Calculating Alfalfa Stand Quality
Predictive Equations of Alfalfa Quality (PEAQ) provides an estimate of the quality, measured as Relative Feed Value (RFV), of a crop of first cutting alfalfa standing in the field. (Iowa State University)
Interactive Alfalfa Maturity Map
There is an optimum time to harvest alfalfa based off on the maturity and height of the plant. Once the maturity and height of plant is captured, feed value can be predicted.
Jump-Start Your Yield Potential
Syngenta Thrive 2020
By Darci Maulsby
Additions by Ken Jahnke
Set your sights on high yields with the decisions made during planning and planting.
Here are the seven top tips for starting the 2021 crop strong:
1. Select seed to match your needs. Don’t focus exclusively on seedling vigor and yield potential. Economics are tight, but you need to plant the right traits that put you in a favorable position for success. The right traits for your needs are a powerful tool in your toolbox.
Year End Crop Inputs
The 2020 crop year has just about come to a close. We have had a great fall giving us all time to harvest, apply fertilizer, soil test, till and many other tasks that sometimes get caught undone before winter sets in. Now, many of you have begun to turn your thoughts to 2021. Seed should be at the top of your list. I hope many of you have a chance to book or take advantage of the early season prepay discounts, giving you the opportunity to lock in those top varieties from Croplan, Dekalb, Asgrow, Brevant or NK Seeds that we carry. If you have not, please contact your agronomist today to work with you, using the R7 Technology, to match the right seed on the right acre to maximize your yield and ROI.
Get a Head Start on Spring
Getting your phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) applications made now offer many advantages over spring applications. The likelihood of dry soils, agronomic benefits, availability of fertilizers, your workload and time, are all factors on why fall is the preferred time over spring. In addition, fall is also a good time to apply P for environmental reasons. There is generally a lower risk of P runoff with the typical fall weather and soil conditions. If you think back on spring and weigh the pros and cons you will consider fall applications as one job that can be done now and not be at the risk of what the spring will bring. Contact your Premier Agronomist today and get a head start on your spring!
Give Your Fields the Nutrients They Need
Know the benefits of Fall soil sampling. Analyze your soil now to prepare for next season. Soil sampling is essential for developing an effective fertility plan for your operation. Take advantage of these three benefits by sampling your fields this fall.
Select Seed That Performs on Your Farm
Buying seed can feel overwhelming.
With all the different genetics and traits going around, making agronomic decisions like hybrid placement can become a challenge. To optimize yield potential on your farm, our crop production specialists understand the importance of knowing how hybrids are affected by management.
Select Seed That Performs on Your Farm
Buying seed can feel overwhelming.
With all the different genetics and traits going around, making agronomic decisions like hybrid placement can become a challenge. To optimize yield potential on your farm, our crop production specialists understand the importance of knowing how hybrids are affected by management.
Pre Harvest Tips
You've heard the term garbage in - garbage out. This is especially true when working with yield monitors. There is one chance to get this information correct each year. Having properly working equipment, consistent farm and field setup, and crop flow and moisture calibration are very important. The rewards you’ll reap from retrieving this valuable information will be well worth the time and effort.
2021 Seed Savings!
The first of 4 Cash Discounts is fast approaching. Pay for your seed by NOVEMBER 16th and receive 8% CASH SAVINGS. Maximize that discount by taking advantage of Premier Cooperative one of a kind volume discount program giving you the opportunity to combine purchases between our 5 major seed brands (Croplan, NK, Brevant, Asgrow and Dekalb). To help you take advantage we do have financing available at some very attractive terms. Talk with your agronomist for more details and get started on a profitable 2021.
Use This Year's Harvest Data for Next Year's Decisions
With today’s ag technology tools and in-season imagery options, it should be easier than ever to collect data to make informed seed and crop protection product decisions. But even though all of that data can be very helpful, it can also be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are five strategies to help break things down into more digestible pieces so you can start formulating a plan for next season using this season’s harvest data.
