Net farm income is forecast at $113.2 billion in 2014, down about 14% from the 2013 forecast of $131.3 billion. If realized, the 2014 forecast would be the fourth-highest value since 1970 after adjusting for inflation.

As farmers across the Corn Belt continue to battle above- and below-ground insect pests year after year, a comprehensive integrated pest management approach is key to maximizing yield potential, especially in corn-on-corn environments. Integrated pest management is about taking a comprehensive look at how you are managing yield-robbing pests in your field.

With temperatures in the Midwest about 20 degrees below normal at the beginning of spring people will soon start to consider the weather impact on spring planting.

U.S. Drought Outlook: Rain Improves Texas and Southeast, Snow Pack Helping Midwest, Plains

U.S. Drought Outlook: Little Improvement Expected In Southeast And Midwest

During the June 28-July 2, 2012 time period, a high pressure ridge is forecast to dominate the central and eastern United States.

While the USDA's September production forecast exceeded the August forecast, the recent sharp price decline primarily reflects the continuation of poor economic performance and concerns about financial conditions in Europe and the U.S.

The USDA's Sept. 12, 2011, Crop Production report confirmed expectations of a smaller U.S. corn crop than forecast in August, said a University of Illinois agricultural economist.

Corn production is estimated at 12.4 billion bushels, and soybean production totaled 3.33 billion bushels, according to the USDA.