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Farmers Facing Rare Challenges
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Finally! Despite the fact that tire tracks can be seen from this equipment being driven into the field, some area producers were finally able to get combines in the fields last week before rains hit once again.
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The significant delay in the row crop harvest is posing rare challenges for South Dakota crop and cattle producers.
That's according to South Dakota Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Educator Marjorie Zastrow.
Zastrow and other Extension staff have begun a news column series to address not only the in-field issues producers may face, but also the ramifications those issues may have on family relations and personal health.
"Crop producers await weather dry enough to take to the fields, while cattle producers may wonder when and if field residues will be ready for grazing," said Zastrow, who works in Brown County. "South Dakota farmers and ranchers caught in this time of uncertainty face tension and uneasiness, which can affect family relations and personal health."
According to South Dakota Cooperative Extension Grain Marketing Specialist Alan May, the soybean harvest in the South Dakota is 40-50 percent behind schedule, and corn harvest is about 30-40 percent behind, both compared to the average harvest dates of the last five years.
This significant delay creates concerns about producers' ability to complete their harvest, and worries about grain quality, moisture content, added drying costs, and storage problems.
"Losses due to adverse weather during the growing season are typically expected as a result of hail, drought, and early frosts," May said. "But this year, excessive moisture at harvest is creating the delay that row crop producers face. There is no control over the weather, but producers with crop insurance have some recourse in this situation."
May said grain producers should stay in regular contact with their crop insurance agents in order to meet all deadlines and requirements of their insurance.
"Although crop insurance policies for corn and beans are still in effect, crop insurance does have an ending date called the End of the Insurance Period, or EIOP," May said. "This year, it's Dec. 10, and that is when crop insurance coverage ends."
If appropriate claims are filed prior to Dec. 10, crop insurance will appraise those crops still in the field and pay for losses.
"However, the policy will not cover any additional losses to the crop after Dec. 10," said May. "If producers are able to harvest a crop after Dec. 10, their losses will be based on actual yield rather than the appraised loss, but only if actual yield is higher."
May said that the harvest period for crop insurance could be extended if poor weather continues, but such a step has not been decided.
"If an extension were granted, it would happen closer to Dec. 10 because if weather improves, there still will be time to finish harvest before the EIOP," said May. "Producers must be prepared to make their claims prior to Dec. 10, and they should visit with their crop insurance agents early and often."
When harvest does resume, producers are reminded to keep safe practices in mind.
"A natural reaction to the current delays is to work longer hours to finish," May said. "We want to remind producers that the fatigue and stress of this year's delay can lead to mistakes and impractical decisions. Safety needs to be priority, and farmers must rest to maintain a safe level of focus."
As producers deal with the stress of a delayed harvest in 2009, the South Dakota Cooperative Extension Service will provide further information through new articles and resources. Ask for information or assistance at your county Extension office.
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©Marshall County Journal 2009
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