Agronomy
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FALL APPLIED NITROGEN-( UREA AND ANHYDROUS)
Scott Nelson Agronomy Manager( 952) 466-3733
scottn @ midcountycoop. com
Nitrogen management means something different to everyone, depending on your specific farming operation and practices. It sounds simple – put down the“ right” amount of nitrogen to grow your crop and don’ t lose any through leaching or volatilization – easier said than done!
Every year brings new challenges to getting the crop in the ground, and with that, getting the nitrogen in the ground. Many growers are choosing to put on some, or all of their nitrogen in the fall, so they can plant as soon as conditions allow. Anhydrous Ammonia( AA) has been the fall nitrogen source
Stay safe on the farm
Farming is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the US. Knowing how to stay safe can help prevent costly downtime and long-term health problems.
Grain bin traps
It only takes about 11 seconds for a 6-foot tall person to be buried in a grain bin. A study by Purdue University found that between 1964 and 2008, 74 percent of people trapped in grain bins died. This type of accident happens when a person tries to walk on the grain, but the grain suddenly collapses, acting like quicksand to pull the person down. New grain storage technology is available to help farmers stay out of grain bins. According to an article in the USA Today, the systems have sensors
that track moisture and temperature, and prevent grain from crusting.
If entering a grain bin is necessary, proper precautions must be taken. First, all equipment should be turned off, so that the grain is not moving. A person shouldn’ t enter a grain bin without another person nearby, in case assistance is needed. Anyone who enters a bin should wear a lifeline, positioned so that they won’ t sink further than waist deep in grain. Workers should also have rescue equipment readily available.
Tractor overturns
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration( OSHA), the leading cause of death for farm workers is tractor overturns. One way to help prevent this type of accident is the use of a Roll-Over Protective Structure( ROPS), which can be retrofitted to your tractor. The devices are highly effective in reducing fatality rates during overturns, and work best when used with a seatbelt.
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of choice for a lot of years, but new government regulations supply problems and erratic pricing has made it necessary to look at other options, and one of those is fall Urea. With the nitrogen stabilizers that are now available, it makes Urea an option for fall application. There are risks and benefits that must be considered when making your nitrogen decision. We have spread some fields this year with fall urea. The experts at Mid-County are available to discuss your operation in detail and make the best decision for your farming operation, be it 100 acres or 10,000 acres.
Electrical hazards
Electrical safety on a farm requires continual maintenance. The harvest season is a great time to inspect your machinery and electrical equipment, making sure all connections are secure, and wires have not been damaged by rodents. It’ s also good to check the height of electrical lines, to ensure that they won’ t make contact with equipment driving through.
A few other dangers Falls: Look for fall hazards on your farm, such as slippery or uneven surfaces. Install handrails on equipment and along walkways.
Lifting: Move to a squatting position and use leg muscles when lifting heavy objects. Take frequent stretch breaks, and avoid twisting your back.
Chemicals: Wear protective clothing when using chemicals, and avoid touching your face if your hands might be contaminated.
Noise: To reduce hearing loss risk, wear ear protection when operating tractors and other machinery.
Weather: In cold weather, keep extremities well insulated to prevent frostbite. In the summer, wear sunscreen or wide-brimmed hats to reduce skin cancer risk. Drink plenty of water, and take a break if you have heat exhaustion symptoms( dizziness, headache, weakness, etc).