Let us Introduce...

As spring approaches, everyone is anxious to get back in the fields and begin planting the 2025 crop. In preparation, we have been busy spreading dry , applying ammonia, prepping the chemical shed, writing planting Rx's, soil sampling and delivering seed. With a dry forecast, the sprayers will start next week with corn preemergent applications. It takes a team to make that all happen. I am pleased to announce the most recent addition to our team, Makayla Bueltel.

Mike Herbers

Employee Spotlight

I would like to take the time to introduce myself. I am Makayla Bueltel and will be taking on the role of Field Sales Agronomist. I am originally from Templeton, Iowa, where I still reside. Some of you may recognize me as I worked at Herbers Seed through college assisting with soil sampling. Most recently, I worked at the Audubon County Farm Service Agency. Through this role, I enjoyed getting to work with producers in this local area, and I am excited to be able to continue to serve you.

Over the next couple of months, I will be assisting with all things seed, including loading, treating, delivery and scouting. I will be setting up field trials, not only for seed but any agronomic product you would like to test, making observations throughout the season and analyzing the data at harvest. Please let me know if there are specific products that you are planning on testing and I would be happy to assist. I will be posting weekly blogs to share some of my findings out in the field. Don't be surprised to see a drone overhead this summer. I am excited to get out and about to visit with everyone, but certainly, in the meantime, don't be afraid to stop in and say hello.

Things to Consider Before Planting

Soil temperature plays a critical role in planting decisions. So far, the 4 inch soil temperature has continued to stay below 50 degrees with the exception of a few days. The extended forecast is showing warming temperatures and it is likely we will cross that 50 degree threshold late next week. The extended forecast at that time will give us a better idea if we should drop the starting flag. A helpful tool to use when monitoring soil temperature is Iowa Weather.

**Here is a look at the soil temperatures for our area this week (April 2nd).**

Ag Communication

This week, AgriGold Western Iowa Sales Agronomist, Jeff Morey, put out a communication regarding some important topics to consider as planting season approaches. One of the things he discusses is what the optimal dates are for planting both corn and soybeans. It is recommended for the southern part of Iowa to plant both corn and soybeans between April 10-20. This is considered the sweet spot to maximize yield potential, whereas planting anything later than May 10th is when yield loss can start to occur.

The early plant date for corn is April 10th statewide. The early plant date for soybeans is April 10th for the southern third of Iowa and April 15th for the northern two thirds. Keep in mind that planting before those dates do not disqualify you from crop insurance, only the replant cost share. If you would like to learn more about the topics Jeff Morey discusses regarding planting strategies, please refer to the attachment below.

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