Market Feed Blog
Agronomy Update December 2018
Posted on December 10, 2018
MANAGEMENT By: Jessica Stacy, Product SpecialistCool and wet weather during October and November has resulted in the nation’s slowest soybean harvest on record since 2009 (USDA Office of the Chief Economist WOAB). Soybean harvest is 94 percent complete, 4 percent behind the 4-year average (USDA Crop[...]
Update from the Field: Tip Toe Through the Tulips
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on December 10, 2018
Given the recent rains and soggy soils that have plagued us this fall, compaction should be on everyone’s mind. With the ever-increasing size of tractors and equipment, compaction can become a problem that will limit yield potential. How big the problem is will be determined[...]
Update from the Field: A Lot of Corn in Those Fields
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on December 4, 2018
The USDA’s November 26th Crop Progress Report showed the U.S. corn harvest at 94 percent complete, down slightly from the five-year average of 96 percent. Figure 1 shows a chart of each state’s harvest progress from Farm Bureau. One common thread with 2017 and this year[...]
Update from the Field: Spring into Action this Fall
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on November 26, 2018
Abundant rain the last couple of months in much of the Cornbelt has promoted the relatively early emergence of winter annual weeds. In particular, the big three turning our fields a nice lush green are marestail, chickweed, and purple deadnettle. In addition, there are perennials out[...]
Your Guide to Choosing the Right Zinc
Posted by: Jessica Stacy, Product Specialist on November 21, 2018
As discussed in the November Agronomy Update, zinc plays a crucial role in crop production. The role of zinc includes, but is not limited to: protein synthesis, seed and grain formation, growth regulation, and cell elongation. Zinc is immobile in the soil, so a constant supply is needed[...]
Update from the Field: Micronutrients: Not Sexy, but Essential
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on November 13, 2018
As the title suggests, micronutrient applications are not the most widely talked about in the agriculture industry. They are not applied or sold by the ton, and you may not even know your crop is deficient. The term we bat around in the[...]
Update from the Field: Degrade Your Stalks, Not Your Pocket Book
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on November 7, 2018
A couple of months ago, I wrote about the up and coming corn crop’s huge yield and highlighted all the corn stover that was going to accompany this crop. To the delight of the farmers, the huge corn yields did arrive, and as[...]
Agronomy Update November 2018
Posted on November 5, 2018
MANAGEMENT By: Jessica Stacy, Product SpecialistFarming is variable. Some years are great, and you can throw everything but the kitchen sink at your crop; other years, not as much. When crop prices are less than ideal, nutritional “add-ons” and stimulant-type products are typically[...]
Update from the Field: White Corn Down!
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on November 2, 2018
Corn lodging resulting from stalk rot diseases can cause complications during harvest, loss of grain on the ground, and/or grain quality issues. A higher than normal incidence of stalk rot disease is evident in many fields across the Cornbelt this year. Stalk strength is further compromised[...]
Update from the Field: Wonderful Winter Wheat Weather?
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on October 23, 2018
Winter wheat can be a hard crop to grow successfully. As crops start coming off, we need to put planting our wheat seed as priority. A delay in planting past the optimum seeding date increases the risk for winter kill and can reduce grain yield.[...]
Update from the Field: El Niño, Nacho Typical Winter
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist and Dani Kusner, Agronomist on October 15, 2018
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed there’s a fifty percent chance of an El Niño weather pattern in the U.S. through November. The chances of El Niño conditions increase to about seventy percent by the onset[...]
Don’t Guess, Soil Test
Posted By Dave Dyson, Agronomist and Dani Kusner, Agronomist on October 15, 2018
Soil testing is an invaluable tool to any farmer or ag business concerned with soil or plant health, both of which directly impact yield. Fall and early winter are the optimum times for soil sampling. Sampling this time of year allows producers to[...]
Organics: Indiana Organics are Hot
Posted by Dani Kusner on October 9, 2018
As we move through harvest, I’m reflecting on another strong summer of field days, and I can’t wait until after harvest when we have more time to meet again this winter. This season, some of the most influential gatherings occurred in Indiana. This is a[...]
Update from the Field: Put Back What You Take
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on October 2, 2018
Record yields have placed higher nutrient demands on the soil, and, if yield trends continue, the demand for soil nutrients will also increase. The harvest in the southern Cornbelt indicates a huge crop will be taken off the fields this fall. Early results[...]
