Test Plots
Planning for next season? Review the expert insights and recommendations from farmers and field agronomists on how to reduce costs and strategically reallocate resources.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Could reducing your soybean seeding rate increase profit per acre by $40? In the right situation, yes. Make it a priority to dial in population, row width and plant characteristics for each soil type and planting date.
Residue might hamper uptake, surface cover slows soil warming and most cover crops raise the carbon penalty. Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie shares timing and placement tips for phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen.
Once you balance fertility and pH in the soil profile, and adjust to making small, more frequent lime applications, you probably won’t need to mix fertilizer into the soil, says Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal field agronomist.
What is vertical farming and how can it set you up for future government incentives? Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal field agronomist, explains it often requires mixing and matching tools for primary and secondary tillage.
Corn yields can swing 100 bu. to the positive or negative in some hybrids today based on nitrogen use that supports kernel depth. Tune into hybrid characteristics, and avoid “gapping” nitrogen and volatilization.
In-field and classroom sessions will address making changes to your crop rotation, tillage systems or nutrient placement; managing early-planted soybeans; evaluating below-ground issues that impact corn yields; and more.
Harvest is wrapping up for the Farm Journal Test Plots. Ken Ferrie shares preliminary observations on soybean planting date, 15" versus 30" rows, sulfur products, corn planter fertility and corn fungicide plots.
Farm Journal Test Plot data shows an earlier harvest can reap up to 15 bu.
Match hybrids to offensive and defensive management zones.
Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie shares what he’s learned through the years to add on bushels.
April planting increased yield even with a freeze.
Gated tile systems can help deal with troublesome issues.
Soil density and water availability significantly impact corn development, as the Farm Journal test plots reveal.
Here are the top five top agronomic tips from Bauer,
Herbicide applicators have the weight of dicamba’s future weighing heavily on their shoulders this year. EPA’s conditional registration lasts through Dec. 20, 2020.
N loss starts at the bottom of the corn plant and moves up.