AGRONOMY
Meet the equipment behind a successful spring Ag season
As the rush of spring planting approaches, Mid‐County’ s Agronomy Department is already in full preparation mode. For our team, spring success starts long before the first fertilizer order comes in. It begins with dependable equipment, careful planning, and strong communication with our growers.
Investing in reliable, modern equipment
Covering acres efficiently during a tight planting window requires equipment that can keep running— day after day, field after field. That’ s why Mid‐County continues to invest in modern, dependable machines with the latest technology.
This year, the team added a brand‐new RBR fertilizer spreader, replacing a unit that still served us well, but upgraded to keep our fleet new and dependable.
“ Reliability is everything,” Wade shared.“ We can’ t afford breakdowns when we’ re busy. Keeping newer, dependable equipment is essential.”
How we prepare for spring
Before the first load goes out, every machine goes through an extensive maintenance program. Bearings, belts, and critical components are inspected and tested. Pattern testing with dry fertilizer is performed to ensure accuracy. Inventory is checked and replenished so product is ready when customers need it.
The goal is simple: be ready the moment the fields are.
Mapping and soil sampling: fast, accurate, and cost‐effective
Mid‐County’ s mapping and soil sampling
Page 2
Wade Ferguson Agronomy Manager
( 952) 466-3733 wadef @ midcountycoop. com
New RBR being checked before spring season.
program is designed around speed and efficiency. Nearly all soil sampling is done in the fall, allowing results to be turned around quickly and fertilizer to be applied right after harvest.
“ We can get right behind the combines,” Wade explained.“ That fast turnaround helps farmers keep moving.”
Mapping helps growers make better decisions by showing exactly where fertilizer is needed— and at what rates. It’ s a major cost‐savings tool, especially in a year when input prices are top of mind.
Long‐term, mapping also helps maintain soil health. Many growers can apply enough product during corn years to carry into soybeans, reducing the need for additional applications.
Supporting growers during the busy season
When we are all in the field at the same time, logistics become one of the biggest challenges. The team builds efficient routes each day to minimize road time and maximize acres covered.
Field conditions are another key factor. If a field is too wet, spreading can cause ruts or compaction.“ We partner with the growers to keep an eye on field conditions and choose the best moment for a successful application,” Wade noted.
Challenges producers are facing
One area where cutting corners never pays off is herbicide performance. Resistant weeds continue to pressure fields across our trade area, and a strong herbicide plan remains one of the most important investments a grower
can make.“ Herbicide escapes can haunt you for years,”
Wade explained.“ It’ s not the place to cut.”
That’ s where the right adjuvant plan becomes essential. Each herbicide has specific requirements for adjuvants to work properly— and using the wrong one can reduce effectiveness, slow weed control, or cost you a second pass.
At Mid‐County, we carry WinField’ s complete line of adjuvants along with solutions for every tank mix, crop, and field condition. Our agronomy team can help you choose the proper adjuvant for each herbicide and build a plan tailored to your acres.
Let us be your partner in getting the most out of every application. Mid‐County offers one of the strongest adjuvant programs in the region— and we’ re here to help you put it to work.
A message to our customers
As spring approaches, the agronomy team asks for patience and planning.“ We’ re doing everything we can to minimize wait times,” he said.“ A little planning with our customers helps us tremendously.”
The team also doubles its workforce during the spring season— a sign of the commitment Mid‐County makes to serving growers when it matters most.
And behind it all is a major investment in dependable, modern equipment designed to keep customers running.
www. midcountycoop. com