Latest News From Planting

Frustrating Cold Weather Trend Could Produce More Planting Delays
Frustrating Cold Weather Trend Could Produce More Planting Delays

“We have a pretty deep trough of low-pressure that's kind of parked over the Midwest, which is leading to below-normal temperatures,” says Brad Rippey, USDA meteorologist. Here's a look at the 30-day forecast.

Mississippi River Flooding Expected to Peak at the 7th Highest Level Ever Near Quad Cities Next Week
Mississippi River Flooding Expected to Peak at the 7th Highest Level Ever Near Quad Cities Next Week

As the upper Mississippi River continues to rise, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says the worst is yet to come, with a top 10 flood crest not expected near the Quad Cities for as much as two more weeks.

USDA Confirms Planters Have Started Rolling in Every State Except North Dakota, South Dakota
USDA Confirms Planters Have Started Rolling in Every State Except North Dakota, South Dakota

USDA's weekly Crop Progress Report shows 14% of the nation's corn crop and 9% of the soybean crop is planted. Farmers in Missouri and Tennessee are planting at a rapid pace, but the upper Midwest is already behind.

Brutal Blast of Cold Set to Bring Widespread Freeze to the Western Corn Belt and Plains
Brutal Blast of Cold Set to Bring Widespread Freeze to the Western Corn Belt and Plains

A late April blast could bring sub-freezing temperatures as far south as northern Texas, sparking growing concerns about the potential damage to winter wheat.

Dust Bowl 2.0? How the Drought is Washing Out Hopes of Texas Cotton Production This Year
Dust Bowl 2.0? How the Drought is Washing Out Hopes of Texas Cotton Production This Year

Drought continues to tighten its grip across the Plains, forcing farmers in West Texas to make some very difficult decisions this growing season. It's also causing concerns about crumbling cotton infrastructure.

Crucial Rains Finally Drenched Portions of Texas, Is It Enough to Save the State's Crops and Cattle?
Crucial Rains Finally Drenched Portions of Texas, Is It Enough to Save the State's Crops and Cattle?

Texas received crucial rains this week, reviving farmers’ hopes of producing a crop this year. A dire drought situation already robbed farmers of their winter wheat, but rains are now sprouting hope for other crops.

Corn Planting Progress the Slowest Since 2013
Corn Planting Progress the Slowest Since 2013

As of May 1, USDA estimates 14% of the U.S. corn crop has been planted. That compares to a five-year average of 33% planted.

Desperate for Rain, Widespread Winter Storm May Not Be Enough to Cure Concerns in Areas of Texas
Desperate for Rain, Widespread Winter Storm May Not Be Enough to Cure Concerns in Areas of Texas

More than 70% of the country is still covered in drought. And while the latest winter storm was packed with needed moisture for some areas, it didn't blanket every area needing moisture to restore depleted soils.

Cereal Grains Enhance Dairy Cropping Options
Cereal Grains Enhance Dairy Cropping Options

Growing an array of cereal grains to augment the traditional corn-alfalfa cropping cycle has become the new normal for dairy farmer Josh Tranel and his family of Cuba City, Wis.

Corn_August_2
What Population is Best for Silage Corn?

Digestibility of corn silage can be impacted by many factors including genetics, fertility, growing conditions and spacing.

Taylor Leach
The Calm Before the Storm

It’s here. That unusual sense of quiet tranquility right before all hell breaks loose. It’s the calm before the storm, and it’s starting to stir up tension on our family’s farm.

Spring Weather Outlook: Flood Risk Lower But La Nina Could Throw Curveballs
Spring Weather Outlook: Flood Risk Lower But La Nina Could Throw Curveballs

As the winter thaw nears and spring planting is on the horizon, how is the weather outlook shaping up?

Generally, farms will wait for forage sorghum to go to seed and dry down to an acceptable moisture prior to harvest.
The World of Warm Season Annuals: Sorghum, Sudan, Millet, Oh My!

The world of warm season annuals is a new one for many farmers and so is the terminology associated with them.

2021 Weather Outlook: Is 2021 Shaping Up to Match Drought of 2012?
2021 Weather Outlook: Is 2021 Shaping Up to Match Drought of 2012?

2021 is off to a dry start and one meteorologist sees dry conditions expanding in the West over the next few months. So, could 2021 be a repeat of 2012? USDA meteorologist weighs in.

If wet weather delays planting again, are you prepared to make a switch to shorter-season hybrids?
6 Things To Check Before You Switch Corn Maturity

No one wants to face another tough season like 2019, but the truth is it’s good to be prepared for weather challenges before planting gets underway—just in case.

Is Another Wet Spring in Store?
Is Another Wet Spring in Store?

According to the National Weather Service, farmers in the Midwest and eastern U.S. can expect above-normal precipitation in March, April and May. The Southwest and West are expected to see below-normal precipitation.

Farm Journal Report: Silage, Bedding Worries Continue To Be Widespread
Farm Journal Report: Silage, Bedding Worries Continue To Be Widespread

Farm Journal Report: Silage, Bedding Worries Continue To Be Widespread AgDay and U.S. Farm Report reporter Betsy Jibben has the story in this Farm Journal Report.

The Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (FEEDD Act) would allow producers who are utilizing prevent plant to at least graze, hay or chop a cover crop to feed livestock.
Congress Introduces Bill to Address Feed Shortages After Disasters

The Feed Emergency Enhancement During Disasters Act (FEEDD Act) would allow producers who are utilizing prevent plant to at least graze, hay or chop a cover crop to feed livestock.

Cattle and Dairy: Lock in Feed Inventory, Prices Now

Corn and soybean producers aren’t the only ones feeling the squeeze of wet weather. Cattle and dairy producers are left wondering what this means for their access to feed, and how soon they should lock in inventory.

A semi dumping wet distillers grain at a feedlot.
Cattle and Dairy: Lock in Feed Inventory, Prices Now

Corn and soybean producers aren’t the only ones feeling the squeeze of wet weather. Cattle and dairy producers are left wondering what this means for their access to feed, and how soon they should lock in inventory.

A cold, wet weather patterns is sparking fears of delayed planting this year. U.S. Farm Report meteorologist Mike Hoffman says the pattern may be shifting just in time for spring.
Weather Could Turn Warmer, Drier Than Normal for Spring Planting

The cold, wet weather pattern won't seem to budge, but things could be turning around. Meteorologist Mike Hoffman says his 90-day forecast looks promising, especially for April, just in time for spring planting. 

Making the best of dry weather, brothers sing “I Got No Grain In Dry Places.”
Country Stars Sing about Canadian Drought for Fans on Facebook

Making the best of dry weather, brothers sing “I Got No Grain In Dry Places.”

Train employees to be smart about PTO dangers.
Power Take-Off Safety

Train employees to be smart about PTO dangers. Here's what to watch for.

Farmers are predicted to plant 2 million acres more soybeans, according to Allendale’s annual nationwide producer survey.
Allendale: Record Soybean Acres in 2018

Farmers are predicted to plant 2 million acres more soybeans this compared to 2017, according to Allendale’s annual nationwide producer survey.

New Interactive Maps Of Global Cropland
New Interactive Maps Of Global Cropland

The U.S. Geological Survey has released a worldwide map detailing worldwide cropland. The interactive maps are part of the Global Food Security-Support Analysis Data.

American Farmers Plant More Soybeans as Corn Ends Profit Run
American Farmers Plant More Soybeans as Corn Ends Profit Run

U.S. farmers from Louisiana to North Dakota are preparing to switch more land to soybeans as they seek to limit losses from a slumping corn market.