Nitrogen Management Update
March 2010
Nitrogen fertilizer costs remain volatile but continue to be one of the most expensive variable costs for corn. Applying "more than enough N" is no longer cheap "insurance" as it once was many years ago. Applying "more than enough N" is also not environmentally friendly. High N fertilizer costs should encourage growers to critically evaluate their N fertility program, including application rate, fertilizer material, and timing.
Nitrogen rate recommendations for a given field were traditionally linked to its historical yield levels3. For corn following soybean, the traditional rule of thumb was an N rate equal to about 1 lb of N per bushel of expected yield. For corn following either corn or wheat, the recommendation was equal to about 1.2 lbs. of N per bushel.
These rules of thumb infer that the more N you apply, the more grain you harvest. Actually, yield response to N is usually not a straight-line relationship. In reality, the first pounds of applied N typically return the greatest number of bushels and the last pounds of applied N typically return the fewest number of bushels. At some level of N, grain yield stops increasing with more N. Consequently, applying N above what the crop can use is dollar wasteful and environmentally distasteful...
Read more on AgProfessional.com.
7 Ways To Attain Ultra-High Soybean Yields
February 2010
Recent yield contests in some states show that a handful of farmers are coming close to routinely raising 100-bu.-or-better soybeans in consecutive years. If these farmers can find a way to achieve ultra-high soybeans yields year-in and year-out, you can, too.
Many farmers in the central Corn Belt have the potential to raise ultra-high-yielding soybeans without irrigation, says Vince Davis, University of Illinois (U of I) Extension soybean specialist. “For most of our soils in Illinois, we seldom see water as the limiting factor for yields, with the possible exception of August rainfall,” he points out. “We don’t know yet what the greatest limiting factor is here, but we do know that soybeans need to be healthy all season long to achieve top yields.”
Keeping soybeans healthy throughout the growing season isn’t an easy task, however. “Basically, it takes a total management approach with an emphasis on stress reduction,” says Davis. “You need to take a lot of different things into account.”
To increase your chances to attain ultra-high soybean yields, Davis provides the following top-seven tip list...
Read more on Corn and Soybean Digest.
AAS Hosts Innovator Round Tables
January 2010
Advanced Ag Solutions will be hosting “Innovator Round Tables” this month. The goal of the event is to bring together key people in the ag industry to discuss relevant topics together. This is an opportunity for everyone to share ideas, learn from peers and ask some hard questions about what it will take to remain competitive in 2010.
Moe Russell (co-founder of Russell Consulting Group, financial and strategic leader), Bill Haupts (Russell Consulting Group, financial and strategic leader), Dave Swaim (founder of Swaim & Associate fertility and conservation tillage expert), and Randy Wilken (Owner, MWS Seeds) will be the key speakers at the events. Along with these speakers, we will facilitate “hot topic” discussions where attendees can share ideas and concerns.
Watch for an update on what we learned at these Round Tables and check out pictures of the events on our Facebook Fan page.
Precision Ag Alliance Impacts Indiana Farmers
December 2009
Precision Partners, LLC of Hope, IN announced a strategic alliance with Advanced Ag Solutions, LLC of Lafayette, IN today. Precision Partners has been a leader in precision farming GPS equipment sales for more than 15 years. The flagship products include AgLeader and Trimble yield monitoring and RTK auto-steer systems. Precision Partners sells TruCount planter clutches and sprayer boom section control as well. They also provide nutrient management planning, GPS soil sampling and environmental consulting services to hundreds of farmers and retailers across Indiana and neighboring states. Founded by Mark Dodd, the company has undergone numerous changes and improvements over the years.
“I’ve never been more convinced of the need for autosteer, yield monitoring and planting technology being combined with proven data management services from Advanced Ag Solutions as I am today,” said Dodd. He shares a passion for helping farmers meet the challenges of row cropping today with Advanced Ag Solutions owner and President, Daryl Starr.
