Matt Ellens- Southern South Dakota
Southern South Dakota is still in a moderate to severe drought, although the very southeast corner of the state is back to somewhat normal conditions with late fall rains hitting the area. Field conditions have been good for fall spreading. This always helps take majority of the spring fertilizer load off our retailers. Yields for the growers have been spotty, but I would say most growers were pleasantly surprised with their yields given the state of the drought we were in this year. Well over 90% of soybeans and 70% of corn have been harvested so the fall dry spreading has really picked up over the last 2 weeks. There are only pockets of my territory that do NH3 but the ones that do have really seen NH3 acres pick up with the UREA prices spike this fall.
Attitudes are optimistic. I would say the biggest scare is input costs (dry fertilizer/chemicals) and the supply chain issues which everyone in the industry is battling. Going into winter and spring Heartland AG Systems has put themselves in a good position with our customers with inventory equipment to try and fill customer orders as quick as we can to get machinery delivered before next spring. Keeping parts shelves stocked this fall and going into winter to prepare for spring 2022 will need to be a priority as well to support our customer's needs.
Todd Roland- Western Iowa
On average, my territory has had a great fall application season. Growers have been running nonstop since the start of harvest, as crops have been drying quickly. I would estimate around 90% of beans are out and 70% of corn. Currently, northwest Iowa is ahead of southwest Iowa, respectfully. As growers are completing fields and the crop is coming out, dry anhydrous has been applied immediately and they have been able to keep up given a favorable weather forecast. There is a chance for rain within the 2-week forecast, which will slow everyone down until it dries back out.
There is a bigger push than ever for fall NH3, as predicted future price put on this fall will double come spring. Projected supply chain issues are pushing growers to take the current high prices because of the predicted higher future prices. They are also unable to contract for the spring which has urged them to complete this fall. Overall, there is a worry about supply and prices for the remainder of the season, rightfully so. We are keeping positive thoughts and eager to complete the fall season.
Kris Martin- Southeast Nebraska
Harvest is in full swing in Central Nebraska. A majority of soybeans have been harvested and taken to the bins or market. Wet conditions (both snow and rain) have hit my area, and there are still several fields with corn left to be harvested. Anhydrous has started in the minimal areas that see this source of nitrogen. Some dry has been put on, and liquid machines are being winterized as I write this. Fall is here!
Ed Zahn- Southeast Kansas
Corn is out in Southeast Kansas, and we are in the middle of harvesting beans. Cotton has started to get harvested, and growers will continue to do that through most of the winter. We have had some rain in the last few weeks which has delayed the soybean harvest, but overall, we have had favorable weather so far this season.
Most of the wheat has been planted or starting to emerge, and the rain has helped that. With a projected increase in wheat prices, growers have been planting large quantities which may lead to a record year in planted acres. Overall, moisture levels are good for the most part.
Custom application has slowed some, but there is still plenty to do. A portion of NH3 has been done, but with the recent rains have delayed the progress. Customers are expecting NH3 acres to be up, considering the prices and unknown circumstances. Many customers are wondering how many acres farmers will contract for, and if the rates will be as high as they have been in the past. It may be a more variable rate year.
Our service this fall has been top notch. One customer called at 4:30 in the afternoon, we had a service tech there the immediately the next morning before the customer was even dropped back off to the machine, that was a win! Thank you to our technician. Their hard work and dedication is appreciated.
Tyson Shelley- Western Kansas and Colorado
Harvest is progressing extremely well throughout my territory. We have been held up because the weather has been so good. We have not had a killing freeze on the Milo until about 10 days ago, but the corn dried down well and the ears held on. Yields are at or above normal even in the dryland areas, with the exception being a pocket of some Eastern Colorado and extreme Western Kansas counties. The wheat crop went in well and is off to a good start with a good rain on top of it. Dry fertilizer application started with a robust pace but has slowed as prices continue to increase. In our area, they have a large window to wait and can easily apply in the spring. My retailers are pushing hard to get more fall application done, because they are nervous that they won’t be able to get product later in the fall/winter.
We are seeing good interest in our PMI program as guys are making sure their equipment is ready for next year just knowing that even if they wanted a new one it may be a bit of a wait before delivery with the supply chain shortages. My area buys a ton of used equipment, and this year is no exception. To this point, both my retail and farmer customers are still planning on normal cropping practices for acres and crop mix. The main thing that we are seeing on application in my area is the guys are putting on a reduced percentage of normal levels of fertilizer to hold costs in check, or are going to split their application between fall and spring just a hedge their fertilizer input cost per acre. That should bode well for acres to be run for our retailers, as long as they can get the fertilizer and chemicals this spring.
Jon Ulhrich- Southwestern North Dakota
Southern North Dakota is running in full swing with fall application. Most customers are trying to get as much on as possible with the threats of fertilizer supply issues come spring. Weather has been good across most of the state to allow for application and tillage to occur. There is some corn left to be harvested in the central part of the state, but they are moving along nicely. Next week looks to possibly put an end to the season for some as moisture and temperature changes arrive.
Our customers are worried about supply chain issues everywhere and are looking for any help they can in getting fertilizer applied timely and efficiently this fall. Overall, the fall season has been great and we cannot complain.