As I look back on the year, it was marked by a fast planting and harvest window under predominantly dry conditions. June held fairly dry, but July brought a shift to wet and humid weather that, while seemingly ideal, ended up creating a perfect environment for crop disease. Yields varied more than usual, influenced by hybrid selection, rainfall amounts and location. Every season brings its own set of challenges, and this one was no exception. Still, I’d call it a good crop year overall. That said, I know many farmers were hoping for a great year, especially with commodity prices low and input costs high. That economic pressure weighed heavily and may have clouded what was, in many ways, a solid growing season.