Fall and cooler temperatures have arrived. Soon after that, a frost will occur.
404 articles tagged "Agronomy Tips".
Although yield is always at the forefront of many corn farmers and agronomists’ minds during harvest, another important discussion topic each fall is that of grain test weight.
As corn advances through grain fill and approaches physiological maturity (black layer), one thing to watch for is premature ear declination or premature “ear drop” (Figure 1).
I received a phone call from a shepherd many years ago. He was confused as to why his ewes refused to eat what appeared to be beautiful alfalfa hay.
It is now time to evaluate fields for any stalk or ear rot symptoms. This will aid in making assessments about field harvest order and if there is a risk of mycotoxin contamination.
Soybean development in 2024 has been about 10 days ahead the 5-year average from flowering to pod development to leaf drop (USDA-NASS, 2024). Fast stand establishment and high accumulation of heat units (GDDs) during May and June certainly set the pace. Now in many areas, harvest is fully in gear based on the combinations of early maturities, early plantings, and late season heat and dryness. Timely planting is foundational for maximizing soybean production. Growing up in the Midwest, the mindset was to plant corn first followed by soybean (as long as it was planted by Memorial Day you were “fine”). That sentiment has changed based agronomic research, Extension recommendations, and farmers’ experience. Indiana planting of soybean shifted dramatically in 2018 to within ~4 days of corn planting where it had averaged 14 days behind corn the previous ten years. In fact, Indiana farmers continue to place high priority on soybean[Read More…]
Under-utilized forage management practices in the beef, small ruminant, and horse businesses are forage analysis and ration formulation based on the forage test. If these practices are done properly, they will result in correct livestock body condition, wellbeing, and improved profit. The Indiana Forage Council organized the opportunity for hay producers to enter samples in the “Hoosier Hay Contest”. The deadline for hay and baleage sample submission is September 30. Forage quality results for the categories that a producer enters will be shared with them. Quality results will also be shared with all entrants in a specific category, but results of others will be anonymous. Details about the “Hoosier Hay Contest” can be found at the Indiana Forage Council’s website (https://indianaforage.org/) Later in the fall, a hay quality seminar on “Forage Quality” will be offered. Details will be shared when known by Purdue Extension and the Indiana Forage Council.
Dry weather has become a concern across Indiana for livestock producers. Purdue Extension publication ID-528, “Forage Management and Use Considerations When Drought Occurs” (ID-528 When Forages are in Short Supply Because of Drought (purdue.edu) has many ideas that will help stretch forage resources specifically for beef cattle. Many of the concepts have value for other ruminant species, too. Within the publication is discussion of the following practices that should be considered now to stretch forage supply and to better manage pastures: Monitor cow body condition as a barometer of nutritional status Avoid overgrazing Provide clean, cool water to reduce heat stress and maintain herd health Creep feed calves to obtain near normal weaning weights Early wean calves to take pressure off both cows and pastures Identify and manage poisonous plants in pastures and hay fields Pregnancy check and market cull cows earlier than normal to reduce feed needs Inventory hay[Read More…]
Want to learn more about forage production and utilization? Consider attending “Forage Management Day” that will be held at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center.
In several weeks, some livestock producers will be chopping whole-plant corn that will be placed in an anaerobic environment so fermentation can occur. During the ensiling process, toxic gasses of nitrogen dioxide (N02) and nitrogen tetroxide (N204) are produced when nitric oxide comes in contact with oxygen. Nitrates that have not been converted to true protein are the source of nitrogen oxides. Nitrates accumulate in plants when drought and/or when excess nitrogen is present in the soil. Nitric oxide is colorless and nitrogen dioxide is reddish brown. These gases have caused permanent lung damage in people; and have killed both livestock and humans. Greatest concern is the first few days after putting the chopped forage in the silo structure or bag. However, care should be taken for ten days after packing occurs. These silo gases float down a tower silo chute and into a barn or confined area. Whenever toxic[Read More…]
