Lance Tarochione, DeKalb & Asgrow agronomist, hosts Ag Talk: Live from the Field, sharing insights from a combine cab during corn harvest near Galesburg.
Key Points:
- Harvest Update: Strong corn yields face challenges like low prices and equipment issues; grain bagging boosts profits by storing crops for better market timing.
- Economic Barriers: Starting a farm costs millions, with 160-acre prime farmland at ~$3M and combines up to $1M.
- Industry Shift: Farming is now a competitive “big business,” with land values jumping from $2,000/acre in the 1990s to $15,000–$20,000 today.
- Equipment Risks: Modern combines offer comfort but risk devastating fires, prioritizing safety.