Month: May 2019

More on Switching Corn Hybrid Maturities

Dr. Peter Thomison, OSU Extension

Corn GDD Tool to Identify “Safe” Hybrid Maturities for Late Planting.  Dr. Bob Nielsen at Purdue University has written an article describing a powerful decision aid, U2U Corn GDD Tool, which can be used to identify “safe” hybrid maturities for late planting. The GDD Tool is currently available for Ohio and it can estimate county-level GDD accumulations and corn development dates based on current and historical GDD data plus user-selected start dates, relative hybrid maturity ratings, GDDs to black layer, and freeze temperature threshold values. The article can be found here: (http://www.kingcorn.org/news/timeless/HybridMaturityDelayedPlant.html ).

Silage Corn.  Although corn for silage responds to timely planting, it is more tolerant of late planting than is corn planted for grain. Silage growers can generally continue to plant adapted hybrid maturities for silage purposes until late June because silage harvest typically occurs several weeks before physiological maturity. Penn State University researchers have reported yields of more than 20 tons/acre with mid-June plantings in some years. Their studies indicate that corn silage can produce reasonable forage yields in many areas, even when planted in late June. Penn State University studies have shown that energy levels are reduced in later-planted silage, presumably because of lower starch levels due to reduced grain fill.

“Ultra-early” Hybrids.  Results of past OSU research indicate that some 100-104 day hybrids are available with yields comparable to hybrids of commonly grown maturities in early and late planting environments. The 100-104 day hybrids showed greater yield potential than the hybrids with maturity ratings less than 100 days (ultra-early hybrids). Grain moisture of the early 100-104 day hybrids were 3 to 5% lower than commonly grown maturities. At test sites with the highest level of stalk lodging, most of these early hybrids showed levels of stalk lodging comparable to those of the commonly grown hybrid maturities. However, our knowledge of early hybrid performance across Ohio production environments is limited. Some shorter season hybrids may not be suitable in terms of their stress tolerance and disease resistance.

Table 1 provides a comparison of grain moisture content at harvest in hybrids ranging from 102 to 113 days relative maturity (days relative maturity) planted in late April/ early May and in early/mid June (unpublished OSU research, 2009-2010).

Table 1.  Effects of planting delays and hybrid maturities on corn grain moisture at harvest. * number in parentheses indicates number of studies

Hybrid Maturity (days)
Location/Year Planting Date 102 104 111 113
—–% harvest moisture—-
 

S. Charleston 2009 (3)*

 

 Late April/Early May 13.9 14.9 16.6 18.9
Early/Mid June 16.4 17.3 22.3 28.4
 

S. Charleston 2010 (3)

 

 Late April/Early May 10.9 11.7 13.0 13.0
Early/Mid June 14.8 16.3 21.9 23.4
 

Hoytville 2010 (1)

 

 Late April/Early May 15.7 15.2 22.1 23.0
Early/Mid June 23.1 24.5 28.8 30.0

Delayed Soybean Planting – A Yield Perspective

Source:  Dr. Laura Lindsey, OSU Extension

Across the state, soybean planting is still on-hold due to continued wet weather. A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on recommendations for June-planted soybeans: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-12/recommendations-late-planted-soybeans You can also find recommendations for late-planted soybeans in the Ohio Agronomy Guide available to download as a pdf here: https://stepupsoy.osu.edu/soybean-production/ohio-agronomy-guide-15th-edition (click on the picture of the guide to download).

I think June-planted soybeans still have a great deal of yield potential; however, it will depend on how the rest of the year turns out. (Will there be water limitations during pod-setting and seed fill? Will we have an early frost?)

 Figure 1. Effect of soybean planting date on soybean grain yield at the Western Agricultural Research Station (WARS) (Clark County) in 2013 and 2014 and the Northwest Agricultural Research Station (NWARS) (Wood County) in 2014.

In Clark County at the Western Agricultural Research Station (WARS), we have observed a 0.6 bu/acre/day reduction in soybean yield (see Figure 1). Soybeans planted on July 2, 2013 yielded close to 60 bu/acre and soybeans planted on July 1, 2014, yielded close to 50 bu/acre. Interestingly, in Wood County at the Northwest Agricultural Research Station (NWARS) in 2014, yield was just over 50 bu/acre regardless of planting date, which spanned from May 8 to June 18. I’ve summarized some of our other late-planted soybean yield data in the table below.

