February 2010
Iowa Farm and Ranch
A time to plan for planting Stormy winter will create some challenges in spring by Gordon Wolf Although a deep blanket of snow and ice covers farm fields, spring planting should not be far from producers’ minds. Now is a good time to plan for changes in crop inputs, analyze yield data, and prepare for equipment needs, said R. Aaron Saeugling, Iowa State University Extension field agronomist based in Lewis (Cass County). John Holmes, Extension field agronomist based in Clarion (Wright County) recommended that producers finalize plans for individual fields, finalize hybrid or variety selection for each field, plan weed management programs, and plan for potential insect problems. “Now is an excellent time to read about new pests and their management,� Holmes added. If they didn’t keep records when they were harvesting last fall, producers can scan their memories to gather information to help with the decisions they make before heading into the field this spring. “It is not too late to look back on the fall harvest,� said Saeugling. “I think when considering spring planting, look at long-term averages for crop production issues as considered in an average year. We would not consider the last two springs normal in terms of planting, so consider these issues before making big changes in any cropping practice,� Saeugling added. Holmes recommended producers make notes on hybrid or variety standability and harvest concerns. “If weeds were a problem in an area, note the type of weed, the specific area, and control options,� he stated. “Take notes if corn hybrids had problems with diseases.�
The snowfall this winter will impact producers’ ability to work this spring. “The challenge this year may be wet field conditions, due to the amount of snowfall in most places,� said Saeugling. “Grain movement this spring will be slowed due to wet roads, to move grain from the farm to market, in most areas.� Holmes stated, “Both farmers and agronomists expect the spring to be wet due to snow cover. “ He added that producers can expect to see wet planting conditions and early season seedling disease problems. “Wet soils are easy to compact, therefore we agronomists are expecting to see more soil compaction than normal,� Holmes continued. “Wet soils often will lead to planting problems. Seed furrows won’t close properly or seed will be placed in excessively wet soil.� The agronomists had some further tips when planning for spring planting. Saeugling said, “One of the most overlooked things is to remember to adjust the planter for conditions at planting time, not simply leaving the setting from the past season.� He advised, “Remember to look at the average weather for a given area before considering a major shift in crop maturities based on last year’s experience. For example, do not plant a 100-day hybrid just to have lower moisture corn in the fall when you would typically plant a 110-day hybrid.� Holmes stated, “Many times farmers forget to consider soybean cyst nematode pressure when selecting soybean varieties. I’d recommend that they work with a local agronomist to determine current SCN levels.�
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2010 National FFA Week celebrated February 20-27 National FFA Week will be February 20-27 this year. “Lead Out Loud� is the theme this year as members pledge to show what makes them premier leaders in their schools and communities. More than half a million members around the nation will participate in National FFA Week activities at the local and state levels. The focus of National FFA Week is to tell the community and the country about the great opportunities available through FFA. From its beginnings in 1928 as the Future Farmers of America, the National FFA Organization today reaches out to all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA is committed to developing character and leadership skills, as well as preparing members for a lifetime of civic leadership and career success. FFA members have opportunities to attend national leadership conferences, start their own businesses, and apply for awards and scholarships. Through classroom instruction and handson learning, agricultural education and FFA are making a positive difference in the lives of students. National FFA Week is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Carhartt as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.
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