A year ago, we were doing all we could to finish up with the 2018 growing season. Some people didn?t finish until January of this year. When it was over, we all certainly thought there was no way 2019 could be worse. However, Mother Nature came back and said, ?You...
Insurance programs for agriculture were really put to the test in 2019. Farmers were diligent about making sure they were covered for many scenarios. However, time was often the enemy. Look no further than the prevent plant acres we saw in 2019. Deadlines were always...
Weeds have been doing battle with us as long as there have been farmers. The technology in dealing with weeds is ever-changing and the weeds keep adapting. Companies are pouring more and more research dollars into finding complete weed control packages. FMC is...
The markets are closed today; some eyes may be nearly closed.But if your ears are open, here is a new way to talk about pesticides. The CropLife Industry, formerly known as the Agri-Chemical Industry, says it wants to go back to using the word ?pesticide.? Genivive...
It is no secret that times have been tough for the American dairy farmer. The rate at which we are losing dairy farms is frightening. Dairy farms that have hung on are always looking for that glimmer of hope that things are turning around. We are beginning to see that...
Let?s not kid ourselves, this past year was painful. Fortunately, a new year lies ahead. But let?s not be quick to forget the challenges that came with 2019. AUDIO: Money Matters
It seems like something we have talked about a lot. 2019 was a year we want to forget but cannot afford to. Many factors beyond our control had huge effects on how farms were operated. Some of these challenges were carried over from 2018, and some were brand new in...
If you are a farmer, you probably have an opinion about the money that goes to the United Soybean Board (USB,) as a Checkoff paid by growers.I spoke to the farmer-member who currently serves as chairman of the United Soybean Board. I asked him what he thought of fake...
When you think about African Swine Fever (ASF), you probably don?t think about what impact it is having on beef. That?s right, I said beef. The fact of the matter is that ASF has caused and is causing a chain reaction throughout the global meat markets. It is...
?Soil conditions and weather play a role in the access plants have to nutrients,? says Eric Hanson, agronomist for WinField United.Cold, wet conditions this year limitied nutrient availability, further creating nutrient deficiencies. Hanson speaks to equipping plants...
