USDA Interprets Droughty South American Weather As Benefit For US Grain Exports
Thanks to La Nina the drought in South America has further reduced the Argentine corn yield and the Brazilian soybean yield. The impact was reported in the February USDA Supply-Demand Report, which indicated the global market would be looking more toward the US to fill its corn needs. However, USDA does not see any extra US soybeans being tapped to meet global demand. Those are the headlines, here are the details…
Posted by Stu Ellis on 02/09 at 09:31 AM | (0) Comments | Permalink
Buy Some Tillage Equipment At A Winter Farm Sale
For years, hundreds of agronomists and soil scientists have convinced farmers that reduced tillage not only is good for the soil and crops, but is more economical than multiple tillage operations. And they have been successful, because tillage has declined radically and sediment loss through erosion has been significantly reduced. But now the US farmer and his machine shed devoid of any tillage equipment now has a mess on his hands. Without a way to mechanically clear away certain weeds, and with an increasing number of weeds that are immune to glyphosate, many farm fields now have perennial problems with weeds that are becoming resistant to glyphosate and other herbicides. Ooooops.
Posted by Stu Ellis on 02/09 at 12:11 AM | (0) Comments | Permalink
What Are The Dynamics In 2012 Profitability?
January crop deliveries have been made, so you have some cash in the account to pay for inputs, income taxes, and a cash rent payment possibly. But with much more grain unpriced, what are the dynamics driving price trends and when will the next opportunity be for making some grain sales? Much of the answer to that question is keyed to your breakeven price and your investment in the crop.
Posted by Stu Ellis on 02/07 at 11:37 PM | (1) Comments | Permalink
Will The 2012 Corn Yield Be Above Or Below The Trend Line?
What will the national average corn yield be this year? No, that’s not a fair question. But what might be an easier question to answer is will the national average yield be above or below the trend line, which falls about 160 bushels per acre for 2012? And that question is significant because the last two years of corn yields have been under the trend line. Will it be that way again, or will it be above?
Posted by Stu Ellis on 02/03 at 12:01 AM | (0) Comments | Permalink
Are You Getting The Most Revenue From Your Crop Rotation?
Have you asked yourself in recent years why you have the crop rotation you have? Are you trying to maximize revenue? Are you trying to minimize expense? Are you trying to manage some weeds that have been tough to control? Do you have an insect problem that requires a special rotation? Are you trying to please a land owner? Or is it because Dad did it that way? Whatever your reason, have you considered comparing single year revenue with the potential for multiple year revenue based on various crop rotations?
Posted by Stu Ellis on 02/02 at 01:26 AM | (0) Comments | Permalink