Agriculture

Pawnee County Agriculture Agriculture

Higher wheat prices delivered a pleasant surprise to Pawnee County area farmers, who enjoyed a promising 2021 harvest.

Th e Pawnee County Coop Association brought home 2.2 million bushels of wheat for the 2021 harvest. Th e majority of the crop was purchased when the wheat price was $5.80 or slightly higher, a far cry from the $3.80 price in 2020.

A higher price for wheat spreads good news all-around, according to Kim Barnes, chief fi nancial offi cer and grain merchandiser for the Pawnee County Coop Association (PCCA).

“We’ve had a good year with farmers earning a good price for their wheat,” Barnes said. “It looks promising for the futures, which are approaching a nine-year high since 2012 when the price was high. Farmers are liking what they’re seeing looking ahead.”

Barnes said a plentiful harvest is excellent for business. “We fi gure that harvest is rolled over seven times in the economy, and that’s good for everybody,” he said.

Ample moisture fueled late progress for the 2021 wheat, which had an extended time frame for harvest. Th ere was a record cold snap that created frost issues in February followed by a seasonably warm March. Ample rain followed, which created a solid crop.

“Harvest required more time than normal,” Barnes said. “Th e farmers were delayed by high humidity during the early part of the day. Th ey benefi ted 1 or 2 percent with drier wheat if they waited until later in the day. We got good moisture at the right time during the growing period.”

Th e wheat benefi ted from a late weather boost.

“During the fi lling process, there was cooler weather and ample rain which helped the plant mature and fi nish,” he said.

Farmers who sprayed for disease benefi ted from the treatment.

“Disease in areas pushed the test weight down, but those who sprayed for disease paid off and they could tell a positive benefi t.”

Th e prospective Pawnee County fall harvest of corn, milo and soybeans looks promising because of the suffi cient summer rain. Dryland corn harvest will be delayed with milo and soybeans to follow.

“Th e fall crop harvest appears bigger than we’ve had in recent years,” Barnes said. “We’ve enjoyed an ample year of moisture. Dryland corn and irrigated corn looks to be a good crop. Th e milo is heading out.”

Th e eastern half of Pawnee County has been blessed with ample moisture, which has missed parts of western Pawnee County.

“Dryland crops can fold up because of the heat, so the rain has helped a lot where it’s fallen,” Barnes said. “Th e milo looks good, and it’s headed out from Larned to Hays. Th ey’ll be plenty of milo to harvest.”

Golden Valley, Inc., a farmer owned grain and supply cooperative was formed December 1, 2001 by the consolidation of Golden Plains Cooperative of Rozel and Sanford, Farmers Coop Grain and Supply of Burdett and Tri-Ag Coop of Sanford.

Golden Valley, Inc. handles wheat, corn, milo and soybeans at three locations with 4 million bushels of combined grain storage.

Th e crop production department in Sanford provides a full range of agronomy services including custom application of dry and liquid fertilizer and chemicals, soil testing, wholesale and retail sales of fertilizer and chemicals, application equipment rental, custom blending and NH3 outlets at Rozel, Burdett and Sanford.

Serving The Agricultural Community

PROUD PAST ... PROGRESSIVE FUTURE www.gvinc.coop

Rozel Burdett Sanford Main Office..............527-4216 Office ...............525-6226 Sanford .......527-4306 Service Station ........527-4250 Toll Free ....888-330-6226 Garfield .......569-2250 Toll Free ...........888-527-4216 Larned .........285-2333

Specializing in Insurance Coverage for Center Pivots

Ag Systems Inc. 810 E. 14th St. (U.S. 56), Larned, only wants the best for their Customers. That is why they utilize Diversified Agrisurance for their Customers’ center pivot insurance needs. Trouble – even disaster – can happen in the blink of an eye. Don’t wait until you have a claim to find out what is and isn’t covered!

When choosing an insurance provider for your “major brand” center pivots, it is important to pick a Company that knows and understands the irrigation business. Diversified Agrisurance has over 40 years of experience and has fbecome the single largest insurer o mechanized irrigation equipment in the nation! Coverage is provided through Ce C ntral States Indemnity Co. of Omaha, an A+ rated I Insurance Company.

Their policy covers most direct physical losses to covered p property. Unlike most of the competitors, their policies do n not depreciate the value of the equipment in the event of a loss. They pay full cost, less deductible, on pivots up to 35 years of age, to repair or replace, whichever is less, up to the insured value shown on the policy. In addition, coverage is available for sudden structural damage to your pivot caused by or resulting from mechanical or electrical failure for qualifying pivots less than 20 years old. Limited coverage is available on pivots over 35 years of age.

Claims always seem to happen at the most inopportune time – usually within the heart of irrigation season. Ag Systems Inc. promises to get you up and running as quick fias possible – Diversi ed Agrisurance can settle most claims quickly with an estimate, photos of damage, and simple proof of loss form!

Is it time for a Center Pivot Insurance Checkup? They have competitive premiums! Feel free to stop in or call Debora Fox-Johnson for your “No Obligation” Quote.

i Agrisurance

i i i Relationship Driven.

620-285-2111 service or parts http://www.agsystemsirrigation.com

We specialize in irrigation insurance.

Debora Fox-Johnson 810 E. 14th St. Larned, KS 620-285-2111 debora.fox-johnson@ilsbeef.com