Planting date County Average yield

(bu/acre)
June 1, 2011 (performance trial) Preble County 64-71
June 1, 2016 (relative maturity trial) Clark County 60
June 3, 2011 (performance trial) Mercer County 57-66
June 4, 2011 (performance trial) Delaware County 43-56
June 4, 2017 (performance trial) Sandusky County 57-58
June 5, 2011 (performance trial) Erie County 59-65
June 6, 2017 (relative maturity trial) Wood County 50
June 6, 2011 (performance trial) Henry County 54-56
June 7, 2011 (performance trial) Fayette County 58-72
June 7, 2011 (performance trial) Mercer County 53-55
June 8, 2017 (relative maturity trial) Clark County 60-65
June 9, 2016 (relative maturity trial) Wayne County 68
June 9, 2017 (relative maturity trial) Wayne County 55
June 13, 2016 (relative maturity trial) Wood County 58-61
June 26, 2018 (double crop trial) Clark County 48
June 29, 2018 (double crop trial) Wayne County 41
June 29, 2017 (double crop trial) Clark County 39-47
July 11, 2016 (double crop trial) Clark County 43

 

 

 

Recommended adjuvants for delayed preemergence/early postemergence herbicide applications.

Source:  Penn State University

Table 2.2-10 (from The Penn State Agronomy Guide) 

See specific herbicide label(s) for additional information on application. This type of application generally is used when weather conditions preclude the use of a standard pre­emergence program. For most products, do not apply in liquid fertilizer if com has emerged. Poor control from residual herbicides may result if annual grasses such as foxtail and panicum have emerged at the time of application; tank-mix with product that controls emerged grasses. Delayed preemergence/early postemergence programs can work well with herbicide-resistant corn hybrids now available (e.g., Roundup Ready and Libertylink). When tank-mixing with other pesticides, follow the most restrictive product label.

Recommended Adjuvants When Preemergence Herbicides Are Used Early Postemergence

Trade Name Recommended If Corn Has Emerged and Weeds Are Present Optional
Acuron1,2 NIS (0.25% v/v) or AMS 8.5 lb/100 gal
Acuron1,2 COC3 (1% v/v) AMS 8.5 lb/100 gal
Acuron Flexi NIS (0.25% v/v) or
Acuron Flexi COC3 (1% v/v)
Anthem ATZ/Anthem Flex/Anthem Maxx NIS (0.25% v/v) or
Anthem ATZ/Anthem Flex/Anthem Maxx COC (1–2 pt/A) or
Anthem ATZ/Anthem Flex/Anthem Maxx MSO (1–2 pt/A)
Atrazine label only mentions COC
Balance Flexx label states “Do not use COC or MSO or fully loaded glyphosate formulation”
Bicep II Magnum label mentions only NIS when tank-mixed with specific herbicides
Corvus label states: “Do not use COC or MSO”
FulTime NXT, TopNotch1, or Keystone NXT1 not addressed on label
Guardsman Max/G-Max Lite NIS (1–2 pt) or UAN (1–2 gal/100 gal)
Guardsman Max/G-Max Lite COC4 (1 qt/A) AMS (8–17 lb/100 gal)
Halex GT NIS (1–2 qt/100 gal) AMS (8.75–17 lb/100 gal) (required)
Harness MAX1,5 NIS (1 qt/100 gal) or UAN (rate not specified)
Harness MAX1,5 COC (1 gal/100 gal) AMS (rate not specified)
Harness Xtra or Degree Xtra not addressed on label
Instigate NIS or COC UAN or AMS (required)
Instigate rates not specified rates not specified
Lexar EZ1,2 NIS (0.25% v/v) or UAN (2.5% v/v) or
Lexar EZ1,2 COC (1% v/v) AMS (8.5 lb/100 gal)
Lumax EZ1,2 NIS (0.25% v/v) or UAN (2.5% v/v) or
Lumax EZ1,2 COC (1% v/v) AMS (8.5 lb/100 gal)
Python WDG/Accolade NIS (1 qt/100 gal) or UAN (2.5 gal/100 gal)
Python WDG/Accolade COC (1 gal/100 gal) AMS (2–4 lb/A)
Resicore NIS (1 qt/100 gal) or AMS only allowed with glyphosate or glufosinate herbicides
Resicore COC3 (1 gal/100 gal)
Zemax1,2 NIS (1 qt/100 gal) or UAN (rate not specified)
Zemax1,2 COC3 (1gal/100 gal) AMS (rate not specified)

