2013 LOGAN COUNTY FARM OUTLOOK MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com October 25, 2013 Page 3
Planting conditions were almost the exact opposite
of 2012. The 2013 growing season saw much later
planting, cool conditions through the first half of
the season and cooler temperatures for much of the
summer. We managed to escape widespread damage
from an early frost, and that was a worry until we
reached October. The
crop has also been slow
to mature and dry down,
but September really
moved things along
quicker than expected
with unseasonably high
temperatures.
Livestock producers
continued to struggle
financially compared with
producers having only
crop production. Feed
prices remained high
through the first half of
the year, and this limited
returns on the additional
labor involved in raising
livestock. When feed
prices became more
favorable, the livestock
prices began to decline.
Raising livestock is still
a tough business from a
physical and a financial standpoint.
A major trend that seems to have caught hold is the
“locally grown food initiative.” People want to know
where their food is coming from. There continues
to be a move toward retailers buying what they can
locally, inclusion of locally grown items on the school
lunch menu and direct buying from farmers markets
and roadside stands. Several moderate and upscale
restaurants have made their names on preparing
locally grown items. Locally grown items tend to be
fresher, have a better degree of ripeness and a better
flavor when served. This
trend will continue, but
for now, it remains a
niche market for specialty
growers.
The 2014 prospects mirror
the comments made in
2013: Prospects will be
dependent on rainfall
received in the fall, winter
and early spring. Also,
the law of supply and
demand is alive and well.
This means that larger
crops mean lower prices.
Outside influences such
as the renewable fuels
mandate, the possible
move to including more
ethanol or soybean oil
in fuels, larger numbers
of animals consuming
feed grains and oilseeds,
and various government
programs will all have an impact on this supply and
demand.
The agriculture industry always looks forward to the
next season with optimism, and we are thankful for the
bountiful harvest most experienced in 2013.
