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Planning Ahead for
a
Smooth Spring . . . Now!
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Planning for Spring -- which means now -- is more than just an exercise. Good plans are the basis for a strong start to the new growing season.
Ryan Peterson, custom application manager, and Tim Stelter, location manager, both at Federated's Osceola site, reiterated the need for communication between growers and Federated agronomy team. Federated needs to hear from you now, before the rush hits.
So just what does Federated need from you?
- Product Service Policy for 2017. Even if you had one last year, you need a newly signed document on file with Federated for this calendar year.
 Field maps. Properly labeled and named, your
field maps should be on file with Federated to make it easier for get applicators to your fields, the right fields. Bring the maps in now (or send e-files if you have them) and ensure they are updated: Did you change anything, pick up new ground, etc.? Federated uses the Surety mapping program (see photo) and would be happy to help you get your fields set up in the system.- Orders. If you know what you need (seed, fertilizer, chemicals), order it now, and we will work with you on delivery, application, etc. when the time arrives. We have many customers to service, and we want to service you all well.
- For last minute fertilizer orders, remember that earlier in the day is best, when the truck drivers are still mapping their daily routes.
- Weekends are a challenge for everyone. We are on board every day in the busiest weeks of planting, but weekend staff often gets stretched to the limit. Please work with us as we work with you.
- A valid pesticide applicator certification license. (See article at right.) You must present it every time you order or pick up crop protection products (this is state law). You might want to store your license in your pick-up's console!
Finally, as things get busy in season, Peterson pointed out that contacting your agronomist to place an order is not the best option. Call your local Federated location; the office staff is best equipped to handle ordering details. Of course, call your Federated Agronomist with crop-specific questions.
And, let's make it a safe, productive season.
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Crop Nutrition:
Best Practice, All Season Long
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When it comes to crop nutrition, said Rod Gustafson, Federated Agronomist at the Albertville location, "growers need to seriously look at the BMPs -- Best Management Practices." Those farming practices are the ones that are economically and environmentally
sound, and backed by good research.
"Growers need too look at the sources of nitrogen (N) they are putting down, and account for the nitrogen added [or removed] by the previous crop," said Gustafson.
"Also take into account the nitrogen supplied through the manure [in the case of livestock producers]. And consider anything applied commercially, through starter fertilizer, for example," he said.
As the season progresses, what's been figured out in the spring will determine what's needed throughout the season.
For growers in medium to fine-textured soils, the trend has been to put on all the N pre-plant. However, the trend has moved toward split applications - 50% pre-plant and the balance as side dressing when the corn is about 12 in. tall. Crops in sandy soils have been following that practice all along, due to greater potential for leaching, but more and more growers are finding benefit in the split application.
"Side dressing puts nitrogen down closer to the time when the crop needs it," said Gustafson.
Protecting N with good products, such as SuperU (see article above), and using split applications play an important part in managing the total N. "Basically," said Gustafson, "make sure you take credit for the N that is there, and then add the proper amounts."
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SuperU® Fits Well
in Nitrogen Management
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"Growers should consider using SuperU® stabilized nitrogen as part of their nitrogen (N) management solution," said Brian DeVries, Federated's location manager at Ogilvie.
DeVries continued, "SuperU is a granular urea fertilizer
that maintains a 46-0-0 analysis. It is a blue granule that is uniform for spreading and it is treated all the way through, not just a coating. It is soluble in water, identical to urea, and available to your crop once it is hydrolyzed."
Super U:
- contains a urease inhibitor (NBPT) to control volatilization losses for 10-14 days or more;
- contains a nitrification inhibitor (DCD) to reduce the potential for denitrification and leaching;
- maintains a higher level of ammonium nitrogen (which is the positively charged and more stable form of N) for a longer period of time;
- improves the potential for plants to feed on the ammonium.
These properties reduce N loss in a pre-plant application, but can also benefit the crop on light textured soils in a side-dress application.
DeVries pointed out that not only does SuperU reduce N loss into the environment, but it can add bushels to your crop with minimized N loss in the soil, and maximized yields at harvest.
Contact your local Federated Agronomist to learn more about SuperU and how it can fit your 2017 nutrient management plans.
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Proof of Certification Needed at Sale & Pick-Up
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Federated needs your help. Craig Gustafson, Federated's eastern division agronomy manager, explained the situation:
If you do your own crop protection spraying, we need your help. In the past Federated was able to keep every grower's pesticide applicator certification license on file, which simplified the process of purchasing crop protection products from Federated.
However, state regulations have become more stringent, which require the licensed individuals to show their applicator certification license at the point of sale (POS) for every "Restricted Use Pesticide" purchase.
Gustafson added, "A valid license is also required to mix and apply crop protection products."
Customer service is one of Federated's primary goals, and by communicating the importance of these guidelines, Federated hopes to avoid any delays -- for all growers.
Please remember:
Bring your applicator certification license when you purchase or pick up crop protection products.
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Grower Workshops Wrap Up Successfully
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From the entire Federated Agronomy team, thank you for attending the 2017 Corn and Soybean Workshops. And thank you, too, for all the great reviews and positive feedback.
Federated is more than just another ag supplier. Federated's ongoing goal is to provide current agronomic knowledge and Best Management Practices that will give growers the best return per acre.
The agronomy team always welcomes grower input. Craig Gustafson, Federated's eastern agronomy division manager said, "If there are topics you would like us to address at future grower workshops, please send me an email and share your topic of interest."
(If there's a topic that needs to be addressed sooner than later, we can address it in future editions of this Agronomy Update.)
And, "thanks again for making our 2017 Grower Workshops a success," Gustafson said.
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