While the dry warm weather was still here last week, there was an opportunity for farmers, mostly in the southern parts of the county to get in the field to harvest soybeans and plant some wheat. I suspect if the weather remains decent the dust clouds will really be rolling as the crop dries down, however the weather isn’t always as predictable or cooperating as we would like it to be.
Across the state yield reports have been very strong however crop and corn stalk quality may become a concern for some. In this week’s C.O.R.N. Newsletter there were three articles addressing these concerns. One concern observed in corn at the NW Research station in Custar, is that of premature sprouting in corn.
According to OSU Extension corn specialists, Peter Thomison and Pierce Paul; premature sprouting is most likely to occur when reasonably dry kernels (less than about 20 percent grain moisture content) are re-wetted, especially when temperatures are warm and ear dry-down in an upright position. Often, during the harvesting and drying processes, sprouts will disappear, and grain will appear normal, although test weights and yield may be reduced. Fields showing widespread sprouting should be prioritized for early harvest. Grain Should be dried to prevent further growth of the young seedlings and screen the grain prior to storage to reduce the amount of damaged grain and seedling tissue.
Corn stalk quality may also be a concern for farmers with later planted corn, especially if harvest is prolonged due to weather. Often lodging, due to poor stalk quality is often associated with stalk rots. Nothing can be done about stalk rots at this stage; however, growers can minimize yield and quality losses associated with lodging by harvesting fields with stalk rot problems as early as possible. Since the level of stalk rot varies from field to field and hybrids vary in their stalk strength and susceptibility to stalk rot, each field should be scouted separately.
With deer archery season now in full swing, many of the hunters will be taking aim from treestands. Now is a good time to review a few safety reminders for hunters planning to use a treestand.
When hunting from a tree stand only use one that has been tested and approved by the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association. Choose a healthy and straight tree. Verify that manufactured steps are in solid wood with thin bark. Always use a full body fall arrest harness system. Approximately 33% of hunters who use treestands will fall at some point in their lives.
Always use a haul line to raise and lower gear, never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Always have a plan in place for rescue, including the use of cell phones or signal devices that may be reached while suspended. Replace damaged or expired harnesses and stands.
I’ll end this week with a quote from Thomas Edison: “Just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do doesn’t mean it’s useless”. Have a great week and be on the lookout for harvest equipment on the roads. Go Bucks!