Seed is one of the most expensive inputs for soybean growers, so it’s essential to plant the right amount of seed to minimize input costs while still maintaining high yields, especially in years like this year where prices are low, and margins are tight. Numerous seeding rate studies carried out across the U.S. suggest that…
Details
Make plans now to join the NCSPA at the Durham Bulls’ agriculture-themed night State Fair Night on June 2. The Association is sponsoring the game to help consumers understand more about what farmers do every day, educate them about its importance in North Carolina and talk to them about soybeans. The NCSPA will have a…
Details
Soybean producers and consultants have been trying to push the yield limits on modern, high-yielding soybean varieties in recent years. One means of improving yields is by being strategic about planting timing and maturity group selection, which play a major role in achieving maximum yield potential in a given year. Weather is ultimately the driving…
Details
The North Carolina Soybean Yield Contest has a long history of recognizing top producers in the state and sharing information about which Best Management Practices may help other growers increase yields. This contest is sponsored by the North Carolina Soybean Producers Association but administered by NC State Soybean Extension. Traditionally there have been two categories…
Details
More than most industries, agriculture, because of its connection to the natural world, its essentiality to sustaining life, and its importance to the rural economy, is overseen by government policy the world over. In the United States, the institutions that may spring to mind in this context are most often Federal in nature, including entities…
Details
NC. State’s annual Farm Animal Days were Apr. 24-26, and the NCSPA had a booth at the event to talk to the thousands of children who attended about soy and agriculture. The event gives school children from pre-school through first grade the chance to see and touch farm animals, get in tractors, learn about agriculture…
Details
The NCSPA was on hand at Alamance County Farm Bureau’s Homegrown in the Park on Apr. 27. The event, held in Burlington City Park, celebrated the county’s agricultural heritage and the future of ag industry there. Many commodity associations had exhibits at the event, including the NCSPA. Board member, Michael McPherson, and his wife Renee,…
Details
The pleasant weather of spring and fall brings festivals and fun, and many events where the NCSPA can educate people about agriculture and soy. These days, most people are one or more generations removed from the farm, so the Association takes every opportunity to help people understand what growers do every day and why. Recently…
Details
Celebrate agriculture with the Carolina Mudcats in Zebulon when they take on the Potomac Nationals on Sunday, April 27th. Game time is 5 p.m. Box seat tickets are just $7 for Ag Day, but must be purchased in advance.
A new CEO is taking the helm of the NCSPA effective April 15. Owen Wagner most recently worked at SAS Institute in Cary, N.C., where he was Manager of Agricultural Analytics working with the USDA and land grant universities. Prior to that, he worked as an agricultural economist at LMC International in Washington, D.C. In…
Details
The NCSPA was on hand last weekend for the Tractors & Trains Festival at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C. to talk to attendees about farming and answer their questions about agriculture. Board member Jason Starnes and his wife, Robin, assisted outreach education coordinator, Laura Rogers, at the NCSPA exhibit and interacted with thousands…
Details
N.C. Aricultural and Technical State University is holding its 33rd annual Small Farms Week this week to pay tribute to the importance of small farms to agriculture in the state, and the NCSPA is a sponsor. The event began Mar. 25 in Duplin Co. with a panel discussion of master farmers and local farm tours.…
Details