Archive for April, 2009

Planting Crops Thicker to Boost Profits

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

An Iowa farmer in 2006 had the wrong sprocket on his corn planter and accidentally planted 20 acres at 41,000 plants per acre, which exceeded his normal 30,000-ppa rate.  This farmer reported his yield monitor swinging up to 35 to 40 bushels more when he went over that part of the field! Sometimes, accidents spur [...]

Methyl Bromide phaseout

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Methyl Bromide, an odorless, colorless gas, is being phased out as claims report the fumigant depleting the ozone layer.  This soil and structural fumigant has been used to control pests across a wide range of agricultural sectors.   In 1987 the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty, called for it to be phased-out by 2005.  Exceptions though [...]

Is a permit required? Pesticde applications and the Clean Water Act

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

In the news we’re hearing about the EPA’s call of requiring permits for crop protection products, and even if they are applied following all labeling laws.  From final rules, through court appeals, and a reinterpretation of the findings EPA is still saying a permit will be required, but not yet.  EPA is instead requesting a [...]

What’s happening in your neck of the woods?

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Spring fever has struck!  Are you itching to get into the fields?  Or have you been fortunate to start planting?  Share with us what is happening in your area.