From The Ground Up
From The Ground Up
Volume 2 | Issue 1 April 2014
Brian Lips farm story: “It’s all about getting your fertility right” By Mary Pohlman, Communications Specialist
“Profitability.” That’s the most important thing Midwestern BioAg has brought to the Fairibault, MN farming operation of Bryan and Tammy Lips, says Bryan.
Balanced soils, good fertility, and diverse rotations including cover crops and green manure crops are among the biological farming tools Bryan has been using for the past eight years on his 450 acres. He raises corn, oats, and alfalfa on a mixture of owned and rented land, with about half of the acres farmed conventionally and half certified organic. He raises some beef cattle and recently added a few hogs for local sale. But whatever crops you grow, or whatever your farming style, “It’s all about getting your fertility right,” Bryan says. Balanced soils aid not just in yield and quality, but in weed and pest control, he’s observed. And all of those things make positive contributions to a farmer’s bottom line.
and radishes. Bryan then pastured 40 head of beef cattle on the field from September 1 until December 1, so that the land got the benefit of the manure along with an application of chicken manure pellets. This spring he’ll run the field cultivator over the ground twice, a practice he likes because it’s kind to the soil, doesn’t tear up Even in challenging years, like the summer of 2013, good the land, and limits wind and water erosion. “It was an biological soils still produce well. Bryan relates the story incredible experiment,” he says enthusiastically of this ground, and is looking forward to this year’s crop. “I’m of one of his organic fields that had been in alfalfa for really excited to see what that field is going to do.” three years. He plowed down the foot tall alfalfa and planted on June 4 (a late date due to Minnesota’s very wet spring). Despite the cool summer, that field yielded Rotations Small grains are an important part of Bryan’s rotation. 190 bu/acre after dry down. One example of a rotation he has used is to sow oats Another of his hay fields was damaged by winter kill, a in the spring as a cash crop, underseeded with a crop common occurrence last year in his area, and required of alfalfa. “You don’t need a lot of fertility for oats,” he reminds. He likes to leave the straw on the field after a change in plans. Bryan took off a crop of hay, then plowed down the poor stand around the first of August. harvesting the grain, but Bryan notes that it’s also an Next, he “threw the kitchen sink at it,” putting in a cover in-demand crop as well. He may also get a cutting of alfalfa off the new stand. crop mixture of peas, oats, winter rye, crimson clover
The following two years it’s a hayfield. In the fourth year, Bryan plows down the alfalfa as a green manure crop for the many benefits it provides, including, but certainly not limited to, nitrogen. Following that green manure crop, “It’s the nicest, most beautiful soil you’ve seen. It’s like walking in cotton.” Bryan then grows a year or two of corn before another crop of oats, underseeded with alfalfa, clover, radishes or turnips as a green manure crop. He prefers to have cover crops on soils over the winter. “You can’t imagine how good that is for the soil.”
“It’s the nicest, most beautiful soil you’ve seen. It’s like walking in cotton.”
Fertilizers Bryan uses Midwestern BioAg fertilizer and OrganiCal on his organic hayfields. “That makes hay!” MBA starter fertilizers are also applied to his corn acres. MBA’s molasses based fertilizers are a recent addition. Seeing excellent results last year, he’ll be putting TerraFed on all his acres in 2014. “Every plant grows,” he observed. “It gets the biological ‘magic’ working. The soil is warmed up and it gives that burst of sugar” to get the crop off to a fast start. He’s also going to apply TerraFed to his hayfields this summer, as well. “Alfalfa just loves that sugar.” Weed control Bryan sprays his conventional acres, and cultivates his organic ground. Weeds, however, aren’t a big worry. “Get your fertility in order and you’ll have less weed problems,” is his experience. “Balance that soil…and there’ll be less weed pressure, and they’ll be easier to control.” Technology Bryan uses guidance on his tractors and has also recently started using grid sampling on his farming operation. He gives both an enthusiastic thumbs up. “It’s an up and coming thing,” he says of the grid sampling. “You can correct your soil in the most efficient and economical way.” The mapping “pays for itself by putting the fertility where it needs to be. Put (input dollars) where it’s needed and don’t waste it. That’s the way to go.” Bryan and Tammy work with consultant Mike Lovlien, and appreciate the efforts Mike and Midwestern BioAg make to educate farmers about the practices and principles of biological farming. Bryan “follows the BioAg program,” says Mike, adapting to changing situations, investing in equipment to get the job done, and willing to take on new technologies. “He is very progressive and a good manager.” Most of all, Bryan works to improve his soils with a goal of achieving optimal soil balance, and in doing so, has made his farm profitable and successful.
Bryan works to improve his soils with a goal of achieving optimal soil balance.
