Agricultural News
Volume 1, Issue 1
Robbie Smith Agent for Agriculture/ Natural Resources & Horticulture
Summer heat can stress farm
2
The Cost of a Windrow
4
Preparing for Pinkeye 2018
6
Tall Ironweed Control in Grazed
8
Planning for Fall Seeding
10
Mobil Apps
12
County 13 Agricultural Investment Program Cost Share SignFSA News
14
EQIP
15
July and August 2018
Rob’s Report by Robbie Smith
Seed head structures
Recently I have taken a lot of calls and visits on a very nasty weed that has come into our county. We are accustomed to Red Root Pigweed and Smooth Pigweed but a couple of new monsters are grabbing acreage and taking away options for control due to their resistance to traditional chemical options. Palmer Amaranth and Common Waterhemp are both in the pig weed family and have been causing problems in the Midwest and South for a number of years but only recently has taken hold in our area.
Leaf blade watermark
The presence of a leaf tip hair
There are several characteristics that differentiate the three amaranth species:
The presence of hair
Leaf shape
Petiole length
Apical meristem growth pattern
Understanding these characteristics will help you correctly identify amaranth species, and then determine the proper management strategies. This is a weed that should not be taken lightly. It’s impact on yield and profit will be felt. I can see these weeds poking their heads up in fields right now and efforts should be made to get rid of them now. Be a good neighbor and scout now to rid this plant. Some really good information can be found at the following links. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=I44_-g7nans&feature=youtu.be https:// www.extension.purdue.edu/ extmedia/ws/ws-51-w.pdf
Page 2 Agricultural News
Summer heat can stress farm animals Summer hasn’t officially begun according to the calendar, but Mother Nature has already been bringing the heat and humidity. In fact, Kentucky experienced the warmest May on record, and livestock are feeling it. Producers have options to keep livestock thriving in the summer heat. “When you get a combination of heat and humidity, it can cause concern for livestock,” said Matthew Dixon,
animals.” The index helps producers know when heat stress could create a problem for their animals so they can be even more vigilant in making sure animals have the necessary resources to combat and withstand the conditions. The state has already experienced days in the dangerous and emergency livestock heat stress categories.
Beef cattle staying hydrated in the Kentucky summer heat. Photo by Matt Barton agricultural meteorologist for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “We go by what is called a ‘livestock heat stress index’ to determine what level of concern farmers and pet owners need to have for their
“The most important thing producers can do is provide cool, clean water and shade,” said Jeff Lehmkuhler, UK beef specialist. “It’s also a good idea to avoid working or transporting animals during periods of danger or
Page 3 Volume 1, Issue 4 emergency heat stress.” Horses have difficulty regulating their body temperature when temperatures exceed 90 degrees. If humidity is high, the temperature doesn’t even have to reach 90 degrees to make life uncomfortable for horses. “Horse owners can reduce heat stress by scheduling activities during the cooler part of the day and making sure horses have plenty of water,” said Bob Coleman, UK equine extension specialist. “If you do transport horses during the cooler part of the day, give water before, during and after transportation to reduce the risk of dehydration.”
periodically spray a cool mist on the animals are also beneficial. Poultry are especially prone to heat stress. Mortality during extreme heat can be significant, and egg production and hatching rates can drop. “Since the birds don’t have sweat glands to help get rid of excess body heat, they have to pant to cool down,” said Jacquie Jacob, UK poultry extension project manager. “It’s important to make sure chickens are in well-ventilated areas and they have access to clean, cool water at all times.”
