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Stop Weeds First -- Plant Corn
Second
For as long as cold or wet weather continues to delay
corn planting this spring, one might do well by planting corn first and
controlling weeds later -- right? Not without knowing ahead of time that
you’ll be planting into a weed-free seedbed, answers Aaron Hager,
University of Illinois (U of I) Extension weed scientist.
“Our No. 1 recommendation is to do whatever it takes (by whatever
means) to get fields weed-free before you plant,” says Hager.
“It’s very risky to put a corn crop in the ground without a
weed-free seed bed -- even more risky than with soybeans. So, first and
foremost, make sure you’re not planting into a weedy mess that could
quickly turn into a weedy jungle.”
Scout before planting to determine weed pressure, he advises. “If
there are no weeds there to control, then go ahead and plant,” says
Hager. “But if you decide to plant with even small weeds in the field,
then you are taking a tremendous risk that future weather will allow you
to come back in and take care of weeds in a timely manner. Even a little
bit of weed competition early in the season could have a significant
impact on final yields.”
Once weeds come up, corn can lose 1% of yield/day, points out Mike Owen,
Iowa State University (ISU) Extension weed scientist. As a result, “I
would prefer that farmers apply an early preplant herbicide so the corn
crop emerges in a relatively weed-free environment,” he says.
“However, if farmers plant without applying a preplant herbicide, my
strong suggestion is to put on a pre-emergence herbicide immediately
after planting. My concern is that the first herbicide application
should be done in a timely fashion, so that there is no yield loss.”
Relying solely on postemergence herbicides to control weeds in corn is
risky, adds Owen. “Most farmers would probably prefer a total
postemergence program to help speed up planting, but that is a big risk
from a yield-protection standpoint,” he emphasizes. “Postemergence
programs may still kill the weeds, but if weather delays their
application, it might be too late to protect yields.”
A total postemergence program significantly increases the odds
that early season weeds will cause yield loss, agrees Hager. “A
soil-residual herbicide is still a must in corn, due to the inherent
risk from early season weed competition,” he says. “It can be very
challenging to be timely in a total post program for both corn and
soybeans. So, a good soil-residual herbicide followed by a postemergence
herbicide is still the best [non-tillage] system that we have to protect
corn yields.”
If fields become too wet to apply herbicides with either a
tractor-pulled or self-propelled boom sprayer, then farmers can also
check to see if herbicides could be applied by an aerial applicator,
points out Hager. Whichever way farmers are able to apply herbicides,
their first postemergence application on corn needs to be timely –
before weeds exceed 2 to 3 in., he says.
“The earlier we keep corn fields weed free, the more we can protect it
from yield loss,” sums up Hager.
For more information on corn weed management from U of I, click here: www.ipm.uiuc.edu/bulletin/article.php?id=916
or here: weeds.cropsci.uiuc.edu/references.htm.
For more information on corn weed management from ISU, click here: www.weeds.iastate.edu/.
By John Pocock
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Rain-Delayed
Corn Planting No Reason To Switch Crop
Rain-delayed planting is no reason to switch from corn
to soybeans or to switch to an early maturing corn variety, says Bill
Wiebold, a University of Missouri (MU) Extension agronomist.
Yields usually begin to drop on corn planted after May 10 in central and
northern Missouri. Continued rains and cool soil temperatures kept
farmers from planting their cornfields at usual times in mid-April. "I
would stick with corn through the end of May," says Wiebold, a corn and
soybean specialist. "With the high price of corn, there is financial
incentive to stick with corn, even with some yield loss."
Growers have to make individual decisions for their farms, says Wiebold.
"Even if you incur a 5% yield loss after May 10, it doesn't make
economic sense to try to find soybean seed and make the switch."
To continue reading this article about reasons for Missouri farmers to
stick with corn in 2008, click here: cornandsoybeandigest.com/corn/news/0428-raindelayed-planting-no-reason/.
Source: University of Missouri
Extension
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Committee
Approves 'Final' Farm Bill Provisions
Is the long, national ordeal over the 2007… oops,
now the 2008 Farm Bill nearing an end?
That’s what farm leaders were wondering as members of a House-Senate
conference committee approved the major elements of the new law during a
meeting Thursday night (May 1).
The action came after the House and Senate voted to extend the current
law until May 16 to allow staff members to work through finalizing the
few remaining issues and obtain Congressional Budget Office scoring of
the farm bill’s provisions.
“[The] adoption of all major elements of the new farm bill brings us
within a few steps of the finish line,” says Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA),
chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
and chair of the House-Senate farm bill conference committee.
