Extension Update is a weekly summary of news from Extension, government, and other attributable sources, focused on marketing, farm management, and other issues that are of interest to Midwestern farm owners and operators. This week’s update discusses options for grain still unsold, a warning about recent farm tax laws, and predicted weather patterns for the spring among other topics. To read more Click Here.

Immature corn ears have baffled Corn Belt farmers but a solution to the problem has been found. Purdue corn specialist Bob Nielsen says that the application of various pesticides, blended with tank mix additives, such as crop oil concentrates and non-ionic surfactants, and applied at the stage of ear development when length is determined may be the cause of the problem. To learn more about arrested ear development Click Here.

 The price of farmland in Iowa has hit record highs with an average of $4,468 per acre. Land prices have doubled since 2003 and increased 17% since 2007. Three counties had average prices of $6,000 per acre and no counties had averages below $2,000 per acre. To find out more about what these jumps in land price could mean for your operation Click Here.

After increasing for six consecutive years, U.S. fertilizer prices are finally beginning to fall at the wholesale level, according to a report by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Some fertilizer, like anhydrous ammonia and urea, prices have dropped 50%. A few fertilizers on the other hand will not see the same decline in prices. For example 90% of potash is imported and the decline in the value of the US dollar has increased costs. To read more about wholesale US fertilizer prices and what effects the change will have on your operation Click Here.

Correctly interpreting harvest results is an important component of hybrid and variety evaluations.  Selecting products that minimize risks and provide the greatest opportunity for increased profitability should be a goal of all producers.  For more information click here. Interpreting Yield Data

ST. LOUIS (December 4, 2008) — Another key regulatory milestone has been achieved as one of the most anticipated U.S. soybean technologies approaches commercialization. Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) announced today it has received regulatory approval in the European Union for the importation of Roundup Ready 2 Yield™ soybeans. This approval follows the European Food Safety Authority’s positive scientific opinion in July concluding Roundup Ready 2 Yield is safe for import as food and feed.

The European Union imports accounted for approximately 10 percent of U.S. soybean exports in 2007, making it a significant purchaser of U.S. soybeans.

“The European Union regulatory approval demonstrates the growing acceptance of Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans throughout the world,” said Brett Begemann, Monsanto’s executive vice president of global commercial business. “As we look to deliver on our commitment to double yield by 2030, Roundup Ready 2 Yield is critical. This trait is important not only for its weed control and yield benefits, but because it serves as the platform for future soybean technologies that will deliver additional value to farmers and others.”

Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans are the next generation of the popular Roundup Ready® technology farmers have used in soybeans since 1996. This product offers the same effective weed control, simplicity and flexibility benefits of the Roundup Ready system and it significantly increases soybean yield potential.

In four years of testing, Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans have demonstrated a consistent yield advantage of 7 to 11 percent over Roundup Ready soybeans. The four-year average yield increase of Roundup Ready 2 Yield over its first-generation counterpart was 9 percent. On Tuesday, Monsanto expects to release 2008 field performance data as part of Chief Technology Officer Robb Fraley’s presentation at the Canaccord Adams Conference in Toronto.

Monsanto’s Roundup Ready 2 Yield soybeans will be introduced on 1 million to 2 million U.S. acres for the 2009 season as part of a controlled commercial release, followed by a large-scale product launch of 5 million to 6 million U.S. acres scheduled for 2010.

Market Analyst Alan Kluis discusses the impact of the financial crisis on the agriculture industry. To deal with slow economic times he suggests locking in input costs, creating a disciplined marketing plan, and being realistic about profit expectations. To learn more about the economic impacts on farm prices and what to watch for Click Here.

Livestock producers have traditionally fed their cattle on their own cropland without accounting for its value, but with the economical benefits this year valuing corn stalks will be necessary especially when multiple owners are involved. To find out the average values of hay, corn silage, oats, and cornstalks Click Here. 

Wondering what changes President Elect Obama may have on the agriculture sector? He has a strong connection with the Illinois Corn Grower’s Association, supports renewable fuels, and backed the 2008 farm bill. For more information on what changes you may see Click Here.

Whether you know it not, you probably observe, discuss and consider G x E x M several times through the growing season, and into the winter months, when you make decisions regarding the hybrids and varieties you will plant each year. You may call it something else, but plant breeders call it Genotype by Environment by Management Interaction – or G x E x M. Simply stated, G x E x M is the change in relative performance of hybrids and varieties across different environments and management systems. To learn more about GxExM (Click Here)

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