A message from Ben. Fulton County Agricultural News & Events February 2017

Transcription

1 Fulton County Agricultural News & Events February 2017 A message from Ben Cooperative Extension Service Fulton County 2114 S 7th Street Fulton KY Phone: (270) Fax: (270) extension.ca.uky.edu What a winter we are having, rain for days, followed by short sleeve wear, windy and gloomy days and some sunny days. It has felt more like late winter or early spring. Never the less we still have February to look for the cold temperatures. On a positive note, soil moisture is being replenished, greatly needed from the dry weather this fall. In looking at the crop technologies for this season, Kentucky Department of Agriculture has or will approve two herbicides for this growing season. I have included more information on this further in my newsletter. In talking with both producers and retailers, we will have RR, Liberty, and Dicamba soybeans in the county this year. Here are some tips I have picked up from meetings and articles that are applicable anytime you are applying pesticides. READ THE LABEL This includes the supplemental label. Follow the label. Know what your target pest is and apply in a timely manner (<6 on most weeds). Communication. Talk with your neighbors and find out what crop technology they are using and with homeowners around your fields who may have sensitive plants. Look around, especially downwind. The new dicamba setbacks are 110 to 220 ; that is a pretty good distance. Notice gardens, flower beds, and other sensitive plants. Weather. Know the conditions where you are spraying noting inversions, wind speed, direction, etc. Keep Good ACCURATE Records. Use a formal record keeping system either electronic or paper. Follow up. Look at your crop a couple days after and then a week after application. Also, look at the surrounding area for damage. Go back to the 4 th bullet point, if there are issues. Be aware of new requirements on Worker Protection Standards (WPS). **** There is a mistake in the video based material in the Private Applicator Training Videos, in terms of Kentucky requirements. You must maintain Application Records for 3 years. The information in the new version of the Kentucky Private Applicator Manual is correct. Federal law requires 2 year of records, but KRS statue supersedes Federal Law as it is more stringent. I apologize for this mistake and future training will be amended.**** I encourage you to take time and read through this newsletter for current information in the agriculture field and upcoming dates of meetings and field days. Like us on Facebook. Ben Rudy Fulton County Extension Agent for

2 Agriculture & Natural Resources UPCOMING EVENTS February 2 Private Applicator Training, 6 pm, Fulton Co. Extension Office 7 Winter Ag Conference, Lowry Farms, Pilot Oak (Private Applicator Training also) Nation Farm Machinery Show, Louisville, Ky 21 Farm Management and the Economics of New Technology, 6 pm, Hickman Co. Extension Office March 1 IPM Training, Princeton, Ky 3-4 Farm and Gin Show, Memphis, TN 8 Wheat School (Part 1), Princeton, Ky April 26 Wheat School (Part 2), Princeton, Ky Testing Services Due to changing in postage the following prices for soil and manure test are effective Jan 1 st, Soil (Standard Test P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn. ph, buffer ph) - $8.00 per sample Manure Samples (Solid or Liquid) - $35.00 per sample UK IPM School coming up Colette Laurent, Grain Crops Group Coordinator, University of Kentucky The 2017 Integrated Pest Management Training School is Wednesday, March 1, at the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton. Speakers include specialists and agents with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the UK Cooperative Extension Service. Carl Bradley, UK extension plant pathologist, is among the presenters. He will discuss strategies farmers can use to protect their soybean yields from frogeye leaf spot. The disease is present in Kentucky, and strains of the pathogen that cause this disease have been found to be resistant to the strobilurin group of fungicides, one of the most common used in agriculture, since at least Scientists are concerned it could develop resistance to additional fungicide groups. Curtis Dame, Hopkins County agriculture and natural resources education agent, will talk about cost-effective mobile apps that farmers can use to improve crop management. Dame has helped farmers in his county and throughout Kentucky learn to use technology to their advantage. J.D. Green, UK extension weed scientist, will discuss the new dicamba herbicide formulations that recently received federal and state approval. He will also talk about ways applicators can

