Where’s the water? What will be the yield?

With the recent lack of rain in our area and around the state many are wondering where is the water. At the Franklin County Extension office we haven't had a rain give us more than a tenth of an inch since June 9^th. During this same period our estimated evapo-transpiration has averaged about two tenths of an inch per day. This has left us with dry soils and corn that is showing signs of stress. The real question that comes up though is what does any of this mean for yield? For this we need to go back to the physiology of corn and look at what is happening currently and how stress will affect that. In general, when talking strictly about grain yield, our younger corn will weather a dry period without yield losses much better than our older crop. These younger crops are typically developing roots which may be limited due to drought but can recover if good moisture follows. The only real critical time for this young corn is the V-4 to V-5 stage where the number of kernel rows is determined by the plant.

Typically the corn that has not reached V-12 will have little yield loss. At the V12 to V14 stage the corn plant is initiating multiple processes which will set in stone what the maximum yield will be. These include; ear number determination (only on prolific hybrids), ear size, and number of kernels per row. Once these variables are in place we head into the critical time around silking. From R1 to maturity we have to have good conditions for the ear to silk in time for pollen shed as well as pollinated kernels to fill. Drought conditions around the silking time may lead to unfertilized kernels, thus decreasing yields. Once fertilization has occurred moisture and nutrients are still required to push fill.

This may seem like an effort in futility since we have little to no control on the amount of water our crop receives. However, if you are looking to make management decisions based on yield projections now is a good time to make sure you adjust yields if you feel your corn has been stressed to that point.

Manure use and Alfalfa

As the dairy industry continues to try to find ways to cut costs many are scrutinizing field amendments to attempt to decrease input costs. Obviously we cannot limit nutrients to crops but sometimes simply changing where those nutrients come from may be of economic benefit. A perfect example of this is the use of manures for potassium in alfalfa.

On dairy farms we often have an excess of manure and our manures are typically pretty high in potassium. We also often have lots of acres of alfalfa that need potassium fertilizer. On alfalfa fields we typically use commercial fertilizers to add only the nutrients needed to the sward. One of the main issues with manure on any of our crops is the fact that it is a complete package fertilizer so we get even the nutrients we don't need, in this case nitrogen. If all of the manure could be used on corn, it would be better to save the manure for the corn ground where you will get more of the full value of the nutrients, especially N. In this case you need to push the pencil to see if it is more economical to buy N for the corn or K for the alfalfa.

Excess nitrogen can lead to increased competition in alfalfa stands of grasses as well as other weeds. Because of this the typical recommendation is to not use alfalfa on newly established stands. Older stands will likely be rotated in a few years and may also have a competitive advantage to the young stands when it comes to keeping weeds at bay.

Another important note on using manures in alfalfa is to stay away from manures that may clump or get picked up with future harvests such as dairy pack manure. Dry poultry manure may be used on alfalfa stands but typically our liquid manures are the best option.

Manure application to alfalfa should occur immediately after a cutting is taken. Make sure you have a current soil test as well as manure test and apply to potassium levels to get a lower rate of application. This lower rate will allow less traffic across the field and can limit the negative impact on the alfalfa stand that may be seen from the heavy loads.

So yes, application of manures to alfalfa can be an economic way to get a cheap source of potassium; however some negatives may be realized. Remember the best practices are

• Apply to oldest stands or declining stands
• Use only liquid manures or poultry litter
• Apply directly after cutting
• Minimize traffic on fields

Crop costs are set and in the ground.

As seeds are placed in the ground and even our second pass with herbicides and nutrients are over do you know what your crop has already cost you? If not I recommend you take a hard look at your inputs thus far in this growing season. Input costs are largely set with the exception of harvest for corn as well as many of your other crops. Getting a handle on what your total cost in the field is will be crucial for setting a breakeven price for your crop. Many costs from this point on are easily estimated due to past costs associated with the particular crop. The only variable that cannot be accounted for is weather and thus yield, which will make a tremendous difference in breakeven. From this point on we will keep one eye on the growing crop and one eye on the past production we have seen to try to come to a sound estimate on this year's yield potential. As you hone in on your yield marketing decisions can be made and executed only when you have a firm grasp on the dollars already invested in the crop and the dollars it will take to harvest and transport it.

