Latimer, Iowa (north central) | Field conditions are good so decided to start planting yesterday. This is the earliest we ever have. Will have 500 acres in by the end of the day, then going to wait a week and plant another 500 acres.
Currently planting Reins oats at 90 lbs or 1,200,000 seeds per acre. No-tilling into bean stubble with 2200 gallons hog manure vertical till injected last fall. (100 units N). I did also spread 3 ton an acre of cattle manure on the hills so will be interesting what effect that has. Seeding with a 1910/1890 on 7.5’s about 1.25-1.5 inches deep. It’s dry out but there is some moisture at that level. We have not had to use herbicide, fungicide, or insecticide in the past 5 years with oats and have been averaging 40.5 test weight and 138 bpa yields. Have been able to go to non traited, no fungicide, and no insecticide on corn following oats and beans in rotation too.
Hoping with the early planting to harvest early and try double cropping beans again. Last year wasn’t great on that, posted about it, but making changes and trying again.
Some of the fields I have put 4 lbs an acre of berseem clover in the back tank and planning on grazing it after oat harvest. Will plant sorghum Sudan, millet, radishes, and turnips after oat harvest and hope to graze by August 20th. Grazing cattle was great last year with 240 lbs of beef put on per acre just eating cover crops.
Been running our maxxum 150 on the 63’ roller this year and working very well. Put duals on it and weighs 18,400 lbs. normally it’s just our sprayer and manure pump tractor but trying to use it more and keep expensive tractors to a minimum.
Just a few of the crazy experiments doing this year. Any feedback is appreciated. Also moving forward with our oat milling plant as well, hope to break ground in August. Will be a great mill to get farmers further down the supply chain.
Edited by Green Acres Guy 3/13/2024 18:47
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Started planting yesterday. Earliest ever.
