Farm Equipment & Tractors For Sale

The Dirt

Tips For Assessing Spring Alfalfa Stands

After a longer than average winter in the Midwest, assessing spring stands will be particularly important to a successful alfalfa crop this year. Here are a few important steps to take that will help you gauge levels of winterkill and winter injury, assess damage accurately and take the proper steps forward.

Roots Tell All

As you walk your field, excavate several alfalfa plants with a spade or shovel aiming to retrieve at least six inches of root tissue. When examining the roots, look for the following:

Product Reviews

Center Pivot Irrigation Systems

In this issue of Farmers Hot Line you will be introduced to several popular brands and models of Center Pivot Irrigation systems in our Product Spotlight. We will be highlighting products from Reinke Mfg. Co., T-L Irrigation Company, Valley Irrigation, and Zimmactic by Lindsay Corporation.

Depending on your geographic location and climate, using irrigation systems may be a necessity. Used in various countries around the world, center pivots can be used to irrigate over longer distances while employing minimal man-hours.  These systems can precisely manage watering options with their high-tech control boxes. It is also possible to apply certain liquid fertilizers and pesticides through the system.

Traditionally pivots were recommended for large square-, rectangular-or circular-shaped fields without obstacles like trees, fences, roads, etc. Now, optional equipment such as “corners” allows farmers to irrigate around those objects effectively. ...

World Farmer

Spring Rain: The Good And The Ugly

The current wet conditions are a mixed bag providing moisture to recharge the soil profile and potentially mitigating the residual effect of last season’s drought. The amount of moisture we received over the past two weeks can significantly improve soil moisture conditions for early-season growth and for the rest of the season. According to Iowa Environmental Mesonet, since April 17 the daily estimated precipitation statewide average was 1.93 inches, the highest on any individual day since September 13, 1961.