Production Blog

DECATUR, Ill. (DTN) -- I'm usually a curmudgeon when it comes to New Year's resolutions. Promising to fix habits seems a worthy goal, but we all know the will must be stronger than the want.

Several years ago, I instituted a policy of picking one professional thing to concentrate on each year. For example, in 2012, I vowed to work on my photography.

A promise to fix a whole list of things is too overwhelming for me. Instead, I decide to be mindful of one specific area where I figure I could use some improvement and hopefully the commitment over time becomes a habit.

I was reminded of this yesterday when I saw a Purdue University news release that urged farmers to use a similar tactic. In this case, they asked specialists the three things they would suggest farmers implement in terms of management techniques for 2013.

I probably should consider reading everything Purdue agronomist Bob Nielsen writes as my 2013 resolution. His online Corny News Network and The Chat n' Chew Cafe http://www.agry.purdue.edu/… are a one-stop corn resource. I like how Nielsen challenges farmers to quit looking for "silver bullets" in bottles or bags. He's even been known to point a finger at the farm press as we highlight the latest and greatest technology.

So I was curious to see what Nielsen would recommend as resolutions. Here they are:

1. Resolve to improve hybrid decision-making. "Look for hybrids that not only have high yield potential but also demonstrated ability to consistently achieve that potential across a wide range of growing conditions, because you cannot predict what 2013 will bring in terms of weather."

2. Resolve to spend more time in the fields with the crops. "This will help you better identify the yield influencing factors most important to your farming operation. Then work with your advisor(s) to develop strategies to begin managing those factors."

3. Resolve to work toward improving the overall efficiency of your nitrogen management program. "Take steps to reduce the risks of N loss, such as leaching, denitrification and volatilization."

Shaun Casteel, Purdue extension soybean specialist, offered these suggestions:

1. Resolve to read the variety tag. "Seed size varies from year to year. The drought conditions -- timing and duration -- have impacted seed size --small and large -- germination and vigor. Your planter settings and seeding rates need to be adjusted accordingly."

2. Resolve to take stand counts. "Plant populations of 100,000 to 120,000 plants per acre optimize return in investment. Early season stand counts provide the opportunity verify your seeding rates and emergence potential. You will also be scouting the field for pressures of weeds and pests."

3. Resolve to harvest grain above 13% moisture. "We are losing out on a portion of our yield when we harvest below 13%. Note that this might mean having to set the combine multiple times based on the toughness of the stem and ease of pod threshing. You will gain yield in water weight and reduce the losses due to dry grain and header loss."

Keith Johnson, Purdue extension forage specialist, suggested these ideas:

1. Resolve to sample soils for nutrient levels. "Follow through with the addition of limestone and fertilizer recommended by the test. The application of a blended fertilizer like 12-12-12- and calling this your fertilizer program is not a wise decision."

2. Resolve to scout fields. "Do this weekly to determine the well being of the growing forages. Evaluate grazing pressure presence of pests -- weeds, insects and disease -- and possible nutrient deficiency symptoms."

3. Resolve to evaluate the possibility of grazing corn residues in the early fall. "This can reduce feed cost substantially for beef and sheep producers."

All these goals are worthwhile, but I see a pattern: Resolve to spend more time in your field.

Any time I have heard Nielsen speak or talked to him on the phone, he has stressed the importance of heading to the field. Yield improvement now and in the future will come about not from a bottle or a seed or the latest app for your iPhone, but by walking fields throughout the growing season to determine the important yield influencing factors specific to your situation.

Last spring I asked Jay Ryan if I could tag along to take a look at some early planted corn fields. The Pana, Ill., farmer and seed salesman, spends a lot of time with dirty boots. "The cornfield is talking to me every day," said Ryan. "It's my job to get out there and listen to it."

When it comes to promoting high yields, Nielsen writes: "It ain't rocket science. It's hard work and common sense, coupled with sound knowledge of agronomic principles."

The same is true for writing about agronomy. That resolves my resolution decision for 2013. I plan to spend more time on the farm and in the field this year. Whew... 2013 is looking good already. It's my favorite place to be anyway.

Pam Smith can be reached at Pamela.smith@telventdtn.com

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