September 2006 Archives

Phillip Glogoza and David Nicolai
Regional Extension Educators-Crops, Moorhead and Hutchinson, MN

Grain harvest is in full swing across the state. It is not too late to review basic on-farm grain storage principles for maintaining quality of stored commodities. Harvest should include preparation of storage structures to receive grain. Preparation includes several practices that aide in preventing pest infestations from developing within our storage structures.

Multiple practices should be implemented on farm to maximize grain quality. These include using appropriate production and harvest practices, maintenance and proper use of grain handling equipment, drying systems and storage structures. There are four simple steps to maintain post-harvest quality sanitation, loading, aeration, and monitoring to protect stored grains from insects, weather, rodents, self-heating, molds, mycotoxins, and pesticide residues.

Dave Nicolai, Regional Extension Educator-Crops, Hutchinson, MN
Dale Hicks, University of Minnesota Extension Corn Specialist

Some of the severe lodging from last week's tornado and wind storm occurred in fields not yet mature. Severely damaged immature corn will likely shut down prematurely (kernel black layer development). If silage is an option, obviously that would be a preferred choice for utilizing immature corn that is severely flattened.

Jerry Wright, Associate Professor and Extension Engineer: jwright@umn.edu or 320-589-1711
Dale Hicks, Professor and Extension Agronomist: hicks004@umn.edu or 612 625-1796
Seth Naeve, Assistant Professor and Extension Agronomist: naeve002@umn.edu or 612-625-4298
University of Minnesota Extension Service - Revised July 2006 (first issued July 1988)
Determining when one can discontinue irrigating for the season is an important water management decision. Discontinuing too early in the season to save water or reduce pumping cost could mean a much greater reduction in yield returns than the cost of pumping. On the other hand, irrigating right up to crop maturity may mean using 1 to 3 inches more irrigation water than necessary and increasing operating costs $3 to $15 per acre depending on power source.

The purpose of this paper is to present some guidelines for predicting the last irrigation for corn and soybeans when irrigation water supplies are adequate.

Dave Nicolai
Regional Extension Educator-crops, Hutchinson, MN

Preharvest loss
Additional ear droppage can be caused by deteriorating stalk and ear shank strength. Harvesting at higher moisture content may be beneficial to reduce loss. The disadvantage is the higher drying costs which can be a major factor because of high LP cost.