By Andi Anderson
Farmers in Indiana and Tennessee experienced a dry start to the growing season in 2023, but abundant precipitation in July and August helped alleviate drought conditions, resulting in above average yields for some. Indiana:
- Larry Wilkinson, a corn and soybean farmer from Kimmell, Indiana, says that he was pleasantly surprised by soybean yields this year after a dry year. His soybeans averaged 54 bpa across the farm.
- Wilkinson says that while drought did play a role in limiting yield potential, the Canadian wildfires also impacted his soybean crop's ability to photosynthesize due to a lack of sunlight.
- When it comes to his corn crop, Wilkinson says they just started harvest as of the end of October, but yields are good so far. Right now, Wilkinson says his corn yields are 215 bpa, which is close to average for his farm.
Tennessee:
- Mark Spradlin, a corn and soybean farmer in Tennessee, reported the best corn yields he's ever seen since he started farming in 1987. His corn crop yields averaged 206 bushels per acre (bpa).
- Spradlin says he's surprised how long his corn crop held on despite the dry conditions early in the season. About 7 to 10 inches of rainfall in July turned Spradlin's concerns around, helping him harvest the best corn crop he's ever had.
- Unfortunately, drought conditions have returned to Tennessee.
Farmers in Tennessee and Indiana are grateful for the above average yields they received in 2023, despite the dry start to the growing season. However, drought conditions have returned to Tennessee, and farmers in the southern portion of Indiana are also experiencing moderate drought conditions.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-banksphotos
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Corn, Soybeans