Volume 12, Issue 28
October 1, 2004
Volume 12, Issue 28
October 1, 2004
This is the Last Issue of
Weekly Crop Update for the 2004 Season - Tracy Wootten, Sussex County Extension
Educator - Horticulture, wootten@udel.edu
2004
has been another challenging year highlighted with optimism and great weather
at the beginning, and bad memories of downy mildew at the end. Although this makes three seasons of “worst
in thirty years” – worst drought, wettest season and the worst disease year for
vine crops, let’s hope the adage “things come in threes” holds true. If so, 2005 should be a better season for
Delaware Agriculture. Continue to think
positively!
I
hope the information that you received in ‘Weekly Crop Update’ has been helpful
and relevant. As editor, I would like
to recognize the dedication of the individuals that contribute to Weekly Crop
Update. They provide the content that makes WCU a great resource for our industry.
Thank you to our dedicated office staff that help pull everything together each
week, especially as we rush to make the 4:30 p.m. deadline.
You
may have noticed, a new name has appeared at the end of the newsletter
recently. Emmalea Ernest has accepted
the position as Extension Associate for Vegetable Crops. She will be assisting
Ed Kee with the Extension Vegetable Program here in Delaware. She comes to Delaware from Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania. She is a graduate of Penn
State University and Michigan State for her Master’s Degree. Emmalea will be
assuming the responsibilities of Weekly Crop Update in 2005. She has been a
great addition to Delaware Extension. I hope you will take the time to get to
know her at the winter meetings this year.
We
welcome your comments and suggestions for improvements to ‘Weekly Crop
Update.’ Please feel free to contact
Emmalea or myself at 302-856-7303, or by email at emmalea@udel.edu or wootten@udel.edu.
I
have enjoyed working with the newsletter.
It is time for me to move on to other responsibilities in my role as
County Agent. It has been a pleasure
interacting with readers and listening to the great impacts this publication
has on Delaware Agriculture. I look
forward to interacting with many of you during the winter meetings. Best wishes
for a safe and prosperous harvest season.
Kind
Regards,
Tracy
Derby’s Walker’s Retirement
from Sussex County Extension – Tracy Wootten
As
many of you know, Derby Walker will be retiring after 31 years as an
Agricultural Agent here in Sussex County.
He has had a great career here in Sussex, and looks forward to continued
interaction with growers. Derby will not
be leaving us and never look back. He
has agreed to come back on a part-time basis until we hire a new agent. We hope growers will help us make this
transition period as smooth as possible.
When growers call into the office after October 4th, we ask
that you speak with the secretary and leave a message. Please do not leave a message on Derby’s
voice mail. If you call before or after
hours, please leave a message in the general voice mailbox. In the interim period, Mark Isaacs, Bill
McGowan, Derby (when he is in) and myself will be handling Derby’s phone
calls. We will be making every effort to
handle the calls as quickly as possible.
We
thank Derby for his advice, good natured humor and his dedication to Delaware
Agriculture. Best wishes to Derby and
his family as he enjoys his retirement.
Barley Planting Tips – Richard W. Taylor, Extension
Agronomist, rtaylor@udel.edu
With
harvest season as early as I’ve seen it in the last 20 years, a lot of folks
are getting the jump on the small grain planting season and getting their
barley in the ground earlier than normal.
In a barley study a few years ago, Bob Uniatowski and I found that late
September planted barley can actually yield about 6 to 7 percent less than
barley planted the first week of October.
So, if you have the opportunity to set a planting date shoot for the first
two weeks of October, since barley planted then will yield as much or more than
early planted barley. This also lets you
plant after the Hessian Fly-Free date.
Although
most grain crops are now planted on a seeds per foot of row basis, barley is
one of the few grain crops still planted using the bushels per acre
method. Feed barley (not the new
hull-less types) should be planted at 2.5 bu/A for maximum yields. Higher seeding rates produced no increase in
yield potential. Lower seeding rates
resulted in only slightly decreased yield potential although the difference was
significant in our study.
After
the last two growing seasons of heavier than normal rainfall and in some areas
good to very good yields, the question of nitrogen (N) rates may be on your
mind. One of the major concerns with
barley is getting too much N applied and causing severe lodging issues. However, if you are planting into corn
stubble where the corn yields were high resulting in little likely carryover of
soil N, I would suggest considering a small amount of fall N, 15 to 20 lb
N/A. This is especially important if
you’ve done some type of tillage that incorporates corn residue into the
soil. Soil temperatures are still fairly
high, soil moisture good to excessive, and with the addition of the high carbon
corn residue, the demand on soil N by the bacteria that decompose corn stubble
will be very high. This potentially will
show up as N stress on barley this fall causing reduced tillering by the crop.
