Harvest USA Report

First of all, a quick report on that farm rescue effort; equipment, and two incredible volunteers rolled out of Boone, Iowa, yesterday morning with a load of hay, headed south to support families impacted by the Ranger Road Wildfire in northwest Oklahoma and southwest Kansas. They are delivering hope, relief, and a reminder that no farm family stands alone in times of crisis.
The National Wheat Foundation welcomes Boyd Heilig of Moore, Montana to their Board of Directors, a former president of the Montana Grain Growers Association and MSU Ag Business grad, Boyd brings strong leadership to the foundation. They also thank Gary Broyles for his years of dedicated service to the wheat industry.
From the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Happy National Weights and Measures Week, celebrated annually March 1-7 commemorating of the signing of the first U.S. Weights and Measures legislation into law March 2, 1799. Program inspectors check 41,000 weighing and measuring devices throughout the state, like those founded fuel stations, grocery stores, feed lots, and ethanol plants.
The American Beekeeping Federation is buzzing with excitement. They're looking for enthusiastic worker bees to join their fabulous committee.Meet new people from different states, share ideas, and collaborate, support the beekeeping community, and have fun while making a difference. Contact the American Beekeeping Federation, and you can find that link directly on our Harvest USA report Facebook page.
Finally, don't forget the deadline in that South Dakota Department of Agriculture Natural Resources application for forestry grants that deadline is March 31st.
And remember, there are lots of crews getting ready to hire for the 2026 season.

Let's take a look at what's going on in the harvest world starting with the Nebraska Wheat Board. Leah Kristin, a Nebraska State FFA officer, shares more about what the State FFA Officer Team has been working hard on and the impact of businesses supporting FFA during the upcoming State FFA Convention in March. You can hear her on the Nebraska Wheat Report podcast. Visit that link on our Facebook page at Harvest USA Report.
It is National Ag Month in March here in the United States. Did you know that the U.S. Grains and Bio Products Council offers a holistic view of feed grain sold to overseas customers in both unprocessed and value-added forms? This calculation includes corn equivalent exports of U.S. corn, sorghum, barley, distillers dried grains with soluables, ethanol, corn gluten meal, meat, and poultry. Take a look at that chart from the USDA Outlook for Agricultural Trade on our Facebook page at Harvest USA Report.
The National Association of Wheat Growers had a great week at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio they reported, NAWG and NWF connected with farmers, USDA leaders, and industry partners to talk rising costs and push for solutions that keep wheat growers profitable. The Classic continues to be a highlight of our year, they wrote, and an important event for farmers to attend to make their voices heard. That was from the National Association of Wheat Growers.
It's almost harvest season again, and there are several companies that are hiring. If you're looking to join a Harvest Crew this year, contact either the U.S. Custom Harvesters or the Canadian Custom Harvesters today. You can find a link to both of those organizations in our search engine at agsearch.us.

National Ag Month
National Pork Day
Happy Birthday Nebraska

Our co-host David Woodruff and Bancroft, Idaho producer Kip Campbell discuss the option of canola as forage. Let's listen in...

More from our co-host, David Woodruff, with Kip Campbell...
The discussion highlighted the use of equipment like John Deere 8870 and chisel plows for farming and replanting crops such as alfalfa hay, oats, wheat, and barley. 
The challenges of dealing with soil salinity, foxtail overgrowth in alfalfa fields, and effective farming techniques, including the transition to speed discs, were extensively discussed. The conversation also touched upon equipment like Vibra-shanks, traditional discs, and 24-foot chisel plows specific to dry land farming in the area.
The discussion underscored a blend of traditional animal husbandry and contemporary farming practices in maintaining sustainable farm operations.

The interview with Kansas Custom Harvester Shorty Kuhlanek discusses the unusually warm winter weather in Kansas and Texas, impacting agricultural conditions. The wheat in these areas has received some moisture, promoting growth, although there is concern about potential late freezes affecting crops. The early greening up of wheat is observed positively in Kansas, but there are worries about it becoming too big in the south, where a freeze could harm it. Despite recent cold spells causing some damage, the crops are recovering, though there is a noted need for more moisture due to insufficient rain or snow retention.
Fire hazards remain a persistent issue, notably in southern Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, due to typical dry and windy spells. The fires burn significant pastureland needed for livestock, posing a risk to cattle, and are often sparked by carelessness or electrical issues. While high winds exacerbate fire spread, occasional shifts to more humid winds can help dampen the fires’ intensity, providing some relief.
The conversation concludes with reflections on the unpredictable nature of agricultural work, where positive developments are rare but appreciated, and underscores the importance of continuous vigilance against environmental misfortunes such as fire and adverse weather conditions.

David Woodruff of Hale Broadcasting conducted an interview with Kip Campbell, a resident of Bancroft, Idaho, focusing on agricultural practices in the region. The discussion highlighted the use of equipment like John Deere 8870 and chisel plows for farming and replanting crops such as alfalfa hay, oats, wheat, and barley. The challenges of dealing with soil salinity, foxtail overgrowth in alfalfa fields, and effective farming techniques, including the transition to speed discs, were extensively discussed. The conversation also touched upon equipment like Vibra-shanks, traditional discs, and 24-foot chisel plows specific to dry land farming in the area.
 
We apologize for calling Kip by his older brother's name earlier. This interview was with Kip.

Farm Operations and Crop Types: Jensen Farms, located in Finn Castle, covers approximately 5,000 acres and cultivates a variety of crops including potatoes, sugar beets, canola, silage corn, grain corn, and wheat. Previously involved in sweet corn production, the farm discontinued it due to labor intensity and logistical challenges associated with direct sales and distribution.
Crop Performance and Management: The farm has observed favorable yields this year across its various crops. Silage corn yields were reported to be around 25 tons per acre, contributing positively to local feedlots despite logistic complexities. Roundup-resistant corn has helped manage weed control efficiently. Grain corn yields surpassed regional averages, performing at approximately 180 bushels per acre. Canola yields were good, with a preference for swathing to aid uniform drying. The management strategy also involves selecting varieties for shell resistance due to local wind conditions.
Sugar Beets and Wheat Production: Sugar beets yielded around 38 tons per acre this year, above the average yield of 30 tons. Sugar content was lower than the factory average, illustrating a trade-off between yield and sugar concentration. Wheat yields were slightly above average with different varieties cultivated, such as hard red spring and durum wheat. Straight cutting is preferred for wheat harvesting as it offers faster operations, utilizing a 45-foot header combine.
Potato Cultivation and Soil Management: Potato yields were considered satisfactory, typically ranging from 16 to 20 tons per acre. Early potatoes yield less than those harvested later, emphasizing the importance of timing in harvest operations for better yields. Efforts to prevent wind erosion include post-harvest cover crops like oats. Land characteristics vary from sandy to heavier soils, with measures in place to handle soil differences, such as speed discing with oats for ground leveling.
Interview Background: The interviewee highlighted their background from Montana, indicating familiarity with diverse soil types similar to those they manage at Jensen Farms. The conversation reflects a well-rounded approach to crop management, adapting to local environmental conditions and market demands.
The interview demonstrates an in-depth understanding of farm operations, challenges faced, and strategic choices made to enhance productivity and manage resources effectively at Jensen Farms.