Category: Crops

Crops

Alfalfa Weevil Adults on Regrowth

Brandy VanDeWalle

Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist reminds producers that with late first cuttings of alfalfa, alfalfa weevil activity often increases when this occurs.  Anderson says that weevil larvae generally eat small holes in leaves at the growing tip of alfalfa plants.  As larvae grow, damage increases as the holes become larger.  Severely damaged fields have a grayish appearance because of the drying of skeletonized upper leaves and buds.

Most fields have not had enough damage to need spraying before first cutting.  After harvest, many larvae die when exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures at the soil surface.  But will enough larvae survive to be a problem for regrowth?

Maybe more likely is survival of weevil adults.  These critters can be really hard on alfalfa regrowth by feeding on the developing crown buds, retarding growth and preventing fields from greening up after harvest.

Your first step in controlling weevil adults is removal of windrows and bales as soon as possible to expose these insects.  Then examine stubble frequently to see if adults are delaying greenup by feeding on new buds, especially where the windrow laid.

If damage is noticed, a threshold guideline has been developed that uses insecticide cost, hay value, and harvest management to help you determine when spraying may be desirable.  This guide, along with other tips to manage alfalfa weevil, is available from local extension offices.

Don’t let alfalfa weevil adults delay second growth of your alfalfa.  Keep a watchful eye on the stubble and spray, but only if necessary. Download our UNL Extension NebGuide for more information.

Crops, Irrigation

Crop ET Weekly Report

Brandy VanDeWalle

Hopefully producers won’t have to irrigate as much this year as they did in 2012, but I’d like you to consider joining a program that can not only improve your irrigation efficiency, but reduce nutrient loss and save you money!  I’ve been in Extension for nearly eight years and a program I’ve been involved with that has been a very rewarding program and made a positive impact for many is the Nebraska Agricultural Water Management Network, or NAWMNWatermark Sensors. My colleague, Gary Zoubek tracks the evaluation results and shared that in 2005 only a few producers in the Upper Big Blue NRD, (shortly followed by the Little Blue NRD) were participating, but this program has now grown to over 800 producers across the state and I’m sure we’ll add another 100 or 200 more this season!

A couple of the tools we use are ETgages® or Atmometers which mimic crop evapotranspiration or ET and Watermark soil matrix sensors which measure soil matric potential or the energy required to remove water from the soil. These two tools have really worked well and have made irrigation management much easier than those gut feelings.  The more information you have the better decisions you can make!

If you would like to participate in this dynamic program, let me know and I’d be happy to help and get you started! If you are in the NAWMN, consider installing your ETgage soon and once done with planting, start the soaking/drying cycle on your Watermark sensors to be sure they work! It’s also important to replace the #54 alfalfa canvas covers and wafers on a regular basis at the start of each season.

As I have done the past couple of years, I plan to report the weekly ET in my weekly columns. The ETgage I check is in the center of the county, just south of Geneva; hopefully it will help others become aware or have an idea what the local ET is.

The ETgage I check outside of Geneva changed 1.4 inches for the week of May 31-June 7th. Corn in the V-4 stage has a coefficient of .18”. To calculate how much water, corn at V-4 stage used you simply multiply .18” x 1.4” for a weekly use of .25” or .04 inches/day. Corn approaching V-6 would have used .49”/week or .07” per day.

Producers with Watermark sensors, which monitor the amount of water available in the soil profile should get them installed soon. Watermark sensors are installed early in the growing season at 1’, 2’, 3’ and in some case 4’ depths!

For more information about ETgages and Watermark sensors, check out the NAWMN website.

Crops

Field Flooding & Its Effects

Brandy VanDeWalle

Last week’s heavy rains in parts of the county reminded me of an article I read last year about the survivable chances for corn that has been flooded in low-lying areas so I’ve summarized and put some excerpts from an article written by R.L. Bob Nielsen from the Purdue University, Agronomy Department. Obviously, plants that are completely submerged are at higher risk than those that are partially submerged and the longer an area remains ponded, the higher the risk of plant death.

