As harvest moves deeper into October, fields across northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania are showing the full spectrum of fall activity, from combines rolling through corn and soybeans to planters putting in the last of the wheat. In his recent RFD-TV Market Day Report appearance, Ben Hushon, a member of The Mill’s Agronomy Team and Certified Crop Advisor, shared timely insights on local crop progress and field conditions. His message to growers: stay alert to changing weather and make every harvest day count.
In the Field: Harvest in Full Swing
“It’s been beautiful harvest weather,” Ben said, describing the stretch of sunny, dry days that allowed farmers to make major progress in corn harvest and small grain planting. “Everybody was harvesting corn, moving into beans, and planting wheat - it’s been a great run.”
After weeks of near-perfect conditions, light rain finally arrived over the weekend. While not the soaking many were hoping for, Ben noted that the moisture helped recently seeded small grains and eased surface dryness. “We thought we might get a couple of inches, but even a little rain at this point helps,” he explained.
Corn Harvest Progress
Combines have been running steady throughout the region, with yields holding strong to slightly above average in many fields. Dry weather accelerated maturity, and grain moisture levels have been favorable for harvest. However, Ben cautioned that stalk integrity varies from field to field - a reminder for growers to prioritize weaker stands before heavy winds arrive.
Soybeans and Small Grains
Farmers are now shifting more attention to soybean harvest, with early-maturing varieties coming off nicely. Some later beans still need moisture to complete pod fill, but overall field conditions remain solid for harvest equipment.
Meanwhile, wheat planting is well underway, and emerging stands are benefitting from mild temperatures and recent light rain. “You can see the difference already where the soil held some moisture - emergence is much more even,” Ben said.
Action Steps for Growers
- Walk Fields Regularly: Scout both harvested and unharvested acres for stalk strength, grain quality, and moisture levels.
- Prioritize at-Risk Fields: Target fields showing disease or stalk weakness to prevent lodging losses.
- Stay Weather-Aware: With hurricane season overlapping late harvest, be prepared to move quickly if storms approach.
- Monitor Wheat Emergence: Evaluate stand uniformity and adjust seeding depth or population on remaining acres if needed.
- Plan Ahead: Use post-harvest time to soil test, evaluate residue breakdown, and plan crop rotations for 2026.
Local Agronomy Support
From harvest timing to wheat stand evaluations, The Mill’s agronomy team continues to support farmers across Maryland and southern Pennsylvania with local expertise, field scouting, and nutrient planning.
“If you’re not sure how to prioritize fields or what’s happening with stalk strength or stand uniformity,” Ben added, “we’re out there every day looking at these conditions firsthand — give us a call.”
Need support this harvest?
The Mill’s Certified Crop Advisors are available to help you maximize yield quality and protect your next season’s potential. Contact your Mill agronomist today to schedule a field visit or learn more about crop scouting, nutrient management, and precision ag services tailored to the Mid-Atlantic region.
