By Brian Hefty
Drought has definitely affected most farms across the country this year. Not to minimize what has happened this year, but it is always important to keep looking ahead and chart a good course of action for next year. With that in mind, I’ve got a few key points I want you to think about as you start to plan for 2013.
SOIL TEST: Soil testing this fall could be very important, as you will likely have lots of carryover and available fertility for next year’s crop. Why put more fertilizer on if you already have enough? However, you may also find yourself low to deficient with one or more nutrients. It is important to identify those and fertilize accordingly.
HERBICIDE CARRYOVER: Many farmers I’ve talked to are considering planting corn on corn and soybeans on soybeans in 2013. That way, they will avoid carryover problems. On a side note, though, be sure to pick the right seed varieties. For example, if you plant beans on beans, you are more likely to get brown stem rot and other diseases. If you plant corn on corn, you are more likely to get Goss’s Wilt, etc. Seed selection is the best method of preventing issues. Back to the carryover problem, I know that certain ag chemical labels will say 4, 6 or 9 months for a rotational restriction, but in a drought year all that goes out the window. Use common sense. Talk to a couple good agronomists, and don’t take chances with herbicide carryover.
COVER CROPS: If you have to take your crop off extremely early this year, you may be able to plant a cover crop blend to reduce erosion, fix nitrogen for next year, reduce compaction, and give you many other benefits. Obviously, you’ll need a little rain to get your cover crops started, but it is definitely something you should consider if you have at least 60 days until freeze up.
WINTER WHEAT: Don’t be surprised to see 100 million corn acres planted in 2013 and a record number of soybean acres, too. If that happens, the wheat price could be pretty good. Just be sure to give your wheat the full attention it needs. There was a big difference in yield again this year between farmers who used seed treatments, fungicides, insecticides, and a good herbicide program vs. those who did not.
NEXT YEAR CAN BE GREAT: For my Dad, his worst yield year was 1976. It was due to drought. However, 1977 was fantastic for him. Think about why. First, you’ll absolutely be able to get all your fall work done this year, so you should be ready for next spring. Next, you should have ample fertility available because mineralization of your soil’s organic matter still occurred this year, even though this crop didn’t use it. Finally, if you get some late summer rain where your crop has already finished, that rain won’t be used this year, and it should be available for next spring.
PRICES ARE FANTASTIC: No one knows what will happen next year, but when you can already sell your 2013 crop for a near-record price per bushel, that sounds like opportunity to me.
I know it’s easy to get discouraged about this year, but don’t forget about the positives that should come for next year. Keep your head up.