Even for those of you who don't sell your crops but utilize them on your farm this is a very important time to focus costs. You now have in the ground a significant portion of your feed costs for next year to set a break even on your products you will be shipping off farm. Utilize the dollars spent now to start finding the price points to identify in futures that could keep you profitable.

It is still too early to have a clear picture of what price options we will have during and after this growing season. As we gather and interpret information now the more prepared we will be to make the decisions we need to later in the season to secure profit and/or minimize losses.

Important Corn Pest Information

This spring Penn State Extension in Franklin County set up a network of eight sites to monitor populations of black cutworm moths and true armyworm moths. One of these sites was in the St. Thomas area. This trap received significant flights of both black cutworm moths and armyworm moths. These numbers raise the risk of damage by these pests, please read the following statements for management considerations.

The most important step for you to take at this time is increase your level of observation and scouting in your corn fields. The distribution of these pests can be very spotty, so it is often the case that very few acres are infested and will need to be treated with insecticides. Specific information pertaining to scouting, economic thresholds and life cycles are important to understand and consider. Initial scouting for these pests involves moth trapping, which indicates a possibility of local populations of caterpillars developing. Unfortunately, higher local populations of moths does not always lead to damaging populations of caterpillar, but the correspondence is strong enough to warrant a warning of potential damage to growers in the vicinity..

Black cutworm moth:

Cutting behavior of black cutworm caterpillars is expected 300 growing degree days after the significant flight. The Penn State Agronomy program in Franklin County has recently established a weather station in Chambersburg Pa and has been tracking growing degree days since the significant flight occurred. The threshold was reached on Sunday 5/23/2010. Now is the time to start scouting corn fields to look for cutting damage. Economic thresholds for treatment are 2, 3, 5, and 7 cut plants per 100 for seedling, V2, V3, and V4 respectively.

Treatment options for at-risk areas vary but can include higher rates of neonicotinoid seed treatments where corn has not been planted and planting lines of Bt corn with activity against black cutworm if seed is still needed; however, growers should recognize that neither of these options are completely effective. The most economical control method for cutworm is scouting fields and applying rescue treatments where cutting activity exceeds economic thresholds.

More information on this pest can be found online at http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/black-cutworm , or by visiting the local extension office.

True armyworm moth:

One of the most important management considerations when dealing with true armyworm is to make sure in areas where you have cover crops or heavy weed cover that you allow a 2 week period after the plants are dead until you plant. This would lead producers trying to get a timely planting of corn who have yet to spray to use a quick killing herbicide such as gramoxone instead of glyphosate.

Once corn is established scout fields closely, especially where heavy cover was. If you find more than 10 percent of your corn in a given field has an infestation of armyworms treatment is encouraged. Armyworms typically are found hiding in the whorl of corn during the day and their feeding creates a ragged looking leaf. In bad cases the leaves will be fed on until nothing but the mid-rib is left.

More information on this pest can be found online at http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/armyworm, or by visiting the local extension office.

Finally, I would ask that you share this with other farmers in your area who may not receive Agronomy Notes. The greater the awareness of this issue, the less likely we will have economic losses due to these pests. As always, if you have any questions or need hard copies of the fact sheets mentioned above feel free to contact me at the extension office 717-263-9226 ext. 227. I am often away from my desk but check messages frequently.

Rules of the Road: An Update for Agriculture

There is no question that agriculture and the public are constantly interacting. One of the most common areas, for good or for bad, is on public roadways. The large question that does remain, however, is what public regulations do and do not apply to those who are in production agriculture. This question has received heightened awareness over the past months with new legislation passing in regards to farm operations on public highways. Although, like most legislation, some of the law is written in ways that are not so plain, hopefully this article will bring some clarity to the situation.

In 2007 Pennsylvania's motor carrier regulation were audited by the Unites States Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. As a result of this audit deficiencies were found in our current regulations. These deficiencies had to be changed by March of 2010 in order to stay current with the Federal regulations. After much deliberation the final outcome to those involved in agricultural production is one of little change. The changes to our regulations mainly focus around the operation of farm trucks above 17,000 lbs. GVW.