To continue reading this article about the latest agreement on farm bill
provisions, click here: deltafarmpress.com/farmbill/bill-provisions-0502/.
By Forrest Laws, Farm Press
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Corn Injury Possible With Pre-emergence
Herbicides
Corn can exhibit a variety of injury symptoms at or
soon after emergence as a result of pre-emergence herbicide
applications. This injury is usually a result of the environmental
conditions at the time of herbicide application and/or corn planting.
For example, cool and wet soil conditions are likely to cause herbicide
injury.
Corn plants are able to take up herbicides at a rapid rate, but are not
able to metabolize or break down these herbicides at a similar pace.
Some injury may also be attributable to the herbicide coming into direct
contact with the seed as a result of wet soil conditions and/or failure
to close the seed row.
To continue reading this article about the potential for corn plant
injury from pre-emergence herbicides, click here: ppp.missouri.edu/newsletters/ipcm.
To view a list of pre-emergence herbicides for possible use on emerged
corn in Missouri, click here: ppp.missouri.edu/newsletters.
By Kevin Bradley, University of
Missouri
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Keep Herbicide Applications On
Target
Keeping herbicide applications on target is always a
good thing, from your neighbor's perspective as well as from control,
economic, health and environmental standpoints. Drift management
strategies help minimize off-target pesticide movement.
Drift potential is significantly affected by the type of nozzle used in
a pesticide application. Nozzle type will influence spray droplet size,
measured in microns, as well as the range of droplet sizes produced in
an application. Droplets smaller than 200 microns can travel long
distances due to their light weight and can drift off target a
considerable distance.
The type of product you are applying will determine what droplet size to
target for adequate control. For example, if you are applying a contact
herbicide, or a herbicide that does not move well within the plant,
small droplet size and good coverage are needed for adequate control.
Insecticide and fungicide applications also generally require small
droplet sizes and good coverage for adequate control. Fine- to
medium-sized droplets, ranging from an average of 150 to 350 microns,
are generally used for these applications.
In comparison, a systemic herbicide moves within the plant to untreated
tissue after application. As a result, coarse droplets, ranging from an
average of 350 to 450 microns, can be targeted. Glyphosate, the most
commonly used herbicide today, is a systemic herbicide. Glyphosate moves
to the growing points in treated plants after application. Because of
this, drift-reducing nozzle technologies that produce larger droplets
with a smaller percentage of fine droplets can be effectively used to
help minimize drift potential when applying glyphosate.
Examples of drift-reducing technologies include pre-orifice, turbulence
chamber and venturi or air induction nozzles. Be sure to consult with
the nozzle manufacturer's information and product label when determining
the correct nozzle type, droplet size, spray volume and pressure to use
for your application.
Adding a drift retardant to the tank is another option to help minimize
drift. University of Nebraska research in 2006 by Johnson and
colleagues, however, found drift-reducing nozzles were more effective at
reducing off-target drift and that it would be less expensive to replace
nozzles with drift-reducing nozzles than to use a drift retardant
throughout the growing season.
Factors such as boom height, spray pressure and wind conditions at
application also influence particle drift. To help reduce drift consider
the following:
- Adjust your boom height as low as you can, while still providing
uniform application
- Operate on the low end of the recommended pressure range
- Avoid applications when wind speeds are over 10 mph, as well as
under dead-calm conditions or when a temperature inversion exists
- Increase spray volume, as well as nozzle size, to create larger
droplets.
Editor’s note: To read a related article from the Corn &
Soybean Digest on how to minimize spray drift, click here: cornandsoybeandigest.com/equipment.
By Lizabeth Stahl and Jeffrey Gunsolus,
University of Minnesota Extension
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Research: Pesticide Exposure Extends To
Applicator's Family
Most people understand the benefits of using
pesticides to control pests, but more and more of us also are concerned
about the possible harmful effects of pesticides on the health and
safety of our families and pets.
In this discussion, pesticides include insecticides, which kill insects,
and herbicides, which kill weeds. Some other pesticides include
fungicides, which kill fungi, and acaricides, which kill spiders, mites
and ticks.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota wanted to find out if
pesticides get into the bodies of pesticide applicators and their
families. They also wanted to know if practices used to prevent
pesticide exposure actually reduced pesticide concentrations in the
bodies of applicators.
This study looked at 95 farm families. The three pesticides of interest
were:
- Glyphosate, a herbicide commonly sold as Roundup
- 2,4-D, a herbicide found in many weed control products
- Chlorpyrifos, an insecticide sold as Lorsban and Dursban.
