If you pay attention to the crops growing in the rural areas of the county, it quickly becomes evident that soybeans are dominant this year. The same is true for the entire state. In fact, soybeans have been planted on more than 2.4 million acres statewide, a 20 percent increase from 2008.

Why? Stable soybean prices and a lower cost of production compared to other crops such as cotton and corn were two major factors. At the local level, spring flooding and the accompanying destruction of previously planted corn acreage played a role, too.

While it’s much too early to estimate how successful this year’s soybean crop will be, it’s important to note that more than 83 million bushels of soybeans were harvested in Mississippi in 2008 at a value of $604 million. Needless to say, soybean farming is economically significant.

Just as important to the farmer is the value he receives for the soybeans he will deliver to market this fall. The price the farmer receives is the market price minus discounts based on the grade of the beans. Therefore, both graders and farmers need to have a thorough understanding of the grading process in order to accurately assess and value of each bushel of soybeans bought and sold. Keep in mind that if the crop size increases the same as the acreage increase this year, we could potentially be talking about a 100 million bushel crop in Mississippi.

Extension Service soybean specialist Dr. Trey Koger; the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation; the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce; and Mid-South Grain, an agent of the Federal Grain Inspection Service, have planned clinics dealing with the soybean grading process. One of those clinics will be in Vicksburg July 29 at the Vicksburg Warren School District conference room on Mission 66. 

The clinic offers a four-hour, full certification class in the morning for employees of grain elevators. After lunch, there will be a two-hour short course for farmers so they can better understand the grading process and what options they have if they disagree with the grade their grain receives.

Managing deer

Deer hunters have started taking soil samples from wildlife food plot areas and getting ready for the upcoming season, which is still more than two months away. Deer hunters might also want to consider signing up for a one-day course the Extension Service and College of Forest Resources is hosting Aug. 15 at the Museum of Natural Science in Jackson.

The seminar will include deer management factors that influence antler size and buck/doe harvest management. The habitat management portion will cover deer nutrition basics and forest, field and pasture management. Other topics will include food plot management, how to conduct a camera survey and statewide antler regulation criteria. 

A $50 fee is due by July 31. It includes lunch and materials.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or call 601-636-5442. E-mail him at jcoccaro@ext.msstate.edu