“Our companies are both focused on helping professional farmers grow their businesses,” said Starr. “This alliance will strengthen our collective impact on many Indiana farms by synthesizing the use of equipment data and farm decisions.”
Starr launched Advanced Ag Solutions in 2006 and has been a pioneer in GPS crop scouting, GPS fertility management and spatial decision making. AAS brings whole farm financial and strategic risk management to a traditionally agronomic-only venue. AAS recently unveiled a seed selection software program dubbed “Optimizer,” which speeds effectiveness and accuracy of variety selection and placement.
“Our clients need a reliable equipment supplier with great service and strong parts inventory with service individuals ready to go to their field,” said Starr. He believes Precision Partners can fulfill that need.
The two company owners are energized by the relationship and are expected to announce more developments in the coming months.
AAS Teams up with GrainBridge, LLC
December 2009
Advanced Ag Solutions, LLC located in Lafayette, Indiana teams up with Waterloo, Nebraska based GrainBridge, LLC to provide American farmers and grain buyers with risk management and grain procurement services.
GrainBridge is an online cash grain management communication and trading tool. Farmers create plans, track trades with automatic daily updates on unsold bushels, and can communicate with buyers via email, text and recorded voicemail. A farmer can submit a sell offer and let the market trigger it at a later date, for cash sales, basis contracts or futures only contracts. Conversely, a buyer can push a special sell offer to registered users.
Advanced Ag Solutions specializes in farm risk management and will use this online tool to help their clients simplify the risk management process. Clients will be able to view and share changes to their marketing and insurance plans and the impact on whole farm profitability via the web site.
“Our clients deserve an online trading platform for cash grain sales and profit analysis that is as simple as online banking. Now we have it,” says Advanced Ag Solutions President, Daryl Starr. Starr and team believe GrainBridge is the backbone for the future of their farm risk management services, branded Grain Market MAX.
The GrainBridge Planner provides the producer with a roadmap to developing a marketing plan, incorporating crop insurance, breakeven analysis and profit targets. The GrainBridge Manager tracks your progress utilizing cash sales, futures, options (with updated values from the CBOT), insurance payments and government payments and then provides a real live look at your on-farm profitability. The GrainBridge Trader gives the farmer the ability to send offers to buyers of their choice, buyers can send special bids to farmers when they are in need of grain and the system automatically tracks the progress through the Manager.
Read more about Grain Market MAX.
Now's the Time to Scout for Soybean Cyst Nematode
August 2009
A soybean plant seemingly suffering from nutrient deficiencies, diseases, herbicide injury or development issues due to compaction could be the victim of another more serious culprit: soybean cyst nematode.
Dennis Mills, an Ohio State University plant pathologist with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, said that now is the time to scout fields for the pest, specifically for females that may be feeding on plant roots.
“Soybean cyst nematode is an important soybean pest that often goes unnoticed or whose symptoms are mistaken for other plant problems,” said Mills, who also holds an Ohio State University Extension appointment. “SCN can cause substantial yield losses, however, even without above-ground symptoms.”
Read more at Ohio State University Extension.
Vital Volatility
July 2009
Personally, I believe volatility is like hot sauce in a double beef burrito… it is the key ingredient in keeping it interesting (and if you haven’t got the stomach for it you might as well just say you’re eating ground beef in a tortilla.)
Take the corn market for instance. Add one part higher international demand, mix in heavy political and media support for ethanol, let simmer for three years. Then carefully evaporate dollar value, while improving on-farm storage. Flash seer the stock market and cool fund managers with a dash of commodity promotion. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly and allow contents to settle for 20 years.
As a farmer today, you are among the many taste testers during preparation. Take small bites and enjoy the spicy parts! But please be managers of risk... Raw meat can be dangerous.
Take care this summer, enjoy your county fairs and remember that the corn market and livestock industries will always ebb and flow. Your job is to learn from the poor tasting times so you don’t get too greedy, for too long with the great times!
