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Farming hurdles - Grain market seeks stability

Aug 29, 2024
By Farms.com

Economic pressures weigh on US farmers amid low prices

 

The struggle for profitability in farming intensifies as grain prices continue their descent, searching for a bottom amidst global market shifts. This pervasive issue resonates deeply within the agricultural community, illustrated vividly by the trials of an Illinois farmer dealing with both physical and financial weeds.

Market reports indicate mixed activities, with spec funds actively shaping the corn and soybean markets. While corn positions have grown more bearish, soybeans experienced a slight bullish shift due to positive export news, offering a glimmer of hope.

This year’s agricultural outlook is further complicated by varied weather impacts across the U.S. While some areas anticipate bumper crops thanks to adequate rainfall, others suffer from drought, affecting overall yield predictions and market sentiments.

References to agricultural scriptures underscore the timeless challenges and spiritual resilience in farming. The proverbial wisdom of continuing to hoe despite uncertainties reflects the persistent spirit required to navigate the current economic landscape in agriculture.


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A chain harrow is a game changer

Video: A chain harrow is a game changer

Utilizing a rotational grazing method on our farmstead with our sheep helps to let the pasture/paddocks rest. We also just invested in a chain harrow to allow us to drag the paddocks our sheep just left to break up and spread their manure around, dethatch thicker grass areas, and to rough up bare dirt areas to all for a better seed to soil contact if we overseed that paddock. This was our first time really using the chain harrow besides initially testing it out. We are very impressed with the work it did and how and area that was majority dirt, could be roughed up before reseeding.

Did you know we also operate a small business on the homestead. We make homemade, handcrafted soaps, shampoo bars, hair and beard products in addition to offering our pasture raised pork, lamb, and 100% raw honey. You can find out more about our products and ingredients by visiting our website at www.mimiandpoppysplace.com. There you can shop our products and sign up for our monthly newsletter that highlights a soap or ingredient, gives monthly updates about the homestead, and also lists the markets, festivals, and events we’ll be attending that month.