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february update
On the seed side, getting off to a good start is an important step. The timing of planting is critical and has been moving earlier into the spring into cooler and wetter ground conditions. It is also starting to show that a crop that is faster out of the ground generally has higher yields at harvest. A starter is a great way to help this happen by feeding the new plant until a good root structure can be built up. With the price of commodities, maybe now is a good time to invest in a liquid starter kit for your planter. If you are thinking of looking at options, we can help. We also have data if you are wanting to see the difference starter can have on your fertilizer program. Shawn january update Some highlights from the Southwest Ag Conference
- Ohio avg. Corn yield was 169.9 Bushels
- Record for beans is 429 BU (no was not on a 100 acres)
- Top yield in US was 93.3 Bushels (pretty sure it was a NK variety but not positive.)
- Provincial avg. 2011-45 Bushels, 2010-46 bushels
- The Market outlook session—good advice there - SELL HIGH BUY LOW.
- Add 200 heat units to your beans that you usually plant on your farm. Take advantage of more yield. - Cover Crops Make Money
november update Beans for the most part are off, with good yields in the books. As corn plots come there seems to be no variety taking the lead. One thing I believe is that growers need to be paying attention to Relative Maturity. Seems CHU is becoming more variable than ever before. There is some 2850 corn that has the same Relative Maturity as a 2900. The maturity number is becoming a better gauge on flowering time as well as dry down time. A long time ago I heard from a longtime grower that leap years are ones to be careful of. Be careful not to push maturity too far. Next year may just not be the year that you can get away with it. october update I am writing this from North Carolina while being able to feed my redneck passion for Nascar. Driving down, I thought only north of 7 had rock, boy was I wrong. If you have never driven down I79, it is worth the trip. It also has a couple of other passions of mine - corn fields and black cattle in the valley, on the hills, and everywhere. I did see one Charolais herd for you white cattle boys, but odds on Blacks. What I did notice about the corn was not what I would call a great crop - small cobs and stalks. Made me think that in our area we could be worse for sure, but we all know that. September update August and September have been very busy months for us at the Farm Supply. We have been to meetings, tours and training to develop better knowledge on products and services we provide to help you succeed.
Mycogen provided us a great opportunity to go to Indianapolis in August to tour the Dow AG Science facility and see where there company is going. Jen and Jeff went as well for what was to be the start of their 25th Wedding Anniversary. I acted as a chaperone for the start of the trip. So… picture flying into Chicago for a transfer flight in a thunderstorm - airport gets a lightning strike and our flight to Indy gets cancelled. So, no flight, have to drive 3 ½ hrs - end up riding in a stretch Hummer. If you never have rode in a Hummer you are not missing much. 25 minutes is lots. The 3 ½ hours of course turns into 4 and when you have beer and some young guys—you need to stop a lot. Throw in the fact that they lost Jeff and Jen’s Luggage and we are off to a great start. Now I will have to say, Jeff was taking it better than I thought, now Jen, well, hyper as usual. Things got better (we sent Shawn home) and they ended up finishing off a nice trip to the west coast.
Jeff and I travelled to the Syngenta One Launch the first part of September. We learned about the new products coming down the pipe from Syngenta. On a side note, Jeff’s truck broke a fuel line and by the time we got there we had diesel everywhere. Jen thinks I should travel without Jeff, so after I am done writing this, I am heading to a Purina meeting by myself.
Ok these 2 things bring me to our crop meeting on Thursday, September 22nd. For our crop customers it would be very beneficial to make the meeting as there is a fair bit on new stuff to talk about for this fall. This year it will be very important to look at your orders early as the seed crop in the US has been damaged for almost all the seed companies and good varieties will be in tight supply. Hope to see you for breakfast.
