CMEG Crop Management Extension Group

Field Crop News

Website Address: http://fcn.agronomy.psu.edu/

June 17, 2008    Vol. 08:15

IN THIS ISSUE:

N Applications to Second Cutting Grass — Dave Messersmith, County Educator in consultation with Doug Beegle and Marvin Hall

If the weather remains cool and wet then nitrogen application to grass after first cutting will still pay for itself. While the price of N has gone up it is also important to remember that the cost for purchased hay has also gone up.

At $600/ton for urea and application rate of 35 lb N/acre then the cost would be $50/acre. With hay at $200/ton then you only need to increase yield by 0.25 ton to justify the N application. Unless the weather is really hot and dry then I think a 0.25 ton, or more, increase is easily obtainable.

Even though our economic optimum nitrogen recommendations for grass hay were developed based on $80/ton hay and $.25 /lb N, at today’s prices of $200 /ton hay and $.65/lb N those recommendations are still valid because the critical thing in determining economic optimum N rates is the ratio of crop price to N price. The ratio today is very similar to what it was when we developed the recommendations. Thus the recommendations are still valid even though prices of fertilizer and hay have both increased dramatically.

New PSNT Video Available — Doug Beegle

With the high N prices and considerable early season weather variability, in-season adjustments in N management on corn can pay high dividends. The Presidedress Soil Nitrate Test (PSNT) for corn is an excellent tool to improve sidedress N management decisions. Over 20 years of research and experience with the PSNT in PA has shown that, while there is still considerable uncertainty in any N recommendation, recommendations based on the PSNT are about twice as accurate as sidedress recommendations made without using this test.

John Rowehl, York Co. Cooperative Extension and Jonathan Rotz, Cumberland Co. Cooperative Extension have produced a short video on sampling for the PSNT. The timing (at least 12" tall corn) and method of sampling (12" deep samples) for this test are very critical. This video provides instruction on when and how to sample for this test. The video is available on the Penn State Crop Management Group (CMEG) Web site. Agronomy Facts #17 Presidedress Soil Nitrate Test for Corn which provides written details on this test is available at the same site.

If you plan to use this test, it would be very worthwhile to review this video to make sure you are following the proper procedures to get a valid test and recommendation.

How late can you apply Post herbicides in corn? — Bill Curran, Weed Science

This is the time of year that rescue treatments in corn may be considered in the southeast part of the state and maybe timely first applications in the central and northern portions. Below is a table that outlines corn height restrictions for selected post herbicides.

Table 1. Application restrictions for selected postemergence corn herbicides.
Product Size Restriction Comments
Broadcast Application Directed Application
Accent 20 inches or V6 20-36 inches or V10 -
Aim V8 V14 Use drop nozzles or directed sprayers that target weeds but spray away from the corn whorl.
atrazine (all products) 12" - Water quality restriction
Banvel/Clarity/dicamba 5 leaf or 8 inches (1 pt); 8-36" (0.5 pt) - Watch potential drift onto susceptible crops
Basis 6 inches or V2 - -
Buctril/bromoxynil pretassel - Application before 3-leaf stage may result in corn leaf burn
Callisto 30 inches or 8-leaf - -
Distinct 10 inches (6 oz); 24 inches (4 oz) 24 to 36 inches Up to 2 weeks before tassel emergence
Equip V4 UP to V8 -
glyphosate V8 or 30 inches 48 inches Roundup Ready only
Halex GT 30 inches or V8 - Roundup Ready only
Harmony GT 16 inches or V5 - -
Hornet 20 inches or V6 20-36 inches -
Impact No size restriction (45 day harvest interval) - -
Laudis V8 - -
Liberty 24 inches or V7 36 inches Liberty Link only
Marksman 5 leaf or 8 inches - -
Option 16 inches or V6 36 inches or <V8 -
Permit Lay-by Lay-by -
Require Q 20 inches or V7 - -
Resolve Q 20 inches or V7 - -
Status 36 inches or V10 - -
Steadfast 20 inches or V6 - -
2,4-D amine or ester <8 inches 0.5 pt (up to 36 inches) Some formulations allow up to tassel

