vol. 34
October 2014
The Seed Consultant
A B I - M O N T H LY N E W S L E T T E R N E W S A N D V I E W S F R O M T H E F I E L D
Soil Compaction: Causes, Effects and Cures The effects of soil compaction caused during spring show up in fields during summer and fall. It is one of the most important factors that can affect soil health and reduce yields. Compaction may be caused in many ways. We need to diagnose the reasons for compaction on a field by field basis before corrective measures can be taken.
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Surface Compaction • Surface compaction can occur from impact of rain drops or in the form of crusting due to excessive rains and ponding. If soil is left bare and is exposed to hard rains or irrigation water, impact of water breaks down larger soil aggregates and granular structure of soil on surface are degraded, causing compaction.
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FALL HERBICIDE APPLICATION Preventive measures now; increase yields in 2015
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WALK FIELDS BEFORE HARVEST Prevent ear rot impact on overall yields
• Surface compaction can affect water infiltration into the soil and interfere with seed germination and seedling emergence. If seedlings cannot break through the crust, it can lead to reduction in plant populations and yield. For short term solutions, the crust may be broken by light disking or other tillage tools to help the seedlings to emerge. • To prevent crusting, we need to leave a protective layer of crop residue on surface or cover crop and use of minimum or reduced tillage practices. The residue layer should help in absorbing the impact of rain drops before they can hit and breakdown the soil structure. • Use of forages in crop rotation can also help in improving granular structure of soil and reduce surface compaction from irrigation. Proper management of irrigation water to control proper infiltration is very important.
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YIELD CONTEST Meet the Project 150 Wheat Yield Winners
Subsurface Compaction
Wheel Traffic and Equipment Everyone knows that soil compaction may be caused by wheel traffic and farm equipment and it cannot be avoided. Tractors, manure spreaders, trucks, grain carts, combines, and other farm equipment can cause considerable pressure on sub-soil, continued on page 2
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BULK BINS Top 5 reasons to join the bulk bin movement
Compaction... continued from page 1
causing compaction. With the increase in farm size and the need to use bigger equipment and get certain operations completed in a short time, we cannot completely eliminate compaction, however, we can take precautions to minimize it as much as possible and then take curative long term agronomic measures to reverse it. Keeping soils healthy is a continuing process and following steps may be taken to reduce sub-soil compaction: • Compaction caused by traffic increases with the amount of soil moisture. Even though I am a strong proponent of early planting, it may be better to plant later than mudding it in. • Use of a soil penetrometer can help in determining the extent of sub-surface compaction. Your field scout may be able to help you in determining if you have a compaction problem or not. Use of good agronomic practices can help in reducing the compaction caused by wheel traffic. • Rotation of crops which have fibrous roots with deep-rooted crops will help in reducing compaction. I strongly recommend the use of cover crops. They will improve the organic matter content of your soils, reduce compaction, improve soil health, and increase yields. Management practices that improve organic matter content of soil should help in reducing surface compaction. • I encourage growers to use cover crops that include daikon radishes if they can plant in August or early September or use Cereal Rye Grass to help break compacted layers. Rotation of crops which have fibrous roots with deep-rooted crops will help in reducing compaction. Cover crops will improve the organic matter content of your soils, reduce compaction, improve soil health, and increase yields. Management practices that improve organic matter content of soil should help in reducing surface compaction.
