General

2013 Yields; Where Are We At?

corn

We are seeing more separation in soil stresses from the combine these days and it is varying greatly across the country.  Soil stresses will indeed dictate whether you have a positive yield or a negative one.

This year overall yields for Renville County soybeans are better than expected. Corn however is a little lower than expected.  This is mostly due to the dry August and September.  We were listed as moderate to severe drought conditions by the US Drought Monitor

Put that on top of the dry conditions from 2012, when the sub soil was depleted more than we realized, and we can say that 2012 is affecting 2013.

The 2 years are interconnected due to the lack of soil recharging.  Yet, we still will have a decent crop in our area.

It seems most want to “determine that one thing” that was the cause of the yield variations.  However, it is never just one thing; it is 20 things that play a factor.  There is never just one solution either.

How do we best control variables that dictate yields?  By helping understand out of the 20 variables we can control, how do we improve our odds of success with each of those variables by as little as 1%.  All of these results in cropping plans that are better suited to the needs of each field, with the ability to maximize opportunity.

A plan is essential to “determining the many things” to expect!   Plan early, layout your fields and discuss each areas needs at least nine months to a year in advance. We can help you determine all of the factors for a crop plan for 2014 that truly fits your particular needs.  Contact us today or leave a message below!

Notes From the Field

Corn on Corn next year? Have you scouted or sprayed to see what type of rootworm pressure you could face next year, now is the time to plan on how to manage these pest’s next year!
Root Worm

Corn on CornHow deep can you get your corn kernal’s to flex?  High yields live in keeping your plants feed properly and stress free,  what have you done to keep your plants alive in adverse weather?
Kernel Flex

Stop and count a hundred plants in each of your fields this falls, count back the number of full ear’s, the percentage of full ear production will be your baseline for improvement for next year’s crop, to obtain a high full ear count you must have a plan before the combine rolls!
Count One HundredRESIDUE MANAGEMENT (36) the combine is the first pass to setting up the planter, is your residue chopped, sized, and distributed evenly across the field?
Residue Management

Salford in corn stalks a vertical tillage pass in the fall will help shatter the soil and cut and size residue to the primary tillage tool will work more efficient.
Vertical Tillage

Bring a shovel with when your working the ground this fall, do some investigation as to where you are putting the residue from this year’s crop!
Shovel
RESIDUE MANAGEMENT (36) the combine is the first pass to setting up the planter, is your residue chopped, sized, and distributed evenly across the field?
First Pass

Keep in mind that the tillage you do this fall will impact next year’s crop, proper fall tillage will equate to huge yield differences next year.
Fall Tileage

Keep you soil structure in place in a dry year, level fall tillage with no huge bolders is a must to obtain perfect planting conditions next spring.
Soil Structure

We hope that you continue to have a safe harvest time and remember, contact us to help you with your 2014 crop plan!

Corn Capital Innovations; A great hand in farming!

Are Your Operation Goals Matching Your Yield Results?

Are your production operation goals that you set this past spring matching your yield results this fall?

Even though the calendar says we have a lot of time left in 2013….you should be looking at your 2014 farming season.  2014 plans should be complete.  Your cropping plans, fertility, tillage and management plans should be set before your harvest begins.

At Corn Capital Innovations we help you look at what 2013 taught us as agriculture producers…..and what we need to change to create more opportunity for you in the 2014 season.

We will help you achieve your business goals by looking at the three biggest improvements you can make in your production operation for the 2014 crop year.

When you team with Corn Capital Innovations of Olivia, you will have the confidence to take responsibility for the outcome of your harvest.

Plan for tomorrow today in your farming operation.  Have questions?  We’re here to help!

Prioritize Your Fall Harvest Schedule Today!

With the variable weather that has taken place in our area the previous two years there are many agronomic situations that are taking place in your corn fields.  While we cannot change the weather that has taken place, we can act today to ensure that the weather we have endured this year will not continue to affect us into harvest. The time to prioritize your fall harvest is today!  Each and every field will show a wide array of differences to the naked eye.

The time to prioritize your fall harvest is today!

The decisions you made last fall, this spring, and during the growing season will all impact the harvest ability and overall yield of this crop.  Most of the corn has, or rather is, dying prematurely.  The reasons are endless as to why this is happening.  Tillage, fertility, planting conditions, and in season applications of nutrients/fungicides will all play an important role in keeping your corn alive and finishing while mitigating the effects of the late season dry spell and heat that has taken place.

The next few weeks will be your last opportunity to investigate your corn fields and make agronomic adjustments for next year’s crop!  Here are some pictures of what we are seeing in your corn fields.

Pictures were taken 9-12-2013

Above Canopy Above Canopy 2

Above and below the canopy, lower canopy has just started to cannibalize while the upper canopy is intact, these plants are still moving nutrients up the stock and into the ear to continue the grain fill process.  This field will not be a concern at harvest due to the fact that the integrity of the plant has yet to be compromised.

Below Canopy Below Canopy 2

Above and below the canopy, these plants have used all available nutrients to finish the grain fill process.  These plants have yet to reach maturity, and all avenues for nutrients to flow to the kernel have officially stopped.  This field will be a high priority to get processed and in the bin as this field has sacrificed the integrity of the plant to attempt to finish the grain fill process.

 Pinch test Stocks Roots

To check the stalk integrity we would recommend the pinch test, placing your thumb below the ear, and pressing against the stock towards your four fingers.  You will be able to tell if the stock is sponge or intact.  It would also be beneficial to split the stalks open and look at the crown and bottom nodes of the plant to check for stock rots, which will only progress until harvest is over.

Prioritize your harvest schedule now…

 

Do not wait since this is one of the most fragile corn crops that we have observed in some time.  Be safe!

Questions?  Contact us today!

Diane Amberg Joins Corn Captial Innovations as Crop Insurance Technician

Diane AmbergDiane Amberg is a Crop Service Technician at Corn Capital Innovations in Olivia, Minnesota.  She will be assisting the Crop Insurance Specialist in handling applications forms, claims, and following up with customers. Diane is a strong believer of true customer service and very passionate about people.  Building strong customer relationships and maintaining those relationships with honesty and integrity is the key to her customer service.

Diane was raised on a farm near Belview, MN where her parents raised livestock and farmed soybeans, corn, and sugar beets.  Diane is passionate about rural Minnesota and has lived in the area all but two years of her life.  Her career in administration started with Minnesota Technology working with manufacturing companies in rural MN to help improve the economic impact in rural communities.  Diane also served as administrative assistant for Minnesota Rural Partners which was located in the same office building as MN Technology. Due to state/federal budget cuts, the office in Redwood Falls, MN was closed and Diane went on to work for Altimate Medical, Inc. as their Quality Documentation Controls for a year.  Seeking more interaction with people, Diane started a new venture when hired by Monsanto Production in Redwood Falls.  She served as the shipping administrator for a number of years and by the time her stint was over there, she had done accounts payable, served as backup for payroll, assisted with harvest reporting, completed field inspections, and assisted with mapping. Diane has had numerous part time jobs at a variety of businesses and was also in direct sales for a couple of years.

Diane joins Corn Capital Innovations with a knowledge in manufacturing, farming and business.  She has two sons (of which she is very proud) that are employed in the ag industry and enjoys any opportunity to be able to spend time with them and other family.  Diane enjoys being outside (except in the cold months) doing just about anything, likes to read a good book when time allows, enjoys walking, cooking, and of course, now working for Corn Capital.

Join us as we welcome Diane into our growing company!

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