View From the Cab

DECATUR, Ill. (DTN) -- The dog days of summer may be waning, but Sadie Sanderson was on point this week as trucks loaded with new-crop corn started rolling in to dump at Henderson Farms near Madison, Alabama.

It's just the beginning of harvest for Stuart Sanderson, his loyal labrador, Sadie, and the rest of the farm team. They were able to plant about 800 acres of dryland corn in late March before rain delays slowed planting to a crawl. That's coming out of the field now. It was July before the planters were put away and the rest declared as prevented planting.

While those idled acres weren't what they wanted, the added moisture did limit irrigation needs early in the season. "I'm really happy with what we're seeing so far -- over 200 bushel per acre (bpa), good quality grain and 14% to 15% moisture on dryland. I'll take it," said Sanderson.

Sanderson has been reporting each week as part of DTN's regular feature called View From the Cab. Joining him this year is Ethan Zoerb, of Litchfield, Nebraska. The series explores crop conditions and gives an on-farm view of rural issues.

Zoerb's crops still have a ways to go before combines roll. In the meantime, he's hoping for some weather that will help keep filling out the crop.

DTN Ag Meteorologist John Baranick said an incredibly strong cold front is going to work through the country this weekend and it will be feeling like fall for most areas east of the Rockies.

"In Litchfield, Nebraska, highs are forecast to be in the lower 70s (Fahrenheit) most of the week, while lows may break below 50 on a couple of days if the skies can clear out. The DTN forecast as of Friday calls for rain every day, but it looks like much of that will fall off to the south and west. But it could be cloudy," Baranick said.

"In Madison, Alabama, the drop in temperature will also be significant, but highs may break above 80 degrees every day. Dew points will be notably lower though, giving mornings a fresh, crisp feeling. The chances for rain end after the front passes through on Sunday but could return late in the week."

Getting bins readied for the coming harvest and getting them filled is a common chore this time of year. Unfortunately, those activities can increase the risk of entrapment and other hazards around grain bins. This week both farmers discuss the need to slow down and be safe.

No matter how busy things get, the need for the company of a good dog remains a constant with these farmers. Sanderson and Zoerb also touch on how canine companionship makes tough days more tolerable and good days even better.

ETHAN ZOERB: LITCHFIELD, NEBRASKA

First it was dry. Then it was wet. Now it's dry again. This week Zoerb Farms fuel trucks were headed to the fields to make sure irrigation rigs keep on pumping with hopes that crop will continue to fill for another few weeks.

"If it's not under a pivot -- like our corners -- things are starting to wilt down pretty good," said Zoerb. "Some of those ears are starting to drop." The ear shank is the pipeline for flow of nutrients to the developing ear. Zoerb noted that the droop of those ears can prevent the completion of grain fill, causing premature black layer.

Mid-to-late September is the typical start time for harvest in this part of central Nebraska. Whether that date holds depends somewhat on rainfall events.

"I can see us nibbling into some corners a little earlier than usual. The crop seems to be drying down a little faster. Also, Dad tends to get excited and it's easier to go ahead and get started so he'll be happy," he said, only half in jest.

Crop diseases have also entered the picture. Southern rust is a concern this year. If severe, it can affect grain fill and standability.

"We retreated a few fields that we knew would be later to harvest with fungicide. Hopefully it gives them some added protection and lets them continue to fill," he said.

He is seeing some tip back in corn this year. "We've had some hot days, but I think the foggy and cloudy days have caused some of this nosing back. We'll see how much it takes off when it goes to yield. It just hurts when you see 10 to 14 (kernels) long and 16, 18, 20 (kernels) around, you know what that yield could have been. Hopefully, those kernels left will continue to fill," Zoerb said.

This week, Zoerb also took time to represent the Nebraska Corn Growers Association at a roundtable discussion with U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE). A diverse group of more than dozen community leaders met to learn more about the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Giving agriculture a voice continues to be important, particularly given current concerns around markets and overall farmer profitability, Zoerb said.

