Fertilizer Magazine Spring 2015

FERTILIZER Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers

Spring/Summer 2015

Feature Story: Looking Ahead At Future Regulations Wenger Ranch

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 10 Building Sustainable Financial Practices 12 Load Your Tool Box For Soil Health 28 Maximizing Early Season Germination and Emergence FERTILIZER MAGAZINE

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GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES. 2

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To us, this is a bag of soil. To our crops, it’s everything.

Soil is the most valuable asset on our farms. Manage wisely.

The more you test, the more you know. soiltestpro.com

855.768.2899 • info@soiltestpro.com FERTILIZER MAGAZINE

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INSIDE

Fertilizer Magazine Spring 2015

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Letter from the Editor

12 14 16 18

Load Your Tool Box For Soil Health

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Farms Looking Ahead At Future Regulations | Webb

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J.W.’s Cowboy Kitchen

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RFD-TV Relaunches Redefines Rural Media

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pg. 12 < < < < < < Our country is blessed with some of the most productive agricultural soils to feed our nation and the world.

Building Sustainable Financial Practices

Control Erosion

> > > > > > pg. 26 Shrimp on the Barbie from J.W. Lemons.

Ohio Agriculture Industry Farms Looking Ahead At Future Regulations | Wenger

Maximizing Early Season Germination and Emergence

Plant Health and Profitability

pg. 18 < < < < < < Wengers have reduced their amount of tillage and fertilizer applied.

> > > > > > pg. 22 Farming methods have improved greatly to conserve moisture, a return to dry-land farming would be devastating to local farmers and the townsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; economies.

Fertilizer Magazine serves the diverse business, production, and lifestyle needs of families who make farming and ranching their business. Our passion is to help you make money, save time, and grow your satisfaction. Fertilizer Magazine is a proud product of Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers.

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FERTILIZER Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers

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Fertilizer Magazine serves the diverse business, production and lifestyle needs of more than 15,000 families who make farming and ranching their business. Dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers make money, save time and grow their satisfaction in work and life, Fertilizer Magazine publishes ag and rural lifestyle, agronomic and other news as viewed through the lens of crop nutrition twice yearly.

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Full Circle Agri

culture

at Circle Hill F arms By: Diana Pric

hard

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When Noel Thom pson’s father-in-l weight at a rate aw started raisin of g to over forty poun just one pound per week. Toda turkeys back in the 1940’s the birds gaine y, Noel brings ds d turkey poults from we’ve had to breed in a mere nineteen weeks.

“The reason turke just a few ounc better turkeys,” plants, it’s just ys are so big toda es said Thomspon good genetic y is the capacity , “We’re not movi selection.” ng genetics aroun d like in corn Noel has raised turkeys in just about every prod Hill Farms since uction system 1980, after he you can imagine. left his job as father-in-law and a High He’s brother-in-law been at Circle School English in the family opera turkeys out on and Debate teach pastures, “We’ tion. Noel recal er to join his d lose them to he said. “Having ls the days when all kinds of preda them in barns they’d put the tors and protects the birds them.” and our investmen sometimes even the weat her,” t. It’s a lot bette r for us and Today, Noel and brother-in-law Paul still run the tom turkeys to market each year operation toge ther, corn.” and farming, in Noel’s own word bringing around 700,000 heav y s, “a couple thou sand acres of “We’re better at growing corn, ” he added when we met on the back patio of his Iowa home

Letter from the Editor

Albert Bancroft,

Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers Marketing Department Manager As the planting season has been in full swing, and in most areas completed, many Americans take a common holiday to rest and rekindle. You are now reading the second edition of the Fertilizer Magazine and in an effort to focus on what interests you the most, we have added a broader selection of authors with topics that are timely and relevant.

With changing economics for the agriculture industry, the good years drove new technology, upgraded equipment, and added assets to our portfolios.

Now is the time to utilize all of the resources available to us. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers have changed how we approach the challenges of multiple inputs to achieve profitable yields. The recent shift in economics has also affected how we plan. Every yield goal needs to match several variables; maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soil type, maybe the availability of water, or growing degree days.

Taking the time to calculate your expenses, both fixed and variable, then selecting appropriate quantities of crop nutrients, as well as other inputs, might be the determining factor between profit and loss. Plus, we still have to be good stewards of our soils; after all, we need them to produce food and fiber for many generations to come.

The largest variable beyond most peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s control is weather. We can add water if a source is available and in some cases, even a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or shade-house. Realistically, most producers do not have that luxury. As you will read in this issue, many who have had access to water are losing the ability to apply adequate amounts for their crops to produce profit, or in some cases even survive.

We can all relate to some level of education and the benefit it provided, all relative to the time and energy that was put into it and determined the return it provided us. As our industry continues to evolve, we need to do the same to learn new information and share valuable insights. Learning all we can about soil activity and plant physiology will allow us to utilize the best technologies available to arrive at a profitable ending. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget passing your wisdom along. As you will read later, the Wenger family takes that job very seriously. If we, as an industry, do not take the time to be involved in our future, we will ultimately be told what to do instead of being able to choose our own workable solutions.

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Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best nutrient Sandy Soils Dryland mother nature dependent

Irrigated Cover Crops retain nutrients on growing environment

Plant Through Living Cover Crop reduces leaching of nitrogen

Burn Down With Herbicide After Planting keeps soil microbed active until new crop is established

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supplement natural rainfall

Cover Crop Burn Down eliminates competition at planting

Plant Through Dead Cover Crop easier residue management

strategy for me?

