1. How’s your soil?

It all begins with soil. Achieving healthy soil starts with a soil test, and I recommend getting that test from a lab that does Albrecht method soil balancing. Unlike your local extension agent (where you can also get a test), these labs tell you which minerals your soil lacks in the root zone. It also reveals your soil’s organic matter. Apply compost and the minerals the lab suggests at the rates the test specifies for the highest yield. Also consider some amount of compost tea or extract to add the microbial life that’s needed.

2. Have a Plan

Plans are not just for the fancy offices that whip up their PowerPoint and Excel sheets for presentations. Before planting, you need to create a plan to attain your harvest goal.

“First and foremost, farmers need to determine a yield goal and create a detailed plan to reach it,” Tanna Petersak, regional sales agronomist for Stine Seed says. “Soil tests are extremely important to know the productivity and fertility of acres and learning where to improve. Ideally, this should be done over the fall and winter months.”

In addition, Petersak remarks that no matter how good the genetics are, the plant must be fed. “We must have a plan to help our crops be successful and that requires soil heath and feeding the plant throughout the growing ,” she says.

3. Keep Timing and Weed Pressure Top-of-Mind.

Weather is the biggest challenge every year during planting season. But Tanna Petersak says the conditions you plant in might be one of the most important decisions.

“Always keep in mind the short and long-term forecast, no matter what your neighbor is doing. We are always in a hurry, but do not rush this decision,” she says.

Petersak also recommends keeping weed pressure in mind. “Knowing weed profiles and learning how to keep fields clean is crucial. Be aware of the level of resistance and adjust appropriately. The earlier you plant, the longer the window weeds have to grow. With that being said, residuals only last so long and there are fewer options to control weeds when planting extremely early.”

4. Treat the Seed

Think critically about seed treatments and their short-and long-term benefits.

“Many farmers may use a standard low-rate treatment when they could be benefiting by using biologicals and amino acids,” Petersak says. “Farmers can cut costs by treating seed themselves and using an effective treatment, while tailoring it to their operation.”

Treatments protect genetics, they don’t necessarily improve them. Petersak says, “Although genetics are very important, this is an enhancer we need to take advantage of.”