Dixon said that while he doesn’t expect the index to reach the Coleman added that even nonemergency category the rest of the working horses will double their water week, temperatures and humidity intake during hot weather. Owners levels will keep conditions in the should allow them to drink often to dangerous category during the help maintain water balance. afternoon and evening hours. “If you let them drink often, it can Source: Matthew Dixon, University of relieve the horse’s urge to drink a lot Kentucky of water after exercise, and they need to gradually drink after a workout,” he said. “Also, remember lactating mares have special water requirements, because they are using water for milk production as well as body temperature regulation.” Hot weather also increases horses’ need for salt, because they lose the mineral during sweating. For dairy cattle, it is important to keep buildings as open as possible to allow air to circulate. Fans can make a big difference, and sprinkler systems that
Page 4 Agricultural News
The Cost of a Windrow When harvesting hay or haylage we tend to think in terms of how long it takes to get the hay off the field. However, the first concern for quality hay/haylage should be how long it takes to lose the first 15-20% moisture. Forages have 75-80% moisture when cut; they will continue to respire sugars (break down and give off heat and carbon dioxide) at a high rate until the plant is dried to 60% moisture. If we want to save the energy of the starch and sugars for our cattle, we need to dry off the first 15-20% moisture as quickly as possible. Most of the respiration takes place in the leaves. We should remember that conditioning is for drying the stems but has little impact on drying the leaves. A wide swath has the biggest effect on rate of leaf drying. Leaves dry faster in a wide swath because: More sunlight falling on the field is
intercepted for drying. (A windrow intercepts only 25-30% of sunlight falling on the field while a wide swath intercepts 70-100% of sunlight.) Light keeps the leaf stomates open longer, so moisture can leave through leaf openings. Since most of the forage in a windrow is in the dark, the leaf stomates close to seal the leaf surface. Table 1 shows the losses that can occur due to making a windrow rather
than a wide swath. Data indicate that starch and sugar loss can range from 2-8% of dry matter. If we assume a median starch/sugar loss of 4% of dry
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matter due to hay in a windrow compared to a wide swath, then the dry matter economic loss is $6.40/ton, according to current hay prices in the Midwest for large square bales. However, the respiratory losses of starch and sugar also increase the fiber content of the forage. If the forage was near 40% NDF (prime hay/ haylage) when cut, then the 4% starch loss will increase fiber 3.4 units and lower the quality to Grade 1 hay (125-150 RFQ). Grade 1 hay is currently selling for $38/ton less than Prime hay. The value to dairy producers is about twice the price differential between hay grades. Many farmers have switched to making wide swaths when mowing. A wide swath is the single most important factor affecting forage drying rate; it is more important than conditioning. Farmers who continue to put hay into windrows are increasing drying time and risk of rain damage. They are also currently losing about $44.40/ton due to yield and quality losses from increased respiration. Considering this dollar loss, most farmers could figure out a way to make wider swaths with their existing equipment; they should also look at wide swath mowers when replacing mowing equipment. ~ Dan Undersander, NAFA News
2018 Tax Changes There are many tax law changes that take effect for 2018. Some of these changes include the following:
Increased expensing under Section 179
Bonus Depreciation allowed for multi-purpose buildings and applicable for new or used purchases
Deductions for employee meals limited to 50%
Purchase of NEW (not used) equipment expensed over 5 years
Like-kind exchanges repealed except for real property. This changes the reporting of equipment trades.
New IRC 199A: Qualified Business Income Deduction of 20%
This is only a summary of tax law changes beginning in 2018. Currently, most of these changes are only in effect through the end of 2025. It is strongly recommended that you meet with your tax preparer or Farm Business Management Specialist to see how these changes will impact your farm business.
