Harvest is underway across Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Howard counties in Maryland and York County, Pennsylvania, with local farmers chopping silage and even shelling some early corn. While yields look promising in many fields, disease and dry weather are creating challenges that growers need to keep in mind as harvest progresses.
Silage and Early Corn Harvest
Silage chopping began in our region about 10–14 days ago, with both dairy and beef operations taking advantage of early feed opportunities. In addition, some farms with grain dryers have started shelling corn—primarily early hybrids in the 95–102 day range, or for those with early delivery contracts.
For farms with a lot of acres to cover, getting an early start helps manage workload and reduce the risk of crop loss later in the season.
Tar Spot Arrives Earlier Than Ever
One of the biggest concerns this year has been the early appearance of tar spot. While not present in every field, this fungal disease has been spotted across northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, arriving sooner than in past years.
The impact is already visible: in some fields, corn is dying down prematurely rather than drying naturally. This puts pressure on grain quality and creates urgency for farmers to harvest affected fields quickly.
Dry Weather Stresses Local Crops
In addition to disease, local growers have been managing through dry conditions. August was notably dry across much of Maryland, and September has so far offered little relief. Dry soils can accelerate crop maturity, but when paired with stalk weakness from disease, fields may be more vulnerable to lodging if heavy winds or storms arrive during harvest.
Recommendations for Mid-Atlantic Growers
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Scout fields regularly to identify tar spot and stalk strength issues.
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Plan harvest order by prioritizing at-risk fields with weakened stalks or disease pressure.
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Prepare grain dryers if early harvest is necessary, especially with high-moisture corn.
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Stay weather-aware—dry conditions and hurricane season overlap, creating risk for downed corn.
Local Agronomy Support
The Mill’s agronomy team is actively working with farmers in Maryland and southern Pennsylvania to evaluate fields, identify disease risks, and plan for a smooth harvest. If you’re concerned about tar spots, dry soils, or harvest timing, connect with your Mill agronomist for customized recommendations to protect your yield and grain quality.
