Friday, March 18, 2022
Brandon began applying anhydrous ammonia (NH3) yesterday. It is the first step of #plant22. NH3 is what we utilize for the nitrogen for our corn crop. Were the conditions perfect? No…but not bad at all. The gas was sealing into the soil very, very well. The day wasn’t bright sunshine, but it was a warm 76ºF (24C). So, it feels good to get this operation underway.
We have not started the second applicator yet. The new machine we expected has not (and probably will not until summer) arrived at the dealer, so we will soon have to go there and retrieve the old trade-in and get it ready to go again. We have our JD 9360R tractor there getting some repairs, and we think that when that repair is done, we will bring the applicator home with that tractor… all that could change if there is an unexpected delay to that tractor repair.
Brandon works the hillside at our Roberson farm location.
Rain is expected late this morning that could halt the field work. We will adjust as needed.
No, it wasn’t sunny yesterday as Brandon worked along, but it was warm!
After the NH3 application, the next operation that comes is the sprayer. That puts down what is called a ‘burn-down’ herbicide mix. Following that, the corn planter makes that all-important pass with the seed. For soybeans, we do not add more nitrogen, so the first pass in the field is the burndown, followed soon by the soybean planter (no-till air drill).
Also yesterday, John unloaded the second delivery of grain bin components. It was an even bigger load than from Wednesday, and now all the bin parts are on-site. The construction crew has not set a firm date to begin the foundation work, but they estimate that it should be within a month. The goal is to have this completely functional by fall harvest. Having more storage available here should improve harvest operations.
John explains about all that pile of parts and pieces.
I’m expecting the delivery from Amazon of a video cable to replace a failed on on the JD 1910 air cart (soybean planter). I simply must have the camera on the back of the drill to be operational… safety on the road demands I can see what’s behind me as I go down the roads. Left turns off US 50 are safer if I know what’s coming! I’ll get that installed ASAP.
If the rain arrives as forecast, I’ll be able to watch Purdue in their first-round March Madness game against Yale. As always, we hope for happy results for our Boilermakers. Over the years, we have learned to moderate our expectations, but we remain hopeful! And as that line in the school song “Hail, Purdue” goes, we will stay “ever grateful, ever true.”
Have a great weekend.
