Predicting Needs and Weeds for 2020

News from Your Federated Agronomists | Dec. 10, 2019

Topping Off the Bins, Predicting Fertilizer Demand

The ground is covered with snow, the river waters are high, the barges have stopped, harvest is barely done, and fall fertilizer plans came to a standstill. Now what?

Look back at the past 12+ months and then make plans accordingly, suggested Jim Barthel, Federated’s crop nutrient supply manager.

Fall 2018 was wet and winter came early. Spring 2019 was cold, wet, and planting was late; fertilizer was stuck on barges sitting on the lower Mississippi until June and July. Fall 2019 brought more moisture, pushed the harvest later still, and only a small portion of crop nutrients ... Read more

Notorious Southern Weed Moves Northward

Notorious is the best word for palmer amaranth. Once it lands in a field, growers are in for a long, hard fight to rid fields of the resistant weed. Unfortunately, this weed that has plagued farmers to the south has now been positively identified nearby.

The University of Wisconsin Extension Service reported finding palmer amaranth in fields north of Barron, WI, an area that is uncomfortably close to Federated’s service areas in west-central Wisconsin, and then, east central Minnesota. (It has been found in North Dakota, too.)

Palmer amaranth is one of the most difficult resistant weed species ... Read more.

A Note from the Director of Agronomy Operations

What will you remember about 2019?

Here we are, just about ready to say goodbye to 2019 and welcome in 2020.

Here’s my question: What happened in 2019 that you will remember five or ten years from now? Do those moments really matter?

Through the good years and the bad, there is always something to be thankful for, some moment that made a difference, a memory to hold on to.

At Federated, we count our blessings every single day: our great customers and our staff, as well as the the opportunity to offer products and services that add value to our customers’ lives and provide secure employment for people in our communities.

As we approach Christmas and the New Year, a time for gathering and for giving thanks, we want to express our sincerest gratitude to all of you, our Federated patrons. Thank you for your loyalty and trust in Federated Co-ops throughout this past year.

Wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas Season and Happy New Year!

Craig Gustafson

Director of Agronomy Operations

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