Start planning for 2025 planting success

CROOKSTON, Minn. — Getting a jump-start on fieldwork in preparation for next year’s planting season can set you up for success, according to AgriGold Agronomist Jacob Gehrls.

“Getting a head start on the next corn planting season makes a huge difference here, especially in years like this past season when we had a lot of wet soils in the spring,” Gehrls said.

“Getting some of those tasks done in the fall eases tensions, especially in our far northern climates where we never know what spring will bring.”

1. Get soil tests. Soil testing topped Gehrls’ list of things to do. Whether they choose to do it in the fall or spring, farmers can benefit from annual testing at a consistent time of year.

“I believe it’s the most important thing farmers can do with their fields,” Gehrls said. “Fertility is a major player when it comes to a field’s yield potential. Having a baseline understanding of its fertility gives farmers a better idea of how much they need to add to reach corn yield targets.”

Gehrls encouraged farmers to reach out to local agronomists they trust for reading and applying soil test results. Guidelines from in-state universities are another great resource.

2. Utilize yield maps. After farmers finish harvest, analyzing yield maps can help them troubleshoot.

“Pay attention to yield maps and areas that have been pinch points,” Gehrls said. “Figuring out what the issue is on those areas — whether that’s fertility or compacted soils or something else — helps you correct them.”

Identifying differences in areas with high yields versus low yields also helps farmers improve crop prospects across their acres.

3. Make soil amendments. Fall is also a good time for soil amendments, like remedying low soil pH levels in fields, if necessary.

“Just make sure you use high-quality lime to balance pH levels,” Gehrls said. “This crop season especially, some farmers are facing compaction layers.

“With the wetness that we’ve had and the number of spread applications that have gone on fields that were a little bit wetter than they should have been, there’s potential for extra compaction.”

Gehrls encouraged farmers to be aware of those issues and not make unnecessary passes through the field.

4. Make a game plan. “The winter is about planning for the upcoming corn planting season, picking the right hybrids for your acres and selecting the best fertility options for your fields,” Gehrls said. “That plan needs to be in place before farmers return to the field.”

Crop plans should include what hybrids will go on each acre.

“Each growing season varies, which is why it’s important to have multiple hybrids with diverse genetics on the farm,” Gehrls said.

“The goal is to put multiple Field GX families on your fields, tailoring placement to those acres. That diverse mix of genetics helps spread risk for the wide assortment of weather challenges that could play out.”