Repeat mistakes happen when we don’t record exactly where we saw an issue in a particular field. Every year has its curveballs, and 2021 is no different. Planting progressed quickly, but then we experienced cold soils followed by really hot temps. Some areas also received a late frost and hail. Now, most of Latham Country is experiencing extremely dry conditions.
One of the best ways I’ve found to track environmental conditions and a crop’s response to it is Latham’s Data Forward™ app. I use this app to take specific field notes as I’m walking fields. This year IDC and other deficiencies made a big appearance once we received some rain and the soybeans started growing. You can use the Data Forward app to outline these areas. You can even create a management zone, using your phone, to make a map for spreading fertilizer or applying a product with your planter only in those areas.
Data Forward also can be used to drop a pin in tough areas, so you can take tissue samples to the lab. When the lab results come back, they will show up in the Data Forward app. How cool is that? You will never lose results this way. All of the details help you can really dial in your management. The first management step for IDC is selecting a top IDC-rated, Ironclad™ soybean variety. Only the toughest Latham® soybeans earn this designation. If IDC is a recurring problem, you could invest in a planter set up to apply a chelated iron product close to the roots. Another option is to invest in tile to help drain those lower areas with high pH or salt issues.
One unique tool on the premium version of our Data Forward app is satellite imagery. While sipping your morning coffee, you can discover problem areas in a field. Imagery is like that torque wrench in your toolbox… If you know how to use it, it can save you from breaking a lot of bolts. If you don’t, it’s just another ratchet in the toolbox.
By tracking what happens and where, we can make these changes to address agronomic challenges. Talk to your Latham dealer, Regional Sales Manager (RSM) or give me a call to learn more about how Data Forward can help you move your farm’s data forward with confidence!
The below is a look at an on-farm planting depth study conducted by our sales representative from southeast Iowa. Photos were taken in the same field, the same location, planted the same day with the same hybrid. The only variation between each is planting depth. The hybrid shown is LH 6477 VT2 PRO planted on May 12 and the photos are from the last week of June.
Planting depths are as follows:
On top of the ground to ¼-inch planting depth
¾ to 1-inch planting depth
1 to 1 ¼-inch planting depth
2 to 2 ¼-inch planting depth
Those planted at optimal depth have much better nodal roots and root mass to anchor that plant into the rapid growth stages we’re observing now.
Comparison of planting depth using hybrid LH 6477 VT2 PRO planted May 12 at the same field and location.On top of the ground to ¼-inch planting depth¾ to 1-inch planting depth1 to 1 ¼-inch planting depth2 to 2 ¼-inch planting depth
#AskTheAgronomist: Pollination and Silk Growth, Part 2
In Part 2 of this series on pollination and silk growth, Latham’s Pre-Commercial Product Manager Bob Foley further explains how the silk to pollen interaction translates into final yield. Watch Part 1 of the series here.
#AskTheAgronomist: Pollination and Silk Growth, Part 1
Latham Pre-Commercial Manager Bob Foley explains silking and pollen growth with a look at development over a multiday time frame. Knowing the stages of growth can help you understand how various stressors affect your crop. Watch Part 2 of the series here.
#AskTheAgronomist: Fungicide Considerations in Dry Weather
To apply fungicide or not to apply fungicide? This question is on the minds of many growers as we continue through a relatively dry growing season. Precision Agronomist Phil Long discusses the pros and cons of fungicide in both corn and soybeans.
It’s time to start looking between rows to see what stressors, outside of dry weather, may be impacting your soybean crop. In this week’s #AskTheAgronomist, Latham Precision Agronomist Phil Long shares how to identify and address mid-season pests such as soybean aphids, soybean gall midge and spider mites.
The Erger family poses for a photo in Iowa’s largest frying pan in Brandon.
They say in Iowa, “If you build it, they will come.”
That’s exactly what happened in 2004. Someone commented to Dave Erger from Brandon, Iowa, that it must take a really big frying pan to feed the entire town during its annual Cowboy Breakfast Festival. So a pan was built and now hundreds of tourists annually make a roadside stop for a photo opportunity.
“My dad, along with several other local farmers, met in Dad’s shop,” says Andy, who is the fourth generation to own and operate his family’s farm in eastern Iowa. “It was supposed to be more of a joke, but before they knew it, it had become a pretty big deal.” Iowa’s largest frying pan is an impressive nine feet wide and 14 feet long, including the handle. The skillet could fry 44 dozen eggs or 88 pounds of bacon.
Farmers are known for rising to any challenge, whether it’s fabricating a giant frying pan or surviving a global pandemic. Unfortunately, Dave Erger faced a health challenge in 2014 that became life changing. He suffered a heart attack that resulted from Lupus, an autoimmune disease that causes one’s body to attack itself. Lupus has made farming more difficult for Dave. As a result, Andy has accepted more responsibility in recent years. That’s why in the spring of 2021 Dave and his wife, Teresa Erger, approached Andy and his wife, Jamee, about purchasing the farm.