Do Your Spring Cleaning This Fall
Posted on September 26, 2018
Did you know a 200 bu/A corn crop can leave up to 5 tons/A of residue in the field?
Stalk degradation is an essential part of field management. As harvest nears, the question of what to do with corn residue will arise. That residue is[...]
Update from the Field: Who is the Weed’s Daddy?
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on September 25, 2018
In the coming weeks, combines will be rolling and this year’s soybean crop will be coming off. As my travels take me across the Corn Belt, I have noticed areas in mature soybean fields that have been taken over with weeds. These[...]
Agronomy Update September 2018
Posted on September 24, 2018
MANAGEMENT By Agronomist, Dave DysonThe Pro Farmer Crop Tour has wrapped up, and they have released their official yield estimate for the 2018 U.S. corn crop. They have estimated the U.S. corn crop at 177.3 bushel per acre average. The[...]
We Love Our Pelletized Products!
Posted on September 19, 2018
With the growing season nearing harvest, it is time to think about fall fertilizer applications, particularly for pH and liming needs. The first step is to take a thorough soil test to measure values of major nutrients (NPK), cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium, hydrogen and sodium), and micronutrients.[...]
Update from the Field: Trash Talk
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on September 18, 2018
The Pro Farmer Crop Tour has wrapped up, and they have released their official yield estimate for the 2018 U.S. corn crop. They have estimated the U.S. corn crop at 177.3 bushel per acre average. The USDA came out with their estimate[...]
Update from the Field: Popping Pods
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on September 11, 2018
We are in the home stretch with harvest just around the corner! The big question on every producer’s mind is, “How will my soybean plants yield?” In general, it can be fickle to predict soybean yield because there are[...]
Update from the Field: Ear it Comes Again
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on September 4, 2018
Last year I wrote an article named “Ear Comes Trouble” after much of the Corn Belt saw an increase in ear rots. The huge amount of ear rot last year helped lay down a healthy amount of inoculum that survived and spread to[...]
Organics: From Markets to Management
Posted by Dani Kusner on August 31, 2018
On Aug 21, 2018, The Andersons Food Ingredients and Specialty Grains team held the first Organic Market Update meeting in Blissfield, Michigan to share about organic and non-GMO market conditions, as well as provide an opportunity for relationship-building between current and new organic and transitioning growers from Michigan and[...]
Update from the Field: Count On Corn
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on August 28, 2018
Several times this past week, I have been asked two big questions: “How is the corn crop progressing?” and “What is your best guess at yield for the 2018 corn crop?” Scouting the corn field at 55 MPH will not tell you much.[...]
Update from the Field: A Tale of Two Seasons
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on August 20, 2018
This corn growing season has manifested into two noticeable extremes, an early planting and a late planting. The two plantings this year were driven by weather and a horrifically-wet spring. The early corn was put in the ground around the last week in April,[...]
Update from the Field: Perplexing Pollination Problems
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on August 13, 2018
Over the last few weeks, the Cornbelt has seen above-normal temperatures and, in some areas, below-normal precipitation. Experiencing prolonged heat and moisture stress is not a good combination for the corn plant, especially during pollination and grain fill.
Peak pollen shed[...]
Update from the Field: Nematodes, the Other Insect
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on August 8, 2018
If I had to pick one insect that has the greatest influence on soybean production worldwide year in and year out, I would pick the soybean cyst nematode. These microscopic insects live in the soil and attach to the soybean root, literally sucking the life[...]
Agronomy Update August 2018
Posted on August 2, 2018
MANAGEMENT By Agronomists, Dave Dyson, Dani Kusner & Jessica StacyFor the past few weeks, reports have increased for different kinds of beetles attacking both corn and soybeans. The first pest is the Japanese beetle, which is normal for this time of year. [...]
Update from the Field: Beetle Mania
Posted by Agronomists, Dave Dyson, Dani Kusner & Jessica Stacy on July 30, 2018
For the past few weeks, reports have increased for different kinds of beetles attacking both corn and soybeans. The first pest is the Japanese beetle, which is normal for this time of year. The second looks like a Japanese beetle on steroids (figure 1)![...]
Update from the Field: Boring Insects are not Boring
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on July 23, 2018
Soybean fields are starting to become overrun with weeds that are herbicide-resistant. This phenomenon is not new and will continue to get worse over time. The reason glyphosate-tolerant crops became so popular in 1996 was that the weeds at the time were almost impossible to kill with existing[...]
