South Dakota farmers slogged through two wet years before the rain shut off in the middle of the last growing season. Now a warm start to winter without much snow cover has farmers heading into the next crop year short on moisture.
The Baseline on Biologicals
Ag Microbials and/or Ag Biologicals is a segment in agriculture receiving a lot of focus in recent years. This focus is due to benefits microbes can provide over synthetic chemicals. Their novelty is measured by their ability to provide modes of actions and solutions not found in other classes of ag chem. An interesting feature of microbial products is their potential to increase in number and perhaps grow and move with the growth of the crop. Their use is often associated with safety and sustainability both in their manufacture as well as placement and use in the environment.
Cover crops & drought: What to do
Cover crops have been a big success in recent years. The weather has been wet and cover crops have helped use up excess moisture, shrink saline areas, reclaim Prevent Plant acres, increase soil organic matter, kickstart soil biological life and much more.
China Brings The Demand Back to Grains
In a year dominated by coronavirus, grain markets were able to take advantage of the world’s largest consumer coming back to the table for imports. Spurred on by record, or near record domestic prices, China turned to the United States to help fill structural deficits in corn, soybeans and wheat. At the time of this writing, Dalian futures in China show corn at $10.97 per bushel, No. 2 soybeans at $17.76 per bushel and wheat near $10.00 per bushel. These prices and the chart below help illustrate the tightening grain situation in China.
Hindsight is 2020
Get to know our newly-elected SDSA President Jordan Scott in his letter to South Dakota farmers. Published in the 2021 Spring Soybean Leader magazine.
National Biodiesel Day: The Facts about Biodiesel
Biodiesel and renewable diesel have a success story to share. However, that often gets overshadowed by common misconceptions and myths. There are many assumptions about the biomass-based diesel fuel, but rest assured, the fuel is better, cleaner, and available right now for consumption.
South Dakota Soybean Yield Contest Winners
There is a common thread among top winners in the 2020 South Dakota Soybean Yield Contest. First Place finishers have a desire to improve their per/acre soybean output. Entering the contest annually is their opportunity to try a production tactic that might or might not work. It might or might not be cost effective on an entire farm. Regardless, it is a grower’s chance at discovery, a chance at growing a few more bushels an acre, and a chance at being more profitable.
MEG Corp Conducted Biodiesel Training at 3 SD Tech Schools
Hoon Ge of MEG Corp conducted diesel and biodiesel training at three schools in February 2021. Hoon presented to approximately 164 students and 14 instructors at Mitchel Technical Institute in Mitchell, Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown and Southeast Technical Institute in Sioux Falls. These workshops cover the following topics: Fuel from Crude Oil, Introduction to Biodiesel, Biodiesel Quality, Diesel Vehicles and OEMs, Common Diesel Issues and Cold Weather Operability. Each student is provided a Basics of Using Biodiesel guide, an Identifying Common Diesel Issues poster and a biodiesel logoed promotional item.
SDSA Director Recognized by NCBA for Outstanding Environmental Stewardship
Cattle Producers Recognized for Outstanding Environmental StewardshipIn a special edition of NCBA’s Cattlemen to Cattlemen, seven of the nation’s top cattle operations were honored for implementing practices that make them true stewards of land, air and water resources. Each of these farms and ranches exemplify the commitment of all producers to protect the resources in their care and improve their operations for future generations of cattlemen and women.
Now Accepting Applications for Valent, ASA Ag Voices of the Future Program for College Students
The American Soybean Association (ASA) is now accepting applications for the Valent Ag Voices of the Future program, which will be held July 19-22, 2021, in conjunction with the summer ASA Board meeting and Soy Issues Forum in Washington, D.C. The Ag Voices of the Future program is for students interested in improving their understanding of major agricultural policy issues, the importance of advocacy and careers that can impact agricultural policy. Class size is limited and students must be at least 18 years old to apply.