“Jamee and I have spent countless hours crunching numbers. We met with our bankers, FSA consultants, and tax advisors. We were relieved when we received confirmation in April that our loans had been approved,” says Andy. “Keeping my family farm running and thriving has always been a dream of mine. I get to share my dream with my wife and our children.”
The Erger Family
Andy and Jamee are the proud parents of four daughters and one son: Kayleigh, Amiliah, Davennah and Rosaleigh and Gilbert (Gib), who was named after Andy’s great grandfather.
Jamee is learning all the ropes of becoming primarily responsible for their Latham seed dealership, Erger Seeds.
With Andy taking on more of the farming responsibilities in addition to his custom hay baling business, Jamee is learning all the ropes of becoming primarily responsible for their Latham® seed dealership, Erger Seeds. Andy became a Latham® Seeds dealer in 2014 because he knew the extra income would help support his family.
“Latham products have worked great on our farm, so I wanted to share it with others around me,” says Andy. “Our dealership also has provided opportunities to create new friendships.”
Andy and Jamee are very much business partners. In addition to helping Andy with the farm and seed dealership, Jamee runs a Revital U business and helps their daughters with an egg business.
“Our home-based businesses allow us to show our kids how the world works and how much work it takes to be successful in the things you care about,” says Jamee. “Having chickens has helped teach the girls responsibility by managing money and taking care of animals. They also help care for three horses, many cats and dogs.”
The Erger family in spring 2021 started a Labrador Retriever breeding business called North of the River Family Labs. Their dogs are fully AKC registered, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) certified, and Embark genetic tested.
They work and play hard, too. They make time for family fun like boating, camping, horseback riding, four-wheeling, visiting parks or zoos or roasting s’mores over a bonfire. The Erger family also makes time to exercise together.
The Erger girls run an egg business with the help of Jamee.
“It’s good to teach our kids about self care,” says Jamee, who like her mother-in-law, is committed to exercise and eating a balanced diet.
“We only get one life to live, so we want to make sure we live it to its fullest,” says Andy. “We love the life of farming and we always put our full attention to anything we care about whether it’s taking care of our family, farm, pets or seed customers. We understand the blood, sweat and tears that are shed by generations of family farms, so we want to help our customers and neighbors be successful.
Andy adds, “It’s nice to be part of a family-owned seed company that was founded in Iowa. The Lathams strive to treat their dealers like family, and in turn, we strive to treat our farmer-customers like family.”
One way they show their customers how much they appreciate them is by delivering homemade cookies and bars during the spring planting and fall harvest seasons. Jamee also enjoys taking meals to the fields for her family during baling hay, and harvest.
“I feed em’ and leave em’,” says Jamee. “It’s important to me to make sure that the guys get a decent meal to help keep them going.”
One way Erger Seeds shows customer appreciation is by delivering homemade cookies and bars during the spring planting and fall harvest seasons.
Today Jamee is sharing with us her favorite cookie recipe, which is a perfect complement to her homemade ice cream. Enjoy June Dairy Month and July Ice Cream Month!
#AskTheAgronomist: Long-Term Heat Stress in Soybeans
In part two of our #AskTheAgronomist series on heat stress, Precision Agronomist Phil Long covers how hot, dry conditions affect soybean growth and decision-making moving forward.
Schminke Family “Goes the Distance” to Support Childhood Cancer
Many Midwest farmers will be harvesting crops on Oct. 10, 2021, but Kyle and Sarah Schminke of Shellsburg, Iowa, will be running in the 43rd Chicago Marathon. Their goal is to raise awareness about childhood cancer, as well as money for the University of Iowa Dance Marathon. Training is already underway for this father-daughter team, and we’re inviting you to cheer on this Eastern Iowa Latham® dealer.
The Schminke Family
“I knew I wanted to get involved on campus, and I had seen some of my older friends post about the University of Iowa Dance Marathon,” says Sarah, who will begin her junior year this fall at the University of Iowa, majoring in Communications Studies with a minor in Rhetoric and Persuasion. She also is earning an event management certificate.
While many people wouldn’t look forward to running a marathon let alone paying a $1,250 entry fee to serve as a charity runner, the Schminkes are looking forward to running this together.
“It’s important to Sarah, so it’s important to me,” says Kyle, who farms with Sarah at his side. His wife, Kyla, works at the local family practice clinic in Shellsburg. His oldest daughter, Dawne, works for UnityPoint pediatrics as a patient service representative.
“Older people are sometimes critical of the younger generation, but just look at the passion the students like Sarah have for Dance Marathon!” adds Kyle. “When you do selfless acts, you feel better. It motivates you. Sarah understands she has a pretty good life, and we should be thankful for what we have. I’m so impressed by the selflessness, and I’m so excited for Sarah to be doing this.”
This father-daughter team has a goal of finishing the race and raising awareness. They’re confident they can, and they will! Kyle completed Iron Man competitions in 2015 and 2016. Sarah ran track and cross country but tore her ACL during her senior year of high school. She wears a brace when she runs, but she isn’t complaining because many people have it so much worse.
Kyle and Sarah are training for the Chicago Marathon. Their goal is to raise awareness about childhood cancer, as well as money for the University of Iowa Dance Marathon.
