By Liz Stahl and Jeff Coulter

Growers are finding high populations of volunteer corn in their fields this spring.  Factors likely contributing to this include lodging in many fields last fall due to poor stalk quality and drought conditions, and higher harvest losses due to low grain moisture at harvest.  Other factors that can lead to high populations of volunteer corn the following year include storm damage and ear droppage.  The question arises:  When are populations of volunteer corn high enough to warrant control?  

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
UPDATED May 22 5:30 p.m.
The link listed here provided Central MN Alfalfa Harvest Alert Scissors-Cut data obtained through May 21. Additional Information might be added to this report on May 23 later in the afternoon or evening. If so it will be edited here at this link. We will sample again on Thursday Morning, weather permitting.

It looks like finding a WEATHER opportunity may be the primary decision factor for a lot of the hay crop in this area now milk cow quality hay. There are some fields yet that are just starting to show some bud development and might have a little time to grow yet.

PAST HAIL. Good news for hailed off field on May 1 north of Albany. It is a very nice looking stand of 12 inch alfalfa now. Nearly every stem was broken at 3 to 7 inches by the hail.
 
Remember, for scissors-cut sampling, we like to have 3-4 samples that are 3 or 4 days apart to establish a trend line to gain more confidence in the numbers.

Alfalfa Harvest Alert Data 2012 May 21.pdf

ALFALFA WEEVIL RESOURCE. There a couple notes at the end of the posted report finding some alfalfa weevil larva in a field today... and a resource listing some threshold guidelines. Here's another:
AW trtmnt thresholds.pdf

Leafhopper populations are increasing in the northern RRV. Fields which held low numbers on Friday have significantly increased populations this week. These are all winged adults and so are likely the populations from the southern part of the state that are migrating north. We don't have any data on what impact on yield these higher populations of leafhoppers may have on small grains but sap-feeding leafhoppers generally don't impact yield. Having said that, leafhopper populations in typical years are much lower; in dry conditions, sap feeders have been known to exacerbate drought stress. Generally, leafhoppers are more important as vectors of the disease, Aster Yellows (AY). Caused by a phytoplasm, AY can infect wheat, and under the right conditions cause yield loss. Symptoms show up a couple of weeks after infection by the leafhopper and include yellowing of leaves, often accompanied with reddish or purple coloration (similar to BYDV).

There have been several reports from the northern RRV of yellowing in small grains fields (see figure at bottom). While the primary symptom of Aster Yellows is yellowing leaves, it's felt that leafhopper populations have not been established in the northern part of the valley long enough for AY to be the cause of this discoloration. On the other hand, there's some indication that yellowing now being seen in the northern RRV is likely related to nitrogen and potassium deficiencies. Even in fields which typically have high potassium or good nitrogen levels, the dry soil conditions may be making these nutrients unavailable to the plants. So, yellowing may not necessarily be AY, but something else.

There have been a lot of questions about adding insecticide along with the next herbicide application in efforts to kill off leafhopper populations. Technically, not a difficult practice; almost any insecticide labeled in small grains will kill leafhoppers, and the small, thin crop canopy means there will be less of a deleterious effect of applying insecticides with the lower pressure and larger drop size you get from herbicide nozzles. But, as we currently have no data on the effect on grain yields of these high leafhopper populations, nor on how much AY is being transmitted in the field, we cannot provide a recommendation for or against this practice.

If you considering treating fields, there are a few points to keep in mind about your expected outcomes (you may need to modify your expectations):

1) AY phytoplasm is transmitted very quickly by the leafhoppers (just like non-persistent virus by aphids). If you have heavy populations of leafhoppers in your fields, plants may already be infected with AY. We know from experience that insecticides, both foliar and seed treatments, are not effective in managing quickly transmitted plant diseases (e.g. PVY in potatoes). In the time the insecticide takes to do its job, the disease can be transmitted. Consequently, don't be too surprised if there are AY infected plants in fields later this season after you had successful leafhopper control.

2) AY symptoms can be similar to those caused by a number of nutrient and other disease factors, including early-season tan spot, BYDV, nitrogen or potassium deficiencies. Removing the leafhoppers will not be effective in solving the underlying cause of yellowing.

3) The thin crop canopies make for a reduced expectation of insecticide residual. They allow UV light, wind, and any moisture available onto all the leaves. These are the environmental factors that break down the active ingredients in insecticides. The plants are also still relatively small, meaning more vegetative material is going to develop, none of which will be protected by insecticide.

4) Shorter residual means potential re-infestation by immigrating populations of leafhoppers. Keep scouting fields.

5) Early spraying may remove predator insects that can limit later populations of aphids. If we get aphids later in the season, sprayed fields may require re-treatment. If aphids infest local grain fields, keep a close eye on their numbers (85% stems with more than one aphid present).

6) Leafhopper populations in the south are decreasing so we may well see similar dynamics here in the next week or two.

Bottom line - we can't recommend spraying, we can't recommend not spraying - we just have no data. But even if a field is treated, you may have to modify your expectations.

- Ian MacRae (UMN), Jochum Wiersma (UMN), Janet Knodel (NDSU), and Bruce Potter (UMN)

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
UPDATED MAY 18 9 PM
The link listed here provides Central MN Alfalfa Harvest Alert Scissors-Cut and PEAQ data obtained as of May 17. I expect to get a few more lab reports back on Friday and will aim to update the document posted at the link listed here sometime later Friday afternoon.

More buds - and more harvest decisions. As fields appear to meet harvest goals, farmers are making harvest decisions.

Remember, for scissors-cut sampling, we'd like to have 3-4 samples that are 3-4 days apart to establish a trend line to gain more confidence in the numbers. Thinking about a trend line takes out some of the "bounce" we see sometimes from one sample to the next.

Alfalfa Harvest Alert Data 2012 05 17.pdf

Check the notes at the end of the report for some discussion about why we might see better RFV in some fields this year. We'll find out in the feed bunk and for dairy herds in what cows are able to do with it.

CORN EMERGENCE - On another topic, we've had some calls in central MN this week about problems with corn emergence, mainly due to heavy rains around May 1 and 6. One key point to remember is that for corn that starts to leaf out underground, those plants will likely NOT make it to the surface. For some discussion about evaluating stands do a website search for "Minnesota Extension Corn Emergence" or go direct to:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/corn/emergence.html

Please continue to have a safe spring work season, hay harvest, and other things you enjoy in the spring.

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
UPDATED MAY 15 5 pm

The link listed here provides Central MN PEAQ and Scissors-Cut sample information from Monday May 14... and a list from past sampling days for each cooperating farm.

We will have more lab reports for Monday sampling on Tuesday and I will update the link listed HERE with new data as we get it. Remember, for scissors-cut sampling, we like to have 3-4 samples taken 3-4 days apart to consider a trend line to provide more confidence in the numbers. The can bounce up and down some based on the chance of what is clipped each day.
 
Alfalfa Harvest Alert Data 2012 05 14.pdf

Read more for some other observations and resources

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
UDATED MAY 11 about 10 PM
This is the information from PEAQ field notes and Scissors-Cut sample lab tests on May 10 for the Central MN Alfalfa Harvest Alert Project. We expect to get more sample information from today on Friday and we'll aim to update this posting here sometime on Friday night.

Alfalfa Harvest Alert Data 2012 05 10.pdf

The data for entries in the "height" column marked with an asterisk are still from a previous sample date.

Alfalfa at the Poppler farm near Waverly was CUT on Wednesday May 9. It was 24 inches on Monday. Some farms are considering harvest plans for next week, where the crop is ready for their ration targets. Things will likely change quickly if we get warm weather.

Because of the tremendous VARIATION we see in fields this year for a lot of different reasons, it's even more important for farmers to check their own fields and to have a clear idea of their own feed needs related to quality and yield. Some fields are ready now, some might not be ready for 10 days to 2 weeks. Along the way, everyone can wrestle with what they can count on from the weather.

Please note cooperating agribusiness and Extension people who are working with this project as noted at the end of the report, the Central MN Forage Council and cooperating farmers.

Please Plan and Prepare for a SAFE hay harvest.

 

High populations of Aster Leafhopper (also called 6-spotted Leafhopper) have been reported in small grains over the past couple of weeks. Starting in the south but now spreading to northern MN and ND. Aster Leafhoppers are greyish leafhoppers; the adults have clear wings and 6 spots between the compound eyes (Figure 1). Other than their coloration, the adults and nymphs both very much resemble potato leafhopper. The leafhopper uses it's piercing sucking mouthparts to feed on the plant's sap. The damage caused by Aster Leafhopper feeding is more localized than that produced by potato leafhopper. Feeding may produce localized necrosis or stippling (Figure 2), however, damage is much less than that caused by the Potato Leafhopper.
While they may overwinter as eggs in parts of MN, the sudden arrival of large populations of adults, together with the lack of nymphs present, indicates they arrived here from somewhere else. Like many other snowbirds in this area, part of the northern plain's populations overwinter somewhere warmer and return to the north when the weather once again becomes bearable! Once active in the region, Aster Leafhoppers feed on a wide variety of grass and broadleaf plants, crop and non-crop alike. Adults may move between host plants and follow what's green and available.
Disease Vectors - These insects can be economically important in wheat when they vector of Aster Yellows (AY). Feeding injury of aster leafhoppers is less important than disease vectoring. AY has a very wide host range and causes economic losses in several vegetables and ornamentals. If you have seen purple coneflowers with green distorted flowers, you have seen the aster yellows plant disease. Aster yellows is caused be a phytoplasm; an organism similar to a bacterium but without cell walls. When AY infects wheat, it produces symptoms very similar to Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV).
Research has shown that heavy infections of AY can cause yield loss in susceptible wheat varieties. There are anecdotal observations from wheat varietal plots in northern Minnesota, which indicate that AY symptoms may be more severe, or that the disease is aggravated under wet conditions.
Aster leafhoppers acquire the phytoplasm by feeding on an AY infected plant for a minimum of 30 minutes. Acquisition of the phytoplasm increases with longer feeding times. The AY phytoplasm requires another two weeks, to incubate within the aster leafhopper before the leafhopper can transmit the disease to new plants. Consequently, immigrating aster leafhoppers, arriving already infectious for AY, are more likely to vector the disease into fields than the smaller overwintering populations which have to acquire and incubate the phytoplasm before they can infect plants. However, once it acquires the phytoplasm, a leafhopper remains infectious for an extended period of time. Although the acquisition phase may be long, it takes a very short feeding period by the leafhopper to transmit the disease to uninfected plants. Generally speaking, the more disease vectors that are present, the greater the potential for that disease to spread.
Feeding Damage - Other than vectoring AY, there is little data on the impact of very high levels of aster leafhoppers. In most years the populations of aster leafhoppers are lower and their feeding injury has little or no impact on wheat yield. We have no data indicating if this is the case with very high populations of aster leafhoppers such as we are seeing this year.
Management -Unfortunately, there is no clear cut answer as to whether treatment of an individual field is warranted; we have no action thresholds for this insect as it is rarely a problem (the only mention we can find of treatable levels is from a 1935 paper that refers to clouds of leafhoppers at one's feet). There are a number of factors to be considered before making individual decisions.

