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Ensuring the high quality fertilizer applications is a point of pride for operations at Farmers Coop Society (FCS). Our partnership with Iowa State University's (ISU) Extension and Outreach program, featuring experts like Doug Houser, Ben Covington, and Ryan Huffman, has been instrumental in refining our processes. Together, we dive into various aspects of spinner calibration, guaranteeing that each machine is pan tested annually for major fertilizer and common application rates. This meticulous attention to detail ensures precise nutrient delivery and optimal crop productivity.

Understanding and managing in-field rate changes is critical to maintaining a consistent application pattern. Large rate changes can increase the risk of pattern shift, so we prioritize careful adjustments. Our discussions often focus on the Size Granular Number (SGN), a crucial factor in understanding product quality and spreadability. By learning to compute individual SGNs and conducting crush tests on various product sizes, we gain insights into the physical properties impacting spread, such as particle size, density, shape, and flowability.

At FCS, we have optimized our G5 spinners to a spread width of 80 feet and our G4 spinners to 70 feet. While the G5s have the capability to spread farther, the variability in product quality positions us ideally at 80 feet, ensuring uniform application and minimal waste. This precise calibration, coupled with our continuous learning and collaboration with ISU, underscores our commitment to delivering superior fertilizer application services to our customers.

Contact your FCS agronomist to learn more about how this collaboration benefits your operation.