Despite frequent rains that kept farmers from their fields, the 2019 fall harvest is off to a good start as area farmers prepare their combines and equipment for a busy few weeks.

“I do what I can and leave the rest to the man upstairs,” said Steve Dlabal, a Wilson farmer.

Some farmers have already started corn harvest. Ellsworth County has about 7,700 planted acres, slightly more than the 5,600 planted in the spring of 2018.

“Corn yields are looking about average and the price is low.” said Craig Dinkel, horticulture agent with the Midway Extension District of Ellsworth and Russell counties.

An average corn field yields about 129 bushels per acre. A bushel of shelled corn weighs 56 pounds and a bushel with ears weighs 70 pounds.

Milo and soybean harvests also are on the agenda.

Dinkel said the sorghum crop is looking good this fall, with only a few head worm infestations reported. The insects eat the flowers and developing kernels of milo.

Ellsworth County has an estimated 30,700 acres of milo. That compares to 28,600 in 2018.

“Milo yields are looking good,” Dinkel added. The average milo field yields about 88 bushels per acre with a bushel of milo weighing 50 pounds.

Dinkel anticipates the sorghum harvest to begin towards the end of October.

“We need a freeze to help dry the heads out,” he added.

Ellsworth County producers reported planting about 24,900 acres of soybeans, about the same as in 2018. A soybean field yields 44 bushels per acre with a bushel of beans weighing 60 pounds. Harvest of beans is forecast to start mid-October.

Soybean yields are expected to be average.

Prices for the crop continue to be depressed because of reduced demand from China due to the African Swine Flu and export tariffs. These come at a time of ample grain supplies.

Reduced hog inventories in China also mean less demand for soybean meal as livestock feed. China, which is home to half of all pig population, lost 100 million head of swine to the flu. That about a third of the country’s pig population.

This also is the time of year farmers plant their winter wheat.

With so much activity, the Ellsworth County Farm Bureau Association, in cooperation with Western Cooperative Electric and Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative, presented a movie on the dangers of electrocution Sept. 21 at the Kanopolis Drive-In.

Farmers were told to watch over head for power lines while moving large machinery. In the event of equipment running into power lines, “Stay in your vehicles and call 911 or your local electric company immediately.” Give them your location and what you know about the situation and remain calm.