May 29, 2001
Adddendum to the May 25 Crop Watch
Note: Growing degree day data indicate that scouting for stalk borer in corn should begin this week in southeast Nebraska. Following is a special addition to the May 25 Crop Watch providing further information on the scouting, life cycle and treatment of the common stalk borer in corn.
May 25, 2001
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Assessing wheat stands and recropping options Early season pests damaging corn; scouting essential ECB moth flight
began May 15 Cool, wet weather brings out
resilient fungi in soybean fields
When is replanting the best alternative for soybeans? Identify critical period of weed control in soybean
for most cost effective herbicide applications Crop-sized ring toss simplifies counts Soil erosion exposes corn roots Using the PSNT for spring testing
of nitrogen
Manage grazing by available moisture
Don't let hay and forage slip; evaluate progress
NU's Market Journal returns June 14
Summer tours feature sustainable agriculture systems and marketing methods Wheat variety tours to be held June 18-July 2 Field Updates Ag News -- Women's Ag Marketing Course offers "catch-up" session; Legislative update on ethanol, Nebraska sorghum in Japanese snacks; restoring community lakes; summer forestry course; state cattle update; and state insect record database.
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Begin scouting corn in southeast Nebraska for stalk borer this week and be prepared to begin scouting corn in other areas of central and eastern Nebraska soon.
As of May 28 we had accumulated 1000-1350 degree days (base 41°F) since Jan. 1, depending on location (see map). Based on research at Iowa State University, stalk borer egg hatch begins at about 575 degree days and should be complete by 750 degree days. Scout corn for common stalk borers when about 1,300-1400 degree days have accumulated. Updated degree day maps will be published in future Crop Watch issues.
When scouting, check corn plants bordering grassy areas to determine the percentage of plants with stalk borer injury. Examine several sets of 10 plants. Look for feeding damage and insect-damaged plants to see if live larvae are present.
If weedy grasses were common throughout the field in the previous year, the whole field may need to be scouted for common stalk borers. Use the table below to help determine the economic injury level.
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Stalk borer life cycle
The stalk borer life cycle begins in the fall when moths lay their eggs on grassy plants and ragweed. Often these are in fence rows, grass waterways or terraces bordering crop fields. These eggs hatch in late April or early May and larvae bore into the grasses or other weeds such as ragweed and begin feeding.
As the stalk borers grow or if the plants are mowed or burned down with herbicides, they move into adjacent corn plants to complete their development.
Common stalk borers are rather distinctive in appearance, with three white stripes on a background brownish-purple coloration. The two stripes on the side stop just behind the three pairs of true legs, then continue about half-way down the length of the caterpillar.
Feeding damage by stalk borers may kill the growing point if the caterpillar bores into the base of the stalk, or may produce ragged feeding holes in the leaves, if feeding starts in the whorl and then moves down into the stalk.
Treatment
To be effective, insecticides must be applied before common stalk borer larvae have entered the stalk. In cases where stalk borers begin feeding on grassy weeds, or other vegetation in field edges, control is most effective if timed between 1400 and 1700 degree-days (base 41°F), which corresponds to the first half of the period that stalk borers are migrating from weedy hosts into corn. If the infestation is restricted to the field margin, use a border treatment.
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In cases where there is a history of field-wide stalk borer damage at a site, insecticides applied to corn and timed for egg hatch may be used to reduce damage. The disadvantage of this approach is that there is no effective way to sample for stalk borers at this time, so treatments are made without knowledge of whether an insecticide treatment would be profitable that year.
Insecticides may be mixed with fast-acting herbicides being used to burn down early season weeds, or applied several days after use of slower-acting herbicides. Check the label for compatibility of different insecticide and herbicide mixtures.
A variety of foliar insecticides are labeled for control of common stalk borers in corn, including Ambush 2E (6.4-12.8 oz per acre), Asana XL (5.8-9.6 oz per acre), Lorsban 4E (2-3 pints per acre), Pounce 3.2EC (4-8 oz per acre), Capture 2EC (2.1-6.4 fl. oz per acre) or Warrior 1EC (2.56-3.84 oz per acre).
Bob Wright
Extension Entomologist
South Central REC
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Loose seed beds last fall have resulted in poor wheat stands and wheat vigor this spring in some western Nebraska fields. Some wheat fields have been, or soon will be, destroyed.
Growers are considering their recropping options for these fields. In most cases, wheat in the destroyed fields had not removed soil water to any great depth and just one or two moderate rainfall events should be sufficient to re-wet the surface soil and permit successful seeding of a spring crop.