Wind damge overturned many pivots in Fillmore County and excessive rain caused some flooding.
Wind damge overturned many pivots in Fillmore County and excessive rain caused flooding.

Nielsen reported that most agronomists believe that young corn can survive up to about 4 days of outright ponding if temperatures are relatively cool (mid-60’s F or cooler); fewer days if temperatures are warm (mid-70’s F or warmer). Soil oxygen is depleted within about 48 hours of soil saturation. Without oxygen, the plants cannot perform critical life sustaining functions; e.g. nutrient and water uptake is impaired and root growth is inhibited. Even if surface water subsides quickly, the likelihood of dense surface crusts forming as the soil dries increases the risk of emergence failure for recently planted crops.

Young corn (less than V-6 stage, like our current conditions) is more susceptible to ponding damage than corn beyond the sixth leaf stage. This is because young plants are more easily submerged than older and taller plants and since the corn plant’s growing point remains below ground until about V6. The health of the growing point can be assessed initially by splitting stalks and visually examining the lower portion of the stem. Within 3 to 5 days after water drains from the ponded area, look for the appearance of fresh leaves from the whorls of the plants.

Another consideration is that extended periods of saturated soils AFTER the surface water subsides can also take their toll on the overall vigor of the crop, causing stunted roots and dying roots. As a result, plants may be subject to greater injury during a subsequently dry summer due to their restricted root systems.

Loss of nutrients is another concern on saturated soils. Significant loss of soil N will cause nitrogen deficiencies and possible additional yield loss.  Lengthy periods of wet soil conditions also favor the development of seedling blight diseases, especially those caused by Pythium fungi.  Poorly drained areas of fields are most at risk for the development of these diseases and will also be risky for potential replant operations.

There are other diseases that can affect flooded areas of corn as well, but for now, it’s kind of a wait and see until you can get into the field and assess the health of the growing point. More information from Effects of Flooding or Ponding on Young Corn by R.L. Nielsen.

Crops, Horticulture

2,4-D Amine vs. Ester Formulations

Brandy VanDeWalle

The other day I got a question from a client regarding the different formulations of 2,4-D, a very common herbicide used widely by gardeners and farmers. I found a great fact sheet from Purdue University which described the differences and is summarized below. It starts out by saying that the amine and ester of 2,4-D are both formulations of one of the oldest and widely used herbicide families, as they were developed in the mid-1940’s by the military for vegetation control. It works as a growth regulator herbicide which induces unorganized growth in the plant which can therefore crush the vascular system of the plant, blocking it off from nutrients, sugar and water.

Used to control annual, biennial, and perennial broadleaf weeds, 2,4-D has little effect on grasses, thus making it the most popular herbicide used in lawns. While it is effective if applied at the correct time, drift can easily occur in non-targeted broadleaf plants due to the result of 2,4-D volatility, its ability to turn into a vapor and move off site. This is how the amine and ester formulations can differ.

Purdue’s publication goes on to summarize that the ester formulation of 2,4-D have higher vapor pressures and tend to volatilize more than amines, therefore one should use an amine formulation when volatilization is a concern with sensitive plants. I always caution people who use 2,4-D that volatility increases in hot, dry weather. When temperatures are above 85 degrees F, only the amine formulations should be used. Ester formulation is more effective at penetrating the leaf cuticle, so amine use rates are usually higher than ester rates to compensate for reduced absorption.

WeedGuide

One weed I’ve been receiving several questions on is the purple flower growing in lawns – most likely henbit. It definitely flourished with last year’s drought, but for best control, apply a broadleaf herbicide in the fall. To achieve 90% control of henbit, apply a post emergent herbicide such as Trimec when in the early growth stage. There are several formulations of Trimec which uses 2,4-D as an active ingredient.

In summary, know which formulation you are working with, apply during the most effective time for your target species and adjust rates accordingly. As always, follow label directions and take the proper safety precautions to protect your health. For more helpful information on which herbicides to apply and when, go to UNL Extension’s Weed Guide.

