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Tight margins factor into planting decisions

Tight margins are factoring into a southeast Minnesota farmer’s planting decisions.

Brennen Toquam of Blooming Prairie says he is being more aggressive with variable rate technology.

“Cutting back more on some of those areas that don’t traditionally yield that well, especially based off of last year’s maps.”

He tells Brownfield the mapping tool helps reveal where moisture is a limiting factor.

“And I was able to make some planting prescription maps off of that. We’re not really changing anything as far as fertility goes, but I would say our biggest cost-saving measure would be in the seed.”

Toquam says he’s planting higher populations in the good areas, but cutting back on seed in areas that won’t benefit from it.