Equipment considerations for producing corn after corn

When shifting from a corn-soybean rotation to growing corn after corn, there are several equipment considerations. They include residue spreading, possible use of tillage implements, planter operation, and adjustments in the harvesting system. Following is a general overview

New Safety Guidelines Developed for Two-tank Anhydrous Ammonia Wagons

Size and capacity of farm equipment keeps getting larger and fertilizer equipment is no exception. Each year in Iowa approximately a billion pounds of nitrogen is applied as anhydrous ammonia. As equipment has gotten larger, many dealers are now using multi-tank systems with two anhydrous ammonia tanks mounted on to a single wagon running gear

Dry Field Conditions Increase Harvest Fire Risks

Silage harvest is beginning in some areas. It’s always difficult to forecast weather, but if dry field conditions persist, potential for combine and field fires will increase. A high-temperature source in the engine area or an overheated bearing can ignite dry plant material

Adjust planters when working in wetter soil

Spring rains have kept growers out of some Iowa fields. Although we don\u27t want to plant when soil is too wet, as the season progresses, the potential for diminished yield may compromise what are considered acceptable soil conditions for planting. Planting equipment operators should recall important adjustments that may be necessary in these conditions

Combine Settings for Drought

Hot mid-summer field conditions are affecting upcoming harvest. Although soybeans are still developing, corn ear diameter has been established in most fields. Smaller ear diameter and, in some fields, weaker stalks at the base of the corn plant and at the ear shank will affect harvest operations

Take Time to Manage Spring Field Risks

Warm, dry conditions in many areas around Iowa find farmers finishing up nitrogen fertilizer application and getting a good start on row-crop planting. With a wet 2008 planting season fresh in many memories, there is probably a natural tendency to rush through field tasks. This early during the optimal planting season with a generally favorable weather forecast for the next few days, however, is not the time to be taking excessive safety risks for either farmer or crop

Minimize Amount of Corn Left on the Ground Behind Combine

Leaving corn in the field during harvest always results in a yield penalty. A recent soybean Sudden Death Syndrome article shows data that suggest corn kernels may be one of the most likely sites for survival of SDS pathogens with potential to harm subsequent soybean crop

New Publication Helps Farmers Manage Energy Used for Corn Drying

When corn harvesting conditions allow optimal time for in-field drying, taking full advantage can reduce on-farm energy consumption. A new publication from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach explains the basic principles of energy management for grain drying

Harvesting lodged corn

Nearly every year, adverse weather and crop conditions result in lodged corn in a few fields in the state. Lodging may be caused by wind storm, stalk rot or other disease, rootworm activity, or some combination of these. Regardless, it is a frustrating situation. Combine operators need to accept that harvest will not be routine in these areas and recognize that extra time will be required

Combine Harvesting Tips for 2008 Harvest

Proper combine settings will maximize grain quality while minimizing machine field losses. Taking time to achieve proper combine settings and harvest safety will benefit producers in the long run. Following are a few general tips, and some that relate directly to soybeans and corn