What Does Your Rec Really Mean?
By: Katie McWhirter, Precision Ag Specialist
As fall fertilizer season rolls around, the fertilizer needs for 2017 are starting to come into full view. I hear over and over again, “I variable rate my P &K.” What does that recommendation really mean? Yes, it probably takes into consideration your soil samples, but is it building, maintaining or removal only? Are you fertilizing the field as a whole field approach? I know this isn’t the first time I’ve written about this, but I cannot emphasize it enough.
Is that rec for 225-bushel corn or 180-bushel corn? Let’s be realistic: Do all portions of your fields produce equally? Is your yield map all one color? So, if we fertilize it like it does, will your better-producing areas have enough to yield at its fullest potential for 2017? Or are you throwing more P & K at an area (or areas of a field) that will not use those nutrients and going to waste for the 2017 crop year?
What’s holding you back from being more efficient? Are you thinking: This is only for the big producers? I don’t have time to do what she’s talking about? This has to be hard, doesn’t it? Here’s what I can tell you: Every acre counts, no matter how many acres you farm. With commodity prices where they are, it actually might matter more to the smaller farmer than the larger operations. Stutsman’s is committed to making this easier. We’re definitely not simplifying agronomy because let’s face it, agronomy IS NOT SIMPLE. And, about hard: you are farmers; the HARDEST job I can think of. Although, I have yet to see any of you be afraid of anything!
To increase your efficiencies next year, contact a Stutsman Agronomist.