By Scout Nelson
The recent session of Strategic Farming: Let's Talk Crops, titled "Navigating the Corn Maize," brought together leading agricultural experts to discuss key strategies for optimizing corn production. Held on February 12, 2025, the session was part of an ongoing series aimed at enhancing agricultural practices and profitability.
Jeff Coulter, a noted Extension corn agronomist, and Ed Usset, a grain marketing economist, alongside Adam Birr, Executive Director of Minnesota Corn, joined moderator Dave Nicolai to delve into the complexities of managing corn production costs and improving market strategies.
Their discussions highlighted the importance of fine-tuning input costs, adopting efficient nutrient management practices, and understanding market dynamics.
The panel emphasized the critical role of weed management, advocating for a dual approach using preemergence followed by postemergence herbicides to combat herbicide resistance.
Brad Carlson, another Extension educator, shared insights from his examination of farm records, revealing that the top 20% most profitable farms spent significantly less on fertilizers without impacting yield. He recommended adhering to University of Minnesota’s fertilizer guidelines to ensure cost-effectiveness.
Regarding nutrient management, the experts suggested careful application of nitrogen and following university guidelines for phosphorus and potassium to avoid unnecessary costs. They also discussed the merits of precision agriculture technologies in guiding fertilizer applications, stressing the importance of not overspending on premium fertilizers unless they provide a clear benefit.
Pest management was another focus area, with advice to apply fungicides and insecticides only when economic thresholds justify their use, thus avoiding unnecessary applications that could foster resistance.
The session also covered the effectiveness of varying seeding rates and the potential benefits of reduced tillage on soybean stubble to prevent soil erosion.
For more detailed information on optimizing corn production and to view recordings of all Strategic Farming sessions, visit the University of Minnesota's dedicated portal at https://z.umn.edu/StrategicFarmingRecordings.
Photo Credits:university-of-minnesota
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Education