To minimize water loss, consider using a burndown herbicide such as Roundup Ultra or Touchdown to kill the existing wheat crop and then no-till seed the spring crop into the wheat residue.
A larger obstacle this year to successfully seeding a spring crop into a destroyed wheat field may be herbicide residues in the soil. Many of the herbicides used in winter wheat have long rotation interval restrictions. The table lists recropping options following many of the most commonly used wheat herbicides. Many of the sulfonylurea herbicides have rotation interval restrictions longer than one year.
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If herbicide rotation restrictions do not permit the seeding of a spring crop this year, consider summer fallowing the destroyed wheat field and planting a spring crop in the fields you were planning to summer fallow this year.
Research conducted in the Nebraska Panhandle found that seeding proso millet into summer fallow fields as a catch crop after hail resulted in significantly better yields than seeding it back into the destroyed wheat field.
Before destroying any crop and planting another crop, contact your Farm Service Agency office and crop insurers.
Drew Lyon
Extension Dryland Cropping Systems Specialis
Panhandle REC
Robert Klein
Extension Cropping Systems Specialist
West Central REC
A variety of early season pests are reported to be damaging corn. This reinforces the need to scout for corn insects beginning at crop emergence. Southern corn leaf beetles were reported to be damaging some fields in southeastern Nebraska. There also have been reports of damage from wireworms and cutworms. Previous Crop Watch articles ( March 23 and May 11) this year addressed management of these insects.
A somewhat unusual report from Saunders County was of southern corn rootworm (spotted cucumber) beetles feeding on seedling corn and cutting off plants at the stem.
With the exception of wireworms all these insects can be managed by scouting and use of postemergence insecticides as needed. If the number of cut plants reaches 5% and insects are still present, insecticides may be warranted. With wireworms the only decision to make is whether to replant.
Bob Wright
The first European corn borer moth flight was detected on May 15 at Clay Center and May 16 at Aurora. Web sites for both locations include moth flight information:
As other light trap web sites become available, they'll be listed on the UNL Department of Entomology web site.
Bob Wright
In a "normal" year in Nebraska, soybean seedling diseases always occur somewhere. With this week's cool, wet weather, I suspect we may be seeing more widespread soybean seedling disease problems.
The most common fungi involved in seedling diseases in Nebraska are species of Fusarium, Phytophthora, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia. All four can kill soybean seedlings or at least cause yield-limiting damage. Diagnostic characteristics of common soybean seedling diseases are described in Damping Off, Root Rots, and Vascular Disorders of Soybean, Extension Circular EC99-1877. Cool, wet weather favors a couple of our most common fungi that cause seedling disease and are likely to be a problem this year: Pythium and Fusarium. Both of these fungi form resistant survival structures and wait for weather conducive to disease development to cause problems.
Fusarium root rot is caused by Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum. Infections usually occur early in the season when cool temperatures favor disease development. The disease becomes most destructive when soil temperatures are between 57°F and 75°F and fields are saturated with moisture (57° F optimum).
Look for discoloration of the taproot and lateral roots with a reddish color or dark brown color depending on the species of Fusarium involved. Fusarium root infections usually start at the lower portion of the root system in contrast to Rhizoctonia root rot, which usually starts at the soil line and extends down to the root system. Root systems of severely infected young plants may be nearly destroyed. Older plants are seldom killed but will wilt quicker than healthy plants when soil moisture is low. Poor stands caused by Fusarium spp. are usually associated with poor seed quality, heavy rains, soil compaction, or wet soils after planting.
At least five species of Pythium cause seed decay, damping off, and root rot of soybean. Although these fungi are capable of infecting the soybean plant at any developmental stage, early infections on seedlings are the most damaging. Seed rot and seedling diseases caused by Pythium spp. develop early in the season under cool temperatures and wet soil conditions. In cool (50°F to 60°F) wet soil, they, like Phytophthora, produce zoospores that move through soil water to seed or roots where they infect the plant. Seedlings are the most susceptible to infection and the soybean plants become progressively more resistant as they age.
Look for seeds rotted in the soil that are soft and slimy to the touch or overgrown with other fungi and bacteria, giving the seed a fuzzy appearance. Infections that cause seedling blights occur after the seed has germinated but before or just after emergence. Infected roots are brown and appear wet, or they may have brown lesions on the hypocotyl. If seedlings are infected after emergence, leaves have a gray-green cast, wilt and die within a day or so.
If these problems have developed in your fields, you're probably wishing that you had treated your soybean seed. Nonetheless, if you have to replant into a field with a stand problem, make sure to apply a fungicide so you don't have the same problem twice in the same year. A list of seed-applied fungicides and their activity is in NU Cooperative Extension NebFact, Seed Treatment Fungicides for Soybeans, NF00-411. If you're not sure which fungus is causing the problem this year, use a good combination product with broad spectrum activity.
