In conditions when crops thrive and yields break records, field residues tend to make their own mark. Considering the performance of this year’s crops, residues will be one factor to watch this fall. Corn and wheat are two crops known for producing significant residues, and the surface residue has its benefits. For example, the Illinois Soybean Association has reported that …

Cover crops are commonly viewed as tools to enhance the soil. Without a doubt, healthy soil can offer a production advantage. However, evaluating cover crops based solely on their soil health improvement potential alone may overlook the comprehensive value that they can present to an operation. For example, a 2016 nationwide cover crop survey found that cash crop yields can …

As harvest time nears, many growers find themselves considering whether to plant a cover crop. During past weeks, we at BigYield.us have received several questions about cover crops. The interest in cover crops that we’ve noticed matches the attitudes captured in a recent nationwide survey. In July 2016, the Conservation Technology Information Center, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education …

Recently, our team at The Farm Research Center in Garden City, Mo. tried the Haney test for the first time. Regarded as a “21st century soil test,” according to a story from Agweek, the Haney test has the potential to add value in several ways. The test’s developer, Richard Haney from the USDA Agricultural Research Service, describes that the test …

On Tuesday, USDA released its most recent farm income statement and balance sheet report. New data published by the agency included the 2016 farm income forecast for August and the first 2015 farm income estimates. According to the report, USDA estimated 2015 farm income to total $80.7 billion, and for 2016, the forecast was $71.5 billion. Both the 2015 estimate …

Based on USDA’s August crop production report, U.S. corn and soybean yields and total production appear strong as we move into fall and harvest time. In fact, the agency predicted a record-breaking year for both crops. In this environment, marketing and storage become top considerations. With large predicted harvests, prices will likely be low. The World Agricultural Supply and Demand …

The BigYield.us team takes pride in our research program. It allows us to test new products and practices not already being considered. It also enables us to find new solutions for the same challenges — like eliminating weeds, managing insect pressure, building soil health and pushing for bigger yields — that you experience on your operation. Through it all, our …

We at BigYield.us really stress soil health. Without healthy soil, plants lack the right nutrients and environment to root, grow and yield well. This story from No-Till Farmer suggests that proper soil health may enable growers to fully exploit genetic advances in soybean varieties and corn hybrids. In some cases, such genetic progress combined with better chemistries have perhaps hidden on-farm …

In recent weeks, we’ve shared with you about six of the seven micronutrients found in our Yield Booster product, which blends the micronutrients with a 12-9-6 fertilizer. The seventh micronutrient, iron, is our focus today. Iron exists in multiple enzymes and plays a role in plant-based biological activities. Soil tends to naturally possess good iron levels. However, iron present in the …