No rain affects more than crop growth...

Tried to change our program this year and spray pre-emerge right after planting or before; no rain=chemicals no worky. twitter.com/WentworthFarms…

— Wentworth Farms (@WentworthFarms) June 20, 2012

Illinois Crops Still Dry

From WJBC: Although much of the state got some rain over the weekend, Illinois crops are still dry, especially in the southern third of the state. Seventy percent of the topsoil moisture in the state measures short or very short, and 75 percent of the subsoil moisture falls into those two categories.

http://wjbc.com/illinois-crops-still-dry

Concern for IL Drought

Markets are beginning to realize the upcoming production effects of the drought. Even after 1" of rain this weekend, low precipitation quantities and 90+ heat are taking their toll on crops.

From Reuters: http://in.mobile.reuters.com/article/idINL3E8HI1TZ20120618?irpc=932

Demand for soybeans remain high

Demand for soybeans appears to remain high with crush and export stronggoo.gl/bK1US
— FamilyFarms Group (@Family_Farms) June 15, 2012

Read more at Farm Futures.

Heyworth FFA Learns in the Field

Local FFA chapter manages 23 acres along busy Illinois highway. Read more from AgriNews Online.

Got Hay?

Producers are encouraged to use Hay Net on the FSA website (http://www.fsa.usda.gov/haynet). This online service allows producers with hay and those who need hay to post ads so they can make connections. Hay Net is a popular site for farmers and ranchers who have an emergency need, such as the one caused by wintery or flooded conditions. Individual ads can be posted free of charge by producers who complete a simple online registration form the first time they use the site.

 

Chess Game Over Farm Bill

From Politico: "As the Senate stews over which farm bill amendments to vote on, a chess game is being played, with fresh proposals filed each day in an effort to shape the outcome of the debate."

http://m.politico.com/iphone/story/0612/77431.html

Grain Bin Safety

Area ag students learn about grain bin safety. http://wjbc.com/grain-bin-safety-on-display-at-ffa-convention/

More drought

The moisture deficit in the U.S. Midwest is 4 to 5 inches after "extremely dry weather" in the past 30 days...

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-11/midwest-moisture-deficit-seen-at-4-5-inches-by-martell.html

Illinois in Drought

http://altondailynews.com/news/details.cfm?clientid=17&id=35129

Put N Where You Need It

Becks Hybrids: Put late-season nitrogen where you need it, when you need it. http://t.co/oFS7Nuaz