AgriNews will track the activities of the Rahn family throughout the year. Expect monthly updates on the farmers’ decisions and progress on their farm.
In Mount Carroll, Illinois, recent snowfall and rain showers have significantly enhanced the soil moisture conditions for the Rahn family farm in northern Illinois.
Elmer Rahn, alongside his wife, Annette, and their sons, Correy and Mitchel, along with their respective families, shared insights on the localized weather conditions. Correy mentioned the variability in snow accumulation, with the farm receiving 5 to 6 inches of snow compared to areas just five miles south, which only experienced a dusting. Additionally, the recent rainfall of 1 to 1.25 inches saturated the top foot of the soil, providing optimal conditions for their agricultural endeavors.
Before the snowfall, Correy initiated the seeding of alfalfa and oats as a companion crop on 30 acres of land. He mentioned that they are halfway through the alfalfa seeding process and plan to complete it around the end of March, following their typical schedule.
The Rahns handle all spraying activities for their crop acres and have invested in a new Hagie STS12 self-propelled sprayer with a 120-foot boom. Elmer highlighted the strategic decision to order the sprayer a year in advance due to allocation constraints, emphasizing the importance of foresight in farm equipment procurement.
Reflecting on the evolving landscape of farm equipment acquisition, Elmer discussed the necessity of planning ahead, citing a potential nine to 12-month wait for a Kuhn feed wagon. This forward-thinking approach aims to mitigate operational disruptions and avoid last-minute equipment crises.
The family’s transition to a high-clearance sprayer four years ago marked a significant technological advancement, enabling them to efficiently manage tall crops. Correy expressed enthusiasm for the cutting-edge features of the new sprayer, particularly the ExactApply components designed to ensure consistent coverage and enhance operational efficiency.
However, the adoption of new sprayer technology necessitates a meticulous process of redefining field boundaries. Mitchel elaborated on using a Gator equipped with a GPS receiver to map out various field elements essential for the sprayer’s optimal functioning, such as field edges, waterways, and buffer strips. This meticulous mapping process, though time-consuming, is crucial for precision agriculture practices.
Samantha, Mitchel’s wife, plays a vital role in editing field boundaries while balancing her responsibilities as a pediatric occupational therapist. Her commitment to both fields underscores the family’s multifaceted engagement in agriculture and community service.
The Rahns’ approach to seed selection involves a blend of data-driven insights from annual test plots and collaboration with family members involved in seed sales. This holistic strategy ensures informed decisions tailored to their farm’s specific needs and performance goals.
As they gear up for the planting season, the family remains focused on optimizing crop selection, disease management, and operational efficiency. Their dedication to sustainable practices, exemplified by their participation in a carbon index program, reflects a proactive stance towards environmental stewardship and economic viability.
From meticulous field mapping to strategic seed selection, the Rahn family exemplifies a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability in their farming practices. Stay tuned for more updates on their agricultural journey in the upcoming months.