Safeguarding Crops with Pre-Harvest Interval Calculator

Jun 25, 2024

Ensuring Safe and Efficient Crop Harvesting

By: Farms.com

In the world of agriculture, protecting crops and ensuring their safe and efficient harvesting is paramount. One tool that has proven to be invaluable in this regard is the Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) Calculator provided by Keep it Clean.

The PHI is a crucial factor in crop protection. It represents the minimum number of days that must pass between the application of a product and the cutting of the crop.

This interval ensures that the product’s active ingredient has sufficient time to break down in the plant, preventing any unacceptable residues from being left behind.

The pre-harvest interval calculator offers two main functions:

Calculate PHI: Simply enter your crop type and the product you have sprayed. The calculator will inform you how many days after application you must wait before cutting your crop. This ensures that you meet the required PHI and maintain crop safety.
Find a Product for a Specific Timeline: Enter your crop type and pesticide type, then use the slider to indicate when you plan to cut the crop. The calculator will suggest which products, if any, can be applied to meet that timeline. This feature is especially useful for planning and managing crop schedules effectively.

Remember, the calculator is a helpful tool, but it's crucial to always read and follow the instructions on the product label. This includes information on application rates, timing, and the specific PHI for that product.

By following these steps, farmers can ensure they are using crop protection products safely and effectively, while protecting their harvest and market access.

Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.