Reviewing what went right, wrong in 2012

As the end of the year approaches and most of the corn and soybeans are now harvested, this may be a good time for producers to reflect on what went right and what went wrong during the year.

For the most part, it was a good planting season that saw the spring seeded crops off to a good start.

June was dry for most of the area, growing crops were stressed and hay yields were reduced.

July brought hail to some areas, defoliating the crops. However, timely rains saved corn and soybean fields.

It was a good fall for filling silos and late hay making, and November was dryer and warmer than normal, which really helped speed harvest of corn and soybeans.

Grain yields surprised most producers; this could be a reflection of the newer seed genetics that can be resistant to pests and are more drought tolerant.

All in all, producers seem very thankful compared to producers in other states where drought damaged crops extensively.

A common theme seems to be occurring on many grain farms — inadequate or lack of grain storage. Even the large grain buyers with huge storage capacities were full. Some even piling corn on the ground.

Because most of the local crops are moved by truck, a bottleneck can occur quickly when 8,000 or 10,000 bushels can be harvested in a day with a large combine. Many farms have added grain storage in recent years but are still filling the bins before trucks can catch up.

Producers that are reflecting on harvest this year may want to consider adding more storage. It probably doesn’t make sense to build enough to store every bushel, but additional storage may provide flexibility to keep the combine running until some grain is trucked out.

If producers are considering a grain bin, grain dryer, silo or hay storage building, interest rates have never been lower for the FSA Farm Storage Facility Loan program: 1.125 percent for a 7-year term. Some of the other loan program details are:

• 15 percent down payment required

• 7-, 10- or 12-year term based on loan amount

• Annual or monthly installments

• Must show repayment ability

• Structures must have a minimum life span of 15 years

• $100 nonrefundable application fee

• Crop insurance required but a waiver can be requested

• All-peril structural insurance.

For additional information, contact Luke Fritz at the Farm Service Agency at 724-482-4800, Ext. 2.

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