By J. Larry Miller
Good harvesting weather has allowed farmers to advance the soybean harvest to the point of seeing the finish line by next week. Wheat planting is also making good progress. Yields on soybeans are probably better than expected with later maturing varieties making very good yields. Some of the reports that I have heard have been exceptional even in a good year, let alone the kind of year we have experienced.
The Supreme Court agreed Friday to hear a dispute between a soybean farmer and Monsanto Co. over the company’s efforts to limit farmer’s use of its patented, genetically engineered Roundup Ready seeds. The justices said they will hear an appeal from Indiana farmer Vernon Hugh Bowman, who is trying to fend off Monsanto’s lawsuit claiming Bowman made unauthorized use of the seeds. The idea of seed proprietorship will be answered in this decision that could affect all farmers. A ruling in favor of the farmer could jeopardize future advances in genetic trait in seeds.
The premiere of a Hollywood film featuring hydraulic fracturing is months away, but the energy industry already is preparing for battle. “Promised Land” stars Matt Damon as a gas-company salesman trying to lease natural-gas drilling rights in rural Pennsylvania, where “fracking” has become widespread, though sometimes controversial. Worried that the movie will portray fracking in a negative light, the industry is working up responses to address the concerns that these types of films may create.
This issue of fracking of oil wells is becoming a local issue even in Franklin County as leases are being sought by oil companies to develop wells like the deep wells in Pennsylvania and in the Dakota’s.
Farm Bureau presently has a position that is neutral on this issue.
Once again the Franklin County Farm Bureau will be taking orders for fruit and pecans. We will be taking orders for oranges, grapefruit and tangelos with the fruit being available to pick up close to December 8th. The pecans will once again be 16 oz bag of extra large pecan halves. Pecans should be here close to November 13th, in time for Thanksgiving pecan pie! Prices have not been set yet but if you call the office we will be happy to take your order and give you as much information as possible.
Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.
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