cq perspectives may 2007

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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF CROP QUEST AGRONOMIC SERVICES, INC

C r o p Q u e s t P e r s p e c t i v e s

Volume 17 Issue 3 May 2007

Continued on Page 2

The soaring price of corn aptly illustrates

what generations of farmers have faced daily

in dealing with the vagaries of weather, soil

conditions, topography, drainage, seed sup-

ply, fertilizer, insurance and the marketplace.

While ethanol might be an intriguing hedge

for some major operations, most farmers con-

front the singular task of getting the most out of

every acre with every crop.

Crop Quests Precision Ag Services is designed

to help growers take the guesswork out of their

farming efforts and maximize their productivity and

prot. Crop Quest launched its Precision Ag Services

in 1992 with Nathan Woydziak joining the team in

2000.

We used a suite of software that back then had nice

functionality and allowed us to talk with the controllers the eld computers on the tractors, stated Woydziak,

Precision Ag Specialist. In the last 15 years, technology

has evolved tremendously, he points out, and that has al-

lowed his group to provide farmers with a comprehensive

analysis package. Precision Ag Services uses yield map-

ping, grid sampling, GPS (global positioning system) sur-

veys and data collected from the controllers on the tractors,

and integrates all the information into a complete analysis

of the farms potential to get the most out of every acre as

well as the most for every dollar spent on seed and fertilizer.

Among the technology advances Woydziak refers to, GPS is

one of the key developments. We can mark off areas that would

be limiting overall yield, he says of the GPS that distinguishesterrain like hilltops and mud holes where productivity is likely to

be lower. Additionally, Crop Quest recently broadened its

capacity to provide greater levels of detail in its eld imag-

ery by teaming with John Deere Agri Services, utilizing

its network of aerial photography and mobile camera

equipment.

TECHNOLOGY PAYS

Farmers, in general, are enjoying a fair

share of prosperity as the agricultural

economy continues its upswing. Moreover,

thats often when some tend to relax their

efforts to apply new technologies available that make their farms

even more productive.

When things are going well, Woydziak notes, it is easier for

them to say no or walk away from initiating practical, scientic

techniques that will improve their yields and their margins. For

example, with fertilizer prices going up, Precision Ag Services he

growers use fertilizer efciently, placing it where its most effecti

instead of uniformly spreading it.

On the ip side of the coin, however, when times are tough, m

farmers do the same thing routinely cut back on services they

should be taking advantage of. However, one grower in Stevens

County, Kan., views such behavior as shortsighted.

It is paramount that you use the kind of service Crop Quest of

to minimize expenses, Joel McClure emphasizes. The fourth-ge

eration farmer raises sunowers, corn, milo, soybeans (and has t

canola) on the land his great-grandfather homesteaded about 14

miles northwest of Hugoton, Kan.McClure, however, doesnt minimize the commitment required

get involved with such a strategy of analysis, planning and imple

mentation. It is a big step, he says of the investment of time an

money, as well as the intellectual exercise involved, and you nee

understand the computer equipment, especially in this digital age

However, his experience with Precision

Ag Services earned dividends, so to speak,

within a year. McClure points out that

Nathan and his team will work within

his farms budget. My goal was to

maximize the net dollars per acre

from a lot of hilly, sandy, ood-ir-

rigated land that had some potential,McClure explains.

PRECISION AG SERVICES PINPOINTSPRODUCTIVITY

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Precision Ag Services ...Continued from Page 1

As for Precision Ag Services, Woydziak stresses, Our goal is

to customize a precise agriculture t for the farm, preferably overseveral years. However, we can work with a years worth of yield

data, and can start showing results within a year of implementing a

program.

If the farm can supply multiple years of data, Woydziak says Preci-

sion Ag Services can prepare a customized program for the grower in

a matter of weeks.

PERSONALITY AND SCIENCE

According to Woydziak, how successful a program is for a particu-

lar farm also hinges on the character traits of the producer himself.

