Between trying to harvest the large crop we have in the field and working around a long wet period in October very little wheat has been sowed. Continue reading
24
Oct
2014
Recent Updates
24
Oct
2014
Of what value are neonicotinoid seed treatments in soybean?
24
Oct
2014
There has been a recent furor about the value of neonicotinoid insecticides such as Cruiser and Gaucho in soybean. This stems from a recent “benefits assessment” released by the EPA (http://www2.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/benefits-neonicotinoid-seed-treatments-soybean-production). This is the first step towards the banning of neonicotinoid seed treatments in soybean, mostly stemming from concerns about how these treatments affect pollinators. My response below in rather lengthy, but I wanted to get on the public record. Continue reading
22
Oct
2014
5 things to help your farm financially thrive in 2015
22
Oct
2014
Most producers I have visited with have indicated that they did not sell enough of their crop at higher prices earlier in the year, especially considering the above-average yields. Current prices may make those record yields about a breakeven proposition if not much of the crop was forward contracted. Continue reading at Southeast Farm Press .
20
Oct
2014
Crop Progress
20
Oct
2014
As reported by NASS on October 20, 2014
RAINS HALT FIELD ACTIVITIES
Heavy rains brought most field work to a halt last week. While the rains had cleared out by Thursday, they left many fields too wet to work. As a result, there were only 2.3 days suitable for field work last week. The added moisture brought improvements to pasture condition. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 64 percent adequate and 28 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels were rated 3 percent very short, 9 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 14 percent surplus. Continue reading at Crop Progress 10 19 14 .
17
Oct
2014
Tennessee Market Highlights
17
Oct
2014
Corn, soybeans, and wheat were up; cotton was down for the week. Decem-ber corn and November soybean futures closed up for the third consecutive week. Harvest delays have resulted in the USDA estimating that 40% of the soybean harvest and less than a quarter of the corn crop had been harvested as of October 12. The next 10 days has drier conditions in the forecast for many areas, this will allow producers to get back into the fields and continue with the estimated record harvest. Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights .
14
Oct
2014
Crop Progress
14
Oct
2014
As reported by NASS on October 14, 2014
Persistent Rains Slow Field Activities; Benefit Pastures Going into Fall
Persistent rains allowed producers only 3.8 days of field work last week. As conditions allowed, growers planted winter wheat and harvested corn, soybeans, and cotton. There were reports of light frost in some areas of the State. The rains contributed to cattle and pasture being in good to excellent condition. Continue reading at Crop Progress 10 12 14.
14
Oct
2014
2014 Tennessee Wheat Quick Facts
14
Oct
2014
With our fly-free date of October 15th just around the corner, several of us are beginning to think about wheat planting. As we enter this wheat season, I hope you will find utility in our hot-off-the-press 2014 Tennessee Wheat Quick Facts Publication (W 321)which is now available online. This document is Continue reading
13
Oct
2014
What the FRAC? – Why FRAC codes matter and understanding fungicide resistance
13
Oct
2014
Fungicide resistance is a very real concern in field crops in Tennessee and as fungicide resistance continues to be reported, it becomes equally important to be aware of the FRAC code(s) of the fungicide being applied. Continue reading