Producer Page: Spring

Details: Published: Wednesday, 09 March 2016 08:56; Written by Mark

Spring Ahead--- Next weekend we will be setting clocks ahead an hour, signaling the start of spring. This annual rite of passage, along with unseasonably warm temperatures, is reminding us that spring work is just around the corner.

Planning Priorities--- Spring is a busy time and it can be overwhelming to think about all the tasks you need to accomplish. It is a good practice to rank jobs in terms of importance and get the most vital things done first, (crop insurance, planter maintenance, seed selection, herbicide plan etc) before you tackle the nuisance jobs that, while needing attention, aren’t make or break.

Government Gobbledygook--- Many farmers are using the FSA commodity loan program for the first time in many years. Just a reminder that you need to contact the FSA office before you move any grain out of the bin. The old saying is---Call before you haul.

Insurance Insights--- Crop insurance sales deadline is March 15^th. You should have a conversation with your crop insurance agent to verify your risk protection plan. If you have any needs or concerns regarding your crop insurance feel free to call me or stop in anytime.

Program Payments--- The extension service has made an early estimate of the ARC-CO payment we may get this fall. At this time, they are calculating that Faribault County could expect $43 for corn acres and $0 for soybeans. This is not set in stone, but does give you an idea for planning purposes.

Tech Tools--- New advancements in technology have brought a large assortment of applications for you. Make sure that you are up to speed on your GPS/Guidance systems so they are calibrated properly and you get good use out of your investment.

Tech Tools 2--- Speaking of techie stuff---the FSA has a new program called FSAfarm+ and it allows operators to access some FSA records online. We have info for this posted at the bank. And remember that Peoples State Bank offers E-statements, internet banking, and on-line bill pay too.

Weed Whippers--- Remember to consider multiple modes of action when selecting your herbicides this spring. The mind-numbing number of new chemical names can be confusing, but emphasize the need to use weed control products with different modes and sites of action when you are talking to your agronomy professional. It is big when stopping resistance!

Starter Stoppers--- Please be mindful of potential seedling injury with over-application of in-furrow starter fertilizer. Salt content is a factor, as is soil type and moisture. Too much fertilizer in contact with seed or first roots can cause significant damage. Keep rates low when using an in-row pop-up fertilizer, it is meant to be a bit of a booster, not a full fertility program. Most agronomists do not recommend any starter with the seed in soybeans, as this seed is more sensitive to on-seed placement.

Road Roamers--- Probably your biggest physical risk is on the local roadways. You have a lot on your mind this time of year, but please focus on driving. Use hand-free phone devices if available, and remember that while you may know every field driveway and pull-over spot, that person following you doesn’t…..use your signals and warning lights to keep everyone safe out there. Clean your windows and wear your glasses, we don’t want this to be your last planting season.

Revealing Ratios--- Here are a few financial ratios and benchmarks for you to consider when evaluating your farm financial performance----Working Capital to Gross Revenue of >35%, Debt to Asset Ratio of <40%, Credit Score >700, Working Capital >$250/Acre.