Hydrangeas are blooming, grasshoppers are multiplying, and day length is an hour less than the Summer Solstice. It's early August and time for a midsummer operations update. 

Herbicide application finished in late July. Despite utilization of Enlist tolerant soybeans, which is 100% effective for controlling emerged weeds, we had to respray 35% of bean acres due to late emerging water hemp. We did not budget the extra $20/acre but felt the expenditure was needed.      

The first corn tassels emerged in early July and fungicide application started a week later. Flying out of the McIntire airstrip, Skyline Arginautic covers 2500-5000 acres daily flying as many as three planes on busy days. As application timing correlates with pollination, fungicide season occurs over an approximate three-week window.   

Dan and Leroy operate the batwing mowers and should be done in a couple weeks. Alex prepares a weekly list of building sites, waterways and road ditches arranged to minimize road travel and maximize production.    

A new practice for 2021 was inspecting and documenting the presence of trees and shrubs along creeks and drainage ditches too steep or narrow to mow. Joe has been making the rounds with an ATV sprayer filled with a selective herbicide that controls woody plants without killing desirable grass species. This practice will save tens of thousands of dollars in future tile outlet maintenance and tree removal. 

Grain delivery is on track to have the bins empty by harvest. Corn goes to the three closest ethanol plants with beans going to processors in southern MN.

Bert has his hands full keeping nine hoppers staffed, operational, and DOT compliant. 

Mid-season crop reports were completed this week. Plans are being made to personally deliver and update landowners. 

No major infrastructure projects are occurring this year. This enabled us to focus on improving "adequate but not optimal" systems.

That list included dismantling the Cresco bin site, expanding the Meyer bin site, McIntire facility repairs, improved storm drain and shop drive regrade, field driveways, and facility identification signage. 

Supply shortages and price increases have caught us off guard. Luckily, much of the fall equipment maintenance was done last winter so there are fewer machines in need of parts as we get ready for harvest.

It's vacation season. By planning ahead and working together we can usually get by without a noticeable drop in our capabilities. However, a key employee's temporary absence always serves as a reminder to Leadership of each member's contribution and how fortunate we are to have such energetic and dedicated personnel.

Countdown to harvest is ticking. Beans are usually ready mid to late September which is only five weeks.

Keep praying for good weather and safe activities. We appreciate all the help we can get.

Jim