Good afternoon,

It’s been a couple of weeks since I sent out the previous issue of the Hardin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Update.  Field-wise, nothing much has changed as we have been in the same weather pattern with the rain storms and not much opportunity for conditions to improve.  The USDA Ohio Crop Weather Report that came out yesterday has Ohio at 22%  corn planted and 11% soybeans planted.  Some forages have been cut around the state.  For more details, see the attached reports for  May 20 and 28.  I have seen both wheat and cereal rye that has headed and in some fields has flowered.  In Hardin County, our progress levels are much lower as I have only seen some burndowns and very little corn or soybeans planted.  Weed growth is progressing in fields so you may need to rethink your burndown if you haven’t already.  See the attached article about delayed weed control for options to consider as weeds get harder to manage and the window between spraying and planting changes.

May 20 Crop Weather Report

May 28 Crop Weather Report

Delayed Weed Control News Release

I am expecting about 40 people tomorrow (5/30) evening at 7:00 pm for the fertilizer recertification training.  If you have a fertilizer card that expires on May 31, 2019, this is your last opportunity to recertify.  Call the Extension office at 419-674-2297 tomorrow or show up by 6:45 pm if you still need to do this.  There is a $10 class fee payable to OSU Extension that you can take care of when you arrive.  If you are unsure of your recertification date, you can call the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 614-728-6987.  See the attached news article for more information about the May 30 Fertilizer Recertification meeting.

Fertilizer Recertification News Release

OSU Extension will hold a Prevented Plant meeting on Friday, May 31, 8-10 am. Location: Auditorium in Champaign County Community Center, 1512 South US Hwy 68, Urbana.  Ohio State University and Crop Insurance Providers will provide information on the details of prevented plant insurance as well as decision making strategies regarding government payments, agronomy and more.  Please email Amanda at douridas.9@osu.edu or fill in the survey at http://go.osu.edu/preventedplant if you plan to attend so we can arrange accordingly.  There are a lot of questions about this topic, so see the articles I have included below for more information as the June 5 corn date is coming up soon for crop insurance in Ohio.

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prevented Planting…What’s That Again? – Eric Richer, Chris Bruynis

Wet conditions in Ohio and the Eastern Corn Belt has slowed (halted?) planting progress for Ohio producers. According to the May 20th Crop Progress Report by USDA National Ag Statistics Service, Ohio had only 9% corn planted. Surprisingly that was ‘double’ what was planted the week before and well behind the 5-year average of 62% planted. In 2018, Ohio was 69% planted by this report date. Certainly, the Prevented Planting (PP) crop insurance tool has become a hot topic this year. Many of you have had the chance to attend PP meetings or speak with your crop insurance agent. If not, we will try to briefly summarize your options and strongly suggest you talk to your agent or utilize one of the calculators (see associated “Decision Tools” article by Sam Custer) to determine which option best suits your farm operation.  Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-15/prevented-plantingwhats-again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prevented Planning Decision Tools – Sam Custer

We have reviewed two prevented planting decision tools that can serve as a resource in your decision making process with your crop insurance agent. Both tools also provide resources for determining replant decisions. In a recent Farmdocdaily article Schnitkey, G., C. Zulauf, K. Swanson and R. Batts. “Prevented Planting Decision for Corn in the Midwest.” farmdoc daily (9):88, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, May 14, 2019 they highlighted their decision tool. The farmdoc tool can be used to make calculations for expected returns from three options: 1. Take a prevented planting payment and not plant a crop to be harvested or grazed. 2. Plant corn. 3. Plant another crop. The farmdoc Prevented Planting Module is used to aid in making calculations for each alternative. The Prevented Planting Module is part of the Planting Decision Model, a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet within the FAST series available for download.  Click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-15/prevented-planning-decision-tools to get more details and the links to use these decision tools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corn vs. Soybeans in a Delayed Planting Scenario – Profit Scenarios – Barry Ward

Wet weather and planting delays throughout much of Ohio and the eastern Cornbelt have many producers thinking about switching corn acres to soybeans or the taking the prevented planting option of their Multiple Peril Crop Insurance policy. Ohio had 9% of intended corn acres planted by May 19th which is far behind the 5 year average of 62%. Farms with pre-plant nitrogen or herbicides applied for corn production may have no option to switch to soybeans. Seed availability may also limit choice for some. Other factors, such as strict adherence to a crop rotation or landlord considerations may limit farmer choice when it comes to switching from corn to soybean plantings in a given year. Finish reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-15/corn-vs-soybeans-delayed-planting-scenario-%E2%80%93-profit-scenarios.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forage Options for Prevented Planting Corn and Soybean Acres – Stan Smith