1. Do not use either NIS or COC if tank-mixed with Liberty (AMS is allowed).
2. Do not use either NIS or COC if tank-mixed with a fully-loaded glyphosate (AMS is allowed); if glyphosate label recommends an adjuvant, add NIS and AMS.
3. Label cautions about crop injury.
4. Use COC only with Guardsman Max alone or tank-mixed with atrazine.
5. Do not use either NIS or COC if tank-mixed with glyphosate (AMS is allowed).

 

Spray Additives When Tank-mixed with Liberty (LibertyLink corn [LL]) or Glyphosate (Roundup Ready corn [RR])

Trade Name Specific Adjuvant Comments
2,4-D n/a**
Accent Q n/a
Aim/Cadet n/a
Atrazine n/a
Basagran n/a
Basis Blend n/a
Callisto/Callisto Xtra LL: Do not use COC
RR: Add AMS; if glyphosate calls for an adjuvant, add NIS (do not use UAN, COC or MSO)
Capreno LL: Do not use MSO or COC; only add AMS at 8.5 lb/100 gal
RR: Use of glyphosate compatible high surfactant oil concentrate (HSOC) is recommended with fully loaded glyphosate and required with partially loaded glyphosate; AMS is required; do not use COC or MSO
Curtail n/a
DiFlexx/DiFlexx Duo LL: Do not use MSO or COC; only add AMS at 8.5 lb/100 gal
RR: Label allows for additional adjuvant if resistant weeds are present
Halex GT LL: Not allowed
Harmony SG LL: n/a
RR: Add AMS; if glyphosate calls for an adjuvant, add NIS (1–2 pt/100 gal) (do not use UAN, COC, or MSO)
Impact/Armezon n/a
Laudis LL: Do not use MSO or COC; only add AMS at 8.5 lb/100 gal
RR: Label recommends additional adjuvant if fully loaded glyphosate is used; label requires additional adjuvant if partially loaded glyphosate is used
Maestro/Moxy n/a
Marksman n/a
NorthStar n/a
Permit Plus n/a
Permit/Sandea n/a
Realm Q LL: n/a
RR: When tank-mixed with glyphosate, ensure total adjuvant load is equivalent to the label recommendation
Resolve Q When tank-mixed with glyphosate or glufosinate, ensure total adjuvant load is equivalent to the label recommendation
Resource n/a
Revulin Q LL: n/a
RR: When tank-mixed with glyphosate, ensure total adjuvant load is equivalent to the label recommendation
Status n/a
Steadfast Q n/a
Stinger n/a
Stout n/a
Yukon n/a

*See also Table 2.2-16.
**n/a = adjuvants for LibertyLink or glyphosate not addressed.

 

Maximum Corn & Weed Size For Delayed Herbicide Applications

Source: Penn State University

Table 2.2-10 (from The Penn State Agronomy Guide) Maximum corn size, weed sizes for delayed preemergence/early postemergence herbicide applications.

See specific herbicide label(s) for additional information on application. This type of application generally is used when weather conditions preclude the use of a standard pre­emergence program. For most products, do not apply in liquid fertilizer if com has emerged. Poor control from residual herbicides may result if annual grasses such as foxtail and panicum have emerged at the time of application; tank-mix with product that controls emerged grasses. Delayed preemergence/early postemergence programs can work well with herbicide-resistant corn hybrids now available (e.g., Roundup Ready and Libertylink). When tank-mixing with other pesticides, follow the most restrictive product label.

