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February 2025 • Volume 51 • Number 2
Contents
February
Weather
Outlook 8
Plan your 2025 growing season with expert advice on storm tracks, drought risks, frost dates and climate change trends.
2025
Volume 51 • Number 2
Commodity Markets
Learn how
26
Groundhog Day predictions align with corn and soybean planting trends, offering surprising insights into spring agricultural decisions.
Soil Strategy
Discover how soil testing and nutrient management improve soil health, boost yields, reduce waste and promote sustainable farming practices.
Protecting
12 30 Plants Explore eco-friendly
strategies to repel pests, from essential oils and companion planting to attracting beneficial insects.
Feature
Boosting 16
Yields
Get cost-saving and yield-boosting tips from Purdue’ s Top Farmer Conference on planting, soil tests, cover crops, pests and more.
Livestock Flexibility
See how portable
34 corrals transform ranching with advanced designs, easy setup and versatility for safer, efficient livestock management.
departments
Product Spotlight Planter and Seeder�������������������������������������������� 20 Portable Corrals�������������������������������������������������� 38
Comic�����������������������������������������������������������������������40
Dealers�������������������������������������������������������������������� 41 Marketplace�������������������������������������������������������� 45 Classifieds����������������������������������������������������������� 46
Editorial & Design
Brian Ethridge Head of Content brian. ethridge @ catcomnet. com
Cindy O’ Hara Deputy Editor cindy. ohara @ catcomnet. com
Sheila Davis Production Manager sheila. davis @ catcomnet. com
Barb Mason Graphic Designer barb. mason @ catcomnet. com
Abbey La Tour Digital Production Specialist abbey. latour @ catcomnet. com
Advertising
Chet Frahm Sales Specialist chet @ farmershotline. com
Cindy Baker Sales Specialist cindy @ farmershotline. com
on the cover
Farming the Forecast Weather Trends to Watch in 2025
Groundhog Day Economics Phil’ s Role in Market Trends
Corrals on Call Modern Solutions for Ranchers
Hailee Bolton Sales Specialist hailee. bolton @ catcomnet. com
Christa Helmers Coop Specialist christa @ farmershotline. com
Carol Harrison Sales Manager carol. harrison @ catcomnet. com 515-574-2341
Amber Alcazar Senior Sales Admin amber. alcazar @ catcomnet. com
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4 | 515-574-2341 | 515-574-2189 | February 2025