and therefore profitability.

Fertilizer recommendations for 2023 will be one of two topics presented by NDSU Extension soil specialist Dave Franzen during this year’s Central Dakota Ag Day on Friday, Dec. 16.

In his second presentation, Franzen will discuss the economics and positive impacts of reduced tillage on crops and soil.

Central Dakota Ag Day aims to provide farmers and ranchers with the latest research-based information from NDSU.

The program includes 16 concurrent sessions covering topics related to crops, livestock and ag life.

The event is held at the Carrington REC. Pre-registration is not required. Lunch will be served.

For more information about Central Dakota Ag Day, you can call me in the Extension office (652-2581) or visit https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/events/central-dakota-ag-day.