Customer Appreciation will be from Sept 26th to Oct 1st . A flyer accompanies this newsletter with specials in stores. The one I would like to bring up is Alfalfa orders with 25 cents off the price before any discounts. This gives a customer a great chance to try our top of the line Mycogen Hybrid 4S417. This looks to be a great fine stemmed Alfalfa with great re-growth. We also have other choices. Geseco alfalfa is made up of 2 top varieties blended together at a very nice price. We have customers with very good results growing this product. august update I will start this crop section by touching on BMR Corn. I know it's for the dairy guys and down the road maybe beef, but it is a corn silage that has been challenged by its ability to yield. Yield has been a big discussion over the last 2 years, and after this year, even Jake is breathing easier. Everybody agrees it has been a very dry July that could have easily had an impact on silage yield. We have BMR in plots and in side by sides in a number of farmers fields. I would have to say some of the tallest corn is the BMR. The yield loss in the new varieties is now down to under 5 %. Now that we have confidence that BMR will yield, talk to Jake or Erin on what it can do for your cows. That's were the money will be made! We have our alfalfa prices out now on the new hybrid alfalfa 4S417 as well as the rest of our strong line up. Be sure to pay attention to the performance on this new variety from mycogen Seeds. Beans seem to be running into trouble this year, showing what we think may be fertilizer deficiencies. Many beans are showing some yellowing of leaves and some minor curling. We have sent some tissue samples of a couple of fields for verification. Overall the beans and corn look very good thanks to mother nature giving us the timely rains. Wheat fields are still coming off, with 2 ton close to the average yield. Planting will not be far away and we can provide you with all the top varieties in our area. We will be coming around with prices in the upcoming weeks. Pest update - So far the rains have kept aphids at bay with little pressure out there. The same can be said about spider mites. This is the good news, now for the bad. In western Ontario, Western Bean Cutworm traps are full. They are catching so many, the traps are spilling over. But we are here in the east you say? Last year I had a trap at the Laver Farm, this year at the Glover farm. No more than 2 miles apart by the crow or moth flies. The number at this time is 5x as high as last year. I have another trap at the Dejong Family Farm in Grafton and it is 7x more than last year. Whew, I am glad NK has that new gene called Vipterra. We will have more info on these issues later next month july update Wheat looks as good in our area as anywhere I have been. In western Ontario, they are looking at 60-65 bushel wheat. I am hoping for more here, but we will see.
Wheat should be rolling shortly. This will be good, what will not be good is the chance for spider mites to get in your bean fields. Aphids have already been found in some areas and if you add spider mites, this could mean trouble. With it as dry as it is, beans do not need any more pressure. Spider mites can only be seen well with a magnifying glass. They can start on the outside of your field, where aphids can start anywhere in the field.
ALFALFA : The seed selling season is upon us again, and this year we have the top performing hybrid alfalfa from Mycogen seeds.in 4S417. Early buy programs are now in effect, and if you are interested in more detail, please give one of our sales reps or one of our stores a call for more information.
may update We have been able to get some plots in the ground and a special thanks to our growers allowing us to get a look at some new products, like Smart-Stax with Mycogen and our new Viptera corn on the NK side. If any growers would like to do a plot or a side by side especially on the bean side with the new Roundup Ready Genuity varieties, please feel free to contact Jake or myself and we would be glad to help. There are a lot of new beans to look at.
Chemical questions or products—we have the knowledge and the service to meet all your needs. Planting Round up corn, remember you can use a conventional spray program or use a residual along with your glyphosate to give yourself a cleaner field.
It is coming close to hay time, I know, sooner than we want. We feel that our twine and net wrap prices are very strong for our customers. If you would like a quote contact any of our locations or sales people. Better yet, just come on in and visit our store staff. We now have our chemical pricing and there are some really good programs that have come down in price. If you are looking for chemical pricing or to have your crops sprayed please contact us, we can help you with all your needs.
We still have quality grain, corn and soybean seed left if you have found some more acres. Anyone interested in doing a corn or soybean plot please let us know. They are very useful and can give you a chance to see some different varieties on your farm.
Madoc Farm Supply is now a dealer of D-Dell corn. This gives our customers a chance if they wish to grow non-traited corn at a good price. D-Dell corn can be ordered form any of our 3 locations.
Get your planters ready, spring is here. Hold on there is more. If you grow crops for livestock and have toxin problems there could be a link there too. He had studies on dairy farms and they had issues and made the switch away from glyphosate and things have started to improve. There are even toxins out there now that feed labs cannot detect.