Crops

Spill Prevention Control & Countermeasure (SPCC Plan)

Brandy VanDeWalle

This past week, I’ve received several questions on the “fuel storage” issue which would affect farmers, so this week I turned to my Extension colleague, Dewey Lienemann who wrote an excellent summary of what this all means. I’ve taken some excerpts from his column and hope this helps answer questions.

In 2009, EPA finalized regulations that will require any farm or ranch with above-ground oil storage capacity of greater than 1,320 gallons to have a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan in place if there is a reasonable expectation a spill would reach waters of the U.S. These Tier I facilities under the current regulations must create a self-certified SPCC plan and have secondary containment available in case of a spill. For farms and ranches with more than 10,000 gallons of such capacity, the Tier II plans must be certified by a professional engineer. Compliance with this regulation could run into the thousands of dollars. Forcing farmers and ranchers to comply with the SPCC rule is an over-burdensome solution in desperate search of a problem that simply does not exist.

SPCC regulations are over thirty years old and were originally intended for the petroleum industry, although EPA contends that agriculture has never been exempt. In 2011, the EPA provided a two-year compliance delay for farmers and ranchers which ends on May 10th of 2013. However, that delay was only for farms established after 2002. Finally, an enforcement delay for the rest of the fiscal year was passed by Congress as part of the 2013 Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government, preventing the EPA from enforcing the rule on farms and ranches until October 1, 2013.

If you do not like this law, it is important farmers and ranchers contact their Senators and Congressmen on the “Farmers Undertake Environmental Land Stewardship Act” (FUELS Act). The bill has been introduced in both the House of Representatives (H.R. 311) as well as the Senate (S. 496). It is time that producers express what they think on this issue.

The FUELS Act raises the Tier I threshold from 1,320-10,000 gallons up to 10,000-42,000 gallons. This move would prevent many farms and ranches from having to comply with this complicated regulation. The FUELS Act would also raise Tier II up from any amount above 10,000 gallons to any amount above 42,000 gallons. While these changes will not completely exempt all farms and ranches, this compromise is a strong step in the right direction.

Finally, Dewey summarized his column with some key points. Tell your senators that you are a good steward of land and water and depend on both. Most importantly bring to them stories of how this will affect or impact your farm or ranch and even your livelihood. Don’t just expect other people to do this and then wonder why nothing happens. Whatever you do, take a moment to write a letter, email, or simply call your Congressman. It could save you a lot of grief and expense!

Crops

Cash Rental Rates

Brandy VanDeWalle

Each year in March, the UNL Extension Land Value and Cash Rental Rate publication is printed. Many people use this publication which is helpful in getting rental rate discussions started, but should be used as such – a guideline and place to start. I caution all clients who want a magic number that for some, the number reported for our district might be high and for others might be low.  Ultimately it is best for both parties to discuss their own situation.

That being said, in a recent report by Bruce Johnson, UNL ag economist who publishes the survey, he reported the following for a brief summary.  Despite an extreme drought and indicators of weaker agricultural earnings on the horizon, Nebraska’s agricultural land markets remain strong, with an overall increase of 25 percent in the last year. Following the advances of 22 and 32 percent in the previous two years, the 2013 all-land value of $3,040 per acre is more than double the value in early 2010. Survey reporters across the state reported percentage gains for all the farmland classes for the period from Feb. 1, 2012 to Feb. 1, 2013, but “the variation across the classes as well as across sub-state regions was extreme,” Johnson said. Drought conditions in 2012 lifted market demand for irrigated cropland, as irrigated land classes had the largest percentage value gains across the state. In the southern parts of Nebraska (Southwest, South, and Southeast districts) the percentage value advances for irrigated land were particularly strong over the past year.

Johnson went on to explain that survey reporters “frequently commented that current land prices being paid seem over-optimistic.” When asked what they expected land value movements to be for the remainder of 2013 as well as out three to five years, the vast majority of reporters saw a market which had topped out with little if any upward movement in the near future. In fact, a sizable number of reporters thought values could weaken somewhat in the next few years. Johnson points out that, “At some point, the implied economic returns to land as a percent of value can fall to a point where market participants say ‘enough’ and no longer bid values higher.”

