Why Corn and Soybeans Rule American Agriculture
08.18.2026 Fred Nichols

Why Corn and Soybeans Rule American Agriculture

Corn and soybeans dominate American agriculture for good reason. From production and harvest to transportation, markets and government incentives, an entire system has developed around these two crops. But what keeps the Big 2 at the top?

The Year the Weeds Disappeared
08.10.2026 Fred Nichols

The Year the Weeds Disappeared

A look back at 1996, when Roundup Ready soybeans changed weed control, accelerated no-till adoption, and transformed the way farmers thought about efficiency and crop production.

1996: The Year Farming Changed Forever
08.04.2026 Fred Nichols

1996: The Year Farming Changed Forever

Michael Jordan dominated the court, Friends topped TV ratings, and Tiger Woods was about to change golf. But in agriculture, 1996 marked an even bigger turning point. From GPS yield mapping and Bt corn to Roundup Ready soybeans and the...

The World’s Weather Is Your Market
07.27.2026 Fred Nichols

The World’s Weather Is Your Market

Europe's record-breaking heat is shrinking grain production and driving prices higher, but global weather isn't the only story. As drought expands across parts of the U.S., the weeks ahead will be critical for crop development—and grain markets.

Three Weeks of Summer Perfection
07.20.2026 Fred Nichols

Three Weeks of Summer Perfection

For many Midwestern families, the words "Sweet corn's ready!" mark the true start of summer. From family feasts and raccoon raids to early morning harvests and roadside stands, this story celebrates the memories, traditions and hard work behind one of...

The Cost of Growing
07.14.2026 Fred Nichols

The Cost of Growing

Input costs continue to put pressure on farms across the country, affecting everything from crop production to livestock operations. As expenses climb and margins tighten, growers are looking for ways to make every dollar and every acre work harder.

USA250: Looking Back to 1976
07.07.2026 Fred Nichols

USA250: Looking Back to 1976

As America celebrated its 200th birthday in 1976, farmers were experiencing one of the most prosperous periods in agricultural history. Take a look back at the optimism, growth, and pivotal decisions that helped shape the future of American agriculture.

Control Pests and Improve Soil Health with PROUD 4 + ZAP
07.01.2026 Barrett Smith

Control Pests and Improve Soil Health with PROUD 4 + ZAP

Learn how PROUD 4 and ZAP work together to control soil pests, suppress diseases and nematodes, and rebuild a healthy, biologically active soil. Discover why this carbon-based program helps protect crops while improving long-term soil health.

The Farmers Who Founded America
06.29.2026 Fred Nichols

The Farmers Who Founded America

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, it's worth remembering that many of the nation's founders were farmers first. From George Washington's crop rotations to Thomas Jefferson's passion for soil stewardship, these leaders understood that a strong nation begins with...

Blooming Before Solstice
06.22.2026 Fred Nichols

Blooming Before Solstice

For years, growers believed soybeans wouldn't flower until after the summer solstice. Today, many soybean fields are proving otherwise. Earlier planting dates and improved management practices are changing crop development timelines, allowing soybeans to capture more sunlight, produce more growth,...

The Disappearing June Rally
06.15.2026 Fred Nichols

The Disappearing June Rally

For decades, June was the month grain farmers watched markets closely, hoping to lock in seasonal highs. But that long-standing tradition has quietly disappeared. What changed, and what factors will determine grain prices this summer? Fred Nichols examines the weather,...

The Tractor That Couldn’t Wait Until Supper
06.08.2026 Fred Nichols

The Tractor That Couldn’t Wait Until Supper

When Dad showed up late for supper, something was clearly different. What rolled up the driveway that day wasn't just a new tractor—it was an International Harvester 986. Fifty years later, the memories remain as vivid as the red paint,...