This picture comes from Traverse County, Minnesota. Corn and soybean harvest is almost done across the Midwest. As of the end of October, 91% of the U.S. corn crop had been harvested, compared to only 24% in 2009, according to the USDA. Once harvest is done for farmers, they typically do fall tillage in this region of the U.S. to promote an early thaw in spring. Upturned, black, soil will heat up faster in spring and thaw out quicker than no-tilled ground. If the ground thaws faster, then that will lead to an early planting season, like the spring of 2010. Early planting allows for a longer growing season and could eventually lead to an early harvest.

Remember, we are always looking for more agricultural pictures from anywhere in the world. Submit pictures to farmlandforecast@colvin-co.com.