3 practice good stewardship to minimize potential exposure to sensitive, non-target crops like tobacco, landscape plants, fruits and vegetables, which may be grown in nearby fields. The IPM School is approved for 5.5 continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisers, which includes 3.5 in integrated pest management and two in crop management. Pesticide applicators can receive two general and one specific continuing education hours in categories 1A, 10, 12 and 14. The complete agenda for the free training is available on the IPM website at Contact Patty Lucas, UK IPM specialist, for more information about the program at or , ext New Dicamba Products Receive Approval for Use in RR2Xtend Soybean J.D. Green, Extension Weed Scientist, University of Kentucky Two dicamba formulations, XtendiMax TM (Monsanto) and Engenia TM (BASF), received federal EPA approval in December for use with RoundupReady2Xtend soybean. In addition to federal registration, a pesticide must also be registered and approved within a state before it can be sold. The XtendiMax TM product received state approval in early January for applications in Kentucky. The Engenia TM product is still pending state approval, but is anticipated in the near future. These products can be applied before or immediately after planting Roundup Ready 2 Xtend Soybeans or as an in-crop application from emergence (cracking) up to and including the beginning bloom (R1 growth stage of soybeans). The RoundupReady2 Xtend soybean technology provides another tool for targeting weeds that have developed resistance to other herbicide chemistries, but should be combined with other herbicide options and weed management tools for best herbicide resistance management. Because of the chemical characteristics of dicamba, good stewardship by applicators will be required to lessen the potential for off-target movement and damage to sensitive crops and other plants. Both of these formulations were developed to reduce dicamba volatility losses compared to older dicamba products. Furthermore, there are some unique differences between these two dicamba formulations and relative to other dicamba products. XtendiMax TM with VaporGrip TM contains a DGA (diglycolamine) salt of dicamba plus an additive called VaporGrip to reduce volatility. The dicamba acid concentration equals 2.9 lb acid equivalent per gallon for this formulation of dicamba. The use rates with RR2Xtend soybean are 22 to 44 fl oz/a [0.5 to 1.0 lb ae dicamba] for preplant/preemergence applications and 22 fl oz/a for single, in-crop applications. Engenia TM contains a BAMPA (N,N-Bis-(3-aminopropyl)methylamine) salt of dicamba with 5 lb acid equivalent of dicamba per gallon. The maximum use rate with RR2Xtend soybean is 12.8 fl oz/a [0.5 lb ae dicamba] for single preplant/preemergence or postemergence applications. Up to two applications are allowed as a preplant/preemergence and postemergence treatment. These newer dicamba formulations, while reducing dicamba volatility, do not totally prevent the potential for off-site damage to sensitive non-target plants. Therefore, additional label guidelines have been developed and are required for proper use and stewardship of these herbicide products. The supplemental labeling for these herbicide products should be read and fully

4 understood before making applications. Below are a few highlights of these label guidelines and precautions. Be aware of your surroundings relative to nearby sensitive crops and vegetation AVOIDING SPRAY DRIFT AT THE APPLICATION SITE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICATOR. May only be tank mixed with products (herbicides & additives) that have been tested and approved for tank mixing [Consult the websites listed on the XtendiMax and Engenia label within 7 days before applying for approved tank mix products; NOTE: as of now no additional products have yet been approved including tank mixing with glyphosate] DO NOT apply with products containing ammonium salts such as AMS (ammonium sulfate) or UAN (urea ammonium nitrate) [These additives can increase the potential for volatility defeating the advantage of using these dicamba products] Currently, only Turbo TeeJet TTI nozzles can be used with these products [To control droplet size use within the maximum pressure range allowed by the nozzle manufacturer; consult label websites for other approved nozzle options] Optimum wind speeds 3 to 10 mph (max 15 mph) Avoiding applications when temperature inversions are likely to occur (i.e. calm wind conditions) is just as important as avoiding applications under conditions of high wind Maximum application speed of less than 15 mph Boom height less than 24 inches above target pest or crop canopy Maintain a downwind buffer of 110 feet or 220 feet (depending on product application rate) to protect sensitive areas. Do not apply if wind is blowing toward adjacent commercially grown dicamba sensitive crops. For sprayer cleanout use a triple rinse procedure Scout fields before and after application for weed resistance management In Kentucky, applicators will need to be extra cautious about making an application where sensitive crops such as tobacco, grapes, landscape plants, fruit trees, vegetables, greenhouses or some gardens are growing nearby. There may be some crop field sites where this technology will not be a good fit because of nearby sensitive sites. Applications of non-approved dicamba products on RoundupReady2Xtend soybean are prohibited. The availability of this technology provides another tool for managing weed problems in soybean, but we all must practice good stewardship to maintain their availability. The EPA is concerned enough about off-target damage from use of dicamba products, particularly in light of problems from illegal use of dicamba in areas such as Missouri and Arkansas this past summer, that the registrations for use of these products were granted for only two years. Extension of the registrations will depend on whether we can use this technology in a responsible way.

