January 2009 Newsletter

It appears that the record-setting winter of 2007-08 is being matched this year as far as snow, ice and temperature swings. I have traded my old worn #14 shovel for a new aluminum scoop shovel. This is carried just in case the road slips out from under the car. That is a discussion for another time.

We are still waiting on fertilizer price adjustments as local supply is purchased at levels established by last summer’s run up. The supply at the manufacturing locations is high, and the price is dropping as a result. This will squeeze local companies that have been on thin margins for awhile. Look at your crop budgets and projected sales values carefully before committing to pricing inputs. There is a time in the future when nitrogen will follow the fuel prices down. Phosphorus and potash will decline as the resupply starts to come in to local plants. When will local suppliers be willing to bring prices down? That may well be a $300 to $500 a ton question. As you check DTN and on line sources note that there is more than just price to be considered. The planting season is short and finding added tons my be difficult.

This is a time to mention alternatives – most notably, the manure produced by those dairy cows in Wisconsin. It is back to the basics with soil testing and looking at what is available at a given price. Some grades of fertilizer are less costly per pound than others. We may want to look at that during a farm stop.

The beginning of 2009 will be very busy as I look at the variety of special meetings offered by FVTC, the county extension agents and other educational groups. (See the calendar of activities.)
I have included the commercial training flyer for those who are custom pesticide applicators.

Remember to check out our blog at:
http://fbpm-fvtc.blogspot.com/

Dates of Upcoming Activities

Jan. 6, 13 - Cow College at Waupaca Regional Center.

Jan. 8 - Farm Management for FSA borrowers – filling out the forms (hands on) at FVTC, Appleton. We will go through an example farm year- end and projection. These will be on a computer form. Representatives from FSA may be present for additional questions. (Change of date from February 26.)

Jan. 20 -Cow College Tour and panel discussion of successful dairy farms - held at Clintonville Regional Center.

Jan. 21 -Wisconsin Corn Conference at the Best Western Grand Seasons, Waupaca, WI. (Correction to calendar which said Jan. 22.)

Jan. 26, 27, 29 - Fertilizer Alternatives, Precision Cropping Classes with county FSA directors.

Feb. 4 - PRIVATE Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing – Manawa City Hall. (Contact 715-258-6230.)

Feb. 24 - PRIVATE Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing – Winnebago Co. UW-EX. (Contact 920-232-1971.)

Mar. 4 - Snap Plus Class – Waupaca Regional Center

Mar. 5 - Snap Plus Class – Clintonville Regional Center

Mar. 5 - PRIVATE Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing – Waupaca Courthouse. (Contact 715-258-6230.)