Yields look promising
By STU MERRY
Statewide, officials expect record yields this harvest. That will just add further pressure to North Dakota’s grain storage and delivery system. In the area, crops are also showing promise.
Rick Talbott, Max Farmers Elevator manager, said the potential of a good crop exists. "It will fill bins and the elevators," he predicts.
Andy Zink, McLean County FSA executive director, agreed, saying crops are above average. "There were some acres unable to be seeded due to the wet spring," he said. "However, crops that were able to be seeded look very good … keeping in mind of course that none of the crop is in the bin yet."
To the northwest, Doug Smette, CHS SunPrairie, Ryder, manager, said he’s also expecting a good crop with more acres seeded, especially north to the Canadian border.
While the crop in the field looks promising, what can producers expect once they transport their harvest to the elevator?
Chris Gratton, CHS Garrison, said if farmers can get the crop to the bin they will be able to scratch out a profitable year for the most part. Unfortunately, the grain market has taken a downturn.
"Prices have fallen to lows that we have not seen for a few years, however they probably have not hit the bottom yet if the nation’s crops (particularly corn) are as big as it looks."