To look at pesticide levels, researchers took blood and urine samples
from applicators and their immediate family. The study showed that
chlorpyrifos and 2,4-D often were found in the bodies of applicators.
But, what was unexpected was that low levels of some pesticides were
also found in spouses and children, even when spouses and children did
not have direct contact with the pesticides.
In this study, 100% of family members (farmers, spouses and children)
had detectable amounts of the insecticide chlorpyrifos in their bodies.
The highest amounts of pesticide were found in applicators who did not
follow pesticide label instructions.
To continue reading this article about preventing exposure to pesticides
to farm applicators and their families, click here: cropwatch.unl.edu/archives/2008.
Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Extension
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Wisconsin Corn
Planting Progress
With the exception of extreme high- and low-yielding
years, no good relationship is observed between planting progress and
grain yield. Above-average yields can still occur even though planting
may be delayed. Likewise, lower-than-average yields can occur even
though planting progress is faster than normal. The bottom line is that
there is still a lot of growing season remaining and a lot can happen.
To read more of this article and view a historical corn planting date
and yield chart for Wisconsin, click here: corn.agronomy.wisc.edu/.
By Joe Lauer, University of Wisconsin
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Minnesota Corn
Planting Dates And Yields
Long-term research data from the University of
Minnesota indicate that the optimum planting date for corn in Minnesota
is during the last week of April and the first week of May, with only an
8% yield reduction when planting is delayed from April 30 to May 15.
In addition to higher yield, earlier planting can normally result in
earlier maturity, thereby allowing more calendar time for grain drying
prior to harvest and for fall tillage. The average relationship between
planting date and corn yield in Minnesota is available at: www.extension.umn.edu/cropenews.
While timely planting is important, the advantages of an earlier
planting date can be lost if tillage and planting operations occur when
the soil is too wet. Sidewall smearing can occur as planter disk openers
cut through wet soil, resulting in compacted soil around the seed that
is difficult for seedling roots to penetrate. Seed furrows can also open
up after the soil dries following wet conditions at planting. In
addition, soil compaction from heavy machinery on wet soil can reduce
yield this year and in the future.
Planting into cool and wet soils also increases the potential for
corn-seedling diseases. To reduce the prevalence of seedling diseases,
use high-quality fungicide-treated seed. However, corn seed treatments
are usually effective for only two to three weeks after planting. While
soil temperatures of at least 50 degrees are needed for corn
germination, soil temperature in early May can generally be ignored as a
factor, and planting should begin as soon as the soil is dry enough.
Keep in mind that while higher corn yields are associated with earlier
planting, planting date is just one of many factors that determine
yield. Avoid "mudding the seed in" just to get the crop planted early.
Corn growers should have patience and take time to make sure that
planting is done right:
- Avoid working wet soil and creating cloddy seedbeds, which can
inhibit the elongating mesocotyl of young corn plants.
- Avoid excessive tillage prior to planting (possible soil compaction
and surface crusting), especially if significant rainfall is forecast
before emergence.
- Avoiding "rootless" corn which can be caused by extremely shallow
seeding depths (shallower than 1-1½ in.) that result in nodal root
initiation beginning near the soil surface rather than at the usual
¾-in. depth. A planting depth of 1½-2 in. is ideal in most
situations.
While the effect of delayed planting on corn yield has been documented
over the years in Minnesota, keep in mind that these figures are
averages. In some years with good summer weather and extended fall
growing conditions, good yields can be expected even with delayed
planting.
Editor’s note: For more corn planting management tips from the
Corn & Soybean Digest click here: cornandsoybeandigest.com/corn/factors-causing-uneven-emergence-0215/index.html.
By Jeff Coulter and David Nicolai, University of
Minnesota Extension
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Negotiating
Cash Rental Rates
One of the most-often-asked questions I have had this
winter is: How can I reduce the risk of rapidly escalating input
costs?
Often, renters indicate landowners wish to enter into longer-term
leases, but the uncertainty of crop prices and inputs in 2009, 2010 and
beyond make it nearly impossible to consider these types of arrangements
without betting the farm.
First of all, it's good that landowners are looking at longer-term
leases, because it eliminates or greatly reduces the annual hassle of
renegotiating lease rates. Plus, landowners can have some assurance with
a long-term lease that renters are not going to mine the potash and
phosphorus levels if the lease continues on with the same parties.
The question: What is a fair and simple process for developing a win-win
arrangement?