Today, as we sit here on May 28, we know three things for certain: Ohio has the lowest inventory of hay since the 2012 drought and the 4th lowest in 70 years; Ohio’s row crops will not get planted in a timely fashion this year; Despite improvement in the grain markets over the past week or two, for those with coverage, Prevented Planting Crop Insurance payments may still yield more income than growing a late planted corn or soybean crop this year. Prevented planting provisions in the USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) crop insurance policies can provide valuable coverage when extreme weather conditions prevent expected plantings. On their website, RMA also says “producers should make planting decisions based on agronomically sound and well documented crop management practices.” Today, insured corn and soybean growers throughout Ohio find themselves at the crossroads of a decision that pits the overwhelming desire to want to plant and grow a crop against the reality that financially and agronomically it might be a more sound alternative to accept a Prevented Planting insurance payment. Continue reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-15/forage-options-prevented-planting-corn-and-soybean-acres.

 

 

 

 

 

Current Weed Issues I: Controlling Weeds in Prevented Planting Areas – Mark Loux

As we get closer to decisions about cropping versus prevented planting, weed control may be one of the factors to consider.  The season-long weediness of bare areas that occur in some crop fields from flooding and crop loss give a good idea of what can be in store on prevented planting acres.  Some observations follow on all of this. The goals for unplanted acres are really to: 1) prevent annual weeds from going to seed and increasing the soil seedbank – anything that goes to seed will have to be dealt with in the future; and 2) treat any perennial weeds in the appropriate growth stage to reduce their population.  Winter annual weeds have already gone to seed or are in the process of doing so.  Summer annuals will keep emerging in a bare ground area for much of the summer, depending upon rain.  At some point later in the season, though, newly emerging summer annuals will run out of time to mature and develop much seed before frost, and the overall goal is to control them from now until then. Finish reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-15/current-weed-issues-i-controlling-weeds-prevented-planting-areas.

 

 

 

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

Good afternoon,

During the time period of April 15-30, Extension rainfall reporters recorded an average of 4.08 inches of rain in Hardin County.  Last year, the average rainfall for the same time period was 1.56 inches.  Rainfall for the April 15-30 time period is 1.92 inches more than the ten-year average rainfall during the same dates.  That really sums things up for the past month.  The constant rains have kept people out of the fields as it gets later into what should be the planting season.  See the attached April 15-30 Extension Rainfall Report for details about township rainfall.  According to the most recent USDA Ohio Crop Weather Report, only 4% of the corn is planted compared to 50% this time last year.  There are only 2% of the soybeans in the ground compared to 28% in 2018.  I have attached both the May 6 and May 13 reports for your convenience.  Because of the late start, there have been a lot of related articles in the CORN Newsletter related to this topic, some of which I have included below.

April 15-30 Extension Rainfall Report

May 6 Crop Weather Report

May 13 Crop Weather Report

The previous e-newsletter included a fertilizer records form.  This time I have included a record form that you can use to record pesticide use.  Remember to keep these records for three years in case you get asked to see them during a possible ODA inspection visit.  Other forms of records are acceptable such as notebooks, spreadsheets, apps, etc. as long as you have the required information.  Another good resource to review are the regulations for fertilizer and manure application in the Lake Erie Watershed.  I have attached a copy of this information along with an Ohio Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Requirements brochure for your reference.  Remember that if you still need fertilizer recertification for this year (fertilizer certificate expires May 31), I am having an evening class at 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 30 at the Extension office.  You can go online at http://www.cvent.com/events/may-30-2019-hardin-county-fertilizer-applicator-recertification-training/event-summary-90c45f4883c54d58883e1f56af197505.aspx or call to register for this class.  If you still need to get your fertilizer certification for the first time, Marion County Extension is having a 3-Hour certification class on August 22 (740-223-4040).  Your other option would be to study on your own and take a test at an ODA testing site.  You can find out more information at https://nutrienteducation.osu.edu.

