First Seeds

Partners,

We have been planting for two weeks now.  We are getting some rain today so I have time to blog. 

We have had our challenges with the new planter technology (including about 2 days of downtime), but we have completed over 60% of corn planting. Rain has been very spotty and we are following the field cultivator closely with the planter to be sure to plant into moisture. Dry soil conditions here and in Brazil have been noted in major news stories. The commodity markets seemed to have picked up on the weather story also as corn and beans have jumped to new contract highs for this move. 

We are also catching up on side jobs such as grain hauling, fixing tile holes, tree cutting, machinery repair, and livestock chores. We do not expect to beat our record early finish date that we posted last year (May 2, 2015) but only weather will hold us back after this early start. 

Things to watch affecting the ag economy-- Brazil economic and political issues, dollar strength, weather forecasts, oil prices.

Family doing well--Abbott's 2nd birthday already! Phyllis and I spent a weekend with Ali at Wayland Academy for the annual spring family weekend and fundraiser. We also were able to see Stephi's family and Lindsay's family the weekend before that. We are so grateful for our children and grandchildren!

Fall bids:

Corn 3.73

Soybeans 9.55

Keep in touch,

Steve