I
recently had a question about applying micronutrients to the soil for a small
grain crop this fall. Because of the
expense of micronutrients, soil applications frequently are not as efficient as
foliar applications. For barley if the
soil pH is near 6.0 or higher and the field has a history of manganese (Mn)
deficiency, I would plan to scout the field frequently this fall and apply foliar
Mn at the first sign of deficiency symptoms in the barley. Barley stands can easily be destroyed by Mn
deficiency. However, application of the
recommended broadcast application rate (20 to 30 lb Mn/A) to barley is cost
prohibitive in most cases. Timely
scouting and a quick response with foliar Mn will not only save the stand but
be much less costly.
Fall Nitrogen on Winter Wheat – Richard W. Taylor, Extension
Agronomist, rtaylor@udel.edu
After
the last two growing seasons of heavier than normal rainfall and in some areas
good to very good yields, the question of nitrogen (N) rates may be on your
mind. Research on the value of fall N
has been inconclusive with responses on some fields and no response on others. Because I expect little N carryover from
previous corn crops and very little soil N left after what I expect to be very
high soybean yields, I would recommend applying some fall N on winter wheat
this year. In particular where you’ve
done some type of tillage that incorporates corn residue into the soil, fall N
may be very necessary to get good fall tiller development. Since soil temperatures are still fairly high
and soil moisture levels are good to excessive, high carbon, corn residue
additions to the soil will increase the demand on soil N by the bacteria that
decompose corn residue. This potentially
will show up as N stress on wheat this fall and will likely cause reduced
tillering by the crop.
I
thought a brief explanation of why you could need N after a large soybean crop
is in order. Most of us do not realize
that the N credit that is given to a grass crop that follows a soybean crop
comes from N mineralized from the soil organic matter pool and not used by the
soybean crop since as a legume it fixes its own N from N gas from the soil
air. Usually, about 40 to 60 percent of
the N used by or removed by the soybean crop comes from fixing N through the
rhizobia plant symbiotic relationship.
The remaining N is taken up from the soil by the soybean crop. This N comes from the mineralization of N
containing soil organic matter and whatever is left after the crop is done is
available to the next crop. In grass or
non-legume crops, they use all the soil N plus the extra fertilizer N that the
grower applies to the soil. A very large
soybean crop often means that the crop has had to deplete the soil N level as
much as a corn crop and thus N may be needed by the following small grain crop.
Please
refer to Planting Tips on Barley in this issue for comments about fall soil
applications of micronutrients on small grains.
Winterizing Pasture and Hay Fields – Richard W. Taylor, Extension
Agronomist, rtaylor@udel.edu
If
you haven’t prepared your pastures and hay fields for the upcoming winter, it’s
not too late to do it. The key to
helping your forage grasses and legumes make it through the winter is applying
adequate potassium (K) fertilizer.
Potassium uptake by the plants actually acts similar to antifreeze or to
adding salt or other ionic compounds to water.
The mineral helps lower the freezing point of the cell sap or fluids
that exist inside each cell of the plant.
This helps prevent ice crystal formation that can quickly injure
sensitive plant structures.
So,
if you haven’t taken a soil test yet this year to know whether your soil K
levels are high enough to support good grass and legume growth, then as a
general recommendation have your fertilizer dealer apply about 200 lbs/A of
0-0-60 (muriate of potash). This will
provide 120 lbs/A of potash (K2O) to the pasture or hay field and
provide needed K ions for winter survival.
If you have legumes in your pasture or hay field, consider having the
fertilizer dealer add enough boron (B) to the fertilizer to apply no more than
1 lb B/A.
For
those producing alfalfa hay, either follow your soil test recommendations or if
your soil test is not current apply 300 to 400 lbs of 0-0-60 per acre and about
2 lb B/A. Alfalfa has a much higher
demand for K than the other forage crops we use. Research in Maryland has show yield responses
to K up to a rate of 600 lb K2O/A/year.
Later
during late-winter when the ground is well frozen, you should consider mowing
hay fields that were allowed to grow enough in the fall to provide plenty of
cover to catch snow. This will remove
the old growth and make your first cutting hay look much cleaner and depending
on the quantity of old material it should improve hay quality as well.
New Herbicide for Winter Wheat – Mark VanGessel, Extension Weed
Specialist, mjv@udel.edu
Bayer
CropScience has a new postemergence herbicide registered for grass weeds,
including annual ryegrass, in winter wheat.
The product is called Osprey and its active ingredient is mesosulfuron
(an ALS-inhibiting herbicide). It is not
labeled for barley. Application timing
is emergence to jointing of wheat or 2 leaf to 2-tiller grasses. Osprey requires a non-ionic surfactant plus
nitrogen. Fertilizer nitrogen (28 to 32%
N solutions) should be used at 1 to 2 qt/A.
