Field Crop News

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

June 30, 2009    Vol. 09:17

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Weather Outlook
• Soybean Aphids Found in PA
• Moldy Hay and Mycotoxins
• Beware of Hot Hay Causing Barn Fires
• Bioenergy and Field Crops Update
• Farming Soybeans the “Ugly Way”
• Five Acre Corn Club Enrollment Time
• Soybeans Harvested as Forage
• Marketing Mulch Hay
• Crop/Double Crop Options Following Small Grains
• Upcoming Events

Weather Outlook — Paul Knight, Pennsylvania State Climatologist

Below average temperatures and spells of showery weather will be the rule for the next week. Wednesday and Thursday will see showers over more than 70% of the state, but amounts will generally be around a quarter of an inch (0.25”). Readings will stay 4–8F degrees below normal. A period of more settled and milder conditions is expected on Friday and part of Saturday (July 4^th) until another mound of cool air descends on the region for the first half of next week. Some showers and scattered thunderstorms are likely later Saturday and again on Sunday across the northern counties. Drier weather will follow for the first few workdays of next week. However, the air will be unseasonably cool perhaps leading to nighttime minimums in the 30’s in the cold pockets of the north and as low as the upper 50’s in the urban areas of the south. At this point, there are no indications of a sustained warm spell until after July 10.

A notable wet period is possible in the latter half of July or August. The hurricane season should have most of the storms develop after August 20. Very cool conditions are likely during September, with perhaps an unusually early end to the growing season in the northern counties. The development of a weak El Nino conditions in the Pacific portend a wetter winter (and probably snowier) in the state.

Soybean Aphids Found in PA — John Tooker, PSU Entomology Specialist

We have received the year’s first report of soybean aphid colonizing Pennsylvania soybean fields. On Monday 28 June, a sentinel soybean plot at Penn State’s Entomology Research Farm at Rock Springs, PA was found to have a low population of aphids (approximately five aphids per plant). This plot is one of five in the state tracking soybean aphid populations for the national soybean ipm PIPE initiative (http://sba.ipmpipe.org/cgi-bin/sbr/public.cgi?host=All%20Legumes/Kudzu&pest=soybean_aphid), which is a national effort to track the spread of soybean aphid and soybean rust. This website allows visitors to follow the spread of aphids and their population growth across the country. Participating states, including Pennsylvania, will occasionally post commentaries on activity in their states.

Ever since soybean aphid was first detected in Pennsylvania in 2001, odd—numbered years have been boom years for this pest species. Unfortunately, 2009 is looking to be another boom year with large soybean aphids populations expected across the Midwest and Eastern US. Despite the low numbers of aphids at present at the moment, growers would be wise to scout their fields regularly in the coming weeks. Soybean aphids develop clonally without going through an egg stage. In fact, young aphids can already be ‘pregnant’ when they are born, so populations can increase exponentially in warm weather typical of later in July and August.

When it comes to managing soybean aphids, I want to stress three things. First, natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) can do a great job controlling early populations of soybean aphids, so avoid treating fields early with insecticides and give the natural enemies a chance to contribute to control. It is important to remember that these early low populations (less than 250 aphids per plant) do not cause significant yield loses. Second, research has revealed that the most important factor in efficiently and economically managing soybean aphid populations is treating fields at the right time: just when they reach the economic threshold of 250 aphids per plant. Treat earlier and money might be wasted; treat later and the effort might prove to be ineffective. This timing is far more important than the identity of the insecticide used. Lastly, remember that tank mixing insecticides with herbicides and/or fungicides is an inefficient way to attempt to control soybean aphids. Often the residual in these insecticide applications is not long enough to offer good control and the lower pressure used to apply the herbicide/fungicide does not provide the coverage needed for good insect control. Good luck!