Pesticide Records Form

Lake Erie Watershed Fertilizer and Manure Regulations

Ohio Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certification Requirements

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is accepting nominations to honor Ohio farm families who are leaders in conservation for the 2019 Conservation Farm Family Awards. The Conservation Farm Family Award program has recognized Ohio farm families since 1984 for their efforts in managing natural and human resources while meeting both production and conservation goals.  Five area finalists will be selected from across the state and will be recognized at the annual Farm Science Review in September.  They will also receive a $400 award, courtesy of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and be featured in the September issue of Ohio Farmer Magazine.  Nomination forms can be obtained from local county soil and water conservation districts or by visiting ODA’s website at www.agri.ohio.gov.  Upcoming local events include a Soil and Water Conservation District meeting Thursday, May 16 starting at 7:30 am at the SWCD office, Hardin County Fair Dairy Beef Feeder Weigh-n Saturday, May 25 from 8:00-10:30 am at the fairgrounds, and a Master Gardener Volunteers meeting Monday, May 27 starting at 7:00 pm at HARCO Industries.  See the articles below for ag crops information while you are waiting for field conditions to improve.

 

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delayed Planting Effects on Corn Yield: A “Historical” Perspective – Allen Geyer, Peter Thomison

According to the USDA/NASS, for the week ending May 5, only 2% of Ohio’s projected corn acreage was planted – compared to 20% last year and 27% for the five-year average. Persistent rains and saturated soil conditions have delayed corn planting. The weather forecast this week indicates the likelihood of more rain, so it is probable that many soggy fields may not dry out soon. Long-term research by universities and seed companies across the Corn Belt gives us a pretty good idea of planting date effects on relative yield potential. The recommended time for planting corn in northern Ohio is April 15 to May 10 and in southern Ohio, April 10 to May 10.  Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-12/delayed-planting-effects-corn-yield-%E2%80%9Chistorical%E2%80%9D-perspective.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adapting Burndown Herbicide Programs to Wet Weather Delays – Mark Loux

While it’s not terribly late yet, the wet soils and wet forecast could keep most of us out of the fields for a while.  The questions about how to deal with burndown herbicide treatments in delayed planting situations are rolling in.  One of the most common ones, predictably, is how to kill glyphosate-resistant marestail and giant ragweed and generally big weeds in soybeans when it’s not possible to delay planting long enough to use 2,4-D ester (Enlist soybeans excluded).  While we wrote last week about marestail populations being on the decline, this does not mean it’s gone by any means.  Overwintered marestail plants become tougher to kill in May, and the fact that fall weather was not conducive for herbicide applications makes the situation worse in some fields.  The good news is that we have some additional herbicide/trait options for help with burndown since the last time we wrote an article covering this in 2016, although our experience is that nothing we suggest here is infallible on large marestail. For more about late season burndowns, go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-11/adapting-burndown-herbicide-programs-wet-weather-delays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting Corn Off to a Good Start – Planting Depth Can Make a Difference – K. Nemergut, Alexander Lindsey, Peter Thomison

Planting depth recommendations for Ohio are 1.5 to 2 inches deep to ensure adequate moisture uptake and seed-soil contact. Deeper planting may be recommended as the season progresses and soils become warmer and drier, however planting shallower than 1.5 inches is generally not recommended at any planting date or in any soil type. According to some field agronomists, shallow plantings increase stress and result in less developed roots, smaller stalk diameters, smaller ears and reduced yields. In a 2011-2012 Ohio evaluation of planting depth, grain yields were about 14% greater for the 1.5-inch and 3-inch planting depths than the 0.5-inch planting depth in 2011, and 40% greater in 2012. The lower yields of the shallow planting were associated with reduced final stands and 6 to 7 times as many “runt” plants as the other two planting depths. Finish reading this article about corn planting depth at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-12/getting-corn-good-start-planting-depth-can-make-difference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Establishing New Forage Stands – Mark Sulc

