Seed, Soil, Success: Planting Tips For 2025

Monday, March 24, 2025

‘Planning ahead can prevent big headaches down the road.’

By Mary Loggan

As the planting season approaches, farmers know the importance of early preparation. While each year brings unique challenges, the foundation of a successful crop starts long before the first seed hits the ground. From soil conditions to seed selection, weather considerations, and equipment checks, ensuring that everything is in optimal condition can make all the difference in maximizing yields.

Better Farming recently connected with industry experts to compile some essential tips and strategies to help producers prepare their fields for a profitable year ahead.

Check your fields

Aaron Breimer, a certified crop advisor (CCA) and independent consultant, advises farmers to focus on two key aspects when preparing their fields.

“The two main things that I will be looking for are the temperature and moisture of the soil relatively early in the morning (around 9 a.m.),” Breimer explains. “It is easy to get ‘acceptable’ ground conditions between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., but we are fooling ourselves.”

Breimer points out that the subsoil is often much cooler and wetter, and when the sun sets, the soil’s conditions can remain unfavourable throughout the night. This is important, as seed will struggle to thrive in cold, damp ground.

Additionally, Breimer recommends inspecting multiple areas within the field, especially those with different soil types and drainage conditions.

“It can be tempting to check the area that confirms our bias about whether we should or shouldn’t be planting – by checking a couple of areas, we might be able to minimize the impact of stressful soil conditions at planting.”

Matt Gosling, CCA and consultant at Premium Ag, agrees, suggesting that a soil test should be one of the first tasks on any farmer’s to-do list. He also highlights the importance of reviewing yield maps and evaluating long-term crop rotation history to address potential issues with disease, pests, and weeds.

Pick the right seed

Regarding seed selection, Breimer advises farmers to consider their options carefully.

“Every year is going to be different with its unique challenges, which will respond differently to different seed varieties,” he says. “We rarely have two years identical, so trying to predict the right seed this year based on last year is, at best, a guessing game.”

Breimer recommends relying on trusted seed partners to make the best selection for the upcoming season. “Your seed partner(s) should have a good idea about what kind of soil you are farming and what your objectives are (rotation, end-use, and so on),” he explains.

“I realize that when margins are getting tight like we are currently experiencing, it can be tempting to focus on the price, but I believe the support you get from your partner(s) in selecting the right varieties up front is important.”

He stresses that, given the current price of seed, farmers should aim to partner with seed suppliers to provide both pre-season and in-season support.

Gosling also advises farmers to consider the age of their seed and whether it has been tested for fungal issues in addition to the usual germination and vigour tests.

He further notes that new seed varieties should constantly be tested on the farm or in the local geography to ensure they perform well in the specific growing conditions.

Managing weather conditions

Breimer emphasizes the importance of patience when it comes to planting.

“There is a big difference between planting on April 25 in cold, wet conditions and planting on May 25 in slightly warmer but still wet conditions,” he says.

“Chances are that the later planting is going to warm up quicker. Nothing sucks more than planting that expensive seed and having it take five weeks to emerge – that is going to impact yield potential.”

Farmers must also understand the length of the planting window required to complete all their acres.

“If you need seven days on average to get things planted, you have more flexibility than the individual that needs 15 days to get everything planted,” Breimer explains.

“The seven-day operation is likely more patient than the 15-day one. The 15-day operation may need to make some tougher decisions than the seven-day operation.”

Gosling says it’s essential to manage soil in different weather conditions.

“The trend of hot and dry weather through July, the most yield-influential period of a crop’s life, has been a major yield suppressor lately.”

He suggests one solution: “Protect your soil with armour, using straw.” Without this protection, soil temperature increases, affecting soil biology and moisture retention.

Check equipment

Walter Grose of Husky Farm Equipment stresses that equipment checks are crucial, not only for planting machinery but also for manure spreaders, as farmers prepare to spread after a long winter.

“When you are getting ready to plant, you should be getting ready to spread manure if you have it,” Grose says.

“Check your tires for slow leaks; check your manure pump and spreader bearings. I always rock the wheel at the top. If it moves, you need to look at the bearings.”

He adds that monitoring the temperature of moving parts in manure equipment is vital. “A heat build-up might be a warning sign of worn parts,” he says. “If something breaks, it could be a big issue and cost valuable time during the busy season.”

With rising replacement part costs, Grose advises farmers to manage equipment maintenance during the off-season to avoid delays. “The more you can manage on your own in downtime, the better,” he says.

“Grease and oil are cheap.”

Plan for success

Gosling emphasizes the importance of planning ahead for a successful planting season. “You always need to plan ahead,” he says.

“Know what your cost of production is on a crop, or better yet, on a field-by-field or zone-by-zone basis.”

He encourages farmers to adjust their strategy if specific fields or zones are continually unprofitable, suggesting they may need to “let the rent go or seed a zone into grass to mitigate the loss.”

Proper planning also extends to purchasing inputs.

“Take advantage of input purchasing with early discounts with a great plan instead of scrambling in the spring,” Gosling advises. “This will greatly improve quality of life.”

Breimer agrees, pointing out that poor decisions often stem from lack of preparation or stress.

“Preparation helps mitigate this. It won’t eliminate it, as Mother Nature and the markets will ensure enough stress is still around, but it might make it more manageable.”

Breimer also highlights the importance of relying on a support network, including seed, equipment, fertilizer, and crop protection partners. “You are not alone; lean into your support network and business partner,” he urges.

“They all want to see the farmer succeed because when the farmer succeeds, the entire team succeeds.”

While the 2025 planting season will bring challenges, farmers can mitigate risks and enhance their chances of success by taking proactive steps.

Breimer: “These may seem like simple things, but they can make the biggest difference during this time of year.” BF