By Kristen Carberry, Georgian Central SCIA President

The Georgian area overall is near completion of planting. There are still some unseeded acres left on more patient ground for the first week of June, but 90% of the area is wrapped up. This year was similar to last in a delayed start where many areas did not get rolling until the second week of May. There were not many wheat fields torn up this spring largely due to wheat price motivation and a timely fall seeding for many acres.

The uncertainty of fertilizer availability and pricing was a widespread concern for most growers. Many discussions amongst ourselves left room for greater uncertainty about which crop was going to make it into the ground. Fertilizer prices are similar to the market from nearly a decade ago, but today’s flourishing grain markets have left room for growers to continue to push for greater yields with some risk management to get the job done. The take home from this winter/spring discussion for many is to have a crop budget and manage your risk.

Next on the agenda with wheat flowering starting in the area, will be early T3 timing – to be completed by the first weekend of June. Interesting to see many wheat growers pushing for that T2+T3 investment this year.

The increased cost of fertilizer and glyphosate products has shifted and does entice the demand for alternative products. There has been more of an interest to test new biological products to improve nutrient use efficiency this year. It will definitely be a focus for many going forward to reduce fertilizer requirements and/or have better utilization. Another change for many with the glyphosate pricing is to look more closely at chemical programs and multiple modes of action (a good thing!).

I look forward to another summer of virtual crop walks by the Georgian SCIA counties. Last year each county hosted a successful event and we plan to do the same again this year.