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ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC
MAY 2014
FARM BY FARM, FIELD BY FIELD CONSULTING COMPANY AIMS TO INCREASE GROWER PROFITS
A Supplement to Cotton Farming and Rice Farming Magazines
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Contents 3 Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Rotating crops and planting resistant varieties may help farmers manage nematodes.
4 Farm By Farm, Field By Field Consulting company brings its ‘A’ game to help Mid-South
Watch for strong pricing opportunities
growers increase profitability.
6 Insecticide Targets Worm Complex Two MOAs, faster knockdown and extended residual make up powerful new tool.
7 Controlling Nutsedge STS soybeans and Permit Plus offer growers another approach to promote nutsedge control.
8 Service Propane Equipment Maintain propane-powered equipment to ensure best performance.
Pictured from left are Brian “Bozo” Ward, Alan Blaine, Mitt Wardlaw and Brian Montgomery. Cover photo by Jesse Phillips
W EB E XCLUSIVE : Check out Industry News by clicking on the Soybean South tab at www.ricefarming.com and www.cottonfarming.com.
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tempered slightly as crush margins tighten, margins are still significant enough to keep crush demand at favorable levels. While the remainder of the 2013/14 marketing year continues to look favorable, the real concerns for this market are for the 2014 crop and 2014 marketing year. Expectations for soybean acres to climb Dr. Kurt Guidry: As with the corn market, strong demand to this to over 81 million acres in 2014 along with the full point in the 2013/14 marketing year continues to impact of a record South American crop being felt by the market are two issues that creimprove the supply and demand outlook. ate uncertainty regarding prices movWhile soybean stocks on March 1 were ing forward. slightly higher than most trade guesses, Earlier in the year, I projected a implied use suggests that USDA’s curprice range for the 2014 crop at $11.00 rent projections for total use for the to $12.50 per bushel. With new crop 2013/14 marketing year may be too low. futures prices currently around the Using implied use statistics from the $12.00 level, it would appear the quarterly grain stocks report suggests short-term optimism of strong demand that total soybean use for the 2013/14 has outweighed the long-term conmarketing year could be significantly cerns of growing domestic and world higher than USDA’s current projections. supplies. New crop futures over the While soybean demand is expected to Carroll Smith, Editor next month or so would seem to have weaken over the last few months of the marketing year as more of the record South enough momentum to challenge the mid $12.00American crop becomes available, there have been per-bushel range. Any move to that level or above no signs of a significant rationing of tight supplies would be considered strong pricing opportunities. With the potential of a record U.S. crop with norhere in the United States. Export shipments of soybeans are currently running nearly 23 percent ahead mal yields in 2014 following a record South American crop, it is difficult to project prices being of last year’s pace. As of March 20, 2014, total soybean commit- able to sustain a move much higher than the upper ments (accumulated shipments plus outstanding end of my original price projection. We only have to sales) were at 106 percent of the total exports look back at the end of 2013 to see the type of presexpected for the entire 2013/14 marketing year. sure that a large U.S. crop can place on prices. With five months still remaining in the marketing Before the latest price improvement, new crop year, there is good potential that the USDA will be futures were struggling to remain above $11.00 forced to increase its expectations for exports and per bushel. could continue to whittle away at an already low Soybean South would like to thank Dr. Guidry for stocks levels. And while domestic crush expectations have been contributing this soybean market update. This month, Dr. Kurt Guidry, LSU AgCenter Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, shares his thoughts about the soybean market. Following are Guidry’s comments from the “Market Situation and Update” April 1 report:
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Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Rotating crops and planting resistant varieties are two options that may help farmers manage nematodes found in Southern soybeans.
Severely galled soybean roots from the Southern root-knot nematode. The
By Charles Overstreet Nematologist LSU AgCenter
nematode built up to very high levels and caused severe late-season damage to the soybean crop.
