Roots | Fall 2023

FALL 2023

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER | NOVEMBER

WHAT’S INSIDE EXTREME TREE & POST PULLER VS. TERMINATOR TREE PULLER & STUMP REMOVER A NEW TERRITORY

2 4 JACOB DELAY EXPANDS ROLE TO EQUIPMENT SALES 6 STEPS TO FERTILITY MANAGEMENT ELDON’S TRADITION 8 CONTINUING THE 2023 CUSTOMER APPRECIATION RAFFLE 10 MEET THE TEAM SAM ROTH FALL HARVEST REMINDERS SAFETY AROUND GRAIN 11 PRIORITIZING HANDLING EQUIPMENT

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BACK TO THE BASICS

12 THE IMPORTANCE OF P AND K SALFORD INDEPENDENT SERIES 14 THE OUR GO-TO FOR VERTICAL TILLAGE EQUIPMENT 16 MEET THE TEAM KEEGAN MEYER THE NEW BAZOOKA FARMSTAR 2 INJECTION UNIT 18 PHANTOM REDUCING DOWNTIME, INCREASING UPTIME 21 2024 HYBRID PICKS 22 COVER CROP COMMENTARY: FALL SEEDING NH3 COOLERS SAFETY AND 24 MAINTENANCE

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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LACKENDER BY Find out what jobs you can tackle from the cab of your skid steer.

View the attachment catalog online! ecsattachments.com

SAVE TIME WHEN IT MATTERS MOST

Manure parts are now on shopstutsmans.com!

RAVEN DISPLAY UPGRADE PROGRAM

Trade in your legacy display and receive credit towards the purchase of a new Raven Viper 4+, CR12 or CR7. Contact our equipment division for more information.

CONGRATULATIONS, RON STUTSMAN!

Our chairman of the board, Ron Stutsman, was recognized as an Iowan of the Day at the 2023 Iowa State Fair for making a positive difference in the community.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE ON THE JOB HUNT?

» Agronomy Sales Representative » Custom Applicators » General Operations » Grain Bin Installation Manager » Parts Specialist » Wholesale Hose and Valve - Eastern U.S. Territory Sales Manager » Wholesale Hose and Valve - Western U.S. Territory Sales Manager Apply at stutsmans.com/careers or call HR at 319.679.5268

VS.

EXTREME COVER COVER CROP CROP COMMENTA COMMEN TREE & POST PULLER BY: LOGAN STUTSMAN | SALES

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n the fence (see what we did there) between the Extreme Tree & Post Puller and the Terminator Tree Puller & Stump Remover? The questions I pose are: what are you trying to accomplish now, as well as are there any off-the-wall projects you may have in the future?

If recreational small tree and post plucking (all above ground) is all you’ll ever intend on doing, I’d recommend the Extreme Tree & Post Puller all day long. If above-ground tugging is your primary use but you know you tend to venture into some more serious tree and brush-clearing situations from time to time, I’d encourage you to not limit your future self and lean into the digging power of the Terminator Tree Puller & Stump Remover. Beyond the ability to cut and dig below-ground roots, the bigger, dual hydraulic cylinders offer more squeeze power for larger posts, trees or brush. Given the more aggressive power of the Terminator, the back shield protects your skid steer as you tackle overgrown areas. Here are a few of the key features and differences of both:

EXTREME TREE & POST PULLER 1 HYDRAULIC CYLINDER OUT FRONT FOR MORE POWER 2 PROTECTIVE SLEEVES ON HYDRAULIC HOSES 3 3” PIVOT PIN 4 GUARD TO PREVENT TREES FROM GETTING TOO DEEP OR STUCK 3 5 EASILY PULLS POSTS UP TO 8” 4 IN DIAMETER AND UP TO 6” TREES

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LACKENDER BY

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TERMINATOR TREE PULLER & STUMP REMOVER TERMINATOR TREE PULLER & STUMP REMOVER 1 HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS OUT FRONT FOR MORE POWER 2 PROTECTIVE SLEEVES ON HYDRAULIC HOSES 3 TWO 1½” PIVOT PINS ALLOWING BOTH SIDES TO OPEN 4 DUAL 3½” X 4” CYLINDERS WITH 1¼” PINS 5 48” JAW OPENING AND 29,000LB CLAMPING FORCE TO PULL 12” TREES 6 ⅝” AR400 SERRATED VERTICAL TEETH FOR CUTTING UPWARD THROUGH ROOTS 7 1” X 8” CUTTING EDGE IS ABLE TO DIG UNDER STUMPS AND ROOTS 8 STEPS ON BOTH SIDES 9 BACK SHIELD

SCAN TO VIEW MORE LACKENDER BY ECS ATTACHMENTS

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AJACOBNEW TERRITORY DELAY EXPANDS ROLE TO EQUIPMENT SALES While this resident TikTok creator extraordinaire,

Jacob DeLay, is not new to Stutsmans or the manure equipment division, he is expanding his current role to include sales in the Illinois territory.

Jacob grew up on a cow-calf operation in Milo, IA and received a degree from Iowa State University in agricultural studies. His time at the Iowa State University dairy farm and experience as a flow and control electronics technician at Stutsmans makes Jacob a perfect fit for this new role helping customers find the right manure equipment for their operations' needs. He has hit the road and started serving customers in his new position. To connect with Jacob, call 319.325.0913.

I LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH THOSE WITHIN MY SALES TERRITORY AND BEYOND AND HOPE TO EARN THEIR FRIENDSHIP AND TRUST. HOW WILL YOUR PREVIOUS ROLE IMPACT YOUR NEW ROLE?

My knowledge of equipment and precision will help me offer better service to customers.

WHAT EXCITES YOU THE MOST ABOUT YOUR NEW POSITION?

I am most excited to get out and meet new people, be out on the road, and help expand our sales territory to reach more customers.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO LEARN IN YOUR NEW ROLE?

Every day I learn something new. I am excited to learn more about the manure and liquid pumping industry.

As I take on a sales role, I look forward to learning more about different geographical regions and what application types help meet customer needs in these different areas.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME? TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOBBIES.

A few of my hobbies are shotgun sports, fishing and camping. I am also a volunteer firefighter and nationally registered EMT.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

My proudest accomplishment was obtaining my National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification.

IF YOU COULD SNAP YOUR FINGERS AND BECOME AN EXPERT AT SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? A professional sporting clay shooter so I could shoot in the circuit.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN? Plan your work and work your plan.

WHICH STUTSMAN CORE VALUE BEST REPRESENTS YOU?

Value Collaboration. I like working with others and being able to collaborate on work and projects.

GEA PROMANURE 8-INCH HYDRAULIC PUMP FULL HYDRAULIC FUNCTIONS TWO NOZZLES WITH INDIVIDUAL SHUTOFFS DIRECT DRIVE OIL COOLER LOW NOZZLES REMOTE CONTROLLED STRONGER HITCH ATTACHMENT STORAGE LEGS

STEPSTOTOFERTILITY FERTILITY STEPS MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT BY: JUSTIN HUNTER | SALES AGRONOMY SALES BY: JUSTIN HUNTER | AGRONOMY

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any have heard any have agricultural heard agricultural companies companies promoting their promoting products their asproducts “increasing as “increasing yield” or “adding yield” bushels.” or “adding bushe This common This advertising common advertising tactic captures tactic the captures attention theofattention the farmer of and the farmer createsand an interesting creates an interesting conversation conversatio piece, but inpiece, reality, butinput in reality, decisions inputfarmers decisions make farmers can only make protect can only yield protect – not increase yield – not it. increase It is easyit. toItget is easy to get caught up in caught the hot uptopics in theof hot biologicals topics of biologicals and foliar nutritionals, and foliar nutritionals, but if other,but more if other, fundamental more fundamental factors aren’t factors are prioritized then prioritized additional then crop additional inputscrop may inputs not provide may not a return provide on ainvestment. return on investment.

Grain yield Grain is determined yield is determined by the plant’s by most the plant’s limiting most resource limiting asresource described asindescribed Liebig’s Law in Liebig’s of the Minimum Law of the– Minimum often illustrated often as illustrated a barrel with as a barrel staves with representing staves representing independent independent growth factors growth (Liebig’s factors law(Liebig’s of the minimum, law of the minim 2019). If one2019). growth If one factor growth is limited factororisdeficient, limited orthen deficient, yield cannot then yield be maximized. cannot be maximized.

Corn and soybeans Corn and soybeans have the most have yield the potential most yieldwhen potential they are when seeds theyinare a bag seeds – as insoon a bagas– planting as soon as begins, planting the begins, the seeds and plants seeds become and plants exposed become to exposed biotic stresses to biotic (e.g., stresses insects, (i.e., diseases, insects,weeds) diseases, andweeds, etc. abiotic stresses and abiotic (e.g., weather, stressesfertility, (i.e., weather, soil characteristics) fertility, soil characteristics) that minimize yield that minimize yi potential. Obviously, potential. some Obviously, factors some carry factors more carry weight more thanweight others,than andothers, there and th are many variables are manyfarmers variables cannot farmers control. cannot As for control. things Asfarmers for things canfarmers control, soilcontrol, fertilitysoil management fertility management is key, and it is may key, help and itget may help back the basics get back withthe a step-by-step basics with aplan. step-by-step plan.

STEP 1 | OBTAIN SOIL SAMPLES

Soil sampling will aid in understanding and improving one’s farming operation. Composite sampling (1 sample/20 acres) will provide some useful data, but grid sampling (1 sample/2.5 acres) will generate better data that can be used to apply (or not apply) fertilizer more efficiently.

STEP 2 | IMPROVE COMPACTION AND DRAINAGE CONCERNS

Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen make up about 95% of plant biomass. Soil management plays a large role in plant utilization of these nutrients. Improving soil conditions will better utilize the “free fertilizer” that air and water provide. Amending compaction and drainage issues will also help with the uptake of all other essential nutrients.

STEP 3 | MANAGE PH LEVELS

Soil pH affects a plant’s ability to uptake nutrients. The ideal pH for corn and soybeans is between the range of 6.0 to 7.0. Most of the pH management decisions made in southeast Iowa have to do with correcting acidic soils (pH < 6.0). Grid soil sampling and applying lime to the low testing areas is the most effective way to properly manage soil pH.

STEP 4 | CORRECT AND MAINTAIN P AND K LEVELS

Phosphorus and potassium are two macronutrients that are taken up by corn and soybeans in large quantities.