The findings in this report are preliminary. A final report will be released this summer.   More information, including tables showing details of average land values for all classes of land. Click on the March 21 Cornhusker Economics.

(Source: Bruce Johnson, Ph.D. & Dan Mosier, Ed Media)

Crops, Youth

Youth Discover Crop Science

Brandy VanDeWalle

Are you interested in science, agriculture, plants, crops, insects, or diseases? If so, join our team of detectives to solve crop-related problems in the Crop Science Investigation (CSI) Big Red Camp! Become a detective while participating in hands-on sessions to learn about and increase your knowledge of crops, science, and agricultural careers. Youth detectives will interact with agronomic professionals across Nebraska to solve experiments in: nutrient management; managing disease, insect and weed problems; water management; crop production, and much more! Do you have what it takes to become a CSI detective?

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There are a variety of careers related to plant sciences such as: Agricultural Communicator; Agronomist; Crop Consultant; Crop Insurance Adjuster; Educator; Co-op Manager; Farmer or Rancher; Farm Credit Banker; Field or Lab Researcher; Plant Breeder; Soil or Water Conservationist; Seed, Fertilizer, or Chemical Sales; or Technical Representative.

Scholarships are available in the amount of $300 to participants who enroll in the Crop Science focus area and submit the following:

  • A short (< 300 words) essay that highlights past crop or plant science related experience and/or interest in pursuing a degree in agronomy or plant-science related areas.
  • A brief essay (< 100 words) on the topic, “What do I hope to learn in the Crop Science Investigation camp?” application can be found at bigredcamps.unl.edu.

To apply for a scholarship, complete the 2013 Big Red Summer Academic Camp Scholarship Application and submit it along with your completed registration materials and a check for the full registration fee, postmarked by April 1, 2013. Winners will be notified by April 19 and will receive a refund when they arrive at camp this summer. Scholarships are for camp registration fees only and do not cover the cost of transportation or other expenses.

Last year, seven youth participated in the camp and one participant said, “It (the camp) let me see all of what an agronomy career is made up of.” All youth said they would recommend this camp to their friends. As I write this, there are several spots already taken, so be sure and get your registration form in soon to ensure a spot at this year’s camp.

To register or download a camp brochure, visit the Big Red Camps site. If you have questions about the camp or the required essays, please feel free to contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu or 402-759-3712.

Crops, Programming

Chemigation Certification Classes

Brandy VanDeWalle

Lately I’ve received several questions from producers wanting to chemigate so this week I’ve shared information from my colleague Randy Pryor in my column. Southeast Nebraska farmers who apply chemicals in irrigation water such as fertilizer or pesticides have an opportunity to certify and obtain a license. According to Saline County Educator Randy Pryor, the meeting is for people who need to renew their chemigation certification or for initial applicants. “The trend has been for more new applicants the past several years,” said Pryor. If you plan to become certified for the first time, please contact the Saline County Extension office (402-821-2151) to pre-register for the training session you plan to attend. We can send study materials prior to the training session which is highly encouraged. All class participants will receive a new chemigation manual and calibration workbook the day of training and should bring a pencil and pocket calculator.

Pivot

There is sometimes confusion what chemigation really means. By definition, chemigation is defined as “any process whereby chemicals are applied to land or crops in or with water through an on-farm irrigation distribution system” (Title 195, Ch. 1, 003). The regulations apply whether the water is from a surface water source, such as a stream or canal, or ground water from an irrigation well.

The Nebraska Chemigation Law does not apply to people in town, however, there are specific rules on backflow prevention for connections to a public drinking water supply system if you are using public water supply to apply chemicals to the lawn. Contact your town w
Pryor stated there can be benefits associated with chemigation or the use of fertilizer or agricultural chemicals in irrigation water through pivot systems when managed properly. Irrigators understand and recognize the importance of the required safety equipment and attend certification classes every four years to comply with state laws and review environmental stewardship. The operators complete a written exam upon completion of the class. Individual site permits are issued by the respective Natural Resources District (NRD) later for more information.

