THE YEAR OF NO WINTER

      1816 was called the year of no summer because volcanic activity reduced sunlight activity and frost or snow was reported in each month of spring and summer.  Although not as extreme maybe I will call this the year of no winter as warm temps. have kept the fields free of snow and little freezing of the soils.  Normally in northern Illinois we have soils freeze several feet deep.  This cycle has been a benefit to growing crops as the insects and plant pathogens die.  It also loosens the soil as ice particles form around soil particles and separate them, as the ice thaws it is replaced with air.  I have been wondering what tillage may be needed this spring?   
    The benefit of these warm temps. have been that the moisture has been able to enter the soil and become available for this crop year.  There was extensive flood damage along the Mississippi River last year and hopefully without snow melting and spring rains now being able to soak into soils they will be spared this spring.  Many of the farms devastated by failed levies last year have not recovered yet.
    Large areas in South America are being effected by drought as are wheat growing regions in the Ukraine.  South western U.S. has received some rain recently but need to improve.  This has kept grain markets reacting to weather reports predicting where and when rains could benefit crops.  Corn prices increased 58 cents in the last two weeks of January mostly on declining weather.  What prices do from this point forward depend on chances for the corn belt states to plant record acres and obtain above average yields.
     This week I will finalize planing on how many acres of corn or soybeans, and finish pricing all inputs to grow them.  I have not yet set sales of 2012 production but continue to monitor prices.  Next week I will take the tests to renew my pesticide applicators license and certified livestock manager, each require testing every 3 years to show the farmer is aware of all new regulations. This afternoon I will grill a slab of pork ribs and watch the Superbowl, how redneck American is that, I hope everyone enjoys the game.
                                                                                                         Serving together, Dean