One must consider the removal rates of these nutrients when making fertilizer applications as well as the soil test value. Improper soil sampling and fertilization for P and K will have a negative effect on the crop and will become most apparent under adverse weather conditions.

STEP 5 | MANAGE SECONDARY NUTRIENTS AND MICRONUTRIENTS

The term “micro” in micronutrient does not mean “less important” but rather it means a smaller quantity is required than macronutrients. Soil and plant tissue sampling is a good way to monitor these nutrients. Using these samples to make applications accordingly in low performing fields will help protect yield (Pagani et al., 2013).

There are many more details to talk about and highlight on this topic, but there is value in getting back to the basics in a world full of new, eye-catching products and advertisements. These steps provide a basic overview of fertility management and should help give farmers an order of importance to focus on. Good soil fertility is a proven way to take more control of crop performance and will help maximize yield in both favorable and unfavorable weather conditions.

Sources DeKalb Asgrow Deltapine (2019, December 2). Corn nutrition 101. https://cloudprod.dekalbasgrowdeltapine.com/en-us/agronomy/corn-nutrition-101.html Liebig’s law of the minimum. (2023, July 13). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liebig%27s_law_of_the_minimum Pagani, A., Sawyer, J.E., & Mallarino, A. P. (2013). Site-specific nutrient management: For nutrient management planning to improve crop production, environmental quality, and economic return. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/handle/20.500.12876/33382

CONTINUING ELDON’S TRADITION THE 2023 CUSTOMER APPRECIATION RAFFLE C

amp Courageous is an organization near and dear to our hearts here at Stutsmans. Eldon Stutsman admired Camp Courageous and its mission to help local youth with special needs and their families. Throughout the years, Eldon would collect plastic silverware, paper products and whatever else the camp needed to ensure the children could have a successful experience.

Eldon and the family would travel to support the annual spring omelet and fall pancake breakfast benefits. On their trip, they would take the collected supplies as well as a monetary donation to give to Camp Courageous. With a big heart, Eldon loved to support the children and the camp each year. We have continued to honor his passion for Camp Courageous with support whenever we get a chance whether that be a semi-load of softener salt, livestock supplies for their barn or monetary donations.

During our 2023 Customer Appreciation Dinner, we held a raffle for the first time to raise money for Camp Courageous. Attendees could purchase one ticket for $10 or 12 tickets for $100 for the opportunity to win a $1,200 gift certificate to use at Stutsmans. All proceeds from ticket sales went toward Camp Courageous.

After the raffle was all said and done, the big winner was Nancy Waldschmidt. A total of $1,588 was raised for Camp Courageous during this inaugural raffle. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket, helping us continue Eldon’s tradition.

2023 Raffle Winn er Nancy Waldschmid t

WHAT IS CAMP COURAGEOUS?

it h Camp talking w n a m ts tu Becker Ron S , Charlie O E C s ou Courage

Today, Camp Courageous, based in Monticello, IA, provides year-round recreational, respite and travel opportunities for individuals with special needs and their families.

Camp Courageous supports around 10,000 individuals of all ages every year.

(Average of 27 independent replicated research trials on corn across IA and IL)

Call your local agronomist today to learn how Trivar® can help you get the most out of your fertilizer investment

Zn Zinc

B

Boron

Additional 5% Zinc (Zn) and 0.10% Boron (B)

applied uniformly to each granule

TRIVAR® HAS YOU COVERED AGAINST PHOSPHORUS TIE-UP Control of phosphorus is now right back where it belongs: in your hands.

Powered by Levesol® technology, Trivar® is a broadcast fertilizer additive that prevents phosphorus tie-up, making this vital nurtient more available to your plants. Trivar is effective in both fall and spring dry fertilizer applications.

All about ROI A farmer's fertilizer investment is an important one, and typically 80% of that investment can get tied up.

Trivar ensures you see a better return on that investment by keeping phosphorus and other key nutrients available to the plant. And, unlike many other nutrient availability products, Trivar does so without tying up other micronutrients.

Do it for the phosphorus

Learn more at chsagronomy.com/trivar

With its importance to the health of your crops and impact on yield, freeing up phosphorus on your farm is simply worth the investment. ©2023 CHS Inc. Trivar is a registered trademark of CHS Inc.

MEET THE TEAM SAM ROTH

DEVELOPMENTAL SALES AGRONOMIST Even though he didn’t grow up on a farm, it didn’t take long for

Sam Roth to find his way to the agricultural industry – whether that was being an extra set of hands for friends' families who had cattle, row crops or hay. He also dabbled a little with helping load out turkeys.

Sam’s interest in agriculture led him from his hometown of Packwood, IA to Hawkeye Community College for a degree in ag business then to Iowa State University for a degree in ag studies with a minor in Agronomy. After gaining internship and farm experience, Sam joined the agronomy team in July 2022 as a developmental sales agronomist.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB?

The most rewarding part is meeting or exceeding a customer’s needs and satisfaction standards.

WHO HAS INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER THE MOST?

Bill Parchert - he has consistently pushed me to learn and achieve new goals since day one.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I try to spend time with friends and family. Most of my time on the weekends in the summer is spent on a lake or a pond whether it's boating or riding jet skis.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

"If you haven't learned one new thing today, then the day has been wasted." - David Roth (my grandpa)

IF YOU HAD TO BE A PRODUCT THAT YOU WORK WITH, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?

