Land News
Farmland is an essential resource for American agriculture. As stewards of the land, farmers and ranchers strive to maximize per-acre value while prioritizing soil health, water conservation and wildlife management. A key indicator of the financial health of the farm sector, farmland values can be influenced by commodity prices, land quality and other factors.
Farmers are accustomed to making incremental yield gains from year to year.
In a field where slope is undetectable to the naked eye, a topographic map shows where to place surface drainage ditches so they will channel water off the field.
Recent declines in grain and oilseed prices and the strengthening U.S. dollar might start to put a damper on escalating farmland prices.
You can’t always predict the weather; but you can put plans in place so you’re ready to plant in all conditions.
To answer questions about the options available for closing systems, Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie organized a multiyear test plot to look at the various planter closing wheel designs.
With the correct management moves, starter fertilizer can give a corn crop a boost as well as advance maturity.
Using multiple tire sizes for a single self-propelled sprayer is a growing trend to reduce compaction and pare crops.
Amid other lessons, the titanic drought of 2012 gave farmers an education in crop insurance—and a reminder that it’s as vital a tool in a marketing plan as options or calls.
Because of the lingering effects of a hot, dry 2012 planting season, your 2013 crop requires special consideration. By planning ahead, you can reduce the risk to your emerging crop.
The 2012 Census of Agriculture features several firsts—among them, new questions about land-use practices, Internet access and crops grown for production of renewable energy.