corn planting

USDA Provides Update on Corn Planting Progress

Drought conditions have impacted the progress of planting across the southeast. Brad Rippey USDA Meteorologist provided an update on the progress of corn planting across the country. “With that variable weather in the Midwest, rain followed by cool weather, we did see some progress slowing down. For example, Illinois only planting 9% of the corn during the week, so that overall progress …

planting

Crop Planting Progress

Weekly planting updates, no surprise showing soybean planting nationwide at a record pace corn planting as expected making good progress. Last week as well up nearly 15% in one week, but we’re keeping an eye on that northern belt weather north of I-90.  As spring wheat planting the slowest in three years. We see sorghum planting in that area the slowest in four …

corn futures

USDA Announces Expanded Partnership with EXIM Bank

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an expanded partnership with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM). This partnership is expected to increase domestic ag production and exports, while reducing the ag trade deficit.  In addition to this partnership, USDA also announced the launch of the Financial Assurance to Revitalize Markets Initiative, an effort to strengthen and modernize …

hybrid corn

Garst & Hybrid Corn: From Iowa to the Cold War

The Birth of a Seed Revolution In 1931, Roswell Garst and Charlie Thomas founded the Garst and Thomas Hybrid Corn Company in Coon Rapids. Their work came at a time when American agriculture was rapidly evolving, and innovation was essential for improving crop production. The company became a major force in promoting hybrid corn—an agricultural breakthrough that offered higher yields, …

corn

USDA Provides Updated Progress of Corn and Soybean Planting

While drought conditions are keeping some growers out of the fields, growers in other parts of the country have made progress on this year’s planting. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey provides an update on corn planting so far this season.  â€śGetting into the state numbers, Tennessee is showing some remarkable progress again this week. 64 percent of the corn acreage planted, …

popcorn

Popcorn Through the Ages: From Ancient Origins to American Staple

Popcorn’s story stretches back thousands of years, with origins dating over 9,000 years to what is now Central America. Archaeological evidence shows that early civilizations cultivated maize and discovered that certain kernels would expand and “pop” when exposed to heat. This natural phenomenon made popcorn one of the earliest snack foods in human history, enjoyed long before modern agriculture took …

Strait of Hormuz

Blockade Of The Strait of Hormuz Impacts

On the surface, President Trump’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz deprives Iran of badly needed oil reserves, millions of dollars in insurance premiums they were collecting to assure safe passage of vessels. But depending on how long the blockade actually lasts, it increases the chance of the Beijing summit already postponed once likely being postponed again. China imports more than 1.5 million barrels …

planting

BASF Offers Recommendations For Growers Considering A Potential Replant

As growers consider their options this year, BASF is offering recommendations in the event that a replant is considered. We sat down with Kaelin Saul, South Delta Technical Service Representative for BASF, to get her recommendations. Saul said, “Making sure that you not only have a plan C, just in case things go astray, and that’s true for not only, you …

December Corn Futures

December Corn Futures Could Indicate Highs

We share interesting data looking at December corn futures. December corn has never set an annual high for the year during the month of March. The high last month, $4.98 and a half. So, history shows producers should expect an annual high over $5, likely within the next 60 to 65 days. Since history also shows December corn seldom sets a new high …

corn harvesting

From Hand-Husking to Horse Power: The Evolution of Corn Harvesting

The Labor of Early Corn Harvesting Coming up on This Land of Ours, it’s the daily Ag History Minute. Mark Oppold brings us a glimpse into the demanding realities of early American agriculture—specifically, the challenge of harvesting corn. Growing corn has long been a cornerstone of American farming, but historically, harvesting it was an entirely different story. Before modern machinery …