millet

On May 27, a second field of rye was chopped and bagged. The ryelage will be used for feeding cows.  Following the rye, we decided to plant a crop for cows to graze during the summer in addition to their pasture.

 

 

We chose to no-till drill pearl millet into the field. It seemed to be the best option for us to plant. Cows will graze the field after the millet grows to a height of at least 20 inches. The field of millet will be used as rotational grazing throughout the summer. The millet will be grazed to a height of 6 to 8 inches. Grazing to this height will allow for regrowth.

We set the drill and seeded the millet at the rate of 25 pounds per acre. It was seeded at a depth of 1 inch. The soil moisture was great for seeding. Hopefully the millet will germinate quickly.

I am very excited about using the field of millet as part of grazing! And, I am looking forward to seeing the millet grow!

Friday on the Farm

soybean swelling

Dad planted a field of soybeans on Sunday. The soybeans were swollen we checked the field on Tuesday morning. Soon they will be pushing through the soil!

 

 

[ agriculture photos @ monicastevens.photoshelter.com ]

 

Friday on the Farm

emerged soybean plant at ve (emergence) stage

Rain showers have fallen down on the fields. We are thankful for the rain! Soybeans are growing very well, and we are pleased. After walking through the fields late yesterday afternoon, soybeans are at the V2 stage. The soybeans have their second trifoliate.

 

monicastevens.photoshelter.com

Friday on the Farm

germinating soybean

it is amazing how something so small can be full of hope

A row of soybeans was uncovered in a field to check germination. The soybeans were germinating and close to emerging through the soil. After planting, each soybean field is observed for germination.

Friday on the Farm

a soybean sits in a furrow

 

So much hope in a small soybean. Each year at planting season, I am filled with hope.

Friday on the Farm

emerging corn

 

Corn emerges from the soil. The late afternoon sun shines down on corn spiking through the soil.

Friday on the Farm

germinating corn

Brushing away soil revealed germinating corn. After planting, fields are checked for seed germination.

Friday on the Farm

a seed is uncovered in the soil

When planting corn, we check seed spacing and seed depth. Soil is uncovered in each row to find seeds. This is periodically done throughout the field. Seed spacing and seed depth is important to optimize plant growth and yield potential.

Planting 2014

planter is loaded with corn to plant

Corn planting began yesterday! It was nice getting into the field. Planting also continued today. This morning, I cultivated a field to encorporate manure into the soil for fertilizer. The field will be planted tomorrow.

It was a gorgeous day to be in the field planing corn. The sun and soil was good for my soul!

  



planting corn