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A visit to our largest customer was an amazing opportunity to comprehend and Think Different about this capitalist/socialist country that currently buys $26 billion of U.S. agricultural exports. In fact China bought 42% of its 2012 soybeans from U.S. farmers....More

Now is the time to check the accuracy of your sprayer. One can determine if the chemicals are applied at the proper rate only by carefully calibrating the sprayer. While applying too little pesticide may result in ineffective pest control, too much pesticide wastes money, may damage the crop and increases the potential risk of contaminating ground water and environment....More

Many planters allow seed depth to be adjusted 3-4 in. Actual depth should be checked, however, to ensure penetration of seed openers and accurate seed placement. Row cleaners may be used as an aid for deeper planting, but subsequent rainfall can create soil sealing or erosion. Greater down pressure than normal may aid seed-to-soil contact....More

As 27 Minnesota soybean farmers and spouses (including myself) continue our 10-day trade mission trek across eastern China, we spent valuable time Thursday with Paul Burke, North Asia Regional Director of USSEC (United States Soybean Export Council), who gave an overview of soybean consumption trends in China – from crushing to food use to domestic production....More

Did you see what happened with new-crop December corn prices Wednesday? After a nearly 5¢ rise, they closed at $5.67. While that is a long way from the $8 corn from last August, it represents a 2¢ rise above the crop insurance guarantee of $5.65. And that is what you were waiting for to justify your investment in crop insurance. The same faith that you have in burying seed hoping it will grow, has again paid off with your crop insurance decision. So what do you do with that now?...More