Clay Soils Conventional Tillage

No-Till/ Reduced Till

216 million acres of crop land

173 million acres of cropland

Plant Through Residue prevents wind and moisture erosion

Filter Strips cleans water on its journey to rivers and lakes

Times Fertilizer Applications matches crop demand

Banded Fertilizer increases access by plant roots

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Building Sustainable Financial Practices Building Sustainable Financial Practices Building Sustainable Financial Practices

Building Sustainable Financial Practices By: R. Warren Graeff, Senior Vice President and Agricultural Banking Market Manager at PNC

Sustainable practices preserve land productivity, protect drinking water, and reduce operational impact on the ecosystem. But what about the financial benefits?

Conservation farming saves money by reducing costs related to machinery, fuel, labor, fertilizer, pesticides, and other inputs. But it can cost money in the short term due to new process investments and potentially lower crop yields as you refine your techniques. Here’s how you can manage money for financial stability as you implement conservation farming techniques.

IDENTIFY PRACTICES TO SAVE CASH Start by saving energy. There are many ways to save energy, from no-till planting practices to repurposing animal-manure as natural fertilizer. Even switching to energy saving lightbulbs and installing more insulation in barns can help.

Green energy systems like geothermal or ground-source heat pumps, wind turbines, solar technologies, and anaerobic digesters save energy costs over time, but require significant investment up front. Before buying, find out how long it will take to notice the savings. Weigh it against the initial investment, then think about how you will pay for it – with cash, through an assistance program, or with a loan.

REVIEW YOUR CURRENT BANKING SITUATION See if your checking and savings accounts are working as hard as they could be. If yields take a temporary downturn, you want to be financially prepared. Talk to your agriculture banker about your revenue cycle, working capital requirements, and planned purchases. Also consider potential cost savings from implementing sustainable techniques, and determine what to do with the extra cash.

Improve cash flow with different accounts payables and receivables options. Many banking tools are available to lengthen payment cycles. Paying bills online or using an automatic clearing house (ACH) allows you to set up payments for the day they are actually due – which means you can hold on to your cash as long as possible. Using a credit card to defer costs until later can free up cash for new equipment or sustainable farming inputs.

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EXPLORE YOUR FINANCING OPTIONS Learn about government-funded assistance programs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service offers several conservation assistance programs. The Conservation Stewardship Program provides participants with payments for conservation performance, which can offset any investment costs or initial crop losses.

Program participation can mean a couple of things. You can reserve your own cash – and, you can learn from USDA and regional experts about implementing sustainable practices more quickly and successfully. More information about these programs is available at www.nrcs.usda.gov.

Investigate private funding opportunities. Agriculture banks can, help finance crops, livestock, major equipment purchases and other sustainability inputs. Just be sure to closely examine any lending product before you sign.

Terms should include flexible repayment schedules and competitive interest rates.

CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR Keep detailed records and choose an experienced tax advisor. As of tax year 2014, the IRS allows farmers to deduct certain expenses related to soil and water conservation, prevention of farm land erosion, and endangered species recovery. Deductions can account for up to 25 percent of your annual gross income from farming, but allowed amounts vary depending on government payments you received and participation in certain cost-sharing conservation programs. Your tax advisor can help you fully understand how it works.

If you do qualify for tax savings, consider what you can do with the extra cash. Whether you reserve it for short-term working capital, apply it to a larger investment, or save it for later, be sure to check with your agriculture banker for products that can help you maximize your finances.

The third-party trademarks referenced in these articles are owned by and are the registered trademarks of their respective third-party owners. There is no affiliation, sponsorship or endorsement relationship between PNC or its affiliates and any such third party. PNC is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (‘‘PNC’’) This article is prepared for general information purposes by Smart Cookie Business Writing, LLC and is not intended as legal, tax or accounting advice or as recommendations to engage in any specific transaction, including with respect to any securities of PNC, and does not purport to be comprehensive. Under no circumstances should any information contained in the material presented be used or considered as an offer or commitment, or a solicitation of an offer or commitment, to participate in any particular transaction or strategy or should it be considered legal advice. Any reliance upon any such information is solely and exclusively at your own risk. Please consult your own counsel, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation. Neither PNC Bank nor any other subsidiary of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. will be responsible for any consequences of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained here, or any omission. The opinions expressed in these materials or videos are not necessarily the opinions of PNC Bank or any of its affiliates, directors, officers or employees. Banking and lending products and services, bank deposit products, and Treasury Management products and services for farmers are provided by PNC Bank, National Association, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PNC and Member FDIC. Lending and leasing products and services, including card services and merchant services, as well as certain other banking products and services, may require credit approval. ©2015 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Load Your Tool Box for Soil Health M A K E YO U R S O I L S M O K E !

By: Frank Gibbs, Certified Professional Soil Scientist Wetland & Soil Consulting Services, L.L.C.

We Are Blessed Our country is blessed with some of the most productive agricultural soils to feed our nation and the world. This is not the case with most of the world. I have personally traveled to countries where there is very little arable soil or next to no water to grow anything. In the Midwest, the vast majority of our soils require drainage to be productive.

We Are Challenged All over the world, huge, violent rain events interspersed with droughts are damaging farmers’ crops and soils. Farmers are paying record prices for their nutrient inputs, and violent rain storms are flushing nutrients out into streams and lakes. Dissolved reactive phosphorus has become the new driver of algal blooms around the world and agriculture is receiving the lion’s share of public blame, regardless of the fact that we are just starting the most basic research as to why this is occurring.

Who hasn’t heard of Toledo, Ohio, last year?

In the Midwest, wet heavy clay lakebed soils and dense glacial till soils are very susceptible to soil compaction during planting and harvest operations. Weather patterns seem to keep saturating our soils during both spring planting and fall harvest time. Once a field is tracked up, the natural tendency is to finish tilling, before winter comes, even if it’s still too wet. A little frost in the morning to hold up the tractor and then drag steel through the mud underneath is the common remedy.

Soil structure is being repeatedly damaged almost every year. Soil compaction is a huge problem.