This month provides one of the two preferred times to seed perennial cool-season forages, the other being late summer. Two primary difficulties with spring plantings are finding a good window of opportunity when soils are dry enough before it gets too late and managing weed infestations that are usually more difficult with spring plantings. The following 10 steps will help improve your chances for successful forage establishment in the spring. Make sure soil pH and fertility are in the recommended ranges. Follow the Tri-state Soil Fertility Recommendations (https://forages.osu.edu/forage-management/soil-fertility-forages). Forages are more productive where soil pH is above 6.0, but for alfalfa it should be 6.5 – 6.8. Soil phosphorus should be at least 15 ppm for grasses and 25 ppm for legumes, while minimum soil potassium in ppm should be 75 plus 2.5 x soil CEC. If seedings are to include alfalfa, and soil pH is not at least 6.5, it would be best to apply lime now and delay establishing alfalfa until late summer (plant an annual grass forage in the interim). Finish reading this article at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-10/establishing-new-forage-stands.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will Planting Delays Require Switching Corn Hybrid Maturities? – Peter Thomison

According to the USDA/NASS, for the week ending May 5, only 2% of Ohio’s projected corn acreage was planted – compared to 20% last year and 27% for the five-year average. Persistent rains and saturated soil conditions have delayed corn planting. The weather forecast this week indicates the likelihood of more rain so it is probable that many soggy fields may not be drying out soon. Given this outlook, is there a need to switch from full season to shorter season hybrids? Probably not. In most situations, full season hybrids will perform satisfactorily (i.e. will achieve physiological maturity or “black layer” before a killing frost) even when planted as late as May 25, if not later, in some regions of the state.  Find out more about corn hybrid maturity selection at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-12/will-planting-delays-require-switching-corn-hybrid-maturities.

 

 

 

 

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

Good afternoon,

The sun is finally shining!  Hopefully we will soon see a change in the weather pattern to a drier and warmer month.  This past Friday Ag Council met for breakfast and discussed the 2018 County Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Estimates.  Hardin County was fourth in Ohio in corn production this past year!  The West Central District that includes Hardin County was the breadbasket for Ohio, producing the highest yielding crops in the state.  Let’s hope that continues into this growing season.  I have attached these reports to this email that show total acres planted, harvested, as well as bushels produced along with the yields.  The weather has caused some farmers to consider changing corn planting maturities or methods.  See the attached Corn Planting News Release for recommendations about how you might make adjustments for this year’s planting season.  Gardeners have also been affected by all of these rains this spring and are looking for an opportunity to plant.  The Hardin County OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are having their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 11 from 9:00-11:00 am at the Friendship Gardens of Hardin County.  This is a new location at 960 W. Kohler Street, Kenton that is behind the HARCO Workshop near the Simon Kenton School.  Follow the signs for parking at the garden for this sale as it will not be at the fairgrounds this year.  See the attached news release and flyer for more information.

2018 Corn Estimate

2018 Soybean Estimate

2018 Wheat Estimate

Corn Planting News Release

Plant Sale News Release

MGV Plant Sale Flyer

I have also included the Ohio Crop Weather reports for April 22 and 29.  The latest report shows the topsoil being 74% surplus moisture and subsoil being 68% surplus moisture.  26% of the winter wheat has jointed in Ohio, with 41% rated fair.  50% of the oats are planted with 24% emerged.  These reports also include detailed temperature and precipitation numbers from around the state.  I will receive an updated report later this afternoon from USDA.  When the fields do become fit for work, fertilizer application will be taking place if not already done.  Don’t forget that Ohio law requires fertilizer records be kept.  I have attached a copy of a fertilizer record sheet that you can use for this purpose.  If you have a commercial applicator spread fertilizer, they will have records for you.  For those of you who have a fertilizer applicator card that expires on May 31, 2019, you will need renew this before it expires if you have not already done so.  I am having another fertilizer recertification meeting at the Extension office on May 30 at 7:00 pm to provide one last opportunity to renew.  You can register for this one-hour recertification class at http://www.cvent.com/events/may-30-2019-hardin-county-fertilizer-applicator-recertification-training/event-summary-90c45f4883c54d58883e1f56af197505.aspx.

April 22 Crop Weather Report

April 29 Crop Weather Report

Ohio Fertilizer Record Sheet

If you know of a young person interested in forestry and wildlife, attached is information on Camp Canopy (formerly Ohio Forestry Camp) being held June 9-14, 2019.  This is a great camp for students 8-12th grade, who are interested in forestry and wildlife, to attend.  Hardin SWCD is offering $200 toward the cost of the camp for one additional camper.  There are also scholarships still available through the Ohio Forestry and Wildlife Association to assist a camper(s).   Additional details and applications can be found at www.OhioForest.org.   If anyone is interested, it is important for them to submit an application as soon as possible.  Other upcoming local events include Farm Bureau meeting Tuesday (5/7) starting at 6:30 pm at Layman Farms, Men’s Garden Club meeting Monday (5/13) starting at 6:30 pm at the Extension office, and Soil and Water Conservation District meeting Thursday (5/16) starting at 7:30 am at the SWCD office.  Check out the articles below for information about ag crops.