A Letter From The Desk of Gary Zimmer Dear farmer/agribusinessman, I think spring is finally getting close—I saw a robin today. They return as normal, despite our cold, late spring. Considering the weather we’ve had the last couple of years, I’m not sure what ‘normal’ is anymore. This winter seemed normal, at least, more like what I remember of winter as a kid here in Wisconsin. Then again, we remember best those cold, hard times. We also didn’t have the nice warm, water proof winter boots and clothing we have today. I have just returned from giving seminars in Australia; they don’t know what ‘normal’ is, either. I was in an area where they are supposed to get rain but it sure was dry. It definitely is hard farming there. Input prices are high, the land is old, worn out and needs help. Liming would go a long way on most acres; more phosphorous and traces wouldn’t hurt either. Except for the liming, it doesn’t sound a lot different than what’s needed in many parts of the world. One thing does seem obvious, the Australians who are dairying, biological farming, doing the minerals, growing the cover crops, the ones that are working hard to achieve soil health and fertility have more resilience. It’s amazing, though, that with all the grazing they do, few rotate pastures. Burning stubble and leaving land lay fallow (bare) for a year is also still done. Changes are being made, however. My classes were well attended and not by just the smaller or ‘life style quality’ farmers. Many mid-sized to large farmers are also getting in the game-- they not only have problems to solve but they feel that something is missing. Very seldom do I meet farmers or visit an area where everything is working perfectly. We all have limiting factors! Now that the grain prices have been high, you would hope that many of those ‘style farmers’ would have fixed many of the soil health/fertility issues that needed fixing: soil correctives and implementing a system which may have required the investment of dollars. What also always seems obvious is that once you invest to go to the next level, you know how to stay there and don’t go back. You make the system reproductive (repeat it yearly). As an example, going from producing five tons of quality dairy forage to eight tons/acre is doable. It takes great genetics, a perfect stand, and a high quality diet of Bio-Cal®, balanced fertility and crop nutrients. Doing what needs to be done to move from five to eight tons of production is an investment with an outstanding return. Farmers who get there, stay there—it’s achievable. And now that milk prices are good, “do it!” Our MBA consultants can help. Some farmers go to the next level with corn, too; then staying there is easier. You can also ‘weather out the bad weather’ so to speak. I know we, at Otter Creek Organic Farm are not out shopping for more high priced land to buy, but we are instead taking our land to the next level—that was one of my topics at the winter seminars. The other was to continue getting what we presently get—the five tons of forage and the 150 bushel corn as an example. We don’t need all the expensive inputs, the biotechnology, the pesticides, the nitrogen—all can be eliminated or reduced by changing rotations, growing the cover crops, getting the soils balanced, using a balanced fertilizer. You can be a low input sustainable farm. It’s your choice, the same as with dairy. You don’t need to be the highest producing herd in the county to be profitable. But, whichever kind of farm you are, high quality mineralized forages are a must. We know how to do it; forages should ideally be 75% of the cows’ diet. We know what quality dry cow and calf raising programs look like. It’s not that hard—the knowledge is available and so are the prices of milk. You can put the BioAg system in place—call one of our consultants to learn how. I didn’t speak at as many meetings this past winter, as there are so many other things going on. I certainly do enjoy getting out to see you and update you on my world-- the biological view of agriculture. Thanks so much for attending my meetings, and the other meetings MBA sponsored. We keep growing and so does biological farming; it’s great to see and be a part of that growth. Ten years ago I would have never dreamt that this farming system would go so mainstream. I always thought it would be a specialized farming system for the few who took it on. It’s very much a dream come true for me. Thank you all for being a part of it and supporting Midwestern BioAg. Have a great growing year. All the best,
“Biology in a Bottle”: The Next Big Thing By Jeff Gunderson, Staff Agronomist
These days the ag world is buzzing with talk of yield enhancing biological products. “Boost plant performance”, “harness the power of nature”, “feed soil biology”, “unlock your soils’ potential to supply nutrients”: These types of slogans are heard and seen all over ag media. And you know what’s funny? A lot of these products are trying to do the same things that Midwestern BioAg has been doing for 30 years. The difference lies in the fact that MBA takes a systems approach, as opposed to the piecemeal approach of applying a product here or a product there. MBA recognizes that soil health comes from building fertility and improving nutrient and water- holding capacity as well as soil aggregation. The benefit of biological products in a bottle is icing on the cake, not the cake itself. Although many of these biological products contain substances that may be beneficial to plant or soil health, the question is whether this translates into a production benefit in the real world. Are these products actually altering soil or plant chemistry or, as Gary Zimmer likes to say, are they “muck-a-magic”, or too good to be true? Sifting through the information to get the most bang for your buck can be time consuming, but it is more and more important as profit margins shrink.
micronutrients to plants more readily and biodegrades more quickly than EDTA, which can persist in the soil for extended periods. RootSurge also contains several strains of plant growth promoting microorganisms. The strains of bacteria in RootSurge enhance plant growth by increasing photosynthetic efficiency, producing enzymes that speed up the release of nutrients from organic matter and produce hormones that mimic those that plants use to induce growth. Some of these strains are also known to directly suppress many pathogenic fungi that exist in the soil, such as Fusarium and Pythium. RootSurge also contains a strain of mycorrhizal fungi, which helps improve plant nutrient acquisition. This specific mixture of microorganisms was carefully selected to utilize the most beneficial strains available.
