Corn
China canceled more corn purchases this past week. As the country switches to cheaper sources from places such as Brazil, it puts more focus on a possible demand problem in the U.S. and causing beginning stocks to swell.
Modern, high-tech planters can produce “picket fence” stands of corn with seedlings so uniform they look like they’ve been photocopied. But does precise planting pay?
For a developed country as large as the US, we are almost unique in our lack of robust rail capabilities. John Phipps answers a viewer’s question about the possibility of updating the rail system to move grain faster.
True armyworm (not to be confused with fall armyworm) is moving into Midwest wheat and corn crops now. Many are newcomers from the South, but homegrown populations are also concerning in Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.
Grain and oilseed prices took a tumble the second half of this week. As commodity prices fall, and planting picks up pace, veteran analysts explore the outlook for commodity prices in the months ahead.
Both crops get a green light for planting this Wednesday and maybe even for Tuesday in central Illinois. Ferrie says let soil conditions, moisture and local weather forecasts drive your planting and tillage decisions.
Cutworm and armyworm moths are on the move, looking to lay eggs. Wireworms, grubs, flea beetles, gophers and voles are also looking to take up residence in your fields. Act now to stop them.
USDA’s reports showed some surprises last week, including tighter than expected stocks. If China continues to buy corn, analysts say it creates even tighter old crop stocks, but if China quits buying, prices could drop.
Farmers in Iowa and parts of Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin and South Dakota are in the “red zone” for CRW pressure this season.
USDA’s 2023 Prospective Plantings report released March 31 shows farmers intend to plant significantly more corn acres in 2023. At nearly 92 million acres, that’s a jump of 3.42 million acres from last year.
More ears at harvest is the key to higher yield. That requires starting with a picket-fence stand with photocopied plants, achieved by adjusting your planter as conditions change from field to field and within fields.
Corn yield results not from the number of plants in a field but rather the number of ears. Commit to season-long scouting and consider these tips for evaluating ear development.
Kevin McNew says the company’s survey of 2,000-plus growers shows they will plant 92.5 million acres of corn and 84.5 million acres of soybeans. Both estimates are counter to what USDA projected in February.
China continued to buy U.S. corn this week, and analysts say China may not be finished, especially if prices dip, and China sees it as an opportunity to buy more.
Caution can help you avoid creating compaction or density layers. Plus, if you’re applying anhydrous now, allowing 14 days between the application and planting can prevent dead or damaged plants and costly yield dings.
Sluggish corn demand in the U.S. has been the concern for months. This past week, demand got a big boost, with USDA reporting daily flash sales from China. Since March 9, those sales total 83.1 million bushels.
The company, known for its extensive work in soybeans, formally moves into the corn marketplace with its introduction of Maverick herbicide, now available for use this season.
Finding a new path for ethanol demand could come in the form of higher-octane fuels. NCGA says the Next Generation Fuels Act would address climate goals while also driving up the domestic demand for corn.
Do some final noodling on hybrid selection, planting processes and agronomic practices to grow that big-yielding crop you want to harvest next fall. Here are five tips to help you make this season a success.
From USDA’s cuts to demand to recession fears, market analysts during the live U.S. Farm Report taping at Commodity Classic explain the various factors that sent corn prices lower this past week.
BASF plans to launch Surtain herbicide for 2024 farmer use, pending EPA approval. It features two active ingredients that tackle up to 79 tough broadleaves and grasses, including Palmer amaranth, waterhemp and ragweed.
Corn and soybean prices finished Friday in the green again. The market momentum is a change from February’s decline on the CME. So, what changed to start March? Brian Grete and Sam Hudson provide perspective.
Traders said that the recent sell-off may have sparked some buying interest from importers that had viewed U.S. corn as too expensive when compared to supplies from other countries.
Mexico is accusing the U.S. of playing politics over the GMO corn issue, but NCGA CEO Neil Caskey says if Mexico wants non-GMO, they’ll need to pay a premium for it instead of violating a trade pact already in place.
Before planting even starts, diseases are likely on soil residue. That includes tar spot. While many believe rainfall and temperatures are key tar spot drivers, Agronomist Missy Bauer says there’s a third indicator.
Some farmers saw A 40-bu-per-acre yield surge across fields in 2022, thanks to nutrient efficiencies. They lost less N and had better mineralization. Now, they ask, how can they get a repeat performance this year?
USDA’s Ag Outlook Forum pointed to a 3% increase in total planted acres of corn, soybean and wheat acres, a signal that stocks will grow in 2023. Market analysts say traders may be shifting their focus to new crop.
A year ago, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine injected uncertainty about global grain supplies into the market. Today, initial concerns have been squashed by the reality of record exports from the Black Sea Region.
Volatility was the theme on Friday. Between Russia announcing plans to cut oil production, hot and dry weather in Argentina, as well as Russia’s escalation of the war in Ukraine, commodity prices shot higher.
If you’re looking to replace some of your nitrogen this season, urea is an option. Volatility will be one of the things to address.