Weekly Outlook - Soybean Price Roller Coaster

November 2012 soybean futures reached a high of $14 in September 2011, declined to about $11.20 in December 2011, rebounded to almost $14 in early April and again in early May 2012, and traded to a low of $12.45 in the current trading session. The wide price swings reflect ever-changing supply and demand expectations.

Much of the strength in soybean prices during the first three months of this year reflected deteriorating production prospects in South America. The USDA currently projects production in five South American countries at 4.237 billion bushels, 779 million bushels (15.5 percent) smaller than the 2011 harvest and 833 million bushels (16.4 percent) smaller than the December 2011 forecast. Some believe the crop to be even smaller. The USDA will provide an updated estimate on June 12. Much of the price weakness over the past few weeks reflects growing concerns about the U.S. and world economic and financial conditions and the negative implications for commodity demand.  <Read More>

2012 Purdue Custom Farming Rate Publication is Here!

Back in January I mentioned the new Purdue custom farming rate survey and asked local producers to consider filling it out to help expand the data pool and improve the Purdue Custom Farming Rate publication, EC-130-W.  Well, the surveys have been collected, the data has been compiled, and a new custom rate publication has been written and is now available.  Thanks to the help of 272 farmers, farm owners, professional farm managers, and custom farm operaters from across Indiana, we now have an improved and expanded publication.  Thanks again to all those who responded to the survey.  The new publication is available for download at the link below:

2012 Indiana Farm Custom Rates

Sap-sucking Bugs Make a Mess of Indiana's State Tree

Tuliptree with scale and
sooty mold (Purdue PPDL)

Across Indiana this week, homeowners with tulip poplar trees could be finding their cars and landscape plants covered in a mysterious sticky film. This time of year tulip poplars are easily recognized by leaves whose shape resembles a tulip and the two inch long lime green and orange flowers in the tree canopy.

The culprit in this sticky mess could be the tulip tree scale insect, a small sap-sucking bug that feeds on the trees’ branches. Declared as the state tree of Indiana in 1931, tulip poplars are well-regarded and widely planted for their beautiful flowers and form, shade, and rapid growth. The tree’s sap carries vital nutrients, and feeding by the insect can cause damage to the trees in addition to the unsightly mess.  <Read More>

June Home, Yard, and Garden Calendar

HOME (Indoor plants and activities)

Indoor plants will require more frequent watering and fertilization as they increase their summer growth.

Houseplants can be moved outdoors to a shady location, but pay close attention to their watering needs.

YARD (Lawns, woody ornamentals and fruits)

Prune spring-flowering shrubs after blooms fade.

Apply fungicide to prevent and control black spot on roses.


GARDEN (Vegetables, small fruits and flowers)

Discontinue harvest of asparagus and rhubarb around mid-June to allow foliage to develop and store food reserves for next year’s harvest. Fertilize and water when dry to promote healthy growth.

Mulch to control weeds and conserve soil moisture after soil has warmed. Many materials such as straw, chopped corncobs, bark chips, shredded paper and grass clippings can be used.  <Read More>