Around Farm Progress

Tight global supplies have held up wheat prices since 2020 due to the surge of Chinese purchases, La Nina's influence on yields, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and inflation. However, that price support is slipping.On Tuesday, May 2, Chicago wheat prices dropped to a 25-month low. Then prices whipped back on Wednesday and Tuesday.What's behind all the volatility? Is it Russia? Weather? Or something else entirely that farmers should keep an eye on? Tune in as Jacqueline Holland explains the current fundamentals influencing the wheat complex, and where prices could be headed as U.S. farmers get closer to harvest.

Just how is cotton raised in the United States? And what are farmers doing to be more sustainable with this important fiber and oilseed crop? Good questions both, and the industry is stepping up to answer that for buyers with information direct from growers in the U.S. Cotton Trust Program.Sledge Taylor, who farms in northern Mississippi, discusses why he joined the program, the process involved and offers some insight into why other farmers should join, no matter their farm size. It's an interesting program with aiming to show a competitive world market that U.S. farmers are ahead of the curve.

Commodity prices are a leading indicator of inflation, and the commodity price surge in August 2020 was a telling sign that inflation was about to rip through the entire economy.Inflationary pressures are finally beginning to ease in other areas of the U.S. economy. While the slower pace of increasing prices may seem like a blessing for farmers, it is actually a bit more complicated than that – and potentially not quite as rosy.Tune in as Jacqueline Holland explains the relationship between commodity prices and inflation, the role of hedge funds, and the potential for "sticky inflation." Also, learn why it's more important than ever to focus on marketing plans and banking relationships during the 2023 growing season.Stay up to date on the latest market commentary by subscribing to our free Farm Futures Daily newsletters sent every weekday morning and afternoon.

Western flooding impacts agriculture in a big way. Recently Todd Fitchette, Western Farm Press, traveled to the Tulare Lake area of California, on the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, to survey the damage. From flooded fields to relocated farms, the impact has beensignificant, and will be felt beyond season 2023. Then the podcast shifts gears and takes on the topic of medically important antibiotics and their availability to beef producers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is promulgating new rules on the issue but the gist is that what was once available over-the-counter, will no longer be offered that way. Betty Haynes, Prairie Farmer, talks with Julia Herman, National Cattlemen's Beef Association cattle specialist and veterinarian, about the issue.

Around Farm Progress adds a twist this week as we introduce Farmgate Friday, a series that looks at hot topics in grain marketing and what they mean for your farm.On this episode, Farm Futures market analyst Jacqueline Holland interprets the main corn, soybean and wheat data from USDA's March 31 prospective plantings report. The acreage estimates from the National Agricultural Statistics Service provide the first official estimates of U.S. farmers' 2023 planting intentions.So, as a farmer, what do these numbers mean? How can you adjust your marketing plan, and what factors should be on your radar as planting takes off? Tune in to find out.Learn more about USDA's March 31 reports from the Farm Futures team. Stay up to date on the latest market commentary by subscribing to our free Farm Futures Daily newsletters sent every weekday morning and afternoon.

This week's episode of Around Farm Progress takes on two different topic areas. There's a look at one farmer's innovation in forest restoration that's getting some attention. We also continue our coverage of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Cattle Industry Convention with a look at topics related to beef biosecurity.Curt Arens, Nebraska Farmer, digs in on a recent story he wrote about a farmer in western Nebraska who innovated an approach to planting trees after a wildfire. Betty Haynes, Prairie Farmer, talks with Julia Herman, NCBA beef cattle specialist and veterinarian, who discusses biosecurity, Beef Quality Assurance and the opportunities for producers.Jennifer Carrico, Wallaces Farmer, talks with Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association. They discuss the electronic identification system the association is encouraging seedstock producers to use.

