News

Conservation practices & programs limit additional soybean acres

 

An agronomist says planting more soybean acres might create problems for farmers participating in FSA programs.  John Meyer from Countryside Cooperative in Durand, Wisconsin says additional soybeans won’t work under some of the conservation programs.  “You’ve just got to make sure.  If you’re in contours or say, if you have hay in the rotation, or if you’ve got strips, you know, you’re okay but if you’re out there planting a whole field, it may not be allowed.”

 

Meyer tells Brownfield some of the FSA programs have crop residue requirements, and soybeans-after-soybeans might not leave enough residue.

The western Wisconsin area he serves has very little flat cropland, and that’s why he expects little change in planting strategies.  “We’re seeing a few people switching from traditional 100% corn acres to maybe a 50-50 rotation or a 70-30 going down to a 50-50, but in our territory with our slopes and whatnot, they’re having to stay somewhat in their own rotations.

 

Meyer advises farmers to check with the Farm Service Agency before changing crop plans if that land is enrolled in an FSA program.

Meyer spoke to Brownfield at the Eau Claire, Wisconsin Farm Show.