This spring so far has been cold and wet with short spurts of warm sunny days in-between. This weather cycle for the most part kept producers out of field and allowed the winter annual weeds to flourish the past couple of weeks. As we look ahead to the next couple of weeks in hope of getting out to the fields to do spring no-till burndown applications, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. <Read More>
Friday, April 19, 2013
The Planting Date Conundrum for Corn
Conventional wisdom says that the prime planting window to maximize corn yields in much of Indiana opens about April 20 and closes about May 10. This “window” typically opens about one week later across the northern tier of Indiana counties (later warmup) and about one week earlier across the southern tier of Indiana counties (earlier warmup).
Very little corn, if any, has been planted in Indiana yet this spring as of 14 April. By itself, this is not much cause for concern because typically only a very small percentage of acres are ever planted by this date in Indiana. However, the specter of delayed planting is clearly on the horizon because little other spring fieldwork has been completed due to the frequent and sometimes excessive rainfall in recent weeks. For some growers, tillage operations, herbicide applications, and nitrogen fertilizer applications must be completed first before they can consider planting their crops.
What are the consequences of a delayed start to planting? How important a predictor of statewide corn yield is planting date anyway? Does late planting in and of itself guarantee lower than normal yields? Good questions, but the effect of planting date on statewide average corn yield is not clearcut. <Read More>
Very little corn, if any, has been planted in Indiana yet this spring as of 14 April. By itself, this is not much cause for concern because typically only a very small percentage of acres are ever planted by this date in Indiana. However, the specter of delayed planting is clearly on the horizon because little other spring fieldwork has been completed due to the frequent and sometimes excessive rainfall in recent weeks. For some growers, tillage operations, herbicide applications, and nitrogen fertilizer applications must be completed first before they can consider planting their crops.
What are the consequences of a delayed start to planting? How important a predictor of statewide corn yield is planting date anyway? Does late planting in and of itself guarantee lower than normal yields? Good questions, but the effect of planting date on statewide average corn yield is not clearcut. <Read More>
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Impact of Cool Temperatures on Wheat Herbicides
Jim Martin, University of Kentucky Extension Weed Scientist
The cool temperatures we experienced this spring caused some wheat growers to delay herbicide applications in anticipation of better weather. Stress conditions such as cool temps tend to limit physiological process in plants; therefore, slowing the response of weeds to the herbicide. The desired level of control may eventually be achieved; however, in some instances the slower activity may allow time for some weeds to recover. The slower activity caused by environmental stress, such as cool temperatures, may also limit wheat’s ability to metabolize herbicides, thus resulting in injury.
The immediate forecast doesn’t look favorable which prompts growers to ask “Do I spray or wait for better weather?”
The logical choice would be to wait for improved conditions if the size and number of weeds are small. However, if the size or number of weeds dictates to spray, consider an herbicide option that has the greatest margin of safety and is effective on the weeds that are present. Cool temperatures may have less of an impact on controlling weeds that are highly susceptible than those that are marginally susceptible.
The following are some tips to consider as we progress through the next few days,
• Harmony and Harmony Extra are examples of ALS- inhibitor herbicides that can injure wheat in cool wet soil conditions. Injury may also occur if wide fluctuations of day and nighttime temperatures occur prior to, or soon after, application It is not clear to what extent, if any, the injury observed for Harmony and Harmony Extra impacts wheat yield. The labels of these products recommend adding 2,4-D as a tank mix partner to limit the risk of injuring wheat from the ALS-inhibitor herbicides. It is important to recognize the safest time to use 2,4-D in wheat is when plants are fully tillered and prior to jointing.
• Some growers may be tempted to include Clarity, Banvel, or other products that contain dicamba as a tankmix partner with other herbicides to enhance control of certain broadleaf weeds. Avoid using dicamba once wheat begins to joint in order to limit the risk of injuring wheat.
