Today, farmers planting corn and soybean are using less acreage and seeing higher yields
Based on the latest completed statistics from 2023, some 24,000 acres of corn and 20,000 acres of soybeans will be planted. In line with these statistics, more than 10% of Muskingum County's 424,960 acres will be used for growing these two crops this summer.
During the past more than 80 years, significant changes in crop production have taken place in the ever changing farming industry. In 1950, Muskingum County had approximately 26,000 acres in corn, just a little more than the 24,000 current acres.
But a big change has taken place in county wheat production, which declined from the14,000 acres reported in 1950 to 680 acres reported in 2023. In 1950, soybeans were pretty much an afterthought in agriculture production with fewer than 600 acres planted. In fact, soybeans did not even show up in the county agricultural report until 1940 when 100 acres were planted.
As soybean profits increased in the 1970s and 1980s to the present, so has the acreage planted, seemingly replacing wheat acreage on county farms. The decreased wheat acreage has had several side effects including a decrease in the supply of straw for livestock bedding, making the straw more valuable than in the past.
Total crop acreage in Muskingum County seems to have remained fairly consistent over the last 75 years, even though the crops planted have changed. An additional factor that has changed is the yield per acre.
The 26,000 acres of corn planted in 1950 produced only an average of 50 bushels per acre, or about 650,000 bushels total, while the 24,000 acres of corn planted in 2023 had an estimated average of 175 bushels an acre for a total of 4.2 million total bushels. The soybeans of 1950 produced only 20 bushels per acre. Soybeans in 2023 were reported to be averaging 50 bushels per acre.
Going back to the Civil War era, corn is reported to have averaged 33 bushels per acre and wheat only 10 bushels per acre. Some sources say that during the Civil War more than 80,000 acres, almost twice the current crop acreage, were in production growing additional crops such as rye, buckwheat, oats and barley. I have trouble even thinking about feeding the armies, let alone the family members at home on crop yields of 33 and 10 bushels per acre.
Agriculture is always changing. What you saw yesterday growing, planting and harvesting in the fields may not be what you see tomorrow. Exciting changes have taken place and more are just around the corner as our farmers continue to produce more on less land than ever before.
Chuck Bell is a former 4-H educator for Muskingum County.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Farmers see higher yields for corn and soybean planted on less acreage
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
10 hours ago
- Time Business News
Top 5 Halal Certification Providers in New York
Halal certification ensures that products and services comply with Islamic dietary laws, making them permissible for Muslim consumers. This process verifies that no prohibited (haram) elements, such as pork or alcohol, are involved and that proper slaughtering methods (zabiha) are followed. In New York, with a Muslim population exceeding 800,000, the demand for halal-certified products is significant, driven by consumer awareness, export opportunities, and integration into public institutions like schools and restaurants. This article ranks the top 5 halal certification providers in New York based on reputation, services, accreditations, and local impact, with Halal Watch leading the list. Halal Watch is the premier halal certification provider in New York, recognized for its credibility, global accreditations, and comprehensive services across various industries. With over 40 years of collective expertise, Halal Watch is a U.S.-based agency with a strong New York presence through its network of inspectors. Its affiliate program extends its reach, supporting local businesses in food service and manufacturing. Accredited by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS), Halal Watch aligns with international standards like GSO 993, UAE 2055-4, MS 1500, and ISO 22000, facilitating exports to markets like Malaysia and the UAE. Halal Watch certifies food and beverages, meat and poultry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, supplements, restaurants, and slaughterhouses. It offers halal meat certification for exports, private label certification, and training programs for compliance. The process includes consultation, service proposal acceptance, 50% deposit, document submission for pre-audit, annual on-site inspection, and certification upon approval and final payment. Costs vary by business type, with transparent 2025 pricing on their website. Halal Watch's ethical practices, global compliance, affordability, and support for private labels make it ideal for New York businesses serving diverse consumers. Majlis Ash-Shura is a pioneering New York-based organization, excelling in community-focused halal certification, particularly for public institutions. As the first to certify New York public schools for halal meals, it began with a pilot in six schools and now certifies 43, partnering with the NYC Department of Education for further expansion. Recognized through its DOE