• High numbers of vectors increase the chances of disease spread


• There is little data indicating that direct feeding damage causes wheat yield losses. There is no treatment threshold (clouds not being a very useful term).


• The rapid transmission of AY may mean that fields with heavy populations of aster leafhoppers may contain plants already infected with the disease, so killing aster leafhoppers to avoid AY may not be effective.


• There's not yet a canopy, plants are small, rapidly adding new leaves and have maximum exposure to wind, sun and moisture, meaning insecticide residual is going to be shorter than later in the season. So there's no guarantee that treated fields may not become re-infested with aster leafhoppers.


• Treating with a broad spectrum insecticide will kill beneficial organisms and may lead to higher aphid populations and BYDV. Bird-cherry oat aphids are already present in southern MN and BYDV is a more serious threat to wheat yield than AY. Populations of aphids in the field would favor treating the field and influence the insecticide used.


• Both Aster Yellows and Barley Yellow Dwarf must be transmitted by insects (aster leafhoppers and aphids respectively). If you see discoloration in the absence of these insects, it isn't AY or BYDV, look for some other cause!

The bottom line is this will have to be an individual's decision and is a field by field situation, please use the facts that we've mentioned above and make the best decision for your production system.

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
UPDATED MAY 9 about 9 PM - Added report from Maus farm near Freeport
The link listed here provides Central "MN Alfalfa Harvest Alert" scissors-cut data and PEAQ readings for May 7 and previous dates.
Alfalfa Harvest Alert Data 2012 05 07.pdf

Some fields are looking about ready, depending on goals, weather and soil conditions. Some fields may be 10 days to 2 weeks later.
Read more for other resources.

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
Hail did some damage to alfalfa fields as well as automobiles and homes on Tuesday afternoon and evening on May 1 at places  from out toward Padua in western Stearns County to Albany. In some fields nearly all stems in established alfalfa were broken as stripped of leaves. These will need to start again with new shoots from the crown. In new emerged alfalfa seedlings, stems broken below the leaves are done. I'll attach an article here written previously by Wisconsin Extension Specialist Dan Undersander that offers some discussions about decisions that might be made.
 Hail Alfalfa Undersander.pdf

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
The link listed here provides Central MN Alfalfa Harvest Alert Scissors-Cut data obtained as of May 5. Addition information might be added to this report on May 7. If so it will be edited here. Remember, for scissors-cut sampling, we like to have 3 or 4 samples that are 3 or 4 days apart to establish a trend line to gain more confidence in the numbers.
Alfalfa Harvest Alert Data 2012 05 03.pdf

For more information about scissors-cut sampling or PEAQ go to  http://www.extension.umn.edu/forages
Or search for Midwest Forage Association

Daniel Kaiser

University of Minnesota Soil Fertility Specialist

Research on Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) has been identifying methods to manage the problem for soybeans. Since 2010 research has been conducted using strip trials within farmers' fields. Currently we are looking for a 5 acre area to conduct a field study looking at the effect of Soygreen and oat cover crops on areas of the field that range from no-IDC to severe IDC. Our goal is to determine the economic benefits of the treatments on varying IDC severity within fields planted with two soybean varieties with varying tolerances to IDC.

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties    
       The Central MN Alfalfa Harvest Alert Scissors-Cut and PEAQ Sampling project has started for 2012 with data collected in Carver, Scott, McLeod, Meeker, Wright, Stearns, Benton and Morrison Counties.
      Data from fields measured and sampled on April 30, 2012 are posted at
 Alfalfa Harvest Alert Data 2012 April 30.pdf
       There could be a lot of variation between fields based on soil moisture conditions, any earlier frost damage, how late fields were cut in the fall, how much growth was on fields in the fall, hail damage, and other factors.
      Some questions have been asked about whether the hay crop will be more mature than height and maturity would indicate because it came out of dormancy so early. The numbers from the first three fields sampled would seem to indicate this won't be much of an issue, but we'll get a better look at that as we see more field and lab results.
       More sampling sites will be started on May 3 and perhaps a couple more next week. Results will be posted here as the information is put together.
Read Further for more information.

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties

This information is from the Sauk Centre Hay Auction held on April 19, 2012. I am posting three reports:

Apr 19, 2012 SC Hay Auction.pdf ...  A list of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold ... grouped by kind of hay, RFV and type of bale ... cost per pound of dry matter and cost per RFV point are calculated.

History of Selected Lots 2011 2012.pdf ... A summary of auctions held this year: Medium Square Alfalfa 101 to 200 RFV divided in 25 point groups, and bedding material.

Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2012.pdf ... A line graph of auction seasons from 2001 to 2012

Read further for a couple observations about the auction and a resource for evaluating hail damage on alfalfa.

The last two auctions of the season are scheduled for May 3 and 17.

You can look at USDA Hay Market Reports at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/LSMNpubs and a "hay wanted" and "hay  for sale" Minnesota Hay List at www.haylist.umn.edu 

The 2012 growing season is well under way. The spring planting progress has been at a record pace, a consequence of a very dry fall and winter and a very warm March. Winter wheat has very little winter injury and stands are generally very good.

The winter wheat crop is at or near jointing and some of the earliest spring wheat fields are not far behind. This means that it is time to start scouting for early season tan spot.

To aid in your decision whether a fungicide is needed to control early seaon tan spot you can go to http://mawg.cropdisease.com to evaluate the risk that conditions are favorable for tan spot to develop. Make sure to select the model for tan spot in the left hand model.

An overview article of control of early season tan spot can be found here:
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/efans/cropnews/2010/05/early-season-tan-spot.html.

Be aware that tank mixing fungicide with certain herbicides can result in temporary crop injury. See here for details here http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/sub/cm/research/2011/mixing/ and http://blog.lib.umn.edu/efans/cropnews/2011/06/early-season-tan-spot-and-risk.html

by Dan Martens, U of M Extension Educator in Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
This information is from the Sauk Centre Hay Auction held on April 5, 2012. It is based on information provided by Stearns DHIA Lab and the Mid-American Auction Company.

April 5 2012 SC Hay Auction.pdf ... A summary of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold... grouped by kind of hay, type of bale and 25 RFV points... cost per pound of dry matter and per RFV point are calculated.

History of Selected Lots 2011 2012.pdf... A summary of hay auctions held this year showing Medium Square Alfalfa 101-200 RFV divided in 25 RFV groups, and medium sq. straw.

Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2012.pdf.. A line graph of these auctions from 2001 to 2012. For the Feb 16 auction, the 176-200 RFV group is just one load - so not really an average.

The next auction at Sauk Centre will be held on Thursday April 19.

Read more for some comments on Other hay market info, Alfalfa and frost, Alfalfa harvest alert scissors cut project, Pricing standing hay, Summer tours, Safety, Useful forage websites.

Daniel Kaiser
Extension Soil Fertility Specialist

Dry fall and early spring soils have led to questions about starter fertilizer application this spring.  While that planting with starter in a dry seedbed can significantly increase the risks, the overall effect will not be known until after planting.  Assessing the situation after emergence will be the best way to determine if damage has occurred due to "pop-up" fertilizer application.  With some corn already planted and fertilizer decisions made there are a few key points to remember when dealing with starter fertilizers.

by Dan Martens, U of M Extension Educator in Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
This information is from the Sauk Centre Hay Auction held on March 15, 2012. It is based on information provided by Stearns DHIA Lab and the Mid-American Auction Company.

Mar 15 2012 SC Hay Auction.pdf ... A summary of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold... grouped by kind of hay, type of bale and 25 RFV points... cost per pound of dry matter and per RFV point are calculated.

History of Selected Lots 2011 2012.pdf... A summary of hay auctions held this year showing Medium Square Alfalfa 101-200 RFV divided in 25 RFV groups, and medium sq. straw.

Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2012.pdf ... A line graph of these auctions from 2001 to 2012. For the Feb 16 auction, the 176-200 RFV group is just one load - so not really an average.

The next auction at Sauk Centre will be held on Thursday April 5.

 

Written by: Dr. Jeff Stachler, University of Minnesota and North Dakota State University and edited by Al Cattanach, Mark Bredehoeft, and Mike Metzger

Questions from sugarbeet growers have been coming in to Extension and Sugarbeet Cooperative Ag Staff about how to properly manage glyphosate-resistant waterhemp. The three Sugarbeet Cooperatives and Jeff Stachler recently met to determine the best strategy to manage glyphosate-resistant waterhemp in Roundup Ready sugarbeet.

The record breaking temperatures of the past week make it feel more like the middle of May than the middle of March. Obviously, as the fields look ready, the question arises whether this early is too early. With the very late start of 2010 and the disappointing wheat and barley yields that followed still fresh in memory, everyone understands that early planting is paramount. What are the risks of planting too early? Is there such a thing as too early for seeding wheat and other cool season grasses?
Spring wheat (and spring barley and oats) will start germinating in earnest when soil temperatures reach 40⁰F. Once the imbibition phase starts there is no return to dormancy and the germination/emergence should be as quick as possible to establish a healthy, vigorous seedling. Protracted emergence will predispose the seeding to attacks of soilborne fungi like Pythium damping off or common root rot, ultimately reducing stands. Daytime highs in the sixties and night temperatures around 40 are great and will allow the crop to emerge in 8 to 10 days and make for a robust stand.
During this whole germination and seedling emergence and up to the 5-leaf stage, the growing point will be at ~1 inch depth. At this depth it is protected from the ambient temperatures. The crown can sustain temperatures down to 28⁰F and probably even handle short periods of temperatures as low as 22⁰F. Even if above ground leaves freezes, the plant will survive and continue its development as long as the crown does not suffer any freezing injury.

