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 The 2018 harvest seemed to
go from average to exceptional on the corn side, while most
producers agreed soybeans were above average. In some cases, both
crops set record yields for some fields. In other fields, weather
constraints seemed to bring yields down to average. As the winter
has reminded us several times, we really aren’t in charge! Large
soybean yields in our area of the state also help solidify the
soybean seed production industry, and seed acreage continues to
increase in our area.
We have been gradually entering an era where return on investment
and input is the “name of the game.” Gone are the lofty prices seen
a few years ago, and every aspect of a farming operation has to pay
its way.
Nitrogen rates for corn production have been reduced greatly over
the past 30 years, with yields still trending up. The trick is to
apply enough nitrogen to produce the goal set for corn yield, and
leave enough in the plant to keep it from falling flat.
Excess nitrogen is often lost from a field through bacteria
converting it to gas lost to the atmosphere, or it can be lost
through water movement from a field as well. Many producers are
trying cover crops to take up any residual nitrogen to keep it in
the field, and then cover crops release the nitrogen for the crop to
use the next growing season. Good stewardship also makes economic
sense for producers.
We have talented producers, and we also have a wonderful support
system for the producers in our area. It takes a large team to
produce a crop and get it into the supply chain. Some of the support
system partners include seed companies, fertilizer and chemical
suppliers and applicators, ag equipment dealers, and the elevator
and trucking components. And, the list goes on and on.
After it leaves the field, a product then goes to feed animals, some
is used for human consumption, some for energy uses such as ethanol
blended fuel or biodiesel, and (tongue in cheek after the Superbowl
flap over corn syrup in brewing beer) even to produce adult
beverages.
Agriculture has seen an accelerated amount of change in recent
years. Technology abounds in seed genetics, equipment, developing
uses for product, and fully utilizing the entire crop. The once
labor intensive farm now relies on more technology and less labor.
Another change is who is
doing the farming. The average age of producers continues to climb,
and the number of women in agriculture also continues to climb. In
many cases, technology has leveled the playing field for the once
back-breaking tasks associated with farming. Most producers no
longer carry 100 pound bags of fertilizer to load into application
equipment!
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Commodity organizations, universities, and companies all continue to
put their best foot forward to bring new innovations to the
marketplace, and make agriculture more efficient.
With profitability of agriculture in a bit of a decline, companies
are also feeling the pinch. In the seed industry, this has led to
consolidation by merger and buyout.
Thus, we have less available genetic sources available. One new
soybean trait recently approved was Enlist soybeans, offering
another option for broadleaf weed control in soybeans. It’s an
option just as are many of the other programs.
Of course there is also some return to mechanical control, different
crop rotations, and use of cover crops.
Choice is one of the great things about agricultural production, and
why many producers choose agriculture as their life’s work.
As spring continues to head our way, optimism once again is seen
among those in the agriculture industry. There really isn’t any
feeling quite like seeing all of the planning come to fruition as we
start the cycle again with putting the seed in the ground.
Have a great spring, and be safe in the fields and on the roads!
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