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ike most of the crops that are grown in Louisiana, soybean has problems with plant-parasitic nematodes. The damage is often difficult to recognize and usually blamed on something else. There are three nematodes attributed to causing losses to soybean in Louisiana, including the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), Southern rootknot nematode and reniform nematode. SCN, Southern root-knot, reniform In Louisiana, SCN, which was once very common has virtually disappeared. In a recent survey of 165 soybean fields, SCN was detected in only very low levels in 1.2 percent of these fields. SCN is more likely to be better adapted to a more northern climate and cannot survive well under our growing conditions. It is very likely that parasites and predators of this nematode are active in our soils almost the entire year. Southern root-knot is still a big problem in our sandy soils in Louisiana. This nematode is usually found in patchy patterns in coarse textured soils. One of the most common symptoms is stunting of plants in early summer, alerting producers that something may be wrong. Late-season damage may still be stunting, but there may be premature death of plants, which greatly reduces yield in these areas. This nematode does produce distinctive galls on the root system and can easily be identified in the fields. The third major nematode is the reniform. Reniform nematode has often been associated with cotton or sweet potato. Both of these plants are excellent hosts for this pest. However, soybean is also considered an
excellent host, and populations can build up Resistant varieties very rapidly on this plant. Reniform tends to Resistance to nematode is still one of the spread rapidly throughout a field and has a best management options. Table 1 lists a more uniform distribution than most other number of varieties with at least moderate nematodes. Although it seems to reach the resistance against either the Southern roothighest populations in fields that are more knot or reniform nematode. fine-textured, the highest populations seem to occur Table 1: Varieties of soybeans that have at least moderate levels when clay content is of resistance against either the Southern root-knot or reniform nematode for 2014. between 10 to 20 percent in Reniform resistance Root-knot resistance Louisiana. Armor X1410 Armor 55R 22 This nematode is often Leland Armor X1406* difficult to recognize in the MPG-S-5214NRR Armor X1410 Rev 55R83 Halo 5:45 field because its uniform Dyna Gro 39RY57 spread may impact the *All varieties are Group 5s except Armor X1406, which is a Group 4. entire field. The nematode can cause stunting, but often plants appear normal. Yield losses of up to 40 percent have been Although there are a great number of varireported from this nematode. Areas in a field eties with SCN resistance, these varieties are with very high levels of reniform nematode not included due to the absence recognized tend to show drought stress earlier. problems in Louisiana. Unfortunately, there are only a small number of varieties with Crop rotation resistance against the major nematodes that Most of our producers are doing a good we have in our state. job of rotating crops and avoiding planting Many of the fields that will be planted this soybeans in the same area each year. year are on ground where cotton was grown Although corn is one of our most important in the past. If reniform nematode is thought rotation crops for cotton and soybeans, it to be present or has been identified in the does only provide fair management of the past, you might want to try planting a resisroot-knot nematode. tant variety. However, it is still not clear However, corn is an excellent rotation exactly how damaging reniform nematode is crop against reniform nematode, and one to to soybean since there are many varieties that two years of crop rotation can drastically vary considerably in susceptibility to this reduce reniform. Unfortunately, reniform particular nematode. nematode increases rapidly on a susceptible crop and returns to high levels in a single This article appeared in LSU AgCenter’s growing season. March 2014 “Louisiana Crops Newsletter.� SOYBEAN SOUTH MAY 2014
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Farm By Farm, Field By Field Consulting group brings its ‘A’ game to soybeans, corn, peanuts, grain sorghum, wheat, rice and cotton to help Mid-South growers increase profitability.
By Carroll Smith Editor
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Cradle-to-grave approach “We are in constant contact with our growers year round – cradle to grave from a production standpoint,” Wardlaw says.
