A disclaimer before we start: We do NOT recommend planting soybeans back-to-back year after year. Planting any crop back-to-back year after year increases the potential for pests and problems to build up. You may not see these problems after one year, but eventually, something will become an issue…
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With all the new technologies entering the market to help farmers combat herbicide resistance, it can be tough keeping track of the latest product approvals. USB has created a chart to help with planning weed control systems by tracking the latest in approval statuses for seed traits and herbicide chemistries. CLICK HERE to download the…
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Having a plan for equipment management and repairs can help keep long-term repair costs down, as well as keep time lost from equipment repairs to a minimum. Check out the tips in THIS ARTICLE for better management of farm machinery.
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Not long after I left my international trade job at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, I met Ray Starling, a farm boy turned attorney who was starting a new job as the General Counsel in Agriculture Commissioner Troxler’s office. Ray proved to be a good friend to the soybean industry and…
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Make plans now to join Agriculture Commissioner Troxler, the N.C. Farm Bureau, commodity groups and more to bring awareness to the legislature about the importance of agriculture in North Carolina at Ag Awareness Day. The schedule for the day is: 9:00 a.m.: Shuttle buses run from the Exposition building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds to…
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With the approval of both the dicamba and 2,4-D tolerant varieties and new formulations of the herbicides, growers are eager to take advantage of these new systems. While having the ability to apply both of these products in POST applications provides a “new” tool in our weed-management toolbox, it’s essential growers use these products with…
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Everyone knows there are many benefits to crop rotation and have probably learned about its impact on sustainable farming, but a new research study sheds more light on the subject. New research from Michigan State University shows that crop rotation increases the function of soil microbial communities that benefit plant growth. It also improves soil…
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Make plans now to join the NC SoyPAC for its annual Sporting Clays Challenge on Apr. 7, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. at Drake Landing in Fuquay-Varina, N.C. Any soy grower or industry professional may participate. All proceeds benefit the NC SoyPAC which advocates for federal policies favorable to soybean growers, and supports…
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If you heard Randy Dowdy at the Annual NC Commodities Conference this year then you probably heard him say: “Don’t HOPE what’s going on, KNOW what’s going on.” Do you know what’s going on in your soybean plants each year? Do your soils have adequate fertility and more importantly are the plants able to access…
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Sustainable farming has become a common point of discussion over recent years and is important to consumers. Farmers often implement many sustainable practices on their farms without even realizing they are sustainable. In fact, farmers were probably among the first practitioners of sustainability because it’s critical to healthy and profitable farming operations. Want to be…
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Did you watch the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons in the big game last Sunday? Not only was it a great game, it was a big eating day, in fact the second biggest eating day of the year. Fans eat billions of chicken wings during game festivities, not to mention pizza loaded with…
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As you gear up for 2017, it’s important to consider the estimated costs and returns per acre of the crops in your production rotation. Considering all variable and fixed costs to determine the true cost of production will help you make decisions for the coming year. The NCSU Ag-Econ department has the 2017 budgets for…
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