
Cover Crops: What Are They, and Do They Work?
Cover crops are trending, but what exactly are they and can they add real value to your farm? DPH agronomist and row crop farmer Eric Johnston breaks down the basics.What are cover crops? 13-species cover crop on Eric's farm Cover crops are
Manage Manure for New PROFITS
Did you know that MANURE is the most popular fertilizer in the entire history of agriculture? Not only does it supply plant essential nutrients, but it makes soils more fertile. To get maximum value from manure you must get
Put Perennials to Bed… and prep your crop to thrive next spring
Winter is coming… a time when all perennials slow down and go into dormancy. Did you know that a plant’s ability to survive the winter and come out of dormancy in the spring ready to produce for you is directly related to
Put Perennials to Bed… and create a Spring demo
When leaves turn color and the plant starts to slow down… it’s a good time to give the shrubs and trees under your care some help in preparing for the Winter… and to set them up for a head start next
Ramp Up For Fall Seeding
The time is fast approaching to put seeds in the ground. Just like in the spring, the success or struggle of a crop begins at planting time. Seedbed preparation, moisture, and fertility all play huge roles. If you’re planting any of these
It All Starts with RESIDUCE
The best thing about farming is that we’re never out of work. As soon as harvest operations are completed, the next growing season begins. For example, how you manage the crop residue this Fall has a direct impact on the next crop.
Fill the “HIDDEN HUNGER” with Late Season Foliars
Hopefully, you've experienced a good planting season this year and received enough rain to produce a good crop. But, how many times have you seen a good-looking crop turn into an average crop? It's called the "HIDDEN HUNGER" season... this time of
Organic Pesticides … you have options!
Don't let the bugs, "BUG YOU" As organic growers, our options in dealing with pests are limited --- but there are several products and practices allowed in organic production that deal quite effectively with various insects and diseases. Be assured... you do
Finished with Foliar applications? Maybe. Maybe not.
As your crops move into the reproductive stage, it's critical to monitor nutrient needs and make sure the crop has enough energy to preserve the yield it's created all the way into harvest. As the crop blooms or pollinates, it shifts from
SP-1… and your Window of Opportunity
Last year, a non-organic grower used SP-1 on their silage acres. Based on those results, they decided to use the product on ALL of their row crop acres this season. This is their report. Observations by the Grower: "Last year we planted corn in
Raising the Bar on Forage Production
When you want to take your Forage crops to the NEXT LEVEL, we have 2 options for your consideration that have consistently worked well to improve yield and quality. The 1st option is a FOLIAR application, that works best when good fertility levels are already
Sidedressing with Less Nitrogen
Two questions keep resurfacing... How can I grow a high-yielding crop with less nitrogen? Aside from crop insurance, what else can I do to protect my crop from environmental challenges? Too much rain, not enough rain, late planting, not planted, the list goes on. Wherever
Early Foliar Applications
For some growers, the planting is done... and the planter discs are shiny to prove it. Regardless if you're done or not, no one ever expects a grower to say, "Job Well Done" until there's evidence of uniform emergence and the promise of
TRACE Minerals… and WHY your plant needs them.
The root uptake of the trace elements. . . IRON (Fe), ZINC (Zn), MANGANESE (Mn), and COPPER (Cu) is governed by three basic principles. 1. Their presence in the soil. Many ag soils have very low levels of native Zn, Mn, and Cu
Golf Superintendents Brave and Best COVID-19 Challenges
While golf courses contract budgets and personnel due to the coronavirus, superintendents rally to utilize smaller teams, observe safety precautions and drive forward. “We got lucky,” said Jake Mink, Golf Course Superintendent at Brasada Ranch, a resort in Bend, Oregon. “In our
Frost Damage: Regain The Momentum
Damaging frosts have pillaged much of the country, impacting crops that have already been planted. In response, farmers may light smudge pots, run windmills and use irrigation water. Other practices, such as foliar applying Osmotech or Drammatic Fish to lower the freezing
NEW PODCAST: GROWING PERSPECTIVES
Introducing a Douglas Plant Health podcast: GROWING PERSPECTIVES. Hear the full audio below.Born and bred as a row crop and dairy farmer, Dan Denman, 23, is a rising Precision Ag Specialist. His expertise includes agricultural technology such as robotic milking
COVID Concerns: DHS Amends H-2A Requirements
On April 20, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a “temporary final rule” easing requirements on the growing H-2A program. The program, instituted in 1952, allows foreign nationals to work in the U.S. in temporary or seasonal agriculture jobs.
Rebounding From Reduced Nutrient Levels
As a result of the wet spring conditions the last 2 years, many growers are concerned about the lower nutrient numbers on their soil tests. A Nebraska grower is seeing water soluble calcium and potassium numbers that are half of what they
Farmer Relief: Where to Apply and How Consumers Can Help
Farmers, we see your sacrifice. We see your bravery. We see the way this pandemic has stretched you financially and emotionally, and we want to help. As advocates for the global Ag community, we’ve compiled a list of resources helping farmers
All Hands to the Pump: CARES Act Offers Relief to Impacted Farmers
In times of crisis, Mr. Rogers taught us to “look for the helpers.” Now, as the Coronavirus compromises industries nationwide, growers continue to face the day. They wake before dawn; seed, till, and plant until dark; and happily do it all
COVID-19 Upsets Supply Chain: How Farmers Can Meet Heightened Food Demand
Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, U.S. farmers toil, sweat and sacrifice to feed our nation. As “panic buying” surges, crop and dairy products disappear from shelves and farmers face pressure to meet the growing demand. Spikes in global demand further stretch