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West Central

May 4: Finally it’s going to be dry enough to do something

    Finally it’s going to be dry enough to do something on Monday (May 4). Rain again on Tuesday. Missouri farming is living up to its name — misery! Wheat is pretty much headed out. Looks decent. Send warm temps — we need it.

    R.T. Slack, West Central Missouri CropWatch

    R.T. Slack, West Central Missouri CropWatch

      R.T. Slack farms with family in Henry and Johnson counties in west-central Missouri. He says conditions are muddy heading into spring planting time. He grows corn and soybeans and also puts up some alfalfa hay.

      April 27: After 24 days of mud, we managed to find a drier spot

        After 24 days of mud, we managed to find a drier spot in the county. It was none too dry, but we got 250 acres planted in one day. Woke up the next morning to more rain. Now it’s raining again. Another 2.25 inches and counting. We really need to save some for August. All those in favor say “aye.”

        April 20: We have not turned off the tap since April 1

          Lots of corn was planted in March, but we have not turned off the tap since April 1. It’s all mud. Nothing but mud. And wind. It’s been pretty windy. We missed the storm here, but we always get the rain. I’ve lost track of the inches.

          R.T. Slack, West Central Missouri CropWatch Journal

          R.T. Slack, West Central Missouri CropWatch Journal

            R.T. Slack farms with family in Henry and Johnson counties in west-central Missouri. He says conditions are muddy heading into spring planting time. He grows corn and soybeans and also puts up some alfalfa hay.

            Introducing R.T. Slack

              R.T. Slack farms with family in Henry and Johnson counties in west-central Missouri. He says conditions are muddy heading into spring planting time. He grows corn and soybeans and also puts up some alfalfa hay.

              Wrap-up: Beans made something for themselves

                This year started out pretty good. We were able to get our NH3 on without too much delay. We were able to get a lot planted before a three-week shutdown for rain prior to finishing. Then every time we started a hay mower it would rain. Rained just a little every few days till wheat season. T…

                Nov. 3: Mother Nature needs a chill pill

                  Beans are coming along pretty well. Mother Nature needs a chill pill. We lost eight days because it drizzled four and a half days to get 1 inch. Finally back at it today. This week looks very promising. Getting some wheat planted as well.

                  Oct. 27: Soybeans came to a screeching halt

                    Soybeans came to a screeching halt — won’t stop raining. They seem to be doing OK. Between rains and annoying breakdowns, we're gaining. May switch back to corn this week if it doesn't dry up quick.

                    Oct. 20: Bean harvest is slow but sure

                      Bean harvest is slow but sure. Beans are too dry, too tough and too cheap. We just keep pushing on between the rains. Soybeans attract rain when they are ready, much like a raccoon to the sweet corn patch.

                      Oct. 13: We paused on corn and jumped on beans

                        We paused on corn and jumped on beans when they got ready. Now it seems to rain just a little bit every other day. Proves the struggle is real. Typical Missouri weather. You get what you need when you don’t want it.

                        Oct. 6: I like to pace myself

                          Some guys are done with corn. We switched over to cut beans full bore. I like to pace myself — we can pick corn on a gloomy day. It’s too dry. I’m not sure what changed, but we haven't picked wet corn in several years. Beans are the same way. They're 10% with some green out in the field.

                          Sept. 29: Going to try to get back on beans this week

                            Going to try to get back on beans this week. They are really getting close. Corn has been pretty steady, it’s all been dry or too dry. I’d much rather run it at 17-18%. Guess we’ll see what shakes loose. I’ve got some wheat up and growing — looks really good.

                            Sept. 22: It’s a pretty nice harvest so far

                              Lot of beans are getting close. Several acres of corn have been taken out in the area. There was a storm that squeaked through late last week. Rain didn’t amount to much. It’s a pretty nice harvest so far.

                              Sept. 15: We cut 90 acres of beans

                                There is a lot of corn coming out. We cut 90 acres of beans, and we planted wheat. Starting on corn today (Monday, Sept. 15).

                                Sept. 8: Some have poked their beaks into some corn

                                  We had a short rain a few days ago. It only lasted 10 minutes, so really didn’t do much good, but it helps. Some have poked their beaks into some corn. I’ve got some early beans that should go this week. Corn is still above 20%. Another week on it and we’ll be full bore.

                                  Aug. 29: We sure could use a money rain

                                    We sure could use a money rain — it would make a big difference in soybean yield. I’ve got some beans that are half yellow — won't be long. I’m ready to get this party started. Glad it finally cooled off.

                                    Aug. 25: We can almost always use a rain in August

                                      Crops are coming along pretty good. We can almost always use a rain in August. I’d like to remind everyone to remind their neighbors to slow down and look for farm equipment. I had a guy test the theory of driving a car under a sprayer last Friday. Knocked the back wheel right off of it at h…

                                      Aug. 18: Alfalfa is making a comeback

                                        Corn is turning. Beans are looking good; got fungicide on. Alfalfa is making a comeback from the armyworm attack. It’s entirely too hot. I’m ready for some fall temps.

                                        Aug. 11: Army worms destroyed my alfalfa in one night

                                          Corn still looking good. Been fungiciding beans this week. Army worms moved in and destroyed my alfalfa in one night. Every alfalfa plant had two or three worms on it. It went fast. Ate every bit of it. Couple other guys in the area lost their alfalfa too. If farming was easy, everyone would…

                                          Aug. 4: Summer is over

                                            Summer is over. We finally got some cooler temps. Crops are looking pretty good, just need some more time. The early beans are filling pods.

                                            July 28: I’ll never be mad about mud going into August

                                              It’s been hot enough you could fry an egg on the hood of your car. Crops seem to love it. We had a popup shower while baling hay. Looked like something from out of the movies: Middle of the afternoon sunny and bright, five minutes later torrential downpour. Four inches in less than an hour. …

                                              July 21: Hard to fuss about mud in late July

                                                Things are looking up. Little bit of hay around is getting wet, but so are the corn and beans. It’s hard to fuss about mud in late July.

                                                July 14: Definitely need a good soaker

                                                  Everything is looking decent. We got a little rain a couple days ago but definitely need a good soaker. Waterhemp has been a little aggravating again, but so far we’ve had decent luck getting control of it. Lots of hay is still being baled in the area. I’ve got some beans that are way ahead …

                                                  July 7: We are starting to miss a few rains now

                                                    Wheat beans are up. Corn and early beans are looking pretty good. We are starting to miss a few rains now. Pretty typical for this area. Rains all the time when you need to plant. Get it planted, it stops raining all of a sudden. We deal with this every year.

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