Garbage In, Garbage Out – Importance of Calibrating Yield Monitors
From maintenance on combine heads to replacing feeder house chains, there is no shortage on the amount of work that needs to be done before heading out to the field. However, there is one very important piece that is often overlooked…the Yield Monitor.
Forget Surprises, Plan Ahead -- Harvest Plan
Harvest is an exciting and extremely busy time of year. As you run around making sure equipment is ready to go, stop and ask yourself. Are you ready? Do you have a harvest plan in place? Where will you start and where will you end up?
Take 4 Steps at Harvest for Quality Silage
Many moving parts need to be in place to get the best quality silage at harvest. With harvest quickly approaching, consider these four tips to help inform your silage harvest strategy.
1. Prep your Equipment
Don’t wait until the last minute to get your equipment ready for harvest. Ensure you have equipment adjusted correctly depending on the cut length you’re aiming for.
The 0% Interest & Get All Your Seed Discounts Financing
Often with our financial decisions the question isn’t so much about “Can I invest in/purchase X to improve my operation?”, the question is “If I invest in/purchase X to improve my operation, can I also invest in/purchase Y and Z?”
X, Y, and Z could be different options based on your personal situation. For an expanding operation, it could be a new piece of equipment (or land) to increase your throughput or bring down your cost per acre...
Scout For These 4 Problems to Prepare For Harvest & 2021
Importance of Late Season Scouting
The sprayers out in the field are slowly rolling to a halt, while harvest equipment is starting to be greased up and ready to go. In the midst of all this, our fields tend to get placed on the back burner, when they should really be the stars of the show. This time of year, the more time you invest in your fields the more knowledge and insight you can gain for this year’s harvest and future cropping seasons.
WI FARM SUPPORT PROGRAM - APPLY TODAY
From the WI Department of Revenue, the Farm Support Program will be providing direct payments to farmers that suffered economic damages in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on gross farm income from 2019, the minimum payment is $1,000 and the maximum amount is $3,500. While not a large payment, the online application should be relatively quick to complete with funds expected to be issued on July 15th.
Dicamba Update
In response to the recent federal appeals court ruling regarding the use of certain dicamba products, the WI DATCP announced late on Friday that the court’s decision to remove the registration for several herbicides will not immediately impact Wisconsin soybean producers.
Certain Dicamba Product Use Appealed
Late last night the US Court of Appeals overturned the EPA’s approval for the use of certain dicamba products including Engenia, FeXapan and XtendiMax. The ruling effectively makes it illegal for farmers to continue to use the product.
Coronavirus Financial Aid
USDA is accepting applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program now through August 28, 2020.
Coronavirus Financial Aid
Nearly daily there is new information released for grants, low interest loans, and other government assistance programs related to Covid-19 financial aid and direct producer payments.
Webinar for Producers on Applying for CFAP Payments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) will host a webinar on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. ET, for farmers, ranchers and other producers interested in applying for direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).
New Eligibility Notice for EIDL
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, the US Small Business Administration (SBA) recently put out a notice for New Eligibility for Economic Injury Disaster Loan and Advance (EIDL). A few highlights from the SBA website...
Freezing Temps and Crop Damage
Temperatures are projected to drop into the 20’s and questions are arising whether alfalfa, corn, and soybeans will be killed. Frost and cold weather conditions can be extremely variable throughout a geography and from micro-environment with-in field conditions. Frost injury occurring at or below 32°F has different outcomes from lethal freezes which are more likely to negatively impact plants when temperatures are at 28°F for more than four hours.
Crop Production Tips
With the extra challenge of the pandemic coronavirus and resulting COVID-19, this Spring's planting season is on pace to be a crazy time for everyone trying to get a crop in the ground. Here are a few reminders of items to make sure you check off your list this May.
Crop Production Tips
With the extra challenge of the pandemic coronavirus and resulting COVID-19, this Spring's planting season is on pace to be a crazy time for everyone trying to get a crop in the ground. Here are a few reminders of items to make sure you check off your list this April.