Nov. 21, 2014

On this week's Market Journal Nathan Mueller, UNL Extension cropping systems educator, discusses how to get a handle on input costs. Seed, fertilizers, and chemicals can make up 35% of crop production costs and may provide opportunities for improving efficiency or cutting costs. Mueller said that doing a little research and selecting the best seed hybrid or variety for your operation can mean achieving more yield for the same seed investment. Mueller recommended FirstSeedTests.com for seed test information. Another option is to use soil tests to identify where nutrients are needed and apply accordingly. For more crop information follow Mueller's blog, Crop Tech Cafe.

Also on the Nov. 21 Market Journal:

Market Analysis — Luke Beckman, Central Valley Ag commodity risk manager, analyzes the jumpy movement in the soybean market and gives his thoughts on short- and long-term targets for sales in corn and soybeans.

Aphids Can Increase SCN — Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a link between soybean aphids and soybean cyst nematodes. Mike McCarville, formerly a doctoral student at Iowa State University and now with Bayer CropScience, conducted the research funded by the Iowa Soybean Association. McCarville explains how field trials proved the relationship between aphids and SCN. UNL Extension estimates SCN cost Nebraska soybean growers $45 million in lost yields last year, but growers can submit soil samples for free, courtesy of the Nebraska Soybean Board.

PEDv in 2014 — Nebraska recorded its first case of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus in December 2013. Nearly a year later, Bruce Brodersen, UNL School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences assistant professor, gives an update on PEDv severity over summer and fall. Bruce also talks about biosecurity options producers can take on their operations. 32 states have recorded a positive test for PEDv.

Weather Forecast — Al Dutcher, UNL Extension state climatologist, gives his forecast for the coming week.

Next Week

While positive cases for PEDv in the hog industry were lower over the summer, colder weather could allow the virus to once again take a major toll on hog producers across the country. Ron Plain, University of Missouri Extension economist, will analyze its effect on hog numbers and prices.

Broadcast Times

Market Journal — television for agricultural business decisions — is funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board.

View this week's program, as well as previous programs, online at marketjournal.unl.edu and watch for future broadcasts on these networks.

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