Ammonium sulfate (AMS) can be used at 1.5 to 3 lb/A. It is also labeled with methylated seed
oil. Osprey is used at 3.2 to 4.75 oz
wt/A. Osprey is not labeled for use with
liquid fertilizer carriers. The label
states that liquid fertilizer solutions should be no more than 15 percent of
the spray carrier volume. Osprey can be
tankmixed with a Harmony GT and Harmony Extra (as well as other herbicides),
but tankmixtures with Banvel/Clarity or 2,4-D will reduce grass control. The grasses specifically mentioned on the
label that are important in our region are annual ryegrass (it will not control
volunteer grain rye), annual bluegrass, and roughstalk bluegrass. The label lists brome species as suppression. Broadleaf activity is good on wild radish and
wild mustard plus suppression of henbit and common chickweed. University of Delaware has tested Osprey for
ryegrass the past two to three years with favorable results. We do not have experience with the other
grass species listed. Soybeans can be
planted 90 days after treatment and refer to the label for other crops.
Fall Herbicide Treatments – Mark VanGessel, Extension Weed
Specialist, mjv@udel.edu
Fall
herbicide treatments have been discussed as options for no-till crops. The idea is to apply an herbicide this fall
that will control existing weeds and provide residual weed control so that
fields do not have lots of vegetation next spring. This practice has worked in many of the Midwestern
states, but their winters are colder and often with more snow cover. This is probably not a real issue in our area
for no-till corn if the fields are treated in March or early-April when the
weeds are small and very susceptible to the variety of herbicide mixes being
used. In soybeans, this may have more
utility. We have looked at various
herbicides the past few years for no-till soybeans. Products tested include Valor, Canopy XL, and
Express. None of the products at any
rate provided 100% weed control at time of soybean planting, but they did
reduce the number, size, and vigor of many weed species. In almost all cases, a non-selective
herbicide was needed at planting, but at lower rates than the no fall
treatment. Canopy XL at 2.5 to 4.5 oz
did a nice job controlling cress, field pansy, and horseweed. However, it was weak on chickweed. The addition of Express did an excellent job
on controlling chickweed. Use of Canopy
XL in the fall will limit the rotations (corn and a number of vegetables can
not be planted in the spring). There is
also concern about developing weed resistance to Canopy XL. Valor applied at 2 to 2.5 oz wt/A did a nice
job in controlling horseweed, chickweed, and field pansy. Valor does allow rotation to corn in the
spring, but not vegetables. In our
trials the fall treatments did get applied with 2,4-D, Gramoxone, and/or Banvel
to be sure plants that emerged in the early fall were controlled. Fall treatments should be applied while the
plants are still actively growing. If
you are considering a fall herbicide program, be sure to consider all pros and
cons, including resistance management.
Grain Marketing Highlights - Carl German, Extension Crops Marketing Specialist; clgerman@udel.edu
Quarterly Grain Stocks;
Census Crush; and Wheat Production Estimates.
USDA
released the Quarterly Grain Stocks Report this morning along with the final
estimate for all U.S. Wheat Production. Stocks of corn in all positions was
placed at 958 million bushels; stocks of soybeans were placed at 112.49 billion
bushels; and stocks of wheat were placed at 1.942 billion bushels. In all cases,
stocks were reported to be slightly lower than corn, soybean, and wheat stocks
held in all positions on September 1 a year ago. The September USDA Supply and
Demand Estimates had projected ending stocks for U.S. corn at 954 billion
bushels; and ending stocks for U.S. soybeans at 105 million bushels.
U.S.
wheat production for '04 is now estimated at 2.164 billion bushels, 173 million
bushels greater than the September production estimate. The higher production
estimate for the '04 U.S. wheat crop and the higher than expected
quarterly wheat stocks estimate will be viewed as somewhat bearish for the
wheat market, particularly in light of harvest pressure that is coming from the
corn and soybean crops.
Census
crush figures for soybeans were near the upper end of the range of trade
estimates. Bean oil and meal stocks were reported at the low end to below trade
expectations.
Market Strategy.
This
morning's reports are not likely to have much impact upon commodity trading in
the longer term, particularly for corn and soybeans. The October Crop report is
likely to have more of an impact upon longer term price direction. The wheat pit is taking this report a little
harder than might be expected and has taken to bidding wheat prices down hard
for the day. However, in the short term harvest pressure from the '04
U.S. corn and soybean crops is likely to assist this morning's report in making
a bigger dent in commodity prices than these numbers would normally dictate.