Is he curious; does he like to look at information? Woydziak asks.

Producers dont necessarily have to be hands-on in the collection and

processing of the data, but the prosperous ones are concerned withthe details.

In 2005, after initially talking with Precision Ag Services, McClure

recalls, my mind started formulating! Woydziak and McClure were

in constant communication. We were either on the phone or sending

e-mails or talking in the eld, exchanging yield information, collect-

ing zone samples, discussing the analyses and getting recommenda-

tions for program implementation and putting that information on the

data cards we insert into the tractor controller.

As a result, McClure has saved a lot of money in fertilizer and

seed by rationing specic amounts of fertilizer in an area depending

on its potential for high or low yields. There is no need to put in a

heavy population of seed in an area of low potential, McClure says.

While McClure ts the prole of the inquisitive, engaged pr

that Precision Ag Services likes to work with, he in turn apprethe approach Woydziak takes in working with him. Besides e

ing everything thoroughly, Nathan is good about planning, st

McClure, and he has made me plan ahead.

However, McClures bottom-line hasnt just beneted from

oping the judicious purchasing and application patterns that Pr

sion Ag Services designed for him. By becoming a better plan

McClure has made his entire operation more efcient.

Once we get the whole plan together from Nathan, for exam

McClure explains, I can give my fertilizer dealer a call and le

know whats going on in terms of time, place, crop and fertiliz

he knows Im in one section at 5 a.m., then he knows I need to

the ammonia tanks lled in section 14 when I get there at noon

Thats one of the bonuses of working with Crop Quests Pre

Ag Services: Everyone is in the loop, says McClure, not on

my staff and the Crop Quest team, but my suppliers

and dealers as well if I want them to be. When

everyone is working on my plan, things just

seem to work out better. In addition, this type of

service is going to allow me to optimize inputs

which should allow me to pull more money from

my crops. In a year where corn is going to

yield some excellent returns, I plan on tak-

ing full advantage of my yield potential.

Nathan Woyd

Late season weed pressure has become amajor concern in corn elds across our territory.Palmer Amaranth, crabgrass, nightshade and

velvetleaf are some of the main culprits that cancause yield loss and long-term weed pressure in our elds.

The nightshade species is spreading rapidly west. For those whograze corn stalks after harvest, it is important to control this speciessince the plants berries can be toxic. Nightshade typically germi-

nates later in the growing season, so most pre-plant and pre-emergeherbicide treatments have run their course before the nightshadeemerges.

Palmer Amaranth seems to germinate from early in the growingseason until the day before harvest. Crop shading doesnt seem tostop this weed from growing rapidly throughout the growing season.Even the latest emerging plants will put on a seed head and produceviable seed.

We can rely on our pre-emerge herbicides to be effective for therst three to six weeks of the season. After that, we may follow-upwith a contact or very short residual post-emerge herbicide. In some

cases, this is an adequate herbicide program. For many elds, iimportant to extend the weed control from the time the crop foits canopy through grain ll. This is where a solid residual laybbicide is necessary. Most of the layby treatments used have theactive ingredients as the pre-emerge products some are one isame. Your Crop Quest agronomist will be able to help you chthe proper herbicide and rate for your situation.

A good overall herbicide plan should include the layby applition. Regardless if you are planting conventional corn hybrids herbicide tolerant varieties, you should build a sound pre-emerapplication and a layby application into the program. This planwill make your herbicide dollars go farther and allow you to mage overall weed control, instead of just addressing weed presswhen it occurs. Knowing the history of weed pressure in eldsalso a key to the success of an overall weed control program. Fthe majority of the elds we manage, your agronomist has a gohandle on the variety of weeds and pressure that each eld hasknowledge helps you, and your agronomist, build the best progfor each of your elds.

Weeds cause major yield loss if not managed properly. Makeyour elds stay weed-free later in the growing season with a latreatment.

