Crop yields are vital for your farm and your livelihood. Learning how to maximize your potential yields is one of the cornerstones of successful farming. Accessing new technologies and methods can increase your crop production and help maintain your farm’s sustainability.
Plant Early & Effectively
Choosing the right time to plant is vital. Know when your soil is ready and start planting. Perform tests to assess the current viability of your soil. Planting early can result in increased yields. Take advantage of any favorable soil and conditions.
Soil Rotation
Understanding the effect that planting recurring crops has on your yield is important. Planting consecutively can be less effective for some crops. Consider planting alternate crops on alternate years. Diversify the demands on your soil to help it recover and yield more consistently. Hire staff that understands these needs. Use international workers if necessary. Take advantage of the H2A guest worker program. Look up Farmer Law PC for help in securing visas for your workers.
Know the Yield Potential
Make an effort to understand your field’s growth potential. Research the crops and the seeds you use to give you a workable estimate. Assess your yield potential to give your staff something to work towards. Use this to manage your expectations and measure your production against your potential.
Scout Your Fields
Get outdoors and walk your fields. Analyze the soil, the crops, and any potential issues such as weeds or pests. Driving by your fields makes it easier to miss potential issues, which is why walking the fields and getting your boots on the ground is important.
Check Your Water Drainage
Ensure that your crops are getting enough water without being overwatered. Developing a good watering and drainage system is key to preventing waterlogging and salinization in your soil. Overwatering can be the kiss of death for your yield by stifling growth and production.
Utilize Fertilizers
Cultivate your soil with fertilizer to maintain optimal conditions. Fertilizing helps to ensure that your crops are getting the nutrients that they need. The root zone of your crops is the most important area to facilitate the growth of your crops and produce a good yield.
Weed Properly
Prevent weeds from invading your crops and siphoning away the nutrients that they need. Deal with the weeds early and often. Scouting your fields can give you an idea of the work that needs doing to remove them and the overall health of your crops.
Use Quality Seeds
Having high-quality seeds is key to increasing your yield. Consider the strength of the seeds that you use and change them out if necessary. Using hybrid seeds can make your crops grow more quickly and efficiently.
