View from the Cab: Anhydrous notes

By: Kent Casson

Many growers have already started to apply anhydrous ammonia on fields as a form of nitrogen fertilizer ahead of raising next year’s corn crop.

Mandatory training is now required in the state for those farmers transporting or applying anhydrous or those maintaining the equipment for it. This new rule went into effect last April. Those completing the training are certified to take action in the event of an emergency, become competent in safe operating practices and understand the properties of ammonia.

The Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association’s Kevin “KJ” Johnson reports 12,389 producers in Illinois have taken the certification course since the new law was passed. More than 6,000 attended class in-person while the rest took classes online. Recertification must take place every three years.

IFCA cautions farmers not to rush the anhydrous application season. Soil temperatures must drop into the safe zone before field applications begin. Even though it can be difficult in nice weather, exercise patience before heading out in the field. Fears of supply shortages seem to add to the rush of the season.

The entire fertilizer industry is concerned with logistical issues such as rail and barge transportation challenges. Agricultural retailers are keeping a close eye on a potential railroad strike since quite a bit of potash is shipped via rail from Canada to the Midwestern states.

Many state and national groups have signed a letter which asks the current administration to get involved in the issue to help defer a strike as it could impact other sectors of the economy – not just the ag input industry.

What a great feeling to finally be done with the 2022 harvest. I guess I shouldn’t say “finally” since it only took roughly five weeks to get everything out of the field in near record pace. We had a great end to the harvest last Friday morning as it only took about two hours to finish the last corn field under sunny skies and mild temperatures.

More farmers are getting done with harvest each day and continue with other fall activities. If we keep seeing mild temperatures up until Thanksgiving and beyond, expect to see tractor lights out in the field for farm work around the clock. Speaking of clocks, the days are now getting shorter since we have fallen back on time.