It would probably be Miravis Neo, because it's fairly new like me, and it works great!

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR NEW ROLE?

I am most excited to learn and create new relationships in or out of the office.

WHICH STUTSMAN CORE VALUE MEANS THE MOST TO YOU?

Set the Bar Higher. There is always room for improvement and growth.

My thought is, if you have the ability to exceed the "bar", why not do it?

FALL HARVEST REMINDERS

PRIORITIZING SAFETY AROUND GRAIN HANDLING EQUIPMENT F

all harvest is a bustling time. It’s the pinnacle of the crop season – the Super Bowl for row crop growers if you will. It can also be one of the most tragic and devastating times. The stories usually go something along the lines of “a corner was cut,” “a deadline needed to be met,” “exhaustion had set in,” or “it has been done this way in the past and nothing bad has happened.” We realize how exciting, exhausting and potentially dangerous this time can be. So, here are a few grain equipment safety tips for when you’re in the thick of it: Make sure anyone working around grain equipment is properly trained in how to safely use and be around it. This is especially important for keeping younger workers safe. A Purdue University study found in 2022, five U.S. grain entrapment cases were individuals under 21 years old (Cheng et al., 2023).

Double check all guards and shields are placed on belts, augers and PTOs to prevent getting entangled.

Be aware of electrical lines when moving equipment like augers. Before moving, lower your auger so it can safely clear electrical lines.

Place a safety gate (also commonly referred to as a safety door or guard) on grain bin ladders to prevent unauthorized individuals, including children, from climbing grain bins when they shouldn’t be.

Check for leaky gas lines.

Watch out for any auger shaking and whether your auger needs to be reattached.

If grain becomes spoiled and you need to break up clumps or crusts, avoid entering the grain bin and placing yourself at risk of becoming entrapped. Instead, try using a long pole to disrupt the clump or crust.

If you absolutely need to enter a grain bin, LOCK OUT, TAG OUT to avoid an accidental engagement of the grain bin unload auger, have an observer watch that nothing goes wrong, wear a mask or respirator to avoid small dust particles making it difficult for you to breathe, and wear a harness attached to a secure rope to prevent falls or entrapments.

Even though we know more about staying safe on the farm than ever, grain-related entrapments and farm accidents are still rising. We don’t want you or someone you love to become a statistic. Stay safe this season!

Sources Cheng, Y., Nour, M., Field, B., Ambrose, K., & Sheldon, E. (2023). 2022 summary of U.S. agricultural confined space-related injuries and fatalities. Agricultural Confined Spaces. https://www.purdue.edu/engineering/ABE/agconfinespaces/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2022-Summary-of-US-Ag-Confined-Space-5-26-23.pdf

BACK TO THE IMPORTANCE OF P AND K THE BASICS

BY: TYSON MILLER | PROVANTAGE ADVISOR

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arming and crop production have always been a balancing act with Mother Nature, and this year was certainly no exception. The dry conditions experienced at the end of the 2022 growing season carried over into the start of 2023.

These conditions were compounded by excessive cool temperatures in the last two weeks of April. As the crop emerged and began to develop into the vegetative stage, some drought-induced deficiencies symptoms appeared — phosphorus and potassium notably. This was not a rare sighting for some of the historically lower performing parts of a field, but it was abnormal for these deficiencies to also show up in higher-yielding and well-fertilized areas, in both corn and soybeans.

PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY

POTASSIUM DEFICIENCY

SO, WHAT HAPPENED?

Dry conditions reduce plant uptake of nutrients, including phosphorus and potassium. Additionally, factors such as soil compaction, side-wall smearing during planting and root pruning further limit the plant’s ability to uptake nutrients during a period of abnormally dry soil conditions like we witnessed (Sawyer, 2000). With whole fields and sections of fields already being low in phosphorus and potassium at the start of the growing season, dry conditions only made the nutrient deficiency symptoms worse. Even some of the fields or sections of fields which started the growing season with adequate P and K levels were impacted by the dry conditions, limiting the plant’s uptake ability of these nutrients.

HOW SHOULD GROWERS RESPOND?

Although we can’t control the rain patterns and in many areas of southeastern Iowa we grow crops without irrigation, we can minimize the factors that reduce nutrient uptake when the weather is favorable so we’re always maximizing our potential. Consider the following: Know the nutrient value of your soil by soil testing every four years. Use grid sampling to get the best representation of your fields high performing and low performing areas. Consider 2.5 acre grids for sampling.

Consult with an agronomist to determine the amount of nutrient removal from your fields each year from harvest and at what pace you want to build the “lower than optimum” nutrient levels in your soil.

Many factors impact the rate at which you build P and K levels, including your designated budget for dry fertilizer application, application timing, weather, tillage program, etc. An agronomist can help you drill into a potential yield return on your investment in building P and K levels in your soil so you can be profitable while improving your soil.

Consider reading the recently updated, February 2023 publication from Iowa State Extension and Outreach about optimum fertility levels for crop production on their website.

GRID SOIL SAMPLING

Phosphorus and potassium are foundational nutrients for crop production and can be maintained at

optimum levels with fall applied dry fertilizer applications. Fall applications provide a timeframe for nutrients to be plant-available in the following growing season. Applications can be made using variable rate prescriptions to precisely place nutrients in key locations of the fields for the greatest yield potential and best return on investment (it’s a win-win situation). Finding balance in your soil chemistry through maintaining optimum nutrient levels can also help alleviate compaction in your fields.