Thus planting this early is a risk if winter returns and temperatures plummet. The immediate forecast, however, looks very favorable for germination and emergence as National Weather Service's extended outlook favors temperatures in the region to average 16-20 ⁰F warmer than normal through the end of March. The 10-day extended outlook looks for daytime highs in the 50 and 60⁰F and nighttime lows in the low 40⁰F or high 30⁰F.

To assess the risk of winter returning in April and the first half of May, I took the weather records from the Northwest Research & Outreach Center that date back all the way to 1890. If we take the latest 30-year climate normal (1981 through 2010), winter can still return in April and when it does, the number of days the minimum temperatures go below 22⁰F between April 1 and May 15 is relatively small at 9% (Table 1). The number of days the nighttime temperatures dips below 28⁰F is much greater at 25%. If however, the warmer weather continues and we look at the 30 warmest Aprils on record, these percentages are cut in half. Taking the warmest 5 April months on record, cuts those percentages again in half. The National Weather Service's outlook for April favors temperatures to average warmer than normal.

Obviously this is somewhat of a roughshod approach as each individual day has its own probability function, meaning that it has its own mean and distribution around that mean. To do these calculations statistically correct you would have to calculate the probability that temperatures dropped below 22, 28 and 32 degrees for each individual day and then average them out over the same time period. Intuitively you would understand that the risk is greatest in early April and diminishes with each day the season progresses.

Bottom line: there is a risk that cold weather returning. Frost is likely to return to the region but the odds of really cold temperatures that could damage the crown appear to be relatively small. Of course, if any snow accompanies the cold weather, the snow will act as insulation and reduce the risk of the crowns freezing.

Daniel Kaiser and John Lamb

Soil Fertility Extension Specialists

The snow is gone and summer is here? The change in weather this spring has allowed for earlier field work to begin. Questions that come to mind include what kind of tillage should I do and do these condition affect me nitrogen management program for corn.

by Dan Martens, U of M Extension Educator in Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
This information is from the Sauk Centre Hay Auction held on March 1, 2012. It is based on information provided by Stearns DHIA Lab and the Mid-American Auction Company.

Mar 1 2012 SC Hay Auction.pdf... A summary of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold... grouped by kind of hay, type of bale and 25 RFV points... cost per pound of dry matter and per RFV point are calculated.

History of Selected Lots 2011 2012.pdf... A summary of hay auctions held this year showing Medium Square Alfalfa 101-200 RFV divided in 25 RFV groups, and medium sq. straw.

 Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2012.pdf ... A line graph of these auctions from 2001 to 2012. For the Feb 16 auction, the 176-200 RFV group is just one load - so not really an average.

The next auction at Sauk Centre will be held on Thursday March 15.

by Dan Martens, U of M Extension Educator in Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
This information is from the Sauk Centre Hay Auction held on Feb. 16, 2012. It is based on information provided by Stearns DHIA Lab and the Mid-American Auction Company.

Feb 16 2012 SC Hay Auction.pdf ... A summary of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold... grouped by kind of hay, type of bale and 25 RFV points... cost per pound of dry matter and per RFV point are calculated.

History of Selected Lots 2011 2012.pdf... A summary of hay auctions held this year showing Medium Square Alfalfa 101-200 RFV divided in 25 RFV groups, and medium sq. straw.

Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2012.pdf ... A line graph of these auctions from 2001 to 2012. For the Feb 16 auction, the 176-200 RFV group is just one load - so not really an average.

The next auction at Sauk Centre will be held on Thursday March 1.

You can look at the USDA Hay Market Report at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/LSMNpubs Select "Hay" in the middle of the page.

by Dan Martens , U of M Extension Educator in Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
This information is from the Sauk Centre MN hay auction held on Feb. 2, 2012. It is based on information provided by Stearns DHIA lab and the Mid-American Auction Company.

Feb 2 2012 SC Hay Auction.pdf .... A summer of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold ... grouped by kind of hay, type of bale and 25 RFV points... cost per pound of dry matter and per RFV point are calculated.

History of Selected Lots 2011 2012.pdf ... A summary of auctions held this year: Medium Square Alfalfa 101-200 RFV divided in 25 RFV point groups, and medium square straw.

Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2012.pdf ... A line graph of auctions from 2001 to 2012. Dotted lines indicate where hay was not sold in a group at a particular sale. Averages might not mean so much when 1 a few loads were sold.

Read more for a little discussion about alfalfa winter survival and other sources of market information.

UMN Extension has developed a new web-based calculator to determine the value of manure

William F. Lazarus - Extension Economist, Jose A. Hernandez - Extension Educator, and Les Everett - Water Resources Center Education Coordinator. University of Minnesota - Extension

A new web-based tool developed by Dr. William F. Lazarus, Extension Economist and Professor in the Department of Applied Economics, is now available. The web-based calculator may be used to compare the economic value of manure from alternative manure application rates and methods. The value is based on crop nutrient needs for a specific field and crop rotation, fertilizer prices, manure hauling costs, manure type, and application method. In addition to assisting with management of current livestock and crop operations, the calculator can be useful in budgeting new facilities or evaluation of contract production through estimating the effect of manure and manure management on cash flow. The calculations can also assist crop and livestock producer estimate the value of manure that may be transferred or sold from one entity to another.

Livestock producers face uncertain markets and narrow margins. This situation motivates growers to optimize production methods, utilizing all resources including manure. In addition, an increase in the price of commercial fertilizer experienced since 2009, has heightened interest in the use of livestock manure for supplying crop nutrients and has significantly increased the value of manure as a nutrient source.

In recent years more producers have been considering the contribution of manure value to cash flow in livestock operation budgets, and seeking an appropriate market value in exchange situations between livestock producers and crop producers. More crop producers also appear to be seeking manure as a major nutrient source, either by purchasing from a livestock producer or by adding livestock to their operations, particularly swine finishing.

Determining the economic value of the nutrients in livestock manure can be tricky. Nutrients in commercial fertilizer are acquired by paying for the nutrients and a small application charge. With manure you, in effect, "acquire" nutrients by paying for the cost of application, even if you already have ownership of the manure in a storage structure.

Additionally, commercial fertilizer supplies the amount and ratio of nutrients you need or ordered. With manure, you get the amount and ratio of nutrients that it contains, which complicates the determination of a value. Even when a rate that supplies the correct amount of nitrogen is applied, the amount of phosphorous and potash applied may not match what you would have purchased commercially, and amounts applied above crop need probably have no value. In the past, manure application costs often exceeded the value of the nutrients applied. Now, in many situations, the nutrient value in the manure exceeds the cost of application.

The web-based calculator is available at http://z.umn.edu/manurevalue. For more information about manure economics please visit: http://z.umn.edu/manureworth.

Funding for the development of this tool was provided by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Section 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Management Program from the Environmental Protection Agency.

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties

I am posting three items based on information from the January 19 Hay Auction at Sauk Centre:

Jan 19 2012 SC Hay Auction.pdf... A list of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold... grouped by kind of hay, RFV in 25 point groups, and type of bale ... cost per pound of dry matter and cost per point RFV are calculated.

History of Selected Lots 2011 2012.pdf ... Average and Range of RFV values and prices for Medium Square Alfalfa in 25 RFV groups from 101 to 200 RFV. This included the average through each of the last 4 years and each auction so far this year. Medium Square Straw also listed.

Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2012.pdf .... Line graphs fro markets fo Medium Square Alfalfa by 25 RFV groups. This year's line is a bold gold line. Dotted lines indicate and in-between sale did not hay hay in this group.

Read further from information about:
4 Regional Forage Production Workshops, Feb 6-9, in Rochester, Lamberton, Greenwald and Cromwell.

Other Hay Market Information

Learn how conservation tillage can save soil, time, fuel -- and money.

University of Minnesota Extension will host the seventh annual Conservation Tillage Conference and tradeshow Feb. 7 and 8, at the International Event Center in Rochester, MN.

The day-and-a-half-long conference will provide practical, how-to information on nearly every aspect of conservation tillage. Learn how conservation tillage can save soil, time, fuel -- and money. Besides saving valuable soil resources, conservation tillage has been proven to save $25-45/ac in tillage costs. And that's not including your time.

The day-and-a-half-long conference will provide practical, how-to information on nearly every aspect of conservation tillage.

"Whether you are an experienced steward looking to fine-tune what you are doing, a crop consultant who helps growers, or a novice looking to get your feet wet, you should put this conference on your calendar now," says Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Minnesota Extension tillage specialist and conference coordinator.

Experts from the University of Minnesota, neighboring states will present the results of extensive research comparing tillage systems, including strip tillage. In addition, experienced conservation tillage farmers will answer questions and provide management tips.

Conference topics include:

• Precision Ag solutions


• Weed species shift and control


• Nutrient management in high residue systems


• Strip intercropping management


• Soil health with reduced till systems


• Vendor Sessions: Learn about new equipment, cover crops and technology

The popular "Farmer Panel" will be back again, offering practical insights and management tips from experienced northern strip tillers and ridge tillers.

Also back is "Beer & Bull," your chance to pick the brains of other farmers, consultants and researchers in a relaxed, informal setting.

The conference will open with a provocative keynote speech from Robert Recker: "Yield, Profitability, and Sustainability: Where to go from here?" Bob is the owner of Cedar Valley Innovation and a retired John Deere engineer, researching strip intercropping. He studies corn growth on a row by row basis trying to unlock the secrets of using technology and the sun to farm smarter.

The Conservation Tillage Conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 7th, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 8th. The tradeshow will be open both days.

The registration fee is $150 per person, which includes nine continuing education units (CEUs). An early bird fee of $120 per person is offered for those registering by Jan. 25, 2012.

More information, including schedules, maps, contacts and exhibitor registration is available at www.TillageConference.com. Or contact Jodi DeJong-Hughes at 320-815-4112 or dejon003@umn.edu.

by Dan Martens
This information is from the Sauk Centre Hay Auction held on January 5, 2012. I am posting three items:
Jan 5 2012 SC Hay Auction.pdf ... A list of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold... grouped by kind of hay, type of bale, 25 RFV points with calculations for averages, cost per RFV point, and cost per pound of dry matter.

History of Selected Lots 2011 2012.pdf ... A summary of auctions held for the last for years and for individual auctions this season: Medium Square Alfalfa 101 to 200 RFV in 25 point groups, and medium square straw.

Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2012.pdf ... A line graph of auction seasons from 2001 to 2012

Read more for information about:
- Other sources of hay market information
- 4 Regional Winter Forage Workshops

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousands words. The photo below of the winter wheat variety trial on the Northwest Research & Outreach Center was taken yesterday afternoon as temperatures were a balmy 39F. The warm temperatures over the past few days have melted the little snow we have had in the surrounding fields. The winter wheat trial was still blanketed, thereby protecting the seedlings.