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By Dave Nanda, Ph.D., Director of Genetics and Technology Phone: 317-910-9876
Fall Herbicide Applications Anyone who has spent time travelling across the Eastern Corn Belt has seen some fields with severe weed infestations. It is obvious that growers are having more and more difficulty controlling weeds. Herbicide resistant Marestail continues to be a challenge and rob yields from crops. While agronomists and weed specialists have been warning growers about the possibility of a new challenge on the horizon; Palmer amaranth, in some areas of the Corn Belt it is currently a reality. It has been found in Michigan, several counties in Indiana and within multiple fields in southwest Ohio. Seed Consultants agronomists and customers have discovered Palmer amaranth and waterhemp in several new locations during the 2014 growing season. The time to start working toward better weed control for next year is now. As harvest wraps up this year keep in mind fall is the time to begin planning and working on keeping weeds under control next year. Fall herbicide applications are great tool for controlling existing weeds after harvest, which will provide a weed free field in early spring the following year. For example, herbicide applications last fall would have kept weeds from getting a head start this spring when fields were too wet for field work. According to Mark Loux, OSU Weed Specialist, “Even where the herbicides lack residual, the fall treatment seems to enable more effective control of marestail the following season. In some cases, it’s probable that you don’t even know how much the fall treatment helps out, but our research shows that more often than not it does.” University research also suggests that most fall-applied herbicides provide minimal residual control in the spring and that the greatest benefit from residual herbicides is gained from a spring application. The timing of fall herbicide applications is important to ensure control of existing weeds. “In our research, herbicides seem to be effective for control of winter annuals and biennials well into December. The rate of plant death can slow considerably, but this is not a problem since weeds just have to die by early spring. Control of perennials typically declines in late November or early December though, depending upon weather,” writes Loux. University experts have published several excellent articles on this subject that go into great detail, all of which are available online. Below are some effective fall herbicide treatments determined to be effective by Ohio State University research. Keep in mind; it is important to make application decisions based on the weeds present and the crop to be planted the following spring. ANY CROP NEXT SPRING: -Glyphosate + 2,4-D SOYBEANS NEXT SPRING: Canopy EX or DF + 2,4-D Glyphosate + 2,4-D Metribuzin + 2,4-D (excluding dandelions) CORN NEXT SPRING: Basis + 2,4-D Glyphosate + 2,4-D Simazine + 2,4-D (except dandelion)
Walk Corn Fields for Presence of Ear Rots Incidence and severity of corn ear rots will vary from one year to the next as well as field to field in any given year. It is the environmental conditions during the corn growing season that play an important part in development of these ear rot diseases. Hot dry conditions favor the development of Aspergillus ear rot. With cool, wet weather during silking chances are greater for Gibberella ear rot to develop. These fungi that cause ear rots are a result of late season humidity and rain after pollination. Planting delays, slow drying conditions in the field as well as stalk rot are factors that influence the development of these ear rots. There are several different ones however four, in particular, that have caused problems in past years. Aspergillus Ear Rot shows as a light green or tan fungal growth on or between kernels. More common when the husk doesn’t cover the tip of the ear in hot, dry conditions. With this ear rot, aflatoxin may be produced and be harmful as feed for livestock. Damage to kernels by insect feeding contributes to this ear rot occurring. Diplodia Ear Rot has a grayish, white mold over the kernels and husk, starting at the base of the ear and working its way toward the tip. Dry weather before silks form with wet conditions after silking, leads to Diplodia infection. If infection occurs early whole ears will be rotten with lightweight kernels. Damage to the ear shank by earworms is often related to this disease. Caution is urged if affected grain is being fed to livestock.
Fusarium Ear Rot individual kernels or groups of kernels with a pink to purple color throughout the ear. Most common ear rot, present in most years. More frequent on damaged ear tips as well as kernels with insect feeding. Infection occurs from spores on corn residue moved by wind and rain to the ear. Dry weather favors the development of this disease. Gibberella Ear Rot is a reddish kernel discoloration beginning at the ear tip. More of an issue with cool humid weather during silking and up to three weeks later. Infection caused by spores of crop residue moved by wind and rain onto the ear. More severe infection from continuous corn as well as corn following wheat that was infected by Fusarium Head Blight. Disease usually affects part of the ear. Gibberella can produce two mycotoxins in the infected kernels that can be harmful to livestock especially swine. If this ear rot is present, have grain tested prior to feeding to determine mycotoxin levels. If any of the above conditions are present during the growing season, it would be a good idea to walk the fields in question, and husk ears back to determine if the ear rot is present. Harvest fields with ear rots first and thoroughly clean out the combine so as not to contaminate with the better quality grain in the bins and receive the best price possible with no discounts when selling your corn.
