AAFH Ask the Harvester: Tanner McNinch
Farm location: Arnold, KS
Number of years farming: 12 years. McNinch Farms was established in 1885.
2025 Crop(s) harvested: Corn, wheat, sorghum
Q. Can you share a general overview of this year’s harvest in your local area?
A. It was highly variable for corn and sorghum this year. We had spotty rains over the summer. Crops are improving the further north and west we go on our fall acres. Yields are average to above average at this time. We have been pleasantly surprised with the yields compared to what we thought they would be in the middle of August.
Q. What’s been the biggest challenge with this year’s crop(s)?
A. The long, dry periods on many fields lost yield potential but fortunate to have enough rain at the right time for a good crop after 4 years of drought. Army worms came in late and hurt yield potential on unprotected acres. Southern rust showed up in August during grain fill, but yet to be determined potential losses until fields with fungicide are harvested for comparison.
Q. Advice for other farmers.
A. Stick to the plan. Cutting corners, even in drought, ends up robbing you more than saving you money.
Q. Favorite harvest memory.
A. As a kid, I always enjoyed helping my great grandfather drive the tractor and grain cart during harvest. I was always so proud when I would dump less grain on the ground as he generally would, but I wonder if it wasn’t his way of keeping me occupied by scooping up grain than squirming around in the cab all day.
For more harvest reports and updates follow along at All Aboard Harvest – High Plains Journal.
