US Agriculture

The Upper Midwest, including Michigan, has experienced an active jet stream pattern in August, with heavy rainfall providing moisture for crops but also causing localized standing water and delays in harvests. Some areas in western Michigan faced dryness and moisture shortages, while mean temperatures were slightly below normal, slowing crop growth. The forecast calls for warmer and drier weather in Michigan, with potential water shortages in some areas. In Illinois, the corn crop has faced various challenging conditions, including heat stress, drought, and diseases, impacting yield expectations.

Husker Harvest Days, Nebraska’s premier agricultural event, offers a wide range of exhibits, attractions, and educational opportunities for farmers and agricultural professionals.

Husker Harvest Days offers a variety of food options from different food booths, including the Hula Hut, Grand Island Central Catholic food stand, Eagle’s Nest, Viking Shipyard, and The Pork Place, with proceeds supporting various organizations. In addition, a Farmer-Led Field Day will take place in McCool Junction, Neb., where experts will discuss strategies for managing drought and integrating cattle into row crop operations.

John Deere has introduced its latest 1 Series balers at the Farm Progress Show, featuring advanced functionalities such as real-time monitoring and adjustment, automatic gate timing system, and optional features to cater to different needs. The balers also allow for seamless documentation of harvest data into the John Deere Operations Center, aiming to enhance data management capabilities for agricultural producers. Dealers can start placing orders for the new units on September 12, with deliveries expected to begin in the spring.

Husker Harvest Days will feature horse gentling demonstrations led by seasoned horseman Ron Knodel, who aims to showcase the process of breaking and training wild colts and emphasize the importance of building strong relationships between horses and handlers from the start. Attendees can expect to gain valuable educational insights into the world of horse training and witness the practical applications of well-prepared horses in various tasks and environments.

Recent weather patterns have resulted in cooler temperatures, but a lack of rainfall has led to a downward revision of crop production expectations. Crop conditions have deteriorated, particularly for corn and soybean crops, resulting in yield losses and reduced quality. The declining crop yields, combined with potential shipping issues due to low water levels along the Mississippi River, may have implications for market trends. Growers are advised to consider utilizing storage facilities to optimize profitability and navigate potential basis issues effectively.

Farmland values in the US have experienced a slight decrease compared to the previous year, but the market has remained steady overall with an average increase of 7%, despite challenges posed by rising input costs and interest rates.

Drones have emerged as a transformative technology for crop protection applications, providing efficient and effective solutions for various field types and conditions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled the latest Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which aims to provide clarity and promote infrastructure projects, economic opportunities, and agricultural activities. Despite parts of President Biden’s previous rule being overturned by the Supreme Court, the EPA remains committed to enforcing the Clean Water Act. The controversy surrounding the rule revolves around the EPA’s power to regulate small bodies of water, including those on private land. The new EPA guidelines have removed the significant nexus test and clarified the classification of interstate wetlands. The Army can now resume issuing approved jurisdictional determinations, providing clarity for landowners and developers. Stakeholder engagement will be facilitated through a public webinar and listening sessions. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports the rule, while the American Farm Bureau Federation believes it is unfair to farmers.

Rancher Guy Edwards recently discovered that 48 of his missing sheep have reappeared in his pasture.