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Crosby silt loam soil in Champaign County, Ohio, that had the following soil health tools applied: subsurface drainage, continuous no-till, conservation cropping rotation including clover and cover crops providing continuous live roots in the soil.

Photo by F. Gibbs

Our Achievements Farmers are testing their soil for accurate application of nutrients in record numbers. Technology is opening new doors to precision nutrient management options and conservation practices not possible in the past. Progressive farmers, certified crop advisors, soil scientists, commodity groups and fertilizer dealers are organizing to get the word out to implement the 4-Rs and conservation systems with cover crops.

They are also funding basic research through universities to solve the dissolved reactive phosphorus problem.

Make Your Soil Smoke Healthy soil is porous, well-structured, and contains a lot of air space for living creatures, especially earth worms. Healthy soils absorb water from large storms. Roots from cover crops hold the soil in place and recycle nutrients, preventing them from washing away. Earth worms, such as night crawlers, eat the cover crops and recycle the nutrients into the soil. One test for soil health that I developed is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smoking Tile.â&#x20AC;? My friend, Dave Robinson, a cover crop expert, posted it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eroGrAjlLZk.

Soil compaction caused by repeated tillage of wet soils.

Blount silt loam, Logan County, Ohio. .

Photo by F. Gibbs

Grab Your Tool Box for Soil Health There is no one magic bullet to solve this problem. Rather a systems approach with cooperation of all partners in agriculture will produce healthy soils. Growers need a tool box of tools (conservation practices) at their disposal to choose from and assemble the right system for their soils and production needs. At the base in the Midwest are the 4-Rs: Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time and Right Place.

Soil testing, nutrient management plans, surface drainage, subsurface drainage, conservation tillage, controlled traffic, crop rotations, crop residue management, various cover crop strategies, controlled drainage, yield monitors, crop management zones, variable rate application of nutrients and seed, soil health assessments, filter strips, and wetlands are all conservation practices being ramped up.

The dissolved reactive phosphorus problem will never be solved by the government or by legislation requiring a crescent wrench and a pair of vice grips. It will be solved by progressive farmers working with CCAs, soil scientists and fertilizer dealers using a whole tool box of conservation practices for healthy soils while producing food for the whole world. Agriculture (all of us) need to keep letting the public know we are doing our part to proactively solve this problem.

WSCS, LLC Smoking Tile Demonstration of Soil Health in Ashland County, Ohio Photo by F. Gibbs FERTILIZER MAGAZINE

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Control Erosion

Prevent Fertilizer Loss By: John Leif, Field Agronomist Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers

Fertilizers can leave a field by several different routes. The route most beneficial to the crop is, of course, uptake and removal by the crop. Unfortunately there are other, less beneficial, routes for fertilizer to leave a field including through soil erosion. Most nutrients applied to the soil erode off of the field when soil is moved by wind or water. That soil, and its attached nutrients, can be deposited in surface waters causing a number of water quality issues. This can be prevented through erosion management and conservation practices. It is a landowners job to work towards preventing erosion that leads to water quality problems. There are several erosion management practices that utilize vegetation to trap soil and prevent it from reaching surface water. Vegetative conservation practices can be placed in a production field, around the perimeter, or away from the field near sensitive areas such as rivers and streams. Several common conservation techniques are discussed below. When planning any vegetative practice it is important that the plant species used is adapted to the geography and specific soil conditions and not be considered invasive.

One of the most common in-field vegetative practices is a grassed waterway. A grassed waterway is a shaped or graded channel planted to suitable vegetation that directs water to a suitable outlet. The ideal characteristics for a grass species in a grassed waterway is one that has stiff, upright stems that can withstand heavy water flow and sedimentation. A dense stand of stiff stemmed grasses will slow down water flow as it enters the waterway.

When water flow slows down the sediment in that water will settle out of the water and remain trapped by the grass. The clean water will then travel down the waterway to the outlet. Grass species common to the Midwest and eastern United States include, but are not limited to, cool season grasses such as bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescues. Species common to the southern United States include, but are not limited to, warm season grasses such as Bermuda grass and sideoats grama.

There are several conservation practices that can be installed around a field or near environmentally sensitive areas. Field borders and filter strips are plantings of permanent vegetation using stiff stemmed upright grasses,

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Above: Grass waterway: Photos courtesy USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Below: Filter Strip, Photo courtesy USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Ripartion Forest, Photo courtesy USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

legumes, and forbs to trap soil particles suspended in wind or water. A combination of cool season and warm season grasses can be used for this purpose. Cool season grasses such as wildrye species, junegrass, wheatgrass species and bottlebrush are considered native to the United States. Those grasses will have fast vegetative growth in the spring and early summer, and again in the fall. Prairie grasses such as big bluestem, little bluestem, Indiangrass, and switchgrass are common warm season grasses that can be used, and their fast growth period is from early summer until early fall. Warm season grasses will often have thicker stems than cool season grasses and the senesced stems will usually provide a filtering effect throughout the early spring until cool season grasses grow enough to become effective as filters.

If the landowner or manager wants to provide additional wildlife habitat there are many choices of forbs and legumes that can be added to the planting. Forage legumes such as clovers, birdsfoot trefoil, and alfalfa provide diversity in the planting and fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. Many forb and wildflower species can be added to supply habitat for pollinator insects. Wildflower planting should have enough species to provide flowering throughout the growing season so that pollinator insects will have a food source during the entire season. Not all wildflowers are attractive to pollinator insects. Refer to local recommendations for species selection.

sediment and nutrient runoff from a field. A riparian forest buffer where trees and shrubs planted adjacent to streams and rivers can also serve an important role in protecting surface waters. The trees and shrubs planted against a river or stream will hold soil in place with their root systems and their leaves reduce the impact of raindrops on the soil surface. They can also be used to help stabilize stream banks, provide additional wildlife habitat, and improve overall water quality of the stream or river. Short tree and shrub species may include alders, dogwoods, willows, sumac and elderberry. Tall trees may include maples, birch, oaks, and cypress species. Riparian forest buffers are often installed in conjunction with filter strips.

