Row Crops

Cotton and wheat are the two major row crops in our area. There is also a small amount of milo planted. We offer insecticide, herbicide, fungicide and fertilizer applications.

Cotton - Our on-staff entomologist offers full season consulting for the cotton crop. We can take soil samples testing for both fertility and nematode infestation. We can offer variety recommendations. During the growing season we offer herbicide, insecticide, plant growth regulator and other management assistance. At the end of the season we offer crop termination advice regarding the defoliation of the crop.
We are also the only aerial spray company in this area to offer precision variable rate applications. Variable rate applications are new to this area. We were the first and still the only, to offer this service, starting in the 2005 season. The aerial images are digital infrared, taken from an airplane at 12,000 ft. These images are generally no more than two days old. The images are broken into seven classes showing relative growth in the field. We will then print the map and take it to the field to make a recommendation as to what rate of growth regulator to apply to which areas of the field. There are generally no more than two rates in each field with the option of having a zero rate. Once the rates have been determined, we return them to In-Time, where they generate a digital map as a shapefile and a load sheet. The load sheet tells us how much chemical and water are required for each job. We then load the map onto the plane's computer system and it automatically applies the right amount to the right area. Most seasons don't require more than two variable rate applications. If necessary we can also defoliate using variable rate.

Wheat - Our entomologist is also very helpful for wheat production. By keeping a close eye on a large area of two counties, we are usually the first to detect insects moving into the area. With early detection and treatment, you save money by saving yield potential.

The same is true with regards to weeds. Weeds take a large amount of moisture and fertility from your soil. The earlier you treat the weed infestations, the more precious moisture you save for your wheat crop. Broadleaf weeds are generally very economical to treat. Wild oats, on the other hand, are a very invasive weed, that left untreated, can cause great loss of yield and dockage at the elevator. Oats are more difficult and expensive to control, with timing and available moisture being key factors.

Proper fertility is a factor many farmers don't take full advantage of. Part of the reason, of course, is the high input cost up front with no guaranty of return on investment. We have options to help here also. With the use of foliar fertilizers you can limit your exposure to drought, by limiting your fertilizer inputs up-front. If moisture and commodity prices allow, you can then put money in at a later date, with more likelihood of payoff.
In irrigated wheat, fungal diseases are often overlooked. When conditions are right, rust and powdery mildew can cause significant economic loss.

Milo - Milo is a minor crop in our area, but we can assist you there also. Pre-plant fertility and herbicides are important inputs we can assist you with. Occasionally insects do infest milo fields. Our entomologist can help you determine the economic thresholds and any necessary treatments.