Some fields in Door and Kewaunee Counties need just a little bit more time based on the results of Tuesday’s corn dry down event in Rio Creek. Sixty-seven samples were accepted during the event with an average moisture level of 70.22 percent. Kewaunee County UW-Extension Agriculture Agent Aerica Bjurstrom says the recommended moisture level for corn to be harvest is about 65 percent. Farmers are four weeks ahead of last year’s schedule after a wet spring delayed planting and a damp fall pushed back the harvest. Even with the rain the area has received in the past week, Bjurstrom says farmers should be able to harvest their cornfields in the near future.

Bjurstrom cited good pollination for the high quality of corn she was able to see at Tuesday’s dry down. Statewide, 78 percent of the crop is rated as good to excellent according to the USDA. The UW Extension office will hold a second corn dry down event on September 15th at the Door County Cooperative from 9 a.m. to noon. Members of Peninsula Pride Farms met with county land conservation departments and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on Friday to discuss best practices during this time when many farmers are beginning their harvest and nutrient application seasons.

Screenshot from video below taken by Extension Kewaunee County Agriculture Program