Challenging ag markets influenced this year’s Iowa Ag Expo attendee interests and speaker sessions at the Casey’s Center Feb. 3-5.
Showcased equipment covered multiple levels of the Casey’s Center, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Hy-Vee Hall and Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center Community Convention Center and included big iron, precision ag tools, aerial imaging, livestock production equipment, inputs and data management software.
The expo is the third-largest indoor ag show in the United States with nearly 700 exhibitors filling 1,950 spaces spanning 7.25 acres in three buildings.
Patrick Hatting, Iowa State Extension farm management specialist based in Polk County, led a session called “Steps to Weather $4 Corn” Feb. 3.
Hatting discussed efficient resource use, soil-informed fertilization, variable cost control and maximizing yield with a basic, economically sustainable program and a grain marketing plan which potentially maximizes price and meets cash flow needs.
The latter two are tough to achieve with low crop prices, Hatting said.
“These principles help farmers maintain profitability under low market prices and form the core of operating under low commodity prices,” he said.
Hopefully moisture will be closer to normal this year, which would help with weed and disease control, he said.
He also advised farmers to update cost of production to reflect actual yields.
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