Poisonous Pasture Plants — Bill Curran and Dwight Lingenfelter, Weed Science

We have received several calls about poisonous plants in pastures, so here’s a quick review. A productive pasture is important to reduce the potential incidence of toxic weed exposure to livestock. Remember to soil test and maintain the proper lime and fertility levels. If possible, routinely mow or spray to manage weed problems within and around pasture area. Scout your pastures and remove poisonous weeds before they cause livestock health problems. A number of plants contain potentially poisonous substances that may be toxic to livestock if consumed. In addition, certain plants may be problematic because of mechanical irritation when eaten, photosensitization, and disagreeable tastes or odors in meat, milk or milk products. If you suspect livestock poisoning, call your local extension educator or veterinarian immediately. Identify the suspected plants and remove livestock from the grazing area until all poisonous plants have been removed or destroyed. Table 2 lists some common plants and their poisonous properties; many other plants can be toxic to livestock.

Table 2. Some common poisonous plants of Pennsylvania.
Common name Problem/symptoms Effective herbicides/controls
Buttercups (herbaceous perennials) Leaves and stem especially in flower. Dried hay loses toxicity — anorexia, salivation, weakness, convulsions, breathing difficulty, death. (1-3% of body wt.) Crossbow, Cimarron Plus, Forefront, and 2,4-D+dicamba (apply at bud to bloom or late summer)
Cherry, black (woody perennial) Leaves (wilted leaves are worse), stems, bark and fruit — anxiety, staggering, breathing difficulty, dilated pupils, bloat, death. (< 0.25 lb fresh/100 lb animal) Remove branches or trees that invade pasture areas
Hemlock, poison (biennial) All plant parts — nervousness, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, paralysis, trembling, dilation of pupils convulsions, and coma, death. (0.25 to 4% fresh of body wt.) Crossbow, 2,4-D+dicamba (most effective in the rosette stage)
Jimsonweed (summer annual) Entire plant (seeds are most toxic — Thirst, mood swings, convulsions, coma, death. (0.06-0.09% dry of body wt.) Small seedlings easily controlled with several pasture herbicides (2,4-D no effective)
Locust, black (woody perennial) Leaves (especially wilted), seeds, and inner bark — Causes weakness, depression, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea. (0.04-0.1% body wt. — horses most sensitive) 2,4-D+dicamba
Milkweeds (herbaceous perennials) Entire plant — depression, muscle tremors, spasms, bloat, difficult breathing. (0.3-0.6% body wt.) 2,4-D+dicamba (bud to bloom or late summer)
Nightshade species (summer annuals or herbaceous perennials) Includes eastern black nightshade, smooth and clammy ground cherry, horsenettle, and bitter nightshade. Vegetation, unripe fruit — loss of appetite, salivation, weakness, trembling, paralysis. (0.1-0.3% body wt.) Crossbow, dicamba, and Overdrive
Pigweed species (summer annuals) Foliage (worse in drought) — kidney disease, weakness, edema, rapid respiration. (0.5-1% of diet) Crossbow, Cimarron Plus, 2,4-D, dicamba, and Overdrive
Pokeweed, common (simple perennial) Entire plant, especially roots — gastrointestinal cramps, weakened pulse, respiration, salivation. (∼100-200 berries/1000 lb) Crossbow
Snakeroot, white (herbaceous perennial) Leaves and stem — constipation, loss of appetite, salivation, rapid respiration. Toxin passes through milk (milk sickness). (1-2% body wt. - cumulative) Crossbow, dicamba, Overdrive, and 2,4-D+dicamba
St. Johnswort (herbaceous perennial) Flowers and leaves — photosensitivity which leads to redness of muzzle, around eyes, and around white hair. Crossbow, 2,4-D+dicamba

PA Corn Stand Variability—a survey in process. — Del Voight, Interim Grain Crops Specialist

Each year I see fields that have doubles, skips, uneven corn and wonder if growers truly understand the loss that results in a poorly maintained planter. For this reason I initiated a survey to determine this variability and see how Pa Measures up to other states. A method developed by Purdue to estimate the effect of the spacing variability of a corn stand is useful in crop production. We are only part way into a survey of Pennsylvania fields to determine the average variability of stands. This is accomplished by measuring the distance between each plant. If the target is 6 inch spacing in corn then theoretically every plant is then spaced across the field at that given spacing. An assessment of the spacing isaccomplished by measuring the distance between each plant and recording that data to determine the average spacing. By conducting this survey of your fields you will also be able to assess each row unit and determine if an issue exists.

