kim.robertson's blog

Mothers Day falls on Sunday, May 13 this year and what better way to recognize your farm mom than by nominating her for America’s Farmers Mom of the Year?

My Google news page searches every morning for news about agriculture. 50% of the articles pertain to groups protesting the use of Genetic Modified Organisms and the use of traits in seed.

Many challenges faced on the farm can be traced directly to people making decisions regarding policies and regulations when they don’t have any relevant experience on the farm.  A group called “Green State TV” is working to dispel some of the myths, specifically about biotechnology.

Talk of a seed corn shortage seems to be the topic of choice among Midwest Growers.  The January 5^th Wall Street Journal states, “As farmers across the U.S. prepare to plant this year's corn crop, they are running up against an unexpected obstacle: a lack of seed.”

Poncho®/VOTiVO® treated hybrids continue to show a visual advantage across the Conbelt. Resource Manager Allen Wiseman sent in the following pictures from Mt. Union, Iowa, located in the Southeast corner of the state.

VOTiVO plants are 6 inches taller and their root mass is larger. Contact your local LG Seeds Dealer or Resouce Manager for more information about LG Seeds hybrids and Poncho/VOTiVO seed treatment.

Source: University of Illinois, Illinois Farm Bureau

A central question is whether corn acres will increase in the heart of the corn-belt. For total U.S. corn acreage to increase in 2011, acres devoted to corn in Illinois, Iowa, and surrounding states likely have to increase. Corn acre increases in the corn-belt will led to reduction in soybean acres. Countering losses of soybean acres in the corn-belt will be gains in other regions, such as the Great Plains.

Roundup Ready® alfalfa: For the first time since 2007, U.S. farmers will have the choice to plant Genuity® Roundup Ready® alfalfa. On January 27, 2011 the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized resumption of the sale and planting of Roundup Ready® alfalfa. Roundup Ready alfalfa was commercialized in 2005. More than 5,000 farmers had planted Roundup Ready alfalfa on over 250,000 acres before a court ruling regarding USDA's administrative process halted further sales and planting.