By Bruce Potter

Lamberton, MN.  - ­ On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Southwest Research and Outreach Center (SWROC) in Lamberton, MN will host Winter Crops and Soils Day. Winter Crops and Soils Day is a public event highlighting current University of Minnesota research that is specific to southwestern Minnesota.  Leading experts from the University will be on hand to present information and answer questions.

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator in Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties

I am posting summary of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold on Nov. 17, Dec. 1, Dec. 15... grouped by kind of hay, type of bale, hay by 25 RFV points, grass by protein groups. Consider average carefully when based on a limited number of entries.

It doesn't take rocket science to say hay prices are higher this year compared to last year. Medium Square straw bales are running mostly in a $20 to $40 per bale range.

Nov 17 2011 SC Hay Auction.pdf
Dec 1 2011 SC Hay Auction.pdf
Dec 15 2011 SC Hay Auction.pdf
History of Selected Lots 2011 2012.pdf   A summary of averages and ranges for the last 4 years and for individual auction so far this year ... for Medium Square Alfalfa from 101-200 RFV in 25 point groups... and medium square straw
Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2012.pdf  A line graph of auctions through the seasons from 2001 to 2012 for Medium Square Alfalfa in 25 RFV point groups.

By Jennifer Obst, Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, 612-625-4741

A comprehensive comparison of most crop varieties grown in Minnesota is now available in print and electronic forms. Minnesota Varietal Trials 2012, published by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, provides the results of the 2011 University of Minnesota evaluation of more than 1000 individual entries of plant varieties.

By Dave Nicolai, Coordinator for the Institute for Ag Professionals

 

Face the 2012 crop year armed with the latest University of Minnesota research Each year brings new crop production challenges. As an agricultural professional, keeping up with these new issues is a top priority. At the 2012 University of Minnesota Research Update for Ag Professionals, you will find research-based strategies to deal with today's pest, disease, variety, and nutrient recommendations. Presentations and discussions at the update will allow you to visit with experienced university researchers and offer you the opportunity to visit with colleagues to discuss topics of interest to you in your region. You will leave with research-based knowledge and field-tested solutions that will help you in the field for the year 2012.  Descriptions of the research update presentations can be viewed at the Institute for Ag Professionals web site.

 

Now is the time to develop a plan and take control of herbicide-resistant weeds before they take control of you. Due to the long-term exposure to glyphosate in the corn and soybean cropping system, we are now in a situation where the probability of finding a glyphosate-resistant giant or common ragweed or waterhemp is high.

Soybean College

on the campus of University of Minnesota - Crookston
Crookston, Minnesota

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

8:30 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
(Registration begins at 8 a.m. in Bede Ballroom, Sargeant Student Center)

click here for a copy of the Soybean College 2011 Brochure for registration information

 

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
This is a posting of my first summary of the Hay Auction at Sauk Centre for 2011-2012 market year. It appears that the hay price is higher. It's more difficult with small numbers of loads to be confident about averages calculated from sales. The price for quality clean straw in medium square bales appears to be pretty steady in the $25-35 per bale range. See links below for the following reports.

History of Selected Lots 2011-12.pdf  Average and range of RFV values and prices for Medium Square Alfalfa in 25 RFV groups from 101 to 200 RFV. Includes average through the sale seasons for the last 4 years and individual sales for each auction so far this year.

Hay Market Graphs 2001-2012.pdf  Line graphs of markets for Medium Square Alfalfa for 25 point RFV groups from 2001 to present time. This year's line is gold. Dotted lines indicate there were not lots in a sale between two sale date point.

2011 09 15 SC Hay Auction.pdf   Lots sold are grouped by bale type, kind of hay and 25 RFV points. Averages are calculated where it seems appropriated. Look at averages carefully where there are few or 1 load in a group. Look at averages carefully where there is a wide range of price. This probably means some hay in poor physical condition did not sell well and hay in better condition in the group brought a higher price. If you looking for hay with a better physical appearance, you're probably going to pay the higher pice.

2011 10 06 SC Hay Auction.pdf Same format

2011 10 20 SC Hay Auction.pdf Same format

2011 11 03 SC Hay Auction.pdf Same format

Auction will be held on the first and third Thursday of each month through May.
 

By David Nicolai, Coordinator, Institute for Ag Professionals

The three-day Minnesota Crop Pest Management Shortcourse program starts Tuesday, December 13th with an Update for Technical Service Providers program 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM, AFREC Soil Fertility Research Reports 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM and 2:30 - 3:30 PM, Pesticide Applicator Recertification: Category H -- Seed Treatment Session 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. The CPM Short Course Educational Sessions will begin on Wednesday, December 14th from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and continue on Thursday, December 15th from 8:00 AM - 2:20 PM.

 

By Daniel Kaiser
Extension Soil Fertility Specialist

U of M Nutrient Management Website

A new nutrient management website has been launched that houses most of the current fertilizer suggestions and data from the University of Minnesota. This website was made possible by funding from the Minnesota Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council and was put together through a joint effort for several researchers from the University of Minnesota who's research focuses on nutrient management issues for several crops growth throughout the state of Minnesota.  We would like to thank the AFREC program because without them this effort would not have been possible

By Jeff Vetsch and John Lamb. University of Minnesota, Southern Research and Outreach Center and Department of Soil Water and Climate.

Waseca MN, (10/1/2011) - Once soybean harvest is complete many swine farmers begin applying manure to those acres for the next year's corn crop. Manure applications in Southern Minnesota begin in early October and usually conclude by mid November. A significant proportion of the nitrogen (N) in swine finishing manure is in the ammonium-N form. If warm soil temperatures persist after application, the ammonium-N can nitrify and be susceptible to loss via leaching or denitrification. These N losses have negative agronomic and environmental implications. The University of Minnesota recommends fall fertilizer N be applied after soils are less than 50° F at the 6-inch depth. This usually occurs in late October in Southern Minnesota.

By Gary A. Hachfeld, University of Minnesota Extension Educator, Ag Business Management

The early season frost in September caught many of us off guard. Damage to crops varied statewide but the fundamental question is, as a farmer, what should I do regarding a potential loss regarding my federal crop insurance? There are some basic procedures that one needs to follow in the event of a crop loss regardless of cause. This article outlines some of those procedures.

Following an early frost, it is very common for a farmer to utilize a given crop, such as corn, for an alternative use. That is, the corn was insured as grain and intended to be used as grain but due to the early frost, the farmer decides to chop the corn for silage. This could be the case for a number of crops. If this occurs, the farmer must contact their crop insurance agent before they begin to chop the crop for silage, a use other than what was intended. A crop insurance adjuster must evaluate the crop before harvest begins. If the adjuster cannot view the crop in a timely fashion, the farmer can go ahead and chop the field but they must leave a number of check strips for the adjuster to view at a later time. If a farmer decides to use a crop for something other than its intended use, always contact the insurance agent prior to harvest.

Soybean Yield Loss Estimates from Early Frost
Seth Naeve - Extension Soybean Agronomist

Few resources are available to producers and agricultural professionals relative to yield losses from late- season frost injury to soybean plants. A study investigating the risks and benefits of long-season soybean varieties was established in 2008. This work was carried out by the Naeve Soybean Production Project, and was funded by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. While we don't have all of the answers that folks search for after a late-season frost, a small piece of this research effort is described below.

In 2009, 2010, and 2011 soybean plots were established to investigate the yield effects of early frost on a range of soybean maturities. Three varieties with maturities of RM 0.8, 2.0, and 2.8 were examined in 2009. These were planted at a normal seeding date (around May 1) and at a late planting date (around May 21). Frost was simulated with applications of Liberty herbicide at a rate of 32oz per acre in 10 gallons of water on September 7 (early) or September 21 (late). In 2010 and 2011, five varieties ranging from MG 0.8 to 2.8 were planted at a singleplanting date (early May) and treated to simulate frost on three dates (approximately September 7, 14, and 21).

Photo of a soybean plot 'frosted' with Liberty approximately 10 days prior. In the left of the photo is a soybean plot 'frosted' 3 days prior.

By Seth Naeve and Dave Nicolai University of Minnesota Extension

A hard frost occurred early Thursday morning (Sept 15^th) across much of central and southern Minnesota.  The complete effects of this frost or freeze event may not be known for some time.  However, most soybean and corn fields have not reached physiological maturity.  Yield and quality in these fields were likely affected. 

 

Northern Minnesota Soybean Growers (and our neighbors in the Dakotas) have the opportunity to attend a wide range of Variety and Research Plot tours the first week of September. The attached flyer lists ALL the upcoming plot tours for summer-fall. Next up, are the . . .

written by Dr. Jeff Stachler, Weed Scientist, UMN and NDSU

Scouting fields for weeds throughout the growing season is extremely important to maintaining herbicide effectiveness and planning for future weed control decisions. Scout fields now and at harvest to determine the effectiveness of this season's weed control practices. If weeds are present now, determine why they are present. If weeds are present due to herbicide resistance, then weed control and cropping practices must be different next season and beyond.

What does soil quality mean? Why is it so important? How do we measure it and how can we impact soil quality with our management practices? Hear experts from the University of Minnesota, Ohio State University, the USDA-Agricultural Research Service, and the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service address these questions and more at the "Soil Quality Workshop". This program will be held at two locations: Monday, September 12 at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris, and Tuesday, September 13 at the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca. Each workshop will start with check-in at 8:00, with the program running from 8:30 to 4:30. This program is sponsored by U of MN Extension, The Ohio State University, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.

University of Minnesota Extension is proud to partner with NDSU Extension to bring you Tires, Traction, and Compaction Field Day on September 1, 2011 south of Fergus Falls, MN. Registration for the day starts at 9:00 am and discussion and demonstrations will continue until 2:30. The event will be held rain or shine.

By Dean Malvick

Questions about which soybean diseases will be problems this year in Minnesota come up often. Although there are no good predictive systems, the wet weather conditions this summer are favorable for sudden death syndrome (SDS) and Phytophthora root and stem rot.  Phytophthora rot occurs across MN.  SDS occurs most often in southern MN, but appears to be spreading north each year.