“We’re in on all of the agronomic decisions related to the farm. After harvest, we sit down as a group to go over variety trial data we have collected from several sources, including on-farm data. We discuss what varieties did well, what varieties did not do so good on specific soil types. We take all of that under consideration. By late fall, we will have variety selection taken care of.” Blaine adds, “In the end, we go to our clients with a good variety selection portfolio, and we think it pays off. We spend a lot of time in this area.” Also at those initial meetings, Southern Ag consultants make fall tillage or burndown recommendations. Moving into the first of the year, they start looking at burndown applications going out in January and February, and then begin thinking about planting dates and variety placement on specific fields. “From there, we move into the in-season consulting protocol: weed, disease, insect management; irrigation scheduling and crop growth and development,” Wardlaw says. “Later in the season, we concentrate on harvest aids, crop termination and harvest timing, which is very critical on peanuts. Once harvest is complete, we address fertility needs and start the process all over again.” Blaine notes that earlier planting dates and earlier maturing varieties have become
PHOTOS BY JESSE PHILLIPS
n 2008, a consulting group was established in the Mid-South whose primary goal was to create a model to help growers be more profitable. Since that time, Southern Ag Consulting Inc. (SAC) has added several members to its consulting team and provided services that include precision ag technology and financial risk management. Although the group mainly concentrates on soybeans, corn and peanuts, they also consult on other commodities, such as grain sorghum, wheat, rice and cotton. Alan Blaine was part of the initial devel-
opment of a verification program modeled after Arkansas’ verification program that Mississippi coined the SMART program (Soybean Management through Application Research and Technology) during his tenure at Mississippi State University (MSU). Mitt Wardlaw and Brian “Bozo” Ward, who worked under Blaine as graduate students, incorporated many of the SMART program concepts into the consulting business in which they are partners today. The SMART program based its soybean production philosophy on elements like variety selection, earlier planting dates relative to the 1970s and ’80s, earlier maturing varieties and irrigation scheduling. “By planting about 30 days earlier than many farmers are used to, to some extent we can avoid late-season drought and insect pressure,” Blaine explains. “Also, 20 years ago, we were planting 5, 6 and 7 maturity groups, and maturity group 5s and 6s represented 90 percent of that portfolio. Today, we are planting 4s and 5s, and 90 percent of those that are planted are 4s, which represents a significant shift in soybean maturity groups in the Mid-South.”
Bernie White, left, confers with other SAC team members Brian “Bozo” Ward, Mitt Wardlaw, Alan Blaine and Brian Montgomery.
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more popular with many Mid-South soybean ed and analyze the data,” he adds. “We want to increase our growers’ comfort level in producers. “We are planting more of our soybean using this type of equipment, which increasacres on higher fertility and better-drained es our decision-making tools, and, in turn, increases producer ground and utilizing profits.” more crop rotation,” After harvesting is Blaine says. “Mainly complete, data is growers have begun to imported into South‘farm’ beans like we ern Ag Consulting’s have traditionally farmdata management ed cotton. We have had program to be anathe opportunity to oblyzed and compared serve several situations to many in-field varithat have exceeded 100 ables, including varibu/A over the last couety/hybrid, soil type, ple of years. We’ve consoil fertility, etc. sistently produced 80 to “We also assist 90 bu/A on lighter soils farmers with variablefor the last four to five rate fertilizer applicayears, so land capability is a big part of this suc- SAC also offers growers precision ag services. tions,” Wardlaw adds. “With fertilizer, for cessful equation.” Brian “Bozo” Ward notes that each of instance, we pull soil samples and design SAC’s consultants/partners has his own rates to make sure we are putting the right acres that he tends to. In addition, SAC amount of fertilizer in the right spot. Your works closely with MSU and has indepen- fertilizer bill may not necessarily go down dent “specialists” on staff in different areas, with a variable-rate application, but it does such as fertility, plant pathology and irriga- ensure that the money is being spent in the tion. These resource personnel are available right place.” Another service that Southern Ag as needed. “If a question comes up, and we need a Consulting offers its clients is topo mapping ‘go-to’ person for an answer, we have access and design. The benefits include: • Agronomic knowledge of proper field to them,” he says. “We arrange meetings in the winter with the various chemical/seed design • One-on-one consultation with their companies in an effort to keep