Fertilizer
Agronomists explain why nitrogen must be present in the root zone well before the crop’s daily demand peaks.
Sidedressing is often the best opportunity in-season to address corn nutrient needs, but Ken Ferrie urges caution if you plan to go with “blind sidedressing” before the crop emerges or at spike. He offers three considerations.
Producers report mounting pressure from higher diesel, fertilizer and machinery expenses, alongside trade uncertainty and rural healthcare concerns, as policy impacts and election-year sentiment weigh on the farm economy.
Spotty spring rains have slowed planting in southwest Iowa, leaving farmers slightly behind. Despite delays, strong planning, good moisture, and a favorable forecast has Pat Sheldon optimistic for the 2026 crop season.
As the Strait closure enters its tenth week, supply chain gridlock and policy hurdles suggest high input costs will persist through the 2027 planting season, according to Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer with StoneX.
Shrinking equity, rising nitrogen costs and continued global upheaval signal a reckoning for corn growers and a shift to soybeans — especially if higher biomass-based blending diesel mandates come through.
Dave Chatterton with Strategic Farm Marketing says the grain markets were supported by money flow and funds were buying adding risk premium tied to war, inflation fears with soaring energy prices and weather.
Grains were higher Wednesday with new contract highs in hard red winter wheat and December corn according to Mark Knight with Farmer’s Keeper Financial. Live cattle were also making new highs on record cash.
Former NFL player Cody White applies his athletic experience on the field to rising input costs and market volatility in DeWitt County, Illinois.
Randy Martinson with Martinson Ag says the wheat market is adding risk premium tied to weather and global production and geopolitical concerns and could continue to pull corn higher.