Once a conservation practice is planted and established it is important to perform maintenance on them at various times. Maintenance tasks may include mowing, spraying, burning or pruning. Performing timely maintenance will improve the effectiveness of the practice and extend the life of the planting.

There are many resources available to help plan, establish, and maintain these conservation practices. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has information on design and species selection that are appropriate for each local area. There may also be State and local resources in an area to help with this planning.

Grasses, legumes, and forbs are not the only plants that can be part of conservation practices that prevent FERTILIZER MAGAZINE

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Ohio Agriculture Industry: Working Together to Alleviate Fertilizer Runoff in Western Lake Erie Basin By: Chris Henney, CEO Ohio AgriBusiness Association

In August 2014, residents of the Toledo, Ohio, area were without water for three days due to high levels of cyanotoxin, caused by harmful algal blooms, in Lake Erie. It was a crisis that was years in the making, but one that Ohio agriculture is taking big steps toward finding a long-term solution for.

Cities across the country face increased water treatment costs to meet the demands of safe drinking water, including Toledo. Tourists, who generate a lot of revenue for the city, are deterred by algal bloom build-up, and the lakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing and boating businesses must tackle new challenges when navigating the murky waters.

Harmful algal blooms are caused by phosphorous, a byproduct of sewage, fertilizer, and manure, which enters the lake either from direct dumping of product into the water, a point source, or from runoff, a non-point source. Due to its shallow depth, blooms more frequently occur in the western basin of the lake, increasing the importance of

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controlling runoff from the western Lake Erie watershed, an area that encompasses most of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

Agriculture is a non-point source for phosphorus entering the lake. When fertilizer is applied to fields, there is a chance of excess nutrients washing into the water supply. Chances of runoff increase when fertilizer is applied before large rainfalls or when the ground is frozen. Although it is not the only source for phosphorus entering the lake, farmers and retailers are taking an active role in curbing the problem.

As algal blooms have increased in recent years, agriculture has turned to science-based approaches for fertilizer application that work to meet the nutrient needs of farmers, while also being conscientious of the environment and other factors that increase the chances of runoff.

One of the leading approaches to responsible fertilizer application is the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program.

The voluntary program

encourages farmers and retailers to adopt best practices through the 4Rs: applying the Right Source of Nutrients at the Right Rate and Right Time in the Right Place. Retailers have the opportunity to become certified in the program, allowing them to better serve farmers’ needs on an individual field basis. More than 60 retailers have committed to the program, which is governed and guided by the Nutrient Stewardship Council. Five retailers have achieved certified status thus far.

In addition to the voluntary efforts, two bills are currently being discussed

by Ohio legislators that will restrict fertilizer application at certain times, with the hope of curbing phosphorous runoff. Senate Bill 1, which passed the Ohio Senate in February, prohibits the spreading of fertilizer or manure when the AL_2014_Quasar_Half_Page.pdf 1 9/18/2014 9:50:46 AM ground is frozen, snow-covered,

“One of the leading approaches to responsible fertilizer application is the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program.”

or saturated, or when there is a 50 percent or greater chance of 1 inch of rain within the next 12 hours. A similar bill, HB 61, passed out of the Ohio House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives this month. Both of these bills apply only to the western Lake Erie watershed, with the hopes of helping reduce phosphorus runoff into the lake.

As phosphorous runoff continues to gather attention from media and legislators both nationally and on a state level, the agriculture industry must continue to lead the way, working with others to find responsible solutions that meet the needs of and improve our environment for future generations.

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LOOKING

AHEAD AT FUTURE

REGULATIONS By: Ashley Davis, Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers Photography: Natalie Green

WENGER RANCH

Four generations of Wenger farmers have operated Wenger Ranch over the last 100 years, successfully managing diversity through the progression of agriculture.

What started as a 100 acre dairy farm is now a 450 acre farm, with the majority dedicated to almond and walnut orchards.

Today, Wenger Ranch is run by third generation farmer Paul Wenger, President of the California Farm Bureau, and his wife Deborah. Their operation has included the involvement of his three sons, Jeff, Jake, and Luke. Jake shared that the Wenger family passion for farming, coupled with their drive for sustainability, has allowed them to continue farming, and will be critical for them to continue for the next 100 years.

Jake took the opportunity to meet us on the Wenger Ranch to talk with us about how the next 100 years will be filled with challenges. Throughout California and many other states, there is a growing concern with regulations.

He emphasized that dealing with these regulations consumes valuable time they could be spending in the field or with their family. Regulations the farmer faces on issues of pesticide reporting and now nitrate issues for ground water take their toll. The Wengers have to

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continue to dedicate their time to filing reports, and keeping up on Continuing Education credits, all time that could be spent in the field. The top challenge looking into the future is water. Throughout the water shortage in California, Jake has become well aware of Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lack of adequate water storage. Jake believes the agricultural community does not get the credit it deserves when it comes to water issues and the increased productivity utilizing the same basic water resources over the last four decades.

With challenges comes change. Being a fourth generation farmer, Jake has seen many changes on the farm throughout his lifetime. Jake noted that most changes have been positive, resulting in more sustainable practices over the years. For the Wenger family it is important to leave behind a healthy soil and environment for their fifth generation to tend their farm. Creating sustainability, the Wengers have moved to reduced and no-till farming practices. Where they once used to disc between the rows of trees, they now incorporate safe chemical control on these weeds. This provides a cover crop that creates more aeration and microbial activity in the soil. The soil is alive with night crawlers that continuously cultivate and leave behind rich organic matter. Another way they have

worked towards sustainability is through the reduction of excess fertilizer.