The following are additional meetings that are located in southern Nebraska:

  • March 5, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Gage County Extension Office, Beatrice.
  • March 11, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, 4-H Building at the Fairgrounds, York.
  • March 28, 9:00 AM -12:30 PM, Hall County Extension Office, College Park, Grand Island.
  • March 28, 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM, Adams County Extension Office, Hastings.
  • April 11, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, 4-H Building at the Fairgrounds, York.

Registration is at the door. For additional information, please contact Extension Educators Randy Pryor at (402) 821-2151 or Gary Zoubek at (402) 362-5508.

Crops, Programming

Research Updates to Cover Results from Soybean Management Field Day Trials

Brandy VanDeWalle

Recently I participated in the Crop Production Clinic and heard some interesting results regarding research on soybeans conducted this past growing season. In short, treatments included row spacing/seed rate, fungicides; plant populations/planting date and maturity group interactions. They found narrow row spacing to be the most important practice that growers can adopt to increase yields.

Soon, researchers will be sharing information and yields from the replicated field research conducted at the

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summer 2012 Soybean Management Field Days. The summer Soybean Management Field Days feature presentations and field trials related to soybean production, marketing, and management. In 2012 arrangements were made with four soybean producers to plant seven replicated trials on each of their center pivot irrigated fields. University of Nebraska faculty will share and discuss yield results at each of the Research Update locations.

Research updates will include:

Quest for the Holy Grail in Soybean Production  with Charles Shapiro, UNL soils scientist – crop nutrition, Evan Sonderegger, UNL graduate student, & Jim Specht, UNL professor of agronomy

  • Soybean Seed Treatments and Foliar Fungicides and Growth Enhancement Interactions with Herbicides with Loren Giesler, UNL plant pathologist & Michael Rethwisch, UNL extension educator
  • Herbicide-Carrier Rate Study with Lowell Sandell, UNL weed science Extension educator, Cody Creech, UNL graduate student, & Greg Kruger, UNL Extension cropping system specialist

For more information contact program coordinator and UNL Extension Educator Keith Glewen at 800-529-8030.

Sessions closest to our area include:

  • Jan. 31 — Columbus, noon – 3 p.m., Wunderlich’s Catering, 304 23rd Street; 402-563-4901
  • Jan. 31 — David City, 6 – 9 p.m., Hruska Memorial Public Library, 399 5th Street; 402-367-7410

Registration

The program includes a complimentary meal. To RSVP or for more information, contact the Nebraska Soybean Board at 800-852-BEAN, UNL Extension at 800-529-8030, or the respective host county Extension office. The Soybean Management Field Days and these follow-up Research Updates are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board and UNL Extension.

(Source, UNL CropWatch) 

Crops, Programming

Private Pesticide Applicator & Chemigation Certification Dates Set

Brandy VanDeWalle

Dates for both chemigation and private applicator training are out!  Has your certification expired for either of these programs?  Now is the time to check the card that’s in your billfold to know for sure.   If it is expiring this year, you should have received a letter about upcoming training dates, but if it’s been expired, you won’t receive a letter.  You have multiple methods to take these classes that include in person, home study or online. Sessions I will be teaching include

February 11th, 1:30 p.m., Ag Hall – Fillmore County Fairgrounds, Geneva
February 11th, 6:00 p.m., Ag Hall – Fillmore County Fairgrounds, Geneva
February 26th, 1:30 p.m., Grandpa’s Crossing Restaurant, Deshler
February 26th, 6:30 p.m., Opera House, Bruning

You can get a listing of statewide training dates and check on the status of your license or by contacting our office.

For chemigation training dates go this website.  From this location you can click on the NDEQ link to check on the status of your chemigation license.  Training dates set for March 11th and April 11th from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the 4-H Building in York. My colleague Gary Zoubek who teaches the classes asks that you contact the York Co. Extension Office to pre-register for the training session you plan to attend.  Review of study materials prior to the training session is encouraged.   If you have misplaced your chemigation notebook you may request materials from one of the instructors.  All class participants will receive a new chemigation manual and calibration workbook the day of training.  Individuals attending for the first time are encouraged to request training materials prior to training.  Phone number to register is 402-362-5508 or you can email him.