This Week in Agribusiness takes a look at what's happening in fields, the latest grain bin technology and the latest headlines impacting the markets.
In Agronomy for Your Acres, Mike Pearson talks with Jeremy Leininger, Sales Manager for Nutrient Ag Solutions. Leininger who is based out of Vandalia, Illinois, talks about the planting status and the prolonged wet spring and how it has impacted fields. He says some producers got into the fielders before Easter but then were knocked out for several weeks as inches of rain fell.
The majority of the corn is now in the V4 and V5 stage and most are getting a second pass of herbicide. He urges all producers to be proactive verses reactive and apply fungicides. He says the constant rain has created a breeding ground for problems and it's better to stop them in their tracks then wait for the problems to appear.
Next up is Duwayne Bosse, of Bolt Marketing, in northeast South Dakota, says the majority of the state has been planted but the northeast area has been receiving quite a bit of rain. He says the one area getting the most notice in the markets is the cattle. He says many traders use the headlines to do their work in the market. This week making the most noise if the USDA's five-point plant for screwworm. The problem is that the plan leaves producers vulnerable because the place being built in Edinburg, Texas, won't be operational until the end of the year.
Another headline causing a stir has involved the packing plants and ICE raids to gather illegal immigrants. Last week, some immigrants got wind of the raids and didn't go to work so the packing plants are now backed up.
Greg Soulje is in with a weather forecast for the week.
Also on the show is Maria Zieba, of the National Pork Producers Council. Pearson met up with her at the World Pork Expo a few weeks ago. They discussed trade with over $8 billion in pork exports in 2024. They also talked about tree with countries in the free trade agreement. Plus, some countries requiring disease testing of the exports and country of origin labeling.
Up next is Kurt Kovarik, Vice President, Federal Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance America discussing how the latest EPA biofuels proposal from President Trump supports U.S. farmers and the industry by creating domestic demand for farm commodities. The new proposal calls for the production of 5.61 billion gallons of fuel and it made soybean values jump in the markets.
Greg is back with an extended weather outlook.
Plus, Prairie Farmer Executive Editor Holly Spangler, talks with Pearson about the FFA Illinois convention recently held and the enthusiasm the next generation shares for agriculture. Plus, she dives into what is happening in the fields including the massive rainfall there and how preventative planting acres could be an issue this year.
There's a 1939 Farmall F-20 in Max's Tractor Shed. The tractor is owned by John Berens and is in Hebron, Ind. He shares a special story about the family behind the tractor including why the tractor's name is Francine.
Mark Stock shares the lineup for BigIron Auctions.
Mike Pearson chats with Lauren Stoel about her FFA experience in Minnesota and what she learned from being in the FFA organization.
Stoel says the best part of FFA was the chance to get to know other FFA members across the state and be involved in amazing things.
She says that with the membership growing, it means more leadership opportunities, competition and events.
Stoel says she loved always loved farming with her dad but was reluctant to join FFA in seventh grade when given the opportunity.
And then in 8th grade, some fans asked her to attend and participate in a parliamentary competition and the magic hit. She says she has loved participating in competition and leadership opportunities.
The weekly FFA Chapter Tribute is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the good work of your local chapter. Tell us about what you're doing, give us some history from your group and tell our viewers of the work you do in the community. FFA chapters across the country deserve recognition for the work they do, make sure we include yours.
To have your chapter considered for this weekly feature, send along information about your group by e-mail to Max Armstrong at max@agbizweek.com. They'll get your group on the list of those that will be covered in the future. It's a chance to share your story beyond the local community.
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of about 650,000 student members as part of 7,757 local FFA chapters. The National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online www.ffa.org, on Facebook at facebook.com/nationalffa, on Twitter at twitter.com/nationalffa.
In the ag tech segment, Chad Colby talks with a grower, Kristopher Klokkenga, Prairie Creek Organics, Emden, Ill. and Larry Voigt, District Manager for AGI about the technology for a grain bin. He learns how sensors in the grain tell the computer what is happening in the existing condition of the grain. He learns how the system of fans and heaters can work based on the condition of the grain. The system also works with your iPhone to tell you of impending problems and the status of the dried grain. It allows you to see what's going on with the monitors in the bins and transmit it to your phone.
To finish up this edition of This Week in Agribusiness, Pearson talks with Luke Wells, a risk manager for Professional Ag Marketing about what the company does for farmers. The company works with cattle, pork and row crop producers to manage risk.
This Week in Agribusiness features market news, ag technology, weather and farm management and equipment information and opinions. This leading ag news program airs weekly on RFD-TV, and can be found each week on FarmProgress.com.