5 Yield Penalty from Second Year Soybean John Grove, Agronomic Soil Scientist and Director, Research and Education Center, University of Kentucky Growers are considering planting soybean after soybean, especially full season soybean after full season soybean, over some acreage in Many growers have little experience with second year full season soybean, having kept with their existing crop rotations. Other growers, experiencing problems like soybean cyst nematode in some fields, have avoided soybean after soybean on all acres they manage. I observed two extension agricultural economics presentations modeling profit/loss to different crop rotation options, and where second year soybean yield loss relative to first year soybean was set at either 5 or 10 %, in the absence of field data. One of my long term rotation trials includes the corncorn-soybean-soybean sequence, with all four rotation components represented each year, since The 2009 and subsequent seasons allowed comparison of first and second year full season soybean. Each year, a maturity group 4 full season soybean with an excellent disease resistance package was planted in all plots on the same day (always prior to 20 May) at the Spindletop research farm just outside Lexington in 15 inch rows at about 120,000 seed per acre. The plot area was, and is, free of soybean cyst nematode. Soybean grain yield, each year from 2009 through 2016, are given in the table below. Marestail was more of a problem in soybean. Table 1. Soybean after Soybean Yield compared with Soybean after Corn Yield. Data from Lexington, KY. Harvest First year soybean yield ranged from about 30 bushels per acre in dry years (2010 and 2012) to 70 to 80 bushels per acre in moist years (2009 and 2013). Statistically significant yield loss to second year soybean occurred in 2011 and 2015, and I have no idea why this happened in these two years. There was no significant difference to rotation in the other six years second year soybean even yielded a bit more than first year soybean in three of those six years. Over the eight years, first year soybean yielded more than second year soybean in five of eight years, averaging 2.3 % greater yield overall. I concluded that second year soybean usually yields a bit less than first year soybean, sometimes a lot less. On average, however, the yield loss was not nearly as great as the 10 % growers may factor into an economic analysis of rotation options. Though the variation in yield well represents Kentucky s seasonal weather, readers are reminded that the experiment is optimized for soybean nutrition and weed control. I have observed greater marestail/horseweed (Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist) pressure in the experiment s soybean plots over time, resulting in my annually hand rogueing the trial. Most important, there is no soybean cyst nematode pressure. Before planting second year soybean in any field, take soil samples to determine soybean cyst nematode levels. Marestail was more of a problem in soybean. Year First Year Soybean Second Year Soybean bushels/acre % Yield Loss Average

6 10 Warning Signs of Pending Financial Difficulties You Can t Ignore Chuck Danehower, Extension Area Specialist, University of Tennessee The final numbers aren t in on how producers finished 2016, but I suspect it will be a mixed bag with some producers doing OK based on above-average yields, good job marketing and containing production cost. Other producers may be struggling with average- to below-average yields, average prices and higher production costs. Another group may finish in between, operating around the breakeven point. It is the last two groups that may continue to struggle in Years ago, Dr. Clark Garland, professor emeritus with the University of Tennessee Department of Agricultural Economics and instrumental in developing the Tennessee MANAGE program, came up with what he considered to be warning signs for pending financial difficulties. Dr. Garland, who I consider to be a mentor and a friend, recently shared these nine warning signs. I add a tenth one based on the current situation. 1. Accounts payable increasing including use of credit cards Account payable dollars increasing and an increase in the number of different accounts over time can be indicative of cash flow problems. It can be easier to open up another account at another supplier, vendor or credit card than to address a cash flow shortfall. It may seem like a short term solution but can quickly get out of control. Developing an accurate balance sheet over multiple years can help spot this warning sign. 2. Increase in frequency and amount of impulse purchases Impulse buying whether for business or pleasure is in itself an unplanned purchase. It is related more to anxiety, unhappiness, and trying to fill an emotional need rather than an actual business or personal need. As financial problems difficult, an impulse purchase may be a way for a producer to say that he/she is not having financial difficulty based on the fact that they just purchased this item. Left unchecked, an increase in impulse purchases can lead to increased debt and unhappiness. 3. Working capital Has your working capital been decreasing? We had a few years as commodity prices soared to record levels that producers were able to increase and in some cases create capital reserves. As profitability has tightened the last couple of years producers have had to burn through their reserves and working capital has decreased. A decrease in working capital would be expected, but if it has turned negative then trouble could be ahead. Again, a good balance sheet can help detect this problem. 4. Record keeping practices decline If a producer is going backward financially it may not seem as bad it he/she is not keeping up with it. A lack of record keeping and not knowing financially where you are can be very detrimental to the farm business. Good records can help identify where problems are and be a base to help solve them. 5. Hides part of finances from other family members and lenders The financial situation always eventually becomes known and when it does there are generally few alternatives available to help improve it. It is better to solicit input from those affected than to hide it as they may have beneficial input or suggestions.

