It Was A Good Year

Published On: December 5, 2022

Trent Brandenburg has completed his harvest. His 2022 corn and soybean crops are “in the bin”. Asked how he would rate the crop year, Trent thought a bit and said, “It was a good year.” Trent has concerns during the long drought in May and early June, but the rains came in time to give him a crop to sell. The harvest weather was better than usual. Fall rains are filling in the subsoil dryness that has persisted so long in east central Illinois. The quality soils in his fields and improved genetics in his seed purchases have helped him overcome the challenge of a dry May and June.

Trent plans no major changes for next year. The price increases for diesel fuel and seed and crop protection inputs have squeezed his bottom line, he admits, but the recent strong grain markets have ameliorated the squeeze. The Brandenburgs wish you all a Merry Christmas!!

More from The Field Report

Not Quite Harvest Time Just Yet

September 18, 2024|

Trent Brandenburg's earliest-planted corn is "about a week away" from drying below 25% moisture. At that level, he could lower his drying expense at the grain elevator. "Now, if there's an incentive..., " Trent indicated that an elevator offering a [...]

Replanting Done, Corn and Beans Look Good

July 8, 2024|

Trent Brandenburg has replanted his few ponded field "wet spots" as many as three times. The replanted areas are "thin," Trent observed, because "It has been too wet. But at least [replanting] will keep the weeds down." Trent is now [...]

First Round Of Planting Done, Ponds Need Replanting

June 6, 2024|

Trent Brandenburg is done with his "first round" of planting, as he puts it. The corn and soybeans he planted in April are up and growing in excellent condition. Trent's later-planted crops are germinating but not as far along as [...]