Moldy Hay and Mycotoxins — Marvin Hall, Penn State Forage Management

Editors Note: The following article was prepared by: Dan Undersander, University of Wisconsin; Marvin Hall, The Pennsylvania State University; Richard Leep, Michigan State University; Glenn Shewmaker, University of Idaho; Don Westerhaus, Kemin AgriFoods North America; and Lon Whitlow, North Carolina State University.

Haymaking conditions this spring have been poor. Much hay has been rained on or left lying in the field for prolonged time periods due to cool and humid conditions which reduced drying rates. The long drying periods with high humidity allowed field growth of mold on the hay.

Poor drying weather has also meant that some hay was put up wetter than usual and mold growth occurred in storage. With wet weather and high humidity, normal drying in storage may not occur and hay can retain elevated levels of moisture allowing mold growth. Mold will grow on hay without preservative at moisture levels above 14% to 15%. The mold growth produces heat and can result in large amounts of dry matter and TDN (total digestible nutrient) loss — a loss of carbohydrates and binding of proteins. In some cases, heating can be great enough to cause spontaneous combustion and hay fires. Drying of stored hay (moisture loss) is enhanced by ventilation, creation of air spaces between bales, allowing ample head space above a stack of bales in a barn for moisture to evaporate since moisture tends to move up and out the top of a stack of bales, avoidance of other wet products in the same area (if enclosed storage), reduced size of stacks, alternated direction of stacking, and not placing tarp directly over a stack in the field because that traps moisture.

Molds commonly found in hay include Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporum, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, and Rhizopus. These molds can produce spores that cause respiratory problems, especially in horses or other animals fed in poorly ventilated areas and, under some conditions, will produce mycotoxins. There is much confusion about mycotoxins in forages because several mycotoxins may be present, diagnostic methods are not consistent, and treatment and control recommendations lack needed research. While most molds do not produce mycotoxins, the presence of mold indicates the possibility of mycotoxin presence and animals being fed moldy hay should be watched carefully for mycotoxin symptoms.

Mycotoxins effects on animals:

1. intake reduction or feed refusal;
2. reduced nutrient absorption and impaired metabolism, including altered rumen fermentation and microbial growth, diarrhea, intestinal irritation, reduced production, lower fertility, lethargy, and increased morbidity;
3. alterations in the endocrine and exocrine systems;
4. suppression of the immune system which predisposes livestock to many diseases and may increase milk somatic cell count. A suppressed immune system may also cause lack of response to medications and failure of vaccine programs;
5. cellular death causing organ damage.

Mycotoxins may cause acute (immediate) health or production problems which are most common in horses and other non—ruminants. In cattle, mycotoxins more likely will contribute to chronic problems including a higher incidence of disease, poor reproductive performance, or suboptimal milk production. Ruminants are somewhat protected from acute toxicity because the rumen destroys a large portion of most mycotoxins. However, rumen degradation of mycotoxins may hide the acute symptoms resulting in undetected chronic problems including reduced feed consumption, altered rumen fermentation, reduced production, lower fertility, lethargy, and increased morbidity.

The mycotoxins of greatest concern are those produced by Aspergillus (aflatoxin, gliotoxin, fumitremorgens, fumigaclavines), Fusarium (deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T–2 toxin), and Penicillium (PR toxin, mycophenolic acid, roquefortine C, patulin), but other mycotoxins can be present. There are about 400 different known mycotoxins.

Increased attention to field and storage management may help reduce the incidence and concentration of mycotoxins in forage. Heavily contaminated forage may need to be discarded. Lightly contaminated feed can be diluted and used for animals under less stress. Dry cows and transition cows should receive clean feed because they are exposed to or are soon to be exposed to greater stress.

