Author: Chelsey Westerman

By Ashley Warren, Ruminant Production Specialist – As with anything in life, there are things we can control and things we cannot. However, when it comes to best management practices and doing what is most suitable for our land and livestock – we are in control. As grazing and haying season is right around the bend, it is a good time to think about what we can do to get the most out of our ground, and in turn, maximize land profitability and gains on our calves. Aldo Leopold, a prolific conservationist and foremost expert on land ethics in the 1930’s, said it best, “We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect.” Read More…

Brian Maxwell, Seed Sales Specialist – With so many varieties of hybrid seed at a grower’s fingertips, selecting the right one is easier said than done. Keep these hybrid selection tips in mind when considering what’s right for you! Soil Types: Maximum performance depends immensely on making sure your seed fits with the acres where it is planted. Which means understanding how a hybrid or variety performs with the soil on your farm is critical. Most seed products are developed through vigorous research to determine how they will respond to different soil types. We will ask you several questions concerning the fields you plan to plant for this reason. Read More…

Carson Duggar, Agronomy Sales & Seed Specialist – Gypsum has been used as a fertilizer since Benjamin Franklin first applied raw gypsum on his crop fields more than 200 years ago. Today, farmers use gypsum to improve soil tilth, water infiltration and nitrogen uptake, just like Franklin did then. In recent years, it’s had a resurgence with new research highlighting its many benefits. Read More…

With the continuing spread of COVID-19, Two Rivers Cooperative has determined the best course of action to prevent spread and keep our employees healthy. We have implemented the following: Limit unnecessary travel. Read More…

Brent Van Kooten, Agronomy Sales – Last year, ISU pathologists started mapping the distribution of tar spot throughout Iowa. Signs of the disease were observed in 75 counties across the state, though none were found to be severe enough to cause loss. Experts are concerned, however, about how quickly tar spot spread across the state. It will be a disease to keep an eye out for this year. Tar spot is a disease in corn caused by the fungus Phyllachora maydis, which produces small, raised, round to irregular-shaped black spots on the upper and lower leaf surfaces. These can occur singularly or in clusters with more severe infections, and cannot be scraped or wiped off the leaf. Read More…

Jay Van Woerkom, Agronomy Sales Manager – Soybeans may be considered corn’s less-popular little brother, but – with proper management – we can bump up soybean yields just as we have been able to do with corn. According to research, the latest technology and diligent care will deliver the greatest yield and return on investment. These concepts really aren’t secrets; they just haven’t been universally implemented. There are six main factors to consider when you want your bin busting with soybeans come this fall. Read More…

As we look ahead to the spraying season, remember, if you plan to purchase dicamba, you must have a restricted-use pesticide license. All producers will be required to sign a waiver of liability before purchasing or spraying any dicamba product. If you intend to have Two Rivers apply your dicamba product for you, don’t forget to provide your planting dates! One of our agronomists will scout the field before application. Two Rivers reserves the right to refuse service on any field considered to be in a highly sensitive area and may implement a $350 clean out fee for each application. The custom rate for dicamba will be $15 per acre. Call the office at 641-628-4167

Founded in 1920, Two Rivers Cooperative has seen agricultural production advance by leaps and bounds. But it’s hard to tell how far an industry has come until you know where it started. Combing through the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) for Marion County farm reports from 1925 compared to the 2017 Census of Agriculture report shows just how different things were down on the farm. Read More…