Ken Ferrie
Agronomist Ken Ferrie provides agronomic insights, crop management tips, and practical advice for farmers to improve crop yields.
Short-stature corn is often planted at higher populations because its architecture allows for better light interception and more efficient use of resources when plants are grown closer together. But that’s not always the case, according to Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist.
Just as corn growers were ready to put their pollination problems behind them, another one comes along. This time, the issue had to do with moisture occurring at the wrong time, and the results are significantly impacting yield.
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!
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 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.
The problem occurs at a specific growth stage – typically between V3 and V5 – as the corn seed roots are handing off their jobs to the first two sets of true crown roots.
Dust storms can occur anywhere there’s loose soil and wind. Along with Illinois, states including Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico and Texas have also experienced the problem this year.
Be proactive in evaluating crop emergence and uniformity. That information will help you make timely, informed decisions that are best for your farm and your financial needs this season.
One farmer who was chased out of fields by rain this past weekend told Farm Journal, “This is the wettest drought I have ever seen.” There are some silver linings, though: soil-applied herbicides are being activated, the U.S. corn crop won’t all pollinate the same week and you have time to make stand counts where the crop has emerged.
Soil conditions, temperatures and weather outlook are finally aligned for planting in much of the Midwest. In the hurry to get the job done, keep in mind that to get a 300-bu. corn yield, you need to start with at least a 300-bu. picket-fence stand.
Farmers who are seeing this issue show up in their seed sample test results might want to consider not using starter in-furrow this spring. There are good options off the seed, Ken Ferrie reports.
When that corn crop comes up this spring, you want it to be green and stay green. One potential issue: if you’re using urea surface-applied, work it in right away or use a urease inhibitor. Make sure the N doesn’t gas off.
Ferrie details six agronomic factors to keep in mind, if you’re newer to growing continuous corn, that can help you achieve success this season.
Farmers will need to be able to show farm records, receipts, delivery tickets, and any as-applied maps. Geo-stamp photos will also be required to prove the use of no-till and cover crops.
Growers are trying to figure out what caused missing plants in their corn stands last season and what solutions they can use this spring.
The grower currently broadcast applies P and K ahead of planting but is considering moving to strip-till applications like he uses in corn.
Ken Ferrie advises farmers to plant no more than a third of their acres to a new corn product, if they don’t have significant experience with it. He says to bank on proven winners in the field for next season.
December might provide an opportunity. Another consideration is moving to no-till. Ferrie also addresses recouping dollars on ground that is going into solar projects.
Avoid applying anhydrous ammonia prematurely and losing its availability for next year’s corn crop. Good application decisions can save you a lot of money, time and effort.
Our brief video takes you through evaluating stand losses from pest pressure, disease issues and dry conditions in a central Illinois cornfield. These insights can help you plan for next season’s bumper yields.
Take a controlled, calibrated approach to the process, advises Ken Ferrie. That will help you build a framework for high yields next season and protect soil nutrient levels in the process.
The practice can be useful in some scenarios but not all. Farmers need to evaluate the potential impact on 2024 yield outcomes. Perhaps a bigger concern is how the practice impacts weed management, especially waterhemp.
Ken Ferrie offers five practical agronomic tips you can use during harvest this fall. These practices can help you improve corn performance and yield outcomes across your farm.
Picket-fence corn stands with photocopied plants – uniform stalks and ears – deliver high yields. Where crops are uneven, farmers need to take that into consideration as they make final yield estimates.
There’s a big crop in the field for many Midwest growers, and it requires fuel. N supplies ears with the energy they need to add kernels all the way to their tips and to pack on weight.
Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie shares two videos to explain how to successfully set and operate your hybrid chisel and inline ripper.
Some growers are struggling with waterlogged fields that are producing stunted, yellowing corn. Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie offers farmers hope and help with his practical, no-nonsense recommendations.
Ken Ferrie outlines various treatment scenarios, depending on what farmers find in their fields. He cautions that severe infections can easily cause 60-bu.-per-acre yield losses.
Ken Ferrie says fields with good soil health can have as much disease present as an unhealthy field, but healthy plants handle stress better than unhealthy ones.