As the year draws to a close, we hope this message finds you and your families doing well.
It’s remarkable to think that we (Shawn and Becky, Mike and Staci) have been farming for 25 years. Looking back, the advancements in technology and the scale of investment required today seem almost unimaginable compared to where we started. Even more so, back to when Grandpa Clarence began farming on this site in 1950.
This season, like so many before it, presented unique challenges. May and June set records as the wettest in 132 years, while August through October became the driest on record. These extremes certainly made an impact, though we managed to harvest a reasonable crop. Yields for both corn and soybeans were down compared to last year, with averages of 208 bushels per acre for corn and 55 for soybeans. The lower yields were primarily due to excessive water, highlighting the importance of drainage. Pattern tiling has proven effective, with yield differences of up to 50 bushels per acre in corn and 20 in soybeans on tiled fields. This year, we installed 111,000 feet of tile across 155 acres and anticipate it will pay for itself in about five years.
We remain committed to sustainable practices such as planting cover crops, strip-till, and no-till methods. These efforts have been critical in preventing erosion, even during extreme weather events like the 10 inches of rain we received in a single week this June. Comparing this to a similar event 10 years ago, the difference in soil retention is striking. Our dedication to improving soil health continues to pay dividends, with some farms now approaching 300 bushels per acre for corn—a clear testament to the benefits of these practices.
The cattle market, meanwhile, has seen historic highs. While this initially seems like good news, the cost of feeder cattle has soared to unprecedented levels. A 600-pound steer now costs around $2,000, with significant additional expenses for feeding and care. Though fat cattle are bringing close to $3,000 per head, the margins remain tight, often hovering at breakeven or a slight loss. We know you’re likely feeling the ripple effects of these costs, as they contribute to rising grocery prices.
Many people ask, "What do farmers do in the winter?" During this season of unpredictable weather, much time is devoted to animal care and comfort. Clean bedding, thawed water fountains and quality feed make for a happy, healthy animal. After the hustle of harvest, we have an abundance of data to review and analyze. Our machines are collecting data with every pass across the field and we use that information to evaluate soil health, seed selection, crop nutrition and protection strategies and drain tile installation planning. The winter season is busy with learning from last year and planning for the new one.
As we look toward 2025, some of the things on our radar include developing our team, thinking outside the box for new opportunities, evaluating new and existing technology to gain efficiency and mitigating risk. Each of the things on this list have us feeling excited and a little nervous, as all goals that push you out of your comfort zone should. Even though the world of agriculture changes rapidly, we remain committed to our mission of striving for excellence in production, management and stewardship through the wise use of our resources.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Feikema Farms!
Comments