PHOTO OF THE DAY: FIELD OF WORK

That’s West Freeman farmer Kerry Hofer combining beans two miles north of Menno late Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 1, a sure sign that the fall season is upon us. Hofer said he began harvesting Sept. 20 — earlier than most — and has been focusing primarily on beans. The corn he has brought in has been good, he said, but a dry September “hurt the beans,” the result of which will be lower yields. According to a regional crop report issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, corn conditions show 62% good or excellent with 7% harvested as of early this week, while soybeans show 59% good or excellent with 15% harvested.