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Earn pesticide recertification credits at field crop recertification school

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension will offer an opportunity to earn pesticide recertification credits during “Field Crop Recertification School,” a workshop that will occur in both Pennsylvania Furnace and Manheim in September.

The Pennsylvania Furnace event will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, in the Special Events Building at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days site, 2710 W. Pine Grove Road.

In Manheim, the workshop will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at Penn State’s Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 1446 Auction Road.

The workshop is designed for commercial and public pesticide applicators, private pesticide applicators, and certified crop advisors. Sessions will address agronomic pest issues for corn, soybean, small grains and forage crops.

According to organizers, Penn State Extension specialists and educators will provide the latest information on:

— Weed management of agronomic crops.

— Disease management of corn and soybean.

— Agronomic management of soybean and wheat.

— Pesticide safety.

Commercial and private pesticide applicators can earn pesticide recertification credits. In both locations, participants can earn six core credits and six credits in categories 01, 18 and private category. Certified crop advisors can earn continuing education credits.

Organizers note that space is limited, so preregistration is required. Participants can register for the Pennsylvania Furnace event through 11:45 p.m. Sept. 9. The registration deadline for the Manheim workshop is midnight Sept. 16. Each event carries a registration fee of $50.

More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/field-crop-recertification-school.

–Alexandra McLaughlin, Penn State University

Utilizing wheat in feedlot diets

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LINCOLN, Neb. — The United States produced 1.65 billion bushels of wheat in 2020, with wheat ranking as the third largest produced grain after corn and soybeans. As grain prices increase, dependent on availability, utilizing wheat may be an option for producers to implement in their feeding program.

Wheat can be used to replace a portion of the grain used in diets. Compared to corn, starch in wheat is fermented more rapidly, and if not fed with diligent management, can lead to digestive disorders such as bloat and acidosis, poor performance, and decreased feedlot profitability. Wheat needs to be slowly introduced into a ration with a step-up program to mitigate the risk of digestive disorders. When feeding wheat, it is recommended to limit wheat to 50% of the grain portion in a finishing diet. However, with the proper management and experience, diets containing greater proportions may be fed.

Wheat varieties most commonly grown in Nebraska are hard red winter wheat and hard white winter wheat, which typically have protein concentrations ranging from 10 to 14%; dry rolled corn contains from 7.5 to 9% crude protein. While wheat is slightly lower in energy than corn, wheat is higher in fiber and similar in fat content. Corn prices are commonly lower than wheat; however, there is potential for discounted, low test weight wheat which may be beneficial for an operation to implement into their feeding program.  Low-quality wheat may be an outcome of poor growing conditions or sprouted grains causing low test weight.

Wheat Processing

Cereal grains are generally the primary source of energy in feedlot diets. The purpose of grain processing is to reduce particle size to increase availability of dietary energy. Depending on moisture content and particle size, processing grain also improves palatability while increasing rate of digestion. When feeding wheat, the kernel must be cracked or broken; however, over-processing wheat will generate fines that will increase the rate of starch digestion leading to potential digestive upset. Thus, it is recommended that wheat be dry-rolled rather than hammer-milled to prevent excess production of fines.

Digestive Disturbances

Digestive disorders are one of the greatest concerns that feedlot operators face when feeding cattle a highly fermentable diet. High-grain diets are used to achieve maximum productivity, but more diligent management is necessary to prevent digestive disorders.  Digestive disorders may arise any time during the feeding program, but they are of particular concern during adaptation to high-grain finishing diets. Not only do digestive disorders affect the health of cattle, but they also decrease rate of gain, increase cost of gain, and reduce income within an operation.

Negative connotations exist regarding utilizing wheat as an energy source in feedlot cattle diets primarily due to increased risk of acidosis and bloat. Improper feeding of wheat can decrease rumen motility, leading to a decrease in feed intake and reducing performance. Offsetting the risk of digestive disorders in feedlot cattle fed high-grain finishing diets may be accomplished by including additional roughage, which permits moderation of starch fermentation in the rumen and accumulation of volatile fatty acids. A typical finishing feedlot diet contains 5 to 15% roughage on a DM basis.

Grain coproducts from both dry and wet milling processes have become a popular, starch-free addition to feedlot finishing diets that results in greater concentrations of dietary fiber, protein, and fat. Grain coproducts are commonly fed at 10 to 20%.

Understanding the limitations of feeding wheat and being able to properly manage ruminal adaptation and fermentation will permit accessing low-cost alternative grains including low quality wheat.