Maximum Corn and Weed Sizes

Trade Name Maximum Corn Size Maximum Weed Size
Acuron 12 inches 3-inch broadleaves; inconsistent on emerged grasses
Acuron Flexi 30 inches 3-inch broadleaves
Anthem Maxx, Anthem ATZ 4 collars (V4) 2-inch broadleaves, before grass emergence
Atrazine 12 inches 1.5 inches
Axiom before emergence before emergence
Balance Flexx 2-leaf (V2) 1 true leaf stage
Bicep II Magnum 4-leaf or 2 collars 1- to 2-leaf
Corvus 2-leaf (V2) <2 inches (in general)
Dual 5 inches 2-leaf
Dual II Magnum, Bicep II Magnum, Bicep Lite II Magnum, Cinch ATZ Lite 5 inches 2-leaf
Fierce before emergence 2-inch broadleaves; by tank-mix partner for grasses
Guardsman Max/G-Max Lite 12 inches 1.5 inches broadleaves; before grass emergence
Halex GT 30 inches 4 inches
Harness, Harness MAX, Harness Xtra1, or Degree Xtra 11 inches or by tank-mix partner before broadleaf emergence, 2-leaf grasses or by tank-mix partner
Instigate 2-leaf (V2) 3 inches
Lexar EZ 12 inches 3-inch broadleaves; before grass emergence
Lumax EZ 12 inches 3-inch broadleaves; inconsistent on emerged grasses
Outlook 12 inches before emergence or by tank-mix partner
Prequel before emergence before emergence
Princep before emergence before emergence
Prowl H2O 30 inches before weed emergence
Python WDG/Accolade 20 inches (V6) before weed emergence
Resicore 11 inches 3-inch broadleaves
Resolve 12 inches 2-inch grasses; 3-inch broadleaves (in general)
SureStart II/TripleFLEX II11 inches 11 inches limited activity on 1-inch broadleaves; before grass emergence
Surpass NXT, FulTime NXT, TopNotch, or Keystone NXT, Breakfree NXT ATZ2 11 inches or by tank-mix partner before emergence or by tank-mix partner
Verdict before emergence before emergence
Zemax 30 inches (8-leaf) 3-inch broadleaves; before grass emergence
Zidua early postemergence before emergence or by tank-mix partner

1May be tank-mixed with Accent, atrazine (Harness), Banvel or Clarity, Marksman, Permit, or Roundup (Roundup Ready corn).
2May be tank-mixed with a number of different products, including Accent Q, Banvel or Clarity, Prowl, etc. See an herbicide label for specific information.

Current Weed Issues II: Revised Herbicide Management Strategies for Late Planting

Source: Dr. Mark Loux, OSU Extension

We’re running about a month behind in many cases, and with respect to weeds we are a month later than normal in implementing herbicide programs.  The most important thing to know about this is that we are well into the period of summer annual weed emergence, most of which occurs between early May and the end of June, which overall shortens the period of weed control that we need and allows earlier application of POST herbicides.  There are some advantages to this – here’s what it means for those fields just planted or that will still be planted within the next couple weeks:

Because we are this late, the burndown has become a major part of what is usually our in-season herbicide program, and is taking care of a good portion of the summer annuals that residual and POST herbicides would usually control.  The big glaring issue at this time is nasty burndown situations, and we provided some suggestions for this in previous articles.  Lots of pretty yellow fields due to cressleaf groundsel.  Keep in mind that this and other winter annuals that have flowered are ending their life cycles, so they have died or started dieing on their own anyway.  Focus should be more on the large giant ragweed, lambsquarters, marestail, etc that are present.  We are also late enough that waterhemp is part of the burndown mix in come fields.  Don’t skimp.

Herbicide programs do not have to last as long in crops planted late.  When we plant in early May, we need an herbicide program that controls weeds from then until the end of June or so, which is in part why we use residual herbicides and frequently apply POST herbicides 5 to 6 weeks after planting.  Applying the POST too early in a crop planted in early May introduces the risk of poor control of weeds that emerge soon after that application, before the crop is developed enough to control them on its own.  This is much less of an issue with a late-planted crop.  Since summer annual weed emergence tapers off as we move through June, the POST herbicides can be applied much sooner after planting without sacrificing control.  Planting soybeans this late can therefore allow earlier POST applications when weeds are small – more like 3 weeks after planting.  This can help minimize carryover concerns with fomesafen, and also provide a wider window to look for the right conditions to apply dicamba (see below).

