Tractors and combines could be a part of your daily commute as soon as this weekend in Door and Kewaunee counties. The UW-Extension hosted a pair of corn dry down events in Sturgeon Bay and Luxemburg over the last week to look at aspects of their crop such as moisture levels, dry matter, and maturity. The average moisture level among the 88 samples brought in was at 69.86 percent, about four percentage points higher than recommended for harvest. Moisture levels at this point of the year can drop as much as half a percent per day to the recommended 65 percent. Agriculture agent Aerica Bjurstrom notes that dairy farmers should pay special attention to their feed corn this year due to possible corn tar and micro toxin issues. 

She says the early and dry spring helped the corn get almost a week ahead of last year’s crop.  With some areas already underway with their harvest, Bjurstrom reminds farmers and motorists to watch out for each other to stay safe on area roadways over the next eight to ten weeks.

Picture and data courtesy of Aerica Bjurstrom