Spring planting
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 crop over another. What signs are you watching for to make last minute planting decisions?
March 17th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Things are looking up and commodity prices seem to be slowly creeping back. At any rate I still have to feed the cattle. I think we might cut back on some of the fungicides and herbicides. I am looking for products that will promote overall plant health instead of reactive type inputs. This bio-forge seems like an option. Has anyone had much success with it.?Really — I mean have YOU used it and seen a difference? Spring fever has just hit the midwest with 70 degree temps. Guy will be itchin to get in the field and decisions and put off purchases will be made in the next weeks.
ALthough last nights doom and gloom story on the local news about the farming economy was enough to make one switch the channel.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Going to plant corn where I have enough manure and soybeans where I do not have enough. Snow is finally melting here in midwest and we predict the frost to go out around the 5th of April. But a warm thunderstorm would help it move away even faster.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Not much field work done in Arkansas because it is so wet. We’re thinking about using the same amount of fertilizer we normally do. I think all farmers know that fertilizer prices are inflated, but can’t do anything about it, other than not use it. Hope we can finally start planting in a couple days. Predicting it will be more rice and soybeans, and not as much cotton and corn. Overall everyone here is very undecided on what to plant. I am really interested in hearing more about that Bio forge too. I’d like to hear more and not just the good experiences. We have a lot to consider here and can’t make decisions just based on the good stories, need to hear it all.
March 19th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Not going to be much corn on corn unless the fertilizer prices go down by the beginning of April or corn prices go up.
March 30th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
I am a crop consultant in northwest Ohio. Our customers are still dragging their feet on finalizing cropping plans. Everyone is hoping the prices for nitrogen, 10-34-0 & potash go down more. Many of our good corn growers are saying their breakeven will be 175 bushels per acre on their corn. Marginal corn yielding fields are being switched to soybeans. Most everyone I talk to will plant their corn base acres at least!