“Using the product eNhance, with our nitrogen program, has allowed us to significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen applied to our crop each year,” said Jake. “Responsible Nutrient Management is a critical element of our goal for sustainable farming.”

Not only have the Wengers reduced their amount of tillage and fertilizer applied, but they have also implemented drip irrigation to help conserve water.

As we walked the northern California orchard, Jake noted that it has been technology that has allowed his family to keep up with the changing times and farming practices. He also reflected on how previous generations used to harvest walnuts. It was a long process with mallets and shaker poles. The field we stood in used to take about one week to harvest with five to six people.

Now the same field can be harvested in about two full days with two people.

“Just being able to get out here in God’s green earth [is what brings me the most satisfaction]. That “ah” moment you have when you’re in the field and the sun is just right, while you stand there in your short sleeve shirt and ball cap. It’s that moment when a cool breeze blows in your face and you look around and tell yourself I get to do this for a living. Even more satisfying is being able to do it with my family.”

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As Jake reflected about the past, his focus is on the future, and striving toward sustainability will be the foundation for their strategy.

Sustainability does not mean giving up on yield potential. In fact, it can mean the opposite if you understand your soil health and how to feed it.

Let’s not forget Jake’s comments earlier about the water conditions.

The best laid plans have to look at the limiting factor. In the Wengers’ case it is water. Water has clearly become short for many California growers as well as several other states across the US. Knowing that the water is a limiting factor, Jake shared with us the importance of having his family involved in the industry to try and make changes. Jake currently serves on the local irrigation water board.

He said, “Farmers need to get more involved in their industry. They must get involved beyond their local community activities. Even being a member of a growers association and/or Farm Bureau is not enough. It is the only way to combat the continued cascading effects of regulation that is financed and supported by special interest and environmental groups. These groups usually reside in the high population areas and have no real grasp on the issues affecting the farmer today.”

Jake also discussed how money from some of these environmental groups has prevented important progress such as adequate water holding reservoirs. He believes the multibillion-dollar industry represented by farming is the most underfunded lobbying group in the state. The

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farming industry needs to continue to be the best stewards of the land.

Using the changing technology to improve efficiency will continue to feed the world. He was kind enough to say he felt companies like Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers were leaders in these technologies. Jake pointed out that even though the farm seemed quiet and isolated, just over the tree tops was a city of over 200,000 people. We all stood for a moment enjoying the peaceful farm setting only minutes from a thriving city.

Reflecting above, Jake told us the most rewarding part of this multigenerational farm. When he asks his five-year-old son what he wants to be, the answer is a farmer.

He also tells of how tears come to his son’s eyes when he finds out he can’t ride in the tractor with dad that day. The disappointment of his son is both sad and yet satisfying that it means so much to him. Often times they will set up the operation for that day and then include the kids in a trip to town for a farm family breakfast. If his son finds out his sister actually got tractor time and he did not, it presents a small challenge of jealousy.

As potential fifth generation farmers, Jake’s son and daughter will continue to see challenges, such as water shortages, and will find growth through technological advances. Now more than ever it is important to have a sustainable farm based on responsible nutrient management, and to educate those around us on the issues farmers are facing for our future generations.

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Feature 2

LOOKING

AHEAD AT FUTURE

REGULATIONS 22

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WEBB FARM

By: Galynn Beer, Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers Photography: Kayla King

Second generation farmer Joe Webb started farming with his father, Ernest Webb, sixty-six years ago. Originally, they farmed about 30 miles west of Guymon, toward Boise City, OK. In 1952, his dad purchased land near Guymon.

They drilled their first irrigation well in 1964. With the Oklahoma Panhandle climate being semi-arid, averaging around 16 inches of moisture in a good year, it was extremely difficult to product adequate yields using dryland farming methods. Wheat and sorghum were really the only crops that stood a chance in this unforgiving growing environment. Access to water from the Ogallala Aquifer completely changed crop production in this area. The Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest aquifers in the world and the largest in North America, has helped increase water availability and has opened up a new world of production agriculture. Suddenly, more water intensive crops like corn could be grown.

Following the initial land purchase near Guymon, the Webbs gradually increased acreage through land purchases, as well as rented land. The increase in irrigated acres corresponded with growth because, after all, that was the key to consistent production and dependable income. As Joe progressed through school and began

college the farm continued expansion. Then, his dad had a health scare that signaled it was time for Joe to return to the farm full-time. From there, the Webbs took on another section of land and started row, also called flood, irrigation. Row irrigation was resource intensive. It took a lot of hours of labor to put the irrigation pipe in place at the beginning of the season and then remove it at the end. Also, every morning and evening, some rows had to be turned off and others turned on. It often took a week, or sometimes more, to complete an irrigation cycle across the field. This toiling process was repeated the entire growing season. During the farmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growth period, around 1987, the Webbs added their first sprinkler system. At this time the farm experienced the difficult transition of a business partner passing, Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father. The addition of the sprinkler system was crucial at this time as it helped eliminate much of the labor and time it took to irrigate the field.

One of the most difficult tasks for any farmer is succession planning. Joe began to see the need to plan ahead.

Joe and his wife, Nina, have two daughters and both chose careers off the farm. Neither planned a return. In executing his succession plan, he returned the rented FERTILIZER MAGAZINE

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portion of his farmland to the landowners for their next generation. A farm that used to have six employees and 10,000 head of cattle has downsized to one cowboy and 3,500 acres, still managed by Joe and his wife. Joe hasn’t minded cutting back on acreage. The reduction has allowed him and Nina to truly enjoy their work, it’s simply more fun, but still keeps them busy.

