The good weather of late has advanced crop maturity to the point that harvest is in full swing on many farms. Corn and soybeans are the principle crops being harvested. Other traditional fall harvest crops are also being gathered, including potatoes, pumpkins and fall vegetables. Most of the potato crop, however, is infected with a strain of blight that will severely limit marketable production.

Corn and soybean yields from well-drained land are producing above average with some yields for corn as high as 165 bushels per acre. The warm, dry weather is a big plus for producers drying grain. It reduces propane and natural gas expenses, which this year is higher than previous years.

Nationwide, yields are above average also, and with the recent weather, most of the Corn Belt is nearing harvest completion. Reports are in that even dry land in western Nebraska is yielding nearly 200 bushels per acre.

Since good weather provided for a fast paced harvest and no rain days to catch up, most mid-west elevators have huge piles of corn on the ground. When harvest happens this fast, grain storage shortages are highlighted even more so than normal. The yields from the mid-west were so good that prices are now at their lowest levels in years.

This news means deficiency payments are now available. Grain producers with questions on how to apply for deficiency payments should contact the office at either 724-482-4800, Ext. 2, or 724-775-2369, Ext. 2 for more information.

The most important rule to remember is that title to the grain must be retained in order to be eligible for deficiency payments. Payment rates for Oct. 11 are: corn, 0.36 bushels per acre; soybeans, 0.20 bushels per acre; and barley, 0.49 bushels per acre.