By Dean Malvick

Goss's leaf blight and wilt of corn is a damaging disease that is new to Minnesota and has caused problems in fields over the past two years.  The weather conditions this summer may favor development of this disease again.  It was reported from two fields in southern MN in the past week, and it may be starting to develop in many fields.  This is a disease to watch for across Minnesota. If you see infected plants, please send infected leaf samples for a new research study as described below.

Learn more about planting winter wheat at an NDSU Extension Service and Ducks Unlimited one-hour webinar on Thursday, July 28, 2011, starting at 9 a.m. Here is a program outline and instructions on how to join this webinar. If you have any questions, please contact Blake or Becky at 701-355-3500.

NDSU/DU Webinar
July 28, 2011 - 9:00 a.m.

Prevent Plant - Joel Ransom, NDSU Extension

• Weed Control


• Water Use and Management


• Cover Crop Options - characteristics and costs


• When and how much to seed


• FSA/RMA requirements and limitations


• CC considerations if want to seed winter wheat this fall


• Management of prior crop residues for winter wheat seeding

Why Growers Should Consider Winter Wheat - Steve Dvorak, Ducks Unlimited

• Economics (Yield)


• Spreading the Workload, etc.


• Environmental Benefits


• Prevent Plant (wet spring and crop insurance eligibility)

Winter Wheat Establishment - Blake Vander Vorst, Ducks Unlimited

• Prior crop (rotation) - early harvest, standing residue and harvesting, WSMV connection, canola is a good rotational crop


• Break the Green Bridge - defer to McMullen


• No-till seed into standing stubble - depth - date - rate


• Seed treatment - defer to McMullen


• Starter fertilizer - share with Hanson


• Varieties - cold tolerance, disease, straw strength and length, etc.

Nitrogen and Phosphate Fertility - Jason Hanson, Winfield Solutions

• Nitrogen rate and timing


• Nitrogen loss


• Protein management


• Phosphate importance - current Vision and DU data


• Other

Winter Wheat Disease Management - Marcia McMullen, NDSU Extension

• WSMV


• Winter Wheat less disease tolerance than spring wheat (Joel-Marcia data)


• Leaf and head diseases


• Fungicide application results and timing (w/herbicide-flag leaf-early flower)

To join the Wimba Conference please do the following:

Microsoft Windows users, use Internet Explorer or Safari. Macintosh users, use Safari. Mozilla Firefox does work but issues can occur.

If you've never done a Wimba session, be sure to run the setup wizard at http://ndivnlc.wimba.com/ before the meeting to make sure it's working on your end.

1. After you've run the setup wizard, 10 or 15 minutes before the session is to begin, go to http://ndivnlc.wimba.com/

click on "Participant Login"

Room ID: NDSU_Ag

Name: your name and office - for example, "Joel Ransom, Extension"

2. Once you are logged in, select "NDSU Crop Calls" and you will enter the "room" where the meeting is taking place.

3. Feel free to resize any of the windows or move the video window around.

4. Audio will be one way. You can hear the presenter, but to ask a question, type it in the chat box. It will then be shared with the presenter. That means you don't need a headset or phone, just computer speakers.

5. If you can't make the live presentation, you can follow the Wimba directions above but then click on archive in the upper right corner. The archive will be available a couple hours after the live meeting takes place.

To learn more about participating in Wimba, go to: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/wimba/

The most important links to get you started are the "Participant - Getting started quick reference," the "Equipment Required" and the "Wimba Login." If you have questions about Wimba, contact Scott Swanson s.swanson@ndsu.edu or 231-7086. If you have difficulty connecting the day of the conference, please contact Joel Ransom (701-730-0384).

By Lizabeth Stahl

Hear the latest University of Minnesota research and information on strip tillage and see strip-tillage equipment in action through field demonstrations at the 2011 "Minnesota Strip Till Expo" on Friday, August 5th, at the College and University Center in Owatonna. This event will run, rain or shine, from 9:00 to 3:30, with registration and Exhibits starting at 8:30. Admission to the Expo is free and food will be available for purchase on-site. This program is brought to you by U of MN Extension and Riverland Community College.

By Dave Nicolai                   

 A  reminder that the 2011 Field School for Ag Professionals will be held on July 27 - 28 which is a Wednesday and a Thursday, at the University of Minnesota's Southern Research and Outreach Center, Waseca. Participants may choose to attend either day or both days of the field school.  Advance registrations made before Wednesday, July 20^th are eligible for a discount; $150 per day or $270 for both days before July 20^th,  after July 20^th the registration tuition will be $300 for both days. Registration for the Field School is available on-line at  http://www.extension.umn.edu/AgProfessionals/fieldschool.html A total of 12 Certified Crop Advisor Continuing Education Units will be offered for the two days of the Field School.   The two-day program focuses on core principles in agronomy, entomology, weed and soil sciences on the first day and builds on this foundation with timely, cutting-edge topics on the second day.  Detailed session descriptions are available for the Wednesday and Thursday sessions on the 2011 Field School webpage.   

As prices for liquid UAN (28-0-0) have risen sharply the decision guide for late season N in HRSW had became outdated. The updated guide allows for N prices up to $1.00 per pound of actual N. This would equate to roughly $ 3.00 gallon for liquid UAN.

Some things to remember when you contemplating a late season application of N in HSRW are:

• Apply up to 10 gpa of 28-0-0 with an equal amount of water - the water is needed to reduce leafburn;


• DO NOT apply during the heat of the day - early evening application reduce leafburn considerably;


• DO NOT tankmix this N with any fungicides at Feekes 10.51, but rather apply the additional N 2 to 5 days after anthesis;


• The probability of a response by the crop is about 80%;


• Only expect an increase of 0.5 to 1.0 full point in grain protein with the additional 30 lbs N/A;


• All varieties respond equally well to the additional N;

Use the to determine whether an economic return is possibly in relationship to the price of the 28-0-0.

update prepared by Dr. Ian MacRae, UMN Extension Entomologist, NWROC-Crookston

Many field projects are underway and we're scouting small grain and soybean fields to stay on top of what is happening with aphid populations in these crops. Following are comments based on what our field visits are revealing in northwest Minnesota.

Whom should attend? Sugarbeet and Soybean Growers, Consultants, Agronomists, Retailers, and Others

What is the tour about? Viewing plots for Managing glyphosate-resistant waterhemp throughout the crop rotation, especially sugarbeet and soybean.

A field survey project to inspect wheat and barley fields is underway in Minnesota. The survey program has resumed past efforts where survey scouts visit fields to assess crop progress and pest situations. Inspecting wheat and barley fields for the presence of plant diseases and insects provides a weekly regional snapshot of pest problems present in fields and the status of the infestation levels.

Minnesota's small grain disease forecasting model is up and running for the season. You can access the site here. Weather based risk models for tan spot, Septoria leaf blotch, leaf rust, and scab are available on this site. Simple select the disease of interest and a risk map for the state. The models can predict the risk up two days in advance and you can go back up to 365 days prior. You can also drill down to your area of interest with a simply mouse click on your area of interest. Another mouse click on a township's section will give a text summary of the risk for that local for that day and the previous seven days. Scouting reports and other commentary will be updated regularly.

The National Fusarium Head Blight Risk Assessment Tool is also available here. The National Risk Assessment Tool will also provide real time alerts. You can sign up on the US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative website. Alerts can be delivered as a RSS feed, an e-mail, or as text messages to your mobile device.

The North Dakota Small Grains Disease Forecasting System has also come online for the 2011 season. The NDSU now includes a barley DON forecasting model. The model was developed by Dr. Jeff Stein at SDSU.

Scouts identified tan spot in many spring wheat fields across Minnesota last week. The incidence and severity was generally low. Weekly summaries of this statewide scouting activity that is funded by the Minnesota Wheat Research & promotion Council are forthcoming.

If you are considering controlling early season tan spot, please follow this link to an article that was published in Minnesota Crop News last spring. It describes how and when control of early season tan spot is warranted and lists fungicide choices and rates

If you are considering tank mixing a fungicide with your herbicide program be aware that tank mixing can increase the risk of crop injury with certain combinations of herbicides and fungicides. Research between 2004 and 2006 at the University of Minnesota, showed that combinations of the broadleaf herbicide bromoxynil with several grass herbicides and fungicides can increase the risk of crop injury, especially with cooler weather. The injury is caused by bromoxynil and is temporary with no effect on grain yield. There is, however, a small risk of reduced control of wild oats as the injury that is visible on wheat can also be found on the wild oats. It was postulated that the bromoxynil injury reduced uptake and/or translocation of the grass herbicide, ultimately resulting in a couple percent reduction in control.

By Daniel Kaiser
Extension Soil Fertility Specialist

As the growing season moves forward more questions have occurred about what products to use in side-dress situations. While nitrogen is on the minds of many, sulfur deficiencies are starting to be seen in fields as well. Applying the right product in the right situation at the correct time can be crucial in order to maintain yields and minimize damage to growing plants.

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties

Check   Alfalfa Field Data 06 02 2011.pdf    for information updated Friday afternoon June 3 about 5 p.m. for sampling done on June 1 and 2. The end of the report has notes about "yellow alfalfa" and "alfalfa weevils."

Consider YOUR crop conditions, field conditions, feed targets, past experience and expertise, other priorities and your best hunch about the weather. 

Farm families are amazing people for the kinds of decisions they need to make on a day to day basis which a wide range of variables and significant factors such as the weather that they cannot control. We can all appreciate their efforts when we sit down at the table ... and the efforts of others for whom their work and livelihood is very weather dependent. 

Torrential downpours the week prior and again over the Memorial Day weekend caused saturated conditions in many parts of the Red River Valley at possibly the worst time for not only for wrapping up spring field work but also for the just seeded crops. Now that the wheat has emerged, bare areas are quickly becoming evident. A quick survey suggests that in many cases the bare areas are in the ditches and the slightly depressed portions of fields. This points to excess water likely being to main culprit of these stand losses. Excess moisture (anytime the soil water content is above field capacity) depletes the soil of oxygen and germinating seed will quickly die in these anaerobic conditions. A clue whether excess water contributed to a poor emergence in the affected areas is to dig up the remnants of the seed. If the seed is firm and the radicle and coleoptile are white and firm, the emergence was only delayed (Photo 1). If the radicle and the coleoptile are soft and discolored and the seed has turned mushy, the young seedling died in the anaerobic conditions as a result of the saturated conditions.

