plowing in January

Charlie M · Jan 22, 2020

Farmer across the road from me started plowing this week. I've never seen that for this time of year in this area. There is about 5 inches of snow on the ground but the ground isn't really froze much. Not too
common for this time of year in western NY for the ground to not be froze hard. He's got a big JD and a 12 bottom plow. The field is organic and he followed a nice crop of wheat with clover after the wheat was
harvested. I get planting the clover but not sure why his is plowing now. Maybe this is a good time to get rid of the clover since he can't spray or maybe just getting a head start on the next growing season?
I know my M and 3 bottom plow won't be on a field until at least late April, more likely May.

Bob Bancroft · Jan 22, 2020

I assume he's just getting a start. I've been thinking about it, but have enough odds and ends to take care of, I haven't tried it. The mega-milk-factory-dairies are knifing in manure all around here.

It seems like it's never really dry enough in the spring to do primary tillage.

Roger Tomfohrde · Jan 22, 2020

We had two reasons for early plowing (fall). One to get fields prepped so the spring rush was easier. The other is we farmed in Minnesota and the freeze /thaw cycle would break up the larger clods. Also if you spring plowed too early there would be a terrible hard pan. Spring plowing is not as forgiving and you have to have good conditions. Not sure about January plowing as it is usually froze a few feet down, seems like something new maybe when you have ability I guess.

Tech 7 · Jan 22, 2020

I have about 200 ac to plow. Like the others said, snow over minimal frost. We see a yield response in corn with fall (winter?) plowing. I have plowed in March and have been able to get some freeze/thaw cycles at that time. Once the freezing weather is gone you have to quit. Spring plowing on this soil gives you the summer off.

Billy NY · Jan 22, 2020

Could be done here most of this winter so far, at one point the frost came out, but there were some ideal conditions without getting into mud, this is well drained, higher or fields with slopes, some may not work, but unheard of as frost usually too deep.

dwag · Jan 22, 2020

Dad would plow in March here in West Central Illinois saying w/freeze & thaws to come would end up like fall plowing, plus if snow was there would add nitrogen.

tomturkey · Jan 22, 2020

seem I read on here or somewhere else, plowing down snow with clover or alphafa was a poor man's fertilizer??? may be remembering wrongly....gobble

Mark-Ia · Jan 23, 2020

The ground will warm up earlier in the spring because the trash is buried.

plowing in January

Charlie M

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Bob Bancroft

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Roger Tomfohrde

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Tech 7

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Billy NY

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dwag

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tomturkey

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Mark-Ia

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