up with new products and technologies that will help design specialist and SAC’s crop consultant • Expert knowledge of the software that is make our clients more profitable. These meetings allow us to glean more in-depth required to design the project • Quick turnaround for short notice or knowledge of products and varieties. Being in the field every week during the season time-sensitive projects. allows us to be on top of things and know Research and development exactly what is going on. We don’t make Another area in which Southern Ag frivolous decisions and don’t overspend. We do what we need to do to make money for Consulting is growing is its Research and Development (R&D) program. According to our growers.” Blaine, SAC has in-house R&D that evaluates as many new products as possible to get Service is key to success Another service that SAC provides an idea of product placement potential when it hits the market. involved expanding its equipment efforts. “We want to look at these products to try “We have a precision ag equipment and service division in which Justin Prather and to determine where they will work and Phillip Hays service the needs of our clien- where they won’t work,” he explains. “Our tele,” Wardlaw says. “A lot of our growers R&D program for different companies expressed an interest in using tools like includes seed treatment trials, in-furrow and autosteer, yield monitors, variable rate and foliar fungicide trials and herbicide and other equipment/precision ag technology but insecticide trials, to name a few.” “Companies oftentimes are looking for a didn’t quite know how to get into it. Our goal is to help guide them in that direction. very narrow scenario to test a product,” Plus, it helps us be better consultants if we Wardlaw adds. “Our R&D equipment is have access to data gathered with these tools, mobile, and we can generally find multiple locations with a specific criteria for evaluasuch as a yield monitor, for example. “Now we can sell the equipment, provide tion within the acres that we have access to. installation and service, calibrate when need- We go to the problem, put out a test and
Managing Financial Risk As Southern Ag Consulting Inc. (SAC) developed its plans to help growers manage production risks, they came to realize the importance of providing a way for growers to manage their financial risk successfully. To facilitate this goal, SAC partnered with Alliance Ag Risk Management in 2009 to provide their growers an opportunity to take advantage of Alliance’s resources if they are so inclined. According to Brian Montgomery, Alliance CEO and president/risk management specialist, “We want to work with growers to figure out where they are the most vulnerable financially, then put together a plan to help manage that risk. We are a completely separate business from SAC although we are considered a ‘sister company’ under the same roof. There is no pressure for SAC clients to do business with Alliance, but we do let them know that we are available if they need us and are dedicated to servicing their account. “We are more than just a ‘crop insurance’ company,” Montgomery adds. “We have designed proprietary software that is not tied to any particular company or organization. Using this software, we can look at a grower’s marketing plan, plug in his crop insurance, plug in budgets and look at the crop mix he intends to farm in the coming year. Then we can determine the best way for the producer to have the least amount of risk and the most upside potential in his operation.” Montgomery points out that producers also are looking to him as their risk manager to help make upcoming Farm Bill decisions. “We have to decide whether to pick up Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and determine how to use changes in the insurance program in the following year to maximize opportunities,” he explains. “We are working with the companies that we do business with as well as the university to implement some of the decision models into our software. By doing this, we can make that very complex decision easier. This one-time decision, once made, cannot be changed during the life of the 2014 Farm Bill.” To learn more, visit cropshelter.com.
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gather the data. This segment of our company is growing every year.� In taking a step back and looking at the big picture that is Southern Ag, Wardlaw points out that the “whole premise behind everything that we do is to try to increase profits for growers. Our goal is to pool all available resources to help our clients make more money.�
Meet The Team Alan Blaine – Starkville, Miss. Mitt Wardlaw – Starkville, Miss. Brian “Bozo� Ward – Leland, Miss. Jason Fratesi – Leland, Miss. Patrick Garrard – Starkville, Miss. Ben Spinks – Cleveland, Miss. Corley Moses – Tchula, Miss. Jordan Collins – New Albany, Miss. Wes McPherson – Inverness, Miss. Keith King – Leland, Miss. Bernie White – Starkville, Miss. Brian Montgomery – Starkville, Miss. Justin Prather – Cleveland, Miss. Phillip Hays – Eupora, Miss. Jesse Phillips – Starkville, Miss. Pam Brock – Starkville, Miss. Elizabeth Caldwell – Columbus, Miss. Joanie Gable – Birmingham, Ala.
