6 Spring Ammonia Season Reminders

The next couple of weeks will be busy with ammonia application in Illinois.  Here are a few reminders to keep in mind when working with ammonia
The next couple of weeks will be busy with ammonia application in Illinois. Here are a few reminders to keep in mind when working with ammonia
(Lindsey Pound)

The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) posted six reminders for ag retailers as spring ammonia season starts. 
The next couple of weeks will be busy with ammonia application in Illinois.  Here are a few reminders to keep in mind when working with ammonia:
 

  1. Slow down!  Nurse tanks should not travel down the road at more than 25 mph.
  2.  
  3. ALWAYS turn the nurse tank valves off at the tank source and disconnect hoses before pulling onto a public roadway.  This is required by law.  You should never have a "charged" system when sharing the road with other motorists.
  4.  
  5. Nurse tanks should not be operated in low light conditions or before or after sunset UNLESS you have a rotating, flashing amber light on the tank(s).  Today's motorists are not as familiar or patient with farm equipment even in rural Illinois, so it is always best if slow moving vehicles are kept off the roads during non-daylight hours.
  6.  
  7. Never forget the safety chains, even in the field of application.  Nurse tank trailers are put to the test during the ammonia season, being asked to serve as both highway vehicles and then being pulled through rough fields.  The safety chains can save you from catastrophe if the hitch fails!  Hook them up every time.
  8.  
  9. Are your break-away devices working on the toolbars?  This is another safety mechanism designed to prevent releases, however they must be installed and maintained correctly so that they function.  Prevention is key! 
  10.  
  11. Never hesitate to make the call if you have an ammonia release.  Tell the 911 emergency operator exactly what has happened so that law enforcement and fire departments show up prepared to deal with ammonia.  Whoever is in charge of the tank at the time of the release must make this call immediately!

 
If your retail company or grower customer has an ammonia release, be sure to follow the procedures for properly reporting the release outlined in this Emergency Response Fact Sheet.
 

 

Latest News

The Good, Bad and Ugly When it Comes to the Pork Industry Right Now
The Good, Bad and Ugly When it Comes to the Pork Industry Right Now

U.S. pork exports to Mexico hit the second-highest on record in January, while another major meat processor says it's shutting the doors on another pork processing plant as consolidation concerns continue to grow.

Novozymes And Chr. Hansen Complete Merger
Novozymes And Chr. Hansen Complete Merger

The new company will be called Novonesis, which means "a new beginning" - something they say is offered through their biology-based products.

How To Outline Clear Direction For Each Role On Your Team
How To Outline Clear Direction For Each Role On Your Team

“The single most important tool to predict peak performance is a very well-developed job description,” Dave Mitchell says.

New Data: The Scoop 2024 Salary Survey
New Data: The Scoop 2024 Salary Survey

Uncover industry trends in key ag retail roles with the results of The Scoop’s annual salary survey.

Know Your Business Pressures, Trends And Actions For Big Breakthroughs
Know Your Business Pressures, Trends And Actions For Big Breakthroughs

Mark Faust outlines a simple formula to improve profitability and create more value for you and the customer.

Three’s A Crowd: Hylio Secures FAA Drone Swarm, Night Flight Exemptions
Three’s A Crowd: Hylio Secures FAA Drone Swarm, Night Flight Exemptions

Spray drones are growing more ubiquitous and more scalable across agriculture. One company has unlocked the ability to deploy three at once and it’s a Smart Farming game changer.