Investigate Midwest (https://investigatemidwest.org/tag/soybean/)
In Dave Dickey's latest opinion, he writes that the $12 billion federal ag bailout is more than a Band-Aid in what may be a multi-growing season conflict with China. And that conflict is problematic for U.S. ag for a number of reasons.
Syngenta announced on Tuesday that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved what the Swiss chemical company calls a “blockbuster” fungus killer known as Solatenol. The announcement comes about a week after a mega deal that would have combined Syngenta with St. Louis-based Monsanto fell apart.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service deregulated Monsanto GM soybean and cotton varieties in January. Organic farmers and environmental advocates say they are concerned the seeds may prompt an increase in costly herbicide drift.
To help farmers win the war on herbicide-resistant weeds, Monsanto is working on new varieties of genetically engineered soybean and cotton. Many farmers look forward to the GMOs, but some critics argue the varieties are shortsighted solutions to a long-term problem.
A farmer’s job does not come to a halt once harvest ends. Work continues with tasks such as planning the next growing season, attending meetings, keeping the soil tilled until the ground freezes and maintaining farm equipment. View this photo slideshow to see how some Midwestern farmers spend their off-season.
Crop yields will be double compared to last year's yields, according to some estimations. Yet an increase in yields means a decrease in crop insurance payouts. And when the price of some crops has plummeted that means farmers might see their income dropping, as well.