When discussing products that add microorganisms to the soil, the question that often arises is whether these microbes actually survive in the soil long enough to have a positive effect. The soil is an ever-changing environment, and there has been some worry that the biology in so-called “microbial soil inoculants” cannot persist in the soil due to the various stressors they encounter. When creating RootSurge, two approaches One of the most recent additions to Midwestern BioAg’s have been taken to ensure that the biology survive and product line is RootSurge®. What sets RootSurge apart thrive. The first is simply to include a large amount of from other “biology-in-a-bottle” products is its formulation. The product is a combination of three exclusive and expertly formulated products that provide specially chelated micronutrients in ratios conducive to plant uptake, as well as beneficial microorganisms and a food source to sustain them. Chelated forms of micronutrients have become common in the industry. Mixing a chelating agent with micronutrients helps to keep them more available in the soil. The chelator reacts with the nutrient and holds onto it tightly enough to keep it from interacting with the soil and being tied up, but loosely enough to allow plants to absorb it. RootSurge is formulated with a patented dual chelation system. The product contains some EDTA, which is the industry standard to chelate certain micronutrients, but also contains Iminodisuccinate sodium (IDS) chelated micros. This special chelator is designed to work across a wider pH range than EDTA. The dual action chelation also yields up
microorganisms. RootSurge contains exponentially more “colony forming units” than any of its competitors, and this provides an insurance policy against a variable environment. The second approach is to add a proven food source for the microbes to feed on as they establish themselves in the soil. This food source contains proteins and other compounds that support the microbial component of RootSurge, while also supplying nutritional substances that can be utilized by the plant directly. RootSurge can be used in a variety of ways with your current fertility program. As a seed treatment, RootSurge improves germination, enhances plant root development and improves stress tolerance. RootSurge’s patented chelated micronutrients are stable in solutions with a pH range of 3-11 and are ortho- and poly-phosphate compatible meaning they can be applied with water soluble fertilizers.
RootSurge also has exceptional tank-mix compatibility with many other fertilizers as well as pesticides making it ideal for soil, foliar and hydroponic applications. When applied at 2 qts per acre, RootSurge has been shown to improve water stress, enhance root mass and depth and increase nutrient availability in the soil. It is hands down one of the best “biology in a bottle” products on the market today. Its unique combination of three exclusive products brings exponentially more microbes, chelated micronutrients and enzymes than other comparable products; increasing the production and profitability of your operation. RootSurge is an excellent addition to a biological fertility program. It provides micronutrients that are readily plant available as well as microorganisms that support plant health and can enhance nutrient acquisition and efficiency of use. To learn more about utilizing RootSurge on your operation, contact your Midwestern BioAg consultant today.
Gimme Some Sugar
By Abby Schulte, Marketing Coordinator It made the front page of Nebraska Farmer, was featured in John Deere’s The Furrow Magazine and has been part of Midwestern BioAg’s fertilizer line-up for over 25 years. Sugar is quickly becoming a staple in producers’ fertilizer programs across the country. In Nebraska, a study was conducted in 2010 that saw a 1.6 bushel per acre increase in yield across acres with foliar applied sugar. Another farmer sprayed his corn ground with a sugar and liquid carbon mix with similar results. When tests were run in Ohio, researchers found a 6 bushel per acre increase in those acres treated with 7 pounds of sugar per acre.* Obviously, producers can be skeptical when it comes to using sugar as a fertilizer; no one is overly excited with the thought of running a sticky, sugary solution through their equipment. A typical sugar solution can require a lot of effort to clean up and can be a hassle for those dealing with short windows for applying fertilizer. That’s where Midwestern BioAg can step in and help. MBA’s Liquid Carbon Based Fertilizer (L-CBF) line not only contains domestic cane molasses as a sugar source, but it also requires virtually no additional clean-up over traditional non-sugar liquid fertilizers. Midwestern BioAg and QLF have teamed up to create products that are not only rich in carbon and sugars, but also provide highly available nutrients, help stabilize other nutrients, stimulate soil biology, enhance root growth and provide more effective and efficient nutrient utilization of N-P-K. Our L-CBF is
non-corrosive and contains only feed grade ingredients proven to feed soil microbes and enhance soil biology. Just like the results seen in Ohio and Nebraska, on-farm trials of L-CBF products have shown positive yield increases across many farming and management systems. In 10 out of 12 trials conducted in 2013, L-CBF treated acres performed equal to, or better than, those treated with competitors’ products. With demonstrated yield increases of up to 25%, L-CBF has proven to be a competitive and influential product to take yields to the next level.** The versatility of L-CBF is another huge benefit to this unique product. In-furrow, pop-up, starter, or foliar applied acres have all seen boosts in yield and better utilization of plant nutrients.
Growers are consistently looking for strategies to improve the efficiency of production while maximizing their yields. Correct fertilizer timing and placement are extremely important in achieving this goal. Ensuring that the right amount of nutrients are available to the crop at the right time and in the right place reduces the risk of our crops having a bad day, and that means increased yields. L-CBF provides unique and beneficial components that work hand in hand with a producer’s overall fertility program to provide adequate nutrition to the crop.