Daryl Starr, AAS President
Read more about risk management.
Factors Impacting Indiana Yields
June 2009
Gary Truitt from Hoosier Ag Today interviews AAS President, Daryl Starr, about Indiana's crop...
Now that most of the crop in Indiana is in the ground, the focus turns to yield. Daryl Starr, with Advanced Ag Solutions, says we are entering the time of the season that will determine a corn plant’s yield potential or yield loss. He says planting the crop in fields that were too wet is likely to cause root damage and be a factor in limiting yield this year. The cool weather may also be an issue in crop development and eventual yield, “The cool weather may slow development and some of the nodes may be tighter around the collar but that should not be extremely damaging to yield yet. I still have hopes we will get a good corn crop.” He said getting more heat units will be critical over the next few weeks.
As for soybeans, Star says this year’s crop is getting off to a better start than last year, “Last year we saw a lot more difficult time with the early soybean crop.” He said this year the crop seems to be rooting all right and gathering plenty of sunlight.
According to the latest USDA report, 66% of Indiana corn is rated as good to excellent with 26% rated fair. As for soybeans, 66% is rated good to excellent with 27% rated fair.
Economists at the University of Ilinois have projected this year‘s national corn yield based on delayed planting and average weather conditions. They are forecasting lower than average yield numbers for both Illinois and Indiana. The U of I model forecasts a national corn yield of 148.6 bushels per acre, below the average trend yield of 154.9 bpa. That would equate to a corn harvest of 11.3 billion bushels. "At this juncture, we anticipate that the 2009 average yield in Illinois and Indiana will likely be below both trend value and the average of the past two years," said ag economist Scott Irwin. "Conversely, it appears there is a reasonably high probability that the Iowa state average yield will be above both trend and the average of the past two years."
Listen to the report on Hoosier Ag Today's website.
Should Growers Cut Back on Nitrogen With Late Corn?
June 2009
If Ohio growers are just now getting their corn crop in the ground, they may be able to get away with slightly reducing their nitrogen application rates.
Robert Mullen, an Ohio State University soil fertility specialist with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, said that growers may not have to supply as much nitrogen because of the lost top-end for yield potential typically observed for late planting situations.
"If we still have guys planting corn now, it might change the nitrogen rates a bit. If growers have planted, say within the past five days, and they have yet to sidedress, they should consider cutting back a little," said Mullen, who also holds an Ohio State University Extension appointment.
According to the Ohio Agricultural Statistics Service, over the past week corn has been planted at a rapid pace. Seventy-six percent of the crop is now in the ground, a 37 percent leap from the previous week and 14 percent higher than this time last year. However, planting is still 12 percent behind the five-year average.
Mullen said that growers could reduce their nitrogen rates by about 10 percent from current Ohio State University recommendations for either a corn/soybean rotation or a corn-after-corn rotation.
"Cutting back on nitrogen rates might be a good thing, assuming producers don't have any nitrogen loss from this point forward," said Mullen. "Producers might be a little concerned about cutting back, but our research suggests that as long as we do not get into a period of high loss potential from this point forward, they should be able to get away with a slightly lower nitrogen rate."
Read more on AgProfessional.com.
Economics are Black Cutworm Treatment Factors
May 2009
As technology traits in corn seed increase seed prices and the price received per bushel increases, it is wise to consider black cutworm management in corn. Many areas of Iowa were cool and wet last spring, 2008. That weather often delayed planting and created flooded areas that had to be replanted. These conditions may have caused black cutworms to be more common than usual.
Producers this spring must consider the economics - higher seed corn prices and high grain prices, and the environmental factors - recent rains that may delay some planting and the presence of winter annual weeds, when deciding how to manage black cutworm.
Some producers are asking, "Should I add insecticide to my herbicide to attempt to prevent an infestation, or should I spend time scouting the corn fields and treat only those that have the insect? I am applying the herbicide so there is no additional application cost and saving one bushel of corn is likely to pay for the insecticide."