“I’m not running for me. This is for those kids,” says Sarah. “I don’t care about how much pain I’m in. I’m running for the kids who can’t.”
Kyle and Sarah will be running with a list of 26 names on their arms of children for whom they are running. These are called their “mile motivators.” Sarah knows looking down at the names on her arm will be the motivation she needs to keep running and finish strong.
University of Iowa Dance Marathon
Sarah during The Big Event in February 2020.
The University of Iowa Dance Marathon (UIDM) is the university’s largest student-run organization and the third largest Children’s Miracle Network Dance Marathon of more than 300 such organizations across the United States. It is a year-long endeavor that includes monthly events, including events for families with children fighting childhood cancer, fundraising events and dancer events. Everything leads up to The Big Event, which is held annually in February.
During The Big Event, students raise money by dancing for 24 straight hours. Dance Marathon families share inspiring stories about children who have battled cancer and won, explains Sarah. Kids who lost their courageous battle are remembered Dancing in Our Hearts.
“During The Big Event my freshman year, I remember texting my mom, ‘My feet hurt so bad. Why am I doing this?’ My mom replied, ‘You only have 24 hours of pain, but those kids may have a lifetime of pain. There is a reason to everything you’re doing.’ That’s the motivation I needed to keep going that night and to remain involved in this event. I want to do what I can to help families affected by childhood cancer.”
The 2021 Big Event, which was held virtually, raised $1.4 million for kids and families. While that is certainly a sizable amount of money, it is much lower than the amount the University of Iowa Dance Marathon has raised annually in recent years. The UIDM raised $2 million in 2015 and $3 million in 2018.
Sarah during The Big Event in February 2021.
The UIDM has pledged $5 million to the 11th floor of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital that was named the University of Iowa Dance Marathon Pediatric Cancer Center. (The 11th floor is the one that gets “the wave” during University of Iowa home football games.) This student-run organization also has pledged $2 million to establish the University of Iowa Dance Marathon Chair in Pediatric Oncology, Clinical and translational Research. In addition, UIDM gives $5,000 to each family who loses a child to cancer to help cover funeral expenses.
“The more I learned about Dance Marathon, the more I fell in love with this organization,” says Sarah, who raised more than $500 as a dancer during her first event in 2020. She served on the Public Relations Committee for the 2021 year and raised more than $4,000. Sarah was selected to serve as Director of Public Relations for the 2022 Big Event. Her goal is to raise more than $4,000 again this year.
Today Sarah is sharing with us her favorite recipe for Monster Energy Balls, which provide quick energy or help her refuel after a workout. #DYK chocolate milk is another great way to refuel after a workout? Chocolate milk has twice the carbohydrates and protein content as white milk, water and other sports drinks? Plus, high water content of chocolate milk helps prevent dehydration. Go ahead and raise a glass in salute of America’s dairy producers during June Dairy Month!
This recipe also sounds perfect for busy farm families, as well as for kids who need some extra protein before summer activities.
Leaving no yield in the field is always an important goal, but it’s especially important when commodity prices are as strong as they are. It literally pays to harvest more tonnage! In-season testing will verify whether your growing plants’ nutritional needs are all met, which helps your alfalfa and corn silage crops reach their full potential.
It’s more challenging to determine actual alfalfa and corn silage yield and correlate yield to plant nutrient removal than it is to do so for corn or soybeans. A more accurate way to determine soil and plant needs for alfalfa is in-season soil sampling combined with plant tissue sampling.
The chart below provides examples of tissue sampling methods. You will find a link to full descriptions here: www.dairylandlabs.com/agronomy-services/plant-tissues. I like to add this layer of fidelity on at least a few acres as it gives me a sense that I have done my best. The lab results you get will indicate if a nutrient is still lacking and the amount to supplement. NOTE: It’s helpful to provide a soil sample (at least 10 cores) from area of tissue sample.
For Best Results
Modern alfalfa plant genetics have a lot of capacity to yield, but plant nutrition is key to achieving those top yields. Potash, phosphorus, boron and sulfur are key nutrients. The top yield-driving nutrient is potassium. Split-applying potassium to alfalfa tends to provide the best results.
Alfalfa will remove 50 to 55 pounds of potassium per dry matter (DM) ton, so a total of 300 pounds may be removed per acre in one season. A split application of 150 pounds of potash per acre will help avoid any leaching potential. NOTE: Alfalfa consumes more potash than it needs, a condition called luxury consumption. If you apply more than 200 pounds of potash per acre in one application, there is a high potential for luxury consumption. The plant can only use a certain amount for yield, but an alfalfa plant will continue to consume as much potash as it can. Potash will increase plant tissue concentrations. As a result, it can cause negative animal health issues when the forage is fed.
To maintain maximum animal health, as well as plant health, it’s important to study both data from your field and from your alfalfa plants. Mosaic® fertilizer has a great nutrient removal chart, which correlates expected yield with critical nutrient removal rates.
Maintaining peak nutrition keeps alfalfa plants healthier, so they live longer. More live plants when you plan to rotate to corn can provide up to 100 pounds of nitrogen credit or even greater. It pays to keep alfalfa happy!
