Podcast Summary
Central Illinois Farmers Challenges: Central Illinois farmers face profitability and sustainability issues due to declining commodity prices, delayed farm bill, and crop condition volatility, with concerns over net and gross income inflation and clean fuels credit.
Farmers in central Illinois are facing challenges due to declining commodity prices and a delayed farm bill, which is affecting their profitability and sustainability. The corn market is experiencing volatility, and some farmers are concerned about net and gross income inflation. Additionally, there are issues with wheat production in Russia, leading to concerns about clean fuels credit. Jared White from Brownfield Ag Network reported that crop conditions in central Illinois have improved with recent rainfall, but farmers were affected by dry conditions in June. Overall, farmers in the region are facing uncertainty and challenges due to various factors beyond their control.
Central Illinois crops: Central Illinois farmers report high expectations for soybean yields due to beneficial rains and good crop development, but face concerns about commodity markets
Central Illinois farmers have experienced generally positive growing conditions for their crops, particularly soybeans, despite some regional variations and challenges. While there have been areas in the state with significant flooding and damage, the central region has seen beneficial rains and good crop development. Farmers in this area have reported high expectations for their yields, with many opting to plant soybeans early in the season. However, there are concerns about commodity markets and their potential impact on farmers' profits. Despite these concerns, the overall outlook for central Illinois crops remains optimistic.
Commodity prices: Experts predict downward trend in commodity prices due to low demand and favorable weather, making it challenging for farmers to make a profit. Farmers are focusing on maximizing production to offset the unfavorable price outlook and dealing with uncertainty caused by tariffs.
Commodity prices have been a concern for farmers, with drops seen since last year leading to difficult break-even situations. According to experts like Gary Snicki at the U of I, prices have made it challenging for many farmers to make a profit. Farmers like Matt Bennett in Shelby County have reported that even with the best crops, they may not turn a profit. The weather has been favorable for the most part, but without significant demand upticks or widespread weather concerns, markets are expected to continue their downward trend, potentially leading to another large carryout and stagnant prices. Farmers are likely focusing on maximizing every bushel and acre they produce, as the commodity price outlook remains unfavorable. Additionally, the impact of tariffs on the campaign trail is another factor adding uncertainty to the situation.
Illinois agriculture risks: Illinois agriculture faces significant risks due to ongoing political climate and potential tariff increases, emphasized by commodity groups in a letter to Illinois Congressional delegation. Trade's negative impact on agriculture highlighted. Outcome of election could influence resolution.
The ongoing political climate, including potential tariff increases, poses significant risks to Illinois agriculture. This was highlighted by a recent letter from various Illinois commodity groups to the state's Congressional delegation. The groups emphasized the importance of trade and the negative impacts tariffs have had on agriculture in the past. Illinois Congresswoman Nicki Budzinski acknowledged the resonance of this message. Despite this, the outcome of the current election could influence the resolution of trade-related issues. Additionally, during recent field visits, there have been few reports of weedy fields in Illinois.
Crop challenges in central Illinois: Farmers in central Illinois face challenges with resistant weeds, diseases, and pests, but have been able to address them with favorable weather and proactive management. Staying vigilant for potential resistance to herbicides in water hemp, and monitoring for diseases like tar spot and southern rust, is crucial.
While farmers in central Illinois have faced challenges with resistant weeds, diseases, and pests such as water hemp, corn aphids, tar spot, and southern rust, the overall crop condition looks good. Farmers have been able to take advantage of favorable weather to perform post-emergent spraying and address trouble spots in their fields. However, it's crucial for farmers to stay vigilant and proactive in identifying and addressing potential resistance to herbicides in water hemp, as well as monitoring for the spread of diseases like tar spot and southern rust. The conversation also highlighted the importance of crop protection passes and regular testing to ensure effective management of these challenges.
Midwest Diseases Challenge 2023 Growing Season: Early occurrences of Southern Rust and Tarspot in the Midwest could lead to substantial yield losses if left unchecked, despite healthy-looking crops and low commodity prices.
The 2023 growing season in the Midwest has faced several challenges, including early occurrences of Southern Rust and Tarspot, which have agronomists concerned about potential yield losses. Southern Rust, typically seen later in the year, was brought in by an early and unexpected storm from the south-southwest. Tarspot has already been confirmed in Illinois. With commodity prices already low and crops looking healthy, some farmers may be considering skipping fungicide passes to save money. However, if the prime growing conditions continue through August, these diseases could significantly impact the corn and soybean crops. Agronomists warn that the potential yield losses could be substantial if these diseases are left unchecked. The yellow airplanes flying overhead applying fungicides are an essential part of protecting the crops and securing potential bushels. These concerns have been echoed by crop advisors in West Central Illinois.
Illinois farmer challenges: Farmers in Illinois face uncertainties with crop growth, fungicide application due to dry conditions, potential herbicide/pesticide regulations, and the future of Dicamba, prompting them to explore alternatives and remain vigilant for new legislation.
Farmers in Illinois are facing challenges with crop growth and fungicide application due to dry conditions, leading to increased use of ground rigs. Regarding herbicide and pesticide regulations, there have been concerns about potential legislation that could limit the use of certain tools for growers, but none have passed yet. The future of Dicamba, a commonly used herbicide, remains uncertain as an official label for its use in 2023 has not been issued by the EPA, prompting farmers to explore alternative options. The fall veto session is expected to be quiet on new legislation, but farmers should remain vigilant for any potential issues in the spring of 2023. Overall, farmers in Illinois are dealing with various challenges, including weather conditions and regulatory uncertainties, and are adapting to find solutions to ensure successful harvests.
Bear's crop plans uncertainty: Farmers are making crop decisions despite uncertainty over Bear's extended Macs and Dicamba product label approvals, expected for 2025. Some are holding out, but many are moving forward.
Farmers are making decisions about their crop plans despite the uncertainty surrounding the label approval for Bear's extended Macs and Dicamba products, which are expected to be ready for 2025. Jared White, a reporter for Brownfield Ag News, shared his insights from Bear's innovation update in Chicago. Although some farmers might be holding out, many are moving forward with their plans. Farmers can find Jared's stories and interviews on Brownfield Ag News' website, and listeners can tune in to their local Brownfield Ag affiliate to hear more from him. The agricultural commodity markets saw corn futures finish with minimal change and soybean futures finish up by 4 to 5 cents.
Agricultural Markets: Wheat futures rose while cattle and hog futures declined. Texas crude oil gained, but the Dow Jones was flat. Concerns about crop insurance in the Farm Bill persist, with farmers closely monitoring PLC and ARC programs.
While wheat futures saw gains, cattle and hog futures experienced losses in today's markets. Specifically, wheat finished up 3 to 4 cents, while cattle finished down 4 to 6 cents, hogs down 2 to 4 cents. Texas crude oil saw a gain of 10 to 9 cents per barrel, and the Dow Jones finished up 8 points. However, it's important to note that there are ongoing concerns about the federal crop insurance aspect of the Farm Bill, with some lawmakers expressing reservations. Farmers in the Midwest and across the country are closely watching the PLC and ARC programs to determine their priorities. Stay informed by consulting your lawmakers about crop insurance coverage. This is a brief summary of today's agricultural market news. For more in-depth analysis, be sure to listen to our show wherever you get your podcast. I'm Cesar Delgado, signing off for another episode of Back Roads of Illinois.