October 26, 2016

Good afternoon,

Yesterday we were able to harvest our Alger Corn Response to Nitrogen plot.  This plot is one of several statewide testing different nitrogen rates to provide data for updating the Tri-state Fertilizer Recommendations.  This particular plot is in highly organic muck soil.  Nitrogen rates applied were 100, 150, 200, 250 and a 0 lbs N per acre check strip that were side dressed with 28% UAN.  These treatments were replicated three times across the field.  Yields were between 182.8 and 196.1 bushels per acre with moisture from 15.5% to 18.4%.  A big thanks goes out to Howard and Jim Lyle for cooperating with this fertility trial.  Once all the data is summarized, it will be made available with other on-farm research reports at agcrops.osu.edu.

Around the county it appears that most of the soybeans have been harvested with several corn fields yet to be shelled.  This past week I submitted an article about preventing harvest accidents.  Harvest time is a busy and stressful time, so check out the attached article for tips on making the rest of this year’s harvest safe.  As the farm economy becomes tighter and the environmental pressure becomes greater on farmers, understanding your soil fertility and nutrient needs becomes ever so important. The Darke Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will again be hosting the Soil Fertility & Nutrient Management Workshop Series beginning in November.  If you are interested in participating in the course, see the attached flyer for registration.

Harvest Safety Article News Release

SFN Management Workshop Flyer

Monday we will begin the process of planning our winter Conservation Tillage Club breakfast meetings.  Are there any topics that you would like to learn about this winter?  If so, reply back to this email with your ideas.  The planning committee from Hardin, Logan, and Union Counties will consider them as we begin organizing the series.  Upcoming events this week include a Farm Bureau meeting on Tuesday, November 1 starting at 7:00 pm at Ag Credit.  I have included some agronomy related articles below that you may be interested in reading.

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips for Harvesting Lodged Corn – Peter Thomison

While never a recommended practice, this is definitely not the year to “store” corn in the field and delay harvest. Reports of lodging and downed corn are increasing across the state. Stalk rots are largely responsible for the problem which have been promoted by stressful production environments and susceptible hybrids. Affected corn stalks are characterized by internal plant tissue that has disintegrated and often appears “hollowed out”. These symptoms are also often present in the crown of the plant. Severe lodging slows the harvest operation causing delays that expose the crop to less favorable weather conditions, as well as wildlife damage. To finish reading this article, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-33/tips-harvesting-lodged-corn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poor seed quality reported from a few fields: Separating insect injury from the fungi – Anne Dorrance, Andy Michel

Poor seed quality from Phomopsis/Diaporthe, purplish colored seed, and seed coat mottling were reported over the past few weeks from a few fields.  These are more critical for our food grade and seed producers but to date should not affect feed quality.  These fungi have not been reported to this extent in Ohio for some time.  Go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-34/poor-seed-quality-reported-few-fields-separating-insect-injury to read comments on the problems from fungi found on soybeans this fall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corn Ear Rots: Identification, Quantification and Testing for Mycotoxins – Pierce Paul

A few weeks ago, we published a newsletter article addressing concerns related to Diplodia ear rot of corn. We have since received samples with at least three other ear rots, Trichoderma, Fusarium, and Gibberella. Of these, Trichoderma ear rot seems to be the most prevalent and severe. Ear rots differ from each other in terms of the damage they cause (their symptoms), the toxins they produce, and the specific conditions under which they develop. So, a good way to determine whether you do have a major ear rot problem this year is to quantify the disease in your field and get suspect samples tested for mycotoxins. And the best way to tell the difference among the ear rots is to know the types of symptoms they produce. To read more about corn ear rots, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-32/corn-ear-rots-identification-quantification-and-testing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

AgricultuHER “Finding Your Voice” – Amanda Douridas, Amanda Bennett

OSU Extension Champaign and Miami Counties are excited to announce the AgricultuHER “Finding Your Voice” event to be held on November 3. This event is designed to bring women of agriculture together to discuss how to share our way of life and career with the general public. As more of our community becomes further removed from the farm, it is important to be able to explain what we do and why we do it.  If you would like to find out more information about this unique Women in Agriculture program, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-32/agricultuher-%E2%80%9Cfinding-your-voice%E2%80%9D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ohio State PLOTS is here! Download it today! – John Fulton, Kaylee Port

After months of anticipation, Ohio State PLOTS is available for download for both Apple and Android devices. This app provides an all-in-one tool that can be used to enhance farm management decisions. With Ohio State PLOTS, users can create on-farm trials that compare hybrids, fertilizer rates, stand counts, and more.  Available to producers, OSU Extension educators, agronomist and consultants, this intuitive application provides meaningful interpretations of individual trials. To find out how this app can be used and download information, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-31/ohio-state-plots-here-download-it-today.

