The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, 7th is unchanged from the last several weeks. The six to ten-day outlook (Jan. 14 to 18) indicates a near normal temperatures and slightly above to near normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Jan. 16 to 22) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation.
Today, as we continue to thaw out, let’s take some time to consider what producers need to do prior to the spring planting season. Some are already pretty much done with these tasks while many are still trying to get a handle on acreage, inputs and guesses regarding the weather outlook for 2025.
• First, examine the outlook for input and output prices. What are input costs looking like? Did they or should they lock in input prices for the 2025 crop year. There are many resources, both public and private, to provide an overview of input costs in the coming year. Next, what are the forecasts for selling crops in 2025? This can help determine how to divide up acreage by crop. Finally, what are the forecasts for 2025 precipitation and temperature? Putting all this together provides the best guess for 2025 cropping. Then, depending on markets, consider locking in prices for the 2025 harvest and at what percentage of the crop.
• Using the previous bullet point, the next step is ordering seed if not already done. This involves examining all the available information of the various varieties and hybrids. What are possible important traits for a given farm and field. What maturity group provides the best chance of coping with the weather and provide an economic return.
• Based on the previous decisions, what are my realistic yield goals, and based on acreage and total production estimates what are my fertility needs. Do I have soil test information and should I soil test for pH and nutrient levels? How much of each nutrient did I remove in 2024 at a minimum? For some with acid soils, should I lime? For the most pH sensitive crops such as alfalfa and soybeans, do I have enough time for the pH to rise after liming?
• If a producer is involved with cattle, planning for 2025 hay and pasture needs is a priority. What potential summer forages for grazing/hay should be planted and in what acreage. With cool and warm season perennial pasture, soil testing for nutrients should be done. Also evaluating pastures after the last several dry years and finding a way for them to recover is important if they have been overgrazed.
• Many are now also looking at maintenance needs for equipment. It’s the time to overhaul planters, tractors, sprayers, combines, etc. for the upcoming season to avoid costly downtime. Another advantage this time of year is the dealers often offer reduced rates and even free pick up and delivery during a down time.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