Consider using dry fertilizer additives, like Trivar, to reduce phosphorus tie-up in your soil. Negatively charged phosphorus ions can form a strong positive bond with positively-charged soil ions and limit nutrient uptake in your crops. Trivar can be blended with dry fertilizer and once active in the soil, can break the soil's bond to phosphorus and make phosphorus and other micronutrients more plant-available (CHS Agronomy, n.d.).

The management of soil pH levels is also a key factor in P and K availability in the soil. Even if you have considered the items above, if your pH balance is off, limited availability of P and K will still exist (Preston, n.d.).

HOW CAN STUTSMANS SUPPORT GROWERS WITH P AND K DEFICIENCIES?

If phosphorus and potassium deficiencies are something that you are already seeing, or if you want to get ahead of any potential issues, there are ways we can help.

We offer complete soil sampling services, allowing you to stay on top of the nutrient value in your soil.

We can make recommendations for crop nutrient removals and nutrient build rates to meet your goals for your fields and budget.

We can provide manure sampling lab results. Many fields receive applications of manure as a primary source of nutrients for crop production. There is a lot of variability in the nutrient value of manure, and it’s important to measure the applied nutrients accurately as you consider the next season’s crop production. We have manure sampling bottles available and can process your manure sample in just a few days to help you keep up with your fall workload.

We can create custom dry fertilizer blends and custom apply variable rate fertilizer applications. Maximize your trip across the field with a custom blended dry fertilizer tailored to your fields’ nutrient needs and yield goals.

We have any and all dry fertilizer products and can blend them together in different proportions based on your crop production goals. We can also deliver products to your farm or field and apply them for you at either a flat rate application or using variable rate technology, taking the work out of getting your fertility management under control.

In recent years, costs for dry P and K fertilizer have trended to all-time highs, pushing some growers to reduce or even eliminate their long-term plans for building P and K nutrient levels. However, markets have begun to swing downward, and costs for dry P and K this fall are less than the highs experienced in recent years. It is the perfect time to re-engage your P and K to more optimum levels in your fields and reduce nutritional deficiencies for the coming year’s crop.

VARIABLE RATE APPLICATION MAP

Sources CHS Agronomy. (n.d.) Trivar. https://www.chsagronomy.com/trivar.

Preston, C. (n.d.). Soil pH effects potassium and phosphorus fertility availability and Management. eKonomics. https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/news/soil-ph-effects-potassium-and-phosphorus-fertilizer-availability-and-management/#:~:text=Increasing%20the%20soil%20pH%20with,plant%20availability%20(Figure%201).

Sawyer, J. (2000). Potassium deficiency symptoms in corn. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/potassium-deficiency-symptoms-corn.

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BY: DEREK BONTRAGER | EQUIPMENT SALES

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ertical tillage … it’s a phrase that has been tossed around quite a bit in the last decade. What is it? How does it work? Why would I use vertical tillage? These are all questions we frequently get asked.

For the last 20 years, Salford has been building and selling their Independent Series (I-Series) vertical tillage tools. These tools were one of the first true vertical tillage units on the market designed to manage residue in soil without ruining the soil structure. Salford originally accomplished this by mounting a rolling coulter on a coiled spring shank on a cultivator frame, known as the Coil-Tech Coulter.

The original machine was dubbed the Residue Tillage Specialist or RTS. Salford found they could run the machine at higher operating speeds (8-12mph) across fields and cover ground quicker than conventional tillage. Those higher speeds were achieved due to having coulter blades individually mounted, which helped with obstacle protection. The individual blades still had high weights per blade to keep them engaged in the ground while allowing obstacles (i.e., rocks) and residue to flow through in conditions that would create plugging issues on a conventional gang machine. An additional benefit was the vibrations caused by the independently mounted coulters creating a “jackhammer” effect and fracturing soil at double the coulter depth in the ground. This “jackhammer” effect allowed for improved water filtration, root development and soil oxygenation. This less invasive soil fracturing maintained good residue coverage while still preserving valuable topsoil and alleviating soil compaction.

Fast forward 20 years. Salford has replaced the original RTS with the I-1100 machine and several variations based on it. The I-1100 and I-1200 models come with 1¼” Coil-Tech Coulters and 20” diameter blades on either 7½” spacing (I-1100) or 5” spacing (I-1200). These machines are typically run in the spring for seedbed prep but can be run in the fall at up to 4” deep.

The I-2100 and I-2200 offer the 1⅝” Coil-Tech Coulter II with 22” diameter blades on either 7½” (I-2100) or 5” (I-2200) spacing. These machines are more for fall fieldwork as they tend to be heavier, but they can also be run in the spring for seedbed prep. Maximum fall depth is around 4½” while spring depth is usually no deeper than what the planter would run.

The I-4100 and I-4200 are offered as “hybrid vertical tillage” machines. They have two rows of rubber suspension-mounted concave blades in the front of the machine-mounted on a compound angle. These are followed with individually-mounted Coil-Tech II Coulters to assist with mulching and burying residue. These

I-4200

I-2200

units are offered on 7½” (I-4100) and 5” (I-4200) coulter spacing. These machines are designed to be used for fall tillage and have produced excellent results in heavier soils. The compound angle of the front blades allows for soil to be cut and thrown upwards — rather than sideways like a disc or plow — to better mix and break down residue without creating a compaction-prone “plow layer.” The trailing Coil-Tech II Coulters still allow for true vertical tillage. Either machine can be used in the spring as well and have a similar effect as a soil finisher.

