Ramsey County Ag Column

By Bill Hodous

March 10, 2008

Howdy!!!

I know that most of you will receive this note to late but today is Soybean Day in Edmore.  It is a full day and you would still have time to probably catch the noon meal and afternoon sessions.  Melissa Johnson has been working hard on arranging this day so if you know and see her tell her thanks for the great day.  We are going to continue on working this day to be bigger and better every year. SO PLAN ON either attending this year or make plans for next years’ Soybean day in Edmore.

As we are planning for this coming spring planting, we really need to make sure we have been prepared for the growing season.  Soil testing will be even more important this spring than ever before, because of high nutrient costs.  Of course some crops will require less than others but as we look towards the growing season and take into account the market place there is a very good chance of a positive return for the first time in many years.  Keep in mind we do still need a crop and many weather factors can play into this picture.  If you look around the state we are considered dry, even though some areas of our immediate region are o.k. for moisture.  But the old saying goes we are only a rain away from a drought.  With input costs soaring at levels never seen before, crop insurance will also play an important part of this whole picture.  It will be important to cover these high input costs (land, nutrients, fuel, seed and many other costs).  I have never seen inputs this high and visiting with lenders should be an interesting conversation this spring.  The operating loans numbers will be the highest ever for most producers.  So lets all of us pray for a good year for the farmer because as the farmer goes so does our community.

Calendar!!!

                        March     4                   Ramsey County Shooting Sports (Archery)
                        March     11                Edmore Soybean Day
                        March    17                  Private Pesticide, Starkweather 9-am
                        March    26                  Private Pesticide, Devils Lake 9-am
                        March    26                  Private Pesticide, Devils Lake 6- pm

524 4th Ave #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - ramsey@ndsuext.nodak.edu