Never let it be reported that the Around Farm Progress podcast isn't diverse, even in a single episode. This week the show looks at the Conservation Reserve Program and the benefits it offers, then moves on for a discussion of the beef checkoff, beef exports and even a discussion about Yellowstone.First up, Fran O'Leary, Wisconsin Agriculturist, shares insights about the Conservation Reserve Program she gathered in a recent feature. We wrap up with an interview Betty Haynes, Prairie Farmer, did with Norman Voyles Jr., former Cattlemen's Beef Board chair and Indiana native.

USDA recently instituted a Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program at the urging of the beef industry. The goal is to provide more transparent information for producers to understand price trends in local markets. Jennifer Carrico, Wallaces Farmer, talked with two beef industry representatives during the 2023 National Cattlemen's Beef Association Cattle Convention in New Orleans to get their take on the issue.

Recognizing the hard work of agriculture is part of the culture. There are several programs, many sponsored by Farm Progress, aiming to shine a spotlight on those farm leaders that are driving this industry forward. In this episode of Around Farm Progress, Brad Haire, Southeast Farm Press, and head of the Farm Press team at Farm Progress, discussed two programs his group manages.Recently, Haire was part of the program recognizing the 2023 High Cotton Award winners at the MidSouth Farm and Gin Show. He discusses that award, and highlights this year's winners and their operations. He also discusses the upcoming Peanut Efficiency Award, sharing how that program focuses on sustainability.

For the last few years there has been a healthy buzz around innovations for agriculture, but a deeper look at the industry shows that farmers are not all jumping right in. A new survey report from consulting firm McKinsey & Company, digs into that issue – Agtech: Breaking down the farmer adoption dilemma. It's the third survey of farmers the organization has done, and this latest includes responses from 6,000 farmers from around the world.We connect with the report's authors to discuss what they found and factors that could drive greater adoption of agtech in the future.

DNA is a secret weapon farmers can use to better understand the challenges your crop may face in the new year, but how does that work. One company, Pattern Ag, is focusing on measuring DNA information from soil samples to help farmers better understand the pests and diseases that may be present in the soil. This information can help farmers decide the best approach for inputs and crop protection products to use.Mike Tweedy, vice president of sales; and Danielle Watts, vice president of data science, both with Pattern Ag, discuss the process they've created.

A winter farm show is a great way to catch up on tech when the workload is a little slower, and Northeast farmers know it. That's why may plan to travel to Syracuse, N.Y., to take in the New York Farm Show. The 2023 show runs Feb. 23-25 and show hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Chris Torres, American Agriculturist, offers a sneak peek at the show including an interesting, one-of-a-kind tractor demonstration visitors can enjoy. In addition, he discusses the new products on hand along with the expanded exhibitor list. In addition, a full slate of programs are on tap for beef producers and those managing forests and woodlands.

What's the value of a farm survey and why should a farmer take time to fill it out? Good questions for busy farmers these days. In this episode of Around Farm Progress, we dig into the most recent survey conducted by Farm Futures to learn how this periodic effort to take the pulse of agriculture does more than count acres.Jacqueline Holland, market analyst, Farm Futures, compiles information from the series of surveys the brand conducts. Her work at analyzing responses provides valuable insight to readers, and the market. But each survey digs deeper, learning more about important topics on the farm including mental health insights, or how inflation impacts your operation.

Grain drying costs can be a killer, and farmers work on ways to enhance efficiency to cut that energy bill. From installing new, more efficient dryers, to changing the energy source, innovation abounds. And for one Michigan farmer, the answer was wood chips. Jennifer Kiel with AmericanAgriculturist discovered this drying innovation on a trip to a farm late in 2022.In this episode of Around Farm Progress, she shares what she learned and offers some behind-the-scenes insights on the installation of this innovation. Turning to renewable fuel as a source for drying grain could be a choice for more farmers, provided they work through the logistics and the investment.

Farmers likely hear this all too often – we'll have to be ready to feed 10 billion people by 2050. But how will agriculture meet this oft-stated challenge head on? Rob Saik has a good idea: sustainable intensification. The idea is to maximize the technology available to agriculture to make the most of the inputs we have while also boosting sustainability.The key is helping consumers and government officials realize the value and necessity of the technology farmers will need to meet those future food needs.