partnership; no additional accreditations specified. Focuses on certifying schools for zabiha halal meals, with plans to expand to charter schools and private sectors. Involves application, Zoom explanation, staff training, kitchen inspection, and one-year certification. Its grassroots approach and free services make halal accessible in New York's public sphere, addressing educational needs. Website: Donations: SBNY provides free, reliable halal monitoring, emphasizing community service and authenticity in meat certification. Founded in 2006 as a non-profit, SBNY serves the Muslim community in religious and social matters, including halal oversight. No specific accreditations mentioned. Offers free halal certification and monitoring for slaughterhouses, distributors, and retailers, focusing on hand-slaughtered zabiha meat. Described as simple and fee-free, though details are limited. Its no-cost model and perpetual monitoring ensure accessibility and trust for New York's halal consumers. Phone: (718) 426-3454 Email: info@ Website: HFSAA promotes inclusive, high halal standards, with a strong presence in certifying New York eateries and markets. As a non-profit, HFSAA addresses the halal economy's growth, advocating for transparent and quality certifications. No specific accreditations detailed, but praised for high standards. Certifies foods, manufacturers, chemicals, and more at low costs, with listings for halal restaurants and markets in New York. Not explicitly detailed, but emphasizes affordability and inclusivity. HFSAA's focus on higher standards and consumer protection benefits New York's diverse halal landscape. IFANCA is a globally recognized halal certification body with a strong New York presence, known for its rigorous standards and extensive industry coverage. Founded in 1982, IFANCA is one of the oldest halal certification organizations in the U.S., serving clients in New York and worldwide with a focus on authenticity and consumer trust. IFANCA is accredited by international bodies like JAKIM (Malaysia), MUI (Indonesia), and ESMA (UAE), ensuring global market acceptance. Certifies food products, beverages, meat, poultry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and packaging materials. It also provides training and consulting services for businesses seeking halal compliance. Involves application submission, document review, facility inspection, and certification issuance upon compliance. Annual audits ensure ongoing adherence. IFANCA's long-standing reputation, global accreditations, and comprehensive services make it a trusted choice for New York businesses targeting both local and international markets. Phone: (773) 283-3708 Email: ifanca@ Website: These top providers deliver exceptional halal certification services, catering to New York's vibrant Muslim community and growing halal economy. From Halal Watch's global reach to IFANCA's established expertise, businesses can choose a provider that aligns with their needs. Contact these organizations directly for tailored guidance on achieving halal compliance. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Insider
17 hours ago
- Business Insider
OpenAI's chief research scientist shares the book that inspired him when he was unsure about his career path
OpenAI chief research scientist, Jakub Pachocki, didn't always know he'd be on the front lines of artificial intelligence development. In OpenAI's latest podcast episode, published Friday, Pachocki said he didn't know what he wanted to do with his career as a teenager in high school. He recalled one book that inspired him during those searchful, formative years: "Hackers and Painters" by Y Combinator cofounder Paul Graham. "My dad gave me this book when I was, I think I was like 15, I was pretty unsure of what I wanted to do," Pachocki said. "It was a Polish version of a book by some author I didn't know called 'Hackers and Painters.'" "I found that pretty inspiring," he added. Pachocki joined OpenAI in 2017. He has overseen the development of GPT-4 and replaced OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever as chief scientist in May 2024. "Hackers and Painters" contains a collection of essays from Graham, including one based on a guest lecture he gave at Harvard University about the similarities between hacking and painting. "What hackers and painters have in common is that they're both makers," Graham wrote. "Along with composers, architects, and writers, what hackers and painters are trying to do is make good things. They're not doing research per se, though if in the course of trying to make good things they discover some new technique, so much the better." Having one of the key figures at Sam Altman 's company inspired by Graham is a bit of a full-circle moment. Graham published "Hackers and Painters" in 2004, about a year before the investor co-founded Y Combinator and met 19-year-old Stanford dropout Altman. Altman's startup at the time, Loopt, would be one of the first batch of companies backed by the startup accelerator. In 2009, Graham added Altman to his list of five of the "most interesting startup founders of the last 30 years." Five years later, he chose Altman to take his position as Y Combinator's president. "It's actually very hilarious thinking about it now," Pachocki said. "I didn't really connect the dots."
Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Map Shows States Where H-1B Visas Are Approved the Most
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Each year, tens of thousands of foreign professionals come to the U.S. through the H-1B visa program, filling critical roles in technology, engineering and business. Data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows which states are home to the largest share of these skilled workers. Drawing on data from USCIS, Newsweek created a map to show states with the highest number of H-1B visa recipients Experts told Newsweek that the data is misleading, noting that the numbers include new and renewed visas, and that individuals can have multiple renewals within a single year, inflating the total. Why It Matters Each year, the H1B program allows U.S. employers to hire tens of thousands of foreign professionals for specialty occupations, with many working in the technology sector. The program is capped at 85,000 visas annually and covers fields such as engineering, computer science and business-related specialties. File photo of a visa. File photo of a visa. AP What To Know States with large technology and health care sectors, such as California, Texas and New York, have seen higher numbers of H-1B visa approvals. These states host numerous employers who frequently use the H-1B program to meet their specialized labor needs. Analyzing the distribution of H-1B visa approvals by state is crucial for understanding regional labor market dynamics and the reliance on foreign skilled labor. California leads the nation with 61,814 approvals, followed by Texas with more than 27,000, New York (22,526), Virginia (21,828) and New Jersey (21,880). These states are home to major technology, health care and finance hubs, where demand for specialized foreign talent is highest. Large corporations drive much of this concentration, highlighting regional reliance on skilled international workers. Many work for tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft and Google, which actively invest in retaining foreign-born talent. At the other end of the spectrum, several states and territories recorded fewer than 200 approvals. Montana (100), Wyoming (83), Alaska (176) and Vermont (179) are among the lowest numbers, reflecting smaller labor markets, limited presence of specialty industries, or fewer employers sponsoring H-1B visas. These figures illustrate the stark regional differences in visa distribution across the U.S. between larger cities and rural areas. The H1B program has grown drastically over the past few decades. In 2024, roughly 400,000 visas were approved, more than double the number issued in 2000. Most approvals were renewals rather than first-time applications. H-1B petitions filed by universities, their connected non-profit organizations, non-profit research institutions, and government research entities are typically handled differently under the law and are exempt from the 85,000-person cap. Meanwhile, the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has finished reviewing a Department of Homeland Security proposal that would revise the allocation process for H1B visas, according to Bloomberg Law. What People Are Saying Jeff Lande, president of the Lande Group, told Newsweek: "The number of new H-1B visas that can be issued in any given year is fixed by law. Under the cap, 65,000 + an additional 20,000 for recipients of a master's degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education may be granted in a given fiscal year (October 1-September 30). The president cannot unilaterally change this. Any change to the cap number would require an act of Congress. "The numbers can be quite misleading if you are unfamiliar with the data. The Hub actually reports both new and renewed/extended visas, so the numbers are exponentially higher than for just new visas. (Also, as the visa is granted for the period of time that the sponsor said the person will be on a job, individuals can have multiple renewals in a given year.) Further, the data hub is CY, whereas the visas are issued by FY and given how long it can take to get a final decision, visa awards can be recorded for a different year than when the petition was submitted. "The changes and new restrictions that the Trump administration is expected to propose to the H-1B program in the near future would be done by regulation, not legislation or statute. Of course, depending on what Trump proposes, there may be legal challenges brought by industry."
