Plan now for 2027 fertility needs

Fall harvest is quickly approaching across the Smith Fertilizer and Grain territory, and as soon as those combines hit the field, we will be thinking about the 2027 crop. Now is a great time to evaluate your soil sample fertility or line up acres that are due for sampling. We have continued to increase our soil sampling and variable-rate technology capabilities to better serve our customers and place nutrients where they are needed most.

Every field has variability, and identifying those differences can help maximize crop production while saving on inputs in areas where they will not provide a return. SFG Platinum Dry Spreading combines soil sample test data with yield zones to fine-tune fertilizer recommendations and produce as much as possible from each acre. By understanding what is happening in different areas of a field, we can put fertilizer where it will do the most good.

SFG Platinum Spreading uses soil sample results and yield data, or potential yield data, to create dry spreading maps that place fertilizer where it is needed and where we can expect a positive return. Low-producing areas of a field will not always warrant the hundreds of pounds of fertilizer that a blanket application may call for. At the same time, if soil samples show that fertility levels are high in the more productive areas, we want to maintain those fertility levels so those acres can continue to produce.

We can accomplish this by analyzing soil samples along with yield maps and other information about the field. Yield maps are not a requirement because we can also use information such as CSR ratings and satellite imagery, but yield mapping is the best tool because it shows exactly where the field is producing the most bushels. The more information we have about your field, the better we can fine-tune your fertilizer recommendations.

For Platinum Spreading, soil sampling is a requirement. Soil sampling does add to the overall cost, but the benefit of variable-rate application can generally return that additional cost through reduced fertilizer and lime applications in areas where they are not needed. Instead of treating every acre the same, we can target your fertility investment toward the areas where it has the greatest potential to pay you back.

I will go out on a limb and say that if you give an SFG agronomist the opportunity to analyze your field, we will be able to find areas where we can produce more bushels while giving you a positive return on your investment. We have staff who specialize in soil sampling and fertilizer recommendations and can help you make the most of your fertility dollars. Give Smith Fertilizer and Grain a call today to get started on your 2027 fertilizer needs.