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CoBank Report Offers a Prosperous Outlook

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Farmers not only have an upcoming opportunity to plant, but also a time to prosper. According to a new CoBank report, U.S. farmers are in a sound financial position heading into this spring. A cyclical turn in grain prices and government support in 2020 have driven the rise in net farm income.
 
Factors driving the upcoming agronomy season for farm supply cooperatives include an expansion in corn, soybean and wheat planted acres. Rising fertilizer prices are also positive for retailer margins, and farmers are expected to purchase more fertilizer products during the 2021 planting season. Inventory levels of seed, fertilizer and crop protection products should be sufficient for an increase in spring-planted acres.
 
However, pandemic logistical bottlenecks could impact deliveries and shortages in certain parts of the U.S. Another risk factor for the planting season is the recent cold and wet weather, which could delay planting.

Don’t Rush into Spring Planting

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Farmers are pulling out the planters in preparation for the 2019 growing season. CHS Devils Lake Agronomy Sales Manager Jeremy Safranski says planting is about three weeks away for area farmers, five to seven days behind average. “There is some corn and soybeans left in the field from last fall, and a lot of the ground didn’t get worked,” says Safranski.
 
According to Peterson Farms Seed agronomist Adam Spelhaug, farmers in eastern North Dakota should be in the field by the end of the month. “The biggest thing is don’t rush. It pays to wait an extra day or two for the right conditions,”
 
While the planting season may start later than many would have liked, Bayer District Sales Manager Mark Haugland says farmers can’t afford to cut corners. That’s especially true for weed control. “Stick with using pre’s and multiple modes-of-action as we go through the spring,” says Haugland. “I predict we’ll see warmer season weeds showing up earlier, but you’ve got to stick to the plan because there is so much at stake.”