Ken Ferrie
Agronomist Ken Ferrie provides agronomic insights, crop management tips, and practical advice for farmers to improve crop yields.
Growers are trying to figure out what caused missing plants in their corn stands last season and what solutions they can use this spring.
The grower currently broadcast applies P and K ahead of planting but is considering moving to strip-till applications like he uses in corn.
December might provide an opportunity. Another consideration is moving to no-till. Ferrie also addresses recouping dollars on ground that is going into solar projects.
Avoid applying anhydrous ammonia prematurely and losing its availability for next year’s corn crop. Good application decisions can save you a lot of money, time and effort.
Our brief video takes you through evaluating stand losses from pest pressure, disease issues and dry conditions in a central Illinois cornfield. These insights can help you plan for next season’s bumper yields.
Take a controlled, calibrated approach to the process, advises Ken Ferrie. That will help you build a framework for high yields next season and protect soil nutrient levels in the process.
Picket-fence corn stands with photocopied plants – uniform stalks and ears – deliver high yields. Where crops are uneven, farmers need to take that into consideration as they make final yield estimates.
There’s a big crop in the field for many Midwest growers, and it requires fuel. N supplies ears with the energy they need to add kernels all the way to their tips and to pack on weight.
Some growers are struggling with waterlogged fields that are producing stunted, yellowing corn. Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie offers farmers hope and help with his practical, no-nonsense recommendations.
Ken Ferrie outlines various treatment scenarios, depending on what farmers find in their fields. He cautions that severe infections can easily cause 60-bu.-per-acre yield losses.