Despite concerns caused by a rainy spring that led to field management difficulties, local bean and corn crops are on track for an average yield this fall.

“Right now things are looking pretty good, we couldn’t ask for better conditions,” said Jeremiah Vardiman, a University of Wyoming Extension educator.

Bean crops are beginning to be harvested and the yield has ranged from above average to around average. 

Vardiman said the yields are extremely variable but across all crops this fall yields will most likely be average. However, this year's harvest will still depend on what the rest of fall holds in the coming weeks.

“If we have a freeze tomorrow that’s the worse thing that could happen for us,” Vardiman said. 

This is particularly a concern for corn crops, Vardiman said. Corn will be harvested soon, although some sweet corn farmers have already harvested, and Vardiman said that grain corn will depend on kernels filling out and maturing.

Black layer, a phase of maturity in corn, will be very important, Vardiman said. Black layer is when kernels reach physiological maturity. At that point, a black film forms over the tip of a kernel and prevents further development, according to Bayer’s Crop Science webpage. Bayer is a German biotechnology company that produces agricultural products.

Vardiman said the best harvests tend to be early and the biggest concern will be crops that were not planted in time. Long-day varieties may also be under pressure to be ready in time for fall harvest.