Greensburg, In. — Spokesman for Farmers Feeding the Flock Merril Smith says there was just enough dry weather to plant the 28-acre corn plot this week. Use of the land has been provided by John & Adel Corya and an anonymous donor planted the field in about 55-minutes with equipment valued at more than $500,000.
Smith says, “Crop farming today is very high-tech and way beyond what us non-farmers can comprehend. Planters use electric metering and vacuum fans that suck the seed into rotating plates that drop them into the ground. The operator is required to monitor several sensors during the process.”
The plot was planted 24-rows at a time at 34,000 seeds-per-acre in 30-inch rows.
There is concern about the loss of “growing degree days” in April and May as well as the possibility of high-moisture corn at harvest time. High-moisture conditions require L.P. gas dryers that increase the cost of production. Some studies show yields can be reduced by one bushel per acre per day for corn planted after May 10.
All proceeds of the project support the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen that serves hundreds of meals each month to those in need while educating the public about the risks farmers deal with each planting season.
Donations can be made to the project by calling 812-663-1055.
