Welcome rain pauses soybean harvest in western Minnesota

By Scott Wittnebel of Nassau, Minn.
Oct 20, 2023
Oct 20, 2023

1 of 2

A rainbow arcs over a combine harvester at the Wittnebel farm near Nassau, Minn., after a welcome fall rain.

Submitted photo

A rainbow arcs behind a combine harvester at the Wittnebel farm near Nassau, Minn., after a welcome fall rain.

Submitted photo

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By Scott Wittnebel of Nassau, Minn.

A very welcome and replenishing 1.4 inches of rain fell Oct 3 and another 3.75 inches Oct. 12-14. The gentle rains have and are continuing to soak in with little to no ponding in the fields. Road and drainage ditches are holding water, and the river is flowing once again. We planned to continue harvest Monday or Tuesday, Oct. 16 or 17.

CW Wittnebel (7).JPG — Aidyn Wittnebel blades the yard after a much-needed fall rain in western Minnesota.
Submitted photo

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CW Wittnebel (6).JPG — Scott Wittnebel stands in a field of soybeans ready for harvest. Yields varied widely depending on soil type, rain and maturity.
Submitted photo

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CW Wittnebel (2).JPG — The Wittnebel family gathers in Brookings for Hobo Day at SDSU, which included a parade and a football win.
Submitted photo

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Scott Wittnebel farms with his brother Bart. Their kids make of an able crew of helpers raising corn, soybeans, hay and small grains and a cow-calf herd in western Minnesota’s Lac Qui Parle County.