Author	[Modern View]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-11-2012 15:26:13 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	A couple of wrong parts, a little rain & then four inches of snow. All this leads me to believe that I may not be doing any more plowing this season. There is a slight chance we'll have a dry spell, but I'm not holding my breath. So, in the event I can't get back to plowing, what are my options? About all I know is, the corn stubble needs to be plowed under in the fall. I'm at just about the half way point on 35 acres & most of it was chopped. I have about two acres of shelled corn to plow under, too. Yes, I would have LOVED to have been done with this nonsense a month ago. Looking for a different plow & not getting the "go ahead" until just before Thanksgiving have dictated otherwise. Also, if I would have known my plow was pooped out & that was indeed the tool I would be using to till 35 acres... the D@MN thing would have been rebuilt a long time ago. Mike [Reply]   [No Email]
BarryfromIA 12-16-2012 14:22:35 67.55.176.78 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   Not much plowing is done around here anymore. Back in the day they removed the coulters when plowing frozen ground. [Reply]  [No Email]
Don-Wi 12-15-2012 09:27:48 75.207.192.234 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   We're pretty flat here- I'm in NE Wisconsin where the glaciers flattened everything. Don't get me wrong, there are still some issues where BTO's turned a whole farm into 1 feild, and work right through the water ways. We leave our waterways in grass and don't have any issues with it. What works here, may not for all intents & purposes work everywhere else... Here, the plow works. Donovan from Wisconsin This post was edited by Don-Wi at 09:28:12 12/15/12. [Reply]  [No Email]
Don-Wi 12-13-2012 19:57:20 66.87.0.68 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   Theres a reason the dustbowl happened out west. The soil is much different here than it is out west. Plowing is still alive and well in Wisconsin. Donovan from Wisconsin [Reply]  [No Email]
cooney minnie 12-13-2012 21:35:21 166.182.3.93 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Don-Wi, 12-13-2012 19:57:20   Donovan- Gordos points are right on. Wi did not have the dust bowl... but we did have Coon Valley. Plowing is dead on this Wi farm, and its better off for it. Not to fear though... there are other things to do with old tractors! [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-14-2012 20:22:29 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to cooney minnie, 12-13-2012 21:35:21   Coon Valley? What happened at Coon Valley? Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
cooney minnie 12-15-2012 09:20:30 166.182.3.149 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-14-2012 20:22:29   Coon Valley was the site of the first Soil Conservation Work for contour strips etc. to fight soil erosion. This was done against water erosion, at the same time SCS also started in Oklahoma against wind erosion. Coon Valley WI and some of the neighborhoods that surrounded it were home to some of the worst water erosion gullies etc in the United States, and hence was chosen as a location to start soil conservation research. At the heart of the problem was the plow combined with hard rains and steep hillsides. Countour strips, terraces, grass waterways, etc all came about from here. A google search of Coon Valley, SCS, Aldo Leopold might come up with some pictures that would be really gruesome to someone who makes their living from the land. that soil was gone forever... unless you owned some Mississippi Delta ground somewhere, then maybe you gained some of it! I like old tractors, and I appreciate people wanting to work them- I do too. From a farming standpoint, though, I left the plow in the fenceline a long time ago. better for my soil, better for my fuel bill. [Reply]  [No Email]
GordoSD 12-13-2012 18:19:41 216.106.242.132 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   Before tilling your soil be sure and read all the information available from your state ag college. All about the microrganisms and n utrients destroyed when you til. And of course the moisture loss. Watch the Ken Burns "Dust Bowl" series. [Reply]  [No Email]
El Toro 12-13-2012 08:45:21 108.3.143.30 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   When I was in the Army back in the 1950's at Ft Bragg NC it snowed and Bragg Blvd was full of wrecks. I put the tire chains on the 1949 Dodge we had and headed into Bragg. I was on special duty firing furnaces for the colonels and generals and had to get in to the coal fired furnaces. Should've seen all drivers looking as I drove by. Hal [Reply]  [No Email]
Bret4207 12-13-2012 14:57:16 64.19.90.196 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to El Toro, 12-13-2012 08:45:21   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see HAR! Yup, was stationed at Cherry Pt NC and they had a "Snowstorm"- about 3". You could tell the northern boys because they were driving 55 and going out like normal. Everyone else was in the ditch! [Reply]  [No Email]
JRSutton 12-13-2012 05:11:46 75.130.109.233 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   I remember reading in an old farmer's "how to" book from the late 1800's that it was actually good to till in snow. The snow picks up nitrogen the way rain does. According to the book - most of the nitrogen is picked up by the rain (or snow) early, the longer the rain continues, the less nitrogen it contains because it's already stripped most of it out of the air. So a long rain/snow storm is bad, since it provides mostly nitrogen free water that will dilute the early nitrogen and carry it away as runoff or too deep into the ground. As snow - it was supposed to be a good thing to turn it into the ground if possible (preferably a light snow), to trap the nitrogen and keep it from evaporating, especially if there's a lot of carbon/organic matter to hold it. It also supposedly helps keep the ground from getting compacted. ... That was somebody's thinking back in the 1800's anyways. I'm of course going on my poor memory of what I read - they were much more scientific about it in the book. I'm very curious about how this logic has stood the test of time. Old wives tale, or advanced thinking for the time? Would love to hear more thoughts on it. [Reply]  [No Email]
