Crops
The U.S. Drought Monitor says 26% of corn acres, 20% of soybean acres and 47% of winter wheat acres are in drought. The wheat crop has little chance of revival, but corn and soybeans have a long runway ahead of them.
A quick planting pace and the possible return of El Nino meant traders have not been focusing on any weather issues. However, with drought continuing to expand, a U.S. weather market might be back in play.
Reclaim is designed to help soils warm up faster, resulting in more uniform seed emergence and better plant stands.
Watch the 1-minute video by Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie and his agronomic team, showing how residue can be sized to protect soil surfaces to minimize dust and potential erosion.
The agency recently launched a new initiative called Acres. Scientists plan for the data gathered through the program to help farmers with all kinds of decisions, from water use to what crops to plant and when.
The signs of El Niño grew even strong this month, and as the weather event looks to make its grand return, significant weather changes could be on deck for U.S. farmers this year.
Palmer amaranth has made a name for itself as one of the most difficult to control weeds. Learn how to identify and control it in your fields this season.
Palmer amaranth has made a name for itself as one of the most difficult to control weeds. Learn how to identify and control it in your fields this season.
Last week was full of both bullish and bearish news for the wheat market. Arlan Suderman of Stone X Group says there are still several things that could spark momentum in the wheat market.
Illinois’ Jack Shissler hit major dryland corn yields in 2022: “Boiled down, my yields were about choosing the right variety and applying fungicide. Variety and fungicide—that’s where it was at.”
Planting is nearing the finish line across Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Tennessee. Much of the soybean crop saw an early start to planting, One agronomic expert thinks the stage could be set for bigger soybean yields.
Similarly, Ken Ferrie says to time your post-herbicide application in corn based on weed size and to address cutworm based on the level of damage you find. One pass in the field could work for both, but don’t bet on it.
The 2023 Wheat Quality Council’s Wheat Tour across Kansas found low yields and higher abandonment than what USDA currently has penciled in with one economist on tour warning abandonment could climb even higher.
It may seem like years ago, but it was just this past June when farmers reported selling $8 cash corn and $18 cash soybeans. Today, cash prices look much different–hovering around $5.50 for corn and $13 for soybeans.
South Dakota farmers have planted 49% of the corn and 29% of the soybeans in the state. Both are ahead of the five-year average and a surprise with fields snow covered in April.
“Plant early for optimum yield” is a common refrain soybean growers hear from agronomists and other crop production experts today. But when you can’t get into the field, regroup and go to Plan B.
A perfect stand sets the stage for high ear count at harvest. But what if, despite your best efforts, a stand starts out troubled?
The May WASDE report is the first look at the new crop balance sheets. As old crop demand continues to be an area of concern, the trade was watching to see how aggressive USDA would be with new crop supply and demand.
With alfalfa being one of the most important forage crops on the farm and feed prices on the rise, it’s critical to ensure your stand is harvested in a timely manner to maximize quality while preserving quantity
Planting has been going full steam the last two weeks in Iowa and farmers now have 70% of the corn and 49% of the soybeans planted which in both cases are nearly 20% ahead of average.
Farmers made significant headway in planting progress last week. USDA shows nearly half of the country’s corn crop is planted and 35% of the soybean crop is now in the ground. There are several states setting records.
Agronomists are reporting high numbers of black cutworm and true armyworm moths in pheromone traps. Their offspring, the larvae, can do serious harm to corn. So can the offspring of four other common moth species.
Grain farmers might have started their Cinco de Mayo celebration early on Friday, with grain prices seeing some big gains.
The change will not impact how farmers work with their current seed salesman in 2023, a Bayer spokesman tells Farm Journal. However, a different go-to-market approach is in the works.
Soil conditions, temperatures and weather outlook are aligned. “Let the big dogs run, and keep the planters running until you’re finished,” says Ken Ferrie. “This corn will fly out of the ground.”
According to USDA-NASS, farmers in eight states are currently planting soybeans at the quickest pace farmers have ever seen, including Illinois and Missouri.
Farmers in the Southern Plains are finally starting to see much-needed moisture hit their fields. It may be too late for winter wheat, but it’s a hopeful sign for those needing the rain to even plant summer crops.
Winds topping 55 mph, along with dry soils, recently planted fields and the direction of the fierce winds, all created the “perfect storm” to cause the major dust storm that turned fatal Monday in Illinois.
Farmers in some states can expect BCW damage in corn by mid-May. One larva can ruin five corn plants in a 24-hour period. Rescue treatments are most effective and economical -- not seed treatments or Bt hybrids.
According to John Phipps, the legendary Third Crop has been the Holy Grail for many corn and soy growers for decades. He explains why more Midwest farms moved away from diversified crops and livestock operations.