Agronomy Feed

adjust this year’s corn yields down. However, USDA found a way to increase both yields and beginning corn stocks in the January report. Corn for feed use was increased 250 million bushels while exports were decreased 75 million bushels. The net effect was that ending stocks were reduced 16.6 million bushel leaving the stocks to use ratio mostly unchanged from last month at 13.5%. USDA also stated that they would be resurveying corn farmers in Michigan, Minnesota, the Dakotas and Wisconsin in the spring, to get a more complete harvest picture. Both Wheat and soybean ending stocks were minimally lowered from the December 2019 report.

In spite of the fact that South American production will soon come on line, I believe the extent of the production issues we had in the eastern Corn Belt are still unknown and given the incomplete picture USDA has painted with their corn production reports this past year, the corn market continues to face uncertainty. This uncertainty suggests that having market orders in place, should the market move suddenly higher, could be to your benefit.

Please let us know how we can help you as you market the remainder of your production from last harvest and let us help you begin making your plans to market your next crop. As always, we appreciate your past business and look forward to helping you with all your grain handling and grain marketing needs.

Tim Spector Agronomy Manager

Fertilizer–Current markets are a good investment for your Nitrogen and Phosphate needs. The market hit the lowest point on Nitrogen in mid-December, phosphates are at the lowest value per LB. of actual since 2007. Looking forward, the Midwest is behind on their N applications and that will put pressure on supply and logistics once they start application. Our markets are affected daily with international purchasing. India and Europe are currently buying N needs of which we have seen a bullish uptick in the replacement values. I look for a steady increase in values over the next 4-6 weeks. Your Pride Ag Resources agronomy team and location managers are eager to assist in your operation needs.

Crop Protection –Tariff war between the US and China have technical cost up on generic and some branded products anywhere from 5% to 25% depending the key active ingredient (AI). Is generic chemistry the same as branded chemistry? No, we are all guilty in focusing on the Active Ingredient and ignore the most important part of the formula called Inert Ingredients. Depending on the source point, Inert Ingredients can cause crop injury and difficulty in mixing. We offer a full offering of Branded Chemistry and we do source some generic products that have a reputable production source. Keep in mind that when utilizing a branded strategy, you receive support after the sale from each of the producers. (BASF, Bayer, Corteva and Syngenta). Seed- The sales team is out with pricing and early order specials for NK and Croplan seed. The genetic offerings through these two suppliers have multiple Hybrid and Variety offerings to maximize your potential in Corn, Milo and Soybean production. Finance –Your Pride Ag Resources Agronomist have information available to discuss input financing options for your seed, chemical and fertilizer needs for the 2020 crop year. Currently we offer CFA and Secure Finance options with terms to Feb 2021. Your Pride Ag Resources agronomy team has information available if you have an interest.

FEED DIVISION

Warm From the Inside Out 7 Tips for wintering cattle

Author: Ted Perry Purina Animal Nutrition

Cold weather is upon us, which means it’s time to break out your cold-weather clothes. Colder weather also impacts your cattle, but they can’t stay warm by putting on winter boots, a coat and a hat. They need other ways to keep warm. Nutrition and environment management will help maintain a cow’s core body temperature, keeping cows warm from the inside out. Here are 7 tips to keep cattle warm this winter:

1. Focus on body condition score the number one way to