Agronomy
At first blush, water, or lack thereof, is the supreme bushel thief in the majority of corn and soybean fields. But, according to several farmers, the answer is not quite so simple.
Some Iowa growers saw huge yield losses this season from a so-called edge effect. Illinois farmers also report seeing it ding yields. Agronomists are working to confirm contributing factors but haven’t nailed them down.
The crop management decisions you make this fall will set you up for success or headaches next spring. As you finish harvest and start to plan for 2023, take these steps.
With sky-high fertilizer prices, you want to take a Goldilocks approach for applications — not too much, not too little but just right. How can you perfectly sync your rates to each field’s needs?
In a moisture deficit area like southwest Nebraska conservation and regenerative practices have long been a staple for farmers. That’s important especially in drought years like 2022.
Nitrogen might be the king of yield, but if a corn plant is sulfur deficient, it won’t reach its maximum potential.
How good a job you do spreading residue behind the harvester makes a big difference in how uniform your corn stand will be next spring and how uniform its growth and development will be.
If you are adding a new farm for next season, take a hard look at soil health. Missy Bauer, Farm Journal Field Agronomist, says start with the canvas rather than the paint.
Farmers getting started on a path to improving soil health can only accomplish that if they Flip their Soil to make it more alive.
Leaf structure and ear flex characteristics can help a field handle stress.