Layby Herbicides Pay DividendBy: Dwight KoopsRegional Vice President

Ulysses, Kan.


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By: Ron OHanlon,President

Member, National Alliance

of Independent Crop

Consultants, CPCC-ICertied

More Crop Residue

Decision-Making And PlanningThe rst week of April brought all of us back to the reality

and risks of farming as we saw low temperatures drop tolevels that were capable of causing damage to many differ-ent crops across the nation, from owers to fruit trees tosmall grains and forage crops. It is too early to know the fulleconomic impact of the damage or if the crops will outgrowthe effects of the injury.

Most of us associated with farming have been on a realeconomic high as we have seen the price of grains and for-ages reach or maintain price levels that once again makefarming an economically viable opportunity without havingto depend on government payments as the primary source ofeconomic stability.

However, with the shock back to reality, it is importantonce again for farmers to recognize the necessity of usingthe services of others who can assist in helping make deci-

sions aboutalternatives toa cropping planthat is no longerfunctional. Thismay includeCrop Quest agronomists, crop insurance agents, FSA people,lenders, landlords and others. The important thing is to getinput and options from people who are not as emotionallyinvolved when quick decisions involving a farmers liveli-hood must be made. When it comes to Mother Nature, farm-ing is a high-risk venture. A producer needs a whole teamof qualied individuals to increase the odds of achievingsuccess.

Brings More RodentsAs we continue to move toward less tillage and more crop residue

left on the soil surface, we are seeing an increase in rodent popula-

tions. Rodents can increase dramatically in

the absence of tillage. Without multiple

tillage passes per season to disrupt

their habitat, the number of rodents

and other crop-destroying wildlife

has really ourished, and thisis causing a large problem in

some elds. Although they have

always been a problem in alfalfa

elds, rodents are now becoming

a problem in grain production elds

as well. Rodents can destroy the crop

stand with their feeding and burrow-

ing activity, which is why their control is an

important management issue.

The rst step to control rodent

populations is to determine if you

have a problem and identify what

is causing it. There are two majorgroups of four-legged rodents:

herbivores and carnivores. Mice,

rats and gophers are mainly her-

bivores since they feed on seeds

and plants. They will do most

of their feeding above ground or

by digging up newly planted seeds.

Most of the damage they cause will be

located close to the growing plants.

To control these rodent pests, it will take a multi-faceted ap-

proach. Natural predators, like owls and hawks, can be very effective

in controlling these animals. Providing places for these birds to perch

is a good way to encourage them to visit your

eld. The rodents can hide from the birds of

prey under the crop residue, so moving more

of this residue away from the row at plant-

ing will allow the predators to have a better

chance of seeing the mice and rats. This

practice will enable predator birds to better protect your elds fro

rodent damage.Another approach is to put poison grain around the burrows or

towns of the rats or gophers. A machine injects the grain, in sm

piles, into a tunnel that is created by the subsoiler. This technique

been used in alfalfa elds for a long time. If a machine is not ava

able, a bait station could be placed by the tunnels as an alternativ

however, this type of product needs to be covered to prevent desi

able wildlife from ingesting it.

If you discover digging damage and notice the damage is more

random, the cause may be from skunks, moles or armadillos. The

rodents are carnivores with their main food source being insects.

They will dig for grubs, worms and other insects which may dest

the crops indirectly with their digging activity.

If the varmints are attracted by insects, measures will need to btaken to eliminate the food source. Insecticides could be applied

planting time to control the soil-dwelling insects and to protect th

young seedling plants. The eld may need to be sprayed in the m

dle of the summer, as well, to prevent a continued buildup of inse

A strategy to manage or eliminate the food source would discour

the moles, skunks and armadillos from digging up the crops.

The increased crop residue that is left on the soil surface in no-

and strip-till elds has proven advantages for crop production. It

also created an ideal environment for the wildlife which can wrec

a crop stand. There have always been challenges in farming. This

just another challenge that will need to be managed.

