Earth, Wind, and Water

Partners,

It's been warm and wet here these past few weeks. Water is always a big issue on our minds. We are participating in a voluntary water quality study this summer through McDonough Co Farm Bureau and assistance from the University. We are collecting water samples from 2 different farm tiles every 2 weeks that are measured for mainly nitrates. One tile is from a bean field and one is from a corn field. We are also measuring flow rates in gallons per seconds. Our first samples have come back very satisfactory as far as nitrate levels go but that would be expected in such a dry time with so little rainfall. Part of the purpose of this study is to create some baselines to use when the EPA is very soon going to try to regulate fertilizer applications on farm fields. The Toledo green zone last summer was a rude awakening as to what possibilities are if nitrogen blooms find perfect conditions. Part of our strategy of multiple nitrogen applications is to put the fertilizer on when the plant needs it and thereby reduce rates. We will keep you informed how this project turns out. We will see summary results from all the participants in McDonough county in November.

With the near perfect weather our crops look about as good as I have ever experienced in my farming career. It does seem that the corn and bean crop are about as even growing and good stands as they have ever been. We have finished spraying crops - the second pass - and are applying fungicide (with a plane) to selected corn fields. Soybean fungicide will follow soon. We are finishing up delivering our contracted corn sales in July and hope to have the last of the bins cleaned out soon. We have also been mowing and spraying fence rows and creek banks to keep brush from growing. We are also starting on summer projects now like painting, building maintenance, equipment cleanup and repair, waterway rebuilding, tile repair, and brush cutting. Our heifer enterprise has turned into a calf enterprise - we are now feeding 7 bucket calves and selling the heifers as freshened milkers ready to go to work.

Family doing well all around. Alison is going on an 8-day mission trip to Dominican Republic in one week. Summer softball is complete. Marcus and girls are walking and riding bikes in many parades for local Republican candidate. Bucket calf show was last week. Each family should get in some vacation time before summer is over so we can go into harvest refreshed and renewed. Once again, summer is flying by!

Fall Prices:
Corn 3.33
SB 10.32

Stay cool and keep in touch!

We love getting your questions & comments - just click on "Comment" below.

Steve