Page 6 Agricultural News
Preparing for Pinkeye 2018 Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) or “Pinkeye” is a costly and exasperating disease for the beef producer and industry. A field trial published in 2009 found an average weaning weight difference of 18 pounds less (range 9-27 lbs) in calves that experienced pinkeye versus those that did not. Calves with corneal scars are often discounted at sale, further increasing the economic cost of IBK to producers. A recent study found continued impact in the beef industry from pinkeye on production traits. Yearlings that had pinkeye as young calves pre-weaning had less 12th rib fat depth, ribeye area, and body weight than did yearlings without evidence of pinkeye. Despite the well-known economic impact of disease, adequate and timely treatment of cases is challenging because cattle are grazed far away from facilities during peak occurrence in summer months. Preventing the disease has proven difficult because so many factors contribute to the development of pinkeye including environment, management, season of the year, concurrent diseases, and the animal’s genetic makeup and immune system. The bacterium Moraxella bovis is considered the primary cause of pinkeye but a newly isolated strain “Moraxella bovoculi” is now believed to play an important role. Vaccines, whether commercial or homemade, have not been found consistently effective in clinical trials. Once pinkeye begins in a herd, it is highly contagious and can spread rapidly. Careful attention to control of contributing factors, especially fly control,
and prompt, effective treatment of cases are necessary to reduce the spread and limit the damaging effects of the disease. Prevention of pinkeye is difficult because it is a complicated, multifaceted disease. The best plan is to reduce or remove as many risk factors as possible that can result in damage to the corneal surface. Any damage will allow the bacteria to cling to the corneal surface and grow. Many different combinations of contributing factors such as ultraviolet rays from the sun, face flies, excessive eye irritation, nutritional deficiencies, and stress may work together within a herd at one time. Prevention is based on maximizing herd immune status, controlling face flies, minimizing exposure to the bacteria, and maintaining as irritant -free environment as possible. Steps to Preparing for Pinkeye Season:
Maximize Herd Immune Status - An overall good level of nutrition, adequate vitamin and trace mineral intake, a comprehensive vaccination program including the respiratory viral diseases IBR, BVD, PI3 and BRSV, parasite control, and basic biosecurity practices are all exceptionally important in improving the cow’s or calf’s ability to fight off any disease process (not just pinkeye).
Control Face Flies - Face flies can play an important role in the spread of pinkeye.
Maintain an irritant free environment Prevent eye irritation with good face fly control, mow tall grass with seed
Page 7 Volume 1, Issue 4 heads, provide shade and ample clean, cool water, and reduce sources of stress (such as overcrowding) if possible. Provide shade to protect from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Cool, clean drinking water (instead of stagnant pond water) is critical because intake is greater with clean water and this helps provide plenty of fluid to the corneal surface, especially important in dry, dusty, and/or windy conditions.
Minimize exposure to M. bovis and M.
tearing attract flies that widely spread the bacteria. Topical application of a fly repellant to the face will also help reduce spread. In summary, pinkeye is one of the most common diseases of cattle and is of major economic importance to Kentucky cattle producers. Although much research is ongoing to understand this complex disease, the keys to prevention and control of pinkeye still rely on the basics of maximizing the herd’s immune status, minimizing exposure to Moraxella bacteria, face fly control and maintaining as irritant-free environment as possible. Treatment decisions are
bovoculi - Early detection of animals with the first clinical signs (tearing, squinting, and blinking) and then prompt, effective treatment are essential to reducing spread to herd mates and limiting damage to the eye. Long-acting antibiotics such as long-acting tetracycline (LA200®) or the prescription antibiotic tulathromycin (Draxxin®) are labeled for treatment of pinkeye. A veterinarian may prescribe the antibiotics florfenicol Figure 1: Corneal ulceration in the early stages of pink(Nuflor®), ceftiofur (Excede®), or eye. Photo from Veterinary Clinics of North America, others to be used in an off-label Food Animal Practice 26 (2010), page 489 manner for treatment as well. influenced by numerous factors such as Injectable antibiotics are generally the effectiveness and cost of the antibiotic, best option because of their long labor availability, withholding times, duration of activity and effectiveness in facilities, and availability of a veterinary eliminating bacteria. Topical sprays prescription. Vaccines are not only remain in the eye a few minutes consistently effective in disease before tears wash them away so prevention and cannot be completely application is generally required 3-4 relied upon to prevent pinkeye. The times daily to be effective. When best strategy of treatment, prevention severe ulceration exists, the eyeball and control of pinkeye for a particular may need extra protection with either a herd is best accomplished with the help patch or the eyelids may need to be sutured (stitched) together. Remember, of the local veterinarian. preventing spread by treating affected animals is the single most important factor in controlling a disease outbreak. Active cases of pinkeye with excessive
Source: Michelle Arnold, DVM (Ruminant Extension Veterinarian, UKVDL), University of Kentucky
Page 8 Agricultural News
Tall Ironweed Control in Grazed Pastures By J. D. Green, Extension Weed Scientist Tall ironweed (Vernonia altissma Nutt.) is one of the more commonly found weeds in grazed pasture fields and other non-cropland areas (Figure 1). In Kentucky, tall ironweed is ranked as the most troublesome and third-most common weed found in grazed pastures. The quantity of grass available for grazing can be substantially reduced in pastures by the presence of tall ironweed because of its unpalatability to livestock. This further leads to an increase in tall ironweed populations over time as animals graze and selectively avoid this weed.