 

 

 

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

 

October 18, 2016

Good afternoon,

We harvested the Alger Nitrogen Timing plot Friday.  This plot’s purpose was to test the best time to apply late season nitrogen to corn to get the best yield response.  Although this is only a one year study so far, the V6 and V8 growth stages had the highest yield response.  In this trial, 20 gallons of 28% UAN was applied to different strips of corn at V6, V8, V10, and VT, with one strip not receiving a late season nitrogen application.  This was replicated three times across the plot.  Timing of rainfall also played a role in the most efficient use of the nitrogen compared to when it was applied by the Y-drops attachment on the sprayer.  I would like to thank Paul Ralston for his cooperation with this trial.  After I get everything summarized and written up, an on-farm research report will appear with the others at agcrops.osu.edu.

The weather has really cooperated with this year’s harvest up to this point.  I have summarized the September rainfall in the attached rainfall report. During the month of September, Extension volunteer rainfall reporters received an average of 3.12 inches of rain. The most rain for this month, 5.40 inches, fell in Hale Township, as measured by Travis Ramsey. The least rain reported during the month, 1.76 inches, was reported in Marion Township by Mark Lowery. During the same month last year, an average of 1.57 inches of rain fell. The rainfall recorded in September over the past ten years averaged 3.41 inches.  For more details about Hardin County rainfall in September, see the attached summary.

September Summary 2016 

Have you considered contributing to the United  Way of Hardin County this year?  I have attached a copy of their brochure if you would like to help out.  Make sure you list Agriculture as the division if you contribute so they know which industry is providing the support for this local campaign.  This year the United Way is celebrating 50 years of ‘Turning Compassion into Action.’  If you are involved with Direct Marketing, you won’t want to miss the October 20 OSU Extension webinar on ‘Cooperatively Marketing Your Products.’  See the attached brochure about this and the final two Food and Agriculture webinars being offered this fall.

United Way Brochure

DM Webinar Series 2016

There is an ‘AgricultuHER’ program scheduled for women who desire to be ag advocates.  This program is about finding your voice and telling the story of agriculture to the public.  The event will be held November 3 in Troy.  See the attached flyer for more information.  Upcoming local events include Ag Hall of Fame Committee meeting Wednesday (10/19) starting at 6:30 pm at the Extension office, Soil and Water Conservation District meeting (10/20) starting at 7:30 am at the SWCD office, Dairy Service Unit Cheese Sale Order Pick-up Friday (10/21) 12:00-7:00 pm and Saturday (10/22) 9:00 am-12:00 pm at Wagner Dairy Farm, and the Hardin County Sheep Management Tour Saturday (10/22) through Sunday (10/23) in Logan, Darke, and Miami Counties.  I have included some agronomy related articles below that you may be interested in reading.

AgricultuHer Flyer

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moldy Corn, Kernel Sprouting and Upright Ears – Peter Thomison, Pierce Paul, Sam Custer

Moldy ear and kernel sprouting problems have been reported in parts of Ohio especially west central and NW Ohio. The moldy ears have been attributed primarily to Diplodia ear rot. As has been the case in past years, the moldy ears and kernel sprouting are often associated with upright ears. Ears that remain erect after physiological maturity (black layer development) are more likely to promote molds and kernel sprouting because they trap water (especially at the base of the ear and slow kernel drying.) These ears may also be affected by opportunistic organisms taking advantage of the moist, nutritious environment at the base of the ear.  To read more about moldy ears and kernel sprouting, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-30/moldy-corn-kernel-sprouting-and-upright-ears.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brown Pods, Green Stems – Laura Lindsey, Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel

Last week, we received a few comments about soybeans having mature pods, but the stems remaining green. Similar observations were made in 2012…another dry year. Green stems on soybean may be a result of a source/sink problem. With the hot and dry conditions this year, pod set was likely reduced. With a limited number of pods (sink), there are fewer places for the plant’s photosynthates (source) to go. From previously conducted work by Dr. Jim Beuerlein, when soybean pods were removed from a plant node when they first formed and started to expand, the leaf at that node stayed green after the rest of the plant matured. If all the small pods were removed from a branch on a plant, that branch did not mature.  To learn more about this soybean condition, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-33/brown-pods-green-stems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weeds, Weeds, and More Weeds (Auglaize County) – Jeff Stachler