Photo 1 - A sprouted wheat seed If you find the coleoptile and or first leave or crinkled up and etiolated right under soil surface, crusting is the main problem. Breaking the crusts as soon as possible will be crucial for the safe as much as possible of the stand and to avoid reseeding. A rotary hoe is the best tool for breaking a crust. A spring-tooth harrow with the teeth set straight down instead of slanted back can sometimes be used. The circular motion of harrow teeth set in this fashion can be very effective at breaking a crust enough for young seedlings to emerge. A heavy rigid harrow should be avoided as too much soil movement may expose seedling roots. If neither of these tools is available, running over the field with and empty double disc drill or a Brillion or Cambridge roller will also break the crust. Replanting decisions will be difficult as the optimum planting window for wheat has basically closed. If reduced stand is uniform (no big skips or holes), keep stands of 15 plants per square foot. After June 1 in northern Minnesota a replant decision should be to a crop other than wheat or barley since yields are reduced by about 50% when planting after these dates compared to normal planting dates.

By David Nicolai, IAP Program Coordinator

The 2011 Field School for Ag Professionals will be held on July 27 - 28 at the University of Minnesota's Southern Research and Outreach Center, Waseca.  The Field School for Ag Professionals is the summer training opportunity that combines hand-on training and real-world field scenarios that no winter program can offer.  The two-day program focuses on core principles in agronomy, entomology, weed and soil sciences on the first day and builds on this foundation with timely, cutting-edge topics on the second day.

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
Check   Alfalfa Field Data 06 02 2011.pdf  for information we have so far from alfalfa fields sampled on June 1 & 2. This list includes the most recent info from farms where we don't have June 1 or 2 info. It also includes all information for individual farms.

See "Continued Reading" for some notes about "yellow alfalfa" and "alfalfa weevil."

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties

Check  Alfalfa Field Data 05 31 2011.pdf  for Alfalfa Scissors-Cut and PEAQ information we have so far from fields sample May 30/31 ... UPDATED June 1 about 5 p.m. Fields are being sampled on some variable schedules due to Memorial Day Holiday - a couple on May 30, some May 31. The McLeod and Meeker fields will be sampled on Wednesday June 1 for this week.
Many fields in our sampling area are at a place where they could be harvested now with the first good weather opportunity; and weather forecasts continue to look like we'll be dancing around egg shells some.
The end of the report offers a May 30 update on Alfalfa Weevil Growing Degree Days and information from an Alfalfa Grass Mixed Sample a couple miles south of Foley.

By: Daniel Kaiser and Jeffrey Coulter
University of Minnesota Extension Specialists

With all of the flooded soils and wet fields there likely are questions on denitrification and whether side-dress nitrogen (N) should be applied. The fact is that it can be difficult to predict the amount of N lost. However, two things should be considered when dealing with denitrification:

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties

Check "continued reading"   for an update of PEAQ and Forage lab data from fields checked on Thursday May 26 as of Friday May 27 about 5:00 p.m. The NORMAL technology failed me in trying to attach a pdf document. You'll have to look back at the first May 26 posting for previous test results on individual farms.

Weather. Notes at the end of the report include comments from Extension Climatologist Mark Seeley about weather prospects over the next couple of weeks.

Alfalfa Weevil. Notes at the end of the report include a couple observations about alfalfa weevil also.

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
This information is from Hay Auction held at Sauk Centre MN ON May 5 and 19.
An additional Auction will be held on June 2.

SC Hay Auction 05 05 2011.pdf   A list of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold on May 5... grouped by kind of hay and type of bale ... cost per  pound of dry matter and cost per RFV point are calculated.

SC Hay Auction 05 19 2011.pdf Same for May 19 auction

History of Selected Lots 2010 2011.pdf    A summary of auctions held this year: Medium Square Alfalfa 101 to 200 RFV divided into 25 RFV groups, and bedding material.  Sometime during the next couple of weeks, I'll calculate averages through the 2010-2011 season.

Graphs of Med Sq Alf 2001 to 2011.PDF     Line graphs of auction seasons from 2001 to 2010.

Throughout the year, you can also get USDA Hay Market reports at
 http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/LSMNpubs

You can check or post "Hay wanted" and "Hay for sale" at www.haylist.umn.edu

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties marte011@umn.edu 800-964-4929
Click    Alfalfa Field Data 05 26 2011.pdf    for Alfalfa PEAQ and Scissors-Cut samples from Thursday May 26. More results will be received on Friday afternoon and an update should be posted later Friday afternoon or evening. Then we will not have new results until Tuesday afternoon May 31.

"continued reading" offers an note from Extension Climatologist Mark Seeley aboiut weather prospects over the next 2 weeks and another note on "alfalfa weevil."

The title of this short article may seem a paradox, but leave it to a Minnesota spring to create the conditions for both problems within a day or two. Last night's lows may have caused some frost damage in northwest Minnesota. Fortunately, for spring wheat and barley the damage is cosmetic and will not require replanting. The reason for this is as simple as it is elegant. The tender growing point from which all leaves and eventually the spike is produced is insulated and protected by the soil. Up the approximately the 5-leaf stage the growing point is located at the crown at ± 1.5 inch below the soil surface. The crown is easy to recognize as a hard knob from which both roots as well as leaves start. This evolutionary adaptation to keep the growing point hidden and protected from the elements is precisely why small grains fit so well in this area. Frost damage will initially have a dark green, water soaked appearance that will quickly dry out, leaving the tissue white to tan (Photo 1). Frozen and dried up leaf tips will often break off with a little wind and give the field a very raged appearance. New growth should not show any symptoms.

 

Photo 1 Frost injury on young barley plants

The sunny, windy weather and big temperature swings expose the young seedlings to a second abiotic stress. The heat at the soil surface can cause heat canker. The tender young tissue at the soil surface basically will 'cooked' and this appears as a yellow band that is slightly constricted (Photo 2). As the leaf continues to grow, this yellow band (1/8 - 1/4") moves upward and away from the soil surface. If the conditions last for more than a day, repeated bands can become visible. As with freeze injury, the tips of leaves may break off at the yellow band and give a field a very ragged appearance. Damage from heat canker is temporarily and should not affect further growth and development.

Photo 2 Heat Canker on just emerged wheat

Author: Dr. Jeff Stachler U of MN Extension and NDSU Agronomist - Sugarbeet/Weed Science

Sugarbeets have emerged or are beginning to emerge. That means it is time to begin postemergence herbicide applications to sugarbeet. Timing of the first postemergence herbicide application is the MOST critical weed management tactic, regardless of the type of sugarbeet planted.

By Doug Holen and Phil Glogoza, University of Minnesota Crop Extension Educators.

 

Producers have been pushed to accomplish as much planting possible in the little time given as calendar dates roll by in a late spring start.  The goal has been to get the seed in the ground when fields are ready for equipment and between rain events.  It has been common across the state in previous years for producers to ground roll fields within hours of planting soybeans.  However, the push to plant between rain events and other delays this year has left many fields unrolled.  The question is, "Can I still roll without causing significant damage to the plants or stand?"      

By Dan Martens, U of M Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
Click on Alfalfa Field Data 05 23 2011.pdf
to get an update of alfalfa scissors cut PEAQ and lab data from cooperating farms on May 23 ... as of 5 p.m. on May 24. All farms are in now.

Early stage buds are starting to show up in some fields. As we get alfalfa moving toward 22 to 24 inches tall (in some fields now), some people will start looking at soil moisture and weather conditions that might be suitable for harvest of better dairy quality hay, depending on ration strategies and past experience.

The notes at the end of the report includes a couple thoughts about Alfalfa Weevil development.

By Gary Hachfeld, University of Minnesota Extension
Originally published in Ag News Wire

Farmers who are prevented from planting their crops due to wet spring weather can manage this risk if they have purchased federal crop insurance.

Yield protection, Revenue Protection and Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion policies all include prevented-planting coverage. There is no prevented-planting coverage with Group Risk Plan or Group Risk Income Protection insurance.

By federal definition, prevented planting is failure to plant the insured crop with the proper equipment by the final planting date designated in the insurance policy. Final planting dates vary by crop and by area. For example, the final planting dates are generally May 31 for corn, June 10 for soybeans, and May 15 to June 5 for wheat, depending on location. Farmers should check with their insurance agent if they have questions on the final planting date.

Farmers who have had an insurance policy in the past are eligible for prevented-planting coverage. New policyholders are also eligible if their loss occurred after the sales closing date and all other prevented-planting requirements are met.

If a farmer is prevented from planting a crop by the final planting date, there are several choices. Those choices include:

1. Plant the crop during the late planting period, which is generally 25 days after the final planting date. There is a reduction per day in coverage using this choice.
2. Plant the crop after the late planting period with no reduction in the insurance coverage.
3. Leave the acreage unplanted and receive a full prevented-planting payment.
4. Plant a cover crop and receive a full prevented-planting payment and graze or hay the crop after November 1.
5. Plant another crop (not the insured crop) after the late planting period or after the final planting date if no late planting period applies. Hay or graze a cover crop, but not before November 1, and receive 35 percent of the prevented-planting guarantee.

There are many provisions included in the prevented-planting provision of federal crop insurance. Keep good records and documentation. When in doubt, read your crop insurance policy or contact your crop insurance agent. Any small infraction of any of the provisions can result in no indemnity payment and loss of the crop insurance protection you purchased.

See more on the late planting page.

By Dan Martens, U of M Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
Click here Alfalfa Field Data 05 23 2011.pdf for information from field sampling on May 23 that we have back as of 4:30 on Monday afternoon.
The first page shows information received so far for all farms on May 23. The next pages show information for each farm individually so far this spring. These are listed generally from south to north: Scott, Carver, McLeod, Meeker, Wright, Stearns, Benton, Morrison Counties.
Samples from some farms are mailed to the forage lab and it takes another day to get information back.