The final variation of the old RTS is the 5200 Enforcer. The 5200 is designed for high-speed primary tillage and comes with four rows of individually mounted concave blades. If you are looking to bury residue and level soil, this is the right tool for the job. It is designed to replace a tandem disc, rather than function as a vertical tillage machine. The 5200 does a great job of mixing residue throughout the soil profile rather than leaving a mat of residue under the soil. The compound angles on the blades cut and throw soil instead of dragging it sideways and rolling it over. This helps with two things: residue breakdown over the winter, and it gives the 5200 the ability to run 9 mph without ridging.

When asked about I-Series machines our Salford rep, Jason Hinners, commented, “The common models in Iowa are the I-1200, I-2200 and I-4200. If I had to plant behind any tool, it would be an I-1200. It may not run quite as deep, but it still does a great job of fracturing soil while leaving an excellent seedbed.” Many of Salford’s customers might run I-Series for both fall and spring tillage. Jason also mentioned, “Many times we find that Salford I-Series tools can get into the field earlier when conditions may be marginal for conventional tillage machines.” This is due to Salford’s superior residue flow and resistance to residue plugging.

I-Series machines are offered in widths ranging from 12’ to 60’, depending on the model. Salford has tried to do a good job of matching the machine to the customer’s available horsepower. Some models also offer the availability of chisel or NH3 shanks for greater tillage or fertilizing ability. All I-Series machines offer 3 bar, ½” tine harrows with a 14” rolling basket following to help distribute residue. Harrow tines and rolling baskets can be adjusted to match field conditions.

If you’re interested in getting into vertical tillage or want to upgrade your equipment, the I-Series is a great place to start. Please contact us with further questions or more information on any Salford I-Series tools. We will be happy to find the right machine for your operation.

I-1200

MEET THE TEAM

KEEGAN MEYER AR/AP CLERK Meet Keegan Meyer, our new AR/AP clerk! This rural Lisbon native and FFA member joined our administration team this past March.

Prior to joining us, Keegan worked at a local vet clinic. In addition to being an AR/AP clerk and assisting with billing for the agronomy department, Keegan is also currently working toward her Associate of Applied Science degree in business administration through Kirkwood Community College.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN YOUR NEW ROLE?

I am excited to build customer relationships.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I enjoy working with and showing livestock, being with family and friends and being outdoors.

WHAT IS SOMETHING RANDOM THAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am an only child.

WHAT IS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? To travel out west!

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Great things come from hard work and perseverance.

WHICH STUTSMAN CORE VALUE MEANS THE MOST TO YOU?

Value Collaboration. I believe it takes a team to be successful.

Multiproduct fall fertilizer applications have never been so cool.

Raven AccuFlow™ NH3 with Rate Control Module (RCM)

AccuFlow™

Get industry-leading anhydrous product control that helps multiproduct operations flow.

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Contact your local Stutsman dealer to simplify your multiproduct NH3 applications with Raven.

ravenind.com RMKT_00042

BAZOOKA BAZOOKA FARMSTAR FARMSTAR PHAN PH

REDUCING REDUCINGDOWNTIME, DOWNTIM I

n May, Bazooka Farmstar introduced its newest injection unit, the Phantom 2. The new unit’s predecessor, the Phantom 1 injection unit, set the standard for decreasing erosion, soil disturbance, and manure runoff, which can negatively impact the environment. Like the Phantom 1, the Phantom 2 injection unit is compatible with both toolbars and tankbars. The new row unit comes with the hallmark features of the Phantom 1 such as precise injection ability at 4” to 6” below the surface, nickel-plated pins for corrosion resistance, 13-wave closure blades for more nutrients to be absorbed in the soil with less odor, and ease of repair.

UPGRADED FEATURES The Phantom 2 injection units have a 2,500 to 20,000 GPA capability compared to the 2,500 to 15,000 GPA capability for the Phantom 1 injection unit. They also include a closure blade downforce adjustment, leading to more consistent coverage when field conditions and soil types vary (because no two fields can be the same, right?). If a field has harder ground, the closure blade can be adjusted to place more pressure downwards. As a result, more soil and plant matter will be moved then placed back over the trench the injector creates.

EDGE UPGRADE We’ve talked about the Phantom Edge units in the past when they were introduced as an upgrade to the Phantom 1 injection unit. In need of a refresher on the Phantom Edge units? Visit the “Getting an Edge With the Latest in the Phantom Line” and “Phantom Edge Follow-Up” articles on our blog. With a wider trench, the Phantom Edge Upgrade for the Phantom 2 allows for a higher GPA of 25,000. The Phantom Edge Upgrade is also further designed to tackle harder ground conditions.