• When controlling wild garlic with Harmony, Harmony Extra, or similar generic products, allow time for plants to develop 2 to 4 inches of actively growing tissue. The new growth emerges from the base of the plants and not from the old leaves that have tip burn from cold temperatures.
 |
| Snow covered wheat in late March |
The cool temperatures we experienced this spring caused some wheat growers to delay herbicide applications in anticipation of better weather. Stress conditions such as cool temps tend to limit physiological process in plants; therefore, slowing the response of weeds to the herbicide. The desired level of control may eventually be achieved; however, in some instances the slower activity may allow time for some weeds to recover. The slower activity caused by environmental stress, such as cool temperatures, may also limit wheat’s ability to metabolize herbicides, thus resulting in injury.
The immediate forecast doesn’t look favorable which prompts growers to ask “Do I spray or wait for better weather?”
The logical choice would be to wait for improved conditions if the size and number of weeds are small. However, if the size or number of weeds dictates to spray, consider an herbicide option that has the greatest margin of safety and is effective on the weeds that are present. Cool temperatures may have less of an impact on controlling weeds that are highly susceptible than those that are marginally susceptible.
The following are some tips to consider as we progress through the next few days,
• Harmony and Harmony Extra are examples of ALS- inhibitor herbicides that can injure wheat in cool wet soil conditions. Injury may also occur if wide fluctuations of day and nighttime temperatures occur prior to, or soon after, application It is not clear to what extent, if any, the injury observed for Harmony and Harmony Extra impacts wheat yield. The labels of these products recommend adding 2,4-D as a tank mix partner to limit the risk of injuring wheat from the ALS-inhibitor herbicides. It is important to recognize the safest time to use 2,4-D in wheat is when plants are fully tillered and prior to jointing.
• Some growers may be tempted to include Clarity, Banvel, or other products that contain dicamba as a tankmix partner with other herbicides to enhance control of certain broadleaf weeds. Avoid using dicamba once wheat begins to joint in order to limit the risk of injuring wheat.
• When controlling wild garlic with Harmony, Harmony Extra, or similar generic products, allow time for plants to develop 2 to 4 inches of actively growing tissue. The new growth emerges from the base of the plants and not from the old leaves that have tip burn from cold temperatures.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Winter Temperatures, Corn Flea Beetle Survival, and Potential for Stewart’s Wilt
- Corn flea beetle winter survival is expected to be low in northern and central Indiana.
- Moderate survival is expected for southern Indiana, higher in the Ohio River valley.
- Corn flea beetle is a vector of Stewart’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight of corn.
- Seed applied insecticides generally prevent early corn flea beetle feeding.
Corn flea beetle is a sporadic corn pest in Indiana and has had little impact of recent years. Still, winter temperatures in regions where beetles were abundant last season will determine if there is cause to be concerned this spring for susceptible inbreds and hybrids. This is especially important since this insect transmits the bacterium that causes Stewart’s disease in corn. The severity of the disease correlates with last season’s beetle abundance and this winter’s temperatures. This is because the Stewart’s wilt bacterium survives in the gut of the overwintering beetles and depends upon the beetle to infect corn. Warmer temperatures result in higher beetle survival, and therefore a greater potential for Stewart’s disease. <Read More>
Friday, March 15, 2013
Workshop Helps Entrepreneurs Cook Up a Home Food Business
Midwestern entrepreneurs interested in starting their own food business can learn how to begin and grow their enterprise at a Purdue Extension workshop in Indianapolis.
"An Introduction to Starting a Specialty Food Business in Indiana" will be held April 25 from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Indiana Farm Bureau offices, 225 S. East St. Sessions will cover a variety of topics, including business planning, marketing, entrepreneurship, product development and packaging, as well as issues specific to food businesses, such as food safety, food regulations and organic products.
Featured presenters will include Sharon Farrell of the Indiana State Department of Health and Cissy Bowman and Jessica Ervin of Indiana Certified Organic.
Other presenters will be Purdue's Katherine Clayton, food science Extension outreach specialist; Maria Marshall, agricultural economics associate professor; and Steve Smith, managing director of the Food Science Pilot Plant and Sensory Laboratories.
