Spring Is Here
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Partners & Friends,
It may not feel like it today with a high of 45, but things are turning green and the grass is ready for its first mowing. This past week we received nearly 4 inches of rain, and judging by the state of our basement, the soil profile is full of moisture.
About two weeks ago, we planted roughly 350 acres of soybeans. It was a good opportunity to test the bean planter and get some of the farther-out fields done (those that take a bit more time to access). None of the beans have emerged yet. Over the past few years, we’ve leaned toward planting beans early when soil conditions allow. It’s usually better to plant in ideal conditions now than risk getting pushed into fields that are too wet later if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
We’ve started applying biologicals and burndown to those first planted fields. The next two weeks look fairly wet, so we’ll see how much progress we can make. In the meantime, we’re continuing to deliver corn, and the remainder of our seed beans have now been released for commercial delivery. All remaining seed and chemicals are on hand as well.
Goat kidding for this round is complete, and our last calf has been born. The cows will be heading out to pasture soon. We ended up with two bull calves and two heifer calves. Last year’s calf crop is on feed and doing very well—we’ll begin delivering them in July.
On the broader front, the war in Iran has created quite a bit of disruption in agriculture. Energy and fertilizer prices have risen sharply, and interest rates continue to climb. Political gridlock in D.C. is slowing progress on a new Farm Bill, and it’s becoming clear the U.S. isn’t entirely energy independent. On a more positive note, the governor in Springfield recently mentioned estate tax reform, which would be a welcome development. The bill to eliminate Eminent Domain for CO₂ pipelines (SB2842) is also still alive in the Illinois Senate.
On the home front, Marcus and family made it to Indianapolis to watch the Illini in the Final Four. 🤩 This week brings local FFA chapter elections—good luck, Harper! Phyllis continues to do well in physical therapy; she’s now walking with just a cane and needing fewer pain meds each day. 😍 Easter was a wonderful time with family, full of egg hunts, candy, and plenty of good food.
Fall Prices:
Corn — $4.53
Soybeans — $11.19
Enjoy spring and the renewal of the earth!
Steve
