2018 Farm Outlook

Page 30 2018 Logan County Farm Outlook Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Oct. 25, 2018 I t seemed like an experiment. When corn prices hit their high farmers seemed to begin a monoculture program of planting corn-on-corn to see what the long-term effects with new hybrids and GMOs would produce. With deep tillage, huge amounts of nitrogen, and plenty of moisture this monoculture approach seemed to bring good results at first. However, in time disease, soil wear, and nutrient depletion took its toll. Corn-on-corn production ultimately brought a decrease in yield. But not much changes fast in agriculture. And when it comes to what seed goes in the field, that premise is supported by figures released this past June. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) surveyed approximately 8,600 segments of land and 70,500 farm operators across the U.S on what farmers actually planted for 2018. n Soybean planted area was estimated at 89.6 million acres, down one percent from 2017. n Growers expect to harvest 81.8 M acres of corn for grain, down one percent from last year. Varieties of seed cast also showed no change: n Producers planted 94 percent of the soybean acreage using herbicide resistant seed varieties, unchanged from 2017. n Ninety-two percent of all corn acres planted in the United States are in biotech varieties, unchanged from last year. For most of Illinois, farmers are planting soybeans or corn with many following rotation patterns that may include cover crops between seasons or between rows. still works to improve land and crop viability at less cost An ancient practice By Lisa Ramlow contributions from LDN staff CONTINUED