A dust storm rippled through the Midwest late last week, followed by rain in some parts and continued heat in others. This weather event highlights soil safeguarding needs, according to Conservation Agronomist Roberts.

U.S. corn planted acres doubled last week, going from 22% planted on May 8 to 49% as of May 15, according to USDA. Yet, that is still way below the five-year average of 67%.

“This flawed system isn’t due to rains or weather. Unless we have remedial practices and advocate for cover crops, buffer strips and diversity, we can’t solve the problem,” says Former USDA Soil Scientist Thicke.

Three requests for information were published by the Federal Register. The requests outlined information about competition in regard to producers’ access to fertilizer, seed and ag inputs, as well as food retail.

Dr. Joe Outlaw, “I think the biggest reason the U.S. won’t see a crisis like the 1980s again is the federal crop insurance program.”

Despite USDA releasing a forecast for a record soybean crop for a second year in a row on Thursday, soybean prices skyrocketed Friday. USDA trimmed the national average corn yield, yet corn prices closed lower Friday.