The 8-to-14-day outlook (for Nov. 12-18) from the National Weather Service Climate Predication Center for our area of the Midwest calls for likely above normal temperatures and leaning above normal precipitation. Eric Snodgrass, of Nutrien Ag Solutions, thinks our colder temperature now is being influenced by a big low-pressure system over the Canadian Hudson Bay region. However, the trend through November will be milder and possibly wetter. Some computer models for December show a weak La Niña, with colder and wetter weather possible.

2025 Soybean Variety Trial results from The Ohio State University are now available. The northwest Ohio trials were in Henry and Sandusky counties and were planted May 27 and 30 and harvested Oct. 11 and 13, respectively. Henry County had 60 soybean varieties ranging from 2.3 to 3.1 relative maturity and yields ranging from 80.6 to 61.5 bushels per acre, with a mean (average) yield of 74 bushels. Results are available at the OSU Soybean and Small Grain Agronomy website: www.stepupsoy.osu.edu.  

The official Michigan State University 2025 soybean variety trial results are not yet published, as they are compiled and distributed in a report for winter meetings, typically in late 2025 or early 2026. The final 2025 Michigan Soybean Performance Report will be published through the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee and can be found online on the MSU Variety Trials website.

Wheat germination and emergence may be slower than normal due to dry soil conditions, as rainfall has been very scattered and light. Late germination and emergence mimics late planting, which historically results in lower final yields.  Wheat germinating by the third week of October will limit tillering, overwintering hardiness and may result in a possible 10 to 25 percent lower yield than wheat planted by the Hessian fly free date of late September. Farmers may wish to assess stands in late winter or very early spring before deciding whether to keep the stand.  Good fall stands should still have some nitrogen (up to 20 pounds of actual nitrogen) applied as soon as possible.

Turkey trivia: Wild turkeys are native to Mexico, taken to Europe to be domesticated, then later brought back to North America by English colonists. The average person eats about 15 pounds of turkey per year. A male turkey is called a tom; a female is a hen. There is no butter in a Butterball® turkey.