Atkins Seed Service update

CHENOA – Yield potential may have declined in the past few weeks, but area farmers are still going to harvest a good crop.

That’s the belief of Dale Atkins of Atkins Seed Service. A lack of rainfall in recent weeks has caused some concern in the farming community but Atkins hopes growers keep a positive attitude moving into harvest.

“(The corn) was trying to fill ears and it couldn’t get the water fast enough. That and the heat during summer has set us up for an earlier harvest and most of us are in the process of trying to get things ready,” Atkins said.

Atkins believes the soybeans have benefited from plenty of sunshine this year – especially those fields which were planted early. The pod counts tend to differ from what Atkins has observed.

“There were 20 pods more on each plant on earlier planted soybeans. I think we’ve got very good potential in soybeans this fall.”

Pioneer offers a flex-ear hybrid where ear size is adapted. In many cases, there are extra rows of kernels. According to Atkins, a 20 row around ear is going to have much more yield potential than a 14 or 16 which is sometimes seen.

Atkins Seed service is located between Fairbury and Chenoa along Route 24 in McLean County and can be reached at 815-945-5113.