Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
1/31/02
Contacts:
John L. Creswell, Nutrient Management Education Project, (515) 727-0656,
creswell@iastate.edu
Del Marks, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-9807
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Plan Now for the 2002 Farm Season
AMES, Iowa -- Farmers should use winter 'down time' to make plans for the coming season, according to John Creswell, coordinator of the Nutrient Management Education Project for Iowa State University Extension. Creswell says that the planning process is simple, but does take time and thought. "Questions producers should ask while reviewing the previous season include: What could I have done better? Was my farming operation profitable? Was soil erosion a problem?"
Nutrient management and the environment are issues that Iowa farmers must deal with. Creswell says, "It's time to consider the environmental impact of your farming operation. Every farmer should have a written plan that documents their management of nutrients and tillage practices on the land they farm."
Farmers should think about how to achieve an 'optimum economic yield,' rather than simply maximizing yield. Creswell said, "Targeting an optimum economic yield for each field means that you understand the importance of profitability. It also makes good environmental sense since 'optimum economic yield' implies that less commercial fertilizer and manure is required, thereby reducing the movement to neighboring surface waters." Management tools include soil and manure testing for nutrient availability, the late spring nitrogen test, and managing crop residue to reduce soil erosion.
For help in planning the 2002 season, your ISU County Extension office can make an appointment for you with an agricultural field specialist.
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