There was quite a bit of buzz when the idea of gene edited crops first became public. But what can this technology mean to agriculture? The idea of a precise way to turn genes on and off in plants opens the door to a wide range of innovations, but how long will it take to come to market? How about 2023?Pairwise, a startup focused in gene editing technology, is seeing success with the tool in the development of greens with a higher nutrition profile. Haven Baker, chief business officer, Pairwise discusses a new product coming to food service soon and grocery stores later in 2023. It will use the brand Conscious Foods.

Farming isn't easy, because as farmers know if it was more people would do it. But for those living the dream of farming, can't do it alone. But how do you get a leg up on the challenges you face? Engaging the winter learning season at events that can help make a difference on your farm. Mike Wilson, executive editor, Farm Futures, got an idea for an event more than 15 years ago focused on helping farmers keep getting better. That's the Farm Futures Summit, and a few years after it started, the Farm Futures Ag Finance Bootcamp was added. Listen to learn more about how this information-packed event is helping farmers keep getting better.

One of the benefits of Around Farm Progress is connecting with the staff and helping tell their story as well as finding out about the stories they're working on. This time out listeners to the Around Farm Progress podcast will get a chance to learn more about Joshua Baethge, the new farm policy editor.

There's a question that's popped up in the last few years for John Deere: Why do they exhibit at CES? The trade show, once known as the Consumer Electronics Show, is more often associated with televisions and computers. JonEbert, manager, North American public and industry relations, discussed the move in the latest episode of Around Farm Progress. The company had been at CES in a smaller way before 2019, but that year the company had a bigger exhibit, and has been at the show ever since.

Irrigation is an important tool for a lot of farmers to take control of the weather. But there's also growing attention to how that water gets used on the farm, creating challenges. However, in the past few years the amount of data collected by irrigators and researchers is bringing much higher precision to the industry. One organization, the Irrigation Innovation Consortium, is helping to bring that data together to create better ways to use water for creating food.Amy Kremen is associate director of IIC, and she discusses the work of the organization, as well as how data is being put to use for agriculture. One topic she also explores is an attempt by several universities to work on creating a Master Irrigator program to boost knowledge and training for farmers who want to be even better stewards of the water they have available. She explores those topics in the latest episode of Around Farm Progress.

California produces 80% of the world's almonds, which may be a surprise to many. Maintaining that market position on a global basis takes legwork, and more. Todd Fitchette with Western Farm Press got a glimpse of that work in his conversation with Clay Hamilton, associate administrator of USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service.In their discussion, Hamilton outlines trade work the organization does to support the almond industry, which helps the U.S. maintain it's No. 1 position.

The growing attention to programs to cut greenhouse gas emissions, engage in climate-smart farming and maximize resources is converging on a process that's been around for centuries – bio-based gas. Anaerobic digesters have been put to use on poultry, swine and dairy operations for years putting that gas to work powering electric generators, but now buyers just want the gas. And the Inflation Reduction Act is turning up the heat on the whole idea.Todd Taylor, an attorney with the Minneapolis firm Avisen, is involved with new businesses, and innovations in a range of industries and he has his eye on renewable natural gas. In this episode of Around Farm Progress, he discusses the opportunities ahead and shares why it matters to farmers. A key is that renewable natural gas production is now on the same footing as solar and wind power in the eyes of financial incentive programs focused on renewable energy.

Ever consider who the major players in digital agriculture are? There's one you may not be aware of – Syngenta. The crop protection firm, in its various forms in the past, has been digging into digital farming for more than 25 years. What started as a cotton-focused tool has expanded considerably over time.And in 2023, farmers will be hearing more about a product called CropWise. This isn't an ad for the service, but a discussion about how digital farming is changing and what it can mean for most farmers, including those just figuring out how best to use the information they have on hand. Rod Cowman, head of digital agriculture solutions at Syngenta, discussed the challenge of turning data into knowledge, and offers some insight into the future use of these tools.