Interest in using sugars in fertilizer is growing across the country, from champion soybean producers to 360 bushel per acre corn fields; sugar has been proven to help push yields to the next level when used with a balanced fertility program. Steve McManaman, agronomist with Aurora Co-op in Aurora, Nebraska, is also convinced sugar works and believes he knows why. “Applying sugar is like drinking Mountain Dew — it provides an energy boost. It enhances the nutrient uptake of plants and also increases microbial activity when applied to the soil. This speeds residue decomposition and the mineralization of soil organic matter,” he says. Give Midwestern BioAg a call to learn more about how molasses based L-CBF can benefit your operation. We have options available for both conventional and organic farms and want to make sure your operation is performing at its highest potential. *Information used in this article came from “Sweet Success”: Reichenberger: The Furrow, 2014. and “Will Spraying Corn with Sugar Be the Next Big Thing” Bachman: Nebraska Farmer 2014. **Trial information from Midwestern BioAg, Inc. was taken in 2013; for more detailed trial results please contact [email protected].
Alfalfa Stand Assessment
By Jon Woolever, Director of Training & Education To say we’ve had a “tough winter” would be putting it mildly. April is prime time to evaluate your hay fields to see how they fared this past winter season. Bitter cold, mid-winter rain, and extreme freeze-thaw cycles may have taken their toll. Are they going to be healthy, high producing stands? Or is rotation the best option for maximum farm yield? Here are some tips to evaluate existing alfalfa stands: • Healthy stands will green up quickly & evenly. Alfalfa will break dormancy when we have 4-5 days of consistent 50-60° F temperatures. Compare your fields to each other and to neighboring farms. • Damaged plants will have uneven, asymmetrical growth. Part of the crown, or at least some fall buds, may have died. This can result in lower yields & open ground. • Cut open some roots to evaluate for damage. Healthy roots have firm, moist, white colored pith with little or no sign of rot. Dead roots can be either gray and water soaked or dry & stringy. These plants will produce little to no forage. • After green up (or in the fall), count growing stems per square foot. This is the best indicator of potential yield.
Follow this thumb rule: • Greater than 55 stems = stem density not limiting yield • 40-55 stems = some yield reduction; check other indicators • Less than 40 stems = severe yield limitation likely; consider replacing stand If you need help evaluating a stand, or wish to discuss stand improvement options, contact Midwestern BioAg to speak with one of our experienced consultants today.
Heifers: Increasing the Potential of your Future Milking Herd By Jordan Johnson, Ration Technician
Heifers are the future of your herd and your long term success as a dairy producer. Heifer raising makes up 20-25% of the total cost of milk production. A successful pre-weaning calf program has been proven to increase first lactation milk yield 1,000 lbs - 3,000 lbs. Genetic selection can account for 150 lbs-300 lbs greater milk production per lactation, but pre-weaning management can increase this 5 fold. A successful pre-weaning calf program includes: -1 gal of high quality colostrum within 4 hrs of birth -Continuous access to a high quality calf starter & water -Clean, dry, deep bedding -Fresh air without drafts Midwestern BioAg can help producers achieve these goals. A well balanced dry cow ration fortified with organic selenium, trace minerals and vitamins can help ensure the calf is born healthy and the cow will produce quality colostrum. All of Midwestern BioAg’s calf products are designed to ensure your calves receive all the necessary nutrients to rapidly grow and develop into productive members of your herd. Our “O” BioBaby Base Pellet is designed to be mixed on-farm with your own grains and roasted beans. This high quality blend of ingredients in a pellet
form, eliminates fines in calf feeds and supplies the minerals, vitamins and beneficial bacteria necessary to ensure rapid rumen development in your calves. For producers who don’t have access to protein, Midwestern BioAg has two protein/mineral pellet formulas, the “O” BioBaby Mixer Pellet & MBA 26 Mixer B180. Both products are designed to be mixed with grain to make your own calf feed. For producers without a source of dry grain or protein, Midwestern BioAg offers our “O” BioBaby Calf Starter a blend of corn, oats, roasted beans and “O” Biobaby Base Pellet. All of these products are designed to provide your calves with a balanced ration of protein, energy, minerals and vitamins in a palatable form. The weaning process should be based on starter intake rather than age. Three consecutive days of 3 lbs of starter intake is a good level to begin the weaning process. As we near closer to spring and green grass, many farmers will be turning their heifers out to pasture. Many producers recognize the benefits of pasturing their heifers such as reduced feed cost, less manure handling and healthier, more physically fit heifers. But always remember, there is more to a successful heifer program than just pasture and a salt block. A balanced ration of protein, energy and minerals will insure you are neither underfeeding, nor over feeding your heifers. MBA Heifer Mineral R1200 and “O” Heifer Mineral are made with high quality sources of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, trace minerals, vitamins and salt. All of which will contribute to excellent immune function, hoof health and reproduction, as well as the overall body condition and healthiness of your future milking herd.