In studies of reduced-rate POST applications that we conducted a couple decades ago, planting soybeans in late May or early June allowed us to use earlier POST applications (e.g 21 days after planting) at lower rates and still maintain control.  There were just fewer weeds emerging after planting and the duration of weed emergence after planting was also shorter.  It was not possible to achieve this in early-planted soybeans – we needed either two applications at reduced rate or a later application at full rates for control.

One issue with later POST sprays is the potential for herbicide carryover from products such as mesotrione and fomesafen (Flexstar, etc), among others.  Fomesafen carryover has been rare in the state but risk increases with later applications, especially if rainfall subsequently becomes limiting.  Where glyphosate and fomesafen are being combined in a late POST application to control ragweeds, it may become necessary to replace the fomesafen with lactofen (Cobra/Phoenix) as applications move into July.  Our research indicates that the lactofen products are less effective than fomesafen in this mix by about 10 to 20%.

Another concern would be POST applications of dicamba on Xtend soybeans shifted later into the hotter weather that occurs as we move from June into July.  The consensus of the weed science community is that both of the approved dicamba formulations have potential to move via volatilization, and the risk of this would increase with increasing temperatures and increased frequency and duration of inversions.  The current long-range forecast also indicates a trend for hotter than normal temperatures as we move into mid-summer.  Current labels allow application through 45 days after planting or prior to the R1 stage, whichever occurs first.  For soybeans planted early, the 45-day limit is often the main determinant, but later planted soybeans progress through growth stages more rapidly so the R1 stage may be the more frequent limitation.  Movement of dicamba onto other types of soybeans later in summer also has increased potential to reduce yield, since long-term effects of exposure to dicamba are more severe when soybeans have flowered.  Bottom line here is that there is less weather and time suitable for dicamba application with late-season applications, and movement and injury that does occur can have more substantial impact.  Planting within the next couple weeks and looking for the right conditions to spray starting about June 21 would provide more flexibility with regard to weather and weed size than deciding to wait until about July 10 to spray when it’s hotter and weeds are already large.

Can residual herbicides be omitted in late-planted soybeans?  Maybe.  Reduced weed populations could make this more feasible, but we really hesitate to recommend it.  Omitting residuals is never the right thing to do in fields with a history of weed control problems or high weed populations, or those with waterhemp and Palmer amaranth.  One advantage of omitting residuals would less risk of antagonism with burndown herbicides in mixtures.  Applying certain soybean residuals in June can increase risk of carryover.  The effectiveness of current soybean herbicide-tolerance trait systems makes this more of a possibility, but lack of residuals generally increases risk of problems and selection for resistant weeds, and makes timing of POST herbicides more critical.  The latter point is important because with a compressed season, applicators can be required to cover a lot of acres within a short period of time.  Keeping residuals in the program allows for more flexibility overall.

In late-planted corn, residual herbicides may be effective enough to reduce need for POST herbicides.  Or the residuals could be applied early POST, after the rush to plant is over (keeping rotation guidelines in mind).  Some corn fields are already in this situation, planted without any herbicide applied yet.  The table below shows restrictions on POST use of residual corn herbicides (source – U of Illinois).  This information can also be found in the herbicide descriptions in the Weed Control Guide , and is also summarized in this PSU newsletter article and this table from the MSU weed control guide.  Reminder that use of 28% UAN as a spray carrier is prohibited for POST application of herbicides with the exception of Degree Xtra.

 

 

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

Source: Barry Ward, OSU Extension

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. Farm leases may contain specifications on crop rotations or even what crops may be grown. There may also be unwritten agreements between parties that limit the possibility of growing soybeans in successive years.

