Big Yield News

As you complete the fall harvest, it’s time to start considering your approach to 2017. For many farmers, the agricultural economy presents some tough challenges that must be overcome to ensure that 2017 is a profitable year. The most recent Ag Economy Barometer results, which gauge farmer attitudes about the U.S. agricultural economy, showed that farmers have some concerns. This …

During recent weeks, we at BigYield.us have been busily harvesting our research plots at The Farm Research Center in Garden City, Mo. Field research enables us to test products and production approaches. Based on the results, we learn strategies that get the biggest yields at the most reasonable cost, and we pass along our findings to help save you money, …

“Burndown” now refers to more than using herbicide chemistries to eradicate weeds. In October, our team at The Farm Research Center in Garden City, Mo., introduced a new 30-foot burndown burner that can effectively kill weeds, even those that may have herbicide resistance issues. Plus, the burndown burner may eradicate harmful insects and their eggs. Burners use propane-fueled torches to …

Fall is an excellent time evaluate field soil conditions. In previous weeks, we’ve discussed soil organic matter and soil carbon as two soil health-related factors to watch. Soil compaction represents another consideration because it can greatly impact crop growth factors and dictate yield potential on farms. Compacted soils refer to those that have limited pore space between soil particles. Soils …

During the past few years, farm economic and creditworthiness conditions have changed markedly. Good returns that growers captured during market highs produced surpluses for some. However, such reserves have already eroded in some cases. As grain prices continue to retreat, producers may struggle to earn enough revenue to pay their expenses. A recent story from DTN/The Progressive Farmer highlighted potential …