January, 2020
2020 4R Advocates
The Fertilizer Institute announced five new advocates and their retailer pairs for 2020. Advocates will be honored at the 2020 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas this February. 

Learn more about our Mid-Atlantic 4R Advocate here .

2020 Advocates:
  • John Hundley and Eric Hopkins from Florida.
  • Brian Ryberg from Minnesota.
  • Jeff O'Bannon from Missouri.
  • Mike Kureky from Pennsylvania (pictured above).
  • Jeremy Brown from Texas.
10 Key Advantages of Using 4R Nutrient Stewardship Practices
Through implementing the 4R’s you optimize the nutrients you apply to maximize plant uptake and minimize field losses. The Fertilizer Institutes has 10 advantages. These advantages range from optimize yield to enhanced soil organic matter. 
Crop Residue Breakdown
Many environmental and soil conditions can affect residue breakdown including air and soil temperature, moisture, oxygen, biological activity, and farming practices. Fungi are essential in starting the decomposition cycle so that other soil microbes can then process the crop residues into plant available and usable products.

Applying nitrogen and incorporating the reside has been found as not effective.
Interseeding Alfalfa Into Corn Silage
In the interseeding system, corn and alfalfa are planted at about the same time. Once the corn is harvested, the aim is to have a good stand of alfalfa to provide ground cover in the fall and winter, and to quickly bring alfalfa into full production the following spring.
Phosphorus Management Tool
On December 13th members of the Phosphorus Management Committee gathered to vote not delay the next implementation phase of the Phosphorus Management Tool. Three agriculture organizations stated why it was important to not delay implementation. Furthermore, Secretary of Agriculture, Joe Bartenfelder upheld the committee's recommendation and said the department will work on a stronger manure transport program and other necessary steps.
National Corn Yield Contest
The National Corn Growers Association announced winners of the Corn Yield Contest this December. Maryland and Delaware were represented strongly on the national level. Congratulations to all who participated and entered!

Conventional Non-Irrigated:
  • DE - Bill Alfree from Middletown with a yield of 288.
  • MD - Brenda J Walsh from Hampstead with a yield of 308.
No-Till Non-Irrigated:
  • DE - Aaron Thompson from Hartly with a yield of 260.
  • MD (and Nationally) - Drew Haines from Middletown with a yield of 422.
Strip, Min, Mulch, Ridge-Till Non-Irrigated:
  • MD - David Hill from Kennedyville with a yield of 232.
No-Till Irrigated:
  • DE - Gary Ockels from Milton with a yield of 320.
  • MD - Marion Wilson from Centreville with a yield of 289.
Strip, Min, Mulch, Ridge-Till Irrigated:
  • DE - Melvin Wyatt Jr. from Harrington with a yield of 296.
  • MD - Bruce Bartz from Denton with a yield of 319.
Conventional Irrigated:
  • DE - Brian Tull from Seaford with a yield of 313.
  • MD - Jason Larry Sheubrooks from Sudlersville with a yield of 296.
Read more about the Corn Yield Contest here .
For more information on state placements, visit here .
Ag Apps For You
CropLife sorted through the number of agriculture related apps that you can download on your smartphone and tablet and presents the top apps that are currently on the market.
Do You Have Yield Monitors?
Through yield monitors data can be compiled to make a more successful crop due to creating zones. Each zone can have its own inputs. These inputs range from fertilization to seeding and irrigation. 
Upcoming Events
Delaware Ag Week
From January 13th to 16th stop by the Delaware state fair grounds in Harrington for the 2020 Delaware Ag Week. Topics will touch on poultry and beef production, on farm research, agronomy, precision agriculture/irrigation, risk management, and soil health.

For more information, click here .
Women In Ag Conference
On February 12th and 13th at Dover Down Hotel and Casino the annual Women in AG Conference will take place. For room reservations at the discounted rate, reserve by January 13th.

Register here .
National Commodity Classic
Commodity classic is around the corner. Check the schedule and fly out to San Antonio this February! There are many 4R focused learning sessions. We will be there from the 26th to the 29th.

The agenda can be found here .
Delmarva Soil Summit
In Georgetown, Delaware the 2nd Annual Delmarva Soil Summit will take place. On February 26th and 27th Steve Groff, Ray Weil and may others will be presenting. Topics will cover diverse cover crop species and mixes, research results and equipment.

For more information, click here .
Please email us if you would like to join the email list.
Delaware Maryland 4R Alliance
Phone: 443-262-8491
Connect with us