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Minnesota farmer nearing harvest

A west central Minnesota farmer might be less than a month away from starting harvest.

Doug Albin of Clarkfield says his soybeans are still nice and green.

“Some of them (soybeans) are just starting to turn, so it will probably be the 20th of September or someplace in there that we’ll get started on beans.”

He tells Brownfield corn in his area might be maturing faster than beans.

“We have guys that are going to start chopping silage, probably in the early part of next week.  A lot of the corn is already starting to dent, and it looks like it’s going to be a good crop.”

Albin says he expects an above-average crop this fall, with corn yields in the 185 to 190 bushel range.

“That’s a little bit more than what we’re used to.  (for) Soybeans, I’ve been out walking beans and I hate to even guess on yield.  But we’re going to have an above average crop on there too.”

Albin started harvest prep back in June by taking his combine into the shop to make sure mice didn’t chew through wires.

He expects to base most of his seed decisions for next year off the results of this year’s harvest.