Conservation
Seven U.S. states along the drought-starved Colorado River have reached a deal with the Biden administration to conserve water in a “historic consensus” to prevent supply problems for big cities as well as farmers.
“If you raise 200 bu. corn with a CI score of 0, that’s $1.57 per bushel and an extra $314 in value. Now, the ethanol plant isn’t expected to share 100%, but it could be 25% to 30%,” says Paul Neiffer, a farm CPA.
High winds and dust proved to be a deadly combination last week on I-55 in Illinois. Proponents of no-till and cover crops say this tragedy could have been averted. John Phipps provides his perspective.
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.
Veteran farmer Don Guinnip knows the value of conservation. Farming in the Wabash Valley, the sixth-generation corn and soybean producer is accustomed to growing crops in what he says is “not prime farmland.”
What is the true cost of manufacturing green energies? John Phipps says in order to answer the question, it’s important to first clear up confusion about what green even means.
Funding for habitat management is being examined as legislators and lobbyists evaluate how farm bill programs will be administered in the future. Many want more flexibility in the programs for farmer and rancher use.
Industry experts say the new legislative package represents a ‘generational opportunity’ for conservation funding and needs to reach U.S. farmers and livestock producers sooner rather than later, starting this spring.
Rob Stout knows conservation practices help him leave the land in better shape than it was before. And he knows planting cover crops on 100% of his acreage is one method to help accomplish that.
As farmers in the Plains continue to see losses from drought, groups like NSP are discussing during Commodity Classic either permanent disaster aid or other changes to strengthen the safety net within Farm Bill.