1.28.20 News from Your Federated Agronomists

“It’s all in the name,” or so they say. At Federated Co-ops that couldn’t be more true. Properly identifying fields with the right name for custom application is critical to getting the job done right. Winter is the best time to sit down with your Federated Agronomist and get fields named and mapped for chemical applications in 2020. It’s also a great time to determine your best options for weed management in crop rotations, and nutrient needs for fields that were fallow last season.  ~ Kevin Carlson, Agronomy Sales Manager

The Right Application Begins with the Right Name Federated Co-op’s custom application services are fully dependent on having the right information from growers. “When a farmer calls in and says he wants the ‘back 40’ sprayed, we need to know where the ‘back 40’ is!” said Rod Gustafson, Federated agronomist at the Albertville location.  This is where field maps come into play. When the fields are clearly named, applicators know where to go, and mistakes are avoided. Getting it right requires answers to specific questions ... Read more.

Moving from Fallow to Fertile     “As we move into the 2020 crop year, we need to put some thought into the management of prevent plant acres,” said John Swanson, Federated agronomist at the Ogilvie location. “The biggest concern we will have is fallow syndrome.” What is fallow syndrome? It is the reduction of yields following years with lack of crop growth. It is evidenced by stunted, weak, and/or uneven plants caused by reduced ... Read more.

Better Weed Management for a Better Night’s Sleep    Weed management begins on Day 1 of the new growing season, and if weeds are under control, said Kevin Carlson, Federated’s agronomy sales manager, “everyone sleeps better.” “The best time to control the weed is before it emerges,” said Carlson. Translation: apply pre-emerge herbicides. “Regardless of the traits that are in the seed, it all starts with good pre-emerge weed control that has effective sites of action ... Read more.

U of MN Extension Meetings: Small Grains, 'Nitrogen Smart' The University of Minnesota Extension Service will host a meeting focused on small grains production and pest management, and an educational session on maximizing nitrogen investments next month. Follow these links for further details: Small Grains Update - Feb. 19 - Mora, MN ' Nitrogen Smart' - Feb. 27 - Pine City, MN