Commodity traders are now said to be penciling in a 11.0 to 11.5 billion bushel
corn crop. Depending on what the weather does in the Northern tier of the Corn
Belt this weekend, is likely to determine the direction of soybean price
bidding next week. If a frost occurs over the weekend, we may not make a 3.0
billion bushel soybean crop in the U.S. this year.
For
the near term, corn and soybeans being harvested on the Eastern Shore should be
placed in short-term storage. That move places the seller in a 'free' storage
situation until October 15th for corn and until November 15th for soybeans.
Harvest pressure is likely to take corn and soybean prices lower from their
current levels, which is likely to have an increasing effect upon the level of
LDP being offered.
Local
basis levels are now 5 under Dec. for corn and 15 under Nov. for soybeans. As
harvest progresses and prices decline further, grain sellers will be deciding
on placing corn and soybeans under loan or taking the harvest sale and
collecting the LDP.
Loan
Deficiency Payments are currently being triggered for new crop corn and
soybeans. The Farm Service Agency now has the LDP being paid on a given day
available on the Internet. The URL for the web site is <http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/psd/ldp/pstatecldp.htm>.
The LDP can be found by state and county.
Upcoming Meetings:
Delaware
Agronomy/Equipment/Pasture Days
Dates: January 26 – 27, 2005
Location: Dover
Building and Exhibit Hall, Harrington State Fairgrounds
For more information contact James Adkins. (302) 856-7303 adkins@udel.edu
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Grain Marketing Strategies Conference for Delaware
Farmers
Please hold
the week of December 6 - 10th for the "Grain Marketing Strategies
Conference for Delaware Farmers". The program offering is being expanded
this year to include a workshop on 'Hedging in the Futures Market'. Details to
follow.
For more information contact Carl German. (302) 831-1317 clgerman@udel.edu
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Pesticide
Safety Education and Testing
Dates: December 14 – 15,
2004
Location: Kent Co. Extension Office, Dover, DE Route
113 South
Details: The first day is
training from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Training continues the morning of the second day, 8:30 am to noon. Be sure to bring your Workbook! You don’t have to register for training, but
you must register for the exam. Call DDA, (302) 698-4500, one week in
advance to register for the exam.
The exam starts at 1:00 pm on the second day. All exams are closed book! Bring your calculator for the calibration
questions.
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Delaware
Vegetable Growers Meeting
Dates: January 5 -7, 2005
Location: Exhibit Hall and Dover Building, Harrington State
Fairgrounds
For more
information contact:
Emmalea
Ernest (302) 856-7303 emmalea@udel.edu
Or
Gordon
Johnson (302) 730-4000 gcjohn@udel.edu
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The Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School
Dates: November 16 -18, 2004
Location: Ocean City, MD at the Princess Royale Hotel and Conference Center.
Online registration at:
https://crayola.hcs.udel.edu/conf/registration/crop_management/
For further
information please contact Richard Taylor at (302) 831-1383 or rtaylor@udel.edu
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Nutrient
Management Certification Sessions
The
University of Delaware Nutrient Management Program will be offering
certification sessions this fall.
Session I: October 4, 2004, Kent Co.
Extension Office, Dover, DE Route 113 South
Session II: October 11, 2004, Kent Co. Extension
Office, Dover, DE Route 113 South
Session III: October 18, 2004, Delaware
Department of Agriculture, 2320 S. DuPont Hwy. Dover, DE
A complete
schedule is available at http://www.rec.udel.edu/nutrient/page3.html
To register
for the sessions or for more information contact Jeanie Johnson. (302)
856-2585 ext. 305.
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Delaware
Annual Pesticide Conference
Date: January 13, 2005
Location: Modern Maturity Center, Dover
This year’s
conference will be held in conjunction with the Horticultural Industry Expo at
the Modern Maturity Center in Dover.
Recertification credit will be given in all applicator categories except 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F.
For more
information contact Susan Whitney King. (302) 831-8886 swhitney@udel.edu
The
Horticultural Industry Expo will be held on January 12 and is sponsored by the
Delaware Nursery and Landscape Association.
For information contact Susan Barton. sbarton@udel.edu
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Delmarva
Ag Safety & Health Conference
Date: January 19, 2005
Time: 8:30 am – 12 noon
Location: Capitol Grange, Dover, DE
For more
information contact Ron Jester. (302)
856-7303 rcjester@udel.edu
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Friends
of Agriculture Breakfast Series
Schedule:
Oct. 22, 2004 Bill Satterfield: Avian
Influenza
Nov. 19, 2004 Sue
Snider: Obesity
Jan. 21, 2005 David
Baker: Bayberry
Development
Mar. 18, 2005 Orion
Samuelson
Apr. 29, 2005 Michael
Scuse
Location: Modern Maturity Center, Dover
To
register, or for more information, contact Susan Davis. (302) 831-2504 shurt@udel.edu
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