2015 US Corn Belt Crop Tour: Missouri

Jul 03, 2015

Fourth state in a 12-state tour

Farms.com Risk Management’s Chief Commodity Strategist Moe Agostino and his team are continuing to make their way through the United States on the 2015 US Corn Belt Crop Tour. The fourth state visited on the 12-state tour was Missouri.

Like Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, Missouri seems to be battling high levels of moisture, which appears to be affecting the soybean crops the most.

Soybean field flooded

“Missouri is one of the states that was hit with a lot of moisture as well,” Agostino said. “The beans here, from what I see look late. They’re just barely getting out of the ground (and) going to probably put a drag on the national yield.”

Agostino said some reports estimate that out of the 5.7 million acres of beans expected to be planted, as much as 30% may not even make it into the ground.

“About May 4^th is when it started raining and there’s only been one or two full weekends without rain,” said Kurtis Gregory, a farmer from Marshall, Missouri. “I have about 70 acres of beans left to plant. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can get it done tomorrow if it dries out enough.”

“We’re still about 100 acres (of beans) shy of being done and that’s 100 acres we may not even get in the ground,” said JC Hester, also from Marshall. “It’s just been a real struggle.”

Some farmers in Missouri are so surprised by the weather that if the conditions become a trend, they might consider other options.

“If I had to farm like this every year I’m afraid I have to quit,” said Chuck Weldon from Davies County.

Weldon said he’s going to try and get his beans planted because “they’re worth more to me in the ground than in the bag.”

Join the conversation and tell us how the moisture is affecting your crops.

Be sure to follow the US Corn Belt Crop Tour as the next state stop is Kansas; and follow along on Twitter using the hashtag #CornBelt15.

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.