Midwestern BioAg, Inc 10955 Blackhawk Drive Blue Mounds, WI 53517
Volume 2 | Issue 1 April 2014
Brian Lips farm story: “It’s all about getting your fertility right” By Mary Pohlman, Communications Specialist
“Profitability.” That’s the most important thing Midwestern BioAg has brought to the Fairibault, MN farming operation of Bryan and Tammy Lips, says Bryan.
Balanced soils, good fertility, and diverse rotations including cover crops and green manure crops are among the biological farming tools Bryan has been using for the past eight years on his 450 acres. He raises corn, oats, and alfalfa on a mixture of owned and rented land, with about half of the acres farmed conventionally and half certified organic. He raises some beef cattle and recently added a few hogs for local sale. But whatever crops you grow, or whatever your farming style, “It’s all about getting your fertility right,” Bryan says. Balanced soils aid not just in yield and quality, but in weed and pest control, he’s observed. And all of those things make positive contributions to a farmer’s bottom line.
and radishes. Bryan then pastured 40 head of beef cattle on the field from September 1 until December 1, so that the land got the benefit of the manure along with an application of chicken manure pellets. This spring he’ll run the field cultivator over the ground twice, a practice he likes because it’s kind to the soil, doesn’t tear up Even in challenging years, like the summer of 2013, good the land, and limits wind and water erosion. “It was an biological soils still produce well. Bryan relates the story incredible experiment,” he says enthusiastically of this ground, and is looking forward to this year’s crop. “I’m of one of his organic fields that had been in alfalfa for really excited to see what that field is going to do.” three years. He plowed down the foot tall alfalfa and planted on June 4 (a late date due to Minnesota’s very wet spring). Despite the cool summer, that field yielded Rotations Small grains are an important part of Bryan’s rotation. 190 bu/acre after dry down. One example of a rotation he has used is to sow oats Another of his hay fields was damaged by winter kill, a in the spring as a cash crop, underseeded with a crop common occurrence last year in his area, and required of alfalfa. “You don’t need a lot of fertility for oats,” he reminds. He likes to leave the straw on the field after a change in plans. Bryan took off a crop of hay, then plowed down the poor stand around the first of August. harvesting the grain, but Bryan notes that it’s also an Next, he “threw the kitchen sink at it,” putting in a cover in-demand crop as well. He may also get a cutting of alfalfa off the new stand. crop mixture of peas, oats, winter rye, crimson clover
The following two years it’s a hayfield. In the fourth year, Bryan plows down the alfalfa as a green manure crop for the many benefits it provides, including, but certainly not limited to, nitrogen. Following that green manure crop, “It’s the nicest, most beautiful soil you’ve seen. It’s like walking in cotton.” Bryan then grows a year or two of corn before another crop of oats, underseeded with alfalfa, clover, radishes or turnips as a green manure crop. He prefers to have cover crops on soils over the winter. “You can’t imagine how good that is for the soil.”
“It’s the nicest, most beautiful soil you’ve seen. It’s like walking in cotton.”
Fertilizers Bryan uses Midwestern BioAg fertilizer and OrganiCal on his organic hayfields. “That makes hay!” MBA starter fertilizers are also applied to his corn acres. MBA’s molasses based fertilizers are a recent addition. Seeing excellent results last year, he’ll be putting TerraFed on all his acres in 2014. “Every plant grows,” he observed. “It gets the biological ‘magic’ working. The soil is warmed up and it gives that burst of sugar” to get the crop off to a fast start. He’s also going to apply TerraFed to his hayfields this summer, as well. “Alfalfa just loves that sugar.” Weed control Bryan sprays his conventional acres, and cultivates his organic ground. Weeds, however, aren’t a big worry. “Get your fertility in order and you’ll have less weed problems,” is his experience. “Balance that soil…and there’ll be less weed pressure, and they’ll be easier to control.” Technology Bryan uses guidance on his tractors and has also recently started using grid sampling on his farming operation. He gives both an enthusiastic thumbs up. “It’s an up and coming thing,” he says of the grid sampling. “You can correct your soil in the most efficient and economical way.” The mapping “pays for itself by putting the fertility where it needs to be. Put (input dollars) where it’s needed and don’t waste it. That’s the way to go.” Bryan and Tammy work with consultant Mike Lovlien, and appreciate the efforts Mike and Midwestern BioAg make to educate farmers about the practices and principles of biological farming. Bryan “follows the BioAg program,” says Mike, adapting to changing situations, investing in equipment to get the job done, and willing to take on new technologies. “He is very progressive and a good manager.” Most of all, Bryan works to improve his soils with a goal of achieving optimal soil balance, and in doing so, has made his farm profitable and successful.
Bryan works to improve his soils with a goal of achieving optimal soil balance.
