Pests are a thorn in the side of farmers and ranchers. For pistachio growers, those pests are causing a stink. Ag advisors in California say, unfortunately, the tree nut is all too inviting for stink bugs, but warn some can be beneficial.
“Most stink bugs are migratory, with the exception of the green stink bug, which overwinters in the orchard. Also, be careful that they don’t declare all stink bugs to be injurious because the gray, rough, shielded stink bug is beneficial, and it also lays eggs that are somewhat indistinguishable from all the other interior stink bugs,” said Bob Beeded, a UCANR Farm Advisor Emeritus.
The brown marmorated stinkbug is a native of Asia. It is believed that it first came to America by way of Pennsylvania more than two decades ago.
Several counties are reviewing disaster declarations. Crop insurance may help growers cover some costs.
Mexico’s demand for U.S. corn, soybeans, and wheat remained mostly steady during the first quarter, despite higher transportation costs.
The temporary closures come as grain traffic on the Arkansas River continues running ahead of recent years.
Fred Nichols with Huma joins us to break down “just in time” fertilizer applications, a growing trend in modern nutrient management as input costs continue to pressure farmers.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to discuss spring planting progress and the outlook for trade and demand as the season continues.
Industry leaders say damage tied to the Strait of Hormuz conflict may continue impacting global fertilizer supplies long after shipping resumes.
