Mid-County Newsletter MCnewsletter-fall14 | Page 4

Agronomy

Page 4

FALL APPLIED NITROGEN - ( UREA AND ANHYDROUS )

Scott Nelson Agronomy Manager ( 952 ) 466-3733
scottn @ midcountycoop . com
Nitrogen management means something different to everyone , depending on your specific farming operation and practices . It sounds simple – put down the “ right ” amount of nitrogen to grow your crop and don ’ t lose any through leaching or volatilization – easier said than done !
Every year brings new challenges to getting the crop in the ground , and with that , getting the nitrogen in the ground . Many growers are choosing to put on some , or all of their nitrogen in the fall , so they can plant as soon as conditions allow . Anhydrous Ammonia ( AA ) has been the fall nitrogen source

Stay safe on the farm

Farming is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the US . Knowing how to stay safe can help prevent costly downtime and long-term health problems .
Grain bin traps
It only takes about 11 seconds for a 6-foot tall person to be buried in a grain bin . A study by Purdue University found that between 1964 and 2008 , 74 percent of people trapped in grain bins died . This type of accident happens when a person tries to walk on the grain , but the grain suddenly collapses , acting like quicksand to pull the person down . New grain storage technology is available to help farmers stay out of grain bins . According to an article in the USA Today , the systems have sensors
that track moisture and temperature , and prevent grain from crusting .
If entering a grain bin is necessary , proper precautions must be taken . First , all equipment should be turned off , so that the grain is not moving . A person shouldn ’ t enter a grain bin without another person nearby , in case assistance is needed . Anyone who enters a bin should wear a lifeline , positioned so that they won ’ t sink further than waist deep in grain . Workers should also have rescue equipment readily available .
Tractor overturns
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration ( OSHA ), the leading cause of death for farm workers is tractor overturns . One way to help prevent this type of accident is the use of a Roll-Over Protective Structure ( ROPS ), which can be retrofitted to your tractor . The devices are highly effective in reducing fatality rates during overturns , and work best when used with a seatbelt .
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of choice for a lot of years , but new government regulations supply problems and erratic pricing has made it necessary to look at other options , and one of those is fall Urea . With the nitrogen stabilizers that are now available , it makes Urea an option for fall application . There are risks and benefits that must be considered when making your nitrogen decision . We have spread some fields this year with fall urea . The experts at Mid-County are available to discuss your operation in detail and make the best decision for your farming operation , be it 100 acres or 10,000 acres .
Electrical hazards
Electrical safety on a farm requires continual maintenance . The harvest season is a great time to inspect your machinery and electrical equipment , making sure all connections are secure , and wires have not been damaged by rodents . It ’ s also good to check the height of electrical lines , to ensure that they won ’ t make contact with equipment driving through .
A few other dangers Falls : Look for fall hazards on your farm , such as slippery or uneven surfaces . Install handrails on equipment and along walkways .
Lifting : Move to a squatting position and use leg muscles when lifting heavy objects . Take frequent stretch breaks , and avoid twisting your back .
Chemicals : Wear protective clothing when using chemicals , and avoid touching your face if your hands might be contaminated .
Noise : To reduce hearing loss risk , wear ear protection when operating tractors and other machinery .
Weather : In cold weather , keep extremities well insulated to prevent frostbite . In the summer , wear sunscreen or wide-brimmed hats to reduce skin cancer risk . Drink plenty of water , and take a break if you have heat exhaustion symptoms ( dizziness , headache , weakness , etc ).