Indiana Extension Agronomists surveyed fields and found that the best a producer could accomplish was a deviation of 2 inches from the targeted distance. Sixteen percent of Indiana fields averaged 3 inches, 60% of the corn fields averaged 4 inches in deviation and 24% average 6 inches of deviation. Based on Purdue University research for every 1 inch over the best attainable 2 inch deviation a 2.5 bu/acre loss occurs in those fields. This equates to, in Indiana, 60% of the producers lose about 5 bu/acre per year, due to variability of the stand.

In Pennsylvania here is what we found at this time. Of the 23 fields surveyed in three Counties an average deviation of 3.25 was recorded. Figure 1 is an example of a deviation of spacing within two rows of planted emerged corn. Notice the variability of the stand. The spikes indicate large gaps or skips in the stand and the small bars indicate a double (plants spaced right next to each other).

Figure 1: Spacing variability of corn in Franklin, PA.

Figure 1: Spacing variability of corn in Franklin, PA.

It appears that the data is showing currently that Pa Corn Growers are not doing too bad for deviation from the norm. Of all fields the average deviation of 3.25 indicating a loss of only 3 bu/acre. We still need to finalized another 80 fields to arrive at some conclusions but right now it looks encouraging. It appears that we tracking with Indiana’s results. Figure 2. illustrates the deviations for each farm surveyed to date. We have many more to complete. There are growers that could improve. Further the Agronomy Educators that completed the survey also were able to work with growers to diagnose and determine adjustments to improve the planters performance.

Figure 2: Average deviations across surveyed fields.

Figure 2: Average deviations across surveyed fields.

One top grower a member of the State Corn Club and whom averages over 225 bu/acre of corn over a three year period had a deviation of only 1.8. Remember deviations over 1 inch from the 2 inch standard equates to a 2.5 bu/acre loss so in this case this grower can rule out spacing variability as a cause of poor yield.

Assess corn stands for deviation at: http://lebanon.extension.psu.edu/Agriculture/FarmMgt/Corn.htm. This Excel spreadsheet allows one to fill it in and determine the spacing. Once you have this spreadsheet head to the field with a measuring stick and begin determine the distance between plants. Enter the data and see how your field measures up.

Grain Prices & Weather — Lehigh Valley Grain Marketing Club to hold Twighlight Dinner — John Berry (Lehigh)

At least two big concerns are on the minds of many grain and livestock farmers this spring.

  1. Can anybody tell me what grain markets will be doing?
  2. Does the recent Midwest weather have an impact on me?

The challenges of production agriculture can be many. This season it seems we may be facing a few more than usual. For an opportunity to learn from experts and each other you may want to consider attending an upcoming grain marketing twilight dinner.

The next meeting of the Lehigh Valley Grain Marketing Club is Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 5:00 p.m. at Dan Hunsicker’s farm, 2731 Hilltop Road, Mertztown. This pig roast dinner has been such a hit we’re doing it again. Here is an excellent opportunity to invite a spouse, partner, or neighbor to participate. We’ll eat first. Our sponsors are funding the evening so there is no registration fee to you, but please call 610.391.9840 to let us know you are coming so we can better plan the food.

We have three great topics this year — seed and pest management technology, grain markets, and long-term weather. Bring your questions. We have an opportunity to learn with the unusually high powered collection of expertise available this year.

Gunnar Klish, Managing Director with E-Hedger, is with Iowa Grain Company. He has been at the CBOT for 20 years, at the CME for 2 and has extensive experience in South America. Iowa Grain Company has a track record of over 35 years of success, service, and stability with a robust floor presence at the CBOT and CME; including a pioneer roll in the emerging dairy market. Iowa Grain’s current clients include grain elevators, crushers, cattle feeders, local floor traders, introducing brokers, other industry professionals, and grain producers. Gunnar will share how Iowa Grain sees current market conditions and expected trends into the near future.

