The intense drought blanketing the heartland drags on, and as fewer weather systems offer even minimal relief, some are again mentioning the possibility of the historic “d” word — dust bowl.
Full story.
Government wants time to argue seed saving in court
In an unusual request, the Solicitor General of the U.S. government has requested time to provide arguments that could end up supporting both sides of a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, or at least that is what appears to be happening.
Full story.
H.J. Baker sponsors webinar on sulphur fertilizer
H.J. Baker’s Tiger-Sul Products (Canada) Co. subsidiary will lead an agriculture webinar on “The Basics of Safely Handling Sulphur Fertilizer Products” Feb. 20.
Full story.
Crop input prices a mixed bag, but should be steady
Total variable input costs for the 2013 corn and soybean crops are likely to stay about the same as last year, a Purdue Extension farm business management specialist says.
Full story.
Understanding microbes blowing in the wind
With help from a wind tunnel and the latest DNA technology, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists are shedding light on the travel patterns of microbes in soils carried off by strong winds.
Full story.
Corn yield growth depends on new production practices
Increasing plant population density will be critical to growing yields in U.S. corn production, but increasing this density will be dependent on the economics farmers face as they seek to increase yields, according to a new report released by researchers at the Rabobank International Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory (FAR) group.
Full story.
Syngenta to expand corn seed production in Brazil
Syngenta announced plans to invest $77 million in the expansion of its corn seed production facility in Formosa, Brazil. Annual capacity will be quadrupled to 1.6 million bags by 2015.
Full story.
The future of agricultural water
Our nation needs agriculture and agriculture needs water. Those points came through clearly as Paul Genho, PhD, discussed water issues in a Cattlemen’s College presentation at the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention this week in Tampa. Genho, who currently is president of Farmland Reserves Inc., is well known across the industry as a former manager of the King Ranch in Texas and the Deseret Ranch in Florida.
Full story.
Raven industries enhances steering and Slingshot
Raven Industries announced enhancements to their SmarTrax and Slingshot product lines.
Full story.
BIG PICTURE
By Doane EconomistUSDA lowered U.S. exports 50 million bushels this month, reflecting the slow pace of sales and increased competition in the export market, particularly from Brazil. Lower exports were partially offset by a 20 million bushel increase in corn for sweeteners and starch. As a result, 2012/13 ending stocks increased 30 million bushels from last month to 632 million. This compares to the trade average pre-report estimate at 615 million bushels.
