Fall is typically harvest season for corn and soybean producers, although this year it seems we did not have very many good fall harvest days; maybe one or two good days then three or four days of intermittent rainfall.

However many producers have completed their fall harvests of soybeans and corn.

The concern now is that weather could turn to winter conditions at any time and for soybeans not harvested, that could spell trouble.

Corn will stand for the most part in heavy snow, but soybeans will not. There also is the fact that wildlife damage increases the longer the crop stands. Producers have no choice but to wait until field conditions are suitable for harvest.

In this area, corn harvest is around 50 percent completed and soybean harvest is around 75 percent completed.

This is behind normal harvest progress, which is corn at 85 percent and soybeans at 95 percent for this time of year.

With the exception of wet fields, most producers are reporting above average production.

Some low-lying fields or wet areas in other fields did suffer from too much rain early in the growing season and never overcame the initial setback.

Producers with excess grain that are selling are enjoying the best harvest season prices in years. For those who are storing grain for sale later in the year or for feeding purposes, these producers may want to consider a corn or soybean loan.

Commodity loans provide one option for producers to consider when obtaining operating capital for crop inputs. The loans are simple to process and are normally completed within five working days of the request.

They are popular for a variety of reasons: to provide capital; provide better opportunity for timely grain marketing; or to capitalize on discounts for inputs offered in the winter. Each farm has its own use.

Since the interest rate is low — currently 6.0 percent — producers could maximize early order discounts by paying for seed, fertilizer and crop protection products now. Normally, "in season" prices are considerably higher.

The following information is only a brief overview and specific questions should be directed to the FSA staff.

• Eligibility — Corn and soybean production on any farm. Conservation compliance rules do apply.

• Terms — Matures in nine months; interest rate is 6.0 percent for loans disbursed in November. Proceeds are deposited directly into your account.

• Repayment — Payments can be made at any time during the loan period. Repayment rates could vary well be below the loan rate, which means no interest payment.

• Collateral — The grain pledged for loan is the collateral, it may not be fed or sold without first repaying a specific quantity or obtaining a marketing authorization.

• Storage — Grain must be stored in an approved structure for on-farm storage. Warehouse stored grains are also eligible if stored at an approved warehouse.

To summarize, commodity loans offer some advantages to assist producers in their marketing plans, which may fall in place with tax preparation.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.