Loren J. Giesler
About half of Nebraska's soybean acreage had been planted as of Sunday, May 20, according to the Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Service. This compares with a long-term average of 47% and last year's 79%. In some areas over two-third's of the crop is planted. Considerable planting will occur this week and some producers have already finished planting. To date we have lost little yield potential to late planting.
In contrast to this relatively good news are the unfortunate situations where soybean stands are less than expected because of soil crusting, poor seed quality, or injury from pathogens, hail, frost, and herbicides.
Assessing soybean stands
Several factors must be considered when assessing the minimum stand necessary to achieve reasonable yields. The expected yield loss from the reduced stand must be balanced against the anticipated yield loss from replanting after the optimum planting date (mid to late May). Leaving a poor stand may result in poor weed control or increased herbicide costs. Replanting entails additional costs for seed, tillage, and replanting in addition to the potential yield penalty imposed by a later-than-normal planting date.
Obtaining stand counts is the first step to assessing the field situation. Count plants that have a good chance of recovery. Emerged soybean plants can recover from stem damage if the stem is not severed below the cotyledonary (seed leaf) node. This is the first node on the seedling; the two fleshy-like cotyledons are attached to this node. If still present, buds on each side of this node can produce regrowth. If the plant is broken off below this node, it will not survive.
Early season pests damaging corn; scouting essential
Extension Entomologist
South Central REC
ECB moth flight began May 15
Extension Entomologist
South Central REC
Cool, wet weather brings out resilient fungi in soybean fields
Extension Plant Pathologist
Weighing the options with soybean: When is replanting the best alternative?
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Once stand counts are established, refer to Figure 1 to estimate plants/acre. (For other row widths see table in Crop-sized ring toss story) Although yield is reduced when plant populations fall below 100,000 plants per acre, the yield loss is not proportional to stand loss. A general guideline is to leave a field alone if plant populations are greater than 50,000 plants per acre, the stand is uniform, and the field can be kept weed free. More information on assessing hail loss in soybeans is in Soybean Yield Loss Due to Hail Damage, NU Cooperative Extension NebGuide G762.
Replanting rates
If replanting is necessary, what seeding rates and other practices are recommended? Soybeans planted in June are usually shorter. If you can't plant until then, use a narrow row spacing if possible and higher seeding rates to hasten canopy closure. Faster canopy closure will suppress weeds. Avoid using very early maturing varieties because they will flower quickly, resulting in short plants. Tall, medium maturing varieties for your area offer the best hope of minimizing potential yield loss from planting late. These recommendations apply to double-cropped soybeans as well.
Recommended soybean seeding rates, stand assessment and replanting rates based on Nebraska field research are discussed in Soybean Seeding Rates, NU Cooperative Extension NebGuide G99-1395.
Roger Elmore
Extension Crops Specialist
South Central REC
With all the advances of herbicide tolerant soybean, there is still the constant dilemma of how best to time postemergence weed control. As we discussed earlier with corn, there is a need to determine the critical period of weed control. This is the time in the crop growth cycle when weeds must be controlled to prevent yield losses. Weeds emerging before or after this period may not present a threat to crop yields. This information is essential in determining the need for and timing of weed control and for achieving efficient use of herbicides.
Research at the University of Nebraska has shown that each crop has a critical period during which weeds must be controlled to maintain maximum yields. The length of this period can be affected by several variables, for example, row spacing in soybean.
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Time of weed removal as affected by soybean row spacing
Studies were conducted in 1999 at Mead and in 2000 at Mead and Concord to determine how row spacing affected the critical period of weed control. Predominant weed species at both locations/years were velvetleaf, common waterhemp and green foxtail, with the densities ranging from 70-100 plants per square yard.
Generally, an increase in row spacing resulted in a need for earlier weed removal and thus, a less competitive crop. For example, the beginning of the critical period of weed control in wide-row (30-inch) soybean was approximately at the 1st trifoliate stage, based on a 5% acceptable yield loss level (Table 1).
This suggests that in wide-row soybeans the control measure should start early in the season (at the 1st trifoliate stage). Beginning of the critical period of weed control in 15-inch rows was delayed and corresponded approximately to the 2nd trifoliate stage, compared to the 3rd trifoliate stage in soybean grown in the 7.5-inch rows (Table 1).
This data implies that reducing row spacing delayed the onset of weed competition and increased the tolerance of soybean to weed presence. The mechanism of soybean tolerance needs to be determined yet, although we believe it is related to the crop shading effects.
