View from the Cab: A Clean Slate
Farmers are given the precious gift of a clean slate every spring. This is something all of us in the industry appreciate.
The worries of last year are left behind as we look ahead to a brand new farming season. We are putting that seed in the ground for a chance at starting all over and hoping for good yields come fall. My fingers are crossed for a successful growing season with fairly normal weather and strong prices for both corn and soybeans.
After some bouts of excessive rain, ice and a few snowflakes mixed in during the past few weeks, many of us are more than ready to get back out into those fields. I am sure we will see a few shed doors opened up on that first 70 degree day when the sun is shining and everyone has spring fever.
Before hopping in that tractor cab, growers still have some learning to do as a number of ag meetings are still planned for March. I plan to attend a meeting on planter technology this week and some marketing events are also on my calendar.
Speaking of marketing your crops, be sure to attend the 2018 Central Illinois Farm Network Ag Outlook Meeting, co-sponsored by Bank of Pontiac and Prairie Central Co-op on Tuesday, March 27 at Gig’s Place in downtown Fairbury. The evening begins with a free pizza buffet starting at 6 p.m. with the panel discussion to follow. Our speakers this year include: Merrill Crowley with Crowley Commodities in Watseka, Wayne Nelson from L&M Commodities, Aaron Curtis of MIDCO and Jessica Murphy with Advance Trading. Reserve your spot by calling 217-530-3107.
National FFA Week seemed to be a success for all of our local chapters last week. Many schools held themed days with petting zoos, auctions and dinners. There are still many more FFA events to come. My family and I had a blast at the Prairie Central FFA Farm and Home Show in Forrest on Saturday. It’s always fun to catch up with everyone and enjoy the pork burger lunch to support the local FFA.
Don’t forget to purchase those raffle tickets for the restored Farmall tractor if you haven’t already. The winner will be drawn March 22 during the Prairie Central FFA auction in Fairbury.
(The View from the Cab blog is powered each week by Petersen Motors in Fairbury)