El Toro 12-12-2012 10:14:57 108.3.143.30 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   I would as Tw suggested and plow it. I need chains on my garden tractor since it has turf tires. I plowed my garden in Feb since we didn't get any snow and very little rain. We got the most rain on Oct 29 when that storm Sandy hit the east coast around 7 inches. Hal [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-12-2012 11:17:09 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to El Toro, 12-12-2012 10:14:57   Well, that certainly rids me of any uncertainty I had about my H & two bottom. Encouraging, actually. I could have sworn I had seen guys turning the snow under, but it has been so long I wasn't sure. Now, where on earth did I put those tire chains?! Lol! Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
tw 12-12-2012 00:46:36 206.126.209.6 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   I"ve done a lot of plowing in these conditions. As long as the ground isn"t frozen throw a chain on the left tire & go to it. I used to do this with a Farmall 300 & "H". PS. I am only a couple miles from you. [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-12-2012 11:53:21 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to tw, 12-12-2012 00:46:36   That's good news! I had thought at some point in my life, I had seen plowing done with snow on the ground & wouldn't you know there isn't an other plow in the ground around me when I'm thinking of it. Always good to hear from a neighbor on the forum. Which direction are you from me? Email's open if you'd like.... Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
JMS/.MN 12-11-2012 23:24:31 209.237.125.241 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   Did a lot of plowing in the snow...usually put the left dual on for a bit extra traction and weight. That snow is actually giving your ground a lot of insulation, buying you time. No reason not to plow as long as you can pull it and the frost doesn't get too deep. And some figure some extra nitrogen as well. [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-12-2012 12:57:11 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to JMS/.MN, 12-11-2012 23:24:31   I'll have to give plowing a try tomorrow, then. The dual wheel idea is great, but I don't have any extra 11.2x38's. Between fluid & a single weight on either rear tire I think there's enough ballast there. Sould probably dig out my chains, though. Thanks, Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
4020guy 12-11-2012 18:05:04 68.171.72.108 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   Oh yeah, if you do get it ploughed, finish the headlands as soon as you are done the field. That packed tramped area will freeze like really fast. Sometimes before you are done the field.....Ron [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-12-2012 12:58:06 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to 4020guy, 12-11-2012 18:05:04   Will do, thanks! Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
Earl-IL 12-11-2012 17:56:26 50.81.209.158 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   Call in your local antique tractor club & they will plow it for you. You might have to furnish the fuel & food. Our tractor clubs are looking for ground to plow . [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-12-2012 13:14:22 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Earl-IL, 12-11-2012 17:56:26   Wasn't sure if I would have enough money to see myself through plowing, otherwise I really wanted to host some kind of plow day. Hopefully, the opportunity will present itself again in the future. I know there's going to be some more plowing next fall or the following spring, but I don't know how many tractors you can fit on five acres. Maybe if it's all 8Ns... Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
4020guy 12-11-2012 17:35:27 68.171.72.108 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   Both Paul and Aaron are correct. I've ploughed lots of snow down. If the ground was frozen a bit the frost will come out under the snow as long as it doesn't get too severely cold. Bare ground with a bit of frost gives really good traction but if it is frozen under the snow it is pretty slippery. We try to work all the heavier ground and corn stalks in the fall with the soil saver or plough. The lighter soybean or stubble gets disked or cultivated in the spring. We find this far north tillage makes the ground warm up alot faster in the spring. Most times any primary tillage[deep] on heavier ground in the spring can turn into a disaster. My thoughts anyway. I'd give her a try. The only month I've never done tillage in is Feburary. Good luck....Ron [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-12-2012 13:19:47 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to 4020guy, 12-11-2012 17:35:27   At this rate, it feels like I might be out there 'till February. :v) I'll have to get the chains on the H tonight & see what happens tomorrow. Should be interesting. Thanks, Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