Mowing alone can help suppress top growth of tall ironweed plants, but does not reduce plant populations. Mowing or clipping pasture fields, which is often performed once per year, can also lead to more multi-stemmed tall ironweed plants. Whereas, using a timely herbicide application in problem fields is one method to effectively reduce tall ironweed
populations. Based on several field research studies tall ironweed populations can be reduced 80 to 95% the year following herbicide treatment when combined with other management strategies. A herbicide-based control program for tall ironweed in grazed pasturesmay require a 12- to 18month time period to reduce tall ironweed populations and allow for reestablishment of clover. Tall ironweed control should start in early to mid-July by mowing emerged tall ironweed stems. Mowing removes top growth of currently emerged plants which often have older, tattered leaves. This also forces the plant to use more stored energy from its roots to develop new shoots. When plants regrow 10 to 20 inches in height (generally in mid to late August) the younger stems and leaves are more conducive for herbicide uptake. In August or by early September apply a pasture herbicide containing either triclopyr (eg. PastureGard, Crossbow, etc.) or aminopyralid (eg. GrazonNext, etc.) as a broadcast
Page 9 Volume 1, Issue 4 treatment. Although mid-summer (June and July) treatments can provide good control, better herbicide movement to the root system occurs with perennial weeds such as tall ironweed with late summer applications. Consult product label or Extension bulletins for recommended use rates for herbicides. One of the drawbacks to the application of broadleaf pasture herbicides is that they can impact desirable clover stands. Emerged clover within the treated areas of the field are likely to be killed. Consult the herbicide label of the product used for minimum reseeding intervals for clovers and other desirable forage grasses. Also, observe other precautions prior to application. This approach for tall ironweed control is best suited for fields with moderate to heavy tall ironweed populations. For lighter infestations levels, a spot treatment of individual plants may be warranted to keep tall ironweed populations from becoming a major problem. Use of rope wick applicators and roller wipers have also been evaluated for tall ironweed control as a method to minimize injury to clover. However, the results have consistently been less successful than broadcast herbicide treatments for control of tall ironweed.
Page 10 Agricultural News
UK Field School to Seeding host Spray Clinic Planning for Fall Now it is the best time to begin planning for fall seeding. Failure to do so often results in missing seeding windows or inability to secure the needed supplies such as seed, herbicides and equipment. Below are a few quick reminders to improving seeding success.
Spray herbicides now. Most herbicides require four-six weeks or more before seeding, so if you are planning to seed in September, herbicides should be applied soon. Be sure to read and follow all label instructions.
Research and purchase seed now. New and productive varieties may not be available in high quantities, so purchase seed now to prepare for seeding late August – mid-September
Perform routine maintenance and any repairs needed on seeding equipment. Shallow seed placement (1/4-1/2 inch) is crucial to seeding
success. Poorly maintained equipment can place seed incorrectly in the soil.
Ensure soil fertility. If you haven’t soil tested in the last 3 years for pastures or last year for hay fields, do so now and apply any needed lime, P or K as recommended. For all coolseason pastures, fall nitrogen is recommended to boost root reserves and increase winter survival.
