Preparing Grain Storages

BASF Agricultural Solutions wrapped up its 2022 Showcase Plot Tours this month with events at research farms in Goehner, Neb., and Story City, Iowa. Growers and retailers had the chance to chat with agronomists and in-field experts about what they’re facing in fields this year, in addition to taking a closer look at a few key innovations coming down the pipeline. Among the advancements on display was the Smart Sprayer from Bosch and BASF.

The growing season is advanced. I was quite surprised driving up Rt. 32 from Edenton this weekend at how much cotton was opening on that early planted cotton. This week with the summer like heat and dry conditions, I expect to see a lot of the early planted Virginia fields to begin showing some boll opening. Of course, soil type and rainfall patterns will no doubt create variability in when to expect full maturity.

In an update last week from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, “Ag Credit Conditions Remain Strong as Risks Grow,” Nathan Kauffman and Ty Kreitman stated that, “Agricultural credit conditions remained strong in the second quarter, but slower improvement was expected in the coming months.