The speculation is that even though the weeds are present in the narrow row soybeans they are not growing as vigorously and they are not as competitive against the crop, due to crop shading effects. Furthermore, from a practical standpoint, these results indicate that a reduction in soybean row spacing increases soybean tolerance to weeds and may require less intensive weed management programs (eg. weed control measures applied once rather than twice).
Cost of delaying weed control
The commonly asked question among producers is "how much is it going to cost me if I delay weed control"? Possible reasons for delaying weed control may include weather constraints (rainfall, wind), and time constraints due to a large number of acres to spray.
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Figure 1 illustrates the relationship between crop yield and timing of weed removal. The 2% yield loss for every leaf stage of delay past the critical stage of weed control, was determined as the cost of delaying weed control in soybean. For example, the time to control weeds in 7.5-inch-row soybean is the V3 stage (third trifoliate, see Table 1).
If weed control is delayed to the V4 (fourth trifoliate), it will cost a producer about 2% in yield losses due to prolonged competition from weeds. The same is true if weed control is delayed past the recommended critical time in other soybean row spacings (Table 1). This recommendation is applicable up to the R3 stage in soybean (beginning pod). If the weed control is delayed further than these indicated stages, yield losses will be much higher than suggested. In terms of actual economic losses in soybean, it will be about $5 per acre for every soybean leaf stage of delay, assuming a price of $5 bushel and a yield goal of 40 bushels.
Weed size
Weed size at the time of weed control is another concern. If weeds emerge four to five days before the crop or if they are taller than the crop, they will shade the crop. Control measures should be initiated four to five days (one to two leaves) prior to the normal beginning of the critical period of weed control. If the weeds emerge 5-10 days after the crop, they will not shade the crop that early in the season so control can be initiated 5-10 days (two to three leaves) after the beginning of normal critical period.
The size of weed species also will affect herbicide use rates, especially the rates of glyphosate in Roundup-Ready soybeans. It is well known that glyphosate has much better activity on grassy rather than broadleaf species. Normal recommended rates should provide control of most common annual grassy species (foxtails, barnyardgrass, field sandbur, woolly cupgrass, panicums) that are 3-8 inches tall and control annual broadleaves (velvetleaf, lambsquarters, pigweeds, mustards) that are less than 6 inches tall.
For taller grasses and broadleaf species a full rate of 26-32 ounces will be required. Higher rates of glyphosate (40-60 ounces) may be needed to control species such as ivy-leaf morning-glory, sweet clover, field bindweed, Venice mellow and various smartweed species (lady's thumb, Pennsylvania smartweed, wild buckwheat, etc).
Stevan Knezevic
Extension Weeds Specialist
Northeast REC, Haskell Ag Lab
Some producers may be thinking that their stand looks thin and are wondering if they should replant. The "ideal" stand depends on productivity of the soil, available moisture throughout the growing season, management ability, and many other factors. However, depending on the crop, it may be getting late enough in the season that replanting a thin stand may not be a good option. The yield loss because of late planting may be more that the reduction due to a less-than-ideal stand. An accurate stand count is needed to make an informed, cost-effective decision.
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With drilled crops, the length of row to equal 1/1000 of an acre gets to be quite long (ie: 69 feet 8 inches for 7.5-inch rows) and it is sometimes difficult to identify the row. To avoid these problems, many producers toss a hula-hoop to define the known area when counting plants in drilled fields. When you know the area encircled by the hula-hoop, you can use the appropriate calculations to estimate population.
The "standard" toy hula-hoop is usually either 30 or 36 inches in diameter, not a convenient-sized known area. However, a circle with an inside diameter of 40 inches will encircle a known area of 1/5,000 of an acre. By taking plant counts within a 40-inch circle at five random locations in the field, 1/1,000 of an acre will be counted. The five separate counts reduce the variability of the sample by providing an average.
A 40-inch hoop (inside diameter) can be easily made from a 10-foot 9-inch length of 1/2-inch black plastic water pipe and a double male hose barb connector (trim hose length depending on connector style). This will make a fairly rigid "oversized hula-hoop" which encircles 1/5,000 of an acre. A "fold-up" portable version can be made from a 10-foot 7.5-inch length of 3/8-inch EVA plastic hose (anhydrous ammonia hose) and the appropriate barbed connector. This flexible hoop can be "folded" by grasping opposite sides of the hoop and curling it up with a twist of the wrist. A three-coiled hoop is formed (similar to a folded V-belt) which will easily fit under the pickup seat.
