“Understanding the landscape we live on and use in agriculture is important to manage it the right way.” — Abby Field, a senior in crops and soil science at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.   Thankfully, it was held on a sunny fall day this year. The recent Midwest Region 3 contest drew 72 students and 15 coaches from seven universities and four community colleges. Abby Field and her teammate, Isaac Nollen, agreed that knowing about soil benefits farmers and others. Read more about this year’s contest and team placements.

Across the state, farmers harvested 89% of soybeans and 78% of corn as of Oct. 31, both slightly ahead of the average pace. But the lack of rain is causing challenges in other areas. “That acute dryness in parts of southern Illinois up the Ohio Valley added stress on the low flow of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers,” said Trent Ford, state climatologist. READ MORE

Today’s near record-high fertilizer prices could be cheaper than in the spring given the uncertainty of future corn and natural gas prices — the primary drivers of nitrogen costs. When it comes to determining how much nitrogen to buy, University of Minnesota Soil Scientist Jeff Vetsch says it’s a two-step process. Read his recommendations, starting with the maximum return to nitrogen (MRTN).

In October’s Ag Economy Barometer reading, the Farm Financial Performance Index fell 13 points this month to 86. It reflects producers’ concerns about high input costs, weaker commodity prices and challenging shipping conditions. The overall reading dropped 10 points to a reading of 102. READ MORE

U.S. pork exports reached the highest monthly total in August since November 2021. The boost to pork exports was led by Mexico, where 2022 shipments remain on record pace. “We speak often about the importance of developing a wide range of markets for U.S. red meat, and the August export results are a great illustration of that,” said Dan Halstrom, U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO. READ MORE

“This is a good day for producers; a good day for those interested in working in these facilities; a good day for communities that will benefit and a good day for consumers.” — Tom Vilsack   for its facility on Route 166, east of Marion in Williamson County, the department announced Wednesday. FarmWeek’s Tim Eggert details the MPPEP, which will strengthen the food supply chain, and Saline River Farms’ planned facility. READ MORE