Again, the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union have taken opposite views on major policy issues being debated in Congress. Much like the differing views on climate change, AFBF and NFU have gone the opposite direction on the health-care bill that could be voted on as early as Friday in the House.
For the first time in memory, even the Risk Management Agency concedes that harvest may not finish in time for its Dec. 10 End of Insurance Period, the normal settlement date for most spring planted crops.
Two studies published online in Genome Research show that scientists have analyzed the genome structures of bioethanol-producing microorganisms, uncovering genetic clues that will help speed up cellulosic ethanol production, according to Science Daily.
So here comes a double dose of cold comfort: 1) the late year cash trade would be much more had it not been for some positive shifts in middle margins over the last several months; and 2) the greater confidence that these shifts imply, together with hints of actual demand improvement, suggest that market hogs will trade significantly higher through most of 2010.
Brazil's crop research agency Conab maintained its estimate for the 2009-10 soybean crop at around 63 million metric tons, as planting reaches the halfway mark amid favorable weather conditions.
Unlike Groucho Marx, who quipped that he didn't want to join any club that would have him as a member, the U.S. should want to be a member of the Asian Economic Community that Japan, China and other Asian countries are discussing.
A 79-year-old widow was sentenced on Friday to three months behind bars for refusing to vacate her dairy farm that has been her home for 50 years, SW Radio Africa reported. The sentence will be suspended on the condition that she vacates the farm by Dec.
11/6 2:19PM Favorable weather conditions allowing for increased harvest activity pressured contracts again on Friday. Now the questions are, how much progress was made this week, and what can we expect for yields?
Weather
Chance of Light Rain in Midwest Sunday11/6 1:31PM Saturday will again be generally dry, except for a few very light showers in the Great Lakes. The next chance for Midwest rain is Sunday into Monday, but with very light amounts of less than one-quarter inch.
Crops
Larry Parrish unloads soybeans at his farm near Henderson, Ky. (DTN photo by Daniel Davidson)
Kentucky Harvest Behind
Yields Stay Strong Despite Delays10/22 3:20PM Kentucky growers are moving from corn harvest to soybeans as conditions allow. Yields have stayed high, despite a wet year and crop growth that was three to four weeks behind normal.
Kay Richardson (DTN/Progressive Farmer image by Becky Mills)
Culling Never Ends
Right Culling Program Can Boost Returns, Head Off Trouble11/2 12:59PM The decision to cull open cows is based on more than short-term economics; it's with an eye toward building the best, most reproductive herd possible.
Mon Nov 2, 2009 01:05 PM CST Co-products from ethanol products such as distillers grain bring economic benefits to other local businesses, including livestock feeders and trucking companies.
Mon Nov 2, 2009 01:05 PM CST BCS is not just a key indicator of your cow's chances of rebreeding. It can also tell you how good a job she'll do raising her current calf.
Mon Nov 2, 2009 01:10 PM CST Agreements on U.S.-Chinese pork and poultry trade announced last week could be an important step in relations between the two countries, but difficult issues remain ahead of President Obama's trip to China in November.
Land Management
If a representative from a wind energy company knocked on your door tomorrow and wanted to install a wind tower on your farm, how would you react? (Progressive Farmer image by Jim Patrico)
Farming Under The Turbines
Living in the Shadow of Wind Generators10/26 11:14AM Indications are that wind energy is not a fad. By mid-2009, wind generators were producing enough electricity to power 7 million U.S. homes.
Crop insurers already are calling Mississippi a train wreck for crop losses with recent excessive rains leaving many crops stranded and wasting in fields too wet for harvest equipment to enter. (Photo courtesy of Scott Corey, MSU Ag Communications)
The first step to setting up a backup power system is to separate the circuits to be run by the Hobart generator/welder from the main breaker box. (DTN/Progressive Farmer image: Ron Piskula)
Power In A Storm
The Right Way to Install a Backup Generator11/2 2:16PM Choosing a capable machine begins with calculating the power needed to keep critical circuits operating during a power interruption.
Mon Nov 2, 2009 02:14 PM CST When you turn the key to start your tractor or pickup, you expect the engine to roar to life. If it roars, that's a plus. If the battery can't start the vehicle, that's a minus. Dead battery syndrome can ruin a good day.
Fri Nov 6, 2009 01:43 PM CST Equipment mechanics say farmers can only keep on top of normal maintenance to prevent breakdowns in wet, muddy conditions. Machines will need a thorough servicing and checking for worn augers, threshing components and other systems at season's end.
Ag Policy
Food activist Michael Pollan encourages people to buy local food, such as from farmers' markets, and has written critically about food production and processing methods. (Photo by George Nikitin)
Pollan's Views Draw Critics
Why Does This Man Hate Commercial Agriculture?10/2 10:22AM Food activist Michael Pollan says a cheap food policy that relies on large, commercial farms is ruining U.S. agriculture.
"I wasn't a brilliant marketer. I hauled in my wheat and didn't know enough to tell them to sell it. Two weeks later, I called and asked where my check was. They said, 'Oh, you want to sell it now?' That was the high in the market," Josh Jones recounts with a shy smile. "I've learned a lot since then." (DTN/Progressive Farmer image by Geoff Crimmins)
Mon Nov 2, 2009 01:00 PM CST Most active farm and ranch couples do not give long-term care needs much thought. For one, they need virtually every dollar they have just to keep the farm business going and to take care of family living expenses.
Mon Nov 2, 2009 01:00 PM CST Almost as soon as "The Omnivore's Delusion: Against the Agri-Intellectual" was posted on a website, the article circulated among farmers and foodies, giving food for thought to those who question the writings of author Michael Pollan.
Tue Oct 27, 2009 09:08 AM CDT Our View From the Cab participants are getting some nasty surprises as they slog through harvest: too much mud, high-moisture grain, dockage at the elevator and stop-and-start harvest progress.
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Fertilizer to be Made from Corn Residue
