Hell or high water, producers are often forced to chase markets. However, solid data stacked over multiple years shows the peaks and troughs of a consistent crop rotation system.

Sunlight into energy means fuel for plant growth – the crucial role of phosphorous in crop fields. Cell elongation and division may be the proper scientific description, but a simplified explanation is a better fit: Phosphorus cranks up plant horsepower.

Timing and location are crucial when applying phosphorus to crops. Depending on soil type and condition, application should parallel plant needs to utilize space and tools available.

Good data is the cornerstone of zone management. Management zones must be identified and not created, advised presenter Isaac Ferrie at the 2015 Farm Journal Corn College in Heyworth, Ill.

Peter Blezard believes the most significant technological leap in agriculture for 100 years is waiting on the cusp of farmland -- nitrogen fixation. If he’s correct, agriculture may have an opportunity to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use by 50% in all major global food crops within a decade.

Chip Flory has a tight grip on agriculture’s tape measure. When an army of 150 scouts from 12 countries marches across U.S. farmland with ropes and smartphones, Flory knows there is a meticulous method to the madness.

U.S. soy processors, fresh off their busiest year on record, have booked soybean purchases well beyond their normal few weeks of supply due to soaring export demand, rising prices and fears of soy shortages.

China committed to buying 200 million gallons of ethanol during the first half of 2021. If the commitments turn into shipments, it would mark the largest annual purchase for U.S. ethanol ever.

Use this framework to understand COVID-19’s tail.

After corn and soybean prices soared last week once the USDA’s WASDE report was released, grains and oilseeds seem to have taken a different path this week. So, is the grain rally over? Bob Utterback weighs in.