— Wayde Pickinpaugh, Nebraska Extension Educator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Drought meetings to be offered in Iowa

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AMES, Iowa — The drought conditions in parts of Iowa are causing major concerns for both crop and livestock producers. To help address those concerns, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be hosting two free drought meetings.

  • Aug. 23, 12 p.m. – Virtual statewide meeting. To view the virtual meeting, go to https://www.aep.iastate.edu/drought/view.
  • Aug. 24, 1 p.m. – ISU Extension and Outreach Marion County Office (210 N. Iowa Street, Knoxville, IA 50138).

Meeting topics and speakers include drought impacts on crops and forages, how to manage livestock and drought-stressed forages, prepare for use of alternative forages, and crop insurance and marketing decisions.

Speakers include Aaron Saeugling, Clarabell Probasco and Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach; Chris Clark and Patrick Wall, beef specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach; Patrick Hatting, farm management specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach; and representatives from the Farm Service Agency.

No pre-registration is required, and the meetings are expected to last about 90 minutes. Starting approximately 45 minutes before the in-person meeting on Aug. 24, producers will have the opportunity to bring five representative corn stock samples for a quick nitrate assessment conducted on site prior to the start of the meeting or after the meeting, depending upon time.

For more information, contact Rebecca Vittetoe at 319-653-4811 or rka8@iastate.edu. For additional information about the drought meetings, visit the event website online.

Wisconsin Aug. 1 Crop Production report

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MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin corn production is forecast at 555 million bushels, up 1 percent from the previous year, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production report. Based on conditions as of August 1, yields are expected to average 185.0 bushels per acre, up 5.0 bushels from last year. Corn planted acreage is estimated at 4.00 million acres. An estimated 3.00 million of the acres planted will be harvested for grain. 

Soybean production is forecast at 115 million bushels, up 1 percent from the previous year. The yield is forecast at 52.0 bushels per acre, 3.0 bushels lower than 2021. Soybean planted acreage is estimated at 2.25 million acres with 2.22 million acres to be harvested. 

Winter wheat production is estimated at 20.0 million bushels, up 9 percent from the previous year. The yield is forecast at 77.0 bushels per acre, up 1.0 bushel from the July forecast and up 2.0 bushels from 2021. Winter wheat planted acreage is estimated at 300,000 acres with 260,000 acres to be harvested for grain. 

Oat production for grain is forecast at 3.97 million bushels, up 5 percent from the previous year. The expected yield is 61.0 bushels per acre, unchanged from the July forecast but down 1.0 bushel from 2021. Oat planted acreage is estimated at 130,000 acres with 65,000 acres to be harvested for grain. 

Production of alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures for hay is forecast at 2.76 million tons, down 5 percent from the previous year. Yield is expected to average 3.10 tons per acre, down 0.10 ton per acre from last year. Production of other hay is forecast at 784,000 tons, up 29 percent from last year. Yield for other hay is expected to average 1.60 tons per acre, down 0.30 ton per acre from last year. 

The forecasts in this report are based on August 1 conditions and do not reflect weather effects since that time. The next crop production forecasts, based on conditions as of September 1, will be released on September 12. 

United States Summary 

Corn production for grain is forecast at 14.4 billion bushels, down 5 percent from 2021. Based on conditions as of August 1, yields are expected to average 175.4 bushels per harvested acre, down 1.6 bushels from last year. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 81.8 million acres, down less than 1 percent from the June forecast and down 4 percent from the previous year. 

Soybean production for beans is forecast at a record high 4.53 billion bushels, up 2 percent from 2021. Based on conditions as of August 1, yields are expected to average a record high 51.9 bushels per harvested acre, up 0.5 bushel from 2021. Total planted area, at 88.0 million acres, is down less than 1 percent from the previous estimate but up 1 percent from the previous year. Area harvested for beans in the United States is forecast at 87.2 million acres, down less than 1 percent from the previous forecast but up 1 percent from 2021. 

Winter wheat production is forecast at 1.20 billion bushels, down less than 1 percent from the July 1 forecast and down 6 percent from 2021. As of August 1, the United States yield is forecast at 47.9 bushels per acre, down 0.1 bushel from last month and down 2.3 bushels from last year’s average yield of 50.2 bushels per acre. Area expected to be harvested for grain or seed totals 25.0 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast, but down 2 percent from last year. 

Oat production is forecast at 52.6 million bushels, up 32 percent from 2021. Growers expect to harvest 796,000 acres for grain, unchanged from the previous forecast but up 22 percent from 2021. Based on conditions as of August 1, the United States yield is forecast at 66.1 bushels per acre, unchanged from the previous forecast but 4.8 bushels above the 2021 average yield. Record high yields are expected in Illinois and North Dakota. 

— USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

LSP Farm Bill Platform: support farmers, rural communities, land

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NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The new federal Farm Bill must benefit farmers, rural communities and the land, rather than corporate interests, said farmer-leaders of the Land Stewardship Project (LSP) Tuesday during the release of the organization’s priorities for the nation’s most comprehensive agricultural policy initiative.

LSP’s 2023 Farm Bill Platform, which was launched during an event at Legvold Farms near Northfield, is based on a three-state survey of farmers and food system workers in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, as well as eight listening sessions LSP held in the region during the past several months. LSP’s Farm Bill Organizing Committee, which consists of farmers from across the region, helped developed the document.

“I constantly am told there is no interest from young people in farming, and that is simply not true,” said Claudia Lenz, a beginning farmer from Star Prairie in western Wisconsin and a member of the Farm Bill Organizing Committee. “I know many young people who would love to either start their own farm or continue to operate their families’ farms. But because of the steep prices of input costs, lack of land access and lack of viable markets for their products, they do not see this as an option. In this Farm Bill, I would like to see more support for small farmers, and I think that one of the best ways to do that is to put a stop to corporate consolidation in agriculture and food systems, across the board.”

Every five years, Congress drafts a new federal Farm Bill, which determines how tens of billions of dollars are spent on what’s grown on the landscape and who grows it, as well as the environmental impact of production systems, the safety of our food and the economic health of rural communities. Congress has already begun debating the structure of the 2023 Farm Bill.

In the winter and spring of 2022, LSP, working with the National Young Farmers Coalition, Midwest Farmers of Color Collective, and others, undertook a farm bill survey which covered several topics, including: consolidation in agriculture, conservation and the effects of climate change, crop insurance reform, access to markets and regional food systems, and the barriers beginning and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) farmers face.

The survey (landstewardshipproject.org/farmbill2023), which had over 700 respondents — 52% of whom were from Minnesota — revealed that current agricultural policy imposes numerous barriers when it comes to many farmers who are instrumental in building strong, resilient and equitable food systems, according to Sarah Goldman, an LSP organizer, who, along with organizer Maura Curry, coordinated the study and analyzed the results. For example, federal policy has supported unprecedented consolidation in agricultural markets, with, for example, four packers controlling 85% of the beef market. Meanwhile, 50% of survey respondents had trouble maintaining access to viable markets or finding affordable farmland.

LSP farmer-member Dana Seifert said she knows these issues all too well.

“Rampant consolidation and vertical integration have let agribusinesses reap record profits to fork over to shareholders, while raising input costs for farmers and pushing a version of agriculture that is a major contributor to climate change,” said Seifert, who farms near Jordan in east-central Minnesota and is a member of LSP’s Farm Bill Organizing Committee. “Promoting policies that incentivize this type of agriculture limits the capability of well-run farms and ranches to keep local economies thriving and people healthy.”

Survey respondents also called for federal policy that stops making crop insurance a major engine of land consolidation and helps farmers deal with the onslaught of climate change. Ninety percent of the survey respondents said they’ve experienced more severe weather events in the past five years; 84% believe these effects are due to climate change.

“My farming operation consists of 950 acres in a corn-soybean rotation,” said LSP Farm Bill Organizing Committee member Adam Griebie, who farms near Hutchinson in central Minnesota. “All of the tillable ground is enrolled into CSP [Conservation Stewardship Program]. CSP gives me the opportunity to participate in conservation practices and become a better steward on my land. I wouldn’t be able to do to these activities without that funding.”

LSP has used these results to develop a Farm Bill platform that addresses market consolidation, stops supporting the growth of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), supports beginning and BIPOC farmers, bolsters regenerative farming practices that build soil and helps make regional food systems economic engines in local communities, according to Goldman.

“The Land Stewardship Project works with thousands of farmers throughout the Midwest, and their message is clear — we want a Farm Bill that delivers for rural and urban communities, food system workers and the land,” she said. “We are in a time of unprecedented challenges, and it is time to enact a truly transformative Farm Bill.”

During Tuesday’s event at Legvold Farms, postcards calling for a Farm Bill that supports farmers, rural communities and stewardship of the land were collected by LSP and will be delivered to Minnesota U.S. Representative Angie Craig, who serves on the House Agriculture Committee.

— Land Stewardship Project

Michigan Aug. 1 Crop Forecast

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EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan growers are anticipating smaller corn, soybean, dry bean, alfalfa hay and sugarbeet yields in 2022 than they had in 2021, according to Marlo D. Johnson, Regional Director of USDA NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office. 