Boost Winter Wheat Yields
Posted on July 23, 2018
Wheat responds to phosphorus more than any other commodity crop grown in the Midwest and Great Plains states. Providing fertilizer with the seed during planting is the most effective method of phosphorus placement for maximum yield potential.
The Andersons offers PureGrade® Liquid Fertilizers that[...]
Organics: Nitrogen in Corn
Posted by Dani Kusner on July 19, 2018
As we move past the July 4th holiday into the rest of summer, thoughts shift to mid- and late-season foliars. The same technology that is employed in conventional agriculture can be used in organic production to pull a crop out of a slump, or to add extra bushels to[...]
Organizational Changes To Plant Nutrient Team
Posted on July 17, 2018
The Andersons Announces Organizational Changes to Plant Nutrient Team
July 16, 2018
MAUMEE, OHIO, July 16, 2018 – The Andersons, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANDE) is pleased to announce key leadership changes within its Plant Nutrient Group’s wholesale fertilizer business.
Sarah Pirolli has been promoted to Vice[...]
Update from the Field: Not Mushroom for Fungus
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on July 16, 2018
As the days start to get shorter, our soybeans are starting to flower. Once soybean plants start flowering, they enter the reproductive stage, and the plants can be very susceptible to stress. This stress can come in many forms: drought, insect, weeds, and fungus. In this[...]
Agronomy Update July 2018
Posted on July 10, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, AgronomistIn parts of the corn belt, quite a bit of corn was planted in a two week window. With the potential for booming corn yields and more acres than usual ripening at once, harvest may take a while to complete. The[...]
Update from the Field: Fireworks, Fertilizer, and Fungicide
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on July 9, 2018
In parts of the corn belt, quite a bit of corn was planted in a two week window. With the potential for booming corn yields and more acres than usual ripening at once, harvest may take a while to complete. The average temperature has been about[...]
Update from the Field: Growing Pains
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on June 25, 2018
As the days start getting shorter and the weeds start getting taller in the soybean fields, our collective attention starts to focus on post applying herbicides. In past years, when 99% of the U.S. soybean acres were glyphosate tolerant, there were no worries, as we could[...]
Update from the Field: Twisted Sister
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on June 18, 2018
As the corn growing season moves from cooler, spring-like weather to the heat of summer, it is not uncommon to see fields with scattered plants whose leaves appear twisted or wrapped. This phenomenon is known as rapid growth syndrome. It can occur when the corn plant[...]
Agronomy Update June 2018
Posted on June 13, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, AgronomistWhen my kids start complaining about their teenage angst, the saying around my house is: “Do you need a tissue for your issue?” In the agriculture world, sometimes taking a tissue sample can make you aware of an issue before[...]
Organics: Machinery Innovations for Organic Weed Control
Posted by Dani Kusner on June 13, 2018
For farmers who are transitioning into organics from conventional farming, their number one concern is likely weeds. Since herbicides are prohibited under the National Organic Program, organic farmers have historically managed their weeds with tillage.
Throughout this year’s sustainable and organic meetings, there was a[...]
Update from the Field: Smoke ‘em, Don’t Burn ‘em
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on June 11, 2018
Weed resistance is becoming a nationwide epidemic. Long-term resistance management requires more than pest control aimed only at minimizing crop loss in any one season. In this week’s post, I would like to show some of the weeds prone to resistance and provide some suggestions for controlling[...]
Update from the Field: A Tissue for an Issue
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on June 4, 2018
When my kids start complaining about their teenage angst, the saying around my house is: “Do you need a tissue for your issue?” In agriculture, sometimes taking a tissue sample can make you aware of an issue before yield damage has occurred.
Tissue sampling[...]
Update from the Field: Get a Head Start on Head Blight
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on May 30, 2018
The recent wet weather is not only playing havoc on planting crops, the high moisture is fueling fungal spores that can damage existing crops. There are two main diseases to watch for right now: Fusarium head blight (or head scab) and Anthracnose.
Depending on the region,[...]
Update from the Field: Don’t Let Residue Pin You Down
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on May 21, 2018
As little corn seedlings start emerging from the soil, some corn plants seem to be coming out of the ground faster than others. Last week, I was called out to investigate a no-till corn field with uneven emergence. The field in question had plants two inches tall next to[...]