TOM NTOM 2 INJECTION 2 INJECTION UNIT UNIT

NCREASING INCREASINGUPTIME UPTIME OUR THOUGHTS

Our manure experts have vetted the Phantom 2. Here are manure salesman, Mark Rohret’s, thoughts: The Phantom 2 injection units are an especially good fit for custom applicators because of their increased durability and longevity. One example of a longevity upgrade is the main hub now having two seals. They also require less maintenance than other injection units, keeping the manure pumping instead of being stuck in the shop. Replacing parts became a whole lot easier with the Phantom 2 because everything is bolted on, saving time when it matters most – not to mention, it’s one less thing to do when you’re already worried about everything else that needs to be done. The closure blade downforce adjustment is an added perk to the injection unit because of coverage consistency and adaptability to varying fields it provides.

As the Phantom 2 injection units see their first season this fall, we look forward to seeing what customers think about these new units. If we’ve piqued your interest, our manure equipment team is just a phone call or visit away.

SEE THE PHANTOM 2 INJECTION UNITS IN ACTION.

EMBRACING TRADITION INSPIRING INNOVATION

CELEBRATING SALFORD’S 20 YEAR LEGACY OF TRUE VERTICAL TILLAGE Scan the QR to check out Salford’s video series celebrating 20 years of true vertical tillage & access Salfordgroup.com

FIELD YOUR BEST

Osceola, Iowa

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2024 HYBRID PICKS BY: GRANT MAURER | SEED MANAGER

Seed placement can be a challenging task for anyone to accomplish. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be a

daunting task if we have yield goals, field history and yield potential in mind. There are numerous ways to place hybrids, but I like to break a field down into three categories when determining hybrid placement. This method helps simplify the seed placement process.

Our first category focuses on the high productivity acres. This category can have a bigger ROI impact on your operation and is usually where we can find the highest yields. From a hybrid standpoint, we want to try and maximize our yield potential by planting an offensive or “racehorse” type of hybrid on these acres. A high productivity field can include the following: increased CSR2 ratings (83+), higher fertility levels and well-drained soils.

The second category includes variable or average acres. These acres are still productive but can have some issues like variable terrain and soil type, average fertility, or could have drainage issues. This category could describe most fields in a grower’s operation. For this category, a broad-acre placement hybrid is ideal – something that offers a mix of defensive and offensive traits, is adaptable to changing field conditions, and still delivers good yield results.

Finally, the last category describes tougher acres where soil types can vary significantly from light sandy soils to heavy clay sidehills. This could also include fields with rolling terrain, lower CSR2 ratings and lower fertility.

Thanks to modern hybrid genetics there are solutions tailored to this environment. For these fields, we are looking for a hybrid with a strong root system to handle tough, root-limiting environments, stalk strength for harvest standability, and a good disease package (especially for areas with limited access to fungicide applications).

HERE ARE SOME OF MY 2024 PICKS FOR THE CATEGORIES BELOW:

HIGH PRODUCTIVITY ACRES

AgriGold A641-85TRE

Brevant B09Z08AM

Dekalb DKC62-89TRE

AVERAGE OR VARIABLE ACRES

AgriGold A644-19 3220EZ

Brevant B12C01AM

Dekalb DKC65-95RIB

TOUGH ACRES

AgriGold A643-52VT2

Brevant B13K20AM

Dekalb DKC63-57RIB

VS.

COVER COVERCROP CROPCOMMEN COMME I

f you frequent any ag forum, chances are you will see discussion on cover crops with opinions ranging from growers that have had success to growers who have given up on them. Cover crops do have the potential to increase organic matter, provide weed control, reduce compaction and erosion, and produce feed for livestock.

However, they also come with some potential downfalls and their own set of challenges. Whether you’re on the cover crop train or not is entirely up to you, but if you’re even just a little bit curious, here are a few things to consider as we enter the fall cover crop seeding time in Iowa and across the Midwest.

SEEDINGMETHODS METHODS SEEDING

One of the first steps to integrating cover crops into an agronomy plan is deciding how to seed in the fall. There are multiple ways to approach cover crop seeding.

DRILLING

While drilling guarantees the best seed distribution and seed-to-soil contact, it is also dependent upon the corn and soybean harvest being completed. Depending on how long that takes, drilling might not be able to take place until after the ideal planting date (mid to late October). Less grow time equals less biomass and nitrogen uptake (Licht, 2019).

BROADCASTING WITH INCORPORATION

Broadcasting with incorporation is the most common seeding method we see our customers using. This method can occur using a single or double pass system. One example would be using an air seeder or applicator like the Valmar 56 Series attached to a piece of equipment. After the seed is broadcasted, it should be incorporated into the soil using vertical tillage or another tillage form. Some growers use a rig that allows them to seed and incorporate (i.e., broadcasting seed while applying dry fertilizer and tilling) in a single pass rather than two. We find that growers in our area prefer broadcasting cover crop seed with dry fertilizer and following with tillage. Broadcasting with incorporation should also take place from mid to late October after the corn or soybean crop has been harvested (Licht, 2019).

OVERSEEDING

Overseeding is done using high-clearance equipment or aerial broadcasting since it takes place when there is standing corn or soybeans in the fall (Licht, 2019). Aerial seeding is one of the more common seeding methods used in the Midwest because it can be done while the corn or soybean crop is still in the ground around late August to early September. Overseeding should take place by September 15. Aerial seeding also allows for more acres to be seeded in less time. However, it tends not to be as evenly distributed and has a greater likelihood of the seed being eaten by rodents or birds. To combat this, it is better to plant a heavier cereal grain and overseed when the soil is not dry (Licht, 2021).

Aerial seeding can also now be done using a drone; however, it is not done this way much in our area yet.