A therapy that has been effective is the use of mycotoxin adsorbents that bind with mycotoxins in the feed and reduce their absorption by the animal. This effectively reduces, but does not eliminate, mycotoxin exposure to the animal. In cattle, a robust rumen fermentation can help maximize mycotoxin detoxification. Therefore, the use of sufficient effective fiber, buffers and microbial products to stimulate rumen function can be helpful. Because many nutrients interact with mycotoxins to modify their toxicity, optimal levels of nutrients can be helpful to reduce mycotoxin effects. In particular, antioxidants (selenium, vitamin E, synthetic antioxidants, etc.) can help protect the animal against increased oxidative stress caused by mycotoxin exposure.

If you have mold in hay, watch for the symptoms mentioned above. If hay is dusty (from mold spores) take care in feeding to sensitive animals and those in areas with poor ventilation. If mycotoxin symptoms are observed, check with a nutritionist to make sure the ration is properly balanced and possibly with a veterinarian to eliminate other disease/health problems. Quick test kits (ELISA kits) are available (you can find a listing at http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/gaston/Agriculture/mycotoxins/mycotest.html) to determine presence of a limited number mycotoxins. A word of caution; they can give false positives. Some forage testing laboratories will provide other mycotoxin tests. Often, the best strategy is to remove a suspected mycotoxin—contaminated feedstuff from the diet and see if symptoms disappear. If mycotoxins are present, the feedstuff can often be fed at a diluted rate and/or with approved feed additives.

In summary:

• Most molds are harmless — not producing known mycotoxins.
• Many of the commonly diagnosed mycotoxins are produced in the field prior to harvest.
• While vomitoxin (DON, deoxynivalenol) is a toxic mycotoxin, its presence has been used as a “marker” for the potential presence of other more toxic mycotoxins. Therefore the observed responses to vomitoxin are highly variable.
• Positive ELISA tests should be retested by laboratory analysis (e.g. HPLC or GC tests) since current ELISA tests can give false positives.
• If a mycotoxin problem is suspected, a comprehensive review of herd nutrition and health is essential — e.g. herd problems blamed on mycotoxins may be other disorders or nutritional issues. Diagnosing a mycotoxin problem is difficult and often involves the elimination of other possible factors.
• Certain feed additives have proved to be helpful in treatment.
• The physical dust problem associated with moldy forage can be reduced by ensiling, mixing with a high moisture feed or wetting the hay, but these will not reduce mycotoxins if present.

Beware of Hot Hay Causing Barn Fires — Davis Hill EMT—P, Penn State Agricultural Emergencies Program

This year’s unusually wet spring and early summer has led many farmers to store hay that’s wetter than normal, increasing the danger of barn fires. Often, farmers have reported that they know the hay they are baling is wetter than they’d like, but with additional rain forecast, they are taking a chance, hoping to save a better—quality product versus letting the rain cause the crop to deteriorate in the field. Consequently there has been an increase in barn fires during the past few weeks, at least some of which were caused by hot hay igniting through spontaneous combustion.

Most farmers strive to bale hay that is field dried to 20 percent or less in moisture. At this moisture content, the baled hay can cure properly and maintain quality. Some farmers are reporting having to bale their hay at 25 percent moisture. With moisture content that high, hay under storage conditions will generate more heat than can safely be dissipated into the atmosphere. As temperatures rise, dangers of spontaneous combustion increase. Farmers need to be diligent in checking their hay, especially if they know they baled hay that was wetter than normal. Smoldering hay gives off a strong, pungent odor. This odor is an indication that a fire is occurring. If even the slightest smell is present, farmers should attempt to take temperature readings of the stack.

Reaching inside a hay stack will give a cursory clue. If it feels warm or hot to the touch, that’s a good indication that problems may exist. Taking temperature readings of the stack is most important and the only real way of determining how bad the potential fire problem is before flames ignite.

Infrared thermometers and digital thermometers are accurate, and local fire companies may be willing to come out with thermal imaging cameras to evaluate a situation. Most would prefer to come out prior to an actual fire event, as a way to help avoid a catastrophic fire. A number of fire companies and silo—fire experts also have probes available that producers can borrow to help them monitor a stack of hay.

