Another One Bites The Dust
Having owned the first and most of the subsequent albums released by Queen, I believe Freddie, Brian, John, and Roger would forgive me for borrowing the title.
On Saturday May 8th, we finished planting corn and reached 96% planted on beans. We saw this as an opportunity to allow everyone to enjoy a guilt free Mother's Day Sunday with their families.
Once again, average weather seems to be a statistical abstraction. The weather pendulum this year has swung to cool and dry, similar to last year but a little more extreme on both counts.
Most of our fieldwork was completed in a two-week window. A two and a half day rainy spell near the end allowed us to regroup for the final push.
This was hugely beneficial as it ensured adequate moisture for germination.
It is shaping up and predicted to be another below normal rainfall season. Here's to hoping the weathermen's muffins were handcrafted at the local cannabis dispensary.
As we tend to get too much rain, 10-15% less than normal would be ideal. The forecaster and the farmer could be happy with that outcome.
Despite the adverse weather potential, we are currently poised for high yields.
Soil conditions at planting were excellent and emergence is good. Growing degree accumulation is below normal but this is not concerning.
The last twenty years has seen a measurable increase in the length of our growing season. This has been a yield positive phenomenon and we factor it into our hybrid selection.
The experience and competence of our Team was also evident.
The rock crew were very self-reliant only needing minimal support. The quality of their work might be the best ever.
Despite several large frame tractors in the shop and an abnormal occurrence of planter issues, our pace was on goal. Both corn and bean planters were able to plant uninterrupted without having to wait for tillage to be completed on the next field.
Once Ben got his new sprayer prepped and calibrated, the application Team stayed close behind the planters with pre-emergence herbicide application.
Only one equipment damage incident occurred, (it was a doozy!) and no personal injuries. We see an opportunity to improve night shift operator alertness.
If 2020 was "Pandemic Year”, 2021 should be "Healthy, happy, and together Year."
That will be our motto and focus at Pinicon this year.
We will let golfers and fishermen worry about the weather.
Jim