A Letter From The Desk of Gary Zimmer Dear farmer/agribusinessman, I think spring is finally getting close—I saw a robin today. They return as normal, despite our cold, late spring. Considering the weather we’ve had the last couple of years, I’m not sure what ‘normal’ is anymore. This winter seemed normal, at least, more like what I remember of winter as a kid here in Wisconsin. Then again, we remember best those cold, hard times. We also didn’t have the nice warm, water proof winter boots and clothing we have today. I have just returned from giving seminars in Australia; they don’t know what ‘normal’ is, either. I was in an area where they are supposed to get rain but it sure was dry. It definitely is hard farming there. Input prices are high, the land is old, worn out and needs help. Liming would go a long way on most acres; more phosphorous and traces wouldn’t hurt either. Except for the liming, it doesn’t sound a lot different than what’s needed in many parts of the world. One thing does seem obvious, the Australians who are dairying, biological farming, doing the minerals, growing the cover crops, the ones that are working hard to achieve soil health and fertility have more resilience. It’s amazing, though, that with all the grazing they do, few rotate pastures. Burning stubble and leaving land lay fallow (bare) for a year is also still done. Changes are being made, however. My classes were well attended and not by just the smaller or ‘life style quality’ farmers. Many mid-sized to large farmers are also getting in the game-- they not only have problems to solve but they feel that something is missing. Very seldom do I meet farmers or visit an area where everything is working perfectly. We all have limiting factors! Now that the grain prices have been high, you would hope that many of those ‘style farmers’ would have fixed many of the soil health/fertility issues that needed fixing: soil correctives and implementing a system which may have required the investment of dollars. What also always seems obvious is that once you invest to go to the next level, you know how to stay there and don’t go back. You make the system reproductive (repeat it yearly). As an example, going from producing five tons of quality dairy forage to eight tons/acre is doable. It takes great genetics, a perfect stand, and a high quality diet of Bio-Cal®, balanced fertility and crop nutrients. Doing what needs to be done to move from five to eight tons of production is an investment with an outstanding return. Farmers who get there, stay there—it’s achievable. And now that milk prices are good, “do it!” Our MBA consultants can help. Some farmers go to the next level with corn, too; then staying there is easier. You can also ‘weather out the bad weather’ so to speak. I know we, at Otter Creek Organic Farm are not out shopping for more high priced land to buy, but we are instead taking our land to the next level—that was one of my topics at the winter seminars. The other was to continue getting what we presently get—the five tons of forage and the 150 bushel corn as an example. We don’t need all the expensive inputs, the biotechnology, the pesticides, the nitrogen—all can be eliminated or reduced by changing rotations, growing the cover crops, getting the soils balanced, using a balanced fertilizer. You can be a low input sustainable farm. It’s your choice, the same as with dairy. You don’t need to be the highest producing herd in the county to be profitable. But, whichever kind of farm you are, high quality mineralized forages are a must. We know how to do it; forages should ideally be 75% of the cows’ diet. We know what quality dry cow and calf raising programs look like. It’s not that hard—the knowledge is available and so are the prices of milk. You can put the BioAg system in place—call one of our consultants to learn how. I didn’t speak at as many meetings this past winter, as there are so many other things going on. I certainly do enjoy getting out to see you and update you on my world-- the biological view of agriculture. Thanks so much for attending my meetings, and the other meetings MBA sponsored. We keep growing and so does biological farming; it’s great to see and be a part of that growth. Ten years ago I would have never dreamt that this farming system would go so mainstream. I always thought it would be a specialized farming system for the few who took it on. It’s very much a dream come true for me. Thank you all for being a part of it and supporting Midwestern BioAg. Have a great growing year. All the best,
“Biology in a Bottle”: The Next Big Thing By Jeff Gunderson, Staff Agronomist
These days the ag world is buzzing with talk of yield enhancing biological products. “Boost plant performance”, “harness the power of nature”, “feed soil biology”, “unlock your soils’ potential to supply nutrients”: These types of slogans are heard and seen all over ag media. And you know what’s funny? A lot of these products are trying to do the same things that Midwestern BioAg has been doing for 30 years. The difference lies in the fact that MBA takes a systems approach, as opposed to the piecemeal approach of applying a product here or a product there. MBA recognizes that soil health comes from building fertility and improving nutrient and water- holding capacity as well as soil aggregation. The benefit of biological products in a bottle is icing on the cake, not the cake itself. Although many of these biological products contain substances that may be beneficial to plant or soil health, the question is whether this translates into a production benefit in the real world. Are these products actually altering soil or plant chemistry or, as Gary Zimmer likes to say, are they “muck-a-magic”, or too good to be true? Sifting through the information to get the most bang for your buck can be time consuming, but it is more and more important as profit margins shrink.
micronutrients to plants more readily and biodegrades more quickly than EDTA, which can persist in the soil for extended periods. RootSurge also contains several strains of plant growth promoting microorganisms. The strains of bacteria in RootSurge enhance plant growth by increasing photosynthetic efficiency, producing enzymes that speed up the release of nutrients from organic matter and produce hormones that mimic those that plants use to induce growth. Some of these strains are also known to directly suppress many pathogenic fungi that exist in the soil, such as Fusarium and Pythium. RootSurge also contains a strain of mycorrhizal fungi, which helps improve plant nutrient acquisition. This specific mixture of microorganisms was carefully selected to utilize the most beneficial strains available.
