Wallaces Farmer

An early harvest is a gift that pays dividends into next season.

October 20, 2021

4 Min Read
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Money can’t buy time, but a little extra time might make you money.

As harvest wraps up early across the Corn Belt, many farmers gained a couple of extra weeks that could have a big impact on next season. The key is to make the most of the opportunity.

One way to get ahead for next year is with a powerful fall burndown application. Andy Robinson, Brevant® seeds retail product agronomist for southwest Indiana and Kentucky, said fall burndown is a great way to manage weeds and keep the resistant weed population from growing.

“Herbicide resistance continues to be an issue across the Corn Belt, and a good burndown this fall will help us get ahead of the problem,” Robinson said. “With an earlier harvest, you will have time to do that. Some years, you don’t, but it is a great way to lay a foundation to better manage resistant weeds.”

Another way to use the extra time is to dial in your fall fertilizer and make it count for next spring. Robinson said that’s especially important if you harvested high-yielding crops this season.

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“We’ve had a good season with strong yields overall, so fertilizer is one of the key things to think about,” Robinson said. “After harvesting high-yielding fields, many farmers will have additional fertilizer needs. Now is a good time to work with retailers and fertilizer suppliers to make sure farmers get the fertilizer they need, where they need it.”

Soil sampling is the best way to assess fertilizer needs, but many seasons don’t afford the extra time or investment to sample thoroughly. Farmers may be in a good position to sample adequately this year.

“With good yields and an early harvest, many farmers will be able to soil sample to make sure they are dialed in,” Robinson said. “With high commodity and fertilizer prices, we want to make sure we have it just right.”

When applying fall fertilizer, you’ll want to ensure it gives you the intended boost next spring. Depending on your location and soil type, that may mean investing in a nitrogen stabilizer to get the most bang for your buck. Wrapping harvest early allows you more time to make nitrogen stabilizer applications.

“It’s important to use a nitrogen stabilizer to make sure you are using all the nitrogen,” Robinson said. “You want to stabilize nitrogen through the winter so it will stay put and not degrade or leach through the soils.”

Every application must fit your overall crop plan, so it’s important to talk through different scenarios with your local retailer. Ryan Bell, Brevant® seeds retail product agronomist for southern South Dakota, says fall fertilizer discussions can roll right into hybrid and variety discussions while harvest is still fresh on your mind.

“With the earlier harvest, farmers are working with retailers on their fertilizer plan, and it gives them a little extra time to pencil that out and make the right decisions to maximize profitability,” Bell said. “Fall is also a great time to talk through what hybrids are doing well and to work through hybrid selection. Fall fertilizer and hybrid selection really go hand and hand so you can get the best production from each acre.”

Bell noted increased pressure from corn rootworms last season, especially for corn-on-corn acres, and drought-impacted fields across the Midwest.

“We’re definitely seeing Brevant brand  Optimum AQUAmax hybrids stand out among other products in areas that went through drought this season,” Bell said. “A Brevant brand Optimum AQUAmax hybrid won just about every plot in my area this fall. Depending on how much moisture we accumulate this winter and spring, drought tolerance will be very important for hybrid selection next year.”  

Retailers can help you choose Brevant brand Optimum® AQUAmax®  hybrids for better water utilization or Brevant brand Qrome® products for proven corn rootworm protection.  

“Focus on your goals and know the limiting factors on your acres. Look at the data and work with your local retailer,” Bell advised. “We’re really excited about the product lineup for Brevant seeds, and your retailer can help you find the right hybrids for your operation.”

For more advice on choosing Brevant brand products for 2022, connect with your local ag retailer. Find yours at Brevant.com/Retail.

™ ® Trademarks of Corteva Agriscience and its affiliated companies. © 2021 Corteva.

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