Ned Birkey
| Farmers’ Advance
Weather, including temperatures, will be volatile according to Eric Snodgrass of Nutrien Ag Solutions. His current thinking is an open spring for April, May and June with normal precipitation, although he also says spring rain may be of a streaky nature. Another weather model he looks at shows a wet forecast through about April 23. He mentioned last year’s April and May were the windiest on record and this year may follow suit.
Early planting, such as late March, looks like it may be out the window this year. The key is soil temperature and moisture. The worst thing is to start the year by planting into muddy and cold soil, even though the tractor has plenty of horsepower and flotation and the cab is nice and cozy. Some banks and lenders will overlend on planting equipment so it can be done in a timely manner. The NAU Country Insurance Company early plant dates for both corn and soybeans provide some good crop insurance guidance. The planting date is only one of several yield factors to achieve good yields. Tight budgets this year may also rein in trying something risky. This year may be an excellent time to try something new, but on a limited basis. Former three-time soybean world record holder Kip Cullers wanted his experimental treatments near the farmstead so he could keep an eye on things every day. The Ohio State University 2025 eFields Report and Michigan Soybean On-Farm Research Report for 2025 have many good ideas of things farmers can do on their own farm.
Protecting plants from frost may seem like a no-brainer but serves as a good reminder to watch the forecast even when planting cool tolerant vegetables. Most frost-hardy, early season crops can withstand freezing temperatures and a hard frost for short periods without injury. Frost tolerant vegetables can withstand a light frost of between 28 degrees Fahrenheit to 32 degrees. Tender vegetables are damaged by even a light frost and should be protected, such as by row covers, blankets, cold frames or mulch to keep the plants warmer. Remember that even if air temperatures are as high as 38 degrees, frost may occur on the ground and plants.
The lawn and garden workshop for the Monroe County Community College Whitman Center is on Saturday, March 21. Offered by the Monroe County Community College Lifelong Learning program, this morning program will offer nine different lawn and garden topics to interested homeowners, gardeners and others. The cost is $40 or $28 for senior citizens. Call 734-384-4229 to register. Topics include tree planting tips, garden diseases, growing tomatoes and peppers, raised bed and soil amendments, invasive species, Michigan State University Hidden Lake Gardens, starting seeds, soil testing, and lawn mower maintenance tips.
The 62nd Monroe County Agriculture Banquet will feature a speaker from the largest farm and agricultural business in Monroe County and southeast Michigan. Josh Miller, landscape manager and chief steward on the Proven Winners ® plant brand at Four Star Greenhouse in Carleton, Michigan, will talk about the company’s trialing and selecting new plant genetics as well as the company’s new ownership and corporate changes.
The banquet will be held on March 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 1920 Lewis Ave. in Ida, Michigan. Dinner tickets cost $10 for a Swiss steak dinner from Back in the Day catering of Milan, featuring their famous broccoli salad and three desserts. Chocolate and white milk, in glass bottles, from Calder Dairy and Farm will also be served. Tickets are available at most Monroe County agribusinesses and a limited number of tickets will also be available for purchase at the door.
The evening will also include the annual meeting of the Monroe Conservation District. This year, the board will recognize Mark Chapman, who is retiring after serving 31 years. Election of a new director will be held prior to the banquet for those not wishing to stay for dinner.
This year, a raffle of door prizes and gifts will be held, benefiting the MSU and Monroe County Community College Student Ag Club.
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