SD Corn

Farmers covered a lot of ground this past week as they planted 2.24 million acres of corn from May 13-19 according to the weekly USDA-NASS Crop Progress Report. State corn plantings are now 75% complete, 6% ahead of the five-year average. South Dakota’s corn crop is also now 16% emerged, which is 8% behind the five year average.

For the complete Crop Progress Report, click here:

http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/current/CropProg/CropProg-05-20-2013.pdf

Corn Comments Podcast with Jim Woster.

4 million miles. That’s how far NASCAR has driven using the new fuel blend E15, which has also been approved for cars and light trucks 2001 or newer. Save money, reduce emissions and support America’s renewable fuel.

Did you know May is beef Month? Enjoy some burgers or steaks on the grill. BEEF, its whats for dinner.

Most importantly, this coming Monday is Memorial Day. Be sure to remember those who served and thank our soldiers for everything they do to protect us from harms way.

Hop in the cab with South Dakota Corn Utilization Council president Brian Smith, a farmer near Montrose as he talks about the advantages of no-till planting and the technologies he uses to increase his efficiencies as he grows the next supply of food, feed, fuel and fiber.

After nearly a year of dormancy, debate on the next farm bill is alive and well once again in the halls of Congress. The Senate Ag Committee took action Tuesday morning and passed its version of the farm bill, the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013, moving it onto the Senate floor.

 The CBO score shows that the Senate bill would reduce federal spending by more than $24 billion over the next ten years. You can view a summary of the bill at: http://www.ag.senate.gov/issues/farm-bill

“There is still plenty of work left, but yesterday’s action on the farm bill is a significant step in the right direction as it continues to support crucial programs like crop insurance and risk management for farmers, while also making responsible cuts to federal spending with the elimination of direct payments,” said South Dakota Corn Executive Director Lisa Richardson. “With only a short-term extension in place, we hope this positive momentum will carry forward and bring our farmers the certainty they need with a long-term, common-sense farm bill.”

Action on the farm bill began today in the House Ag Committee. The House draft, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 is expected to reduce spending by approximately $40 billion over the next 10 years. For more on the House version, visit: http://agriculture.house.gov/press-release/lucas-peterson-release-house-farm-bill-saves-nearly-40-billion

Corn Comments Podcast with Jim Woster.

Congratulations to all of the high school and college graduates! In this week’s Corn Comments Podcast, Jim Woster sends best wishes to the many young men and women who are moving on to the next stage of their professional and academic careers.

Summer is nearly here and so is the South Dakota Corn Cob Open. There will be a morning and afternoon flight with a meal and prizes to follow each round. Slots are filling up fast so call the office today at 605-334-0100 to reserve yours.