By Bill Mullen, CCA SCI Director of Agronomic Services Phone:740-505-2022 bmullen@seedconsultants.com
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SCI Announces Project 150 Wheat Yield Contest Winners Seed Consultants, Inc. would like to congratulate the following winners of the 2014 Project 150 Wheat Yield Contest and recognize them for producing outstanding wheat yields through sound management practices on their farms:
1st Place
RON FOOR
Washington Court House, Ohio
SC 1324TM; 123.74 bpa 2nd Place
Casey Moser,
Area Seedswoman Hometown: Perrysburg, OH Family: Husband, John; Dog, Bandit Education: B.S. from The Ohio State University Majoring in Agricultural Communications, Minor in Agronomy Background: Grew up on family’s 3,500-acre grain farm Years at SCI: 1½ Years Personal Keys to Success: Go to work every day with a smile and get to know everyone’s story
DULL HOMESTEAD FARMS
Hobbies: Farming, Gardening, Scrapbooking, Spending Time with Family
SC 1324TM; 122.24 bpa
Job Description: Area seedswoman covering Allen, Champaign, Hancock, Hardin, Logan, Marion, Paulding and Putnam Counties
Brookville, Ohio
3rd Place
BILL KOCH Middletown, Ohio
SC 1324TM; 117.5 bpa Seed Consultants, Inc. would like to thank all customers who participated in the 2014 Project 150 Wheat Yield Contest. For more information on entering SC Yield Contests contact your seedsmen or check out our website or by calling your area seedsmen.
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STAFF PROFILE
What I love most about working at SCI: I love working with farmers and I feel like our company gives farmers a unique opportunity when it comes to products and services. I enjoy helping customers find hybrids and varieties that work well on their soils. To me, this job is all about creating relationships with farmers to help them maximize their farms’ potential.
The SCI Bulk Soybean Bin Program SCI began the bulk soybean bin program eight years ago for several reasons. For starters, bulk boxes cost $700+ each. This price translates to more than $14/unit of soybeans stored, assuming 50 units per box. (Actually $17/unit if there are only 40 units per box.) Bulk boxes must be returned, cleaned and nested. And growers must provide a covered structure for storage, unload, and load boxes. The bulk boxes eat up growers’ storage space (equipment must be moved outside or to other buildings). Growers are also liable for damages to boxes. An even bigger headache can be bulk bags. The benefits of bulk soybean bins stack up. SCI currently has more than 150 bulk soybean bins on customers’ farms. The majority are 521- bushel GSI bins with bean ladders. We are pleased with the bulk bin program, but believe many growers are missing out on the benefits.
Top 5 Reasons To Participate
SAFETY.
Bins eliminate the need to climb in and out of seed tenders and seed wagons, untying bulk bags. Bins also eliminate the risk of straps tearing or bags teetering over. You cannot put a value on injury to a family member or yourself, especially at this time of year.
CONVENIENCE.
You can set the conveyor, pull under, turn on conveyor, open the bin door, and fill your seed tender.
LABOR SAVING.
One person can unload bins and fill seed tenders with little effort. Bulk bags, on the other hand, require at least two workers. Bulk bag pallets must also be returned and bags disposed of, and bulk boxes must be nested for return, stored, and loaded.
COST EFFECTIVE.
The bins eliminate the need for additional storage buildings by growers, reduces manpower requirements at planting and the conveyor can also be used for other loading/unloading chores.
GROWER FRIENDLY.
100% satisfaction by growers. While not an official survey, we don’t receive complaints about the bulk bin program.