Read more on AgProfessional.com.
Information on ACRE
May 2009
The Farm Service Agency administers Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE), a new program authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill that begins in crop year 2009. Through ACRE, USDA offers producers an alternative to Direct and Counter-cyclical (DCP) payments. The ACRE alternative provides eligible producers a state-level revenue guarantee, based on the 5-year state Olympic average yield and the 2-year national average price. ACRE payments are made when both state- and farm-level triggers are met. By participating in ACRE, producers elect to forgo counter-cyclical payments, receive a 20-percent reduction in direct payments and a 30-percent reduction in loan rates. ACRE sign-up dates will be announced soon, or a producer can choose to stay with DCP. A decision to elect ACRE binds the producer to the program through the 2012 crop year, the last crop year covered by the 2008 Farm Bill.
Read more on the USDA website.
It Pays to Hire AAS...
April 2009
In 2009, there will be more challenges to overcome than in the past few years. Are you prepared to face these challenges and make wise economic decisions that will impact your bottom-line? As an independent, unbiased agronomic consulting service, Advanced Ag Solutions will help you triumph in this tough economic climate, by reducing input costs, maximizing yield and helping you work smarter, not harder.
Read more about how it pays to hire AAS.
Welcome to the Next 30 Years of Farming
January 2009
If you haven’t developed a little thicker skin, a little stronger stomach, and a little more risk tolerance since harvest of 2006 you should probably consider leaving farming. The volatility of the markets are here to stay. In the history of commodity based businesses each time we go to new plateaus we almost double the previous trading range of the commodity. Once again the gap between the best and the worst is wider.
There are two ways to look at this. First, the cost of being wrong is much greater. Your cost of production may vary greatly from your neighbors. The potential to manage costs is greater when the average costs are higher. This can competitive edge may come from only a few simple changes that significantly lower your cost per bushel. Your costs may also put you at a severe disadvantage because of only two areas, too!
Secondly, greed is more powerful. Throughout the cyclical nature of running your farm you must discern right from wrong, opportunity from threat and profit from loss. As you work through your 2009 cash flow and make the final rounds of purchasing decisions for this crop you must challenge your instinct to believe you are better than you actually are. Your stubbornness will not make corn prices go to $8 per bushel. Your cost of production will not evaporate to zero because you pinched every penny. Your yields will not set records because of church attendance. Certainly don’t quit praying, but I plead with you, take ownership of your pride and check your greed at the door. This is time for decisiveness and persistence.
With these two truths in mind, I encourage you to consider just exactly how your neighbors are “feeling.” The emotions of farming are about to take a tremendous toll on many of your fellows, perhaps even you. If you have not been engaging regularly with a team of professionals to help you keep yourself in check I recommend you seek them out today. Do some strategic thinking. Challenge your financial performance. Quiz your agronomic logic. Garner feedback. Then, share your story. Share your plans. Chances are you’ll draw people to your vision faster than you can build cash rent proposals.
Associate Matt Stine Excited About Agriculture
September 2008
In August 2008 Matt Stine joined the AAS team as an Associate.
"I was impressed with AAS on the outside," said Stine, "Then after spending a summer
as a crop scout, I'm convinced."
Stine has an exciting short history and is looking to continue to make an impact in agriculture.
In the spring of 2008 he oversaw the installation of a sub irrigation system on his family's farm near
Crawfordsville, IN. The system uses contour tiling on 15 foot centers that are plumbed to a main
line with gates to control the water table. In addition, the main tiles drain to a holding basin which
can be pumped back into the field as irrigation.
"After doing some Net Present Value projections on the project I was able to convince my father of it's merits," Stine said at Purdue's Top Crop Farmer Workshop this summer.
Impressive indeed, considering there are no known other systems like this in Indiana. This is additionally impressive considering the already strong yield history of the gently rolling farm.