Update from the Field: Corn-fused
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on May 15, 2018
The most important pass a farmer can make across the field is the planting pass, but success does not stop with one single event. Plant spacing and emergence timing are critical in yield determination and there are many factors that must occur to achieve uniform spacing and emergence. The[...]
Agronomy Update May 2018
Posted on May 8, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, AgronomistThis last month I had the opportunity to travel to North Platte, Nebraska. North Platte is the home to West Central Research and Extension Center for the University of Nebraska. This research facility is utilized by Dr. Greg Kruger, an[...]
Update from the Field: Déjà Vu All Over Again
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on May 8, 2018
We had a good ten days of decent planting conditions before the rain shut everything down. Now I sit here looking out of my office window, pondering how much rain we will get and when we will get back on these water logged fields. As the great[...]
Update from the Field: Committed to Excellence
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on May 1, 2018
This last month I had the opportunity to travel to North Platte, Nebraska. One might ask why I would visit North Platte, Nebraska. Could it be to tour the fourth largest cattle lot, the world’s largest rail road yard, or maybe to see the[...]
Developing a Complete Soybean System
Posted by Jessica Stacy, Agronomist on April 30, 2018
When it comes to soybeans, never underestimate the power of proper fertility. When planning for the upcoming planting season, consider the needs of your soybeans in the long term. How your soybeans start out affects them all the way to harvest.
Management
Update from the Field: The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow…
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on April 24, 2018
As the title suggests, you can bet your bottom dollar that spring will eventually come out and play in the northern half of the country. While we wait, let us explore some ways to get the corn crop jump-started, especially with the colder- and wetter-than-normal conditions we&rsquo[...]
Agronomy Update April 2018
Posted on April 19, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, Agronomist The Three Amigos — Zinc, Manganese, and BoronThe three micronutrients included in a starter fertilizer should be zinc, manganese, and boron. Zinc is the most deficient micronutrient in the world, with boron coming in a close second. Please note,[...]
Update from the Field: Will La Niña Take a Siesta
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on April 16, 2018
The crazy, non-spring weather is the talk of the town everywhere you look today. Here it is, the middle of April, and there is still snow in the forecast. Like it or not, this is very normal and was predicted last fall. It’s La Ni[...]
The Andersons Advantage: Corn Research Update
Posted on April 12, 2018
The Andersons conducts third party research trials to put our products to the test. This year the test sites were located in Ohio, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Additionally, Beck’s Hybrids tested several of The Andersons products in their Practical Farm Research (PFR) trials, and two of our[...]
Update from the Field: Hold the Salt
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on April 11, 2018
Every year after planting, questions start about pop-up fertilizer. The questions always occur when there are emergence or germination issues. Before planting gets into full swing, let’s get a head start and think about safely applying a high-orthophosphate, low salt starter in furrow - we will[...]
Update from the Field: The Three Amigos — Zinc, Manganese, and Boron
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on April 3, 2018
The three micronutrients that should be included in a starter fertilizer are zinc, manganese, and boron. Zinc is the most deficient micronutrient in the world, with boron coming in a close second. Please note, as with any nutrients that will be added to your starter, a little goes[...]
Update from the Field: Stand Up for Wheat
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on March 26, 2018
Evaluating wheat stands early in the spring can be a challenge in a normal year. We just came out of an extremely dry fall where we experienced very poor germination and reduced stands. With only a week into spring, we are seeing erratic temperature swings, heavy snow[...]
Update from the Field: Path of Least Resistance
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on March 19, 2018
The last couple of years we have been inundated with horror stories of herbicide-resistant weeds taking over the countryside. Some of us have had the pleasure of fighting nasty, resistant weeds from burndown to harvest. Some of the weeds that have been documented to have some level of herbicide[...]
Agronomy Update March 2018
Posted on March 15, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, AgronomistStarter Additives Add Up
If we want to bring our yields up to the next level, we need to take a serious look at starter additives. I’d like to talk about two additives which contain fulvic acid and[...]
Update from the Field: Damn the Dicamba, Full Speed Ahead
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on March 12, 2018
In the last few months, there has been a major push by both the chemical industry and the extension agencies to “teach” applicators how to apply dicamba properly. While waiting at meetings to present my slide show, I have had a chance to listen to several[...]