Research and experience suggest that farmers and firefighters should be aware of several critical temperatures and action steps involving heated hay. These are:

• Temperature 125° F —— No action needed.
• Temperature 150° F —— Entering the danger zone. Temperatures should be checked twice daily. If possible, stacked hay should be disassembled to allow more air to move around heated bales for cooling.
• Temperature 160° F —— Reaching the danger zone. Temperature should be checked every two hours. If possible, stacked hay should be disassembled to allow more air to move around heated bales for cooling.
• Temperature 175° F —— Hot spots or fire pockets are likely. If possible, stop all air movement around hay. Alert fire service of a possible hay fire incident.
• Temperature 190° F —— Remove hot hay. This should be done with the assistance of the fire service. The fire service should be prepared for hay to burst into flames as it contacts fresh air.
• Temperature 200° F or higher —— Remove hot hay. A fire is almost certain to develop. This should be done with the assistance of the fire service. The fire service should be prepared for hay to burst into flames as it contacts fresh air.

Keeping a watchful eye on heating hay can save your barn or storage building. Checking the temperature of suspected or hot hay can help you make critical decisions. If you see the temperature rising toward the 150 degree range, you might consider moving the hay to a remote location, away from any buildings or combustible material. If a hay fire is to happen, it’s better to have it away from your main hay storage or barn. Use caution when moving heated bales, because they can burst into flames when they are exposed to fresh air. Wetting hot bales down before moving them can help control this hazard.

Bioenergy and Field Crops Update — Greg Roth, Grain Crop Management

There continue to be many opportunities in the potential for field crops for energy in our state. Here is a brief update on some of the activities:

In conjunction with Headwaters RC&D and Biomass Connections, we will be hosting the Central Pennsylvania Bioenergy Production Workshop at the Penn State University Park campus. We will be addressing a number of timely issues including switchgrass production, biomass production issues on reclaimed mineland, potential markets for biomass, and potential economic models for biomass based energy. A new mobile pelletizer will be included on our field tour at the end of the day. For more information, the program brochure can be found at the following website: http://fcn.agronomy.psu.edu/pdf/central_pa_bioenergy_workshop.pdf

Weather damaged small grains are potential energy feedstocks and have some good value for this use. For example, on a dry matter basis, wheat and corn have similar heat contents. Check out this reference for details on various ag commodities compared to wood pellets, (http://www.auri.org/research/fuels/pdfs/fuels.pdf). The staff at the agronomy research farm installed a grain furnace to burn waste grain, which replaced electric forage dryers. The net result is savings of about $1500/year.

If you are considering getting a residential pellet or grain stove for heating, this could be a good year to do it, since you may qualify for a 30% tax credit on the stove. Here are some details on the tax credit from the Pellet Fuels Institute: http://www.pelletheat.org/3/residential/taxCredit.html

The Bionol ethanol plant in Clearfield is slated to be completed by the end of the year. I drove by the facility a few weeks ago and it is impressive. For some details on the facility, visit their website: http://www.bioenergyllc.com/fuels.htm

Interest is growing in miscanthus around the state. Miscanthus is a very high yielding perennial tropical grass. Dr. Hall has planted our first Miscanthus plot at Landisville and will be monitoring its production in the next few years.

Farming Soybeans the “Ugly Way” — Bill Curran, Weed Science

I see more and more fields planted to soybeans that go way past when weed control should be applied. Although soybeans are fairly resilient compared with corn to weed competition and can tolerate early season weeds for a few weeks, many fields did not receive a burndown herbicide or not the correct one and now have large annual weeds that are competing with the soybeans. No-till soybeans that did not receive a burndown application are at greatest risk (we recommend always starting clean (with tillage or herbicide) to ensure the greatest yield potential).