New Intrastate (within state) Requirements for farm trucks above 17,000 lbs:

• Age: Those under age 18 are not permitted to operate a farm truck/trailer combination on public roadways (All licensed drivers can operate straight trucks).


• Medical Certificate: Required for farm trucks (straight and combination) operated more than 150 miles from the farm.


• Inspections: Pre and post trip inspections for both straight and combination farm trucks


• Vehicle Maintenance Records: Required for straight and combination farm trucks

New Exemptions:

• Planting and Harvest season has been extended to include all 12 months


• Service Hours/Logs: Not required if operating within 100 miles of the farm
  
• Additional Logs: Not required if operating more than 100 miles but less than 150 miles from the farm


• Driver History/Testing: Not required for drivers operating within 150 miles of the farm


• Custom harvest operators receive 'farming' exemptions


• Beekeepers receive 'farming' exemptions

A common question that comes with the increased regulations is often; 'what do I do to get a medical certificate. An online form can be printed from http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/medical/aboutdotexam.htm and filled out by your family doctor. This completed form may be used as the certificate or you may use it to qualify yourself to purchase a medical card.

Another question arises with pre and post trip inspections. The post trip inspection must at least cover the following areas: brakes, parking brake, steering, lighting and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rearview mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims and emergency equipment. The driver must list any conditions found or state that no conditions were found, either way the driver must sign the form. Prior to the next trip the next driver must sign off on the form stating any deficiencies have been corrected or that they do not require immediate attention. If a post trip form lists deficiencies it must be kept with the certification of repairs on file for three months from the date of preparation. A sample form can be found at http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43/AgWebsite/Files/General/Transportation%20Forms.pdf on page 4.

Hopefully this will help you to stay within regulations this season while operating your farm trucks. Just as a reminder, remember that this only applies to vehicles with GVW over 17,000 lbs. These regulations do not apply to tractors operated on the road. Although this may seem like it gives more unwanted record keeping a simple clipboard in each of your trucks with a maintenance record as well as some copies of the driver's vehicle inspection report and a pen should keep you in compliance when you are traveling less than 150 miles from the farm. I might suggest getting something similar to this clipboard (http://www.gemplers.com/product/G58514/8-1-2x12-Clipboard-Removable-Compartment ) for 37 dollars that will allow you to fill and file forms all in the truck.

Nitrogen Confusion Correction

A few weeks back I authored an article about nitrogen stabilizers available to our producers. In this article I made mention of Twin N as a products that mitigates volatilization and nitrate leaching. Please note that this information is not correct. Twin N is actually a microbial mix of nitrogen fixing bacteria. Sorry for this confusion, however this does bring us back to the fact as stated in the article to make sure you know what type of inhibitor you want, a urease or nitrification inhibitor. Similar to our herbicide and insecticide counterparts if we know the active ingredients and/or pathways we won't have to worry about specific brand names. Again I apologize for any confusion this has caused.

Frost Damage

With an unusually warm April is seems strange to be talking about frost damage in the second week of May, however here we are. Some of you may have experienced some localized frost damage in corn fields on Sunday to Monday night. If you have recently scouted your emerged corn you may have found water soaked leaves that are unusually dark in color or brown leaves depending on how soon after the frost you may have discovered the corn. These are typical symptoms of frosted corn. If you're wondering what will happen now the best answer is just wait. Prior to making any replant decisions allow a few days to a week for the corn to recover from the frost damage. At the stages that most of our corn is at (emergence-V4) we should be ok. Due to the lack of prolonged cold in our area you will likely find any frost damage sporadic at best with little to no pattern in the field. Low lying fields and areas of fields are more likely to have been damaged as well as fields no-tilled with substantial cover. Again, corn is very resilient at this point in time so give it a little while before decisions are made to replant. I would be very surprised if we have any stands that warrant a replant for frost damage.

Soybeans, on the other hand, are less resilient to frost. I am not aware of any beans that were up and damaged by frost, however if temperatures hold below 30 degrees for any extended period of time beans will die. Again, I would be surprised if we have this type of damage, however localized damage may have occurred in low lying area and could warrant a quick check if you know you had some emerged beans.