For Stine, good enough is not enough. "I'm excited about the future of ag and my role with Advanced Ag Solutions. I have the ability to
help farmers make better decisions while not being tied to a 9 to 5 job."
Stine will graduate from Purdue in May 2009 with an Agronomy degree and looks to farm and grow his client base with AAS.
"There's something engaging about Matt. Perhaps it's his entreprenerial spririt? Maybe it's his hard work ethic?" Says AAS company President, Daryl Starr,
"Regardless, I'm convinced this young man is going to accomplish great things. I just hope we can keep up with him."
Stine will be spear-heading the effort for West Central Indiana and plans hit the ground running in May 2009. If you have questions about irrigation,
farm risk management or any other crop management challenge, Matt can be a resource for your farm.
Learn more about Matt Stine.
Jake Evans Joins AAS Team as a Regional Agronomist
July 2008
“I am pleased to once again grow our brain trust.” –said AAS company President, Daryl Starr. “Jake will be a strong addition to our central Illinois territory.”
Jake Evans accepted a full time position as a Regional Agronomist in mid July. He plans to move he and his wife to Jacksonville, IL where he will oversee the integrated crop management services.
“There is a clear and growing demand for farmers to get unbiased management assistance on their farms.” Said Evans, “I firmly believe Advanced Ag Solutions is positioned to capture a massive movement back to independent consultants.”
Evans history as a crop consultant goes back through college where he turned down offers for graduate school to get out amongst farmers and in the fields even before graduating. He worked tirelessly on an intensive management wheat program that grew an impressive grower base in just a few short years. He is knowledgeable about variety selection, fertility, herbicides and tillage. As a Certified Crop Advisor he does not shy away from an agronomic challenge.
“I really enjoy seeing someone grow an impressive crop and do it in a way that keeps more dollars in his pocket.” said Evans. This approach is something that has made many friends amongst his past clients. No doubt, the farmers he will soon be calling on have questions. With fertilizer costs sky rocketing, seed placement more critical than ever, and an escalating volume of dollars to manage, having Evans onboard might well take the sting out of 2009.
Learn more about Jake Evans.
Advanced Ag Solutions Acquires Crop Pro-Tech’s Customer List
March 2008
Advanced Ag Solutions (AAS), Lafayette, IN, has acquired the Crop Pro-Tech (CPT) customer list that was serviced by the office led by Dave Harms. Harms has endorsed AAS primarily for the confidence he had in the ability to deliver quality services and the respect he had for the vision of AAS. Harms will assist in the successful transition to AAS services for former CPT clients that wish to remain active in crop production. AAS looks to build on the years of work performed by CPT and help professional farmers grow their business.
The acquisition took effect near the first of the year. “AAS is helping former CPT clients become even more profitable and is excited to be expanding into the various regions previously blanketed by CPT,” says AAS President and founder Daryl Starr. ” AAS is committed to growing their ability to maximize clients' performance through a bigger pool of on-farm data,” he says. “AAS will deliver independent, unbiased recommendations that are driven by farm specific data.
“The Crop Pro-Tech customers are professional farmers and are eager to gain insights into profitable production and business management strategies. These farmers want to bring a second perspective into their management team and are willing to retain quality services delivered by Regional Agronomists and Associates alike. Collectively, AAS and former CPT clients can expect greater value to reach their farm through a bigger on-farm research presence, greater input pooling opportunities and access to value added channels that were not present before.”
Starr is an entrepreneur and visionary. He maintains ownership and executive control of the business, but has a company structure such that agronomic and financial professionals can join a collective effort to deliver top shelf services to professional farmers. He lives in Lafayette, IN near his alma mater, Purdue University where he studied Business and Literature. “Growing up on a farm,” he says, “I developed a passion to bridge the gap between agronomic and economic decisions. To this end, AAS employees both young and old, blending technology and experience into a program that enables systematic information gathering and data driven decisions to take place on the field and business level both.” Starr also maintains ownership of a grain enterprise and is launching a pasture based dairy.
