Soil Sampling

Sep 03, 2024


corn

As we head into fall and harvest begins, September is a great time to review the basics of soil sampling. When it comes to soil sampling, the phrase “you cannot manage what you do not measure” is all too accurate. Grid sampling is a great way to measure your soils’ pH and other basic nutrients – Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K). The option for 2.5 and 5 acre samples are standard for soil sampling depending on how intense of management you are seeking. The results from grid sampling allow farmers and agronomists to make more precise fertilizer and lime applications using Variable Rate Technology (VRT). With profit margins narrowing in row-crop production, VRT will allow producers to be more efficient with their fertilizer applications by placing nutrients and lime in areas of the field that need it, and potentially skip areas of the field with above adequate nutrient and pH levels. In most scenarios, if a field requires a lime application, Variable Rate applying lime will recoup the cost of grid sampling due to the cost savings of lime on the areas of the field that lime is unneeded. 

Now is a great time to revisit your soil sample history. If you have not sampled in the past 3-4 years, the time is now to contact your agronomist and get soil sampling scheduled on your operation.
 

 

Brett Ruggeberg

Agronomist
 

 

Recent Posts

Oct 01, 2025
Fall is here and harvest is underway for most of our area. Our grain facilities located in Mazomanie, Mineral Point, Richland Center, and Westby are anxiously awaiting this year’s crop. A few weeks ago, the Premier grain team spent the day reviewing safety and operational procedures to better prepare to serve our members’ needs during the upcoming season. Whether you need help hauling this year’s crop to the elevator or are still looking to finalize your grain marketing plan, give us a call. Our knowledgeable staff is looking forward to working with you to make this year’s harvest as safe and smooth as possible. Our team will do their best to meet your needs and they always appreciate the communication of trucking needs and your planned delivery dates. Thanks for your support and please be safe this harvest season.
Oct 01, 2025
As corn silage season concludes, it’s important to take a moment to recognize the dedication and long hours that went into securing the feed you’ll rely on throughout the coming year. We all aim to put up the highest quality feed possible, but in the rush of long hours during a short harvest window, it’s easy to lose sight of our true goal. Ultimately, we’re working to produce feed that is consistent, clean, and rich in nutrients. Once that hard work is done, the next critical phase is feedout. Here are a few key things to keep in mind as you move forward.
Oct 01, 2025
We had a good ending to our energy division fiscal year, so I’m glad I’m still here this month to write this newsletter article.

Since 2020, we have increased our delivery efficiency (gallons per mile) by 17.4%. We’ve also dropped the number of miles driven by 21% comparing 2025 to 2020. That equates to 66,776 less miles this year than in 2020. In other words, we saved about 2.7 circumnavigations of the globe, conserving over 13,000 gallons of diesel fuel we would have used to power our propane delivery trucks. Less diesel consumption means less pollution. Heck, we’re saving the planet without even trying.