When discussing products that add microorganisms to the soil, the question that often arises is whether these microbes actually survive in the soil long enough to have a positive effect. The soil is an ever-changing environment, and there has been some worry that the biology in so-called “microbial soil inoculants” cannot persist in the soil due to the various stressors they encounter. When creating RootSurge, two approaches One of the most recent additions to Midwestern BioAg’s have been taken to ensure that the biology survive and product line is RootSurge®. What sets RootSurge apart thrive. The first is simply to include a large amount of from other “biology-in-a-bottle” products is its formulation. The product is a combination of three exclusive and expertly formulated products that provide specially chelated micronutrients in ratios conducive to plant uptake, as well as beneficial microorganisms and a food source to sustain them. Chelated forms of micronutrients have become common in the industry. Mixing a chelating agent with micronutrients helps to keep them more available in the soil. The chelator reacts with the nutrient and holds onto it tightly enough to keep it from interacting with the soil and being tied up, but loosely enough to allow plants to absorb it. RootSurge is formulated with a patented dual chelation system. The product contains some EDTA, which is the industry standard to chelate certain micronutrients, but also contains Iminodisuccinate sodium (IDS) chelated micros. This special chelator is designed to work across a wider pH range than EDTA. The dual action chelation also yields up
microorganisms. RootSurge contains exponentially more “colony forming units” than any of its competitors, and this provides an insurance policy against a variable environment. The second approach is to add a proven food source for the microbes to feed on as they establish themselves in the soil. This food source contains proteins and other compounds that support the microbial component of RootSurge, while also supplying nutritional substances that can be utilized by the plant directly. RootSurge can be used in a variety of ways with your current fertility program. As a seed treatment, RootSurge improves germination, enhances plant root development and improves stress tolerance. RootSurge’s patented chelated micronutrients are stable in solutions with a pH range of 3-11 and are ortho- and poly-phosphate compatible meaning they can be applied with water soluble fertilizers.
RootSurge also has exceptional tank-mix compatibility with many other fertilizers as well as pesticides making it ideal for soil, foliar and hydroponic applications. When applied at 2 qts per acre, RootSurge has been shown to improve water stress, enhance root mass and depth and increase nutrient availability in the soil. It is hands down one of the best “biology in a bottle” products on the market today. Its unique combination of three exclusive products brings exponentially more microbes, chelated micronutrients and enzymes than other comparable products; increasing the production and profitability of your operation. RootSurge is an excellent addition to a biological fertility program. It provides micronutrients that are readily plant available as well as microorganisms that support plant health and can enhance nutrient acquisition and efficiency of use. To learn more about utilizing RootSurge on your operation, contact your Midwestern BioAg consultant today.
Gimme Some Sugar
By Abby Schulte, Marketing Coordinator It made the front page of Nebraska Farmer, was featured in John Deere’s The Furrow Magazine and has been part of Midwestern BioAg’s fertilizer line-up for over 25 years. Sugar is quickly becoming a staple in producers’ fertilizer programs across the country. In Nebraska, a study was conducted in 2010 that saw a 1.6 bushel per acre increase in yield across acres with foliar applied sugar. Another farmer sprayed his corn ground with a sugar and liquid carbon mix with similar results. When tests were run in Ohio, researchers found a 6 bushel per acre increase in those acres treated with 7 pounds of sugar per acre.* Obviously, producers can be skeptical when it comes to using sugar as a fertilizer; no one is overly excited with the thought of running a sticky, sugary solution through their equipment. A typical sugar solution can require a lot of effort to clean up and can be a hassle for those dealing with short windows for applying fertilizer. That’s where Midwestern BioAg can step in and help. MBA’s Liquid Carbon Based Fertilizer (L-CBF) line not only contains domestic cane molasses as a sugar source, but it also requires virtually no additional clean-up over traditional non-sugar liquid fertilizers. Midwestern BioAg and QLF have teamed up to create products that are not only rich in carbon and sugars, but also provide highly available nutrients, help stabilize other nutrients, stimulate soil biology, enhance root growth and provide more effective and efficient nutrient utilization of N-P-K. Our L-CBF is
non-corrosive and contains only feed grade ingredients proven to feed soil microbes and enhance soil biology. Just like the results seen in Ohio and Nebraska, on-farm trials of L-CBF products have shown positive yield increases across many farming and management systems. In 10 out of 12 trials conducted in 2013, L-CBF treated acres performed equal to, or better than, those treated with competitors’ products. With demonstrated yield increases of up to 25%, L-CBF has proven to be a competitive and influential product to take yields to the next level.** The versatility of L-CBF is another huge benefit to this unique product. In-furrow, pop-up, starter, or foliar applied acres have all seen boosts in yield and better utilization of plant nutrients.
Growers are consistently looking for strategies to improve the efficiency of production while maximizing their yields. Correct fertilizer timing and placement are extremely important in achieving this goal. Ensuring that the right amount of nutrients are available to the crop at the right time and in the right place reduces the risk of our crops having a bad day, and that means increased yields. L-CBF provides unique and beneficial components that work hand in hand with a producer’s overall fertility program to provide adequate nutrition to the crop.
