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One of the biggest ag supply chain stories this spring has been pesticides. While my experience is these situations are usually overblown early, the situation could alter the way farmers do business in the years ahead.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack provided more details regarding the general CRP signup that ended March 11. He said only 1.8 million of the 4 million acres in expiring contracts will be re-enrolled in the program.

The March CME/Purdue Ag Economy Barometer posted the weakest farmer sentiment reading since May 2020, as the survey found the biggest concern among producers continues to be “higher input costs.”

As farmers prepare for planting, supply chain concerns are rampant. Input availability issues could be a factor farmers battle all spring with a recent ag retail survey finding chemistry is in the shortest supply.

Livestock farmers, including those who previously paid to have animal waste removed, have found a fertile side business selling to grain farmers. Equipment firms that make manure spreading equipment are also benefiting.

Cases in commercial poultry operations and backyard flocks are mounting across the U.S., a result of infected droppings from migrating birds. The USDA says there are no immediate human health concerns.

Weather conditions can guide planting conditions. The calendar plays a role, too. Watch the brief video on soybean maturities and why night length is so important to the flowering process.

To further bolster ARA’s impact in Washington and reinforce its policy priorities, ARA members conducted close to 100 meetings with congressional offices during a five-week period in March and April.

USDA’s first Crop Progress Report of the year showed only 27% of the nation’s winter wheat crop is rated “good,” far below the trade’s expectations. The numbers show the battle against drought is brutal in winter wheat.

“We just finished the in-depth testing with retailers on this product, and as has been our process, their feedback and really helped drive the improvements and new features we are offering,” Kevin Krieg says.