With less acreage come fewer concerns, but that doesn’t mean all of Joe’s concerns have vanished. Even with the reduction in acreage, Joe still has concerns over the availability of water in years to come. The water supplied by the Aquifer has been behind the long-term success of his farm, but Joe knows this may not last forever.

The Ogallala Aquifer has a very slow, almost nonexistent, recharge rate. Huge improvements in irrigation technology have extended the expected life of the Aquifer exponentially compared to the inefficiencies of early irrigation methods. However, there are still many unknowns ahead. Population demand for water in metropolitan areas of the arid Southwest means someone is always eyeing the Ogallala as their source of water. There are ongoing concerns for the potential to see water exported to other areas of the U.S. While farming methods have improved greatly to conserve moisture, a return to dry-land farming would be devastating to local farmers and the towns’ economies.

With the gradual depletion of the Aquifer, getting permits for new wells, or even replacement wells, has gotten more difficult over the years. Joe has benefited from the law degree of one of his daughters who still has a passion for their family farm and has continued to help her father secure enough water to produce the high yields necessary to stay in business.

Much of Oklahoma is in an extended drought and the Panhandle has been particularly dry. One summer was so dry that in a few areas, sprinklers couldn’t match the evaporation rates and some producers had to abandon corn half way through the season. That type of year is

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the exception, but still, the drought has meant irrigation wells are started a month earlier than normal, generally in early March for the wheat, then run continuously until the corn has matured in late August or early September.

But necessity drives innovation. Sprinklers are much more efficient with water than flood irrigation, but even sprinkler technology continues to improve. Early sprinklers operated at high pressures with nozzles on top of the sprinklers. The 20 feet of distance the water had to fall in hot temperatures and wind resulted in massive evaporation rates, so drop-nozzle technology came along.

Now nozzles hang within inches of the ground and operate at very low pressures. They produce large droplets that can resist the evaporative effects of wind and heat.

Nearly 100% of the water reaches the ground. On Joe’s farm, 80% of his land is irrigated by this sprinkler technology. Cell phone apps and GPS technology allow farmers, including Joe, to monitor and control sprinklers no matter where they are. They are notified of mechanical issues via text, which is usually a blessing, but feels more like a curse when the phone beeps at 3 am.

Technology has really improved yield potential.

As Joe states, “Everyone can make a straight row these days. Farming is more than that.”

It still takes shrewd management and wisdom developed from observing all of the variables associated with producing a crop. Joe strives for perfection and thrives on seeing the perfect crop. Joe also relies on other resources to help with his production. He is eager to listen to ideas that might increase his bottom line. One of the areas he seeks support is through his local supplier of Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers. Joe relies on High Plains Ag to take soil tests annually, and this allows Joe to account for excellent levels of some nutrients that are available from applications of cattle manure, but recognize low levels of any nutrients that could limit yields, making sure they are added to his fertilizer program.

In addition to improved irrigation technology, Joe has adopted better farming technology as well. He began strip-tilling 14 years ago. Even though Joe’s farm, and others in the High Plains, have access to irrigation water, he knows that he needs to maximize the benefit from the rain and snow that falls. Strip-till is a great fit on Joe’s farm. He can till the area where he’ll plant and apply fertilizer in the band at the same time, ensuring access by the crop. Also with strip-till, residue is left on top to prevent erosion, which in Oklahoma is almost exclusively from wind. With the residue on top, it can also help rain soak in and catch wind-driven snow, then provide a protective layer to prevent evaporation.

Strip-tillage is often performed in late fall or very early spring. The area gets very little moisture through the winter, there is virtually no risk of leaching applied nitrogen, but the days can be chilly and the nights cold during application. Cleaning screens is not only a waste of time, but a cold, messy job. Joe has valued the quality of fertilizer from AgroLiquid. Joe points out, “Their phosphorus (Pro-Germinator) is the cleanest product I’ve ever used. We can strip the entire farm and our filters in our fertilizer system stay clean. When I’ve used other products, I am cleaning the filters often.”

Webb has embraced technology, from more efficient water applications, to conserving water through strip-tillage, to using the highest quality crop nutrition.

Joe realizes it takes managing all of the variables to stay profitable. Joe concluded, “It’s hard work to keep your soil where it’s going to produce. It’s even harder work to keep high yields.”

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COWBOY KITCHEN

By: J.W. Lemons, Field Agronomist Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers

BBQ season is here, and one of my favorites is Shrimp on the Barbie with Early Spring Vegetables.

Prepare your long wood skewers by soaking them for a couple of hours.

Start with large prawn size shrimp. (3 per skewer is a serving; consider this when purchasing based on the number you plan to serve) Three young yellow spring squash Three young zucchinis 3 small yellow onions Large fresh cherry or grape tomatoes White mushrooms Small fresh pineapple cut into 2” thick chunks Add a yellow, red, and orange bell pepper Cut all of your vegetables into 2 to 3” chunks so you can skewer them without splitting them. Leave your cherry tomatoes and mushrooms whole.

Get creative and start alternating vegetables, pineapple, and shrimp on the skewers. Leave at least 2” of skewer free on both ends for turning. Lay in long glass dish lined with foil. Make sure foil will wrap completely around skewers, and then make the glaze.

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The Glaze 1 can (12 oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate (partially thawed) 1 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 Tbsp of butter 2 Tbsp soy sauce On low heat blend butter, brown sugar, and soy sauce until smooth. Do not boil or overheat.

Remove from heat and add the can of partially thawed frozen orange juice concentrate. Take pan of thick glaze and drizzle over the skewers until thoroughly coated. Seal in foil and place in refrigerator for at least two hours; longer is better.

Turn foil package over half way through the marinating process.

Place on medium flame preheated BBQ grill.

Watch closely so shrimp will not get overdone. Grill 1012 minutes over flame. Turn often and brush on leftover glaze.

