First, The Bad News

Whenever someone asks me if I want the good news or bad news first, I always pick the bad.

At the least, bad news advises an adjustment in expectations and plans. At worst it threatens ones existence. Good news, in general validates the present course.

Fortunately, our bad news is of the expectation adjustment variety. 

Thanks to an abnormally wet corn crop which slowed harvest rate, frequent rain and early snow that limited days suitable for field work, an LP gas shortage which resulted in supply interruptions and high yields which mean more bushels to process, we have a significant amount of corn left to harvest.

The phrase "Perfect Storm" is often used to describe a convergence of variables that create conditions optimal for extreme outcomes. 

Because we have dealt with higher harvest moisture levels in the past (1993, 2009) and because we have experienced more adverse autumn weather, (1991 Halloween blizzard), 2019 was not a worst case.  

The 2019 growing season will set the record for highest rainfall and the 2019 corn crop will be the most expensive to dry. However in terms of overall difficulty, it would not make the top five in my forty year career.        

For these reasons, this year’s challenges do not reach the "Perfect Storm" threshold. I would offer "Improbably Frustrating" as a more nuanced metaphor.          

Now the good news.

As I mentioned earlier, it appears we will realize our highest average corn yield ever.

To do that with late planted crops, excess rainfall, and sub-par growing conditions is encouraging. Yet, we believe we can do better.

There were no serious accidents or injuries during the growing season. The experience of our Team and emphasis on training continue to show positive results.

The equipment and facilities performed reliably with minimal downtime thanks to skilled operators and timely maintenance.

100% of our fall manure and most of the corn on corn tillage is finished. This is a good omen for 2020.

Thanks to the snow and rain late last week, everyone was able to take off for Thanksgiving.

The forecast for the next week looks drier with seasonal temps. With a little luck, the last few fields will be harvested by mid-December.

If a few fields are still standing in January, 2019 will still have been a year where Pinicon made progress and enters 2020 better positioned to succeed.

Telling the bad news first also makes it easier to end the story with a happy ending.

 Jim