The first day of Corn College is done and 250 plus growers left the Heyworth, Illinois site a little more knowledgeable and a lot more exhausted! More farmers from Iowa were there than any other state - followed by Illinois and Ohio.  One farmer flew into the site on his own plane.  And another rode [...]

When observing winter wheat planted after glyphosate and roundup resistent soybean stubble, some growers are noticing uneven patches as the wheat begins spring growth. This same uneven growth is also appearing when non-glyphostate resistant soybeans are planted behind corn that is glyphosate resistent.  The production of crops is too expensive to tolerate this uneven growth [...]

There’s no doubt that the hysteria over the N1N1 — commonly referred to as swine flu — is impacting agriculture commodities, especially pork.   What effects are you seeing or hearing about in your local communities?

There has been variable progress in corn planting across the U.S.  Some farmers have reached or surpassed their previous five-year averages, while others remain behind while they wait out recent wet weather.
According to Successful Farming’s, Agriculture Online, that’s the verdict in Monday’s weekly USDA Crop Weather report. Overall, 33% of the nation’s corn was in [...]

An Iowa farmer in 2006 had the wrong sprocket on his corn planter and accidentally planted 20 acres at 41,000 plants per acre, which exceeded his normal 30,000-ppa rate.  This farmer reported his yield monitor swinging up to 35 to 40 bushels more when he went over that part of the field! Sometimes, accidents spur [...]

Methyl Bromide, an odorless, colorless gas, is being phased out as claims report the fumigant depleting the ozone layer.  This soil and structural fumigant has been used to control pests across a wide range of agricultural sectors.   In 1987 the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty, called for it to be phased-out by 2005.  Exceptions though [...]

In the news we’re hearing about the EPA’s call of requiring permits for crop protection products, and even if they are applied following all labeling laws.  From final rules, through court appeals, and a reinterpretation of the findings EPA is still saying a permit will be required, but not yet.  EPA is instead requesting a [...]

Spring fever has struck!  Are you itching to get into the fields?  Or have you been fortunate to start planting?  Share with us what is happening in your area.

Some areas, with the “wheat belt” in particular are in need of rain right now.  Fortunately last fall’s rain did help a good wheat crop and those fields that were planted late do look promising.   What is everyone else experiencing right now, and what influece from Mother Nature do you need?

Planting decisions this spring could be greatly influenced by the current commodity prices, weather challenges, and input costs.  Some farmers do not know what they are going to plant this season.  Not limited to just one region - this is happening all over the country.  Many growers are waiting for a clear signal favoring one [...]