Seed
Going into the final weeks of the year, many growers across the country are shouldering significant financial strain from land rent payments, rising input costs, and efforts to stay in business and viable until commodity prices improve.
The fungal disease has spread to fields in at least seven states since 2018, including three new ones just this year. Once established, the pathogen is nearly impossible to eradicate, Extension plant pathologists report.
Number of bushels per acre is high on their list of priorities, but it’s not necessarily their No. 1 concern going into 2026.
A new report spotlights how agricultural acquisitions and business strategy linked to the Chinese government have amassed production and power, and it’s being called into question by policy thinktank America First Policy Institute (AFPI).
As a handful of corporations influences more of the agricultural supply chain, row crop growers say they are left with fewer input choices, higher prices and diminishing control over their own operations.
With low commodity prices and higher input costs, identifying hybrids that are a good fit for your soil types and environmental conditions is more important than ever – and can give you a leg up on yield performance from the get-go next spring.
On average, a farmer needs three direct contacts to plan their seed purchases.
Company leaders say the separation will unleash two distinct market leaders that are both farmer-centric, with technology and innovation at their core.
Agriculture Secretary Rollins previously said USDA is examining high fertilizer costs and exploring options for farmer relief.
There are no easy answers to address the cost of fertilizer and other inputs, but having conversations with suppliers and financial providers now can help you leverage your buying power and minimize potential impacts from marketplace uncertainties.
“And when you’re in a tight (economic) year, that doesn’t mean just the cheapest overall genetics or cheapest price you can get. If you stub your toe in this kind of environment, it’s a rough thing,” Mark Menke says.
If the legal challenge succeeds, the federal court decision would result in making the technology unavailable for sale or distribution to U.S. farmers.
The online platform currently has about 500 programs and service providers in the Midwest participating and is a free resource for farmers, ranchers and their advisers.
Short-stature corn is often planted at higher populations because its architecture allows for better light interception and more efficient use of resources when plants are grown closer together. But that’s not always the case, according to Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist.
Camaraderie is cathartic. It lifts spirits, gives encouragement and reminds all of us we are valuable. Check out what farmers have to say about this year’s corn crop – the good, the bad and the in-between – and may their experiences lighten your load in the process.
Some growers are considering rescue treatments with post applications of products. But as the calendar turns to August and the crop enters reproductive stages, that can be a risky undertaking at best, agronomists say.
The industry investigates the agronomic issue finding it can be attributed to many factors including environment, genetics and rapid growth stages.
More reports of ‘overly tight tassel wrap’ are coming in across the Corn Belt – including from the reigning world champion corn grower. Hula shares how he strategically uses his planter to minimize pollination risks.
This year’s program features all new agronomic content to help farmers grow and harvest high-yielding crops. Two of the key sessions: selecting a corn planter that’s right for your farm, and developing a systems approach to success with early-season soybeans. We look forward to seeing you there!
Scott Beck says the family-owned business markets seed corn in 23 states now, with Nebraska ranking fifth in the total volume of seed units sold. Once finalized, this latest acquisition will be the company’s furthest west production facility.
Wheat streak mosaic virus decimated some fields this season, say K-State Extension specialists. The problem is also showing up and expanding in other key wheat-producing states. What farmers do this fall will determine whether the disease is reined in or takes off again next season.
AgReliant was founded in 2000 as a joint venture between global seed companies KWS and Limagrain
As director of R&D and Innovation at Forge Genetics International, Emily Meccage has a lot to share about the breeding work being done for alfalfa.
“Retail is a critical component of our business, and this team structure reflects our investment in ensuring our partners are supported, educated and empowered to grow,” says Myron Stine.
Knowing the final plant population as well as the uniformity of the stand can guide you in deciding whether you will benefit most from keeping the current crop or ripping it out and replanting, says Missy Bauer, Farm Journal Field Agronomist.
Bayer is exiting the seed treatment equipment business in the United States to help the company’s finances, according to an email sent to customers that was seen by Reuters in late April.
Maximizing ROI is Brian Scott’s No. 1 goal as he evaluates planting populations on his northwest Indiana farm. In 2024, the sweet spot was 100,000 seeds per acre, which cost $53 per acre in seed and yielded 76 bu. per acre.
One solution to low prices is producing more bushels. Take a minute to think through some of the best management practices outlined here that will help you accomplish that.
Here are three headlines from Nufarm, Bushel and HGS BioScience you won’t want to miss.
“The sourcing from international markets has become mandatory. It’s more likely that things will get expensive than change,” says Jim DiLisi of Fanwood Chemical.