Ready for the Race

Partners, 

We are just about ready to start planting in earnest. We have been using the dry weather these past few weeks to finish fertilizer application, tear out no longer used fences, cut trees, seed waterways reworked last fall, repair erosion issues from the last two years, repair tile holes, and ready our planting equipment. We also delivered our winter crop contracted grain. All of our soybeans are now delivered and we still have about half of our stored corn which will be delivered this summer to take advantage of stronger basis. 

The only updated equipment for planting is a used sprayer purchased this winter. Our older pull type was just not strong enough or fast enough to handle the spraying chores on the amount of acres we cover. The newer self-propelled will give us the ability to be more timely and cover more acres with less labor involved. 

The weather is a bit of a concern. We have not had significant rainfall the past month. Ground conditions are good with adequate subsoil moisture but we have missed precipitation several times with chances of 80-90%.

Families are doing well. Celebrating one year birthday of Abbott this month and I (Steve) am so thankful to be fully functioning and able to help get this crop in the ground. 

There is lots of concern in the ag economy about commodity prices and where farm income is headed. We are usually enjoying a bit of a spring planting rally this time of year but prices have been flat to down-trending the last couple of months.

Fall prices:
Corn $3.57
Soybeans $9.93

Enjoy the beauty and renewal of springtime!