Agriculture

 

 

Corn harvest is in full swing as soybean harvest is quickly wrapping up.  Early soybean yields are being reported in the upper 40 to upper 50 bushel/acre range, slightly down from last but a very good yield based on historical yields.  Corn moisture levels are in the 16% to 21% range with some fields coming in lower than that.  Overall, the last few weeks has really helped lower moisture levels in corn. 

Grain markets are always unsteady this time of year as each USDA report sends signals for the market to react.  If you are looking for information or analysis on the markets, UW Extension has a market bulletin available.  The market bulletin provides grain and livestock market analysis and information.  If interested, go to www.aae.wisc.edu/renk/library/WI%20Market%20Bulletins/latestWisconsinMarketBulletin.pdf  for the latest bulletin.

Conversion tables
If a good corn harvest has provided more corn than you can handle, then selling some to another farmer may be an option.  The question is, what is it worth per ton if sold as is and how do you adjust for moisture.  UW-Extension has conversion charts available for shell and cob corn at various moisture levels and price.  Go to cdp.wisc.edu/Decision%20Making%20Tools.htm to find a spreadsheet for equivalent price per ton of shelled corn and ear corn.

Soil Sampling
Fall is the best time sample soils for fertility needs and plan for the 2012 crop season.  Soil testing is a basic management tool which can provide critical information for crop performance and profitability.  Knowing what nutrients your crop needs and doesn’t need will help you manage your fertilizer dollar.  For information on proper soil testing techniques go to www.soils.wisc.edu/extension/pubs/A2100.pdf   Since soil tests are good for four years and based on five acre sample size costing about $7.00 per sample, the cost for soil sampling is about $0.35/acre.

Nutrient Management Fast Facts Available
Looking for a good crop publication that has a lot of nutrient related information right at your finger tips?  Then check out Nutrient Management Fast Facts.  This publication has fertility, nutrient and manure credit information as well as crop nutrient removal estimates. Go here for this must have publication ipcm.wisc.edu/Publications/tabid/54/Default.aspx

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