Every fall County Extension Educators drive through their county evaluating weed control in soybean fields to see how weed populations are changing over time.  This is my second year of doing this survey, but John Smith had done it before me. This year I drove 95 miles of the county compared to 78 miles last year.  I started at the Darke and Mercer County lines on Rt 364 going north mostly on Tri-Township to Maier-Barber and Barber-Werner Roads, then I traveled east on Barber-Werner and Buckland-Holden Roads to Worrel road in the northeast and then straight down to New Hampshire and then down to Santa Fe line Road and Gutman then west to New Knoxville and north on Moulton-New Knoxville Road to Buckland-Holden Road.  I observed 362 soybean fields along this route.  To find out which weeds are a problem in Auglaize County this year, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-32/weeds-weeds-and-more-weeds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Injury Prevention – Safety During Fall Harvest – Kent McGuire

This harvest season, safety should be a priority within the farm operation. Consider that it is a time that involves long hours and the need for multiple pieces of farm equipment working simultaneously to complete a crop harvest. The continuous activity, diminished daylight and stresses that can be associated with harvest can often lead to agricultural related injuries. Common injuries during fall harvest include slips, trips and falls; blunt trauma incidents; sprains / strains; and injuries due to fatigue. Read about some simple ways to reduce the risk of an injury during harvest, by going to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-32/injury-prevention-safety-during-fall-harvest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soil Health and Cover Crop Field Day – Jeff Stachler

Mark your calendars for an excellent soil health and cover crop field day on October 24, 2016 from 10:00 AM to noon.  Dr. Steve Cullman will be speaking about soil health.  The latest method to seeding cover crops will be demonstrated and discussed.  Cover crops were seeded when the corn was in the five to six collar stage, much earlier than previous seeding methods.  The field day is sponsored by The Ohio State University Extension and will be free to the public.  The field day will be held at the Wapakoneta FFA farm located at 15301 Redskin Trail road, Wapakoneta, Ohio.  The field day will be held outdoors, so dress accordingly, although an alternate location has been secured in case of inclement weather.  Register before 10-21-16 by calling 419-739-6580.

 

 

 

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu

 

October 10, 2016

Good evening,

Fall harvest is now in full swing.  Thursday we harvested the soybean population plot near Alger.  The field average yield was 57.4 bushels per acre with a moisture content of 12.2%.  The lowest yielding soybeans (41.0 bushel per acre) were 30 inch rows with a seeding rate of 60,000 seeds per acre.  The highest yielding soybeans (71.5 bushel per acre) were 15 inch rows with a seeding rate of 213,000 seeds per acre in this particular field.  However, one would need to figure the cost of inputs across all seeding rates and yield responses to make a recommendation.  So far, that has not been done.  Once all of the data is written up, it will be made available with other on-farm research at agcrops.osu.edu.

Before soybean harvest started, I completed the Hardin County Weed Survey.  The purpose of this survey is to determine the type and amount of weeds that are infesting farm fields.  Another reason is to develop an understanding of which weeds are becoming resistant to herbicides used by farmers.  A total of 107 fields were surveyed in the county this fall.  Giant Ragweed was found to be a problem in 47 of these fields, followed by Marestail (Horseweed) (32), Giant Foxtail/grasses (20), Volunteer Corn (17), Common Lambsquarter (7), Redroot Pigweed (5), and Velvetleaf (2).  For more information about the weed problems in county soybean fields, see the attached news article.  The good news is that twenty-four (22.4%) of the 107 soybean fields were found to be weed-free.

County Weed Survey News Release

Do you have young people helping you with harvest?  Are you aware of the farm youth labor laws?  Go to https://ofbf.org/2016/09/21/legal-leah-farm-youth-labor-laws/ to gain an understanding of what is acceptable under Ohio law.  Have you placed your order yet with the Dairy Service Unit for the fall cheese sale?  Orders are due October 12, so make sure you take a look at the attached order form if you would like to support this commodity group’s semi-annual sale.  Another date coming up soon is the Hardin County Agriculture Hall of Fame nominations deadline, which is October 14.  I have attached a copy of the nomination form so you can print it out and give it to the family of a deserving individual to fill out.  Why not forward it to someone that you believe should be recognized?  The people are out there and the committee needs your help identifying who they are.

