(Wilton, ND) — Our scorching summer is forcing some North Dakota farmers to harvest earlier than usual. The USDA’s latest report shows about 20 percent of the state’s spring wheat crop has been harvested; that’s well ahead of the average. Producers credit the hot, dry weather for pushing crops to mature earlier and for producing bumper crops. Spring wheat yields have been surprisingly good, averaging as much as 50 bushels per acre. But soybeans and corn may not fare as well unless we get some rain soon. One producer said, while he doesn’t have any corn planted, he’s noticed similar signs of stress in nearby cornfields too.