How can you participate? Contact your area seedsman and sign an agreement. Pour a pad Purchase a multi use belt conveyor (40ft.)—eligible for Bulk Payback Program Order beans, minimum 400 units/variety/bin Order early and take early delivery
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SCI’S 2015 CUSTOMER TRIP CASA MAGNA MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico January 24–30, 2015 Sign up online now! starcite.smarteventscloud.com/sci2015
Trip Cost (Excluding Air): • Single Occupancy – $2,500 • Double Occupancy – $3,775 • Triple Occupancy – $5,100 • Quad Occupancy – $6,400 The Casa Magna Marriott Resort & Spa Features: • Located on a long sandy beach with amazing views of the sunset. • Spacious sleeping rooms with luxurious bedding and large balconies. • Four world class restaurants, including a gigantic sports bar. • Huge pool area next to the ocean. • Full-service spa and complimentary fitness facility. • Close to airport, marina and the popular Malecon area. The Mexico Trip Packages Include: • 7 days, 6 nights accommodations at the Casa Magna Marriott Resort and Spa. • All-inclusive meals and beverages, beginning with lunch on arrival and ending with lunch on departure. • Tour of the DuPont Pioneer Research Station, including private Mexican lunch with open bar and entertainment. • Evening celebration at Rhythms of the Night, featuring a catamaran sail, beach dinner, authentic Mexican show and open bar. • Final night group dinner with cocktail reception. • Transfers to and from the Puerto Vallarta airport. • Personalized baggage handling upon arrival and departure. • All gratuities and taxes included. • Air not included but must be booked with SCI. Travel Documents: All participants will be required to present a passport with at least 6 months validity from the last date of travel (July 30, 2015). This will need to be presented to the air carrier, security, immigration, customs and the hotel. Meeting Planner Contact Information: Jennifer Schaefer Phone: 800-233-8492 Email: meetingplanning@seedconsultants.com Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm EST
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For any additional rooming rates, please contact Jennifer Schaefer. Air Costs: • Air is not included with the above trip costs, but must be booked with Seed Consultants in order attend the trip. • Airline points cannot be used for booking airfare. • If attendee wishes to check current airfare before registering and submitting the non-refundable deposit, they may call the travel agent at 800-238-7668, prompt #2, prompt #3. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm EST. • After registration has been submitted and deposit received, the travel agent will call the attendee with different flight options and costs. There is no restriction on type of fare or departure city. • Seed Consultants will pay initial cost of air when it is booked. Attendee will be invoiced for the same cost. • Attendee responsible for any costs associated with flight changes. Payments: • $500 (per person) Non- Refundable deposit due after online registration and before air is booked. • Full Trip Payment is due by November 1, 2014 and is Non-Refundable.
All checks should be for trip expenses only and made payable to Seed Consultants. Checks should be mailed to the follow address: SCI Meeting Planning P.O. Box 183 Johnston, IA 50131
Space is limited! Early reservations are recommended!
“Seed Consultants’ Winter Trips are a blast! We look forward to traveling with them every January.” Mike and Laura Vallery - Sedalia, Ohio Julie and Mark Anthony Beth Smith
SEED CONSULTANTS, INC. PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO CUSTOMER TRIP JANUARY 24-30, 2015 • Sign up online now! starcite.smarteventscloud.com/sci2015
I am including my non-refundable per person deposit and I agree to pay the remainder of the trip by November 1, 2014 Send all checks, payments and correspondences to: SCI Meeting Planning, P.O. Box 183, Johnston, IA 50131.
Space is limited. Early reservations are recommended!
Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Area Seedsman: _______________________________________________________________________ Guest’s Name: ________________________________________________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone: _____________________________
Home Phone: __________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________
For questions, you may e-mail Jennifer Schaefer at meetingplanning@seedconsultants.com or call her at 800-233-8492 M-F 9:00am to 5:00pm EST. Responsibility: SCI, or their travel agents, act only as agents and assume no liability during such travel for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasional either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts of default of any company or person engaged in the passenger or in carrying out the arrangement of the tour. Many airlines charge fees for baggage and other services. Amounts vary by airlines and are subject to change Travelers are responsible for verifying all fees charged by individual carriers. Please visit the operating carrier website of your ticketed itinerary for applicable fees.