Dr Huber went on to say that there could be other factors causing this as well, but it is starting to look like this problem may not be going away anytime soon.
Dr Huber went on into the food chain and the problems there but maybe we will wait for more info on that.
His take home message was Glyphosate is a great tool that is best to be used wisely and not to be over used.
Now is Dr Huber right or wrong? It is hard to say, but like I said at the top of this article, it should have you thinking on your farm Yield Specific MIXED GRAIN Blends *** CUSTOM SEED MIXING AVAILABLE *** WHEAT - Exports out of the US for wheat have never been higher as prices are showing. There is a lot more wheat in the ground this year as compared to last year. World demand should stay strong with shortages in other countries.
CORN - Yield in the US was down last year on average 1.5 bushel per acre. Adding to this, in December, was a record for corn used for ethanol. US stocks have dropped by 2/3, which should make corn prices strong for awhile.
Last year, Washington State had the highest average corn yield at 205 bushels, followed by California at 195. The average for the US was 153.9. Of course Iowa planted the most acres.
SOYBEANS - Soybean production in the US is down by 46 million bushels from last year. Average yield last year was 43.5 bushels per acre. Last year was 44. Global Soybean production is predicted to be down by 2.3 million tonnes. Global Soybean stocks are down 2 million tonnes to 68.3 million. This would suggest that the day after the report all commodities have rose sharply with some reaching highs not seen in a while. The next little while may be a great time to book some commodities for the future, maybe even for 2012. Roll the dice!
We now have one of the top Roundup Ready soybeans on the trials. Be sure to talk us for a chance to get them on your farm. It looks like a winner.
We now have a financing program with FCC that can help you with your seed, chemical, and fertilizer requirements for next year. We can show the program to you and help set it up if interested
Well you think that this year could not get any better and commodities rose at harvest time. Mark this year in your books, so you can talk about it years from now, as that great growing year.
Bean plots that we have seen coming off are between 50 to 60 bushels. Bushel weight at 58 to 61 as well. O9-Y2 having been doing well in some plots as well as are RR 1 beans like 08-C3 and 04-Z9
Have been able to take a couple corn plots off so far with 23k as high as 209 bushels. We will get more information as we go forward but as everyone know corn yields will be great. If you have side by sides or just wanted to weigh a variety for a sample, please feel free to call me and we would be more than happy to help. The biggest problem seems to be trying to get High Moisture corn before it becomes low moisture. If you have not taken your high Moisture off better get to it.
A quick note that NK and Mycogen early order is coming up the middle of November. Our sales staff will be around to help you make good decisions for next year’s growing season.
Dairy farmers have always had a difficult task every season picking corn silage varieties. It is not getting any easier!! Not only do you need to pick a variety, but now we have a large assortment of traits to choose from, always having cost in mind and what works for you in your system.
My thoughts on Corn silage are (here we go) for dairy producer is to give what the cow needs and wants to maximize your profits!
I would pick a variety in this order (a) Net Energy Lactation Value-the higher the better…more energy in the silage so we do not need to feed as much dry or HMC. (b)NDF Digestibility-the higher the better…the cows simply eat more forage (cheapest feed on farm) so we can decrease grain feeding and have a healthy and happy rumen.(c)Yield-Remember …feed what the cow wants and needs. High yielding varieties generally have a lower Net Energy Value (not what cow the wants or needs)(d)Traits…Now you pick the traits you need and prefer!!!
Every Seed Company works very hard to breed new traits and varieties for the farmer. My favourite Corn Silage varieties are…(here we go again) NK Line-up (a) N27B…top notch NEL with high NDF Digestibility and yield. Available with all traits if needed. (b)N29A…Good quality feed with high end yield, good value for your dollar!!
Mycogen Line-up…With 1 year under our belt, we are very impressed with the very high NDF Digestibility, NEL and yield with BMR. Years ago BMR was knocked for the yield drag that it carried. Mycogen has worked very long and hard to decrease yield drag to 10% now…field plots in this area have proven that.