Spring planting was delayed due to cold, wet conditions. The State has experienced drier than normal growing conditions and the Central and Thumb regions have been abnormally dry. Passing rains have helped to sustain field crops though later than normal planting and these dry conditions are anticipated to have a negative affect on crop yields. As of July 31, sixty-four percent of the corn crop was rated good to excellent and 56 percent of the soybean crop was rated good to excellent; both condition ratings were lower than last year at the same time. 

Highlights of the August 1 Crop Production report follow: 

  • Michigan’s average corn yield is forecast at 170 bushels per acre, 4 bushels below last year. Total production is forecast at 321 million bushels, down 7 percent from last year. Production is down on a smaller yield and fewer planted acres. 
  • Soybean yield is forecast at 47 bushels per acre, down 4 bushels from last year. Total production is forecast at 105 million bushels, down 4 percent from last year. Despite farmers planting more soybean acres in 2022 in Michigan, total production is anticipated to be down due to a smaller yield. 
  • Winter Wheat yield is estimated at 84 bushels per acre, up 3 bushels from last year. Total production is forecast at 35.7 million bushels. 
  • Producers of dry beans are expecting their crop to yield 2,300 pounds per acre, down 110 pounds from last year. Production is expected to be 5.01 million hundredweight, nearly unchanged from last year due to an increase in acres planted in 2022. 
  • Michigan’s 2022 apple production forecast is 1.10 billion pounds, up 68 percent from last year. The Michigan peach production forecast is 12,000 tons, up 43 percent from last year. Both the Michigan apple and peach crops had an ideal Spring with no major freezes or frosts that reduced the crops in the past 2 years.

— USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board elects Executive Committee

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PRINCETON, Ky. — Kentucky soybean farmer-leaders elected its Executive Committee for Fiscal Year 2023, which will conclude on June 30, 2023.

Elected by acclimation were Larry Thomas of Elizabethtown as Chairman, Barry Alexander of Cadiz as Vice-Chairman, and Fred L. Sipes of Garrett as Secretary/Treasurer.

Thomas, along with his wife Becky, owns and operates BLT Farms. They grow soybeans, corn, and wheat along with some highly regarded sweet corn for the Hardin County Farmer’s Market. BLT Farms also raises beef cattle, and Larry is quite active in Kentucky Farm Bureau.

Alexander serves as farm manager for Cundiff Farms in Trigg County, where they raise soybeans, corn, wheat, and dark-fired tobacco. Alexander also owns his own operation which includes row crops and beef cattle. Barry serves as one of Kentucky’s three representatives to the United Soybean Board, which invests farmer checkoff dollars at the national level.

Sipes, with his wife Stacy, owns and operates F.L. Sipes Farms in Meade County. There they grow soybeans, corn, wheat and both burley and air-cured tobacco, along with sweet corn and blueberries. F.L. Sipes Farms is also home to a beef cattle operation. Fred serves at the national level as one of Kentucky’s three representatives to the American Soybean Association, the national policy organization for soybean farmers. In addition, he serves as Kentucky Soybean’s representative to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, which promotes beef, pork, and other U.S. meat products to other nations.

This slate of officers was re-elected after serving in the same roles for Fiscal Year 2022, and the farmer-leaders who elected them appreciate their service as they lead the organization that invests our state’s soybean checkoff dollars for maximum return.

— Kentucky Soybean Board and Association

NDSU Row Crop Tour set for Sept. 1 at Carrington

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FARGO, N.D. — Farmers, crop advisers and agricultural industry representatives are invited to view field research trials and receive production recommendations on corn, soybean, dry bean and sunflower at the annual row crop field tour on Thursday, Sept.1, at North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center.

Registration begins at 4 p.m. with educational exhibits and refreshments. The tour begins promptly at 4:30 and includes:

  • Late-season corn plant development and management.
  • Soybean variety selection tips.
  • Dry bean variety performance.
  • Sunflower plant establishment, sclerotinia head rot management and blackbird feeding reduction tools.
  • White mold management in soybean and dry bean – fungicide efficacy and application methods including timing and spray droplet size.
  • Cover crop management for row crops.

Tour speakers include NDSU Extension and Agricultural Experiment Station agronomists Hans Kandel, Greg Endres and Mike Ostlie; Michael Wunsch, NDSU plant pathologist; Juan Osorno, NDSU dry bean breeder; Page Klug, USDA-APHIS wildlife biologist; and Nick Paulsrud, Centrol Crop Consultant.