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Page 13 Volume 1, Issue 4
County Agricultural Investment Program Cost Share Sign-ups The Nelson County Conservation District was approved Nelson County Agricultural Development funds for a County Agricultural Investment Program. The County Agricultural Investment Program (C.A.I.P.) is designed to provide farmers with incentives to allow them to improve and diversify their current production practices. C.A.I.P. combines what were previously known as county model cost-share programs into one, where each model program becomes an investment area. C.A.I.P. covers a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in its ten investment areas, including Agricultural Diversification (horticulture, aquaculture, timber); Large Animal (beef, dairy, equine); Small Animal (goats, sheep, swine, bees, rabbits); Farm Infrastructure (farm storage facilities; greenhouses; livestock, equine & poultry facilities;
on-farm composting); Fencing & OnFarm Water; Forage & Grain Improvement; On-farm Energy; Poultry & Other Fowl; Technology & Leadership Development; ValueAdded & Marketing.
Application sign-ups for these funds will be Monday, August 27, 2018 through, Tuesday, September 18, 2018. The applications will be taken by appointment only. We will start making appointments on or after August 27th, 2018. To make an appointment, you may call the Nelson County Conservation District office at 348-3363, extension 3 or extension 7338, on or after August 27th. For more information about the sign-up period and the complete guidelines for this program, contact Gale Hundley with the Nelson County Conservation District at 502348-3363, extension 7338.
Page 14 Agricultural News
FSA News 2018 Acreage Reporting Dates In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Nelson County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline. The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Bullitt and Nelson County: November 15, 2018 Perennial Forage (Grazing & Hay Crops) Report 2018 for 2019 The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting dates: If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed. If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendar days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office. If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of “cover only,” “green manure,” “left standing,” or
“seed,” then the acreage must be reported by July 15th. Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins. For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact the Nelson County FSA office at 502-3488664. EQUIPMENT REVOLVING LOAN PROGRAM The Kentucky Division of Conservation administers the Equipment Revolving Loan Program, which has been in effect since 1948. Equipment eligible for loans through the program include dozers, backhoes, no-till drills, precision applicators for agriculture chemicals and other equipment suited for conservation work. Application for loans are submitted by the Nelson County Conservation District to the Kentucky Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Loans can be requested for up to two -thirds of the purchase price including sales tax. The one-third down payment can be satisfied by either (Continued on page 15)
Page 15 Volume 1, Issue 4 trade in or cash. Once loans are approved by the Kentucky Soil and Water Conservation Commission, the Division of Conservation sets up the terms of the loan, repayment schedule and reporting requirements in a contract with the local Conservation District. The loan terms include zero percent interest per annum on the outstanding balance, payments are required monthly or need to be made current at the end of each six-month period and loans can be repaid on a 3-7-year payment plan. The Division of Conservation holds the title to all equipment until the loan is paid in full. At that time the lien will be released to the conservation district and may be transferred to the contractor. Contractors must give priority to conservation work. If no conservation work is available, contractors can use the equipment for any work not specifically forbidden by the contract. Contractors must report monthly the type and amount of work completed. If you have any questions or would like to apply, please contact Gale Hundley, Administrative Secretary, Nelson County Conservation District at 502348-3363, ext. 3. Gale can also be reached by e-mail at gale.hundley@ky.nacdnet.net.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program EQIP EQIP can provide Financial and technical assistance to plan and design such measures as, but not limited to the following: Grazing management: fencing ,stock water systems, pasture planting, prescribed grazing plans Pest management: crop and pest monitoring activities Erosion control: grassed waterways, diversions, water and sediment control basins
Wildlife habitat enhancement: stream buffers, upland wildlife habitat establishment Forestand management: forest stand improvement, brush management, forest management plans Energy conservation: seasonal high tunnels, building envelope improvement, energy management plans
EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis. EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers and submitted appplications may be considered or evaluated in multiple funding pool opportunities. To apply for EQIP contact your local service center @ 502-348-3363, 2001 Buchannan Blvd, Bardstown, KY 40004.
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Phone: 502-348-9204
317 S 3rd St Bardstown, KY 40004
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