Update from the Field: Back to Bean Basics
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on March 5, 2018
As my travels take me around the Midwest, I hear more and more farmers deciding to plant soybeans after soybeans. The USDA estimates soybean acres will be higher than corn acres in 2018. The majority of additional soybean acres will be coming from wheat or CRP ground, but[...]
Which Starter Fertilizer is Right for You?
Posted on February 20, 2018
A proper fertility program can help to increase profit potential, mitigate risk, and protect investments. With so many options to choose from, you may be wondering how to choose the best option for your operation. We suggest a multi-step approach.
HOW CAN I[...]
Update from the Field: What are the 4Rs?
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on February 19, 2018
In the past few years, excess nutrients in our watersheds have been causing havoc where they converge. We see large concentrations of phosphorus in Lake Erie causing algae blooms and large concentrations of nitrates in the Gulf of Mexico causing a “dead zone” the size of[...]
Update from the Field: Take a Stand on Corn Population
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on February 12, 2018
In recent years we have been told, by seed companies, that seeding population has a direct relation with yield. I somewhat agree with that statement. When we increase the population evenly we will increase yield, but will yield continue to increase indefinitely? Technology has made it[...]
Agronomy Update February 2018
Posted on February 12, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, AgronomistPrepay season seems to be winding down across the corn belt, but before the talk goes completely away from inputs, let’s have a discussion about additives in your starter.
The term starter can have many meanings to[...]
Update from the Field: Future of Agronomy
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on February 5, 2018
Since November, I have been traveling around to The Andersons Farm Centers and Grain facilities talking about the future of agronomy and agriculture. As of December 2017, the world population is 7.9 billion. The United Nations estimates the world is currently growing at a rate 1.09% per year. If that current rate[...]
Update from the Field: Micronutrients and Starter
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on January 30, 2018
Prepay season seems to be winding down across the corn belt, but before the talk goes completely away from inputs, let’s have a discussion about additives in your starter.
The term starter can have many meanings to many different growers. The reason we[...]
Update from the Field: Don’t Cheat on Your Wheat
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on January 23, 2018
Wheat top dressing season is just around the corner. Whether you are top dressing with liquid or dry nitrogen, some decisions need to be made now. There are pros and cons with both types of nitrogen. By making a few important choices now, you can prevent potential headaches later[...]
PureGrade Starter Fertilizers: Outgrow. Outlast. Out Yield.
Posted on January 22, 2018
OUTGROW the ConventionalResearch has shown liquid starter fertilizers offer young seedlings a faster and healthier start. When placed near the seed, essential nutrients are more available and go to work immediately, powering young seedlings towards maximum production. Including a PureGrade liquid fertilizer from The Andersons will ensure your[...]
Update from the Field: No-Till, No-Worries
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on January 15, 2018
Last week, I attended the National No-Till Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. I spoke with many farmers about the benefits of using a seed safe, highly efficient, high quality starter in-furrow. A high quality, low-salt starter is very beneficial in any tillage system, but is particularly important in a[...]
Organics: Good, Better, Best
Posted by Dani Kusner, Agronomist and Certified Crop Advisor on January 10, 2018
Happy New Year! In my last post, I wrote about the power of plants—photosynthesis drives the carbon-building and mineralization processes in soil that move nutrients through the roots to the plant which benefits its growth and reproduction.
Lately, I’ve been wondering: What[...]
Agronomy Update January 2018
Posted on January 9, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, AgronomistAs we say goodbye to the past and ring in the new year, it is time to look forward to the next cropping season. A good plan can be the difference between an average yield and a great yield. Planning for a[...]
Update from the Field: Cold Weather Bugs Me
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on January 8, 2018
The last couple of weeks of extremely cold weather has brought up some questions as to how insect pests will react to this situation. Insects are cold-blooded animals, meaning that their body temperature is similar to that of their surroundings. They do not maintain a body temperature as[...]
Update from the Field: A Year in Review
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on December 26, 2017
As we celebrate another Christmas with family and friends, let us look back at the cropping season of 2017. This year saw new genetics, wild weather, and even wilder commodity prices.
With the New Year came the anxiety of wondering what products, if any, was the[...]
Organics: The Power of Plants
Posted by Dani Kusner, Organic Agronomy Advisor on December 21, 2017
Last week, the first snow fell in Northern Ohio. Today, the winter solstice officially marks the beginning of winter. On the solstice–the shortest day of the year—I always enjoy a few moments of celebration because yes, while winter is here with blustery snow and low[...]