Assuming you start clean, in general it is important to remove weeds by 5 to 7 weeks after soybean planting. We conducted an experiment at Rock Springs in 2003 looking at weed competition in no-till soybeans. In this trial, we included glyphosate applied at planting time (0 weeks), and at one, two, three, and four weeks after planting. In addition, we included a no herbicide treatment, a sequential application which would be a more recommended practice (0 weeks followed by (fb) 5 weeks after planting) and a glyphosate plus residual herbicide applied 1 week after planting. In this study, soybeans were planted on May 22 in 7 inch rows. Weed severity in this study was intense with common ragweed being the dominant species. A single application of glyphosate produced a minimum of a 27% yield loss and up to 52% when applied at soybean planting time with nothing following in crop (Table 1). The glyphosate plus residual treatment was not very effective in this study, because the residual herbicide did not effectively control the ragweed. In the end, weed density and severity will be the determining factor on how herbicide application timing impacts yield. So, even when starting clean, control weeds by 5 weeks after planting in moderately infested fields and by 7 weeks after planting with lighter infestations. Also, remember that small seedling weeds are easier to control and that higher herbicide rates and/or combinations of herbicides may be necessary for larger weeds. Later applications can also help select for resistant weeds, because they may survive the herbicide, set seed and eventually evolve into a tolerant/resistant population.

Glyphosate timing in no-till soybeans (Rock Springs, 2003).

Treatment	Yield (bu/A)	Reduction (%)
No herbicide	8	83
0 weeks (burndown)	23	52
1 weeks	26	46
2 weeks	32	33
3 weeks	34	29
4 weeks	35	27
Plus residual @ 1 week	33	31
0 weeks fb 5 weeks	48	0
LSD (0.05)	6	—

Five Acre Corn Club Enrollment Time — Greg Roth, Grain Crop Management

Now is the time to consider entering fields in the Pennsylvania Five Acre Corn Club. As part of this program we have been monitoring corn yields throughout the state in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Corn Growers Association and corn growers around the state. Last year was a phenomenal year and it will be very interesting to see how this year unfolds. Yields have been increasing steadily in the program. In 1998, for example, 93 club members averaged 165 bushels per acre. Ten years later in 2008, yields from 65 members averaged 219 bushels per acre, or 54 bushels per acre higher than in 1998. I’ll provide more detailed analysis of club results later in the year. In the meantime, consider enrolling a field you’re working with in the club. Early registration deadline is July 1. This year a late registration deadline of August 1 was added. Enrollment forms and rules can be found at: http://cornandsoybeans.psu.edu/corncl.cfm

Soybeans Harvested as Forage — Craig Altemose, Centre County Extension Educator

Most producers grow soybeans with the intent of having them mature for grain and harvesting at least 40 bushel (bu) per acre. In today’s market that value is $480. Harvesting them for forage at relative maturity of R6 (pods green and fully developed and 2 to 4 green soybeans fully developed in the pod) would yield on average 3.5 ton of dry matter (DM) per acre with quality that matches alfalfa haylage. That market value at $150 per ton of DM is $525.

Now, I realize there is a mind set to have roasted soy in the ration for dairy cows and if you grow 45 bu/acre or better, that makes sense, looking at the dollar value. But if the soybeans get stressed during pod fill from drought and it looks like the plants aren’t going yield what they normally do, you may want to consider harvesting them as forage. Soybeans under stress harvested between R4 and R6 maturity will yield on average 2 to 2.5 ton/acre of DM (Crude Protein (CP) 18% to 24%, Net Energy Lactation 62 to 70 Mcal/lb, fat as high as 8%, Acid Detergent Fiber 30%, and Neutral Detergent Fiber 40%). At 2 ton of DM/acre forage ($300) the breakeven for grain is 25 bu/acre.

Results of some of the research I have been involved with include: a feeding trial was done on a farm in Centre County comparing soybean silage to alfalfa haylage in the dairy ration to the low group in the herd. Results showed a 4lb/cow/day increase in milk production with the soybean silage. In another study looking at double cropping soybeans after barley harvested for grain July ^15th, the soybeans were harvested as forage on October ^2nd just prior to a frost at R4 maturity. The yield was 2 ton/acre DM, at 23% CP and a Relative Feed Value of 150.