AAS has three divisions Integrated Crop Management, Farm Risk Management and Research.
The Integrated Crop Management component delivers GPS enabled weekly crop scouting, independent precision soil sampling and fertility prescriptions prepared for numerous applicators. They also provide whole farm agronomic consulting including all aspects of nutrient and pest management. Regional Agronomists and independent Associates deliver recommendations and maintain relationships with clients.
The Farm Risk Management division provides commodity marketing, financial analysis and strategic planning services via an alliance with Russell Consulting Group of Panora, Iowa. AAS also offers a new Farm Business Brokerage service wherein farms can exchange for going-concern value.
Finally, full service clients, university personnel and industry colleagues also access on-farm trials that utilize large block, geospatial statistical design. This helps clients maintain a persistent, competitive advantage and expedite the development of high precision management tools.
Surprising Yields, Surprising Costs
October 2007
"All things considered, I'm very pleased... pleasantly surprised," echoes from farmers mouths around the Eastern Midwest. With many farms receiving less than 6 inches of rain for the summer growing season, many farmers are singing the praises of modern varieties. Often times, these farmers reflect on 1988 or 1983 and the impact this summer's drought would have had. Agreeably, we do not have entire ears aborted, but we must also credit a few other key elements this summer.
First, our stand was excellent. Albeit, we started planting in late April, when we have become accustomed to early April, but nonetheless almost every seed, in every area of the field got off to a great start. From there we launched the dry period and our roots went straight down. Catch a few quarter inch showers during v5-v7 and we have a bumper crop potential in the making. This is when leaves started rolling, nitrogen and micro-nutrient deficiencies started showing. More than once, I heard, "We just can't keep our sidedress applicator in the ground. It is so hard!"
This hot, potentially disastrous stretch saw about one week of relief, and conveniently synchronized with the pollination of our crop (which was planted in about a week!) From there, another inch of rain and the last droplets of subsoil moisture allowed our well pollinated, virtually disease free, high population corn crop to complete a rather thirsty summer. No doubt our breeding programs and bio-technology additions played a role in protecting the plants and establishing a high yield potential, but we must not be forgetful of the bullets we dodged (and some took dead on.)
Remember, proper drainage, soil tilth, fertility, and pest management still play a critical role in maintaining fruitful growing conditions... and potentially more important in the coming few years... cost management.
No doubt, as harvest progressed, many cell phones went quite at the other end of a quick discussion about input costs in 2008. Considering a few short years ago a corn crop direct inputs could be managed for less than $130 per acre, today's $200+ seem almost frightening... and that does not include an escalating expectation from the landlords. Has your rent adjusted yet? Well, if it hasn't, you might not be there next season, and you just don't know it yet.
Now, don't lose hope yet, keep reading! Farmers have unprecedented opportunity to execute strong management practices. As in all industries, increased volatility, increases risk; with increased risk comes opportunity. With opportunity, the gap for sound strategy and execution widens, as does the profit margin. Some of your counterparts have pulled an additional $100-$200 per acre from their farms... while their direct input costs have risen with yours. This type of proven margin will acquire farms and ratchet up the necessary skills on the playing field. Prepare yourself by addressing the changing climate with your unique skills and utilizing trusted resources. Our clients are acquiring and utilizing information more rapidly than ever before. Just as tractors changed the global economy, so will this communication-information age change farming... right down to your farm.
Denzler Seeds offers AAS Services
September 2007
In a bold move to compete in today's consolidating seed industry, Denzler Seeds, Inc. has introduced Advanced Ag Solutions services to their current and prospective customers. Denzler Seeds is a family owned, regional seed company focusing breeding, bio-technology and seed treatments on the needs of East Central Indiana farmers. The business is led by Mark Denzler of Milton, IN, who purchased the business from his father in the 1980's. Mark shares his vision with his customers and employees daily,
"Our mission is to be the most customer responsive seed company in our region by listening to our customers' needs and responding with the products and services they want."
