What is today’s news? | Friday, February 25, 2022

While the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to unfold, its effects are already being felt across the globe.

Here is a roundup of articles to help keep you informed on the markets, fertilizer industry, trade system, and more.

Russia and Ukraine

Rebuilding resilience has the USTR very busy these days, according to U.S. Trade Representative’s Ambassador Katharine Tai. “The pandemic was a major shock to the (trade) system,” Tai says. “And, what we are seeing between Russia and Ukraine is another shock to the system.”

The U.S. has experienced pandemics, natural disasters, and war before, but this brings us to a need for innovation from our stakeholders and economy, the U.S. trade official says.

As Russia pounds Ukraine’s capital Friday, rushing tankers and soldiers toward toppling the government in Kyiv (Kiev), civilians are scattering for shelter, companies are shutting down, and public transportation is scarce. 

Iurii Mykhailov, a Kyiv resident and Successful Farming contributor, is reporting from inside the lines of war.

Fertilizer

Editor Madelyn Ostendorf covers the lates on the fertilizer industry.

While the U.S. imports most of its potash from Canada, a country which produces 39% of potash globally, we also get 7.8% from Russia. Because it is such a major player in the global market, sanctions on Russia have a ripple effect on markets, says Jason Troendle, director of market intelligence and research at The Fertilizer Institute.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine this week might drive up the costs of farm fertilizers globally — which nearly quadrupled last year in price in the United States and remain high — and presents an opportunity for unscrupulous companies to artificially inflate those prices further, according to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.

Markets

Editor Laurie Bedord interviews Angie Setzer, co-founder of Consus, LLC, about the situation in Ukraine and its short- and long-term impacts on agriculture.

“Today changed a lot of things,” Setzer says of yesterday’s invasion of Ukraine by Russia. “We have become a different world, and it’s impossible not to think of all the implications this is having and could have on our country. The global markets are already reflecting that.”

Crops

Editor Gil Gullickson writes about planning for herbicides this year.

Talk with your chemical retailer. Study weed control guides compiled by your local land-grant universities. And above all, have a plan B or even plan C. Those are ways farmers can deal with looming 2022 herbicide shortages, says Bill Johnson, Purdue University Extension weed specialist.

It’s a difficult situation, since old standby chemicals are most impacted by shortages.

Livestock

One cow can drink 1 to  2 two gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight every day. Multiply that in the hot summer months or if the cow is lactating. It’s important to have a big enough watering tank so every animal can get the water it needs. 

Editor Jodi Henke interviews Brad White, a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University and director of the Beef Cattle Institute, about this topic.