We've reported that early yield checks indicated yield could be more than 200 bushels per acre in the Crop Watch '14 field, basing the estimate on the end rows, no less. However, it's important to remember that the ear count where the estimate was taken may be different than the ear count in other parts of the field.
The farmer planted using a variable-rate formula that dropped from 29,000 to 34,000 seeds per acre. A sizable portion of the field received higher populations than 29,000 seeds per acre. The ear count on the spot that was yield checked was 29,000 ears per acre. It was also 29,000 plants per acre – there were no barren stalks. And although some stalks had a second ear that might contribute some grain, second ears weren't counted.
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The estimate was also made while conditions were favorable. They're still favorable in the field, but rain has become less prevalent lately. The crop shows no signs of deficiency, and only minimal foliar leaf disease. Both hybrids were in the milk stage by August 1.
So it's time to zero in on your yield guess for this field if you want to participate in the Crop Watch '14 yield guessing contest. The top three winners will receive seed from Seed Consultants, Inc. for the 2015 season.
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All you have to do is predict the final average yield in dry bushels per acre to the nearest tenth of a bushel. Those closest to the guess, either over or under, will be declared the winners.
If you've won in the Crop Watch contest before, you're not eligible to win this year. Organizers also ask for just one entry per immediate households. Determination of the winners is up to Farm Progress Companies and Seed Consultants, and all decisions are final.
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Look for entry forms in your August and September magazines. Or email your entry with name, address, cell phone, number of acres raised of each crop and home phone to: tbechman@farmprogress.com.
Entries are due by 11:59 p.m. EDT September 15, or postmarked by September 15. Good luck!