By Dan Martens, U of M Extension Educator, Stearns - Benton - Morrison Counties
I'm posting here a link to data from fields checked on May 19. The first page shows information for all farms for May 19, followed by all tests so far listed by individual farms. These are listed generally from south to north: Scott, Carver, McLeod, Meeker, Wright, Stearns, Benton, Morrison Counties.
This information was updated around 3:30 pm. on Friday May 20.
Click here for the updated May 19 report Alfalfa Field Data 05 19 2011.pdf

By Dan Martens, U of M Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
I'm posting a link here to data from fields checked on Monday May 16. Barry Visser from Vita Plus sampled at the Poppler farm in Wright County where alfalfa measured 18 inches; and says most fields he has checked are in the range of 15 to 17 inches for tallest stems.
For the May 16 Field Data Report click here Alfalfa Field Data 05 16 2011.PDF

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
The information we have so far from sampling on Monday morning May 16 is:
In Wright County, at the Poppler Farm near Waverly, tallest stems 18." With favorable weather, that kind of field could be ready to harvest within the next two weeks.
At the Krause farm west of Buffalo 15.5"
In Benton County at the Scapanski Dairy northeast of Sauk Rapids and at O & S Dairy east of Rice 14 to 14.5 inches.
Of course feed quality numbers are much higher that we want for harvest yet, but we can see as other field work has been at a standstill, the hay crop has been making some progress. I'll post a chart with feed quality tests as we get more of that information. More information about doing scissors cut sampling on your own farm, using PEAQ sticks, or using this information can be found at www.extension.umn.edu/forages

As the wet and cold weather continues to delay fieldwork and the window for small grain seeding is closing, you may be considering alternatives. Broadcast seeding methods, whether by air or with a pneumatic fertilizer spreader (floater), are an emergency option you can consider if you plan to cstick with small grains. The chances of success are greatly improved when you heed the following:

1. The broadcasted seed will need to be incorporated with some light tillage. Tillage prior to seeding is less critical if fall tillage resulted in a smooth and even field. A tillage operation following the broadcasting of seed is needed to incorporate the seed. Incorporation is essential to create seed to soil contact needed for successful germination and seedling establishment. Harrowing often is enough. Incorporation of the seed with tillage will result in variable seeding depth.
2. The seeding rate will need to be increased as the stand loss percentage due to seed placement that is too deep or too shallow will increase. Research in Ohio and Wisconsin with winter wheat showed that the seeding rate needed to be increased with 15%. Local experiences with spring wheat point to an increase between 10 and 20%.

As stated already, broadcast seeding is an emergency option. Using a floater has the advantage that you will be able to spread fertilizer in a single pass. Expect uneven and often delayed emergence. Barley will be most sensitive to incorporating the seed too deep, while oats will have the most tolerance to seed being placed deeper than the optimum 1.5".

By Dave Nicolai and Seth Naeve
Originally published in Ag News Wire

With only 28 percent of corn acres planted prior to May 9 in Minnesota, growers face the difficult decision of when to begin planting soybeans in order to maintain adequate yields.

Soil conditions are of primary importance when considering delayed planting.

Soil conditions and soil temperature

Soil conditions at and after planting usually make a difference in how successfully the crop is established. Soil compaction and smearing is a concern when pulling implements and the planter through, or driving on, wet soil.

To limit soil compaction, keep axle loads under 10 tons and properly maintain air pressure in the tires. Not only does this help the soil, but it will help your tractor run more efficiently and with less slippage. On wet soils, use the lightest tractor that can get the job done.

Soybean has delicate seed, so it benefits when planted about 1 1/2 inches deep, modestly firmed into the seed furrow, covered by relatively loose soil, and into soils with temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees. As of May 9 , soil temperatures at the 2-inch depth averaged 61 and 56 degrees, respectively, at University of Minnesota Research and Outreach centers in Lamberton and Waseca.

The lack of oxygen in saturated soils and the formation of a soil crust of even modest strength can almost eliminate soybean emergence. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the five-day forecast prior to planting. Planting in cool and wet conditions may lead to poor germination and seedling diseases such as pythium. These problems are magnified by extended cold and rainy periods after planting.

University of Minnesota Extension research indicates that, under ideal conditions, soybeans in southern Minnesota should be planted at about 140,000 live seeds per acre (see Table 1). Soybeans grown in central and northwestern Minnesota require harvest stands of approximately 125,000 to 150,000 plants per acre to maximize yields. This is likely due to shorter-statured soybeans with fewer total nodes that are often produced in these regions. Increased seeding rates are required in central and northwestern Minnesota.

Table 1
Maturity group II soybeans	140,000 live seeds per acre
Maturity group I soybeans	150,000 live seeds per acre
Maturity group 0 soybeans	160,000 live seeds per acre
Maturity group 00 soybeans	170,000 live seeds per acre

Planting date and soybean yield

Since early-May plantings usually result in maximum yields, lower yields should be expected for later plantings (see Table 2). Planting soybeans in Minnesota on May 10 results in only a 2-percent yield loss; on May 15 in a 3-percent yield loss, and on May 20 in a 6-percent yield loss (or 94 percent of normal yield).

Table 2
Planting date	Yield loss (%)	Yield potential (%)
May 1	0	100
May 5	1	99
May 10	2	98
May 15	3	97
May 20	6	94
May 25	9	91
May 30	13	87
June 4	18	82
June 9	24	76
June 14	30	70

For more educational information and tools, visit www.soybeans.umn.edu, a cooperative effort among the University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Extension, and the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. More information about delayed crop planting can be found at www.extension.umn.edu/agriculture/crops/late-planting.

By Jeff Stachler, Jeff Gunsolus and Rich Zollinger

Waterhemp is an annual weed species in the pigweed family that is capable of producing greater than 1 million seeds per plant and due to a limited number of effective herbicides, especially in sugarbeet and soybean, is difficult to control compared to most weed species.  In addition to the production of large quantities of seeds, continual germination throughout the growing season and an increased frequency of herbicide-resistant biotypes adds to the degree of difficulty in keeping this weed species under control.  The good news is that the longevity of waterhemp seeds in the seedbank is relatively short compared to most species (1 to 12% survival after 4 years), meaning complete control (zero seed production) of all plants over a three to four year time period should significantly reduce the waterhemp seed bank densities, allowing the farmer to take control of this difficult weed problem.

It's time to determine whether the winter wheat came through the winter well enough to keep the stand. The best way to do this is to do a stand count. To do a stand count, use one of the following two methods:

1) Count the number of plants in a foot of row at several locations in the field. Take an average and convert in plants per acre using Table 1.

2) Take a hula-hoop, let it fall, and count the number of plants inside the hoop. Repeat this at random several times across the field and calculate an average. Use Table 2 to convert the count to an approximate population per square foot or acre.

Table 1. Average number of plants per foot of row for different row spacing and plant densities per acre.

Table 2. Adjustment factors to multiply the number of plants inside a hoop and convert the number in to number of plants per acre.

If your winter wheat hasn't started greening up again, you may be wondering if your winter wheat crop survived. To evaluate whether your winter wheat survived, I suggest you do the following: dig up several seedlings across the field and cut them longitudinal (lengthwise) with a very sharp knife or a safety razor blade. If the crowns look white/yellow to light green, they are healthy and will continue to grow. If you find that the crown has turned tan to brown and soft, it did not survive the cold weather.

In addition, you can check whether seedlings will grow by trimming the roots and leaves down to about ¼ to ½ " above and below the crown. Place these seedlings on a wet paper towel and place the towel in a Ziploc bag or plastic container that can be sealed. Place the container at room temperature and check for re-growth in 24-48 hours. Viable seedlings will show re-growth almost immediately (Photo 1). It will take longer than usual, but as long as the crown is healthy, a stand will establish and your field of winter wheat may not need to be destroyed.

Photo 1 Regrowth of young winter wheat seedlings after 36 hours incubation in a Ziploc bag at room temperature (photo courtesy of Blake Vandervorst)

If stands across the fields average 15-17 plants/ ft2 or more you can leave the stand and expect near maximum grain yields. Often winterkill is not evenly distributed across a field but rather patchy. Smaller patches with stands as low as 8 plant / ft2 are probably worth saving. Weed control will be more troublesome with thin stands and the crop's growth will be variable making management decisions such as the correct timing of a fungicide application more difficult. If the patches with complete winter kill are larger than a couple if square feet and cover more than 20% of an area, such as in a ditch or on a knoll you may still want to consider replanting that area of the field to something else.

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
I am posting information here for the April 7 and 21 Sauk Centre Hay Auctions. This includes:
SC Hay Auction 04 07 2011.pdf  A list of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold... grouped by kind of hay, 25 RFV points ... cost per pound of dry matter and per RFV point.
SC Hay Auction 04 21 2011.pdf Same as previous
History of Selected Lots 2010 2011.pdf A summary of auction held this year: Medium Square Alfalfa in 25 RF points showing average and range for price and RFV.
Graphs of Med Sq Alf 2001 to 2011.PDF   A line graph of auction seasons from 2001 to 2011. The bold red line is this years season. A dash line indicates information not available.
Read more about plans for Alfalfa Scissors Cut Sampling in Central Minnesota for 2011

As the month of April draws to a close, little if any field work has been started across Minnesota. As of this past Monday, the National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that only four percent of the oat and no spring wheat had been planted. With the immediate forecast not looking particular encouraging, it appears that most of the small grains acreage will be seeded past the optimum planting window.

The link below points to a Minnesota Crop News article that summarizes the effects of planting wheat, barley and oats past the optimum planting window:

Late Planting of Small Grains

If you are interested in more detail, you can also follow the link below to some older research on seeding rates in spring wheat.

Optimum Seeding Rates for Spring Wheat in Northwest Minnesota

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
The information posted here is from the Sauk Centre Hay Auction held on March 17, 2011. Thanks to the Mid American Auction Co. and the Stearns DHIA Association for sharing information that is used to create these reports report. I am posting three items.

SC Hay Auction 03 17 2011.pdf   A list of all tested hay lots and bedding materials sold ... grouped by kind of hay and type of bale .... cost per pound of dry matter and cost per RFV point

History of Select Lots 2010 2011.pdf   A summary of auction held this year of Medium Square Alfalfa from 101 to 200 RFV in 25 point groups and straw bedding, average and range of values

Graphs Med Sq Alf 2001 to 2011.pdf  A line graph of auction seasons from 2001 to 2011. The bold red line is the auction for 2010 2011 so farm. The March 17 average price is just a mark because data is not available from March 3 at this time. There were no loads of Med Sq Alf in the 175 to 200 RFV group.

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns - Benton - Morrison Counties
I am posting my summary of the Sauk Centre MN Hay Auctions for February 3 and 17, 2011. This posting includes:
1. Summary of lots sold grouped by type of hay or bedding, type of bale and 25 RFV points.
     SC Hay Auction 02 03 2011.pdf
     SC Hay Auction 02 17 2011.pdf
2. History of Selected Lots sold so far through this sale season, medium square alfalfa and medium square straw.
     History of Select Lots 2010 2011.pdf
3. Line Graph of average prices for Medium Square alfalfa for the last 10 years, a visual clue perhaps to any trends in the market.
     Graphs Med Sq Alf 2001 to 2011.pdf
Please include strategies for a SAFE spring work season in your spring planting season planning.