Interest in using sugars in fertilizer is growing across the country, from champion soybean producers to 360 bushel per acre corn fields; sugar has been proven to help push yields to the next level when used with a balanced fertility program. Steve McManaman, agronomist with Aurora Co-op in Aurora, Nebraska, is also convinced sugar works and believes he knows why. “Applying sugar is like drinking Mountain Dew — it provides an energy boost. It enhances the nutrient uptake of plants and also increases microbial activity when applied to the soil. This speeds residue decomposition and the mineralization of soil organic matter,” he says. Give Midwestern BioAg a call to learn more about how molasses based L-CBF can benefit your operation. We have options available for both conventional and organic farms and want to make sure your operation is performing at its highest potential. *Information used in this article came from “Sweet Success”: Reichenberger: The Furrow, 2014. and “Will Spraying Corn with Sugar Be the Next Big Thing” Bachman: Nebraska Farmer 2014. **Trial information from Midwestern BioAg, Inc. was taken in 2013; for more detailed trial results please contact [email protected].
Alfalfa Stand Assessment
By Jon Woolever, Director of Training & Education To say we’ve had a “tough winter” would be putting it mildly. April is prime time to evaluate your hay fields to see how they fared this past winter season. Bitter cold, mid-winter rain, and extreme freeze-thaw cycles may have taken their toll. Are they going to be healthy, high producing stands? Or is rotation the best option for maximum farm yield? Here are some tips to evaluate existing alfalfa stands: • Healthy stands will green up quickly & evenly. Alfalfa will break dormancy when we have 4-5 days of consistent 50-60° F temperatures. Compare your fields to each other and to neighboring farms. • Damaged plants will have uneven, asymmetrical growth. Part of the crown, or at least some fall buds, may have died. This can result in lower yields & open ground. • Cut open some roots to evaluate for damage. Healthy roots have firm, moist, white colored pith with little or no sign of rot. Dead roots can be either gray and water soaked or dry & stringy. These plants will produce little to no forage. • After green up (or in the fall), count growing stems per square foot. This is the best indicator of potential yield.
Follow this thumb rule: • Greater than 55 stems = stem density not limiting yield • 40-55 stems = some yield reduction; check other indicators • Less than 40 stems = severe yield limitation likely; consider replacing stand If you need help evaluating a stand, or wish to discuss stand improvement options, contact Midwestern BioAg to speak with one of our experienced consultants today.
Heifers: Increasing the Potential of your Future Milking Herd By Jordan Johnson, Ration Technician
Heifers are the future of your herd and your long term success as a dairy producer. Heifer raising makes up 20-25% of the total cost of milk production. A successful pre-weaning calf program has been proven to increase first lactation milk yield 1,000 lbs - 3,000 lbs. Genetic selection can account for 150 lbs-300 lbs greater milk production per lactation, but pre-weaning management can increase this 5 fold. A successful pre-weaning calf program includes: -1 gal of high quality colostrum within 4 hrs of birth -Continuous access to a high quality calf starter & water -Clean, dry, deep bedding -Fresh air without drafts Midwestern BioAg can help producers achieve these goals. A well balanced dry cow ration fortified with organic selenium, trace minerals and vitamins can help ensure the calf is born healthy and the cow will produce quality colostrum. All of Midwestern BioAg’s calf products are designed to ensure your calves receive all the necessary nutrients to rapidly grow and develop into productive members of your herd. Our “O” BioBaby Base Pellet is designed to be mixed on-farm with your own grains and roasted beans. This high quality blend of ingredients in a pellet
form, eliminates fines in calf feeds and supplies the minerals, vitamins and beneficial bacteria necessary to ensure rapid rumen development in your calves. For producers who don’t have access to protein, Midwestern BioAg has two protein/mineral pellet formulas, the “O” BioBaby Mixer Pellet & MBA 26 Mixer B180. Both products are designed to be mixed with grain to make your own calf feed. For producers without a source of dry grain or protein, Midwestern BioAg offers our “O” BioBaby Calf Starter a blend of corn, oats, roasted beans and “O” Biobaby Base Pellet. All of these products are designed to provide your calves with a balanced ration of protein, energy, minerals and vitamins in a palatable form. The weaning process should be based on starter intake rather than age. Three consecutive days of 3 lbs of starter intake is a good level to begin the weaning process. As we near closer to spring and green grass, many farmers will be turning their heifers out to pasture. Many producers recognize the benefits of pasturing their heifers such as reduced feed cost, less manure handling and healthier, more physically fit heifers. But always remember, there is more to a successful heifer program than just pasture and a salt block. A balanced ration of protein, energy and minerals will insure you are neither underfeeding, nor over feeding your heifers. MBA Heifer Mineral R1200 and “O” Heifer Mineral are made with high quality sources of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, trace minerals, vitamins and salt. All of which will contribute to excellent immune function, hoof health and reproduction, as well as the overall body condition and healthiness of your future milking herd.
Midwestern BioAg, Inc 10955 Blackhawk Drive Blue Mounds, WI 53517
