Yield Data Analysis

So you finally got around to looking at those yield maps.  What do they mean?  My first question for you is, "have you set up the display so that you can see 'break-even' points?"  This takes some work.  Most yield maps have to be adjusted manually to see the land where you are not making money. 

You also need to try and figure out causes of low yields.  An easy one to spot is drainage.  Drainage is also one that you might be able to fix before planting especially in land going to soybeans.   If you cannot get the tile man to commit, at least improve the surface drainage. 

Do you have a fertility problem?  If you do not have soil tests that were samples with trouble zones separate from good zones, that is a first thing in the spring job.  You could still get the information needed for a variable rate application.  Do major nutrients look OK?  What about sulfur?  What about boron?  Maybe you need to target some areas to tissue sample during the growing season.

What about nematodes.  Soybean Cyst Nematodes are always a threat.  Corn nematodes are making inroads.  Start to make scouting plans now to see if you can spot anything during the growing season.