Tag Archives: tillage

How Drought Might Affect 2013 Crops

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Mark Grundmeier

Following the 2012 growing season, researchers from across the Upper Midwest gathered to present data and opinions on a wide variety of topics pertinent to agriculture in our marketing area. Today I’m summarizing some of their findings for you to consider as you prepare to plant the 2013 crop.

  • SEEDLING DISEASES: University researchers are “dialing down” on the four main families of pathogens typically associated with soybean seedling diseases: Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora. They have found more than 50 different species of Pythium that affect soybeans in our area. For many years, we believed this pathogen preferred cool, wet soils. Now we know that several of these species actually prefer warm soils! It was also discovered that some “new” species are not affected at all by fungicides currently available.
  • OTHER DISEASES & PESTS: Extremely dry weather throughout the Upper Midwest was responsible for the presence of Charcoal Rot, from as far north as southern Minnesota and as far east as the Mississippi River Basin. Damage from Soybean Cyst Nematode and Two-Spotted Spider Mite infestations were also widely reported. Be aware that many common insecticides don’t have much of an effect on Spider Mites, so carefully read the labels of any products you intend to use.
  • WEATHER: Dr. Elwynn Taylor said we’ve just finished a 19-year cycle of reasonably mild weather patterns and are now headed into a 25-year period where weather patterns are apt to be volatile. The 2012 drought caused most soils here to be depleted of moisture in the upper 7 to 8 feet. It will take a minimum of 16 –18 inches of rainfall (or equivalent in snow) to recharge those soils to their normal level. It will probably take at least two growing seasons to recharge.
  • TILLAGE: This was one of the “hottest” topics of the ICM conference. Most of the researchers were extremely surprised to see the amount of fall tillage completed because minimizing tillage helps conserve soil moisture. Soil is our greatest natural resource, so we must protect and conserve it or our children and grandchildren will surely suffer the consequences.

Industry NewsCorn or Beans: 2013 Acreage Battle Brews

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“The 2013 Acreage Battle” was the topic of discussion as the U.S. Farm Report was taped recently during the Executive Women in Ag conference in Chicago.

“98 million acres of corn – is that possible?” asked Tyne Morgan, AgDay agribusiness reporter, of participants in a marketing roundtable. Naomi Blohm of Stewart-Peterson and Sue Martin of Market Analysts Ag Investment Services say farmers are going to plant crops that offer the highest return. That means farmers in some regions will plant corn-on-corn, while farmer in other areas will return to a more traditional rotation. The “drought hangover” is causing many farmers to have second thoughts.

“…Drought gets in people’s minds and lingers for years,” said Iowa State University (ISU) Extension farm management specialist Steve Johnson in a recent agriculture.com post. “Many farmers want to get their crop rotations back in balance after planting more corn-on-corn in recent years.”

Improved corn genetics, disease/pest challenges in soybeans, improved tillage equipment, and crop insurance considerations have attributed to the rise in corn acres. Higher cash rent prices likely favor planting corn for the higher net revenue potential, adds Johnson.

While corn may offer the most potential, corn-on-corn performance is largely dependent on management. Farmers planting continuous corn need to pay closer attention to soil conditions and fertility levels. They must be vigilant about protecting their crop from disease and insects, including battles with corn rootworm. Hybrid selection for continuous corn acres is even more important.

Pondering corn-on-corn for 2013? Here are a few things to keep in mind…

Continuous corn can help prevent erosion by preserving topsoil in areas with HEL (Highly Erodable Land). Because c-on-c acres require additional nutrients, they can fit well into a nutrient management strategy. With that said, however, you’ll also want to consider the impact of tillage and crop rotation systems on soil carbon sequestration.

Regardless of whether you choose to plant corn, soybeans or alfalfa, Latham has the products you need! Our seed portfolio contains products that were bred specifically to thrive in specific areas of the Upper Midwest. Call your local Latham rep to learn more about the products best suited for your growing conditions, or feel free to call our office directly at 1.877.GO.LATHAM (1.877.465.2842).

Threats of New Regulations on the Horizon

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This grass filter strip, planted between my corn field and a creek, traps and filters sediments and nutrients. It prevents potential pollutants from entering the surface water.

“Musings of a Pig Farmer”
by Larry Sailer

Now that the 2012 election is behind us and government officials are returning to work, new regulations are threatening agriculture. I’m hearing the Farm Bill will be tied to something, perhaps conservation. It’s as though farmers will destroy the world if we’re not threatened with something severe enough to make sure that we comply!

Actually, I find it ironic that regulators believe the proverbial stick will be more effective than the carrot when most farmers take great pride in being stewards of the land. This whole idea of tying any conservation practice to some type of support is not a threat to me – or the great majority of farmers and ranchers. Conservation is one of our top priorities anyway. If we don’t take care of our land and soil, it’s not going to produce for very long.

Planted in 1980, this filter strip also serves as a wildlife refuge. It creates food and cover for small birds and animals.

I will admit that “back in the day” I did enjoy plowing the soil in the fall. Plowing was a task where you could see what was getting done. Turning the soil black and covering up corn stalks in preparation for next year’s crop was fun. It was even fun 20 years ago, and the tractors we used then weren’t nearly as warm as those we use today.

As much as I enjoyed farming, I also realized it was a practice that I needed to reconsider. That’s why I first tried no-till farming in the 1970s. At that time, the types of equipment and weed control options available didn’t favor no-till farming. We also didn’t s today’s higher-yielding seed technology, so I kept different types of minimum tillage practices.

In no-till farming, crop residue is left on the field. Crop residue helps prevent erosion and can help conserve soil moisture.

I switched to no till about 5 years ago, but this fall I had to do some deep tillage because of effects from the drought and the fact that I use a lot of natural manure. But even with this tillage pass, the ground is covered by a thick layer of organic matter and is protected from wind and rain.

Bottom line: It doesn’t take a government threat to make farmers do what is right. Doing what’s right just comes naturally to farmers!