Renewable Farming

August 2020

Farm Business Network challenges tradition among dominant farm-supply corporations

Yesterday, Wall Street Journal reporter Jacob Bunge posted an in-depth article on the WSJ website: “Tech Startup, Trying to Be Amazon for Farms, Runs into Ag Giants.” August 31, 2020 — Bunge’s article offers some of the widest publicity yet for the six-year-old Farm Business Network. It’s a marketing venture intent on infusing Amazon-like tech and competition into retailing seed, ag chemicals […]

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South China Morning Post: Locust invasion intensifies, could impact corn supply

A few Chinese press reports are cautiously mentioning threats to the 2020 grain harvest, including floods and a worsening invasion by locusts in southwest China. We’ve mentioned the locust swarms earlier. Apparently the affected area has widened as harvest starts to approach.  August 29, 2020: Here’s a snippet about the locust attack from an article on today’s South China

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Update: Corn in foliar-applied BioEnsure field trial enduring well

It’s 92 F. in central Iowa today. This test field of corn on sandy ground is holding up well — despite only 4.1 inches of rain between May 1 and last weekend, when the area received rains totaling an inch. Corn foliar-sprayed with BioEnsure June 8. Cracks are opening up in the soil, but the corn survives. August

Update: Corn in foliar-applied BioEnsure field trial enduring well Read More »

“Fifth wave” of flooding in Yangtze Basin threatens worst damage yet

Evidence keeps building that widespread flooding is intensifying China’s demand for imported corn, soybeans, wheat and sorghum. We first speculated on this in an analysis posted July 24 and updated since. August 25, 2020 — Now we can link you to a video posted by an American-based news firm, China Observer, which provides an extensive description

“Fifth wave” of flooding in Yangtze Basin threatens worst damage yet Read More »

New cover crop survey reveals enthusiasm for covers and “planting green”

A just-released survey report based on responses of 1,172 cover-cropping farmers across the U.S. shows their enthusiasm and profitability rising steadily for cover crops.  The latest survey also indicates that a rising percentage of farmers are seeing improvements in soil health, improved weed control, better yields and fertilizer savings by planting directly into standing cover crops. August 24,

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I may need to acquire a taste for garlic — for my continued health

A few days ago I saw our grandson Blake fold $200 into his wallet. “Sell some more firewood?” I asked. “No. Just 20 pounds of garlic. I priced it cheap. For seed garlic, most big growers charge $25 to $40 a pound or more.” August 22, 2020  By Jerry Carlson — Having seen Blake and a helper, Holly Long, drying

I may need to acquire a taste for garlic — for my continued health Read More »

Ways to unleash the power of healthy soil biology for 2021 — and beyond

This afternoon, one of our Kansas WakeUP clients asked: “What ideas and products should I be learning about for next year? Right now I have a brief window of time before harvest.” August 20, 2020 — After reflecting on that question, here’s the idea that swam into our ken: Look for ways to amplify and

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As a well-worn ag journalist, I’m enthused at Pro Farmer’s enhanced Crop Tour coverage

Streaming video technology and a wide range of sponsors have equipped Professional Farmers of America editors to provide live information through the annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour. Here’s how you can join the action online. August 18, 2020   By Jerry Carlson — When I retired from Pro Farmer almost 20 years ago, I was already

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China’s grain imports accelerate as Chinese farmers hang onto stocks for higher prices

On July 24 we asked: “Is China stocking up on corn, beans as a buffer against flood damage to China’s crops?” New evidence confirms “yes” — even though official Chinese stocks report claim a great 2020 crop and abundant stocks.  August 17, 2020 — Here’s a headline in today’s South China Morning Post: “China drought, heavy

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Excellent nutrition and foliar feeding revived this corn shredded by hail June 4

Mike Wlliams farms in Pocahontas County, and is also an agronomist on the staff of Gold Eagle Co-op — a multi-outlet cooperative in central Iowa. He applies full-season nutrition and biological products from planting through the growing season. Mike’s photos of his 2020 corn crop are an example of how TLC (tender loving care) pays off under

Excellent nutrition and foliar feeding revived this corn shredded by hail June 4 Read More »