Al Peterlin has a varied and diverse environmental background. He earned a BS in Atmospheric Dynamics from the University of Oklahoma and then served as an active duty officer in the U. S. Air Force. After leaving active duty, Al was employed by the National Weather Service for almost 26 years and served in positions as varied as weather forecaster, agricultural forecaster, Disaster Preparedness Hydrologist, NEXRAD Hydrologist, Deputy Division Hydrologist and finally as Supervisory Meteorologist, Deputy Program Manager for AWIPS. Al was also Chief Meteorologist for the USDA. He has testified before Congress and appeared on most major national television and radio news programs. Al is an internationally recognized expert on issues of weather, climate, and agriculture.

Corn Club Deadline Approaching — Del Voight and Dr. Greg Roth

Another corn crop is underway, with many stands are looking good and some potential for great yields again this year. Its time now to consider entering the PA Five Acre Corn Club. A joint effort between Penn State Cooperative Extension and the Pennsylvania Corn Growers Association. Each year approximately 100 corn producers across the state participate in this program to share knowledge and experiences in growing high yields of corn. Over the years Five Acre Corn Club members have documented considerable changes in corn production including narrower rows, higher plant populations and use of transgenic hybrids. These have contributed to consistent and significant improvements in yield.

To participate in the Corn Club program, complete the entry form by July 1, 2008 and return it to us at: 5-Acre Corn Club, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, 116 ASI Bldg., University Park, PA 16802. Registration fee is $20. Awards are made for highest yields in both tilled and a no-till/strip till class and for three year participants in each class. Each participant in the program receives a summary of all of the entered fields, including hybrids used, inputs and yield data from each. Rules and entry forms are available online.

Consider enrolling in the club this year. It’s a great way to share information with other top growers in the state. We will have an awards program this year at the Professional Crop Producers Conference on February 17th and 18th, 2009.

QUALISOY Expands Popular Program to Share Profit Opportunities for New Traits — educational program coming to a field day near you. — Craig Williams (Tioga)

QUALISOY directors and staff will hit the road this year to bring the latest news on low-linolenic and other improved soybean traits straight to the field. Greg Anderson, immediate past chairman of the United Soybean Board and a soybean farmer from Newman Grove, Neb., serves as QUALISOY’s chairman. “The QUALISOY Field Day educational tour proved so popular last year that we decided to renew the program this year,” Anderson says. “Bringing relevant information about new traits straight to farmers is crucial to the success of the soybean industry. Our customers in the food industry demand trait-enhanced soybean oils to make the foods we eat healthier. And our customers in the feed industry want trait-enhanced soybean meal to produce feeds that add value to animal diets. The Field Day program is a grassroots effort to teach farmers about these new traits and how they can profit from growing them.”

In a partnership with the National Association of County Ag Agents (NACAA), QUALISOY will host presentations and distribute educational materials to soybean farmers at field days in 10 states. Field Day attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a raffle for a hand-held global positioning system (GPS) unit, a power-tool set or a digital camera and printer. “We appreciate the opportunity to partner with NACAA on this program,” Anderson says. “Because of NACAA’s help in promoting the program to extension agents, we have been able to grow this program and expand it from six states last year to 10 this year.” Farmers, industry partners and media are encouraged to attend these field days.

QUALSOY Field Day Tour Dates:

*Represents Field Day locations with low-linolenic soybeans in their test plots.

QUALISOY is a collaborative effort among the soybean industry to help market the development and availability of trait-enhanced soybeans and soybean oil, reduce environmental impacts of livestock production through improved soybean meal and improve the global competitiveness of the U.S. soybean industry. A diverse 22-member QUALISOY Board of Directors sets research priorities, evaluates existing and emerging technologies, and sets quality standards for traits, products and processes. For additional information on soybean industry efforts, QUALISOY’s activities and its Board of Directors, visit www.QUALISOY.com. NACAA is the major organization representing county agents and extension educators. For more information on NACAA and its outreach and professional development activities, visit www.nacaa.com.

REAP Applications Available Online

Guidelines and applications for the 2008-2009 REAP tax credit program are available online. The State Conservation Commission Conservation Service will be accepting applications Aug. 4 on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contributors: Paul Craig (Dauphin), Andrew Frankenfield (Montgomery), Jeff Graybill (Lancaster), Mena Hautau (Berks), Mark Madden (Sullivan), Dave Messersmith (Wayne), Tom Murphy (Lycoming), Grant Troop (Lebanon), University Park: Doug Beegle, Bill Curran, Sjoerd Duiker, Marvin Hall, Ron Hoover

Editor: Joel Hunter (Crawford)

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