Month: December 2017

Manure Application Logistics – Rate and Cost

By Daniel Anderson, Iowa State University Extension

As we get to the heart of land application season my thoughts always drift to the same concepts. How can we do better at moving manure from farmstead to field, quickly, safely, and environmentally consciously? Manure has long been considered a valuable input to the soil for crop production and in its broadest sense manure management is the science of figuring out the most appropriate use of animal manure and how to get the most benefit for the least expense while protecting air, soil, and water quality. Continue reading Manure Application Logistics – Rate and Cost →

What Will Dicamba Changes Mean For Farmers?

By Peggy Kirk Hall, Asst. Professor, Agricultural & Resource Law and Ellen Essman, Law Fellow, Ohio State University

This fall, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an agreement with Monsanto, BASF and DuPont to change dicamba registration and labeling beginning with the 2018 growing season. EPA reports that the agreement was a voluntary measure taken by the manufacturers to minimize the potential of dicamba drift from “over the top” applications on genetically engineered soybeans and cotton, a recurring problem that has led to a host of regulatory and litigation issues across the Midwest and South. The upcoming changes might alleviate dicamba drift issues, but they also raise new concerns for farmers who will have more responsibility for dicamba applications. Continue reading What Will Dicamba Changes Mean For Farmers? →

Machinery Pete: 8 Machinery Trends For 2018

What’s there to expect in 2018 for the used farm equipment market? Well, that’s a good question, and here’s what my gut is telling me:

Soft Landing: Used farm equipment values fell like a rock in the second half of 2013 into mid-2015, then began to slowly solidify. In 2016, we saw used values level off and even, surprisingly, shoot up just a smidge late in the year. This past year, values have mostly been holding and perhaps moving a little lower.

Leasing Trend: What began in 2015 continues to become more popular. Leases work nicely from pencil to paper, which is a very good thing.

Price It Right And It Will Move: Continue reading Machinery Pete: 8 Machinery Trends For 2018 →