Want to be adventurous? Sprinkle lightly with curry before serving.

You can double the batch for larger groups.

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Maximizing Early Season Germination Emergence By: Reid Abbott, Field Agronomist Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers

Today, in America’s agriculture industry, we look to push the limits on every input we can to maximize the return on investment and simplify our operations. The fact is there is simply not enough margin in a crop or hours in a season to do much less. However, there are costly consequences associated with running that close to 100% capacity. Figuratively speaking, if the train begins to derail, you could spend the rest of the year trying to get everything back on track. The adoption of reduced tillage farming and early planting are just a few reasons today’s hybrids are faced with challenging conditions. If managed correctly, these practices can be implemented without impacting final yields and thus increase the overall efficiency of a grower’s operation. Let’s discuss some of the causes of germination and emergence issues, and management tips that can improve your planting methods this year.

Soil Temperature – Low soil temperature is one of the main reasons we see delayed emergence in our crops. Just like any other living organism, plants have ideal temperature ranges in which they exist and grow. If those minimums are not met, cell growth and division will not proceed which causes germination and emergence to be prolonged.

Soil Moisture – Similar to soil temperature, plants require an ideal

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range of moisture levels in order to germinate and grow effectively. If the soil is too dry, the seed will remain inert and not swell or germinate.

If it’s too wet, the roots and shoots may not get enough oxygen for their growth and metabolism.

Seed-to-Soil Contact – In order for a seed to sprout and begin its life cycle, it must have access to everything it needs. For this reason, it is crucial for the seed to maximize its contact with the surrounding soil so that nutrients and moisture can be transferred through the seed coat and into the young embryo.

Soil-borne Pests – Insects and diseases have the potential to delay or terminate germinating crops. While seed treatments have been developed for many crops to help combat some of these pests, in other cases pest pressures can be high enough to cause significant losses or delays.

Uneven Planting Depth – Proper planting depth is essential to starting a crop off on the right foot. A seed that is too deep has to utilize all of its kernel energy to reach the surface and is prone to falling prey to adverse conditions from its extra time in the soil.

Too shallow, and a seed could become a victim of the soil drying out or inadequate establishment of its structural root system.

High Rate/Improper Starter Fertilizer – Starter fertilizers can cause dramatic problems if one does not consider the sensitivity of the crop, the proximity to the seed, and the caustic potential of the products used.

Now that we are familiar with some of the causes of seedling germination and emergence issues, let’s take a look at some ways we can manage our planting operation to reduce the risk of these early season problems.

Residue Management – Regardless of your stance on tillage, we are all interested in the proper dispersal and breakdown of residue from a previous year’s crop. Creating a suitable seedbed begins at harvest the previous year.

Evenly chopping and spreading stalks and properly setting planter row cleaners will ensure proper decomposition and management of residue in the seed row.

subsequently clearing a field of these nuisances can lead to a more energetic emergence and early growth of a crop.

Manage for Compaction – Highly compacted areas in a field generally produce stunted, nutrient deficient plants due to the roots being unable to penetrate the high bulk density soil. Limiting traffic to specific areas using GPS and reducing the time spent in the field during wet conditions can lessen the number of acres where these conditions persist.

Also, utilizing deep tillage and a variety of cover crops can go a long way to improve ground that has been overly compacted.

“...these practices can be implemented without impacting final yields...”

Variety Selection – If you are consistently the first one in the county to start planting, consider choosing varieties that have more hearty early season characteristics. Cold germination scores, emergence and early season vigor ratings, and disease and insect resistance are all features that a grower should consider when selecting a variety that will be going out first on the farm.

Planter Settings – As simple as it seems, make sure that the planter is level both front to back and side to side. This will ensure that mechanical operations are functioning correctly.

Seek Advice from the Soil – In the past, calendar dates were used to determine many farming operations. Today, most growers are moving away from that notion and relying on the field conditions to advise them on planting times. If the field is too wet, too dry, or too cold, it is best to not test the limits of seed viability and put the whole crop at risk.

Soil Testing – Soil testing is the key to determining what the needs of the crop are so that nothing is lacking from the time the planter runs through the field. It is also a cheap and effective way to save money on fertilizer inputs if it is determined that the soil already meets the demands of the intended crop.

Planter-Time/Starter Fertilizer – As explained in the earlier section, planter-time or starter fertilizer can be risky depending on how and what you apply.

However, because soils early in the season tend to be cold, nutrients tend to not be as readily available and root growth proceeds slowly. To help relieve these issues, a grower can utilize products that are specifically designed for in-furrow placement. Another tool a grower can use to minimize risk is to limit the fertilizer’s proximity to the seed so that the soil can act as a buffer to make the application less precarious.

Y-knot splitters, 2X2, and over the row surface bands can all achieve that small separation while still providing the necessary nutrients early in the season.

Sometimes, it seems like a monumental task when faced with planting hundreds or even thousands of acres in a finite time span. However, planning ahead and careful management of each input will yield clean, straight rows and a happy harvest.

Scout/Treat Field for Weeds and Pests – Early in their life cycle, crops are susceptible to being outgrown by weeds and attacked by insects and disease. Discovering and

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RFD-TV RELAUNCHES, REDEFINES RURAL MEDIA Powerful Technology Complements New Look By: Billy Frey,Chief Marketing Officer

RFD-TV, “Rural America’s Most Important Network” with a presence in over 50 million American homes, debuted its new studios and upgraded technology platform, solidifying its position as an innovative leader in broadcast media with growing ratings at a time of widespread viewership falloff.

“I’m so proud of what we have accomplished,” said Patrick Gottsch, founder of RFD-TV. “We are giving our viewers the experience they demand and deserve. Our new look stays true to rural America’s roots, while the set design and the technology shows how we will grow and thrive in the future, and think outside the city.”

