Crops Articles
Lower Sunflower Acres Could Provide Opportunity for Farmers
Published April 10, 2024
National Sunflower Association Executive Director John Sandbakken is not concerned about the lower acreage numbers being reported for sunflowers for this year. "We've had two really large crops in 2022 and 2023. There is still quite a bit of seed…A Lean Year Ahead
Published April 10, 2024
Despite average crop yields, Minnesota farmers had a rough 2023. Northland Community and Technical College Farm Business Management Instructor Betsy Jensen blames rising input costs. "Repairs have almost doubled, land rent has almost doubled, fertilizer has almost doubled and everything…Higher Yield Seeds Selling
Published April 10, 2024
Higher-yield varieties of wheat seeds that can’t be replanted are selling more and more each year over older varieties that can be replanted. According to O’Toole Seed owner Brian O’Toole, more and more farmers are going with certified seed-only varieties…Boozman Lauds FARMER Act
Published April 10, 2024
Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman praised North Dakota Senator John Hoeven's FARMER Act from the Senate floor. Boozman said work must be done to enhance the safety net for farmers and ranchers in the farm bill. "Here's the reality; producers…U of M Cover Crop App: GreenCovR
Published April 10, 2024
The University of Minnesota has developed a web-based app that collects data on cover crops. According to University of Minnesota Water Resources and Soil Health Extension Educator Bailey Tangan, the GreenCovR application provides comprehensive information. "We created this tool so…Prepping for Planting Season
Published April 10, 2024
Sugarbeet planting has begun. American Crystal Sugar Company General Agronomist Joe Hastings emphasizes the importance of preparation. "Double-check your varieties, look at their disease tolerance, the packaging they have for those traits and make sure you're placing them on the…Act of God Contracts Remain Popular
Published April 9, 2024
Act of God contracts are a popular way of reducing yield risk for specialty crops with no futures market. According to National Sunflower Association Executive Director John Sandbakken, Act of God Contracts allow farmers to lock in prices now for…Spring Nutrient Management
Published April 9, 2024
Spring can be an excellent time to apply manure to fields. University of Minnesota Nutrient Management Specialist Melissa Wilson reminds farmers it is important to reduce the chance of compaction when making those applications. "Liquid manure tends to have more…Cold, Dry Conditions in Northern North Dakota
Published April 8, 2024
According to O’Toole Seed owner Brian O’Toole, it’s too early to be planting much beyond small grains. "We're sending loads of wheat out, but as far as the other commodities, the planting dates aren't available for putting them in the…