El Nino Summer

Linda says that for a farmer, I am unusually nonjudgmental regarding the weather. From my perspective, getting upset with the weather is like being mad at gravity.

I'll save my emotional energy for things I can influence. At the same time, to facilitate planning, marketing, and shop talk with peers, we keep an eye on long range forecasts.     

The upcoming Super El Nino has been in the headline for months. Regardless if it reaches historic levels, weather in our part of the world is following what we would expect during a strong El Nino. An active pattern minus extreme temps. In contrast to last year when excess rainfall delayed post applications, we have had enough days suitable for work to be timely while getting enough rainfall to stay well-watered. 

The perfectionists might argue we are getting a little too much rain. I would agree we are on the damp side of ideal. We buried a sprayer in a waterway, there are spots that show excess moisture stress, and crop development is a little behind due cooler than normal temperatures. However, growing conditions are well within tolerance for great yields.

As we transitioned to applying liquid N side dress and fungicide in house, we lacked adequate capacity last year with a single high-clearance sprayer. Additionally, due to our experience with southern rust, we are doubling fungicide application on farms at higher risk of disease. A second Hagie solved that issue. We are at least two weeks ahead of last year's progress and the quality of the work has never been better.  

Over the next three months, we will continue to do everything in our power to get the best crop possible. Weather conditions will ultimately decide. And though I will officially not let this affect my outlook, more of the same would be fine with me. Either way, we will be counting our blessings come harvest. 

Jim

Mitchell sprays fungicide on Wheeler.