Producers that don’t have these limitations may be considering the option of switching acres to soybeans and it will likely come down to expected profit. Field by field budgeting is recommended and with delayed planting the yield expectations change as we move later into the growing season. What will be the likely yields for a given farm for the two crop choices? A recent article, “Delayed Planting Effects on Corn Yield: A “Historical” Perspective” is a good starting point in evaluating potential yield loss due to late corn planting: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2019-12/delayed-planting-effects-corn-yield-%E2%80%9Chistorical%E2%80%9D-perspective

A recent article highlighting faculty in the College of Food, Agricultural and environmental Sciences always provides valuable insight into the possible yield swings related to late plantings of corn and soybeans: https://cfaes.osu.edu/news/articles/late-start-planting-might-not-hurt-yields-much

Looking at some simple scenarios may get your budgeting process moving for your own fields. These scenarios are based on the 2019 crop enterprise budgets available online at: https://farmoffice.osu.edu/farm-management-tools/farm-budgets

Scenario 1 – Yield prospects remain unchanged, new estimated revenue based on today’s markets:

Corn – 170.2 bu/a & 4.00/bu

Returns Above Variable Costs     $293

Soybeans – 51.5 bu/a & 7.90/bu

Returns Above Variable Costs     $207

Price changes in the last 3 weeks have been favorable to corn and shows some advantage to corn with these assumptions using OSUE Enterprise Budgets.

Scenario 2 – Corn yield 13% lower (per OSU Agronomy Guide, planting date 5-22 through 5-27), soybean yields remain unchanged, new estimated revenue based on today’s markets:

Corn – 148 bu/a & 4.00/bu

Returns Above Variable Costs     $227

Soybeans – 51.5 bu/a & 7.90/bu

Returns Above Variable Costs     $207

The choice becomes closer as we see corn still outperforming soybeans (barely) in Returns Above Variable Costs.

Scenario 3 – Corn yield 13% lower (per OSU Agronomy Guide, planting date 5-22 through 5-27), soybean yields 5% lower, soybean seed costs higher due to higher seeding rate (additional 30,000 seeds per acre planted) for late planted soybeans, new estimated revenue based on today’s markets:

Corn – 148 bu/a & 4.00/bu

Returns Above Variable Costs     $227

Soybeans – 48.9 bu/a & 7.90/bu

Returns Above Variable Costs     $175

This choice again favors corn as the lower soybean yield due to late planting and additional seeding costs make the choice of corn somewhat stronger compared to Scenario 2.

The recent announcements of another round of Market Facilitation Payments and changes to Prevented Planting Coverage due to the pending Disaster Aid Bill may add further complexity to this choice.

As planting is delayed further into June the potential lower yields of both corn and soybeans due to a later planting window will tend to favor soybeans. These simplified scenarios are just examples and farmers should budget for the different yield, price and cost combinations based on their own numbers.

Prevent Plant…What’s That Again?

Source: Eric Richer & Chris Bruynis, OSU Extension Educators

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 Prevent Plant (PP) crop insurance tool has become a hot topic this year. Many of you have had the chance to attend prevent plant 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.

Your first option is to plant the corn crop by June 5, the final plant date for corn (or June 20 for soybeans). Up until the final plant date, you are eligible for your full guarantee at the level you have selected. For example, 80% coverage x 170 bu/ac APH x $4.00 = $544/acre. If you elect to plant corn after June 5, you will incur a 1% reduction in your guarantee up through June 25, at which time your corn will crop will become uninsurable. For example, if you plant corn on June 8, the guarantee formula (170 APH, 80% coverage) would be: 80% x 170 bu/ac x $4.00 x 97% = $528/acre. Planting dates need to be recorded, as these rules apply on field-by-field and acre-by-acre basis.

Secondly, you can elect to switch your intended corn acres to soybean acres. You will not have the option to file a prevented plant claim (unless you arrive at June 20 unable to plant soybeans). You will be charged for the soybean insurance premium, not the corn premium. The decision tool referenced earlier will be helpful here as this is not an easy decision. June weather (local and regional), supply/demand economics, trade policy and input options increase the complexity.

Your last option is to file for Prevent Plant, assuming you did not get corn planted by June 5. The mechanics of prevented plant deserve a review to ensure understanding. Prevent plant covers Yield Protection (YP), Revenue Protection (RP) and Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Option policies and references the February new crop corn pricing period (aka projected price). The projected price for 2019 corn is $4.00/bu and $9.54/bu for soybeans. A corn policy has a 55% Prevent Plant guarantee (buy-up available to 60%) and soybeans a 60% guarantee (with buy-up available to 65%). In order to further be eligible for Prevent Plant, at least 20 acres or 20% of that unit must not get planted (the lesser of the two). Prevented Plant does not affect your yield history as long as you do not plant a second crop. So a quick example (80% coverage, 170 bu/ac APH) for prevented plant corn would be: 80% x 170 bu/ac x $4.00 x 55% = $299/acre.

