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Farmers lead the charge - US agriculture lowers emissions

By Farms.com

The fight against climate change is receiving a boost from an unexpected source - US agriculture. A recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reveals that the sector has achieved its lowest level of greenhouse gas emissions in a decade.

This impressive feat is attributed to the voluntary conservation efforts undertaken by American farmers and ranchers. The report shows a nearly 2% reduction in agricultural emissions from 2021 to 2022, exceeding the decrease observed in any other economic sector. This translates to a significant drop of 12 million metric tons of emissions compared to the previous year.

Analysts at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) emphasize the importance of these efforts, noting that agriculture contributes less than 10% of total US emissions. The continued decline in emissions showcases the effectiveness of voluntary measures and market-based incentives in promoting sustainable practices within the agricultural industry.


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Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Video: Supplemental Nitrogen on Soybeans: Can Early Nitrogen Increase Yield?

Can supplemental nitrogen help soybeans reach higher yield potential? Technical Agronomist Tim Sickman walks through an ongoing trial at the Nutrien Innovation Farm in Owensboro, Kentucky, exploring whether a modest amount of nitrogen applied at planting can support higher-yielding soybean environments.

The trial compares 30 pounds of supplemental nitrogen across both 15- and 30-inch rows, along with treatments that include sulfur and micronutrients. Similar trials conducted in 2024 and 2025 delivered a six- to seven-bushel yield response, prompting the team to expand the research this season.

Early observations show that treated soybeans are slightly taller and averaging about two additional nodes on the main stem. These added nodes could create more opportunities for blooms and pods, but the true results will come at harvest when the team evaluates pod development, seed fill and final yield.

In This Video:

Why high-yield soybeans may need supplemental nitrogen

Results from the 2024 and 2025 trials

Nitrogen treatments in 15- and 30-inch rows

Fertilizer placement and application methods

Differences in plant height and node counts

Potential effects on pod development and yield