MENOKEN, N.D. – As the final waves of corn and sunflowers are pulled from the fields, western North Dakota growers are seeing a patchwork of results. The quality and quantity of each harvest, combined with the cost of bringing crops to market, will shape the agricultural outlook for the region.
Burleigh County sees average yields
At Menoken Farm, a 150‑acre demonstration site in Burleigh County, farm manager Jaden Deckert says the season is shaping up as expected. “We’re actually right in there with where we typically are, and we’ve had pretty good quality this year as well,” Deckert explained. “We’re right in the average area, and we’re really happy with it right here where we’re at.” The farm, which also serves as an educational resource for conservation practices, reflects a broader trend of steady performance in parts of the county.
Stark and Billings counties face below‑average yields
North Dakota State University Extension Agent Kurt Froelich, who works with producers in Stark and Billings counties, warns that overall yields are likely to fall below average. He attributes the shortfall to dry conditions and strong winds that plagued the early growing season, as well as a late frost that delayed the drying of sunflowers.
“Our input costs have gone up, but our return, what that crop is valued at, has not gone up with it,” Froelich said. “So now our margins start to get narrower and tighter.” The rising cost of fertilizer, fuel and equipment rentals is squeezing profit margins, especially for those still waiting for corn to lose moisture before it can be harvested.
Farmers adapt to higher expenses
To cope with tighter margins, many producers have shifted harvested grain to livestock feed rather than selling it for grain markets. Froelich notes that this flexibility helps preserve cash flow, but it also reflects the pressure growers are feeling.
Shorter daylight hours and the need to work after dark have added safety concerns. “Finishing safely needs to remain a priority,” Froelich emphasized, underscoring the importance of proper lighting and cautious operations during the final weeks of harvest.
Harvest timelines extend into November
Froelich expects most fields in Stark and Billings counties to be completed by mid‑November, provided weather cooperates. In Burleigh County, Deckert cautions that some fields may require another month of work, depending on lingering moisture levels and local conditions.
Despite the challenges, both Deckert and Froelich remain optimistic that the season’s overall outcome will support the region’s agricultural economy. Continued monitoring of weather patterns and input costs will be essential as farmers finish the harvest and prepare for the next planting cycle.
What’s next for western North Dakota agriculture?
Looking ahead, extension agents recommend that producers keep an eye on market prices, explore cost‑saving measures such as precision agriculture tools, and stay engaged with local conservation programs that can improve soil health and water retention. These steps aim to bolster resilience against the variable weather and cost pressures that have defined this year’s harvest.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