To be sure, there are costs besides the premium that are associated with Prevent Plant. Are there ‘restocking fees’ associated with returned seed or other inputs? What are the year-long weed control costs? If utilizing cover crops, what will their cost be? What are my land costs or how do I address my land costs? Do I need to pay labor & management costs even though the land wasn’t ‘farmed’? And finally, are their opportunity costs (marketing) missed because of taking Prevent Plant? We do not have space in this article to address these but they are things to be considering.

The reporting of Prevent Plant acres-should you elect that option-is quite simple. First, the total acres of Prevent Plant corn that you can file in 2019 can be no greater that the greatest number of acres of corn you reported in any of the previous four years (2015-2018). To report Prevent Plant acres, you would first need to turn in a notice (starting June 6) to your insurance agent. Then report your Prevent Plant to USDA Farm Service Agency to get it on your acreage report. Then you will need to work with your adjuster to finalize the claim, which will generally be paid within 30 days.

Prevented planting insurance payments can qualify for a 1 year deferral for inclusion in income tax. You can qualify if you meet the following criteria:

  • You use the cash method of accounting.
  • You receive the crop insurance proceeds in the same tax year the crops are damaged.
  • You can show that under your normal business practice you would have included income from the damaged crops in any tax year following the year the damage occurred.

The third criteria is the sometimes the problem. Most can meet the criteria, although if you want reasonable audit protection, you should have records showing the normal practice of deferring sales of grain produced and harvested in year 1 subsequently stored and sold in the following year.

There are many additional questions that we could address in this article but these are the basic options to guide your thought process…unless Mother Nature just won’t cooperate!

Yellow Fields Forever

By: Jow Boggs, OSU Extension Educator

Originally posted on Buckeye Yard and Garden onLine- May 18, 2019

Cressleaf Groundsel

The dichotomous nature of cressleaf groundsel (a.k.a. butterweed) (Packera glabella; syn. Senecio glabellus) tests the tolerance of lovers of native wildflowers.  On one hand, a sea of golden-yellow flowers carpeting farm fields in Ohio provides welcome relief from highway monotony.  On the other hand, upright 2 – 3′ tall plants dominating Ohio landscapes presents a weed management challenge.

Continue reading Yellow Fields Forever →

Annual Maple Leaf-Drop

By: Jow Bogs, OSU Extension Educator, Originally posted on Buckeye Yard and Garden Online
Published on
Maple Petiole Borer
Finding large numbers of green leaves littering the ground beneath maple trees wouldn’t be a surprise given the recent high winds and heavy rains over much of Ohio.  However, you should take a second look at this time of the year for short petioles on the shed leaves and broken petioles remaining attached to the tree.  Both are tell-tale symptoms of the maple petiole borer (Caulocampus acericaulis).

Continue reading Annual Maple Leaf-Drop →

Cutting Height in Forages: How Low Can You Go?

– Dwane Miller, Penn State Extension Educator, Agronomy

Whether you’re taking the crop as haylage or dry hay, it’s important to pay attention to forage cutting height. One of our goals as farmers is to maximize our yield; however, cutting a crop too low can lead to several negative issues. The introduction of the disk-type mowers (discbines) allows for cutting very close to the ground. I’ve seen many fields that have been “scalped” right to ground level. This differs considerably from the older sickle bar mowers (haybines), whose technology required that some level of stubble height remain. Stand longevity can be compromised when the crop is cut too low. As a general rule, alfalfa can be cut closer to the ground than our grass crops. We need to think about where energy reserves are stored in the crop. For alfalfa, carbohydrates are stored below the ground in the taproot. Grasses store their energy above ground in the stem base or tillers. Frequent mowing at a close height will continue to deplete these energy reserves, resulting in stand longevity issues.

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