I have several rations using BMR and found that we can reduce feeding HMC or Dry Corn by 2 kg/cow/day and increase production with it. An average 50 cow herd using BMR can save $7300/yr…The Ultimate Corn Silage!!! With two Seed Companies, we have something for everyone.
With Beans coming off early it will allow wheat to get in the ground early. If you are planting early, it might be beneficial to use Crusier. You will end up with a little more insect and disease pressure planting early; however, early planting will certainly help yield.
Just a reminder of our breakfast meeting coming up on the 23rd. I think there will be some good take home information to help in your cropping decisions for next year. All bean fields are looking very good this year with higher than average yields expected. Height of beans could be a concern as the pods go right to the top of the plant. Lodging and stand ability could become a factor before we get them in the bin. If you have never baled bean straw this would be the year to give it a try. It sure is easier on the baler than corn stalks.
Volunteer corn is more prominent this year than others. This could be a factor if you are growing edible beans. Growers may need to start walking fields and having a look to see if there is a cob forming. You may have to hand pick to keep the corn out of your bean bin.
Corn has started to dent already and is close to 2 weeks ahead of schedule. Corn silage for the most part is on the same path. Another noticeable fact is that some varieties are pushing out of the husk. This can cause a problem with bird damage and also open the door to toxins. Take a walk in some of your fields. You may not enjoy it more than this year.
I was wondering about whether a corn stalk could be too tall. We always love our big tall green plants, but why? Unless it is corn silage, are we just not after that big cob of corn? Is that not what we get paid for? The bigger the stalk the more trash I have to fight in my bean fields or even worse corn on corn. Maybe it is time to think about the stalk a little more - just think smaller. Here that your corn is growing again. What a year for corn. Tassling quick, way over my head… ok that is not saying much but it is high and dark green. Quilt is still an available option to take advantage to boost your yield, however it needs to be sprayed as soon as possible.
Small grains are continuing to be confusing on fungicide impact on them. It is looking that the oats and barley are starting to see signs of rust and smut coming into them. A fungicide would have helped for sure keep your fields cleaner. Wheat at the time of heading was fairly dry but since that time rain and humidity as taken over and fusarium with this weather would seem to be on the way. A good choice would be to get your wheat off as quick as you can. At time of printing there where combines in some fields in our area.
Wheat fields that have been thinner this year are showing more weeds. We are having some growers who are doing a pre-harvest burn down to remove them from thrashing. Spray today and combine 10 days later (approx)
As we head to the middle of June, hay fields are maturing rapidly. With the rain finally getting here, the second cut should start coming along nicely. Those of you like me that still have hay still standing cannot wait until July to cut this year. Fields are probably 10 days earlier in maturing. By July you will be cutting mini trees.( are you beef guys reading this.)
Now that planting and spraying season is finishing up, how about a review. Roundup ready corn means that you can obviously spray Round up on it but does not mean that you have to. Why would you buy Roundup corn then? 2 reasons - 1/ You will probably not have a choice, the seed companies are all leaning towards RR Corn in the future. 2/ For weed escapes when your corn is up. What better product to get broadleaves and grasses in one pass.
Another thing I am starting to see is people with Round Up corn are waiting for weeds to show up before they spray, even when they are putting a residual down with it. You are losing yield right at the start. There have been enough studies to suggest that keeping your fields clean up to 8 leaf corn will have a large impact on your yield. Just because Converge XT says you can spray up to 3 leafs does not mean you should. Converge and Marksman have worked very well as a residual. As far as the conventional program, Primextra / Callisto is still showing why it is the Cadillac program. Higher price better rewards.
Dry weather has also played havoc in the conventional bean spraying. We are seeing all products having to be re-sprayed. Conquest and Boundary-Guardian have both had escapes this year. No rain- no activation, it is as simple as that. I have even seen some sencor damage from the Bounday- Guardian fields and they still are not clean.
Wheat, what can you say? Some farmers missed the window of spraying. because of how fast the wheat was maturing. I would say well over 80% of all wheat is headed out. Straw is for the most part just not there, very short and uneven. If your fields are not like this than you are in the upper 10% - either good management or good luck but take it either way.
Quote of the Month - "You can always brag about how great your crops are, if you don’t have any fields along the road!" |
