Lock and Dam 19 at Keokuk, IowaCourtesy of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District More severe weather has crossed the nation this week possibly resulting in more problems with rivers leaving their banks, according to Brad Rippey, a meteorologist at the USDA. “That is likely to trigger some additional fieldwork delays as …
Category: Ag News
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May 08
Throwing darts at impact of #Plant19 delays on corn market
There’s plenty of speculation about how planting delays might impact corn prices as more rain moves across the Midwest. Analyst Elaine Kub says weather was probably the biggest reason the futures market gained about 10 cents last week. “It’s not just a matter of little rain delays here and there, it’s a pretty widespread problem …
May 08
Minnesota farmer nervous about trade breakdown with China
Farmers are nervous about a possible breakdown in trade negotiations with China. George Goblish grows corn and soybeans in southern Minnesota. “I hope to God they can get it done here soon because the markets certainly need the rally to keep farmers out on the farm like it should be.” President Trump recently threatened to …
May 08
Iowa farmer still waiting to make up for fall delays
A north central Iowa farmer is still waiting to catch up on fieldwork. Larry Sailer of Iowa Falls says torrential rains in September and October slowed harvest and prevented any fall tillage or fertilizer application. “So going into spring, our subsoil moisture was clear full. As some people did get in the field, they were …
May 08
Fieldwork at a standstill for SW Minnesota farmer
A farmer in southwest Minnesota has yet to turn a wheel this spring. Joel Schreurs grows corn and soybeans in Lincoln and Lyon Counties. “We just can’t catch a break. It seems like as soon as we think about looking at a piece of ground, we get another half inch to an inch of rain.” …
May 08
Yet another Spring storm impacts the Heartland
Across the Corn Belt, a significant rainfall event is underway west of the Mississippi River, curtailing fieldwork anew. Although dry weather prevails in the eastern Corn Belt, most planting activities remain stalled by excessive soil moisture. On May 5, topsoil moisture was rated at least one-half surplus in Ohio (83% surplus), Illinois (74%), Indiana (71%), …
May 08
RFA applauds Congressional letter opposing refiner exemptions
The President of the Renewable Fuels Association is applauding a letter by 35 Members of Congress urging the EPA to stop granting Small Refiner Exemptions to oil companies, so they don’t have to blend ethanol with gasoline. Geoff Cooper says, “Both Democrat and Republicans (are) sending a very strong statement, and I think putting Administrator …
May 08
A pattern change ahead for parts of the Heartland
A storm system currently centered over the southern half of the Plains will drift northeastward, reaching the Great Lakes region by late Thursday and eastern Canada by week’s end. Snow in the central Rockies will gradually diminish, while mid- to late-week rain will fall in most areas east of the Rockies. Storm-total rainfall could reach …
May 08
Crop insurance: Know your deadlines and have a plan
With parts of the corn belt experiencing excessive rain and flooding this spring and with more rain in the forecast, some farmers are wondering if taking a prevent planting claim is the best option. In this Managing for Profit, Lee Waters with Farm Credit Illinois will highlight the role crop insurance plays for risk management …
May 07
Nebraska legislature debates property tax relief bill
Nebraska State Senator Tom Briese of Albion, speaking in favor of LB 289 on the floor of the Nebraska Unicameral. The rural-urban divide in Nebraska was on full display Tuesday as lawmakers began first round consideration of LB 289. The bill tackles the state’s overreliance on property taxes to fund schools by replacing those dollars …