Daryl Cates
Ground Work 2021: Illinois Harvest Just Underway
We had hot, dry weather the last two weeks of August, in my area along the Mississippi River in the heart of the U.S. Midwest.…
Ground Work 2021: Protecting Soybean Yield and Quality in Illinois
This season continues to change constantly. In my area along the Mississippi River in the heart of the U.S. Midwest, we’ve had very dry conditions,…
Ground Work 2021: Harvest and Fieldwork Finished in Illinois
I am finished with fieldwork for 2021. Yield-wise, this has been the best overall year in my 40-plus-year farming career. However, it has held plenty…
Ground Work 2021: Harvesting Soybeans in Illinois
Wet weather has slowed down harvest and other fall fieldwork in my area along the Mississippi River in the heart of the U.S. Midwest. As…
Ground Work 2021: Mississippi River Levels, Rain Impact Illinois Soybeans
What a difference a week makes. During the week of June 21, the Mississippi River dropped as low as 3 m, or 10 feet, and…
Ground Work 2021: Controlling Weeds in Illinois
After rain delays through much of May, I finished planting soybeans on June 5. I am still amazed at how quickly we can get caught…
Ground Work 2021: Planting Delays in Illinois
After a good start to planting, rains at the end of April and the beginning of May interrupted us and kept us out of the…
Ground Work 2021: Illinois Planting Underway
Mid-April brought spring rains and below average temperatures to my area along the Mississippi River, in the heart of the United States midwest. The Mississippi…
Ground Work 2021: Monitoring Mississippi River Levels in Illinois
Illinois farmer Daryl Cates monitors Mississippi River levels and crop prices as he prepares for the 2021 planting season. His Ground Work 2021 update describes…