LAKELAND, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — As spring planting season wraps up across much of the Corn Belt, attention is shifting toward crop nutrition as farmers evaluate the best timing for side-dress nitrogen applications.
Fred Nichols, chief sales and marketing officer with Huma, joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to discuss nitrogen management strategies and what growers should keep in mind as corn enters a key growth stage.
In his interview with RFD News, Nichols addressed how rapid crop development in recent years has changed traditional expectations around corn growth, including the long-standing “knee-high by the Fourth of July” benchmark. He noted that modern hybrids and variable planting conditions have made growth staging more dynamic than in the past.
He also discussed how farmers should approach feeding corn at this stage of development, emphasizing the importance of aligning nutrient availability with peak uptake periods. Nichols outlined key considerations for side-dress applications, including timing, placement, and nitrogen use efficiency.
Finally, Nichols offered practical tips for producers looking to improve nutrient performance and maximize return on fertilizer investments during the growing season.
LEARN MORE: www.huma.us