7 6. Diverts proceeds In many cases this might even be a fraudulent activity if liens on the proceeds are in place. 7. Living expenses increase rapidly and expenditures for capital assets increase I think this one goes along somewhat with impulse purchases as this maybe fills a more psychological need that would show I am not having financial problems because I am able to spend these dollars on living expenses and or capital assets. If living expenses increase as net farm income decreases then while the farm may still be profitable, a negative cash flow could drag the operation down. 8. Works less and plays harder Out of sight out of mind. 9. Domestic situation changes Very difficult for a couple to go broke together. 10. Illegal farm activity, including off-label spraying of chemicals This is one I am throwing in. The majority of producers follow chemical labels on spraying the appropriate chemical with the correct technology. However, for instance dicambatolerant crops were available in 2016 without the approved labeled chemicals. Temperature and weather conditions were just right in the Mid-South for an off-label and illegal application of dicamba on tolerant crops to drift and cause numerous problems for other producers. We may have thought it could happen in 2016 but we definitely know it can happen in It was dicamba in 2016 but can very well be another chemical in the future as new technology is developed. These technologies to be successful must be followed as dictated by training and labels or agriculture could lose them. A don t care I can do what I want attitude without considering repercussions to others is a sure sign of uncontrollable behavior. It is also a sign of desperate behavior that can be caused by financial difficulty. As we start 2017, examine your farm operation and see any of these warning signs apply. If they do, then explore ways to correct them. Recognizing that there is a problem is the first crucial step. Producers in financial difficulty are most likely going to have to make changes in their operation. The sooner that can be realized, the more alternatives are available. The land-grant university system including Extension and research is willing and able to assist producers. We are just a call or away and it is our mission to work with and assist producers in good and not so good times. Timely Tips Dr. Roy Burris, Beef Extension Professor, University of Kentucky Spring-Calving Cow Herd Start cows on the high magnesium mineral supplement soon. Consider protein supplementation if hay is less than 10% crude protein. If cows are thin, begin energy (grain) supplementation now. Consider vaccinating the cows to help prevent calf scours. Keep replacement heifer calves gaining enough to reach their target breeding weight (65% mature weight) and to be cycling by the start of the spring breeding season. Study the performance of last year's calf crop and plan for improvement. Plan your breeding program and consider a better herd sire(s). Select herd sires which will allow you to meet your goals and be willing to pay for superior animals.

8 Get ready for calving season! See that all equipment and materials are ready, including obstetrical equipment, record forms or booklets, eartags, scales for obtaining birthweights, etc. Prepare a calving area where assistance can be provided easily if needed. Purchase ear tags for calves and number them ahead of time if possible. Plan for enough labor to watch/assist during the calving period. Move early-calving heifers and cows to pastures that are relatively small and easily accessible to facilities in case calving assistance is needed. Keep them in good condition but don't overfeed them at this time. Increase their nutrient intake after they calve. Fall Calving Cow Herd Breeding season continues. Keep fall calving cows on accumulated pasture as long as possible, then start feeding hay/grain. Don t let these cows lose body condition! Provide clean windbreaks and shelter for young calves. Catch up on castrating, dehorning and implanting. General Provide water at all times. Cattle need 5 to 11 gallons per head daily even in the coldest weather. Be aware of frozen pond hazards. Keep ice "broken" so that cattle won't walk out on the pond trying to get water. Automatic waterers, even the frost-free or energy-free waterers can freeze up in extremely cold weather. Watch closely. Increase feed as the temperature drops, especially when the weather is extremely cold and damp. When temperature drops to 15 F, cattle need access to windbreaks Feed hay in areas where mud is less of a problem. Consider preparing a feeding area with gravel over geotextile fabric or maybe a concrete feeding pad. Consider renovating and improving pastures with legumes, especially if they have poor stands of grass or if they contain high levels of the fescue endophyte. Purchase seed and get equipment ready this month. If you would like to receive this newsletter electronically, please me at ben.rudy@uky.edu

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10 Annual Winter Ag Conference February 7, 2017 Lowry Farms - Pilot Oak, KY Registration and Trade Show begin at 8:00 a.m. Presentations begin at 9:00 a.m. Topics to be Presented: Application Technology & Proper Use of Adjuvants Darren Holder Winfield Solutions Weed Resistance & Dicamba Tolerant Soybean Herbicide Technology Rocky Napier - BASF Spray Programs, Sprayer Tips & Drift Control Bob Montgomery - Monsanto Private Applicator Pesticide Training available after lunch! Coordinated by: University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and Young Farmer Advisors serving Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall and McCracken Counties. Donuts and Coffee available Sponsored lunch will be provided CCA CEUs KY & TN Pesticide CEUs Thank you to all of our sponsors! Meal Catered by Southern Reds For more information call your County Extension Office! Calloway Carlisle Fulton Graves Hickman Marshall McCracken