Mark is sowing the seeds of change in his business. His customers, and many like them, are asking for help to grow their business. They (his customers) want reliable products and outstanding services, without sacrificing their unique approach to farming. To expand his offerings and deliver custom tailored solutions that increase his customers profit, he has engaged with Advanced Ag Solutions as an Associate. By helping his customers utilize solid integrated crop management and farm risk management services, he expects a deeper, more valuable relationship for both parties.
"My father always told me, 'Son, when farmers are making money, you'll grow along with them." Denzler Seeds and Advanced Ag Solutions are excited to bring data driven solutions to professional farmers, both his current customers and those that want to work with local, family owned businesses that understand the challenges of modern day farming.
Visit their web site. It's under construction, and one to check regularly. www.DenzlerSeeds.com
Disclaimer: Weather Permitting
July 2007
As it turns out, there are still several products on the market that rely on the good fortunes of the weather to perform. Needless to say, this spring saw an abunance of reminders. Some of our clients are seeing weak insecticide performance, others are finding new nutrient deficiencies, and still others show severe planter compaction issues. I'd like to think that we have everything figured out for the season by the time July 4th presents itself, but I can honestly say that a little weather stress can highlight problems on a farm.
Now, don't be remissed... our clients aren't signing the blues just yet. We've taken some unique marketing strategies that reallocated some crop insurance dollars, and tweaked N rates for new conditions and are preparing for new input cost structures for 2008. Through full season, systematic, pest monitoring we're prepared for change. However, questions about risk versus reward and mid-season alterations become more complex when we're dealing with less than desirable conditions. Do you rescue treat something that might not make your insured yield? Our Regional Agronomists bring numbers and experience to the table.
I suppose the greatest reminder in a wet spring/dry summer year is that your capacity to manage the standard deviation of both yield and price is somewhat suspect to the relative norm. Which lends me to another thought... Are you consistently benchmarking against your county trendline yield? Are your yields improving faster than the norm?
Some might disagree, but in the long run, your rate of positive improvement is in deed more important than simple improvement. That is, it's not so important that you increase yield, but that you increase it faster than your competition, be they your neighbor, or your competitors in another country. That being said, your cost per bushel must also improve in like fashion.
So, with little to no influence on day time temperature, rainfall, or commodity prices, you'd better have a solid plan to manage your costs and mitigate risks. It is a lifestyle choice. Either you make it or the market makes it.
-Daryl Starr, President, Advanced Ag Solutions
Crop Scouts Finish First Day of Training
May 2007
College finals are over and the new class of Advanced Ag Solutions Crop Scouts are stretching their legs out among farmer's fields today. Our 2007 crew is an exciting group with Agronomy majors, large acre family farm kids, and hard working outdoor enthusiasts. On the scouts' first day they were introduced to their supervisor, Michelle Sweeten, Regional Agronomist, who will oversee scheduling, training and general scouting guidelines. Michelle shared the do's and don'ts of successful crop scouts and one of our most exciting features: The Crop Scout Summer Project.
At the beginning of the summer each scout is asked to come up with some ideas for a project that they would like to research, interview and take measurements on. The project is to have an impact on the farmer and/or Advanced Ag Solutions' profitability. It should answer a specific question and be in an area of their interest. One example given, was, "What role will crop scouting play in GMO crops?" After meeting company approval they are encouraged to keep a journal and visit with farmers and take measurments from client's fields. At the end of the season they will prepare a summary report and make a presentation to a small group.
The rest of the day was spent in the field learning techniques and familiarizing everyone with the GPS technology our company uses. It's an exciting time for farmers and scouts alike. Several planters, sprayers and tillage tools rumbled by while the scouts walked the young corn plants. Wireworms, Giant Ragweed, and minor crusting were quick reminders of why we're here... to be the "first, most trusted eyes in the field." In the coming weeks, these scouts will find more and more affirmation for their roles. I personally, am rewarded to have another good group of young people injecting energy into our business. Thank you, scouts and best wishes to all our clients.