Paul Jasa
Extension Engineer
The NU Plant and Pest Diagnostics Clinic this week received samples of corn seedlings which had blown over in the field.
The plants were about 8 inches tall and at the V2 stage. They appear to have been planted at the right depth originally, although the crown is now above the soil surface. While the seeds, roots around the seed and plant appear healthy, brace roots have not developed. Recent rains likely eroded the topsoil away to a level below the crown.
While the temptation may be to cultivate and throw soil up over the crown, that is not advisable, and would very possibly do more harm than good. If the soils are crusted, cultivation may not lead to good plant/soil contact. While the plants are currently healthy, they are relatively vulnerable. Throwing dirt clods at the plant bases may actually injure the plants and provide an entry source for pathogens. In addition, such situations likely occurred on erodible hilly fields where cultivation may just set up the field for continued erosion with the next rain, placing the plant in even worse condition. At the V2 stage, cultivation is likely to cause more physical damage than protection of the plant.
A better strategy would be to give the plant and the weather a little time. The last week of moist, cool, cloudy weather has been ideal for plant recovery. If the crown is in contact with moist soil, it will likely set crown roots eventually and the plant will right itself. While little can be done now to rescue these plants, next year cultural practices on highly erodible land could be adjusted to include more conservation tillage practices to maintain residue on the soil surface. With highly erodible, rolling topography, we would strongly recommend implementing no-till practices.
Bob Caldwell
Cropping Systems Specialist
Jennifer Chaky
Coordinator of the NU Plant Pest and Disease Diagnostic Clinic
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One of the unknowns about manure application is how quickly the nitrogen is released from the organic component of the manure. Soil temperature, moisture and aeration influence this rate. Usually most nitrogen is released from manure in late spring when conditions are best for release.
The Presidedress Nitrate Test (PSNT) for corn was developed to test for nitrate nitrogen that becomes available in late April and May. This nitrogen is not found in fall, winter, or early spring soil tests.
The University of Nebraska has not yet published specific recommendations for the PSNT, but guidelines developed by Iowa State University may be used. Their guidelines are available in Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn in Iowa, ISU Cooperative Extension publication Pm-1714.
NU researchers have been part of a multi-state effort to verify the validity of the PSNT test. Researchers took soil samples both before the season and in spring when the PSNT would be used. Nitrogen was applied and yields were measured. After the season they determined if the preplant and presidedress treatments recommended the correct amount of nitrogen.
Dr. Dan Walters, NU soil scientist, has summarized some of the findings from this North Central Region research by categorizing the error rate associated with both preplant soil tests and the presidedress nitrogen test. Dr. Walters grouped the results of field tests into two types of errors. Type A errors were those where too little nitrogen was recommended and Type B errors were those where too much nitrogen was recommended.
Results collected over a number of years from 200-300 sites indicated a failure rate of 18%-35% (Table 1) depending on the test used and the depth. This would not be a very effective test, except most of the errors were Type B where the test over-recommended nitrogen. This data indicates that when using both the preplant and presidedress nitrate tests, there is a low likelihood of under-recommending nitrogen.
Using the presidedress nitrate test
Sample corn when it is 6 to 12 inches tall or in late May to early June. Sample from field areas that are similar and 10 to 20 acres in size. Sample either 0-1 or 0-1 and 1-2 feet. The deeper tests have a lower overall error rate, but a slightly higher Type A error rate. Have nitrate tests run on both samples. This test works best if previous fertilizer application bands are avoided. Try to avoid starter and anhydrous ammonia bands. Take 20 cores per sample.
Interpretation of results
While Nebraska has not published specific instructions for this stage, other states have published the following:
Iowa method
Iowa has the most specific recommendations. They are based on the price of corn and nitrogen, spring rain and the PSNT results. This year with corn at about $2/bu and nitrogen over $0.25/lb, use the upper section of the table. This table should be used for fields with manure or alfalfa history. For fields in continuous corn or corn following soybeans, Iowa recommends subtracting the soil nitrates from 25 ppm (critical level) and multiplying the difference by 8. For example, with a soil test of 18 the nitrogen recommendation would be: 25-18=7 x 8= 56 lbs N/acre.
Wisconsin method
Wisconsin uses a different system. They base their recommendation on the yield potential of the soil. Their critical level is 21 ppm nitrate-N. The amount they recommend per ppm below their critical level is 15 for high producing soils and 8 for low producing soils. They recommend the same nitrogen rate for all soils below 10 ppm nitrate-N.
