Agronomic Checklist for This Season
Here are some key practices to keep top of mind as planting gets underway:
Focus Area
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What to Consider
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Starter Fertilizer
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Today's hybrids respond well to nutrient placement near the root system (N, P, S, Zn). An aggressive weed-and-feed program pairing nitrogen and sulfur with pre-herbicides is another strong option.
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Depth & Emergence
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Uniform depth control — targeting 2⅜" to the top of the seed – is a key driver of uniform emergence, which has an even greater impact on yield than in-row spacing. Mastering both is the ultimate goal.
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Variable Rate & Population
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Tailor planting prescriptions and populations to specific hybrid characteristics and individual field conditions. A field-by-field approach helps maximize yield potential.
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Weed Control
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Effective weed management shouldn't come at the cost of yield. Be thoughtful about herbicide selection – some harsher programs can set the crop back rather than move it forward.
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Season-Long Fertility
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Nitrogen and sulfur needs span the entire growing season – early, mid, and late. With today's germplasm, running short on nitrogen late in the season can leave yield on the table.
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Fungicides
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Product selection, timing, and purpose all matter. When the right fungicide is applied at the right time for the right reason, the impact can be significant.
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Harvest Timing
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Consider an early harvest, target harvest starting around 26% moisture to help capture maximum yield.
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Market & Weather Factors Worth Watching
A few broader dynamics to keep in mind as the season unfolds:
- South America does not have a bumper crop.
- Corn prices have historically tracked with crude oil.
- Significant areas of the Western Corn Belt and Delta remain extremely dry.
- Parts of Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois have received much-needed rainfall.
- A fairly significant share of soybean acres are being planted in Missouri and Illinois. Saturated cold germs will be tested on those seeds, and aggressive herbicide programs may compound emergence and early growth challenges.
A Few Things to Avoid This Spring
❌ Avoid
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Why It Matters
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Planting before the crop insurance date
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Protect your financial safety net.
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Planting ahead of a cold rain
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Conditions should be favorable at planting and in the days that follow — don't ignore the forecast.
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Overly aggressive tillage
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Opt for true vertical tillage over field cultivators or soil finishers. (A speed disc is not a VT tool.)
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Planting into loose seedbeds
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Today's planters perform best in a firm soil environment.
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Lead Your Operation with Confidence
Every grower is the CEO of their own operation. Leading with positivity and intention sets the tone for everyone involved – and it shows in the results. The strategies outlined in the AgVenture Maximum Profit System ™ are designed to help put these principles into action, field by field.
We encourage every grower to lean on their local AgVenture independent seed company as a key resource this season. Challenge them to help guide decisions, refine practices, and pursue every available bushel. That kind of partnership is what drives real results.
Opinions expressed are of those of Cutting Edge Consulting and its employees.