PFR Proven™: Diamond 6-24-6 & First Pass® with MicroCarb ZMB™
Posted on December 18, 2017
Two of The Andersons products achieved a significant milestone this year, earning the status of “PFR Proven” by Beck’s Hybrids. The first, PureGrade® Diamond 6-24-6 liquid fertilizer, earned the honor after providing a 3-year multi-location ROI of $12.78 per acre on corn. Diamond 6-2[...]
Update from the Field: Make Data Great Again!
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on December 18, 2017
It is beginning to look a lot like “prepay” season, and with prepay comes the inevitable question, “How much nitrogen do you think I need to apply per acre?” Nitrogen rate recommendations for a given field are traditionally linked to historical yield levels. For a[...]
Update from the Field: Up in Smoke
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on December 11, 2017
Last week at the Fluid Fertilizer Foundation meeting, I had a discussion with a couple of colleagues about fall nitrogen application. The discussion centered on the pros and cons of different types of nitrogen being applied in the fall. One group liked urea (46%) and UAN 28% for the safety and[...]
Agronomy Update December 2017
Posted on December 11, 2017
MANAGEMENT THE IMPORTANCE OF ZINCZinc is one of the micronutrients required for plant growth and development. Zinc is essential for protein synthesis, seed and grain formation, plant maturity, growth regulation, and the formation of enzyme systems. Zinc is immobile in the soil, so a constant[...]
Starters and Micros: Better Together
Posted on December 7, 2017
Macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, hamburgers and fries – some things are just better together. Similar to these pairings, a perfect mate exists for your liquid starter and you don’t have to look any further than the MicroSolutions® line of micronutrients.[...]
Update from the Field: Let’s Have a Fiesta for La Niña
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on December 5, 2017
While drinking coffee at the local watering hole these past few weeks, I have been hearing a lot of grumbling about the “crazy” weather we have been experiencing this fall. According to NOAA, the weather pattern we are in right now is not new or unexpected.[...]
Organics: Smart and Successful Farmers Have Mentors
Posted by Dani Kusner, Organic Agronomy Advisor on December 1, 2017
Occasionally throughout the year, I review notes from various field days and farmer conversations that were particularly memorable. While this blog provides broad information about The Andersons’ approach to soil health, biology and transitioning to organic, farmers always love to hear from other farmers. And oftentimes, farmers amaze[...]
Update from the Field: Let’s Toast Barley
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on November 27, 2017
The Andersons’ Farm Centers have seen a steady decrease in winter wheat acres over the past five years. The only farmers raising wheat now are those looking to tile or apply manure in the following year. There are many reasons as to why winter wheat has fallen out[...]
Update from the Field: Rain, Rain Go Away!
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on November 20, 2017
The persistent rainy weather this fall has been very stressful to anyone trying to get crops out of the field or trying to get chemicals and fertilizer back on the field. In previous articles, I stressed the importance of applying dicamba in the fall to prevent hard to control[...]
Organics: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Posted by Dani Kusner, Organic Agronomy Advisor on November 16, 2017
And no, it’s not Christmas; at least not yet! Last week, I presented at the MOSES Organic Transition for Commercial-Scale Farms workshop in St. Louis, Missouri. The audience included seasoned organic and new transitioning farmers, along with organic mentoring organizations and industry partners. This event[...]
Update from the Field: Profitability & pH
Posted by Dave Dyson on November 14, 2017
Talking to clients about liming or fixing a pH problem can be a little dull or boring. It is definitely not as appealing as a fertilizer or chemical recommendation. You may not see the full effect of your lime application for 2-4 years, but once you get your pH[...]
Agronomy Update November 2017
Posted on November 13, 2017
MANAGEMENTA properly crafted fertility program leads to the success of your crop today, tomorrow, and in the future. Including PureGrade® liquid fertilizer in your program will ensure your crop has the nutrients needed to reach its full potential. PureGrade low-salt starters are the best choice[...]
Update from the Field: Refuse to Let Your Trash be a Problem
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on November 6, 2017
Stalk residue, or “trash,” can be a major source of problems to farmers in the spring during planting. Corn stalks especially can cause havoc to planters or drills. The excess cellulose and stalk residue can puncture tires, create voids in the seed trench, restrict soil to[...]