Recommendations
Sample fields with high likelihood of having high nitrate concentrations: manured fields and those with alfalfa last year. If soil tests come back over 23 ppm, there is probably no need for additional nitrogen. The NU nitrogen algorithm is not designed to be used with the PSNT numbers. The NU recommendation system (see the March 2, Crop Watch) is based on preplant nitrogen tests taken to 3 feet; however, the algorithm does give eight pounds of nitrogen credit for each ppm nitrate. Probably the correct value will fall between the Iowa and Wisconsin numbers of 8 and 15 lbs of nitrogen per ppm nitrate under the critical value.
Charles Shapiro
Extension Soils Specialist
Northeast REC, Haskell Ag Lab
Dick DeLoughery
Water Quality Education Coordinator
Northeast REC
This year in Nebraska we have pasture and grass production areas with good soil moisture and others with little moisture. It takes rain to grow grass and good management to adjust practices to make the most use of the moisture available.
Good soil moisture
When moisture is plentiful and temperatures get warm, grass grows rapidly. There are several ways you can reap maximum benefits from extra grass, but you must be able to adjust fencing and management to control when and where your animals graze. One option for extra grass is to cut hay for winter feed. If you select this option, choose the area you plan to cut for hay now and prevent animals from grazing there, both before and after cutting hay. Build or repair fences if needed.
Another option is stockpiling extra growth in a pasture for winter grazing. This can save on winter hay and is inexpensive to try. On summer rangeland, you need to start accumulating growth no later than early July by fencing cows out of the planned winter pasture. If, instead, your winter pasture will be from cool-season grasses like bromegrass or wheatgrass, be ready to fence off and save the winter grazing portion by late July. And don't overgraze that area this summer or late season growth will be slow.
Finally, simply start a planned rotational grazing program this summer. Your pasture plants will recover well during the rest periods, building deep and healthy root systems that will maintain production when it does turn dry. Don't be satisfied when abundant rain gives you extra grass. Take advantage of this growth to reap long-term benefits.
Little soil moisture
While it may not be as bad as last year's drought, there are areas of the state with little soil moisture. When May and June rainfall is well below average, chances are your pasture growth will be low all summer. Early management adjustments can help maintain healthy animals and grazinglands.
One of the most important steps is to reduce stocking rates to optimize animal performance and maintain healthy pastures. This can be accomplished several ways. Early wean to remove calves from pasture and reduce nutrient demands by cows. Send yearlings to the feedlot early and curtail replacement heifer production for a year. Cull less productive cows early and heavily.
These livestock practices will save forage for your base herd. If you do sell some animals, do it early while prices are strong and before others dump their livestock on the market and depress prices.
With grazing management, rotate rapidly through all your summer pastures to make sure animals graze cool-season forages before they mature and become undesirable. Use weather-damaged wheat as forage to extend pasture growth periods and accumulate more grazing. Group livestock into as few herds as possible and add more cross-fencing. Pastures will be grazed more uniformly, and the pastures being rested will accumulate more growth before grazing begins. As a result, the total number of animal days of grazing will increase. Even strip graze corn later this summer for extra feed.
Drought can devastate the unprepared livestock producer. Early adjustments can ease the pain.
Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist
Memorial Day weekend is a good time to review your hay and forage program for the year.
Begin grazing warm-season grasses soon after Memorial Day. Also, estimate now if your pastures will have enough moisture to produce the growth needed by your livestock this year. If drought has caused reduced growth, adjust animal numbers now before it's too late. Summer rains will not catch up completely. If growth is abundant, cut some for hay instead.
Follow through with this Memorial Day evaluation and many hay and forage problems will be solved, or at least foreseen.
Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist
The University of Nebraska agricultural issue and discussion program, Market Journal, will return to regular production June 14. This year's shows will include ag policy issues and producer-to-producer tips on livestock marketing as well as its core topics of risk management and steps to increase farm and ranch profits. The interactive satellite and Internet series is produced by NU Cooperative Extension.
Two editions of Market Journal will be broadcast each month. The first show will be offered live at 21 sites from 8 to 9 p.m. CT the second Thursday of every month from June through December. This edition also will be carried on Lincoln's Time-Warner cable television system Channel 21.
Extension educators and representatives from the Nebraska Grain and Feed Association will lead discussion at the sites. Extension will encourage marketing clubs to develop among participants. Materials will be provided through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency "so producers can work together as a team, helping each other with marketing," said Jim Randall, an NU communications specialist.
The second show will be available on the web after 8 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of every month at marketjournal.unl.edu. All shows will be archived on the web site for later viewing.