"This workshop is a great introduction to all of the issues that you're going to have to deal with before you start a food business," Marshall said. "The food industry is very competitive, and this workshop will help you make sure you know what you're getting into."
Registration is $100 per person and is due by April 17. For more information or to register, click here or contact Marsha Pritchard at 765-494-0889 or mpritcha@purdue.edu.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Upcoming Events - Farm Succession Planning & Perry-Spencer Crop Day
Farm Succession Planning Series
Family farmers can get tips from Purdue University specialists on business communication and dealing with accounting and legal issues during a succession planning program offered at 10 sites in Indiana.
“Cultivating Strong Indiana Farm Family Relationships for Today and Tomorrow” will be offered in early 2013. The program is presented by Purdue’s Women in Agriculture and Farm Succession Planning teams in partnership with the North Central Risk Management Education Center.
Kelly Heckaman, Purdue Extension educator in Kosciusko County, said Indiana farmers and farm wives have asked educators for advice on handling their family businesses.
“In order to get estate planning started in families, they need to be able to communicate about it. And it’s an emotional topic, so it can be hard to get those conversations started,” Heckaman said. “The workshops will give families ideas on improving their conversations and skills to help them work through their problems and keep their families intact.”
Heckaman said the program is a collaboration between Extension and local communities, as organizers will invite local accountants and attorneys to speak on financial strategies.
The first-session agenda topics are: “A Great Year to Farm: New Farmer Financial Skills,” “The Team Approach: Working Together Through Transition” and “Communicating for Success.”
The second session’s lineup is “Business Structure and Taxes,” “The Truth about Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements” and “Managing Conflict.”
Registration is $50 for individuals or $100 for families up to four members. Locally, the program will be offered at the Vanderburgh Co. 4-H Fairgrounds, 201 E. Boonville New Harmony Road, Evansville, on February 19 and 26, from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM CST.
For more information, please contact Purdue Extension-Spencer County at (812) 649-6022 or nheld@purdue.edu. Registration brochures are available online.
Perry-Spencer Crop Day
The annual Perry-Spencer Crop Day program will be held Thursday, February 21 at 6:00 PM CST at the Fulda Sportsman Club. The program will feature Dr. Chuck Mansfield, Purdue Extension Agronomist, speaking on “Wheat Nutrient Management and Drought Effects on Soil Nitrogen”. The program will also feature an update on new fertilizer application regulations affecting farmers.
The cost to attend is $5.00 per person, including the meal, and is payable at the door; however pre-registration is requested by February 14. PARP and CCH credit is available for an additional $10 fee. Two CCH credits will be available in categories 1, 14, and RT.
For more information, or to register, please contact Purdue Extension-Spencer County at (812) 649-6022 or nheld@purdue.edu.
Family farmers can get tips from Purdue University specialists on business communication and dealing with accounting and legal issues during a succession planning program offered at 10 sites in Indiana.
“Cultivating Strong Indiana Farm Family Relationships for Today and Tomorrow” will be offered in early 2013. The program is presented by Purdue’s Women in Agriculture and Farm Succession Planning teams in partnership with the North Central Risk Management Education Center.
Kelly Heckaman, Purdue Extension educator in Kosciusko County, said Indiana farmers and farm wives have asked educators for advice on handling their family businesses.
“In order to get estate planning started in families, they need to be able to communicate about it. And it’s an emotional topic, so it can be hard to get those conversations started,” Heckaman said. “The workshops will give families ideas on improving their conversations and skills to help them work through their problems and keep their families intact.”
Heckaman said the program is a collaboration between Extension and local communities, as organizers will invite local accountants and attorneys to speak on financial strategies.
The first-session agenda topics are: “A Great Year to Farm: New Farmer Financial Skills,” “The Team Approach: Working Together Through Transition” and “Communicating for Success.”
The second session’s lineup is “Business Structure and Taxes,” “The Truth about Pre- and Post-Nuptial Agreements” and “Managing Conflict.”
