Small Town News

High yields, low prices

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Different variables greet farmers as late harvest begins

High yielding crops met by a delayed harvest are greeting area farmers this year.

According to a pair of area elevator managers, this year's harvest is getting off to a painfully slow start.

"I haven't been around as long as some guys, but in my career, this is the latest harvest I've seen," said Mike Gratton, manager of the North Central Grain Cooperative in Bisbee. "We're finding farmers are only getting to harvest between four and five hours a day."

Gratton credited wet mornings and foggy conditions for the short harvest hours.

In Rolla, Rolla Cooperative Grain Manager Raymi Hendrickson said farmers are just beginning to get their crop off.

"This has been a slow process so far," Hendrickson said/'We're taking in some peas but not much else. I hope by the end of this week it kicks into high gear."

Although the harvest may be late, it's still producing a good crop.

"There are big bushels out there again but there is lower protein, which was expected," Hendrickson said.

The biggest concern for farmers may be the deflating price for their crops.

Hendrickson said milling wheat was worth $7.75 a bushel last year, but is down to $4.59 this year. Feed barley, which last year was worth $3.50, is currently at $1.50 this year.

"Demand is really down this year," Gratton said. The only thing I see that could impact the price quickly is if there is a frost scare in the cprn or bean belt in the next couple of weeks."

"In terms of prices we're probably getting back down to normal," Hendrickson said. "The problem is the expenses aren't going down, which makes things more difficult."

Although the delayed harvest may have its drawbacks, it has helped Hendrickson and Gratton.

"We haven't had any problems with storage room yet because of harvest starting so late," Gratton said. "And I don't forsee us having any problems this year."

The situation can be a little dicier in Rolla, where Hendrickson is forced to move grain by truck. Railroad service discontinued in Rolla two years ago, and during the last two harvests, grain has been stored in huge mounds outside until transportation could be arranged.

"At the moment we have room for all types of grain," Hendrickson said. "Every year we seem to run into a little tight space but we should be in fair shape this year."

"At the moment we have room for all types of grain. Every year we seem to run into a little tight space but we should be in fair shape this year."

Raymi Hendrickson, manager of Rolla Cooperative Grain



Copyright 2009 Turtle Mountain Star, Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 Turtle Mountain Star Rolla, North Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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