Harvest is still a couple weeks away, but the small grains crop has the makings of a good one, according to Carter Medalen, agronomist with Rugby Farmers Union Oil Company.

Wheat and canola fields are looking full throughout the region and farmers are quietly optimistic yields will be similar to last year’s big harvest.

“I think farmers would even be willing to give up a little on the yield side at this point, if it could mean some better protein levels and a crop a little easy to market,’ Medalen said.

The progress of the row crops, especially corn and sunflowers appear to have rebounded from too much moisture early in the growing stage.

“I think the heat at the beginning of July has really served those crops well,’ he said. “I’ve visited with a few (farmers) who have indicated their corn looks about a couple weeks ahead of last year.”

The crop that probably benefited the most from the rains last week were soybeans. Some fields located in more sandy soil showed signs of stress and the moisture was needed. However, another shot of rain soon will do more good as the crop begins to reach the flowering stage in early August.

-Staff report