Key lessons from 2024

By Troy Putnam, Pioneer Field Agronomist Southern Ohio

The business of agriculture might be the most diverse, unpredictable, frustrating, fulfilling, variable, volatile, and rewarding career path anyone could choose. Regardless of which piece or part of you participate in, you can likely relate to all the above.

As we make application let’s take 2024 for example. The geography I work in is primarily south of I-70 and we experienced a wonderful start to the growing season planting both corn and soybeans in April and May for most of the area — but not all. Remember the frustrating part? The rains in May prevented several acres of corn from being planted in the southern counties near the river. By and large the early planted crop got off to a decent start and it seems we were nearly 100 GDUs or more ahead from the start and stayed that way all season. Remember the wheat was 10 days early?

Let’s fast forward to June, July, and August. The words “drought monitor index” became very common.  At our house we didn’t mow the yard for 2.5 months after the first week of July. I don’t really care about mowing the grass, but I think you get the point. It was hot, and it was dry….

At the time of this writing, we are in the middle of an early harvest and without question the yields are truly “all over the board” depending on your soils, where it rained, if it rained, when it rained, and how much it rained.   Constant high temperatures made it feel like we were farming in the southwest.  As we work our way into some agronomy considerations for 2025, I think it appropriate to point out some key learnings from this year.  

1. I’m thankful for hybrid and genetic advancements. The products of today are more resilient and “tougher” for lack of a better word. They have allowed us a higher level of performance even under extreme stress. Many of you have called to say just that.
2. When it comes to moisture for a crop under heat/drought stress, it’s not necessarily how much water but when. Even small showers at the right time are way more profitable than buckets at low demand use times in the crop cycle.  
3. pH and fertility levels always make a difference. That difference can be positive or negative and in stressful times are even more evident in final bushels.

Let’s change gears and look towards 2025.  You don’t have to be the brightest bulb in the chandelier to know that markets are down, inflation is up, and yields were below average for many farmers. Nothing is cheap. What are some simple, return on investment items to maximize profits for 2025?

• Make sure to have current soil tests. Some ground will need fertilizer, some may not. Spend your fertilizer dollars wisely and efficiently. Pay attention to crop removal rates. 

• Managing pH always pays. Your soil test will give the baseline of where you are and how much lime to apply if needed. If you’re trying to figure out where to spend or not spend for next year be sure your pH is above 6.0 and I prefer 6.5. Why? Your soil is a finely balanced environment. You have phosphorous and potassium (and other nutrients) there that are used by the plant more efficiently if the pH is in the correct range. Spend money on lime if the soil test calls for it.

• Pay attention to shifting weed pressure. Consider layered residuals and correct postemergence programs for problem weeds like waterhemp. 

• Planting date along with seed product selection and placement can be significant drivers of additional yield.  As you plan for 2025 don’t forget the differences these decisions can make. 

• Drainage is a critical part of profitable crop production. Look for improvement opportunities as they present themselves.  

• Plan to scout and watch prediction models for any economic disease or insect pressure and plan to react. Unexpected yield losses can occur if we don’t watch the crop closely.

Paying attention to the basics first rarely fails no matter the growing season. 

Be safe as you finish the 2024 harvest.