The American Malting Barley Association, Inc. (AMBA) recently announced the recommended malting barley varieties for the 2011 growing season. Two new six-row varieties and one two-row variety have been added to the list. Quest, the latest release from the University of Minnesota barley breeding program is the first recommended variety developed from Fusarium Head Blight resistant germplasm from Switzerland and China. Quest averages 40% lower in DON than current varieties. The other six-row variety added to the list is Celebration, developed by Busch Agricultural Resources. The other addition to the recommended list is Pinnacle, a two-row malting variety released by North Dakota State University.

Other recommended varieties suited for Minnesota include the two rowed variety Conlon and the six-rowed varieties Lacey, Legacy, Rasmusson, Robust, Stellar-ND, and Tradition. Drummond has been dropped from the list.

Malting barley growers are encouraged to contact their local elevator, grain handler or processor to gauge market demand for varieties grown in their region prior to seeding.

by Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns - Benton - Morrison Counties

I am posting here a summary of Hay Auctions held at Sauk Centre MN on Jan 6 and January 20, 2011. The loads are grouped by kind of hay or bedding, bale type, and 25 Relative Feed Value Points. The February 3 and 17 posting will include a line graph of auctions through the last 10 years and a history of medium square alfalfa and medium square straw groups through this sale season so far.

SC Hay Auction 01 06 2011.pdf
SC Hay Auction 01 20 2011.pdf

U of M Conservation Tillage Conference in Fergus Falls, Feb. 9-10
By Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Extension Educator, Crops

Learn how conservation tillage can save soil, time, fuel -- and money.

University of Minnesota Extension will host the seventh annual Conservation Tillage Conference and tradeshow Feb. 9 and 10, at Bigwood Event Center, 921 Western Avenue, Fergus Falls, Minn., just off U.S. Interstate 94.

The day-and-a-half-long conference will provide practical, how-to information on nearly every aspect of conservation tillage.

"Whether you are an experienced steward looking to fine-tune what you are doing, a crop consultant who helps growers, or a novice looking to get your feet wet, you should put this conference on your calendar now," says Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Minnesota Extension tillage specialist and conference coordinator.

Experts from the University of Minnesota, neighboring states and Canada will present the results of extensive research comparing tillage systems, including strip tillage. In addition, experienced conservation tillage farmers will answer questions and provide management tips.

Conference topics include:
•Matching tillage systems with soil types
•Weed species shift and control
•Nutrient management in high residue systems
•Residue breakdown strategies
•Tractor efficiency and traction
•Introduction to vertical tillage.

New at this year's conference:
•Stump the Tillage Specialists: Question tillage experts from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin;
•Vendor Sessions: Learn about new equipment and technology.

The popular "Farmer Panel" will be back again, offering practical insights and management tips from experienced northern strip tillers and ridge tillers.

Also back is "Beer & Bull," your chance to pick the brains of other farmers, consultants and researchers in a relaxed, informal setting.

The conference will open with a provocative keynote speech from Bruce Vincent: "With vision, there is hope." Vincent is a third generation logger from Libby, Montana. "During the past 20 years, he has given motivational speeches throughout the U.S. and the world on how to educate consumers about agriculture in a truthful and balanced way," DeJong-Hughes says.

The Conservation Tillage Conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 9th, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 10th. The tradeshow will be open on Feb. 9 only.

The registration fee is $140 per person, which includes nine continuing education units (CEUs). An early bird fee of $115 per person is offered for those registering by Jan. 31, 2011.

More information, including schedules, maps, contacts and exhibitor registration is available at www.TillageConference.com. Or contact Jodi DeJong-Hughes at 507-337-2800 or dejon003@umn.edu.

U of M Conservation Tillage Conference in Fergus Falls, Feb. 9-10

Learn how conservation tillage can save soil, time, fuel -- and money.

University of Minnesota Extension will host the seventh annual Conservation Tillage Conference and tradeshow Feb. 9 and 10, at Bigwood Event Center, 921 Western Avenue, Fergus Falls, Minn., just off U.S. Interstate 94.

The day-and-a-half-long conference will provide practical, how-to information on nearly every aspect of conservation tillage.

"Whether you are an experienced steward looking to fine-tune what you are doing, a crop consultant who helps growers, or a novice looking to get your feet wet, you should put this conference on your calendar now," says Jodi DeJong-Hughes, Minnesota Extension tillage specialist and conference coordinator.

Experts from the University of Minnesota, neighboring states and Canada will present the results of extensive research comparing tillage systems, including strip tillage. In addition, experienced conservation tillage farmers will answer questions and provide management tips.

Conference topics include:
•Matching tillage systems with soil types
•Weed species shift and control
•Nutrient management in high residue systems
•Residue breakdown strategies
•Tractor efficiency and traction
•Introduction to vertical tillage.

New at this year's conference:
•Stump the Tillage Specialists: Question tillage experts from Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin;
•Vendor Sessions: Learn about new equipment and technology.

The popular "Farmer Panel" will be back again, offering practical insights and management tips from experienced northern strip tillers and ridge tillers.

Also back is "Beer & Bull," your chance to pick the brains of other farmers, consultants and researchers in a relaxed, informal setting.

The conference will open with a provocative keynote speech from Bruce Vincent: "With vision, there is hope." Vincent is a third generation logger from Libby, Montana. "During the past 20 years, he has given motivational speeches throughout the U.S. and the world on how to educate consumers about agriculture in a truthful and balanced way," DeJong-Hughes says.

The Conservation Tillage Conference runs from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 9th, and from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 10th. The tradeshow will be open on Feb. 9 only.

The registration fee is $140 per person, which includes nine continuing education units (CEUs). An early bird fee of $115 per person is offered for those registering by Jan. 31, 2011.

More information, including schedules, maps, contacts and exhibitor registration is available at www.TillageConference.com. Or contact Jodi DeJong-Hughes at 507-337-2800 or dejon003@umn.edu.

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
This information is from the Sauk Centre Hay Auctions held on December 2 and 16, 2011. I am posting 4 items here:
SC Hay Auction 12 02 10.pdf  A list of hay lots and bedding materials sold ... grouped by kind of hay and type of bale.
SC Hay Auction 12 16 10.pdf  Same kind of list for Dec 16.
History Selected Lots 2010 2011.pdf   A summary of auctions held so far this year - Medium Square Alfalfa lots with RFV from 101 to 200 listing averages and ranges for RFV and price, also straw.
Graph SC Hay Auction 2001-2011.pdf   A line graph of auction seasons from 2001-2011. The current year is the red line.
Extra reading has a couple comments about the auctions, and some info about coming events. These auctions continue to be held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.

By David Nicolai

 

Face the 2011 crop year armed with the latest University of Minnesota research

Each year brings new crop production challenges. As an agricultural professional, keeping up with these new issues is a top priority. At the 2011 University of Minnesota Research Update for Ag Professionals, you will find research-based strategies to deal with today's pest, disease, variety, and nutrient recommendations. Presentations and discussions at the update will allow you to visit with experienced university researchers and offer you the opportunity to visit with colleagues to discuss topics of interest to you in your region. You will leave with research-based knowledge and field-tested solutions that will help you in the field for the year 2011.  Descriptions of the research update presentations can be viewed at the Institute for Ag Professionals web site.

By Dan Martens, Extension Educator, Stearns-Benton-Morrison Counties
This information is from the Sauk Centre Hay Auction held on November 18, 2010. Remember averages probably indicate what average hay might sell for. The physical condition of the hay is important along with the lab test.
SC Hay Auction 11 18 10.pdf   A list of all tested lots sold, straw and corn stalks ... grouped by kind of hay, type of bale, 25 RFV points ... with quality and price information.
History Selected Lots 2010 2011.pdf  A summary of auctions held so far this year for medium square alfalfa and straw.
Graph SC Hay Auction 2001 2011.pdf   A line graph, visual attempt to compare prices from year to year, 2001 to now. Remember some points on a graph might represent one or two loads.

University of Minnesota Extension Announces
Southern Minnesota Corn College, December 17th, 2010 at South Central College in North Mankato

Plan to attend the Corn College December 17th at South Central College in North Mankato. This program, sponsored by University of Minnesota Extension, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and South Central College, will run from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm and consists of a series of in-depth and hands-on concurrent sessions.

Each attendee can customize their program by selecting the sessions that best meet their needs. For a complete list of sessions and to register by mail, please see the brochure at: http://z.umn.edu/corncollege. Online registration is available at: http://www.regonline.com/CornCollege.
Cost to attend the program is $40 if preregistered and $50 at the door. Preregistration is recommended as class and lab space is limited.

Individual sessions will address a wide array of topics in pest management, crops and soils, grain storage and economics, and nutrient management.

Jeff Gunsolus, U of MN Weed Scientist, will cover picking the right herbicide for the right weed at the right time. Dean Malvick, U of MN Plant Pathologist, will host a lab on corn diseases and their management. Ken Ostlie, U of MN Entomologist, will address performance, options, and choices to consider when selecting transgenic insect traits.

Jeff Coulter, U of MN Corn Agronomist, will lead a lab on corn staging, stand establishment, and the impact of stress on crop yield. John Lamb, U of MN Soil Scientist, will run a hands-on computer lab exercise using the NRCS web soil survey.

Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University Extension Engineer, will lead a lecture on key features to consider when selecting a grain drying and management system. In addition, he will provide recommended storage management strategies to maintain grain quality during short and long-term storage. Dave Bau, U of MN Ag Business Management Educator, will demonstrate using a spreadsheet to calculate your personalized 2011 corn break-even price.

Dan Kaiser, U of MN Soil Fertility Specialist, will conduct a hands-on lab demonstration on corn nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. Jeff Vetsch, U of MN Southern Research and Outreach Center Soil Scientist, will demonstrate different planter attachments and fertilizer delivery system options to improve corn yields.

Sessions are FIRST COME FIRST SERVED, so REGISTER NOW!

Details
Location: South Central College in North Mankato
Date and Time: Registration 8:00 - 8:30, program from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM December 17th, 2010
Cost: $40 if Pre-registered by 12/10/10 via mail or 12/14/10 via online, or $50 at the door

A link to the brochure: http://z.umn.edu/corncollege

A link to Registration: http://www.regonline.com/CornCollege

In case of inclement weather, please contact the Farm Information Line at 1-800-232-9077.

For more information via the phone, contact the Worthington Regional Extension Office at 1-888-241-4635