While there wasn't a big red wave during the mid-term elections earlier this month, change happens. The 118th Congress will be split as the Republicans take back the house in 2023. But what might that mean to the next farm bill?Curt Covington, senior director of Institution Credit, AgAmerica Lending, has long followed the ag economy and the policies that shape the industry. He discussed the next farm bill and what may be ahead for the new Congress. And the conversation veered farther than just discussing the mid-terms.

What's on your bucket list? Thinking of skydiving or perhaps bungie jumping? Or maybe trying a unique fundraiser is more your speed. That's the story behind this week's Around Farm Progress podcast.Curt Arens with Nebraska Farmer share the story of a trip taken by Dick and Carolee Ourada from Imperial, Neb., to Fairbanks, Alaska. The Ouradas made the trip by tractor, specifically an International Harvester 574, traveling at the top speed of 20 mph.

Bring up the word “sustainability” in a meeting and you can almost hear the eyes roll, but this issue isn't going away. Is there a way farmers can demonstrate their sustainability, build on it and perhaps grow profit? It's possible.Liz Hunt, head, Sustainable and Responsible Business, Syngenta, explored the concept in the latest episode of Around Farm Progress. While that word, sustainability, has many definitions, Hunt helps narrow the scope and discusses practices farmers may already be doing that can help.

Reporting on agriculture to help keep farmers informed is no small task. The challenges of providing useful insights to farmers to help boost farm profitability is a big chore. Two new writers have joined the Farm Progress team.Betty Haynes lives on an Illinois diversified farm that includes corn, soybeans and cattle. She's the new associate editor for Prairie Farmer.Whitney Haigwood lives on a diversified operation in Arkansas raising rice and other crops. She's the new writer for Delta Farm Press.Both women share their insights, why they want to write about agriculture. It's a chance to get to know our the writers who provide information for our audience.

Farmers may have heard the terms artificial intelligence and machine learning more often lately as new technologies using these tools come to market. It's a growing opportunity for changing the way a wide range of industries work and agriculture is already seeing some benefits. An artificial intelligence system is essentially a thinking computer, and the University of Florida is working to bring this technology to a wider range of industries. Scott Angle, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, is part of that effort. Angle explores the significance of this work for the university and for society.

Farmers are often looking for new crops that bring more profit, or perhaps serve other purposes. In this episode, we explore the potential for raising sesame in North Carolina as an alternative crop. Then we turn our attention to the idea of planting a milpa garden and we explain what that is and it's value on the farm. Rethinking the crops raised on the farm can bring more profit, or improve ways farmers can engage with the local community. These are two examples from Farm Progress editors John Hart from https://www.southeastfarmpress.com (Southeast Farm Press) and Jennifer M. Latzke with https://www.kansasfarmer.com (Kansas Farmer).

Is the Mississippi River drying up? That's unlikely, but for 2022 this stalwart part of a vibrant transportation infrastructure has been challenged by the continuing Midwest drought. Recently, barge traffic was halted on the river, and when it resumed there were limits imposed on how barges. Ginger Rowsey, https://www.deltafarmpress.com (Delta Farm Press), has been following this ongoing river issue and she discusses what she's learned so far. And she shares what she learned talking with Tug Captain, Eric Badeaux, a 40-plus year river veteran. He discussed what's been happening to him on the river. Rowsey also points out that while grain flows are limited which is weakening basis at river terminals, there is another challenge – moving fertilizer for the 2023 crop.

For decades farmers have looked to renewable fuels to boost demand for commodity crops. Ethanol has been a solid source of demand and biodiesel is gaining traction. Add in renewable diesel which has support from the petroleum industry and the future looks pretty good. But how good? Recently CoBank issued a comprehensive look at the renewable fuel industry including ethanol demand and the changing nature of renewable diesel. We turned to Ken Zuckerberg, lead economist, CoBank, and author of the report to get more insight into what he found.

