Crop report: Pretty good grains

It's been a little dicey this year for Minnesota farmers.

First the drought, then the cool summer. Then a race to reach maturity in the field before a killing frost in September. It looks like most of the state's crops have threaded the weather needle this year.

The growing season opened in drought which began last June. Much of eastern Minnesota reached moderate to severe drought status this summer. It appears two main factors helped crops weather the dryness.

1) The drought came with cooler than average temperatures. What moisture did fall did not evaporate as readily as it otherwise would have in hotter weather. It also appears adequate subsoil moisture helped crops along once root systems grew deep enough.

2) Abundant rains fell in August in most drought areas. This timely rain gave crops a boost at a critical time of year.

A late summer warm surge followed the early August rains around the region. Temperatures ran well above normal statewide through much of September. This has allowed many crops to reach maturity. Corn is still behind the 5 year average, but making progress.

You might put me in the category of those naive suburban dwellers who has the idea that owning a farm would be a really great way of life. I'm sure it has great rewards, and I have a ton of respect for those who grow our food. Still I know of some CSA farms like Easy Bean Farm near Milan have had tough summers this year. As a meteorologist, I can understand and appreciate the way weather can deal you a great hand or a big blow in the field.

There are many weather scenarios that will produce a good crop during a growing season. This year it appears most Minnesota farmers have fared pretty well in a bit of an odd weather year.

PH