Fertilizer
The recent “Currents of Change” analysis reported high nutrient levels in central Iowa’s watersheds. Iowa ag has worked on the issue for decades, but nutrient movement often comes down to weather.
On the heels of Crop Tour, Pro Farmer projects corn yields at 6.1 bu. below USDA’s August estimate, while soybean yield numbers are nearly aligned.
Recently, a trio of product announcements were made relevant for ag retailers.
There is still up to 55% of the kernel dry weight left to be accumulated by many corn hybrids at this point — starch that can contribute significantly to grain fill and higher test weights.
Greg Sanford says his team is focusing on three keys to crop nutrition in the year ahead: return on investment, protect the marconutrients being applied, and stress mitigation.
NCGA’s Krista Swanson says it would take about 226 bu. of corn to buy a ton of ammonium phosphate, which is up from the 180 bu. it took at the beginning of this year. As fertilizer costs are on the rise, corn prices are now at or below $4, and it’s creating a grim outlook for 2026.
Camaraderie is cathartic. It lifts spirits, gives encouragement and reminds all of us we are valuable. Check out what farmers have to say about this year’s corn crop – the good, the bad and the in-between – and may their experiences lighten your load in the process.
Two global factors could break the trend, while a focus on efficiency could bring short-term opportunities for farmers
Nebraska grower Brian Herbek says a ‘finishing pass’ can help fill corn ears all the way to their tips with kernels and pack on more starch in the process. Hear more of Herbek’s insights along with David Hula and Randy Dowdy on Breaking Barriers With R&D.
The project is expected to cost more than $20 million and be complete in 12 to 18 months. Superior Ag aims to have the facility fully operational by the end of next year.
Find out how one leader in Congress is advocating a grounded approach to the Make American Healthy Again agenda.
Veronia Nigh, economist at The Fertilizer Institute, says there are three key drivers in fertilizer right now.
An up-and-down early growing season in the Upper Midwest left many soybean farmers with small, stressed soybean plants. Find out what the carbon penalty is and learn strategies to beat it and save the crop.
So far, the problem has been confirmed in four states. Agronomists are encouraging farmers to scout crops, estimate yield impacts in affected fields and determine whether to make adjustments to marketing plans.
This year’s program features all new agronomic content to help farmers grow and harvest high-yielding crops. Two of the key sessions: selecting a corn planter that’s right for your farm, and developing a systems approach to success with early-season soybeans. We look forward to seeing you there!
The “Big Beautiful Bill” includes a lot of wins for agriculture, and whatever is good for ag is good for fertilizer.
Many early-planted soybeans in the Midwest are in the R2 to R3 growth stages now, ideal treatment timing for most disease issues. Agronomists offer three reminders to help you make the call — plus a fourth tip on herbicide rescue treatments.
Farmers and aerial applicators tell Randy Dowdy and David Hula some of the key considerations for effective fungicide applications are timing, droplet size and product reach in the crop canopy.
New Rabobank research shows the potential effect of losing this critical shipping channel to the global fertilizer market.
Unlike most leaf diseases, tar spot starts impacting the crop at the bottom of plants. That means fungicides you apply must penetrate and get deep into the crop canopy to provide effective treatment. If you opt to not treat the disease, consider making plans to harvest early and pre-booking some dryer gas.
Wheat streak mosaic virus decimated some fields this season, say K-State Extension specialists. The problem is also showing up and expanding in other key wheat-producing states. What farmers do this fall will determine whether the disease is reined in or takes off again next season.
Josh Linville, vice president of Fertilizer for StoneX Financial Inc., says the current fertilizer and corn price ratio is at historic levels with potash the worst in history, UAN the second worst in history, and urea ranking as the third worst.
New studies highlight how thiosulfates not only supply sulfur but also significantly reduce nitrogen loss by slowing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate in the soil.
The Seilers use cover crops and no-till to improve soil health, reduce input costs and improve profitability.
Fertilizer prices have been on a steady climb, despite grain prices continuing to lag. Josh Linville with Stone X points to the driving force: Global production is lagging behind demand.
In some cases, the sulfur deficiency can be traced back to last fall when ammonium sulfate and DAP were taken out of fertilizer programs to reduce costs. In other scenarios, the corn just isn’t getting adequate sulfur — but the problem can be corrected.
As a director of an on-farm research business with a footprint in North Dakota and Iowa, and a 3,000-acre farmer himself, Chad Rubbelke approaches long-standing struggles with optimism that the next idea may just work.
“For now, we don’t believe there’s going to be much in the effect in terms of fertilizer production from either country, though it would be a little silly to not consider it,” says Josh Linville from StoneX.
Mother Nature is throwing a lot of weather curveballs this season. Keep your eye on the ball and score big at harvest with these practical nitrogen management recommendations.
As one of the most important early season nutrients, Farm Journal field agronomist Ken Ferrie explains the best way to manage phosphorus is one you’ve probably heard of before.