A supper will follow the tour sponsored by North Dakota commodity organizations.

Continuing education credits in crop and pest management will be available for certified crop advisers participating in the event.

For more information about the tour, visit www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/events/carrington-rec-row-crop-tour or call the Carrington center at 701-652-2951.

— NDSU Extension

T&M Cattle Feeding Operation hosts open house

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WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Farmers interested in learning about the benefits of raising cattle under roof are invited to attend an open house at the T& M Cattle Feeding Operation on Wednesday, Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. A complimentary lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. with a short program following. The T&M Cattle Feeding Operation is located at 135 520th Street, Marcus, Iowa.

“The open house is a great opportunity to see how modern livestock buildings enhance animal care and safeguard the environment and how much livestock contributes to our local economy,” said CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham. “Cherokee County’s family farms and agriculture businesses employ 36 percent of the county’s workforce, bringing over $212 million in wages to the county. These economic contributions enhance the local communities, schools and quality of life for all residents.”

The open house will feature two traditional confinements as well as two 10 percent outside deep-pitted cattle barns with rubber mats on the slats for cattle comfort.

Attendees will learn about the latest technology used in cattle feeding. “This is a perfect opportunity for farmers to see the benefits of raising cattle under roof and get their questions answered by farmers who are doing it successfully,” Waddingham said. “There will also be an opportunity to interact with industry partners about the products and services they have available to assist cattle farmers.”

Experts from CSIF will also be available to provide insight into interpreting rules and regulations impacting livestock farms, enhancing relationships with neighbors and choosing good locations for new barns and feedlots. CSIF assistance is available to farm families at no charge.

The open house is sponsored by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, Ten Corp, Inc., and Cattlemen’s Heritage.

CSIF is a non-profit organization that assists livestock farmers who want help interpreting rules and regulations, guidance on good site locations for barns, counsel on enhancing neighbor relations, and tips on how to protect the environment at no cost. For more information, call 1-800-932-2436 or visit www.supportfarmers.com.

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock responsibly and successfully. It’s a joint partnership involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy.

— Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers

KY corn, soybean yields forecasted lower

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Corn production in Kentucky is forecast at 204 million bushels, down 26% from 2021. Based on conditions as of August 1, yield is estimated at 147 bushels per acre, down 45 bushels from last year. Acres for harvest as grain were estimated at 1.39 million acres, down 50,000 acres from 2021. The U.S. corn production is forecast at 14.4 billion bushels, down 5% from 2021. Yields are expected to average 175.4 bushels per acre, down 1.6 bushels from 2021. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 81.8 million acres, down 4% from 2021. 

Soybean production for Kentucky is forecast at 110 million bushels, an increase of 7% from 2021. Yield is estimated at 54.0 bushels per acre, down 2.0 bushels from a year ago. Acreage for harvest is estimated at 2.04 million acres, up 200,000 acres from the previous year. U.S. soybean production is forecast at 4.53 billion bushels, up 2% from last year. Based on August 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 51.9 bushels per acre, up 0.5 bushels from last year. Area for harvest is forecast at 87.2 million acres, up 1% from 2021. 

Kentucky farmers expect to harvest 32.8 million bushels of winter wheat during 2022. The expected crop for 2022 would be up 8% from the previous year. Growers expect a yield of 82.0 bushels per acre, down 5.0 bushel from 2021. Farmers expect to harvest 400,000 acres for grain. Winter wheat production for the Nation is forecast at 1.20 billion bushels, down 6% from 2021. The United States yield is forecast at 47.9 bushels per acre, down 0.1 bushels from last month and down 2.3 bushels from last year. The expected area to be harvested for grain or seed totals 25.0 million acres, down 2% from last year. 

Kentucky burley tobacco production is forecast at 61.2 million pounds, down 15% from 2021. Yield is projected at 1,800 pounds per acre, down 250 pounds from the 2021 crop. Harvested acreage is estimated at 34,000 acres, down 1,000 acres from last year’s crop. For the burley producing states production is forecast at 69.8 million pounds, down 17% from last year. Burley growers plan to harvest 38,900 acres, down 5% from 2021. Yields were expected to average 1,794 pounds per acre, down 261 pounds from last year. 

Production of Kentucky dark fire-cured tobacco is forecast at 31.7 million pounds, up 9% from the previous year. Dark air-cured tobacco production is forecast at 14.6 million pounds, down 9% from last year. 

Kentucky Alfalfa hay production is forecast at 300,000 tons, 9% below the 2021 level. Other hay production is estimated at 4.33 million tons, down 17% from last year.

— USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service