By Shelby Shank
Field Editor

Corn harvest continues across the Lone Star State.

For some farmers, like Tryne Mengers in Bee County, this year’s yield is disappointing compared to last year’s crop.

“The outlook this year is pretty bleak,” Mengers said. “It’s probably one of the worst ones we’ve had in several years.”

His yields averaged between 25 to 60 bushels, much lower than previous years.

Mengers was confident when the season began with good soil moisture and expected a decent yield.

The weather, however, took a harsh turn with not enough rain.

“Last year was one of the better crops of corn we’ve ever had. This year’s probably not quite the worst, but it’s getting pretty close to it,” Mengers said.

A county over in San Patricio County, Travis Adams had a more favorable outcome.

“The corn crop has been relatively good this year,” Adams said.

Like Mengers, early season conditions were favorable with good moisture levels, but a lack of rain was also a challenge for Adams.

“Unfortunately, we’re probably about one good rain away from having a great crop, but it’s still pretty average to really good,” Adams said.

While the crop’s potential was slightly diminished due to a lack of rain in May, Adams was relieved that Hurricane Beryl bypassed his farm, sparing it from potential damage.

“We didn’t have the rains come with the hurricane, but the next week we had a low pressure come through and brought about an inch-and-a-half to three inches of rain. So, that pushed us back a little bit,” Adams said.

Despite having a decent harvest, Adams noted low corn prices are a challenge. Demand is expected to be higher, but corn prices are lower than they have been in the last three years.

“Prices have not kept up with what we’re hoping for,” he said. “We’re hoping things will pick up a little bit more later this year. It’s disappointing that the prices haven’t been where we wanted, but we’re still hopeful.”