To collect estimates, crop specialists visit fields, measure a specific area within the field, and begin collecting data, entering it into the FS Agronomy Yield Analyzer app

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AgPR) September 24, 2024 - FS crop specialists have been collecting corn yield estimates in Illinois and Iowa as part of the FS Crop Tour. As of September 20, the data estimated a yield of 220 bushels per acre for Iowa, with 120 data locations, and 222 bushels per acre for Illinois, with 204 data locations.

To collect estimates, crop specialists visit fields, measure a specific area within the field, and begin collecting data, entering it into the FS Agronomy Yield Analyzer app. Data such as latitude and longitude, plant population, kernels per bushel, and variety are entered into the mobile app, allowing crop specialists to advise growers on estimated yields.

The web-based version of the tool clusters map points, consolidated by a specific geographic area, and calculates the estimated yield of that area, allowing growers and other crop specialists to see estimates throughout Illinois and Iowa.

Howard Noel, the seed specialist with New Century FS, said the weather was a major challenge that negatively impacted the growing season in the northwestern portion of Iowa. "We had significant weather events to deal with this spring and summer, leading to increased variability in that area," he said. "The rest of the state had a good growing season with more rainfall than last year, leading us to some potentially good yields across the state."

Joey Malinowski, a crop specialist with Evergreen FS, says growing conditions in Illinois were mostly optimal this year, but weather challenges in the form of excessive moisture existed in Illinois as well. "It was a hard start to planting with the unpredictable weather we had in the spring. There was plenty of moisture, which presented its own set of challenges when it comes to the ability to get the crop planted, get fields sprayed, and manage disease," he said.

Farmers can check the app or visit the web-based version of the app to see the most up-to-date estimates in their area by visiting https://agronomyapps.growmark.com/YieldAnalyzer.

To learn more about the agricultural products and services offered by FS, visit www.FSSystem.com.

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by member cooperatives. More information is available at GROWMARK.com.