Doug Jose, NU farm management specialist, will host the discussion with invited guests and regular participants. Roy Smith, a corn and soybean producer from Platts-mouth, will return to provide grain market updates and analyses along with Lynn Lutgen, NU grain marketing specialist. Livestock issues will be covered by Harry Knobbe, a West Point cattle feeder, and Al Prosch, coordinator of Pork Central at NU's IANR. Other speakers include Roy Frederick, NU policy specialist; Al Dutcher, NU state climatologist, and grain elevator merchandisers.
This year's program will include: feature stories, such as an analysis of how Nebraska's Initiative 300 is affecting the state's agriculture. Other topics will include financial management tips on marketing, farm labor, and crop insurance; and marketing tips from grain merchandisers. Upcoming topics and speakers will be announced in Crop Watch throughout the year. Registered viewers will be eligible for drawings for several prizes, including a subscription to Roy Smith's Farmer to Farmer Seasonal Strategies newsletter and two Palm Pilot handheld electronic computers.
Viewing sites are:
Market Journal receives support from the Nebraska Feed and Grain Assn., USDA Risk Management Agency, and NU Cooperative Extension.
The Nebraska Sustainable Agriculture Society sponsors farm tours each summer to showcase how sustainable farming practices are being used in different areas of Nebraska. The public is invited to these tours and learn about the diversity of farming enterprises in Nebraska.
June 20, 5 p.m., John and Susie Ellis' Libby Creek Farm, York - A Summer Solstice Celebration. Join the fun for the farm tour and post-tour picnic. The Ellis' sell their produce at several farmers' markets, operate a community supported agriculture farm, and are completing a certified on-farm kitchen. Directions: From the U.S. 81 & I-80 interchange, go 1/2 mile south to Himark Texaco, then 4 miles west. The farm is on the north side. 402-362-2630
June 23, 9 a.m., Grass-Health & Bison Tour with Dave Hutchinson, Rose - See management intensive grazing of buffalo on organic grass at Hutchinson's Perfect 10 Ranch. View how they practice natural fly control and natural animal health care. Nationally recognized speakers will present information on health benefits relating to grass-fed buffalo meat. Contact Dave at 402-273-4574 to pre-register by June 15. Directions: Take Highway 183 to mile marker 151, turn west and and travel 7 miles to the blue mailbox and sign, which reads Hutchinson Buffalo Ranch, turn left and follow the road 2 miles back to ranch.
July 14, 8 a.m., The Grain Place, Inc., Marquette - Dave Vetter and staff will be opening their organic farm and grain-processing center for tours and workshops. In the morning you can tour the fields and talk with them about extensive grazing rotations. In the afternoon, there will be workshops/presentations on various aspects of the farm and products. Register by July 7 to insure a delicious organic meal. For registration and/or more information call 402-854-3195.
August 4, 10 a.m., Bryce Grothe, Uehling - Bryce Grothe, "the Clean Farmer", will host a tour of his organic farm and will give a demo on combine cleanout. There will be several combines to use in discussions on how to document cleanout procedure between harvesting buffer strips and certified crops. OCIA members are encouraged to attend this tour and the following board meeting. Directions: take Highway 77 to the north edge of Uehling, then go 4 1/2 miles east on county line road E/A to the farm on the south side of the road. For more information call 402-727-5927.
August 6, 10 a.m., Tom Larson, St. Edward.- Larson, who was recently honored by the National Smithsonian Institution as well as USDA's Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, will show his intensive management of a variety of grain and grazing crops, as well as the integration of cattle and chickens into his whole farm plan. Directions: from the St. Edward Co-op gas station, go 4 blocks north, two blocks west, two blocks north, and 1/2 block west. Follow this road 1 1/2 miles northwest out of town to the Larson farm on the west side. For more information call 402-678-2456.
August 24, 1 p.m. registration, tour at 2 p.m., Dennis Demmel, Ogallala.- Demmel will discuss his modified ridgetill system for corn, soybeans, wheat, sunflowers, forage peas, and legumes in dryland and irrigated production with reduced herbicides. The tour also will feature field windbreaks and composting systems. Directions: from Ogallala, go 10 miles south on Hwy 61 (2 miles south of the Keith/Perkins County line) and 1/2 mile west. From Grant, go 9 miles north on Hwy 61 and 1/2 mile west. For more information call 308-352-4078.
August, Mike Chandler, Anselmo - This tour is the field portion of Chandler's presentation at the 2001 Healthy Farms Conference. Chandler is building organic matter and fertility into his organic farmland using sweet clover and bees. Tours will include the irrigated and dryland sweetclover, beekeeping operation, and honey processing facility. The exact date will be noted in an upcoming Crop Watch, or call 308-749-2267 for more information.
