Grower Profile

Having 30 years of crop production experience in north central Indiana, including 25 years of no-till practice, John Powell is sharing knowledge and farming practices to benefit his fellow farmers. Powell's harmony between tradition, sound nutrient management and new product application proves to be a high-yielding blend.

A good mix is a good start
For starter mix Powell uses 150 pounds per acre of an 18-14-0-1(S) mix, then 300 pounds per acre of a weed-and-feed 18-0-0-4(S) mix. He supplements with 300 pounds-per-acre sidedress 28-0-0-2(S). Last year he conducted field trials with AVAIL® Phosphorus Fertilizer Enhancer.

"I saw a considerable root-size increase using AVAIL, as well as early-season plant vigor," says Powell. "Simply put, my plants just looked better right from the start."

Sampling for success
Soil sampling is standard on Powell's operation. He five-acre-grid soil samples corn plots every fall and samples other crops every other year.

"Fall grid sampling has made a big difference for me," says Powell, "I now know the applied fertilizer is only going where it's needed, minimizing wasted fertilizer inputs. With today's prices we have to be efficient; soil sampling has allowed me to do that."

Advantages to product adoption
Powell says the use of BT and YieldGard® Rootworm Corn has significantly improved his yield performance. He also has experienced improved plant performance from applying plant health treatments on highly susceptible hybrid corn at the R1 growth stage. On soybeans he applies a fungicide and, if needed, insecticide and herbicide during the R3 growth stage.

Balance is essential
Powell encourages growers to try new products or practices on crops. However, he suggests gradual adoption when applying products like AVAIL and hybrids and health treatments, to ensure the correct balance for specific climates and soil types.

"Before risking too much profit, growers should try products on a test plot, as opposed to testing with your entire crop," says Powell. "As with anything, it's better to be safe than sorry and to not fix what's not broken."