Pistachio growers are eager for springtime to arrive, and warm weather on the horizon means dormancy is almost over.
“Pistachios need a certain amount of heat to push buds and begin flower development. Once this begins to happen, the tree is no longer an ectoderm, it’s end of the season can begin with the initiation of flowering and bloom. Trees, of course, plants are not warm-blooded like us. They’re really dependent on the air temperature and soil temps, so the speed at which they metabolize, the speed at which they begin plant development in the spring depends on the warmth: how warm or cold it is,” said Craig Kallensen.
There has also been talk that carbohydrates in the tree can trigger bloom. Kallensen tells aginfo.net that is a myth.
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.