Renaissance Nutrition, Inc.

10/16/2026

Benchmark Numbers from Lely Robot Training 2026

Key Numbers:
Visits/day > 2.6 robot visits/cow/day
Refusals >1.0%
Failures

10/09/2026

Fall and winter are important times to evaluate the nutrient needs of an alfalfa crop and develop a fertility plan for the following growing season. Soil testing provides valuable information about soil fertility, including potassium and phosphorus levels, and can help producers and crop advisors make informed fertilizer decisions. Maintaining adequate nutrient availability as alfalfa enters dormancy can improve winter survival, support spring growth and help extend the productive life of the stand.
Potassium is particularly important for alfalfa. It plays a critical role in root development and overall plant health. Fields testing low in potassium may benefit from a fall application before dormancy, allowing the nutrient to be available to the crop as it resumes growth in the spring. Many nutrients can be safely applied during the fall or winter with minimal risk of nutrient loss, although fertilizer recommendations should always consider field-specific conditions. Applying fertilizer during these seasons may also provide an economic advantage, as fertilizer prices can sometimes be lower later in the calendar year. Additionally, fall or winter applications eliminate the need to drive across potentially wet fields in early spring, reducing the risk of soil compaction, rutting and equipment damage.
Before making a fertilizer application, however, producers should consider factors such as field slope, proximity to water and the potential for nutrient movement. These site-specific considerations are important for developing an environmentally responsible nutrient management plan.
Accurate soil sampling is the foundation of a successful fertility program. Soil moisture should be considered when sampling. Following dry conditions, waiting for approximately one inch of rainfall can help ensure adequate soil moisture and more representative nutrient levels. Sampling soil that is too dry can make it difficult to collect cores at a consistent depth and may result in misleading nutrient measurements. Conversely, soil that is excessively wet can also affect sampling depth and consistency. Ideally, soil sampling should be delayed for about a week after a soaking rainfall.
Consistency and accuracy are equally important. Soil samples should generally be collected from the same areas and at a consistent depth, typically 6 to 8 inches, to allow meaningful comparisons over time. Sampling at different depths can produce significantly different nutrient results because nutrient concentrations are often greater in the upper portion of the soil profile. Soil testing on a regular schedule, such as every four years, can help identify changes in soil fertility and guide future fertilizer applications.
Finally, producers should use a reputable or certified soil-testing laboratory and focus on trends rather than individual test values. Consistent sampling and reliable laboratory analysis provide a stronger foundation for evaluating changes in soil fertility. Reviewing these trends with a crop advisor can help producers develop nutrient management strategies that support alfalfa productivity, winter survival and long-term stand health.

10/07/2026

Canola versus Soybean Meal (SBM)
Historically, nutritional consultants have valued canola at 80% of the value of SBM. So, if soybean meal is $400/ton, canola is a good buy if it is under $320/ton. Others use the $75/ton spread as a guideline to determine which is a better buy. Either way works. Canola pricing is only $20/ton less than SBM right now. So, no matter how you calculate it, canola is not a good buy in dairy diets.

Chicago is assuming a large US soybean harvest this fall following a larger than average harvest in South America and planned large planting intentions in South America again this fall. All of this has put pressure on soybeans despite the world protein price improving over the last 10 months (see milk check and milk protein price to confirm). This has kept SBM pricing a little lower than it should be.

The 2026 canola harvest yield looks to be average or above. But canola crush demand and export demand are both high right now. These factors along with increased diesel and freight prices have combined to raise canola meal prices and narrow the SBM-canola price spread.

Removing canola and replacing it with 68% SBM, 29% soyhulls and 3% Biofos (IF the additional phosphorus is needed) should save you about $0.05 to $0.06/hd/day when feeding around 5.5 lbs of canola. Actual savings will vary based on the canola feeding rate but this gives you a starting point.

Keep this in mind when prospecting. Telling a prospect that they can save a nickel on protein cost if feeding canola just might get their attention.

09/29/2026

09/13/2026

This week is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week!

We would like to take a moment to recognize the truck drivers who help keep agriculture moving every day. From hauling feed and supplies, to transporting livestock and products, your hard work keeps farms and businesses running.

We appreciate the long hours, miles traveled, and dedication you bring to the job. Thank you for all you do to support agriculture and for keeping our industry, and others, moving forward!

09/11/2026

What is Test Weight?
Test weight is a measurement of bulk density, or weight per volume. For corn specifically, test weight is determined by measuring the weight of shelled grain (at 15.5% moisture) required to fill the volume area equivalent to that historical, volume-based bushel (32 quarts). The USDA designates 5 grades by which yellow corn is categorized based on test weight. Grading of corn also
includes variables such as damaged kernels and foreign material, but for our purposes here we will focus on only test weight.

Test Weight & Grain Value
When corn test weight is below 54 pounds, the grain merchandiser may pay less for those bushels. This value reduction is referred to as “dockage,” and is applied to recover increased storage and
transportation cost for that grain, and to cover potential discounting (based on U.S. Grade) by the eventual purchasing party. The specific value of dockage will vary by merchandiser.

Test Weight & Grain Moisture
The test weight value used to determine U.S. Grade is a measure of corn bulk density (weight by volume) at 15.5% moisture. Corn is often sold at a grain moisture content above, or sometimes
below, 15.5% moisture. The test weight of grain at 15.5% moisture will be higher (heavier) than it is at higher grain moisture contents.

Test Weight & Yield
There is often confusion between test weight and yield, and the relationship between the two. Hybrid yield is defined as the number of bushels (56 pound increments) harvested per acre. There
is no correlation between hybrid yield and test weight. A hybrid with the capability to produce high yields may produce grain with a test weight that is exceptionally high, average, or very low.

Variables Impacting Test Weight
The physical kernel characteristics inherent to a hybrid greatly impact test weight. For example, a small, dense kernel that packs together tightly will contribute to a higher test weight than a large
starchy kernel that does not pack well. Also, kernels with a smooth cap will pack better (higher test weight) compared to kernels with a rough cap (average or lower test weight). stress during grain fill
can negatively impact the potential test weight of a hybrid in any individual field. This reduction may result from many different types of stress, including leaf diseases, root or stalk rots, poor soil
fertility, and/or drought, hail or early frost. These stresses reduce the amount of sugar produced by the plant and therefore how much is available to deposit as starch in the kernels during grain fill.
The net result of this sugar production deficiency, or “short-fall” will be both smaller kernels and reduced test weight, with more severe stress resulting in a greater reduction.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from Renaissance Nutrition!

Today we celebrate the hardworking people that keep our farms, families, and communities moving forward.

From before sunrise to after sunset, farmers and agricultural workers put in the work to keep food on our tables.

Here’s to the people who never shy away from hard work!

Wishing all of our farmers, families, customers, and friends a safe and happy Labor Day!

Thank you for all you do!

REMINDER– our Renaissance Corporate Office is CLOSED today. We will re-open Tuesday September 8th at 8:00AM.