The rumble of combines across the field is a welcome site as farmers work to pick up their “paycheck” for the season. Part of that work is the creation of new data that farmers can use for decision making in the following year, and it's getting easier to make that a reality. Farm Progress caught up with Zach Worden, sales manager at Agrian by Telus Agriculture to discuss farm data use. Agrian is a dealer-focused data management platform that can bring in farmer data for trusted advisers to use for creating recommendations. But there's a key to making it more efficient, and Worden discusses the one tool that can help farmers really maximize data.

Farm safety is no joke. Agriculture is considered one of the most dangerous professions with big equipment and intricate jobs combining to create trouble. And while accidents will happen there are some actions farmers can take to help reduce risk. John Shutske, agricultural safety and health specialist at the University of Wisconsin, offers up his top five areas to focus on during the busiest times of the year. And while Farm Safety and Health Week is winding up, in fact, farm safety is a year-round issue. From lighting and the power of the slow-moving-vehicle sign to the importance of proper training, Shutske offers valuable tips.

Around the country these days farmers and dealers are testing out machines that take the operator out of the cab, or using machines with no cab at all. What might a future filled with such machines look like, and will it change the way you farm? The Around Farm Progress podcast caught up with Paul Welbig, Raven Industries, to discuss what that company is learning about deployment of driverless technology in the field.

What sets a farm show apart from others? Out in Nebraska, organizers of this big event and put together something unique for visitors. Every year Husker Harvest Days brings together a diverse group of exhibitors who show their latest tools, tech, and innovations for visitors. In this episode of Around Farm Progress, Matt Jungmann, events director, Farm Progress, talks about what sets this show apart, making it unique among all farm shows in the country.

The rise of crop prices has been great news for farmers dealing with a slump since 2013, but that boost in per-bushel income has been matched by rising input prices including fertilizer. But what's driving that runup in prices and will in continue into 2023? Mike Rahm an independent consultant with more than 35 years in the fertilizer industry, shares his insights on just what factors are influencing prices – especially for nitrogen.

Staging a farm show is not something everyone thinks of doing but every year Rick Wild has big dates circled on his calendar as he joins the Farm Progress staff to make the Farm Progress Show happen. As operations manager, Wild is responsible for a range of details involved in moving in hundreds of exhibitors to get them ready for the big show. It's the first time the show has been in Boone since 2018, but Wild was on hand back then. He shares some of the key issues that happen when you have a four-year gap.

Rising pressures to perform, the rush to harvest or plant, the need to move grain from storage to market. All are factors that impact the health and safety of the agriculture community. All these issues, and more, drive the vision for the Health and Safety Tent at the 2022 Farm Progress Show. But what will visitors find at this year's show? Marsha Cheyney, outreach specialist, Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health at the University of Iowa, is coordinating the Health and Safety Tent for the show this year. She shares insight on what farm families will find when they stop by, and there's plenty to see during a visit.

Flying the friendly skies remains – mostly – a popular past-time, but the airline industry is working hard to cut its carbon footprint. And while there's growing interest in electric power for airplanes, that's in the more distant future. For now, jet engines need to run on fuel but soon more of that fuel will come from alternative sources using crop feedstocks like corn or soybeans. What could this market mean for farmers? And what are the challenges that make converting the airline industry to sustainable aviation fuels difficult? In this episode of Around Farm Progress, we turned to Patrick Gruber, CEO of Gevo, an energy company making a significant investment in sustainable aviation fuels. In addition, Gevo has already signed significant deals with major airlines to supply these fuels in the future.

Recently, the monarch was red listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, tagging the insect as endangered. While that listing has no impact on local action regarding the butterfly, the move is a concern for the ag industry. And the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did consider adding the monarch to the Endangered Species List in 2020 but put off that decision at the time. The IUCN listing raises concern that the Service may reconsider the status of the monarch in the course of its future deliberations.

The https://www.farmprogressshow.com (Farm Progress Show) has long been an important event for companies and farmers to interact over new tools and technologies. And as farming as gotten more complex, the show has taken on a bigger role offering farmers that one-stop shop for new tech from iron to crop protection to software. This podcast premiers one-month and one-day ahead of the big show, but what will farmers see? Matt Jungmann, events director, Farm Progress, took time from his pre-show craziness to discuss the show in this episode of Around Farm Progress.

