Utah’s bumper growing season helped make up for some of the bad weather and poor market years.
While farmers nationwide were contending with flooding and droughts, Utah growers brought in a record corn harvest, which is used as feed for livestock, the state’s No. 1 agriculture industry.
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Alfalfa production also was up in Utah — while U.S. production hit its lowest level since 1959.
Utah harvests for wheat and oats also were up from the previous season, although barley and safflower production came in lower.
The crops are vital for consumers because much of the production influences pricing of other food commodities, right down to a steak dinner and other basic meals, says Larry Lewis, spokesman for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food.
"Good seasons are what’s called the even years that help even out the bad times," he said. "Good years keep farmers in business and help keep food prices stable."
The growing season started out badly for Utah farmers, with a cool, wet spring delaying planting times. But the long, dry fall gave growers extra time to harvest their crops.
The season will set a record for production of corn for livestock feed, estimated at 4.9 million bushels, up 24 percent from 2010 and the largest yearly production ever in the state, according to the Utah office for the National Agricultural Statistic Service.
"Utah production was up because generally our weather was good — particularly at harvest time — and we had plenty of water for irrigating," said Kent Hall with the Utah office.
Nationwide, corn for grain production was estimated at 12.4 billion bushels, 1 percent below 2010.
Utah also posted a good year in corn for silage, with total production estimated at 1.4 million tons, up 28 percent from last year. U.S. production of corn for silage came to 108.9 million tons, 2 percent above last year.
Richmond grower Zane Christensen said corn for silage is a great feed for cows because it helps increase milk production. The Christensen family raises about 130 beef cows and farms 600 acres.
The bumper year comes along with better prices for corn. Last year for instance: corn for silage sold for about $35 per ton; this year, it’s selling as high as $60 per ton.
"Getting a good crop is phenomenal," said Christensen, "and the good prices for corn are incredible. We sure aren’t complaining."
John Ferry, who runs a farm, feedlot and cattle operation in Corrine, said those hot muggy days in August and September made for a perfect fall harvest, giving his corn for silage crop enough time for the kernels to fill out, increasing yields.
"Corn is in a seller’s market now," he said. "It’s because of bad weather elsewhere, and a weak dollar that keeps our exports up. All kinds of factors are responsible, not just the weather."
This past season, Utah alfalfa hay production was estimated at 2.4 million tons and all hay production totaled 2.8 million tons, both up 10 percent from last year. Utah, known for high-quality hay, is ranked 14th in the nation in its alfalfa production.
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