Farmers Using Social Media To Share Harvest Information

Oct 14, 2014

Farmers Using Social Media To Share Corn, Soybean Yield And Field Photos.

By Joe Dales, Farms.com

Farmers are having more of their usual share of fall challenges this year, with corn prices that are the lowest they have been since 2010 and in areas, wet weather conditions which are delaying the harvest. But with a great growing season and advancements in crop technology and farming practices farmers are looking forward to combing excellent crops this fall which will produce record corn and soybean yields.

While this is a busy time of year and farmers may not have time to socialize with friends, the adoption of smart phones is keeping them connected to farmers around the world. A great number of farmers and those that work in the agriculture industry have taken to social media, especially Twitter, to share their experiences and successes from the field.

“Twitter is full of interesting photos and updates from farmers across North America,” says Andrew Bawden of Farms.com, “it is great way for people to share interesting events ranging from combines catching fire to #yieldselfies, photos of a farmer with the corn hybrid and yields.”

While the weather and commodity prices might be stretching out the harvest, at least farmers will be able to see how they are not alone out in the field these long days.

If you are interested in seeing some of the activity on Twitter, visit the Farms.com Twitter homepage at http://www.twitter.com/FarmsNews and look over the tweet postings.

Here are some examples of the farmer "tweets" this harvest season:

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.