paul 12-11-2012 16:18:09 66.44.133.112 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   What is next year's crop on this ground? You are pretty far north, like me, so some of the southern folk might not quite understand your prediciment, for them spring heavy tillage is almost prefered. Small grains go into cornstalks real easy, light disking. Soybeans you can get by with some disking, got more time in spring to wait on planting beans. You can spring plow it, but thst can bite you if the weather is wrong, and the weed flush is something amazing... Can make it work somehow. If you plan to plant corn on corn, well it'll work out but if the weather is wrong it'll ding you some, as well as insects and fungus and Goss' Wilt become much bigger concerns. I plant about 25 acres of corn on corn the cattle graze, so it's got some trash munched off, but still is about what you have, and I let it wait for the later planting, work it up with the disk, the field cultivator, and it works out. --->Paul [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-12-2012 13:32:10 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to paul, 12-11-2012 16:18:09   Ooops, I did leave a few details out. Next years crop will be oats covering a pasture mix. So, if all else fails, I should disk in the spring? Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
paul 12-12-2012 19:05:39 66.60.223.232 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-12-2012 13:32:10   That works well here, plant a tad heavier - 3.25 bu per acre instead of 3.... It will look tough coming up, but it's covered by the trash, it will catch up well in a week. As others say, if it goes, keep plowing, I've turned a lot of snow under too in my time. Comes down to traction on the left wheel, and how deep the frost is. --->Paul [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-12-2012 19:35:17 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to paul, 12-12-2012 19:05:39   I'll certainly keep on plowing, it's just good to know I haven't completely run out of options. I just hope it dosen't come down to plan "B". Thanks, Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
paul 12-13-2012 14:47:11 66.60.223.232 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-12-2012 19:35:17   Oh, plan B isn't bad with farming, it's when you start getting past the middle of the alphabet you know you've run into a rough patch. :) Dad ran 200 acres with a 2-16 or 3-16 plow, so there were more years than not that he planted the wheat and especially the oats into spring-disked corn stalks, it works out pretty good. We'd even do a plowdown of clover and that came up good through the corn trash too. Good luck with it. --->Paul [Reply]  [No Email]
Aaron SEIA 12-11-2012 15:34:06 67.55.181.57 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-11-2012 15:26:13   Plow it in the snow. If it's not too wet underneath it'll go ok. The snow ill be a blanket keeping the ground from freezing. AaronSEIA [Reply]  [No Email]
casenut1 12-11-2012 20:04:28 107.8.39.45 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Aaron SEIA, 12-11-2012 15:34:06   plowing under snow puts nitrogen in the ground. [Reply]  [No Email]
Dalet 12-11-2012 21:37:45 184.94.141.146 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to casenut1, 12-11-2012 20:04:28   Quoting Removed, click Modern View to see Thats what I was going to say! My Granddad always said that an inch of snow on spring grain is the same as a ton of manure. Not sure if its the same, but it's beneficial I am sure. [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-12-2012 13:36:00 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Dalet, 12-11-2012 21:37:45   Never heard about nitrogen from snow before & plowing under snow was a vague idea at best. Glad to have learned something new today. Thanks Guys! Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
RedRoundhead 12-12-2012 18:02:20 173.123.158.174 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-12-2012 13:36:00   You should be out plowing right now! :-) I have done the chain thing in the past as well; works good. There is alot of nitrogen in rainwater, so therefore in snow, too. We have been lucky; it has been a mild, mild "winter" in WI this year. If you get cold, you can make a real cheap "windbreak" from an appliance box. An empty appliance box, that is. I did that one winter,for the H that I had, for which I used to plow snow. I had just gotten a new refrigerator, and with some tape and a utility knife, I stuck that empty box on the H. Even had a door in the rear! I wish I had taken pictures; it looked ridiculous! I had a warmer time plowing snow that year though. It helps! A bit of a fire hazard, so be warned! Best of luck! [Reply]  [No Email]
Crazy Red Power in SE-WI 12-12-2012 18:57:09 68.114.237.14 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to RedRoundhead, 12-12-2012 18:02:20   I agree! I should be out plowing. :v) My chains did not turn up in my search this afternoon/evening. What was supposed to be chains for my tractor, turned out to be chains for the Ford AA truck I had. Might have loaned them out to my uncle. I think some of his Deere B's are on 11.2x38 tires. I'll have to pay him a vistit in the AM. There is a windbreaker around here that came with my Grandpa's H. It's an F&F job, but, just like your box windbreaker (amusing/good thinkin'!), it keeps a majority of the chill out. I'll have to see If I can piece it together tonight, yet. Thanks, Mike [Reply]  [No Email]
super99 12-14-2012 16:10:34 74.32.187.189 Report to Moderator	Re: Don't think I'll get a chance to test the plow.... in reply to Crazy Red Power in SE-WI, 12-12-2012 18:57:09   When I was a kid, the guy I helped had a 67 Ford 1 ton truck with duals on the rear. He had a set of chains to get around in the winter. For tough fall plowing, he would hook both chains together and put them on the land wheel on his JD 4010 with 15.5x38 rear tires. Worked good. Chris [Reply]  [No Email]