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soybeans

Corn Grower Workshops This Week,
Soybean Grower Workshops Next Month

Even as Corn Grower Workshops are taking place around Federated's service area this week (today in Rush City, tomorrow in Isanti, and Thursday and Friday in Ogilvie and Osceola, respectively) the Soybean Grower Workshops are planned for March 21-25.
 
If soybeans are in your crop plans for 2016, you won't want to miss this important learning opportunity. Included in the presentations will be updates on the recently approved Roundup Ready Xtend™ 2 Soybeans, along with other hot topics for soybean growers. 

RSVP to your local Federated Agronomist. (You can still get in on a Corn Grower Workshop this week. Just give Federated a call!)
 
Mon. March 21
Albertville - Albertville City Hall
 
Tues., March 22
Rush City - Rock Creek Town Hall
 
Wed., March 23
Isanti  - Captain's on Long Lake
 
Thurs., March 24
Ogilvie - Freddie's in Mora
 
Fri., March 25
Osceola - American Legion, St Croix Falls
February 23, 2016

spring corn

Liquid Starter Fertilizer Improves 
Early Corn Growth and Health

The main purpose of in-furrow liquid corn starters is to get nutrients to the plants from the get-go. Readily accessible nutrients give corn a faster, healthier start, from the roots up, as they pave the way for better yields.
 
PMax Plus® (emphasis on the "plus") is a premium liquid starter fertilizer for corn that provides the standard macronutrients, N, P, and K (7-20-3) along with chelated micronutrients, namely, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc.
 
The PMax designation (without regard for the "plus") indicates that the fertilizer has "an additive that reduces soil fixation of applied phosphate for maximum crop availability," according to PMax informational literature.
 
XLR-rate™ is another high-quality choice for liquid starter fertilizer, and is an effective and affordable option. It offers the same macro nutrients (N, P, K -- 7-23-5) as PMax Plus but without the enhancers and micronutrients (see XLR-rate fact sheet).
 
According to Tim Stelter, manager of Federated's Osceola Country store, either PMax Plus or XLR-rate on corn will help alleviate some of the stress from cold or compacted soil [common in Minnesota and Wisconsin springs]. Additionally, "the lower salt content of liquid fertilizer is safer on the seed itself," he said.
 
Stelter said that aside from the advantages of starter in general, in-furrow liquid fertilizer has a lower use rate of 3-5 gal./ac., "which means you can cover more ground with less product." Dry fertilizer, with its 100-400lbs./ac. use rate, needs to be refilled more frequently during planting.
 
He also noted that liquid fertilizer provides a more precise application of nutrients; dry fertilizer offers a less exact range of nutrient levels in every application.
 
Stelter said, "Research shows it pays to use starters even on soils that test high in fertility because important nutrients may not be available to young crops due to cold soils, compaction, or improper pH."
 
"Typically corn is 1-2% drier at harvest with the use of starters," said Stelter, and that contributes to profitability.
 
Plan now to get your corn off to a good start. Contact your Federated Agronomist to discuss your fertilizer options.
Seed Treatment on Spring Wheat Improves Emergence, Roots

Because wheat is planted early, and the soils are generally still cold and wet, seed treatment has become a fairly common practice among wheat producers in east/central Minnesota and western Wisconsin. The cold and wet soils can contribute to poor germination. Research has shown a 10-12% increased emergence rate and much healthier roots when treated seed is used.
 
The treated seed also helps prevent diseases common to this area, according to Craig Peterson, Federated Agronomist at the Ogilvie location, including:
spring planning check-off list
  • rhizoctonia root rot,
  • common root rot,
  • septoria, abd
  • seed-borne fusarium.
Federated recommends Raxil® MD for wheat seed treatment. "It will control these and many other diseases," said Peterson, adding, "Raxil prevents fungal diseases on the seed, in the seed, and also in the soil."
 
Peterson noted that starting with quality seed that is treated will get crops off to their best possible start, "which results in a healthier stand that can increase yields."
 
Federated Coops has also made a commitment to providing excellent seed treatment options in its recent investments in new seed-treating equipment -- some of "the best and fastest in the industry," said Peterson. Talk to your local Federated Agronomist to line up your wheat [or soybean] seed treatments for spring. It's coming soon!
Federated Co-ops | 763-389-2582 | 502 S 2nd St. | Princeton, MN 55371-1941 

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