Running a farm is a difficult and immersive lifestyle. It is easy to get caught up in the necessary tasks from day to day and just stop worrying about what is going on in the world off your acreage.
Unfortunately, eventually, the news comes and finds you--and it can take a massive bite out of your bottom line. Changes in markets, differences in pests and diseases from year to year, and mergers of major suppliers or buyers can all blindside you if you aren't up to speed.
Whether you are keeping track of new types of equipment to make your growing more efficient, or next year's prices for corn and soybeans, a good ag news source is essential to helping farmers adapt to changing conditions and markets.
When major changes occur and disasters strike, the consequences for farmers across America can spread far and wide. A poor soybean harvest can lead to a spike in feed prices, or a fertilizer shortage can mean a poor outlook for next year's field crops.
Whatever your concerns, the top stories on your favorite source of ag news can give you a great overview of what to expect in the coming months and years.
It's an unfortunate reality that a farmer's ability to grow a great crop is only part of the recipe for their success. Even if your produce is the best around, if you are facing lower commodity prices, your excellent yield may not translate to excellent profits.
Ag news will help you to choose the right crop to grow for the year. Knowing what shifts in the market are underway during planting will help you to make the most profitable use of your acreage.
Your profits in September through November will depend on the choices you make in April and even before, so start keeping track of agriculture news in order to ensure that you won't be taken by surprise next year.
Too many farm families are losing their farms because of sudden changes in demand and price, but this is a preventable situation.
Smart farmers watch agricultural news for trends and know when to continue the same practices and when to pivot and alter their growing to meet new demand for environmental consciousness. Whether you need to gain a competitive edge with an improved piece of equipment or you need new options for where to sell your corn harvest, farmers need to have a finger on the pulse of societal change.
