2021 Fall Farm

Page 6 2021 Logan County Fall Farm Outlook Lincoln Daily News Oct. - Nov. 2021 return depends on when crops were priced, and when inputs were purchased. One of the inputs with the largest increase was fertilizer, with an increase of about 7% for 2021 and 25% for 2022. The estimated increases for 2022 also show about 8% for pesticides and 10% for seed costs. The estimated increases show profitability returns to about $20 per acre for corn and $122 for soybeans per acre, based on trend yields and prices. Estimated prices are calculated on supply and demand estimates. These estimates include feed, processing, and export numbers. Exports can be rather fickle, as they are dependent on the economies of the countries which wish to purchase the commodities or products, and the transportation to deliver them. There has continued to be work on the infrastructure for transporting agricultural products. Notable is the ongoing work on the major waterways with the lock and dam systems. Challenges exist in the short term for many areas in agriculture. There have been continued pest control issues for insects, weeds, and diseases. Pests continually evolve, just like human diseases. Continued work on control strategies remains critical to maintaining production systems. This includes pesticides, GMO traits, and cultural practices such as rotations or cover crops. A true integrated pest management program will provide our best options for control. Another area is public policy. The issue of fossil fuels is huge for agricultural production in the renewable fuels made with corn and soybeans, and of course, the tools used such as tractors which currently burn fossil fuels. The prioritization and funding of additional infrastructure items for movement of goods is also critical. Even the way waterways and small streams are classified can have a huge effect on agricultural production systems in the area. As harvest finishes, many of the plans for next year are already underway. Fertilizer is being applied, seed orders are being placed, and marketing continues on the past and future crops. Best wishes for a profitable and safe harvest for the remainder of the year.