“Viewers will see the difference immediately from our investment and our strategy,” said Gary Kanofsky, chief content officer and executive vice president for news.

“We assembled the very best people in the industry to work on everything from set design to graphics to data streaming. This represents the state of the art in our business today - and with a distinctive style you simply won’t see anywhere else. We’ve built a set our audience will relate to - and loaded it with the best tools of the trade to create a gorgeous new on-air look.”

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The technology and design upgrade provides the following for viewers: -an all new state of the art studio highlighted by a main anchor set with additional areas for interviews, weather, live music and virtual production -all new 3D news graphics presented on an industryleading platform -an entirely new network identity package -best-of-breed studio video display systems -expanded real time commodities and market data -new live capabilities connecting our Nashville studio to our bureaus in Chicago and Washington DC The upgrade also includes all-new live production capabilities that make it possible for RFD-TV to program live from virtually anywhere. With streamlined production RFD-TV can cover more stories while at the same time expand content partner relationships.

“This is exactly what I hoped for when we made this investment. The technology lets us be where our viewers are, giving them a voice,” said Gottsch. “To think outside the city, you have to be outside the city, and we are on the move.”

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Plant Health & Profitability By: Galynn Beer, Senior Sales Manager Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers

With the current prices of most crops, I think the majority of growers would agree that profitability is high on their list of priorities.

Critical to profitability is a healthy crop. Obviously, there are many variables involved in keeping a crop in top condition. In this article, we’ll discuss several of the factors involved in keeping a plant functioning at full potential depending on the conditions.

The first factor needed for optimum plant health is proper amounts of water. . .you know, not too much, not too little, just right. In areas that typically get ample rainfall and don’t irrigate, Mother Nature can keep growers wondering when the next rain will happen, while the ground is still black from the last rain. But, please don’t come so soon that the ground is water-logged, right? It is unnerving to have so much riding on timely rains, and when prices are low it seems like risks beyond our control are elevated. In areas that irrigate, it seems like life should be good. This is a controlled climate, after all. Don’t be fooled, though. Irrigation can come with negative sideeffects. First, if you irrigate, you are obviously in an arid or semi-arid climate, so evaporation rates can be high.

Will equipment operate when it is most critical? Will my

water source hold up? Whether lake, river, or aquifer, most sources have their limitations. Plus, surface water sources have to be replenished and competition for stored water is heating up, whether it is used for recreation or to supply the growth for many desert metropolitan areas.

If you don’t believe this is happening, just make a trip to California where they seem to be fighting annually for just enough water to keep permanent crops alive. Not enough water on a vineyard or almond orchard doesn’t just cost you a year of production, it can wipe out a lifetime of income potential. Then, if you have enough water to irrigate, the water can add issues to the soil. Almost no water source is as pure as rain and snow. Most bring elements that can accumulate in the top few inches of soil as the top layer filters the water on the way through.

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Sodium can be a common problem, but anything in the water can become excessive enough to cause problems if high amounts of water are needed and evaporation rates are high.

Okay, enough about the value of quality H2O! Let’s move to the crop’s lifeblood, the soil. Climates have a big effect on this component of crop production. Rain falls through CO2 in the atmosphere and combines with water to end up a little (and I mean a little, not car-paint-ruining) on the acidic side of the pH scale. That sudden greenup that happens after a rain is often a direct benefit from a release of nutrients provided by the falling moisture. However, the more of this that is received, the more valuable cations are flushed though the soil. These must then be replaced with lime to provide a good environment for microbes and plants to live. In arid areas, water movement is primarily upward due to evaporation.

This often means levels of cations that are too high in the soil surface. These can actually prevent water infiltration. Ever driven through a desert and see signs that say “watch for flash-flooding?” Seemed like a joke, didn’t it? But very high levels of cations left behind by evaporation cause water to sheet off during periods of rain, especially downpours. So the flash-flooding signs are no joke, just a reality that even moisture-starved soil may reject rain when the soil contains excesses. So could a limiting factor in crop production actually be a surplus of a nutrient that might otherwise be beneficial? It could be. So proper proportion is important.

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Regardless of what kind of environment a crop is produced in, most soils can be quite productive, contributing to profitability; maybe not assuring profits every year, but over the long haul. Soils that become acidic can be limed. Sulfur can be critical in soils with excesses. And in both of these, other nutrients can be affected. Most of these we can easily control with regular soil testing and diligent applications. For profitability during depressed price periods, producers need to fight the urge to forego liming or sulfur applications when they are needed. This money will have to be spent at some point and it is way better to keep up with these as needed then applying a bunch at one time. The next natural urge is to focus on a cheap nutrient just because the investment would be less. This is often nitrogen or potassium. But it is a poor use of capital to buy, and apply, a nutrient just because it is cheap if it isn’t limiting. Remember the part about excesses previously discussed in this article? Well, make sure to spend wisely. If an input is needed, then apply it.

Mindful spending is critical in this current agricultural economy, but “mindful” is a long way from cheap.

Mindful spending is smart.

It requires discipline to avoid the tendency to save rather than spend smartly.

Every producer must take the long-term approach to crop production. Profits are needed for short term survival, but healthy soils and crops are necessary for long term business building. Therefore, consistently good plant health is the way to long-term profits. Disciplined decisions are a critical part of this process.

Missed applying all the nutrients my crops needed at planting time, can I apply them later?

Your side-dress nitrogen application is the perfect time to apply additional nutrients. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economics can result in a tendency to delay fertilizer investment. A combination of nutrients at sidedress reduces the time your money is at risk and yet provides an opportunity to meet nutrient needs beyond nitrogen. Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers provides an array of options to combine with your nitrogen and assist with the mindful investing that is required to provide the best returns.

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