11 Farm Management and the Economics of New Technology Emerging technology is one of the most significant issues ahead for the agricultural sector. This meeting will cover the economics, benefits, and downfalls of using these technologies. Jordan Shockley, agriculture economist with the University of Kentucky, will present the information on this topic. Meal will be provided. Please call the Hickman County Extension Office at (270) to RSVP by 2/14/2017. Thanks to our Sponsor!

12 IPM Training School University of Kentucky Research & Education Center, Princeton, KY March 1, :00 AM 9:00 AM Registration 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Fungicide Resistance in the Frogeye Leaf Spot of Soybean Pathogen Carl Bradley, UK Extension Plant Pathologist 10:00 AM 11:00AM Herbicide Resistant Weeds Preparing for New Technologies and Other Management Options J. D. Green, Extension Weed Scientist 11:00 AM 12:00PM Sustainable Intensification Paul Vincelli, UK Extension Plant Pathologist 12:00 PM 12:45 PM LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED 12:45 PM 1:00 PM Meeting Survey, Data Collection using Turning Point 1:00 PM 2:30 PM Pesticides and Pollinators & Exotic Insect Update Ric Bessin, UK Extension Entomologist Raul Villanueva, UK Extension Entomologist 2:30 PM 3:30 PM Free Apps to Improve Crop Management Curtis Dame, Hopkins County ANR Agent 3:30 PM Complete Pesticide Training Forms and CCA s sign out Program is approved for 5.5 CEU s for CCA s (3.5 Integrated Pest Management and 2.0 Crop Management) and 3 pesticide education hours (2 general & 1 specific) for pesticide applicators in categories 1A, 10, 12 and 14. 1A= Plant & Animal Pest Control 12=Pesticides Sales Agent 10=Demonstration & Research 14=Pest Control Consultant For more information call ext. 218 or plucas@uky.edu. Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.

13 UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY WHEAT PRODUCTION FIELD SCHOOL: A HANDS-ON TRAINING March 8 & April 26, 2017 The UK Wheat Science Group will offer three hands on training sessions on managing wheat in Kentucky. The sessions will be held at UKREC in Princeton and are scheduled March 8 (Green up) and April 26 (Prior to Flowering). These programs are directed towards crop advisors and farm managers who provide agronomic guidance for wheat production. Class size will be limited to 30 people per training. Lunch will be provided. Pre registration is required for each training. There will be a $60 fee for each session. Use the following link to pre register by individual training dates. March 8th (register by February 28th) fieldschool green up tickets April 26 th (Register by April 19) fieldschool pre heading tickets If you have any issues or questions with registration, please contact: Dr. Edwin Ritchey: edwin.ritchey@uky.edu or ext. 301 or Kelsey Mehl: kelsey.mehl@uky.edu or ext A third session will cover topics associated with pre planting decisions in the fall of 2017 (topics and times TBA). This training is made possible, in part, by funding from the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association. March 8th Topics Submitting samples to UK diagnostic lab Brenda Kennedy Relating soil productivity to soil types Jerry McIntosh (NRCS) Growth stage / plant dissection at greenup Carrie Knott Assessing freeze damage Carrie Knott Planting date and seeding rate differences impact tiller counts Carrie Knott Herbicide symptomology associated with injury from tank contamination, application timing, etc. Jim Martin Nitrogen management Edwin Ritchey & John Grove Tillage and traffic impacts on establishing wheat stands John Grove & Edwin Ritchey Impact of rooting depth of ryegrass on productivity of certain soils Lloyd Murdock Weed Identification Jim Martin April 26 Topics Growth stage / plant dissection near heading Carrie Knott Planting date and seeding rate differences impact stem counts near heading Carrie Knott Growth regulators for wheat Carrie Knott Application timing of fungicides Carl Bradley Late nitrogen applications for protein John Grove Plant analysis for assessing nutrition John Grove Tillage and traffic impacts on growth John Grove & Edwin Ritchey Managing insects during grain storage Raul Villanueva Controlling ryegrass as a cover crop and as a weed in wheat Lloyd Murdock & Jim Martin Weed Identification Jim Martin CCA & Pesticide Credits have been applied for