Fall Cheese Sale Flyer

Ag Hall of Fame Nomination Form 2016

There is a Soil Health and Cover Crop Field Day coming up October 24 in Auglaize County.  See the attached flyer for more details of this event which features Dr. Steve Culman from The Ohio State University.  The SWCD Forestry Field Day is coming up Sunday, October 16 at Kelly & Jolene Buchenroth’s woods, 11740 Township Road 180, Kenton from 1:00-4:00 pm.  The rain date is Sunday, October 23.  There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, a coloring contest with prizes for the children, ham & bean soup cooked over an open fire, corn bread, hot dogs and s’mores.  I have included some agronomy articles below that you may be interested in reading.

Cover Crop Field Day

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diplodia Ear Rot – Pierce Paul, Felipe Dalla Lana da Silva, Anne Dorrance

Over the last two weeks, we have received several samples of corn ears with symptoms typical of Diplodia ear rot. This is one of the most common ear diseases of corn in Ohio. It is caused by two species of fungi, Stenocarpella maydis and Stenocarpella macropora. The most characteristic symptom and the easiest way to tell Diplodia ear rot apart from other ear diseases such as Gibberella and Fusarium ear rots is the presence of white mycelium of the fungus growing over and between kernels, usually starting from the base of the ear. Under highly favorable weather conditions, entire ears may become colonized, turn grayish-brown in color and lightweight (mummified), with kernels, cobs, and ear leaves that are rotted and soft.  To read more about Diplodia Ear Rot, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-30/diplodia-ear-rot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Considering Growing Wheat in Wide Rows? – Laura Lindsey, Pierce Paul, Ed Lentz, Eric Richer

Growers may be interested in wide-row wheat production due to reductions in equipment inventory (lack of grain drill) and to allow intercropping of soybean into wheat. With funding from the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program and the Michigan Wheat Program, we’ve conducted several wide-row wheat trials. How much is wheat yield reduced when planting in wide rows compared to narrow rows? In most instances, wheat yield is greater when grown in narrow row width (7.5-inch) compared to wide row width (15-inch). Yield reductions associated with wide row wheat production ranges from 0% to 15%. In wide-row wheat, we tend to see more head-bearing tillers per foot of row compared to narrow-row wheat.  Go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-30/considering-growing-wheat-wide-rows to find out more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall Weed Control Odds and Ends – Mark Loux

Cressleaf groundsel, which is poisonous to livestock, has caught some hay and livestock producers by surprise when they discover it in late spring in hay or pasture.  Some hay producers have had to discard hay from first cuttings due to an abundance of this yellow-flowered weed.  Cressleaf groundsel is a winter annual weed that is easily controlled in the fall, when in the rosette stage, in most crop situations.  Take time to scout fields this fall to determine whether cressleaf groundsel is present, especially in new summer seedings or fields with a history of this weed problem.  To read more fall weed control odds and ends, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2016-31/fall-weed-control-odds-and-ends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities & Security Safeguards – John Fulton, Kaylee Port

In today’s world, many of us have electronic data stored on multiple devices and in various locations.  Whether that’s banking information, medical information, or in the case of farmers, agricultural data, this data is entrusted to a service provider or managed internally to the farm business.  A common concern expressed is the event of security breaches.  In recent years, security breaches over data have occurred at large name companies causing consumers to be on edge even more when it comes to protecting their personal information.  To finish reading this article, go to http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/liabilities-security-safeguards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bacterial Leaf Streak: Another New Corn Disease out West, but not yet in Ohio – Pierce Paul

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS), a foliar disease of corn caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum, was reported in the US for the first time in Nebraska and has since been found in several other states out west, including Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, South Dakota, Texas and Oklahoma. It has not yet been found in Ohio and neighboring states. BLS has a very close resemblance to other common foliar diseases of corn such as gray leaf spot (GLS). Like GLS, it is characterized by the presence of rectangular-looking lesions on the leaf that are tan, brown, or orange in color.  To find out more about this new disease, click on http://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/bacterial-leaf-streak-another-new-corn-disease-out-west-not-yet-ohio.

 

 

 

Mark A. Badertscher

Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator

OSU Extension Hardin County

1021 W. Lima Street, Suite 103, Kenton, OH 43326

419-674-2297 Office

hardin.osu.edu