The price of eggs in China, and other important facts for agriculture.
What is your connection to China? Grandma used to ask, “What does that have to do with the price of eggs in China?” And while a 5th grader can find it on a map, most people likely feel no connection. On the other hand agriculture has a close connection. In addition to a myriad of foreign trade exchanges annually, educational exchanges, and a majority of Wal-Mart merchandise, China’s food consumption is rooted in US exports. And it would not hurt most farmers to know how eggs are priced in China.
Posted by Stu Ellis on 05/08 at 10:38 PM | (0) Comments | Permalink
Your recipe for insect and weed control could be hazardous to your corn
You are trying to manage your various risks in crop production, double checking weed and insect management plans. Then suddenly the crop protection chemical industry throws a wide sweeping curve ball that sails past you for a called strike. You didn’t see that one coming and neither did many other farmers who are also planning to use organophosphate soil insecticides for additional rootworm control, along with some of the more popular herbicides. But it turns out that your plan is fraught with peril. Oooops!
Posted by Stu Ellis on 05/02 at 05:51 AM | (0) Comments | Permalink
Political Dealing with Farm Programs
Monty Hall would love it. And farmers who gamble on the markets and big stakes revenue crops would be in hog heaven. And for those who were fans of the daytime television show Let’s Make a Deal will appreciate the choices they might be afforded if the Congress approves a new Farm Bill with a trio of optional programs.
Posted by Stu Ellis on 04/30 at 09:58 PM | (0) Comments | Permalink
Corn Planting Date: Implications of planting in May
In the prior posting on Farmgateblog you learned from two eminent corn production specialists that not having your corn planted does not make you naughty and destined for a time out in the corner of your machine shed. In fact, corn that has been planted in a few Cornbelt fields is struggling to survive in the cold, wet soil. And once you get planting, some farmers may not stop, come darkness or even breakfast the next morning. Which makes one wonder about the impact of planting late.
Posted by Stu Ellis on 04/25 at 10:42 PM | (0) Comments | Permalink
Corn Planting Date: When is the best time?
Your seed corn is piled on pallets in the machine shed; your soil is cold and wet, and it is April 25. But the weather forecast gives little chance of getting into the field for another week. Your herbicide applicator has yet to show up and you have to wait for him. You are faunching at the bit because it is getting late and Dad always said to start planting in April. Your spouse is tired of your griping, and your blood pressure and stress are just about to get you admitted as a cardiac patient. We have a tip for you: erase your concerns about the calendar and planting date. There is nothing magic about planting corn in April.
Posted by Stu Ellis on 04/24 at 11:46 PM | (0) Comments | Permalink