Many land owners have written contracts that expire in December and are working on new contracts. There are several types of rental agreements including cropland cash rent, flexible cash lease, share crop lease and pasture leases.
Nearly every South Dakota farmer who applies pesticide must be certified as a private applicator. Certification for private applications must be renewed every 5 years, with expiration dates at the end of the calendar year. So, if you haven’t checked your applicator certification, now is the time to check and see if you need to be recertified this spring. Based on the database provided by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, all individuals needing recertification for 2012 should also receive a postcard from SDSU Extension stating that it is time to renew.
A flexible-cash lease agreement is a rental arrangement in which the landowner receives additional cash payments from the tenant or operator in addition to the base rate often adjusted for changes in crop prices and yields.
Computers are commonly used on the farm and are often used as tools for farm business records and for tax preparation. There are many software packages on the market with a wide range of complexity and capabilities. Which business software is right for you?
Producers who are working in and around grain bins, grain hauling vehicles and equipment need to be vigilant when they are around flowing grain and high speed power sources. Flowing grain is like a fluid; objects on the grain surface sink with the grain flow and heavier objects sink faster than light ones. A small opening at the unloading gate gives the entire surface the quality of quick sand.
As South Dakota corn producers settle in for winter and the “farmer’s hot stove” discussions for next year begin, it’s still important to think about last year’s production that’s currently in storage. Make sure to check corn at least monthly during the cold weather. Storage issues seem like a minor matter in a year when corn came out of the field at ideal moisture levels that are only dreamed of during most harvests.
Not all weather data sources are the same, but many of them look similar when you’re checking the latest weather online or watching the evening news. Depending on what type of equipment is at your favorite weather station, you could be getting data from 5 minutes ago, or only what happened yesterday.
Corn is a major industry in South Dakota with cash sales amounting to over $2 million in 2010. The state produced 4.6 percent of the nation’s corn. It is a vital part of the state’s economy producing food, feed, and ethanol.
Subsurface (tile) drainage has become increasingly popular in eastern South Dakota in recent years. Increasing trends in precipitation, high agricultural commodity prices, rising land prices and the advent of computerized and GPS guided drain installation equipment have all contributed to the increased interest in subsurface drainage. Subsurface drainage is needed on some South Dakota soils to provide adequate root zone aeration and allow for timely field operations. Good design, along with quality materials and installation, helps ensure the drainage system will function effectively with minimal maintenance.
Subsurface (tile) drainage has greatly expanded recently with increases in precipitation, commodity prices, and land values along with technological advances that make installation easier and less costly. Improved drainage benefits agricultural production by lowering high water tables, which reduces crop stress from poor aeration and allows for timely field operations. This results in increased yields with less variability.
Manure is a valuable resource for farmers to use to build and enrich their soils. It adds nutrients and organic matter to soils for growing corn and other crops. However with the benefits gained there is a concern that producers need to remember when utilizing this fertilizer resource.
As the combines roll and this year’s crop comes out of the fields, producers should scout for weed escapes and weed population shifts on their corn and soybean acres. It is a good opportunity to note any pest problems that needs to be corrected for next year’s production.
To Agricultural Producers:
Reduction in producer's economic risk by the promotion of low-cost and carefully targeted pest management practices. Proactive avoidance of future pest management crisis; through research directed at potential short-, medium-, and long-term challenges. Reduction of health risk to agricultural workers by fostering best management practice adoption.
The open winter has some producers thinking of getting a head start on spring fertilization. There are some advantages in that fields are dry, solid and easily accessible - few problems with getting stuck. In addition, many fertilizer dealers probably have equipment and time available to do the spreading now.
Subsurface (tile) drainage has become increasingly popular in eastern South Dakota in recent years. Increasing trends in precipitation, high agricultural commodity prices, rising land prices and the advent of computerized and GPS guided drain installation equipment have all contributed to the increased interest in subsurface drainage. Subsurface drainage is needed on some South Dakota soils to provide adequate root zone aeration and allow for timely field operations. Good design, along with quality materials and installation, helps ensure the drainage system will function effectively with minimal maintenance.
Subsurface (tile) drainage has greatly expanded recently with increases in precipitation, commodity prices, and land values along with technological advances that make installation easier and less costly. Improved drainage benefits agricultural production by lowering high water tables, which reduces crop stress from poor aeration and allows for timely field operations. This results in increased yields with less variability.
No-till cropping systems are used around the world to reduce soil erosion, conserve soil moisture, reduce soil organic matter losses, prevent soil compaction, enhance wildlife habitat, protect water resources, and improve soil quality. Just as importantly these techniques can provide an avenue for producers to reduce their energy use and production costs.