July 2026
As we reach the midpoint of the year, it’s hard to believe how quickly the it has gone by. Planting season is already behind us, crops are growing, and our attention has turned to helping them reach their full potential.
This time of year provides an opportunity to reflect on the work accomplished so far and look ahead to the busy months that remain. While there is still much of the growing season left to unfold, we are encouraged by what we’re seeing in the fields and grateful for the opportunity to care for the land.
In this edition of Neu News, you’ll find updates on this year’s crops, an educational look at the technology used on our farm, and a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into preparing for harvest.
As always, if you have questions or would like to learn more about our operation, we welcome the conversation. We wish you a safe and enjoyable summer.
GPS guidance and autosteer have transformed agriculture over the past two decades. By reducing overlap between passes, we can apply seed, fertilizer, and crop protection products more precisely while improving overall efficiency in the field.
Modern GPS
guidance systems
can steer farm
equipment with
accuracy of about
1 inch.
Author: Jakob Neu
The benefits go beyond saving time. Improved efficiency allows us to focus on other important tasks throughout the operation while maintaining a high level of care for every acre. Precision guidance also reduces operator fatigue during long days in the field, allowing machinery operators to stay more alert and focused on the job at hand.
Technology continues to play an important role in modern agriculture, helping us care for your land with greater precision, efficiency, and stewardship than ever before.
Today’s equipment uses advanced technology to help us farm more accurately, efficiently, and responsibly.
Much of the equipment on our farm utilizes John Deere precision agriculture technology. In some cases, that technology is even integrated into equipment from other manufacturers. For example, our Claas combines are equipped with John Deere guidance and data collection systems, allowing them to operate
seamlessly alongside the rest of our equipment.
Three key pieces of technology make this possible: a GPS receiver, an in-cab display, and a wireless modem. Together, these components allow equipment to accurately navigate fields, communicate with other machines, and collect valuable field data that helps guide management decisions.
Precision Agriculture at Work
Improving Efficiency in the Field
An Early Look at the Crop
Promising Start
The photos below were taken in mid-June and provide a snapshot of what our wheat, corn, and soybean crops look like at this stage of the growing season.
Wheat
Wheat was the earliest crop planted this spring. It can tolerate cooler temperatures and begins growing quickly once conditions allow. Because of its early planting date, wheat is currently the most advanced crop in our fields and is well on its way toward producing grain.
Corn
Corn was planted after wheat because it requires warmer soil temperatures for successful germination and emergence. Our corn crop is currently in the vegetative growth stages, where the plant is focused on developing roots and producing new leaves. During this time, the foundation for yield is being established.
Soybeans
Soybeans were the last to be planted this year. They tolerate a wider planting window, allowing us to focus on other crops first. While soybeans may appear smaller than wheat and corn at this point in the season, they have plenty of time to grow and remain right on schedule.
Grain Marketing Glossary
Basis
The difference between the futures price and the local cash price offered by a grain buyer.
Cash Price
The price a local elevator or grain buyer is offering for your grain.
Forward Contract
An agreement to sell grain for future delivery at a price established today.
Futures Price
The market price for grain traded on the commodity exchange.
Volatility
The ups and downs of grain prices over time. While volatility creates uncertainty, it can also provide opportunities to market grain.
Cash Price = Futures Price + Basis
This simple equation helps determine the price a farmer receives for grain.
Planning Beyond the Harvest
Managing risk in an ever-changing grain market
While crop conditions are important, another key part of farming happens long before the combines enter the field. Marketing grain and managing risk are year-round responsibilities that help determine the profitability of each crop.
This spring provided a good example of how quickly commodity markets can change. Grain prices reached attractive levels in March and early May, creating opportunities to market a portion of the upcoming crop. However, prices declined rapidly in the weeks that followed, highlighting the volatility that exists in today’s agricultural markets.
Rather than trying to predict every market movement, we focus on managing risk and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise. There are many tools available to help make informed decisions, including crop insurance, government programs, and a variety of marketing strategies.
Farming continually reinforces that no one has all the answers. That’s why we rely on a team of trusted advisors and resources. We subscribe to marketing consultants who provide daily market commentary through emails, videos, and live broadcasts. We also participate in peer groups and hold regular meetings with advisors to discuss market conditions and evaluate opportunities.
Markets will continue to rise and fall, but having a plan and access to good information helps us navigate whatever lies ahead.
