Western Maryland
Harvest is winding down. Corn yields were all over the place, and while it doesn’t look pretty, mycotoxin levels have been low to existent. Soybeans, too, have been disappointing. Even with good yields, quality and reject levels are highly variable. Wheat and Barley are going into the ground; the only thing missing is the much-needed precipitation. Yes, we are dry out here again. The rains of September allowed us to feel comfortable, but our comfort levels have been dropping. The La Nina predicted this winter does give us hope for above-average precipitation. Until March 2025, wishing you warm holidays and a wet winter.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.
Central Maryland
No report this month.
Northern Maryland
The headline story for this fall has been the drought. We have not had any measurable rain since October 2, with the exception of about 0.25-0.5” that fell about a week ago. The dry weather has made for a dangerous harvest, especially in soybeans—I know of at least 5 close calls with combine fires in our region, including one major fire causing a total loss. Yields are highly variable across the region, largely depending on soil type and pockets that received more rain than others. In general, corn yields started off very poor but have picked up and are not nearly as disappointing as many expected. Soybean yields are all over the map and many double crop soybeans may out-yield full season beans this year. Low soil moisture has lead to slow small grain and cover crop establishment.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.
Upper and Mid Shore
Corn and soybean harvests are all but complete, with both crops having struggled under this season’s dry conditions, resulting in below-average yields across the region. The lack of rain also hasn’t made things easy for the wheat and cover crops planted this fall. Thankfully, the warmer-than-usual temperatures may have allowed these crops to put on some extra growth before winter sets in. With some much-needed rainfall this past weekend, they should now be better prepared to face the colder months ahead. As always, farmers are at the mercy of the weather, and after this season’s challenges, everyone is hopeful for more favorable conditions next year.—Dwayne Joseph, Kent Co.
Lower Shore
We had several weeks of drought, and conditions are very dry and dusty. The drought allowed for harvest to finish earlier than typical. Corn harvest is done. Soybean harvest is approximately 80% complete, even for double cropped soybean. Wheat is being planted. The dry weather has led to poor germination and establishment of cover crops. We had a 1” rain a few days ago, which should help establish cover crops that are still being drilled following soybean harvest. Corn and soybean yields are below average on unirrigated land, due to the dry weather earlier in the growing season. This is a year that irrigation definitely paid off, even with low commodity prices.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.
Southern Maryland
No report this month.
*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s
