We had a welcomed general rain this weekend with amounts ranging from 2-4". It is a relief to see the pattern may be changing. It was also a reminder to compile this year's growing season rainfall data.

From 5/1 to 9/20, totals at 16 locations ranged from 6.9" at the Leroy site, four miles north of Leroy, MN to 12.25" at Garden, six miles north of Elma, IA. The average was 9.7". Eight locations were in the 8.7"-10.7" window.  

More revealing was precipitation since 5/15. During the weekend of 5/12-14, we had a heavy rainfall event. Soil became saturated, runoff was high, and very little crop had emerged as we were still planting. Since Monday May 15th, rainfall totals ranged from 3.95" at the Heimer Farm two miles west of St. Ansgar to 7.1" at Garden. This four-month time frame is the heart of the growing season. Although we have had drier weather, this episode easily makes my top five with 1983, 1988, 2002 and 2012 being worse.   

Early harvest results have been extremely variable. Rainfall and management are influential, however fluctuations in soil types within a field are the main reason for this variability. When you have yields within a field range from zero to two hundred forty bushels per acre, it's about the dirt. The difference in water holding capacity between soils is remarkable.

We'll keep you updated as the harvest progresses. 

Jim