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WinField United Ag Technology Team
Ag technology can add season-long value to your crop management strategy and tactics. Here are some of the primary field tasks you tackle every season, along with the technology capabilities that could help you accomplish them more efficiently and effectively.
Early season
Primary tasks during this time include measuring the uniformity of crop emergence as well as stand quality. You should also be scouting fields for early-season weeds and applying a postemergence herbicide as needed. Your agronomist is probably taking tissue samples and having them analyzed to detect and address any nutrient deficiencies.
Ag tech tool support:
- Track crop health and growth using an in-season monitoring tool such as the R7® Field Monitoring Tool.
- Benchmark fields based on biomass accumulation to monitor variability due to disease, insect presence, storm damage, weed pressure or nutrient deficiencies.
- Scout fields by zone using in-season imagery.
- Use satellite imagery to understand field variability and scout by biomass zones within the field, optimizing scouting and in-season management decisions.
- Determine optimal timing and rates for in-season nutrient applications.
- Using a crop modeling tool such as the R7 Field Forecasting Tool can help you focus on nitrogen, potassium and water management, letting you drill down on timing and rates to optimize yield potential.
Mid-season
During this part of the season, you and your agronomist are continuing to scout for nutrient deficiencies and performing plant tissue analysis. You’re also scouting for weed escapes and identifying areas of potential resistance. Insect or disease pressure can also manifest now. Use this time to evaluate root type, structure and limiting factors.
Ag tech tool support:
- Track crop health and growth using low-resolution, daily satellite imagery delivered through technology like the Field Monitoring Tool.
- Scout fields by zone using in-season imagery.
- Determine optimal timing and rates for in-season nutrient applications.
- Taking timely tissue samples lets you zero in on the efficacy of nutrient uptake into the plant and determine potential deficits or excesses.
Late season and harvest
As the season winds down, you and your agronomist are doing a final assessment of plant and soil health through tissue sampling and soil sampling. You’re also evaluating pollination and ear development in your corn crop as well as estimating yield potential.
Ag tech tool support:
- Use satellite imagery offered by tools like the Field Monitoring Tool to observe field drydown trends to help determine harvest order.
- Employ satellite imagery to monitor field trials and analyze vegetative differences from in-season product applications. For example, a fungicide application will often keep a field healthier later into the season, so if you leave a check strip in a field it may show up on late in-season satellite imagery.
- Calibrate yield monitors to ensure accurate yield data collection.
Using an integrated suite of ag technology products can help both farmers and agronomists make informed decisions. Talk with your local WinField United retailer to find out more about leveraging ag technology to help optimize ROI potential this season and beyond.
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