Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were cheery and restful. Enjoying the mild temperatures on the local outdoor rink with my future NHLers was a highlight of mine.
The other day we finished selling all of our barley and I’m pleased to say our good land went 106 bu/ac and poorer land went 82 bu/ac. Having lost 10% or more from excessive rain, we are not complaining! We’ve yet to haul in the remaining 75% of our canola but our averages look promising there as well. People ask if CTF is working for us and all I have to say is that we’re definitely on the right, um, track.
Some interesting news on the post-CWB front are the basis levels for new crop wheat. It’s interesting to note that basis levels are roughly $0.80/bu for new crop wheat where CWB basis levels have been $1.38/bu historically. That means the former middle man cost us $0.58/bu to market our grain. To some of my clients that’s over $100,000 year in wheat marketing costs alone. Let’s turn the page on that chapter.
This week we’ll discuss growing CPS versus HRS wheat in 2012 with tips on CPS wheat production. Next, we’ll look into crop options for 2012 with the top five most profitable crops to grow this year. Last we’ll look into boosting wheat proteins with liquid urea given the protein premiums offered for new crop wheat. We’ll finish with fundamental and technical grain market news.
Thanks for joining me for Volume 7 of Beyond Agronomy News. I anticipate a great year ahead.
I spent three full days at AgriTrade last week and had a great visit with clients and colleagues. This year’s show was all about more horsepower, a little more cleaning capacity, more technology, and nicer cabs powered by more electronics.
This week we’ll be looking at the results from yield measurements on rows beside the unseeded tram lines in our CTF system. We’ll also talk some more on the challenges we face with residue management in our CTF system. Last, I’ll update you on the final results of our high yield feed barley trials. We’ll finish with fundamental and technical grain market news.
Have a great week.
Steve
We’ve been full on soil sampling for the last week and plan on staying that way for the next two weeks. Not surprising, nitrogen levels are very low this fall with early results showing 15 to 30 lbs in the top 24 inches. On top of that the soil is bone dry in most areas and nothing short of concrete. I can hardly push a moisture probe into the ground more than 3 inches. While these conditions make for excellent soil sampling, it’s not so great for the start of next year’s crop.
Producers are busy finishing up Avadex and Edge applications while some folks are still waiting for moisture to begin NH3 applications. The soil is so dry and hard it won’t flow around the opener properly. Canola seed purchases are all but done for most so if you haven’t booked yet you better get at it before your variety is sold out.
In Beyond Agronomy News this week, we’ll be talking about a really cool shielded sprayer made in Australia that could have a fit here. Next, I’ll show you some interesting responses to zinc in barley. Last, I’ll continue on with the canola planter idea and show you another producer using a vacuum planter in canola. We’ll finish with fundamental and technical grain market news.
Have a great week.
Steve