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Seed Consultants Inc. P.O. Box 370 648 Miami Trace Rd. S.W. Washington Court House, OH 43160 USA
Editorial Board Stuart Yensel, director of sales and marketing 740-505-0889 - Mobile stuartyensel@seedconsultants.com Bill Mullen, CCA director of agronomic services 740-505-2022 - Mobile bmullen@seedconsultants.com Chris Jeffries, general manager 740-505-0073 - Mobile seedconsultants@seedconsultants.com Matt Hutcheson, CCA product manager 937-414-6784 - Mobile matt@seedconsultants.com Dave Nanda, Ph.D. director of genetics and technology 317-910-9876 - Mobile dave.nanda@gmail.com
Herculex® Insect Protection technology by Dow AgroSciences and Pioneer Hi-Bred. ® Herculex and the HX logo are registered trademarks of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Liberty®, LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design are trademarks of Bayer.Agrisure® is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. Agrisure® technology incorporated into these seeds is commercialized under a license from Syngenta Crop Protection AG. ® Supreme EX is a registered trademark of Pioneer. Supreme EX® brand seed is distributed by Seed Consultants, Inc. Roundup WeatherMAX®1 and Roundup PowerMAX™ are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Optimum® and AcreMax® are registered trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred. Optimum®, AcreMax®, TRIsect®, and AQUAmax® are registered trademarks of Pioneer Hi-Bred. The information provided within this newsletter is not a substitute for advice concerning your specific situation. The information contained herein is general and educational in nature. Because each situation is different and each recommendation is specifically tailored for each customer, the information contained herein should never be used to determine your course of action. All products are trademarks of their manufacturers. © 2014, Seed Consultants, Inc.
Between the Rows The Double R Advantage— REGIONAL and REASONABLE! I love our yields; but hate these prices! On September 10, Cargill in Bloomingburg, Ohio was quoting new crop corn at $3.20 and new crop beans at $9.62; Harvestland, Hagerstown, Indiana was $3.16 and $9.62; but it could be worse Farmer’s Coop, Macksburg, Iowa was at $2.90 and $9.12. Looking at 2015 inputs, SCI continues to get a steady stream of questions about conventional, singletraited, and double-traited hybrids. In the absence of rootworm pressure, growers are eliminating RW hybrids and reducing their seed costs.
Updates from Chris Jeffries, general manager Many companies are positioned ONLY to promote the highest-traited hybrid (the highest margin) package available. Many companies are forcing growers to plant the Cadillac /Continental hybrid even though the Chevy/Ford hybrid gets the job done. SCI is about value, offering our growers the most bang for their dollars. SCI is a regional company with regional testing, selecting genetics for our customers. SCI is about service…whether be bulk direct, agronomic follow up, or an Area Seedsman/woman that knows your farm and management. SCI is about positioning genetics and traits; per your need, not forcing
DON’T MISS OUR WEEKLY EMAIL NEWSLETTER! The SCI free e-newsletter comes via e-mail every Monday. The newsletter is packed full of current agronomic topics. Subscribe by sending your e-mail address to matt@seedconsultants.com or by signing up on our website at www.seedconsultants.com.
customers to have a heart transplant as a cure for the common cold. While SCI has a great supply of AMX hybrids for those growers that need them, SCI has positioned itself as a conventional, single, and double leader. In fact, SCI will have approximately 35% of its lineup available as conventional hybrids. Again, the Double R Advantage— REGIONAL and REASONABLE! Have a SAFE HARVEST and thank you for allowing Seed Consultants to continue to be “Simply, the Best Value in the Seed Industry™”.
Chris Jeffries