No doubt rising interest rates and the impact of inflation have been in the news, but for farmers those two monetary measures are keys to future income. Making sense of it all can help you plan for the future. Jennifer M. Latzke, https://www.kansasfarmer.com/ (Kansas Farmer), talked with Brian Briggeman, ag economist, Kansas State University about those issues. In their talk, he offered some solid tactics farmers can use to deal with rising costs to preserve as much profit as possible.

What's on the mind of a senator? Plenty it turns out, especially if you're the second-longest serving member of that legislative body. Sen. Charles Grassley talked recently with Jacqui Fatka, policy editor for Farm Progress. The conversation started with his perspective of the bipartisan Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act which recently moved out of committee. He explains what drove creation of the measure and the support it has in the Senate.

Have you ever considered the power of the dinner table? Families that make time to dine together keep communication lines open, and that could work in other ways too. Perhaps bringing strangers together over a meal. Shelley Huguley, https://www.southwestfarmpress.com (Southwest Farm Press) recently https://www.farmprogress.com/commentary/breaking-bread (explored that idea in an editorial column) and shared her personal experience with the concept.

There's a topic gaining growing interest in the country: The rise in placement of solar panels on farmland. Farmers leasing their land to solar companies for often decades raises question about acreage tied up outside of production and other issues. In the latest episode of Around Farm Progress, solar panels on farms get a closer look. Ginger Rowsey, https://www.deltafarmpress.com (Delta Farm Press), recently featured farmers who are adding solar panels to their farms, she shares what she's learned.

Do you have a soybean field that for some reason never quite yields as you like? Or do you have yellowing patches across your soybean fields where you're getting a definite yield loss? Both can be the result of infestations of soybean cyst nematode, an insidious pest that once present is hard to beat. Recently, Pioneer released information from a survey of 600 farmers, and the company also conducted field sampling research for the pest. To get a better idea of what they found, Farm Progress talked with Mary Gumz, agronomy science manager, at Pioneer to learn more. During this podcast discussion, Gumz offers insight into resistance management, tactics to push down populations and how new tools can help farmers preserve and improve yields.

The march to using more gene editing tools continues, but what does it mean? And what about the most complex crop farmers raise – wheat? Inari, a Cambridge, Mass., based startup is charting a course to design and develop crops using gene editing tools. To get some insight on that work and where the industry is, we talk Catherine Feuillet (foo-YAY), chief scientific officer, about the work at the company.

Particulates from burning diesel bring a host of environmental and health problems, but renewable diesel and biodiesel could make a difference. A new study sponsored by Clean Fuels America Alliance shows switching to renewable diesel and biodiesel (they're different) would improve air quality, and offer a significant health benefit. Floyd Vergara, director of state governmental affairs at Clean Fuels America Alliance, discusses the study and the benefits. It's a story farmers can share with folks unaware about bio-diesel based diesel benefits.

Erin Fitzgerald, CEO of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action is just back from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and shares what she learned. A big part of her work was explaining the role of modern agriculture as a tool for increasing global sustainability.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has upended the markets, but what might that mean for your farm? For markets long term? Jacqueline Holland, market analyst, Farm Futures, offers an in-depth look at the long-term impact of the conflict on global markets. Jacqui Fatka, policy editor, Farm Progress talks with Zach Ducheneaux, administrator of USDA's Farm Service Administration, for an update on a change for Conservation Reserve Program acres, and new about disaster payments.

Those sunbaked days of your youth could come back to haunt you. That's what happened for Brad Haire, https://www.southeastfarmpress.com/ (Southeast Farm Press), a few years ago. He wrote about it recently in https://www.farmprogress.com/commentary/still-stand-naked-good-reason (Still standing naked for a good reason). Haire offers a frank look at his run-in with skin cancer in the past, and recent news in his personal life. It's a lively conversation about an important topic.