Just a few reminders and deadlines for producers interested in entering the Tennessee Top Bean yield contest in 2019. Contest forms may be found at utcrops.com/Soybean/Soybean Production Resources. Continue reading
With recent weather events in the Midwest, corn prices have started to climb and growers are paying closer attention to protecting corn yield. Continue reading
In 2019, Tennessee soybean producers will have an opportunity to compete for awards as well as bragging rights in a new soybean yield contest, coordinated by the University of Tennessee Extension and supported by Tennessee checkoff funds. Continue reading
Recent March weather has been pretty mild and encouraged some producers to think about planting corn. Continue reading
Most farmers had their fair share of seed quality issues during fall 2018, including many seed bean producers. The commercial seed supply is expected to be impacted some by weathering at harvest, with severity depending on maturity group and field location. Continue reading
Reprint from TDA website https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/news/2018/12/11/corn-checkoff-referendum.html
NASHVILLE – Corn grown in Tennessee will now be promoted on a broader scale, with the establishment of a corn checkoff program.
Tennessee corn producers voted on a statewide checkoff referendum to consider a 1 cent per bushel assessment of corn sold to support in-state promotions of corn. Agriculture Commissioner Jai Templeton authorized the referendum at the request of the Tennessee Corn Growers Association, the state’s largest corn organization.
“We always welcome input from our partners and industry leaders,” Commissioner Templeton said. “Tennessee farmers and landowners should have a say in determining the future of their business. We’re proud that they were given the opportunity to do so.”
Tennessee corn farmers or landowners who share in the production costs or the proceeds of the sale of corn were eligible to vote. Of the producers who cast ballots at local UT Extension offices, 63.9% supported the measure. Of 474 total votes, 303 were in favor of the checkoff.
The funds will be used to finance a program of research, education, market development, marketing, advertising, and other methods designed to promote the increased production, consumption, use, and sale of Tennessee corn products.
Assessments will begin March 1, 2019. Producers who do not want to participate may request a refund of the assessed amount within 90 days of sale.
Tennessee ranks 17 among states for corn acreage in the U.S. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Tennessee farmers harvested approximately 740,000 acres of corn in 2017, generating more than $418 million.
With the extended wet weather in late September, growers in many parts of the southeast are dealing with varying degrees of seed quality issues in soybean as they move through harvest. Continue reading
Although most of Tennessee was blessed with an overabundance of rain this spring, warmer than average temperatures have increased water use by the corn crop and fields should be monitored now if irrigation is an option. Continue reading