Mid-County Newsletter MCnewsletter-spring08 | Page 3

Mid-County Messenger Page 3 www.midcountycoop.com Spring 2008 Mid-County Agronomy Fungicide application Doug Kraska Agronomy Production Specialist (952) 466-3730 [email protected] As corn, soybeans, and wheat prices contin- ue to climb, products like Headline and Quad- ris fungicide now show a return on investment. We knew that applying these products can increase yields, but the return on investment on $2.50 corn or $5.00 beans did not pay enough of a return to warrant an application. Today, as corn nears the $6.00 mark, an 8 to 10 bushel increase in yield can add an additional $30.00 per acre profit. With soybeans nearing $14.00, a 3 to 4 bushel increase in yield can add an additional $25.00 per acre profit. The timing for a fungicide application on soybeans is when the beans are as close to full flower as possible. This application can be made with the last Glyphosate application, or with an insecticide application for Aphids. The timing for corn is when the corn is at full tassel. This application has to be planned well in advance of full tassel, to make sure there are helicopters available to apply the fungicide in a timely manner, and guarantee the availability of the fungicide. For more information about the different fungicides Headline and Quardis and the appli- cation of these products call the Mid-County Agronomy division. Todays agricultural markets have certainly changed from past years. A world market exists in all commodities, with supply and demand driving prices higher than ever before. A weak US dollar is making our products a rel- ative bargain to countries with growing econo- mies and appetites. China and Russia have imposed export tariffs to try to keep fertilizers in their own countries. This has taken fertilizer prices up while supplies are diminishing. These factors are making us take a look at doing business in other ways. With last fall’s anhydrous ammonia supply issues still fresh on everyone’s mind, we have begun booking fall acres. Forward contracting seems to be the surest bet to locking up the supply and the price. The more we can plan ahead for the future, the better we can service our customers. We have started on farm plans for the fall and have already been speaking with customers about spring ‘09 inputs. When plans are laid in place today we can forcast the right products to be used on your farms tomorrow. When grains are forward con- tracted, your fertilizer can also be purchased, locking in the profit on that acre. We look for- ward to taking care of your needs with quality services and products. Creating partnerships Dave Eckhoff Agronomy Manager (952) 466-3730 [email protected] Dale, Kenny, Doug, Dave, Joe, Mark, Ben MC Agronomy Team • Crop Protection • Producers, Croplan, Stine, & • Nutrient Management NK Hybrids • Crop Consulting • Grid Sampling • Plant Food, Anhydrous, Lime, & VRT • Yield Mapping • Turfs & Pasture Management • Custom Anhydrous Application