Seedbed

As livestock farms become larger, there will be more situations where it is better for farmers to sell the manure to a neighbour than to spread it on their own farm. The challenge is deciding on a fair value

by KEITH REID

Many livestock farmers recognize the advantages of adding manure to their cropping programs. The savings in fertilizer costs and the potential for improved yields from adding organic matter can easily add up to a hundred dollars or more per acre.

There are lots of reasons for variation in soil sample results. But it is still the best way to know what nutrients are available in your soil before you plant the crop

by KEITH REID

It’s not uncommon to hear reports of someone who wanted to check the performance of a soil test lab by splitting a soil sample and sending it to two labs. Often, widely different results are obtained from each lab. Does this mean soil testing is flawed?

When it comes to tillage, less is almost always more. For many situations, one pass in the fall and one or two more in the spring should be enough

by KEITH REID

Eventually, we will hit the biological limits of N use efficiency. But, for now, there is still room for improvement

by KEITH REID

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer has improved grain yields with huge economic benefits for the agricultural sector. However, it is a resource that needs careful management. Too little and crop yields suffer. Too much and it increases the risk of losses of ammonia and nitrous oxide to the air and nitrate to groundwater, not to mention increasing overall costs. 

It takes more time and effort, but you get a better payback when you implement a change on your farm that is based on solid data rather than on single comparisons

by KEITH REID

Every year, a range of new techniques are developed for you to try on your farm. Some come with lots of data to support them, and others with almost none. The ultimate test, though, is whether they work on your own farm. 

Knowing what is in it and using it where it will give the most benefit are
keys to maximizing your manure’s value

by KEITH REID

If livestock are part of your farming operation, their manure is something you will need to deal with. For some, manure is no more than a byproduct that is expensive and time-consuming to get rid of. Properly managed, however, manure can be a valuable source of nutrients for the crops on your farm. The difference is due primarily to your attitude, but also to the supply of manure relative to the needs of your crops.

We can never overcome all the impacts of adverse weather, but good soil management will keep the yield hit to a minimum

by KEITH REID

The trouble with following an excellent year for growing crops, like 2010, is dealing with the disappointment when this year’s crops don’t measure up to our expectations. The hurt is especially sharp when crop prices are at historic highs.