Farmers facing drought conditions

REGION – "I was going to chop all of it for silage," said Chuck Stanek as he looked out over the large field of corn in front of him, much of which showed visible signs of drought, with browning leaves, less than average height for this time of the year and small ears. 

"But the agronomist said to wait until he looked at it – that a lot of the newer varieties of corn these days are really pretty drought resistant," said the East Jordan area dairy farmer, who planted 340 acres of his 600 acres of land to field corn at his farm south of Boyne City and on rented acreage near Ellsworth for his livestock last spring.

"He said a couple of good rains might bring it back, depending on how bad it is, so we'll wait and see what he says."

Agronomists are scientists who advise or consult with farmers and look for ways to increase soil productivity. They also work to improve the quality of seed and the nutritional value of crops.

Much of the field corn Stanek grows for his 500-plus head of hungry dairy cows is normally chopped for silage anyway, providing much needed greens for the cattle, he stated.

"But the cows also need grain, in the form of shelled corn, too, and if I can't grow it, I end up buying it."

And that isn't a prospect he's looking forward to, in light of a short hay crop this year as well.

"We got a pretty good first cutting of hay, but not very much at all for a second cutting," Stanek said. "It's been dry all season."

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