Crops
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.
USDA’s weekly Crop Progress Report shows 14% of the nation’s corn crop and 9% of the soybean crop is planted. Farmers in Missouri and Tennessee are planting at a rapid pace, but the upper Midwest is already behind.
The Corn Belt will see a cooler weather pattern set in, and parts of the parched Plains will see higher chances of rain during the next couple of weeks, according to Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien Ag Solutions.
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.
Dry conditions spurred by La Nina weighed on areas of the Corn Belt in 2022. As La Nina fades, and El Nino starts to make a return, meteorologists say the weather shift could also signal better crop production in 2023.
When soybean seed sits in the ground for weeks, unable to germinate, the risk for Sudden Death Syndrome to develop trends higher. Yield losses upwards of 80% are documented.
The updated Seasonal Drought Outlook for the U.S. is painting a grim picture for many drought-plagued areas of the Plains, but forecasters also expect drought to improve in parts of Nebraska and Iowa.
A late April blast could bring sub-freezing temperatures as far south as northern Texas, sparking growing concerns about the potential damage to winter wheat.
Kansas typically accounts for 25% of the nation’s winter wheat production, but ongoing drought is weighing on overall crop conditions. Farmers are now facing the possibility of increased abandonment this year.
USDA’s latest Crop Progress report shows an open window with weather spurred a jump in corn and soybean planting last week. USDA shows 8% of the nation’s corn crop and 4% of the U.S. soybean crop is now planted.
From the potential for more cold weather later this week to additional moisture increasing chances for flooding in the upper Midwest, the forecast for the remainder of April could hold a few more surprises.
Potassium (K) is a fascinating macronutrient. In corn, it sets the stage for a healthy and vigorous plant that produces a beautiful ear.
As the market balances its focus between increased planting progress and the reality of saturated soils and more chances of rain and snow in the northern tier of states, commodity prices could sway planting decisions.
Jackie Applegate began her journey in 1992 as the only female chemist at a Bayer manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Mo. Since then, she’s held a variety of global roles.
Drew Lerner of World Weather, Inc. says he’s concerned about the potential for a widespread frost and freeze later next week. Current models are conflicting on how widespread it will be and how cold it will get.
You’ve heard the debate—corn should be planted before beans, or vice versa. Research out of the University of Illinois aims to set the record straight.
USDA’s latest Crop Progress confirms planting is just getting started across the Corn Belt, but as forecasts change to milder and drier trend, planting progress could speed up this week.
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.
Row spacing is getting a closer look from farmers who are evaluating the practices that contribute most to soybean yield. Agronomic experts offer their insights here to help growers heading to the field this week.
University of Tennessee Extension weed specialist Larry Steckel says as farmers prepare to plant, it might be uncomfortable to spray early when fields look clean, but it’s a smart strategy for effective weed control.
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.
The weather forecast shows more farmers could start planting next week, and as farmers hit the fields, analysts want farmers to not lose sight of marketing opportunities during their busiest time of year.
Drought continues to tighten its grip across the Plains, forcing farmers in West Texas to make some very difficult decisions this growing season. It’s also causing concerns about crumbling cotton infrastructure.
It’s been a wet spring for many parts of the Corn Belt, and John Phipps says one of the advantages of his advancing age is the ability to start worrying earlier.
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.
With the impending snowstorm in the upper Midwest and Northern Plains, it may seem like the 2023 planting season will be off to a slow start. However, in states like Illinois and Missouri, planting has already started.
Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie says there’s a lot of value in the concept of “start clean and stay clean” for full-season weed control. He shares some advice as farmers prepare for planting this year.
Two to three feet of snow is forecast to fall over parts of the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest this week. Some market watchers are beginning to question if 92 million acres of corn can actually get planted this year.
By 2030, farmers will be using electricity made on their land to produce fertilizer and a diesel alternative, says Larry Kearns, founder of TrackerSled.