Don't Miss the Wave

Nov 19, 2024


Landon Van Dyke
Conservation Agronomist, CCA, 4R NMS, SSp

 

Get ready for your carbon crop adventure


WITH HARVEST WRAPPED UP, our focus has fully shifted to next year’s crop. But the crop I’m referring to may not be what you’re thinking—I’m talking about your carbon crop!

As with corn and soybeans, carbon is an asset that every farmer produces. Carbon programs have solidified themselves in the agriculture markets, and as they continue to gain strength, programs linked to biofuel production are popping up everywhere.

Guidelines and details for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit are still unclear, but that does not mean you should wait around until the program is finalized. Don’t sit on the sidelines—be poised and ready with your cleats, pads and helmet on. In other words, have your 2024 crop information ready to go in a digital or printed packet. It’s not complicated information to prepare. Start with these fundamentals:
  • Planting and harvest dates
  • N, P, K fertilizer application details (date, rate, product)
  • Yield
  • Tillage practices
  • Cover crop details
You might know this information off the top of your head or be able to quickly retrieve it from an application. Take the time now, while there’s no pressure or urgency to sign up. It’s much easier to remember what you did this past year for your most recent crop than to think back two or more years. When the time comes to sign up, you can focus on the specific program requirements.

Over the past year, conservation programs have filled up before their closing dates. Some have filled on the same day they opened! The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) Water Quality Initiative for new and existing cover crop users filled up by August, before aerial seeding began. The Truterra® summer programs filled up within one week of opening. One was full within four hours!

You do not need to panic, but you do need to prepare ahead of time. These companies and programs will not wait around, and they will stick to their deadlines. Reach out and let me offer you advice for your specific operation: Landon.VanDyke@keycoop.com, 641-260-2103.

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