To continue reading this article about how to negotiate a fair cash
rental rate, click here: cornandsoybeandigest.com/ag-issues/0401-negotiating-cash-rental-rates/.
By Moe Russell, Russell Consulting
Group
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Agricultural Market Energy Update
Crude oil continues to be the primary driver of higher
commodity prices. For the moment, the market remains convinced that
non-Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) demand
growth and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
supply management will keep prices near record highs. This conflicts
with falling OECD demand and U.S. economic recession outlook.
The fertilizer market has seen soaring prices based on record crop
prices and high-priced natural gas. In recent fertilizer reports, I
noted the stunning change in the rate of exports. I stressed that the
data was from the USDA, and I cautioned that if they were wrong, then so
was my data.
Thanks to conversations with some of our excellent customers and The
Fertilizer Institute, it is now clear that the Census Bureau and USDA
have changed their data reporting without any announcement or historical
correction.
The U.S. has always exported fertilizers, but the Census Bureau and the
USDA have not reported those exports. Begining in January 2008, they
started including those exports without a historical revision of
previous years.
Lastly, the ethanol industry continues to walk the razor's edge between
record gasoline and corn prices. This environment makes the USDA's
projections of record growth very unlikely.
To view the latest Wells Fargo agricultural economic report on energy,
click here: www.wellsfargo.com/com/research.
By Michael Swanson, Wells Fargo Bank
|
Is Your Marketing Advisor Worth The
Fee?
With the added chore of luring investors to regional
biodiesel plants while tending to over 3,500 acres of corn and soybeans,
Chuck Dunlop doesn't have time for one of the farm's most important
functions: marketing.
But he doesn't trust that chore to a service only interested in a
commission. He counts on a 10-plus-year relationship with a marketing
consulting service to get that job done -- and at a profit that far
outweighs their $4-5/acre fee.
Dunlop, who farms his family's operation in eastern Kansas near Parker,
leaves the marketing to the experts; people who keep their eyes on the
pulse of market trends 24/7.
To continue reading this article on factors to consider when choosing a
marketing advisor, click here: cornandsoybeandigest.com/marketing/0401-marketing-advisor-worth-fee/.
By Larry Stalcup, Corn & Soybean
Digest
|
Sensitive
Crops And Apiaries Directory Available
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship is developing a new online registry that will provide a list
of locations of sensitive crops in addition to apiaries.
Persons who raise sensitive crops (vineyards, orchards, certified
organic crops and fruit and vegetable crops) and beekeepers will need to
register with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
Field markers will be available to registered producers so sensitive
areas are clearly marked and visible to both ground and aerial
applicators.
To visit the new online registry, click here:
www.iowaagriculture.gov/.
For more information on pesticide application management in Iowa, click
here: www.extension.iastate.edu/pme/.
By Kristine Schaefer, Iowa State University
Extension
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A Note From
The Corn E-Digest Editor: Planting Delay
Optimism
If anyone has reason to be pessimistic about the 2008
corn crop, it’s farmers in the northern Corn Belt who recently endured
a late-April blizzard. Yet, at least one farmer in that region remains
optimistic.
“Planting delays are real here in northwest Chippewa County,” writes
Chip Grube, Appleton, MN, on April 28. “We ended up with about 6-8 in.
of snow with rain preceding it, last weekend. While waiting is
frustrating, I will not consider changing my planned acres until the
last days of May.”
Grube lists the following reasons for sticking with corn:
- Beans on beans don't work well.
- History has shown me that while I'll lose maximum yield, I can still
raise good corn planted through May 25th.
- There'll be enough people shifting acres if we aren't planted by May
10 that higher corn markets will make later-planted, lower-yielding corn
just as profitable as earlier-planted, higher-yielding corn had been
projected in a normal year.
Northern Corn Belt growers may be well positioned to miss a projected
summer drought, adds Grube. “While it can still get hot and dry this
summer, I'm encouraged by this weather that we'll miss the big drought
this year,” he writes. “It was very dry last year, and perhaps that
was our drought. [The drought years of] 1976 and 1988 were very dry
going into spring [and this year it’s wet].
“I'm optimistic that when this weather turns, we'll get planting done
in a hurry,” he adds.
If you have a comment about how corn planting is progressing (or not
progressing) in your area, please write to me (John Pocock) at: jpocock@csdigest.com. Just let me
know your name, where you farm, what your thoughts are and whether or
not I have permission to use your comments in a future Corn
E-Digest newsletter.
As always, you’re welcome to write to me if you have a comment on any
topic related to corn production or if you have concerns or questions
about this issue.
I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for your readership!
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