Spring’s slow start is compressing the planting window, but there are ways to minimize the stress of a situation beyond anyone’s control. Kevin Carlson, Federated’s agronomy sales manager, noted five strategies for getting ahead of a tight season once fields dry out.

1. Finalize plans with your Federated Agronomist. Communicate!

• Is your Product Service Policy updated and signed?
• Have you completed field mapping for spreading and spraying?
• Have you lost or gained fields?
• Have you decided to switch crops in any fields?

2. Order seed treatment. (Wheat is already being treated; soybeans are next.)
3. Take seed now. No need to wait until the planter is poised; get the seed on your farm as soon as possible.
4. Get liquid fertilizer where it needs to be, before planting gets started.
5. Ensure you have enough prepay fertilizer and seed.

(Carlson noted that with all the flooding, it’s important to remember “we are at the end of the river, and last-minute changes will be hard to address.” The product just can’t get here fast enough.)

The bottom line: Communicate with your Federated Agronomist now, when things are relatively calm. “When it gets busy, it’ll get very busy, said Carlson. And, “hopefully [the late start] will turn out well, like last year.”