The latest 8-14 Day weather outlook from the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center (CPC), issued January15, 2024, and for January 23-29, 2024 now has an 80+ percent probability for above normal temperatures and a 50 percent chance for above normal precipitation. Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien Ag Solutions agrees with the NWS, though adds that he thinks February will be an active weather month. By the way, the normal ratio of snow to water equivalent is 10:1. His early Spring planting forecast is calling for a potentially tight planting window during the March – May time due to above normal precipitation.
USDA’s January 12 WASDE report is one of the most important USDA reports of the year and gives a projected 2023 record U.S. corn crop yield of 177.3 bushels per acre. Michigan’s preliminary 2023 yield estimate is 168 bushels per acre. No county yields have been released yet. The national average corn price for 2023 was $4.80, down from $6.54 for 2022. Major corn exporters in the world include; the U.S., Argentina, Brazil, Russia, South Africa and Ukraine. Mexico is the largest importer of U.S. corn.
The 2023 U.S. soybean crop yield was estimated at 50.6 bushels, one bushel higher than 2022. Michigan’s preliminary 2023 soybean crop was estimated at 46 bushels per acre, down one bushel per acre from 2022. The national average soybean price for 2023 was $12.75, down from $14.20 for 2022. Major soybean exporting countries include; Brazil, U.S., Argentina and Paraguay. China is the largest soybean importer of soybeans. A lot of O-I-M (Ohio, Indiana and Michigan) soybeans go the Japan and southeast Asia as they like our large seeds and clear hilum for better tofu. Some are shipped out of Michigan on containers through the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Welland Canal.
The overall average U.S. wheat crop yield is estimated to be 48.6 bushels per acre, up from 46.5 bushels past year. The average farm price for 2023 was $7.20, down from $8.83 last year. The U.S. grows five major classes of wheat; hard red winter wheat, hard red spring wheat, soft red winter wheat, soft white winter wheat, and Durum. Major wheat exporting countries include; U.S., European Union, Russia, Canada, Australia, Ukraine and Argentina. However, Russia dictates world wheat prices.
2024 Field Crop Webinar Series by MSU Extension will kick off an eight-week webinar series on February 5, 2024 and ending March 25, 2024. The series will run on Mondays from 7:00 to 8:00pm ET, and cost $20 for the entire series. Each night will also be worth one pesticide re-certification for those needing a core or field crop 1A credit, and one Certified Crop Advisor continuing education unit credit. Topics covered include; wildlife damage to crops, corn fertility, drainage and soil health, beneficial nematodes, weather challenges to agronomics, dry bean production, tar spot and other corn and soybean diseases, and weed control. Register at: https://events.anr.msu.edu/FRWS_2024/ or call 989-831-7500. Each night will feature two speakers from MSU or elsewhere.
Food and human health is coming under increased scrutiny for what the January 11, 2024 Wall Street Journal calls ultra-processed foods. Lacking a clear definition, consumers reading ingredient labels can easily compare those with few and identifiable ingredients, and those with many ingredients and chemicals. Surprisingly some food manufacturers are not in charge of what is sold to local grocery stores, but the retail chain telling food companies what they want for ingredients, quality and consistency in their order of a food product. One example is sugar beet sugar, which may be the same, but bagged into many different labels. Tomatoes may be shipped from a Monroe County farm to a processing company, which may sell many labels, but with different specifications, and changes to quality, ingredients and cost.
Lawns and grass seem like a funny topic to talk about in January, but is fun to think about for warm, sunny days ahead. (We have gained over 30 minutes of daylight since the Winter solstice). Lawns, with trees and shrubs, are a natural air conditioner and lawns can cool the air around the home by up to 14ºF. Lawns take up carbon dioxide (CO2), with a 2,500 square foot lawn producing enough oxygen for a family of four. Lawns are a bustling ecosystem as millions of grass plants support and nourish critters beneath the soil surface.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
