Backyarditis
by Chris Patterson
Backyarditis is not in the dictionary, but it is a word that I use to describe what most grain farmers go through most growing seasons. Last year, I had a bad case of it because of the lack of rain in my area. Our corn yields were off about 50 bu. from our five-year average. I thought…there is no way that the national corn yield could be a record with a substantial portion of eastern Iowa being so dry! I was wrong! I worry that is the case for a lot of farmers in 2024 that have suffered from enormous amounts of rain and flooding. I do agree that with all the acres lost to flooding or drowned outs and poorer stands, it seems unlikely that we could achieve the government’s yield projection of a 181 bu./acre national corn yield, but I do think we could achieve close to that. There are a lot of exceptionally good crops in a lot of other regions. There is still a lot of growing season left.
Question of the day: Do I spend any more $ on this crop or should I give up?
This is a question I have received a lot in the last month. The answer is not an easy one and is different for every situation.
1) I have always had the mindset that you NEVER give up on a growing crop!
2) Crop Insurance decisions: you must make your best efforts to grow a crop to receive insurance indemnity. That does not mean you need to do the extra practices you would do in a year of a lot of potential.
3) Know your crop insurance guarantee for every crop. Reeducate yourself on how a lower fall insurance price could impact your guarantee.
4) Control weeds and pests so that you do not increase populations/pressure for future years.
5) I have run multiple scenarios for many of my clients with updated yields, to know where they stand regarding break evens.
6) Make your decisions by taking all factors into account!
If anyone needs help navigating these tough decisions, please reach out to me!
Chris Patterson
641-220-1753