In the next few weeks, we’ll begin extracting highlights of a massive database called “Practical Farm Research” generated by Beck’s Hybrids. This huge annual research project started in 2016. The 2020 report is almost 300 pages of tightly summarized data on field results from tests with roughly 200 products and techniques. Beck’s PFR book cover December 11, 2020 […]

Ivermectin has proven safe as an anti-parasitic drug for people and animals, used worldwide for many years. Until recently you could buy it at Tractor Supply and other farm stores in a formulation intended for livestock. But on Dec. 8, ivermectin became explosively controversial (Facebook banned doctors’ Senate testimony) when the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security

Dan Basse, president of AgResource Company, said today on AgWeb that the recent sudden shift in the corn market is unrivaled. “Four-dollar corn is the new reality for 2020. While the March contract seems to struggle to push past $4.40, the price switch is demand driven.  “If I look back in my 40 years of being in

Thanksgiving is meant to commemorate the first European settlers’ surviving the harsh winters in this brave new world, with help from a number of local inhabitants. Like them, we have to be thankful for surviving another year. We just hope we never have another year like it. November 27, 2020 By Bob Streit, crop consultant The

November 26, 2020 By Jerry Carlson — Mom opened the oven door on the golden-bronze turkey, and the captivating aroma weaved from the kitchen into into our living room. Uncle Frank, Uncle Ralph, Uncle Clifford and my Dad Glenn stopped talking cattle prices and began arranging chairs around the extended dining room table.  That very special Thanksgiving

TV viewers who watched President Trump’s rally Friday at Rochester, MN on CNN, NBC or similar networks saw only the 250-person group which Minnesota Governor Tim Walz “allowed” to enter the airport grounds. However, thousands of cheering people infiltrated the rally beyond the barriers. I know this from a reliable source: Our daughter Stephanie, an experienced ag writer, and

We first signaled on July 24 that early “stocking up” grain purchases by Chinese importers reflected grain user’s concerns about flood-damaged crops across China, plus rebuilding the nation’s hog herd. Soon after, corn and soybean price charts began a months-long climb — even though China’s official government stance was “no problem with supply.” As November opens,

“We had a lot of hurdles this year,” Irvin Osterloh said Oct. 18 as he finished his 13th harvest of continuously cropped soybeans. “First a dry spell hit, then heavy rain and hail. Hail insurance paid an 8% loss. Finally we had another dry spell, which really hurt the crop.” October 18, 2020 — Even so, when the combine rolled, Irvin

Thousands of planters have unused dry insecticide hoppers, and consultant Brad Forkner reports that one of his Illinois clients grossed an extra $35 an acre for a $3.25 cost — by metering 11 pounds of dry humate over the row using the insecticide hoppers. Brad used $10 cash beans for that calculation. October 16, 2020 — Brad