Update from the Field: Decoding Dicamba
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on October 30, 2017
Dicamba is not a new chemical; it actually was developed in 1967, and it has been a major player in the post herbicide corn market for 50 years. Some might even say, “What is the big deal? I have been spraying corn with dicamba all my life.” The[...]
Organics: The 36 Month Rule
Posted by Dani Kusner, Organic Agronomy Advisor on October 24, 2017
Dani Kusner has worked in biological and organic farming systems for the past 10 years since graduating from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in sustainability studies. She has worked at the Rodale Institute, and in Ontario, consulting with growers in both Canada[...]
Update from the Field: Compact Your Garbage, Not Your Soil
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on October 23, 2017
With the recent rains and soggy soils we have been seeing over the past week, compaction should be on everyone’s mind. The ever increasing size of tractors and equipment has led to compaction, resulting in limited yield potential. The extent of the problem depends on the type[...]
Update from the Field: Not So Southern Comfort
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on October 16, 2017
Corn harvest is in full force throughout The Andersons’ territory. Yields have been high and moisture has been running around 19% or less. We have had great weather so far, but now we are looking at a rainy pattern settling in for the next couple of weeks. I am[...]
Agronomy Update October 2017
Posted by Brian Banks and Amy Schroeder on October 16, 2017
MANAGEMENT By Brian Banks, Senior Agronomist CORNCORN GRAIN DRY DOWN
According to the USDA, corn harvest progress is well behind the five year average. Other than the recent weather delays, the corn has been roughly 5-10 days behind the average for most of this[...]
Update from the Field: As the Reel Turns
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on October 9, 2017
As dry weather is settling in around the Midwest, soybean harvest is progressing rapidly. There are reports that soybean moisture levels are around 10%, with some levels as low as 7%. With moisture levels this low, the time of day you harvest can be a critical factor in reducing shatter. [...]
Plan Ahead: Observe Crops During Harvest
Posted on October 9, 2017
Make the “windshield-time” in your combine cab as profitable as possible. It is an excellent time to make overall field observations and think about plans for next year’s crop. For many growers, judging the performance of different hybrids may be the only observations typically[...]
Update from the Field: The Mold and the Beautiful
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on October 2, 2017
Over the past week, we have seen above normal temperatures and below normal rainfall in the eastern half of the corn belt. This is perfect harvest weather. The area around our Walton facility is harvesting soybeans at a decent clip, while the North Manchester, Litchfield, and North Central Ohio[...]
Update from the Field: Ear Comes Trouble!
Posted by David Dyson, Agronomist on September 25, 2017
Dave Dyson is a regional agronomist for The Andersons’ Farm Centers which are located throughout Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. He is an Indiana native and grew up on a dairy farm in Miami County. A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Crop & Soil[...]
Biology: The “X” Factor
Posted by Dani Kusner on September 21, 2017
What’s the biggest difference between farming conventionally and farming organically? While there are several differentiators such as allowable inputs and weed control methods, my answer to this question is biology. Successful organic farming requires allowing soil microbiology to go to work for you. Crop rotation,[...]
Maximize Your Soil Bank
Posted on September 19, 2017
Simply put, fall application of potassium and phosphorus fertilizer is more about improving “soil conditions” or “soil bank,” not necessarily directly fertilizing the crop.
Like those two macronutrients, The Andersons’ humic products – Humic DG™, Black[...]
Agronomy Update September 2017
Posted on September 13, 2017
SCOUTING By Brian Banks, Senior Agronomist CORNTEST WEIGHT AND YIELD During the month of September, conversations about yield and test weight are prevalent as harvest nears. It is often thought if the test weight is good, then the yield will be good. Or vice versa, if[...]
Influence the Outcome of Your Crops
Posted on September 11, 2017
As fall approaches and harvest comes and goes, discussions will turn to the upcoming planting season. In our conversations with our dealers, they state growers are more engaged than ever in wanting to increase their profit potential, mitigate their risk, and protect their investment.
How can[...]Starter Essential for Best No-Till Crop Yields
Posted on August 21, 2017
Influence the outcome of no-till yields with PureGrade liquid starter fertilizer.
No-till farming methods have spread rapidly in many areas of the country. In some areas no-till is the now the 'conventional' way to farm. It saves fuel, labor, soil, water and provides a friendly[...]