Soybeans harvested as forage are usually 75% to 80% moisture. Wilting of at least 1 day is usually needed to get them down to 65% moisture. An exception can be under drought stress, where sometimes the whole plant will be as low as 65% to 70% moisture already.

Harvesting can be done basically 4 different ways:

• A Corn chopper if the beans were planted in 30” rows (this method has the least amount of pods and leaves left in the field). But the moisture may be a little high for storage. The pods and leaves carry most of the quality and digestibility. The pods contribute the most to the yield as forage.
• For 7” and 15” rows: a disc mower works well especially when harvested at R–6 maturity or before (less leaf and pod loss). Make sure to open your conditioning rollers all the way or you will squeeze the soybeans out of the pod and onto the ground. A mower that leaves a wide swath would work well.
• A cutter bar type mower works well if sharp. Make sure you have a chopper that is in good condition or it will knock the pods and leaves off as well.
• The other option is to use a Kemper head if the soybeans are not to low on the stem (8” or higher) and the soybean plants are standing mostly upright. If they are lodged and laying across each other, you will have problems.

Soybean forage can be stored in a bunk or trench silo at 70% moisture or slightly higher. I like to see the moisture going into an Ag Bag at about 65% but you can get away with as high as 70% and still have good fermentation and quality. You can do round wrapped bales at about 65% moisture but put 3 to 4 wraps around the bale to prevent the stems from poking through. If there is a lot of stem, during feeding, the cows may pick it out and not eat it. For storage in an upright silo wilting to a moisture range of 60% to 65% is recommended prior to chopping. Consider putting an enzyme and lacto—bacillus inoculants on the forage to enhance fermentation.

Marketing Mulch Hay — Mena Hautau, Berks County Extension Educator

Many stands of grass hay are over mature due to the lack of good weather to get them harvested. Where can you go with this type of hay? Mulch hay can be used for animal bedding and by the mushroom industry to create high quality compost.

Mushroom composters want grass hay that is mature hay or last year’s hay. They do not want alfalfa, hay infested with broadleaf weeds, wet and moldy hay or hay bales that are collapsed. They want lignified hay, not hay with a high protein content.

Mushroom growers prefer large square bales but if farmers bring small square bales, it just means more work for the seller when unloading. Round bales are acceptable, but composters will pay less.

Prices offered by the mushroom farms are less than the price of hay for feed and fluctuate with the market. A current quote was given at $70.00/Ton. The Penn State Agronomy Guide estimates the cost to just maintain an acre of grass hay at well over $100/T. Call mushroom composters for details about the price, delivery times and locations. Mushroom farms frequently advertise in Lancaster Farming or you can go to this link from the American Mushroom Institute: http://www.americanmushroom.org/comp.htm

Cover Crop/Double Crop Options Following Small Grains — Sjoerd Duiker, Penn State Soil Management

Barley harvest is underway, wheat harvest is just about to get started, and oat harvest is going to take place within the next month. It is a good time to get ready for double crop options and cover cropping. Maintaining an actively growing root system in the soil year—round improves soil quality, while the growing (cover) crop keeps weeds down and can fix or recycle nitrogen for next year’s crop. Some options include: (1) double crop soybeans need to be established immediately after small grain harvest; (2) winter canola needs to go in at the end of July or beginning of August — there are some good reports of success with winter canola in northwestern PA this year, and the market is expected to grow in years to come; (3) hay established in August can be very successful because of low weed pressure compared to spring seedings; (4) sorghum—sudan grass should be established as soon as possible now to provide a cutting of forage this fall; (5) hairy vetch and (6) crimson clover need to be established in August (central and northern PA) or early September (southern PA).

