Talking Over The Fence

University of Nebraska -Lincoln Extension Educator Steve Tonn provides information about your production agriculture neighbors in this monthly feature.  Do you have questions about the production agriculture in your area?  You can send them to Steve using the Ask An Expert function on this web site. 

May, 2012

May is prime soybean planting month. Timeliness of planting can be a key factor in how well the plants will perform and produce. UNL research has shown that, for every day after May 1 soybeans are planted, there is a reduction in yield. This is an important time for farmers and their business so please give them some room on the roads and keep a sharp eye out when coming to the top of a hill or an intersection. Just keep in mind that you have moved into their working environment. A friendly wave when you meet someone on the road is always welcome and appreciated.

The cool season grass pastures such as smooth brome and fescue are really starting to green up. The rain in April was a real boost for the pastures. Cows and calves will be placed in pastures to graze on the nutritious grass. May is also alfalfa hay cutting time. Timeliness is again very important. Harvesting the alfalfa hay when the blooms or purple flowers first appear ensures high quality hay. Alfalfa hay will be a major feed source for cattle in the winter time.

Other farm activities include hauling and spreading manure on fields. Manure is an excellent soil additive. It adds nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the soil. It also helps to add organic matter to the soil. Applying manure to the soil helps farmers to use less commercial fertilizer and save money too. Composted manure would be a good addition to any garden.

The spring is a great time to live in the country. The grass is greening up, trees are leafing out, cattle are on pasture, fawns are appearing and farmers are busy growing food for the world. The smell of freshly tilled soil, wild flowers, trees and shrub blooms and freshly cut hay are some of the benefits of living in the country.