Most days, farming can be a solitary business. However, working around grain bins is not a time to be alone, Zoerb said. "It doesn't matter what I'm doing in or around that bin, I insist someone else be there to monitor," he said.

"Harvest is a busy time, but it's a sad fact that we have too many examples of what can go wrong when we rush or cut corners. I have a lot of people depending on me to come home at night."

Also waiting at home are some furry friends. The Zoerb family raises registered golden retrievers. "There's nothing like having a bunch of kids and a dog (or two) to meet you at the door to beat back the stress of the day," he said.

"There's a reason goldens are used for therapy and service dogs. They seem to know what you're feeling. I've never met a golden that would refuse a hug."

STUART SANDERSON: MADISON, ALABAMA

When Sanderson's dog, Dixie, passed away at age 15, he didn't wait long to welcome another into his life. He likes to duck hunt and that's reason enough to have a good dog. But his new pup, Sadie (now 15 months old), also works beside him most days.

"Farmers love the outdoors. Dogs love the outdoors," Sanderson said, explaining the natural bond that seems to exist between farmers and dogs. He's partial to labrador retrievers as a breed.

"They are so intuitive to what's going on. If you're having a bad day, they can tell by your voice or expressions. I can look at Sadie and she'll turn those puppy eyes on me or climb in my lap, and things just get better," he said.

"Plus, she eats Purina Pro Plan dog food, and we sell corn to that company, so it's a win-win because we're helping her be healthy and supporting a market," he said.

Harvest is far from full throttle just yet for Sanderson and his farm team. "We cut about 150,000 bushels this week. We started on a farm where we do a lot of research, and it takes time to pull those plots," he said.

They've been harvesting a 118-day corn planted in late March. It was coming out of the field around 14.5 to 15.3% moisture. It hasn't hurt Sanderson's feelings that they've not had to turn the dryer on yet.

"When you can make 220-to-230-bushel (per acre) dryland on 28,000 population and 170 total units of nitrogen, that's a good day in this part of the world," he said.

"We will get into some irrigated corn next week that will push moisture up," he added. "But we're hoping for some good yields."

When it comes to grain bin safety, Sanderson has a list of gear and procedures the farm uses. They avoid entering bins when something is running. When bins with grain must be entered, it involves harnessing up and using a buddy system to monitor from outside the bin. The farm keeps an emergency ladder and scaffolding at the ready. Every bin is outfitted with a Sump Saver designed to break up blockages and unplug grain bins from the safety of a tractor outside the bin.

"We use Trend Airshield Pro battery powered air circulating face shields. You can feel your hair move while inside these hoods. The air is filtered enough that I have been in nasty bean dust, come out and my nose blows clean," he said.

The farm constantly monitors and manages moisture levels and temperatures inside bins through the BinManager IntelliAir System from Gateway Building Systems. These moisture cables can help detect a hot spot or a dangerous cavity, Sanderson said.

"We also have power cutoffs everywhere. The grain facility runs on 480V 3-phase power. I'm constantly checking wiring connections to make sure there's no loose wiring or other hazards," he said.

Just keeping a clean space around the bin site can be important to keeping workers safe. Falls from grain legs or bins are another concern, he noted. "I don't climb without a safety harness. It's a promise I made to my wife and it's a good one," he said.

"I know it's easy to say, but probably the most important thing we can all do is just slow down. We make mistakes when we hurry," Sanderson said.

For a personal perspective on the devasting impact of a grain bin accident, see "A Letter to Brian" at https://www.dtnpf.com/…

Iowa State specialists give examples of grain entrapment scenarios in this post: Don't be a Statistic: Grain Bin Safety Tips: https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/…

The Grain Handling Safety Coalition provides lists of resources on the topic of safely working around stored grains: https://grainsafety.org/…

The Progressive Agricultural Foundation's is the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. For more information about its programs visit: www.progressiveag.org

Information about Silo, a film about grain bin entrapment can be found here: https://www.silothefilm.com/…

Pamela Smith can be reached at pamela.smith@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @PamSmithDTN

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