September 2011 Archives

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.