2019 Camp Canopy Flyer

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessing the Value of Variable Seeding Rates in Corn Production – Alexander Lindsey, Peter Thomison, Emerson Nafziger

Finding the best seeding rate is important for efficient corn production, but the “optimum” seeding rate – the one that maximizes profitability – can vary within and among fields with small differences in soils and weather. While adoption of variable rate technology is increasing, there are still questions related to how this technology will affect seeding rates, profitability, and be impacted by yield level compared to using a uniform (or fixed) seeding rate with modern hybrids. In order to help estimate the profitability of variable rate corn seeding, we used results of seeding rate trials in Ohio (93 trials) and Illinois (32 trials) to see how variable the response to seeding rates was, and to see if factors like yield level might help us do a better job of setting plant populations. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-09/assessing-value-variable-seeding-rates-corn-production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of Soybean Relative Maturity on Grain Yield – Laura Lindsey, Wayde Looker

Fall 2018 was extremely wet, and as a result, small grain and cover crops throughout the state were planted late. Some farmers are interested in planting soybeans with an earlier relative maturity to facilitate timely harvest and establish a small grain or cover crop. But, what is the yield trade-off? In 2017 and 2018, we conducted trials in Wood County and Clark County, Ohio to examine the effect of soybean relative maturity on grain yield. Read more at https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-09/effect-soybean-relative-maturity-grain-yield.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corn Management Practices for Later Planting Dates – Changes to Consider – Peter Thomison, Steve Culman

As prospects for a timely start to spring planting diminish, growers need to reassess their planting strategies and consider adjustments. Since delayed planting reduces the yield potential of corn, the foremost attention should be given to management practices  that will expedite crop establishment. The following are some suggestions and guidelines to consider in dealing with a late planting season.  Although the penalty for late planting is important, care should be taken to avoid tillage and planting operations when soil is wet. Yield reductions resulting from “mudding the seed in” are usually much greater than those resulting from a slight planting delay. Yields may be reduced somewhat this year due to delayed planting,  but effects of soil compaction can reduce yield for several years to come. Keep in mind that we typically do not see significant yield reductions due to late planting until mid-May or even later in some years. In 2017, favorable growing conditions allowed many growers to achieve exceptionally grain high yields in corn planted as late as early June.  Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-10/corn-management-practices-later-planting-dates-%E2%80%93-changes-consider to read more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s All About the Weed Seedbank – Part 1: Where Has All the Marestail Gone? – Mark Loux

For the second year in a row, we are scrounging to find enough marestail at the OARDC Western Ag Station to conduct the research we had planned on this weed.  After years of having plenty of marestail, we have had to look around for off-site fields where there is still a high enough population.  Which, since we are scientists after all, or at least make our best attempts, left us thinking about reasons for the lack of marestail, and our overall marestail situation, and seedbanks.  Go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-10/it%E2%80%99s-all-about-weed-seedbank-%E2%80%93-part-1-where-has-all-marestail to finish reading this article about marestail.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dealing with Winter Injured Forage Stands – Mark Sulc

I’ve been hearing more reports from around the state of winter injured forage stands, especially in alfalfa. The saturated soil during much of the winter took its toll, with winter heaving being quite severe in many areas of the state. So, what should be done in these injured stands? The first step is to assess how extensive and serious is the damage. Review the CORN issue of the week of April 2, https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-07/assessing-winter-damage-and-evaluating-alfalfa-stand-health). If the damage is extensive and throughout the entire field, it usually is best to destroy the stand, rotate out, and plant an emergency forage. In these cases, corn silage is the number one choice for an annual forage in terms of yield and nutritive value. But corn silage won’t be an option in some situations. Forage might be needed before corn silage can be ready, or the equipment and storage infrastructure is not available.  Click on https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-10/dealing-winter-injured-forage-stands to read more about dealing with damaged forage stands.

 

 

 

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