ANR Newsletter

College of Agriculture
and Life Sciences
School of Agriculture
Virginia State University
Virginia Cooperative Extension
A partnership of Virginia Tech and Virginia State University
Volume 2, Issue 2 Spring/Summer 2009
Dear Area Producers,
Aside from getting crops planted and summer fun, the economy seems to be on everyone’s
mind. What goes up must come down? That old saying might be true, but the question
you are more likely asking is when it hits the bottom how long before it goes back up.
Although agriculture is one of the strongest industries, we know that it is not immune to
the recession. The down economy is expected to have a huge effect on farm prices this
year as the effects of lower demand for agriculture products surface. Food consumption in
the U.S. has shifted towards lower-end products, demand for gasoline is down (which has
dampened ethanol activity), and the demand for U.S. agricultural exports has plunged. According
to the Federal Reserve Bank, current economic forecasts predict a global rebound
in 2010. Good news! But it is uncertain when demand for agricultural products will increase.
The Economic Research Service predicts that gross revenues are expected to fall
almost 10 percent this year. The biggest declines are expected in the crop sector led by the
falling corn and wheat revenues. Sharp declines in dairy prices will lead livestock revenues
to also shrink. Even with lower input prices it is expected that diminishing revenues
in 2009 will reduce farm profitability. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. The anticipated
stronger global demand in 2010 has raised long-term projections of U.S. farm income.
But don’t expect to see the record highs of 2008 any time soon. To learn what steps
you should be taking now to prepare for the uncertain times ahead, read Dr. Gordon
Grover's Management Calendar on page 7.
Mark your calendars for the 2009 Virginia Ag Expo on August 6th hosted by John N. Mills
& Sons Farm in King William County. I think you will agree that this farm is a great example
of the high quality, world class agricultural operations in this area. I hope to see you
there and at the many other upcoming events! And as always, please contact me if you
have any questions, I’m here to help you!
In This Issue
4-Rivers Small
Grain Field Day
Page 2
Scouting Reminder:
Palmer
Amaranth and
Soybean Rust
Page 2
No-till Vegetable
Twilight Field Day
Page 3
Young Farmer
Summer Expo
Page 3
Pesticide Disposal
Page 3
The Management
Calendar
Page 4
Virginia Ag Expo
Hanover Ag News
Rose Bradshaw, Extension Agent
Agriculture & Natural Resources/ Crop & Soil Science
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9, Hanover, VA 23069
Visit Us At: 13224 Hanover Courthouse Rd, Ste 204, Hanover, VA
(804) 752-4310 Fax (804) 752-4311
www.ext.vt.edu
Extension is a joint program of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and state and local governments.
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia
Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Mark McCann, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension,
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Alma C. Hobbs, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg. If you are a person with a disability and desire assistance
or accommodation, please notify Hanover at (804-752-4310 o r800-828-1120) during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.