Same Kind of Different

/

Partners,                   

We are keeping as busy as we want to be at this time of year.  It won’t be long until we find ourselves back in the field!

I want everyone to know that things do change here on the farm.  Here is a list of some changes we are implementing for the 2018 cropping season:

  • Per our fertility consultant’s advice, we are applying higher rates of dry fertilizer. (Producing larger crops means more nutrients taken from the soil.) This has increased our dry fertilizer cost approximately 15%.
  • We will be implementing an improved method of nitrogen application (split applying) in order to increase N efficiency and reduce nitrate runoff.
  • One result of the water quality study we have been participating in is to see how we can supply N to the plant when needed with less chance for leaching.
  • We are applying supplemental elemental sulfur to all acres with a straight spread of P and K. With fewer coal-fired power plants there is a decrease in available sulfur in the soil.
  • We plan to reduce soybean seed planting population. Research shows lower populations do not reduce economic yield. The money we save on seed is spent on inoculants and biologicals and seed treatments.
  • We are planting more full-season varieties of corn and soybeans.  This may result in additional drying costs, but will help prevent phantom yield loss in corn, and help keep moisture in the SB crop to reduce harvest loss.
  • We are using multi-mode of action herbicides for pre-plant and post-planting to help prevent weed resistance. Our biggest weed issue right now is tall water hemp. We have been told that the invasive plant, palmer amaranth, is only a county away and it is a very tough weed to combat.
  • We are moving forward with the purchase of an additional planter for soybeans. Even though this does increase our equipment cost per acre, we expect an increase in yield since we will have the ability to plant corn and beans at the same time. Research shows higher yield in both crops when planted by the first of May. This is going to increase pressure for the two-week planting window so any offers for planting assistance would be welcome!
  • We are putting sensors on our planter to give us the ability to measure soil organic matter on the go. We hope to use this data to fine-tune our management zones for our multi-hybrid planting (seeding rates and varieties). 

The planter has been delivered and we are in process of getting both units hooked up and ready. Some parts are replaced almost every year. We have also been shipping corn, and hoping our seed beans will be called for delivery soon. 

The agriculture industry is watching with great interest the trade talks with our partners and the buzz about changing the RFS (renewable fuel) standards. It has been estimated that within 5 years Brazil will grow more corn than the US. We need world trade and cannot afford to seem like the bullies on the block!  Grain markets are showing some life as the drought in Argentina hangs on. 

Family is doing well--Lindsay and Keith had their third son on March 4th. Alison is on a school trip to Germany during spring break and is still undecided about college choice. Phyllis and I have returned from a few weeks in Florida.

Fall bids--

Corn--3.70

SB--10.14

Keep in touch,

Steve