Registration is $50 for individuals or $100 for families up to four members. Locally, the program will be offered at the Vanderburgh Co. 4-H Fairgrounds, 201 E. Boonville New Harmony Road, Evansville, on February 19 and 26, from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM CST.
For more information, please contact Purdue Extension-Spencer County at (812) 649-6022 or nheld@purdue.edu. Registration brochures are available online.
Perry-Spencer Crop Day
The annual Perry-Spencer Crop Day program will be held Thursday, February 21 at 6:00 PM CST at the Fulda Sportsman Club. The program will feature Dr. Chuck Mansfield, Purdue Extension Agronomist, speaking on “Wheat Nutrient Management and Drought Effects on Soil Nitrogen”. The program will also feature an update on new fertilizer application regulations affecting farmers.
The cost to attend is $5.00 per person, including the meal, and is payable at the door; however pre-registration is requested by February 14. PARP and CCH credit is available for an additional $10 fee. Two CCH credits will be available in categories 1, 14, and RT.
For more information, or to register, please contact Purdue Extension-Spencer County at (812) 649-6022 or nheld@purdue.edu.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Upcoming Event - Area Corn and Soybean Day
Purdue Extension Educators from southwest Indiana are
hosting an Area Corn & Soybean Day for grain producers interested in
receiving agronomic, as well as, a local grain market update. The event is being held on Tuesday, February
5th at the Vanderburgh County Fairgrounds Activities building,
beginning with registration at 8:00 AM CST.
Purdue University Agronomy Specialists Bob Nielsen, Shaun
Casteel and Jim Camberato will be the featured speakers on corn, soybeans and
fertilizer topics. In addition,
representatives from area grain elevators will conduct a panel discussion on
grain marketing issues. PARP, CCH, and CEU credit is available.
A complete list of speakers and topics is
available here.
Weekly Outlook - Update on Corn Consumption
March 2013 corn futures are currently trading about .25 above the closing price on January 10 and about .10 below the high reached on January 16. The spot market basis also remains very strong in most markets. The USDA’s Grain Stocks report released on January 11 confirmed that feed and residual use of corn from June through November 2012 had been large, implying that consumption had not been sufficiently rationed following the small crop of 2012.
On-going changes in livestock production are mixed, but may be contributing to a slightly slower pace of feed consumption. The number of cattle in feedlots continues to be well below the level of a year ago as a result of the multi-year liquidation of the cow herd. The number of cattle on feed on January 1, 2013 was 5.6 percent below the inventory of a year earlier, about the same magnitude of decline reported on December 1, 2012. Placements into feedlots during December were only 0.7 percent less than during December 2011. <Read More>
On-going changes in livestock production are mixed, but may be contributing to a slightly slower pace of feed consumption. The number of cattle in feedlots continues to be well below the level of a year ago as a result of the multi-year liquidation of the cow herd. The number of cattle on feed on January 1, 2013 was 5.6 percent below the inventory of a year earlier, about the same magnitude of decline reported on December 1, 2012. Placements into feedlots during December were only 0.7 percent less than during December 2011. <Read More>
Friday, January 18, 2013
Weekly Outlook - USDA Reports Provide Some Price Direction
On January 11, the USDA released a series of reports that
provide important fundamental information for the crop markets. The information
included the final estimate of the size of the 2012 U.S. corn and soybean crops,
estimates of December 1 crop inventories, a winter wheat seedings estimate, and
updated U.S. and world supply and consumption forecasts for the current
marketing year.
For corn, the 2012 U.S. crop is estimated at 10.78 billion
bushels, 55 million larger than the November forecast. The estimate of planted
acreage of corn for all purposes was increased by 209,000 acres, the estimate of
acreage harvested for grain was reduced by 346,000 acres, and the yield estimate
was increased by 1.1 bushels per acre. The production estimate was larger than
the pre-report average trade guess of just over 10.6 billion bushels, but the
estimate of December 1, 2012 stocks of corn was actually much smaller than the
average guess. <Read More>
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