Drones can more easily navigate smaller fields, more obstacles or acres near urban areas, all of which make it more difficult to seed using a plane (Swoboda, 2020). Only time will tell how soon this method hits our area. Planes, on the other hand, can be more cost-effective at times, especially for growers with more acres.

There are also other factors at play including the cost and availability of either option.

TIMING TIMING

Timing … it’s everything when it comes to cover crops. When it comes to drilling or broadcasting with incorporation, the timing challenge is waiting for the fall corn and soybean harvest to be completed, which can

NTARY: ARY: FALL FALLSEEDING SEEDING reduce growing time. On the other hand, for overseeding, cover crops cannot be planted too early because corn and soybeans will shade the seeds and prevent germination, but the earlier cover crops, like rye, can get planted, the better. Plus, the earlier a cover crop is planted, the more biomass it will generate, leading to important benefits.

Since seed-to-soil contact cannot be guaranteed with overseeding, the soil surface and weather conditions also need to be accounted for. When the ground is too dry it can hinder germination. For this reason, it’s ideal to postpone overseeding until rain chances improve if the soil is particularly dry. Cereal rye, a common cover crop in Iowa, is also a good option during drier times because it has a better overwintering survival rate (Licht, 2021).

FUNDINGOPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES FUNDING

With conservation at the forefront of federal and private funding, there are multiple cost-share opportunities for growers willing to implement cover crops into their operations (Viner, 2023). Federal programs like EQIP help share the cost of cover crops. Private funding can also come from organizations like Practical Farmers of Iowa, which has a program that is stackable with other programs like EQIP (Bader, 2020).

MAKE MAKETHE THEPLAN. PLAN.ADAPT ADAPTTHE TO PLAN. THE PLAN. EXECUTETHE THEPLAN. PLAN.ADJUST ADJUSTTHE THEPLAN. PLAN. EXECUTE

In addition to developing a plan for how you want to seed your cover crops, it’s important to consider how you will terminate cover crops and when you will terminate. Termination should happen at least 10 to 14 days before planting, especially for corn (Anderson, 2023). If termination does not happen enough in advance, detrimental effects can occur for the field. There are growers who cut termination too close to planting time.

Even though cover crops have been around for many years, we are still learning more about how to best use them. The ever-unpredictable weather does not make that any easier. Nevertheless, without a plan and some practice, you will most likely not see the results you are hoping for.

There is no “one size fits all” approach. Fortunately, there are resources out there for getting started with cover crops, and of course, our agronomists are always here to help provide answers on seed and application options.

Sources Anderson, M. (2023). Cover crop termination review for 2023. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/meaghan-anderson/cover-crop-termination-review-2023 Bader, Z. (2020). Iowa cover crops: Answers to 8 common questions. Iowa Farm Bureau. https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Article/Iowa-Cover-Crops-Answers-to-Common-Questions Licht, M. (2019). A look at cover crop seeding methods. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/blog/mark-licht/look-cover-crop-seeding-methods Licht, M. (2021). Considerations when overseeding cover crops. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/cropnews/2021/07/considerations-when-overseeding-cover-crops Swoboda, R. (2020). Drones fly on cover crop seed. Farm Progress. https://www.farmprogress.com/technology/drones-fly-on-cover-crop-seed Viner, A. (2023). Funding charges up conservation efforts. Iowa Farmer Today. https://agupdate.com/iowafarmertoday/news/state-and-regional/funding-charges-up-conservation-efforts/article_fd94a852-110d-11ee-9ee7-afc493fee9d0.html

NH3 COOLERS SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE BY: BRIAN MILLER | EQUIPMENT & PRECISION AG SALES NH3 is one of the most stable and concentrated forms of nitrogen and still probably the most popular form of nitrogen to use across the Corn Belt. We’ve all heard the stories of close calls and disasters. Try not to become one of those stories in the attempt to save a minute or two. Safety, maintenance ahead of time, and a little common sense in-season can go a long way. Let’s look at a couple of ways to make sure we can have a safe fall when using NH3 coolers like the Raven AccuFlow.

BLEEDERS, BLEEDERS, BLEEDERS

If you must work on an NH3 toolbar or do any maintenance in-season, it always takes longer than you think to bleed down a bar before you can work on it. If you have multiple bleeder valves in different locations, it can drastically reduce the amount of time it takes before you can do your work. Just don’t forget to shut them all!

Another good option is to visit us in Hills and pick up a few pass-through bleed valves. They operate just like normal but have a hose barb on the outlet where you can attach a hose and run it somewhere else on the bar and away from the operator.

LOOK OVER YOUR DATED AND NON-DATED HOSE

Any hose that would be deemed “pressurized” should be dated hose.

If it isn’t, that should be changed. If it is a dated hose, check the hose to see if it is out of date. NH3 causes normal hose to become more prone to cracking due to the product and the constant heating and cooling. Any “non-pressurized” hose should also be visually checked for wear and brittleness. The white and clear row hose is especially prone to this. We have black EVA hose that is sun-wear resistant and kink resistant, making it a good, economical replacement hose.

Finally, just use common sense. Try to park upwind when you are changing tanks, always drive defensively when going from farm to farm, and do any tests and procedures you can while the NH3 toolbar is not under pressure. You may not be able to save the extra minute that the guy across the fence can, but that extra minute may save your life.

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