-Daryl Starr, President, Advanced Ag Solutions
On farm trials need to consider spatial variability
March 2007
Farmers are generally curious people by nature... at least the innovators that we are fortunante to work with. These lead farmers are consistent in one thing: CHANGE. While surveying their previous experiences they are quick to seek out help from other professionals that offer unique and varied perspectives on modern agriculture. Another important step that starts coming to mind with the warmer weather is on-farm trials.
A couple of our staff here at Advanced Ag Solutions recently attended a Yield Monitor Analysis Workshop held at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana where Terry Griffin, PhD shared his experiences and insight into designing on-farm trials to gain reliable results. First, it is important to define the question you wish to answer. For example, what is the optimal seeding rate for soybeans on the various soils on my farm? Make sure to be specific and keep it simple. There are plenty of opportunities for things to get complicated mid-season!
Next, you'll want to make sure you lay out the experiement in such a way that it gets implemented and can provide real data at the season's end. If the plot is too difficult and time consuming to implement you and your team members are likely to skip over important details that remove reliability. Also, make sure you record applications during the season. These "as-applied" maps will be important during the analysis stage, as most times things don't go exactly as planned, but still carry valuable information.
Finally, make sure to work with a professor, consultant or advisor that can help you produce statistically true results. These professionals can also help you sift through erronous data and prepare economic analysis on the findings. In true farmer spirit, these answers are likely to draw out new questions that you can explore the next season. If you have questions about how our clients approach on-farm trials please send an email to info@advancedagsolutions.com and we'll help you layout simple, easy to implement trials on your farm.
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Strategic planning workshop scheduled for February 2007
January 2007
New risks and increased volatility have required farm business managers to start thinking more strategically. A variety of industry professionals tout new opportunities in agriculture and several are entering at break-neck speed. Observe the dramatic changes in biofuels and the impact this is having on our grain supply. In other segments, livestock and world food demands are shifting. For those that make farming their business, they can expect changes, too.
In the last 20 years, the word "competition" has entered the farmers' daily vocabulary. What does this mean for yoru farm? New risk and new opportunity. In order to be successful in the next decade you'll need to identify your talents and unique ability, then communicate and assemble a team of employees and professional associates to help achieve a specific goal.
Amidst this changing environment you'll need to address how you'll cope with new offers and trying situations, like meeting competitive cash rent terms, custom farming (livestock and/or crop), diversifying with additional products and services (i.e. trucking, excavation, seed sales) and managing talent recruitment and turnover. The most effective method to accomplish these goals is getting it in writing.
Easier said than done? You bet. That's why Advanced Ag Solutions is offering a strategic management workshop via web classroom that will help you and your team identify and script the plans for the business. We are not claiming to have the answers, but we do have a method of questions that when answered will provide clarity and unity to the operation. If you would like to sign up for the workshop drop us an email at info@advancedagsolutions.com and we'll gladly include you.
-Daryl Starr, President, Advanced Ag Solutions
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Advanced Ag Solutions seeks crop scouts for East Central Indiana
Thanks to our growing client base, we will be recruiting more talent for the 2007 crop scouting season. Despite more seed traits, higher grain prices, and lower projected fertilizer costs, our most sophisticated farmers are still demanding more intensity from their management. There is no doubt there will be scientific advances and more "insurance" to be bought. Remember when Roundup leveled the playing field?
The on-going problem is that all of these things are easily accessible. The true profit advantage is being incremently better while managing costs to remain competitive. If you are interested in helping farmers reach new levels of management please visit our careers page and then drop us an email.
If you are currently farming and would like a free Needs Analysis to determine how your farm can benefit, please contact us soon. We guarantee your satisfaction.
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