September 11, 5 p.m., Paul and Cyndie Rohrbaugh, Steinauer - The Rohrbaugh's operate a sustainable, chemical-free, grass-based livestock operation. The tour will feature pastured poultry, management intensive grazing, free-range layer flocks, and their poultry processing unit. Directions: from Tecumseh go south on Highway 50 to the Steinauer turnoff, then go west to the west edge of Steinauer, then 1/2 mile north, and 3/4 mile west. For information call 402-869-2396.
October, Kevin and Charuth Loth, Shadow Brook Farm, Denton - The Loths have a certified organic produce farm with some small livestock. The tour will include their greenhouse, fields, washing facility, and roadside market. There will be discussions about their farmer's market, CSA, and organic farming experiences and their plans for the future. Directions: west of Lincoln at 2201 Denton Road. For information call 402-420-2283.
Bob Wright
Extension Entomologist
South Central REC
Producers can view and compare wheat varieties at University of Nebraska Wheat Plot tours to be held throughout the state in June and early July. Sites may feature speakers or programs so contact the Extension educator in the hosting county for further information.
Gary Hall, Extension educator in Phelps County: Planting has been going well, but the hot dry winds have caused some crusting on conventional tilled fields. Some producers were replanting corn last week due to crusting. Moisture is becoming a needed commodity with pivots irrigating many fields as the high winds dry out the surface.
Jennifer Chaky, coordinator of the NU Plant Pest and Disease Diagnostic Clinic: We received several corn samples with possible herbicide injury and problems due to shallow planting or erosion washing away soil. The following diseases were diagnosed May 7 - 18: tan spot in wheat in Red Willow County.
Robert Stritzke, Extension educator in Jefferson County: Jefferson County has experienced considerable damage to pine trees from pine sawfly.
Terry Gompert, Extension educator in Knox County: Most corn has been planted and soybean planting is well underway. About 15% of the alfalfa was winter killed; however the first cutting of what survived looks very good. Total hay harvested this first cutting could be above normal. Insect pressure here is low. So far this year things are looking good. We have good moisture, planting is okay, insects are low, hay crop looks good and cattle prices are good. Those who consider themselves grass farmers are feeling very good, because the grass (pastures and range) look bountiful.
Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Service, May 21 report: The winter wheat crop rated 3% very poor, 15% poor, 36% fair, 40% good, and 6% excellent. Temperatures well above normal and limited or no precipitation across the Panhandle and southwest Nebraska lowered condition ratings. Seventy-two percent of the crop had jointed, compared to 94% last year and 82% for the five-year average. Twenty-three percent of the acreage had headed, well behind last year's 62% but above the average of 20%.
Corn planting moved ahead to 93%. This was slightly behind last year's pace of 97% although near the 91% average. Sixty-one percent had emerged, compared with 81% last year and 55% average. Condition rated 1% poor, 18% fair, 65% good, and 16% excellent. Soybean planting moved ahead to 51% complete, behind 79% last year and 47% average. Eighteen percent of the crop had emerged, compared to 40% last year and 14% average. Sorghum planting progressed to 34% seeded as of Sunday. A year ago, 51% had been planted while the average planted by this time is 31%. Thirteen percent had emerged, this compared with 18% last year and 6% average.
Oat planting was nearly complete at 97%. Planting was complete at this time last year and for the five-year average. Eighty-seven percent of the crop was emerged, behind 100% last year and 97% average. Sugar beet planting was virtually complete. Alfalfa harvest made good progress last week with 9% being cut statewide. Conditions rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 20% fair, 56% good and 18% excellent. Pasture and range conditions showed improvement again last week and rated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 32% fair, 53% good, and 5% excellent. Although pasture grasses are greening up, growth remains at a slower than normal pace.
Jon A. Appel, Plant Pathologist, Kansas Department of Agriculture: Disease loss is expected to be exceptionally low in the Kansas wheat crop this year. There have been reports of foliar disease at the flag leaf stage, including speckled leaf blotch and tan spot on the flag leaf in several north central Kansas fields. In addition some stripe rust was also reported on the upper leaves. Generally, there have been few reports of leaf rust and viral diseases such as barley yellow dwarf and wheat streak mosaic. These diseases frequently are quite prolific at this crop stage.
Illinois Pest Report: This week the Illinois Agricultural Statistics Service said armyworms in Illinois were ``marching from one depleted food source to another devouring everything in their path.'' Kevin Steffey, extension entomologist at the University of Illinois, said this year's outbreak was the worst in the two decades he has been an entomologist. He said armyworms could badly damage wheat yields, especially when the wheat is in the heading stage of development.
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