By: Jim Gleason

Regional Vice PresidentSt. John, Kan.


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Mission StatementCrop Quest is an employee-owned company dedicated to providing the highest quality agricultural services for each customer. The quest of our network

professionals is to practice integrity and innovation to ensure our services are economically and environmentally sound.

PRSRT STD

US POSTAGE

PAID

DODGE CITY K

PERMIT NO. 4

Employee-Owned & Customer DrivenCrop Quest Agronomic Services, Inc.

Main Ofce: Phone 620.225.2233

Fax 620.225.3199Internet: www.cropquest.com

[email protected]

Crop Quest Board of Directors President: Ron OHanlon

Director: Jim Gleason

Director: Dwight Koops

Director: Cort Minor

Director: Chris McInteer

Director: Rob Benyshek

The challenge farmers face every day hasntchanged much from one generation to the next: Get-ting the most out of every acre no matter what theweather, land conditions or marketplace throws atthem. The tools growers can use to get around theseobstacles, however, have improved and the agronomicservices available have become more sophisticatedand precise. Crop Quests mission is to providefarmers not only with the most advanced agriculturetechnology, but also with the experts to help themimplement the programs.

In the last couple of months, Crop Quest hasbrought several agronomists on board to help farmers

grow their crops and their businesses efciently andmore protably.

In March, Robert Gillespie joined Crop Quest as aspecialist to further develop Precision Ag Servicesproprietary Paramount Reporting software system(the 2006 Agri-Business Product of the Year Runner-up), in addition to bolstering the companys techsupport activities. Gillespie, a graduate of Texas Techwith an M.S. in agriculture economics, spent the lastthree years with the USDAs Agricultural ResearchServices in Texas. Among his new responsibilities withCrop Quest, Gillespie will oversee marketing and salesof the Paramount Reporting software. My experiencein electronics and my knowledge of GIS (geographic

information systems) should be a big help in mappingcropland potential, says Gillespie, referring to thedetailed eld imagery that GPS and aerial photographyprovide for analysis and planning. Gillespie will workout of the Crop Quest Dodge City headquarters.

Early in his career as a golf course superintendent,Brian Blide says he spent a lot of time trying togrow grass on the fairways and greens. Now as anagronomist covering the central Kansas territory forCrop Quest, Blide is trying to kill the grass andweeds that might be limiting the potential of farms toraise larger cash crops. He graduated from Fort HaysState in Kansas in 1993 and, after his stint in golfcourse development and maintenance, spent the last 9

years working on a farm. From that experience in farmoperations, Blide knows the value agronomic servicesbring to farm production. Moreover, he says, Havingworked on a production farm, I am not afraid of work-ing long hours.

When Matt Russell nishes a days work consultingon farms as a Crop Quest agronomist in eastern Kan-sas, he heads back to the farm his own where heraises a cow/calf herd of 45 head. Russell, who has ananimal science degree from Kansas State, is actuallyrejoining Crop Quest after working there from 1998 to2001. With his return, Russell brings additional agri-culture experience from managing the row crops on alarge cow/calf feedlot and farming operation in Berry-

ton, Kan., and running a custom crop spraying service.His general understanding of row crops along with theoverall experience he has acquired from his customspraying and farming background will add value to thespecialized agronomic services Crop Quest provides.

Josh Sauer ofcially became part of the Crop Questteam at the beginning of the year after serving aninternship in 2006 as he nished school at ColoradoState. He is putting his soil and crop sciences degreeto work in eastern Colorado as a consulting agrono-mist. Im soaking up everything I can, he stresses,indicating there is a lot to learn, as well, from theveteran farmers he visits. I come from a farm back-ground, Sauer adds, so it is enjoyable to be able

to apply the science I picked up in school and thetechnology Crop Quest has developed to help farmsimprove their yields and their business.

Adds Specialists

To Bolster Services

Brian Blide

Robert Gillespie

Matt Russell

Josh Sauer

cq perspectives may 2007

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