It is recommended to establish summer seedings using no—till practices as rainfall has its highest intensity at this time of the year, and can cause major wash—outs in tilled fields. In addition, the mulch cover will conserve moisture, which is often a critical issue in Pennsylvania summers. It will be very important to make sure that the planter or drill is set up properly to place the seed at the right depth and get good closure of the seed slot. If the soil is dry, high penetration resistance calls for extra weight on the drill or planter and heavy down—pressure springs. If the soil is moist, extra attention is needed to slot closure. Slugs are present and if we hit a wet period can do significant damage, even in the summer. If seed slots are not closed properly, slugs will have the greatest potential to cause stand loss by destroying the germinating seeds.

Upcoming Events

Register Now for the Rock Springs Agronomy Weed Tour — July 9, 2009

Attend the Annual Agronomic Weed Control Research Tour at Penn State — July 9, 2009 at the Penn State Agronomy Research Farm, Rock Springs, PA (Meet at the Agronomy Farm, Rock Springs, Rt. 45 west of State College, enter Gate D). A number of experiments will be showcased and available for viewing including new corn, soybean, sweet corn, and potato weed control trials. New herbicides include Balance Flexx, the Kixor products (Sharpen, Integrity, and Optill), Corvus, Capreno, Envive, Halex GT, Ignite, Authority Assist and First, Sonic, and Valor XLT to name a few. You will have the opportunity to see Dupont’s GAT corn and potential programs for that. In addition see how the roller/crimper is working on cereal rye and hairy vetch in reduced and no herbicide systems.

Pest Management CCA CEU’s and Pesticide Recertification Credits will be available.

Agenda:

8:30–9:00 am - Registration
9:00 am–12:00 noon - Tour
12:00 noon–1:00 pm - Catered lunch

PreRegistration for this event will be $20.00 and includes lunch and a tour book. Walk-in Registration the day of the event will be $25.00. To register by credit card, go to http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?5S,M3,ea617e7d-a373-4a32-8029-ff1a08fb0b49 or contact Lisa Crytser in the Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences at lac8@psu.edu or 814-865-2543.

Register Now: Penn State Agronomic Diagnostic Clinic, July 28–29 — Dwight Lingenfelter, PSU Weed Science

We are about a month away from the annual field Clinic. Below, please find information about the upcoming Penn State Agronomic Field Diagnostic Clinic held on July 28 and 29, 2009, 9am – 4:30pm at the Penn State Agronomy Research Farm near Rock Springs, PA.

This year’s Clinic will include sessions on:

• Controlling ammonia volatilization
• Detecting planter errors
• Insect pest monitoring and management
• Forage grass identification and fit
• Alternative cover crops

(CCA, NM, and pesticide credits will be available.)
Visit http://cropsoil.psu.edu/extension/clinic.cfm for more information about each topic.

The cost is $60/person. ($80 after July 21)

To register, please visit: http://cropsoil.psu.edu/extension/clinic.cfm and use the “on—line” registration system or complete the hard—copy form and fax or mail it. Credit card payments will be accepted. Phone—in and email registrations are discouraged. (Note: when using the registration system, please make sure to complete all the necessary steps.) If you have questions about the Clinic please contact Dwight Lingenfelter (dwight@psu.edu). We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Clinic!

Contributors: Extension Educators: Craig Altemose (Centre), Joel Hunter (Crawford), Mena Hautau (Berks), Dwane Miller (Schuylkill). State Specialists: Bill Curran, Sjoerd Duiker, Marvin Hall, Davis Hill, Ron Hoover, Greg Roth, John Tooker, Paul Knight

Editor: Dwane Miller, Schuylkill County

Upcoming Events

Real time pest and heat unit activity: http://agsci.psu.edu/news/spotlight/pa-pipe

Calendar of Events: http://www.events.psu.edu/cgi-bin/cal/webevent.cgi?cmd=opencal&cal=cal209&

If you have any questions or would like to suggest a topic, please contact your local Extension Educator.

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