When the temperature rises so does the work load!

Spring has finally sprung for Jepson Family Farm!  We have been busy getting field work done.  We have been applying Anhydrous Ammonia (Nitrogen) fertilizer to our corn fields for the last few weeks.  We only have a couple more days until this chore is completed.  We use field specific yield data from previous corn crops to determine what rates of nitrogen to apply as the applicator moves across the field.  We put more fertilizer in the areas that have more yield potential and fewer pounds in areas that have less yield potential.  This saves us money from over applying fertilizer and helps there to be less nitrogen fertilizer lost due to leaching.

Our anhydrous applicator is equipped with swath control.  The applicator is divided into three sections.  Each section has a gauge on the front.  As we drive into point rows or get to the end of a field the rate controller cuts each section off so we don't double up fertilizer in those areas.  Anhydrous is knifed into the ground about 6 inches below the surface.  We like to apply the fertilizer into the ground so we don't lose as much if we get a rain right after application.  If you apply other sources directly to the top of the ground rain can wash it away. 

Our spring construction project is a new tobacco barn.  Jackson Excavating has prepared the pad for the barn and we expect to start construction next month.

Spring planting season is an exciting time for a farmer.  The warmer weather brings us hope for new life as we plant our crops in anticipation of a harvest in the fall.  We have been working all winter preparing equipment, researching seed traits and planning what varieties of each crop will go in each field.  We have analyzed soil samples and created fertilizer and lime prescriptions for each area of every field.  It's kind of like watching film and developing a game plan for a ballgame.  It feels good to open a bag of seed and pour it in the planter and put the seed in the ground with great care and watch it emerge and grow into a harvest.

Modern planting equipment is extremely high tech.  We are able to fine tune our planter settings to optimize our final stand of corn plants and hopefully yield in our fields.  Farming is becoming more data driven every season.  We are able to collect a myriad of data from our field operations and use this information to make better informed decisions for our business and the environment. 

Jake Mitchell is pictured pouring in seed for a population field trial study we are doing with Pioneer Seed Company.
On farm trials are the best way to find out how new products perform on our farm.  In this study we are studying the effects of population on yield.  The populations in the trial range from 24,000 plants per acre to 40,000 plants per acre.  It will be interesting to see the results from our test this fall.