New Insecticide Targets Worm Complex As Alan Blaine noted in the “Research And Development� section, Southern Ag Consulting Inc. (SAC) likes to look at as many new products as possible before they hit the market. Last year, Blaine had an opportunity to conduct a field trial with Intrepid Edge – a new insecticide manufactured by Dow AgroSciences. According to Jennifer Long, Intrepid Edge product manager, the insecticide has two unique MOAs, whereas Intrepid only had one. “We believe strongly in the fit that Intrepid Edge has in the Southern soybean market,� Long says. “It targets the worm complex, more specifically cotton bollworm and soybean loopers. We recommend that it be applied at the economic threshold, so scouting is very important. “Intrepid Edge is made up of spinetoram and methoxyfenozide chemistries, which provides faster knockdown over Intrepid, residual control and broader spectrum control of the worm complex, which is beneficial when bollworms and loopers are both present. It contains two unique classes of chemistry that make Intrepid Edge a good rotation partner.�
“Although last year really wasn’t a bollworm year, I just happened to have some beans planted behind freshly land-formed ground, and the pest showed up there,� Blaine says. “In my trial, I compared Intrepid Edge to a pyrethroid, Belt and Prevathon. Intrepid Edge performed as well as these other materials. It knocked the worms out, and I saw no pressure build back up for the rest of the year. It was hard to judge the length of the residual because we applied Intrepid Edge later in the season. In the future, if we get bollworms earlier, we will be able to tell how long Intrepid Edge will last. “We evaluated Intrepid years ago as a numbered compound and found that it was extremely effective on loopers,� Blaine adds. “Now that we have Intrepid Edge, I expect to get that same efficacy on loopers. Plus, Intrepid Edge has two modes of action so it’s a broader spectrum material today, allowing us to pick up other lepidopteran pests. Intrepid Edge is a good product. I think it’s going to be a player.� Intrepid Edge also is registered for use on peanuts and pecans.
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Controlling Nutsedge Scientists and farmers have described yellow nutsedge as a ‘super weed’ that is naturally resistant to most herbicides labeled for soybeans and rice. Today, STS soybeans and Permit Plus offer growers another approach to help control nutsedge.
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hile glyphosate-resistant pigweed (Palmer amaranth) has captured most of the headlines in recent years, yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) continues to plague soybean growers in Arkansas and neighboring states. Fortunately, new sulfonylurea-tolerant soybean (STS) soybean varieties, combined with evolving weed control strategies, offer producers new hope in dealing with this stubborn problem.
small, starchy tubers called “nutlets.” If all that wasn’t bad enough, yellow nutsedge is naturally resistant to most herbicides labeled for soybeans and rice, including glyphosate. “Several consultants commented about 2013 being a ‘nutsedge year,’ and we received a number of calls about nutsedge control in soybeans,” says Dr. Ford Baldwin, president of Practical Weed Consultants, LLC in Lonoke, Ark., and former University of Arkansas weed scientist. “We’re doing a good job on almost everything else, but nutsedge still poses a significant problem for rice and soybean growers in Arkansas. Traditional Roundup Ready and LibertyLink herbicide programs do a fine job on most of our weed problems, they’re weak on nutsedge, dayflower and a few other species.”
A programmed approach “To manage the threat of herbicide resistance, we recommend a programmed approach for nutsedge and other weeds,” adds Baldwin. “The best program for nutsedge control in soybeans, before planting or incrop, is to plant STS soybeans and use Permit Plus.” Baldwin cautioned growers to make sure the soybeans they plant are STS tolerant One of the toughest weeds around Yellow nutsedge has been described as a before applying Permit Plus, since the prod“super weed” by weed scientists and farmers uct will kill soybeans without STS tolerance. “I remember a call early one morning a alike. This hardy perennial is difficult to manage due to its tolerance to heat, drought, few years ago,” he recalls. “The farmer flooding and cold temperatures. In addition, asked what would happen if he sprayed it spreads and propagates through an under- Permit on his non-STS soybeans, to which I ground network of rhizomes, bulbs and responded that it would kill them graveyard dead. After a short pause, he said, ‘Well, I guess I know what’s wrong with mine then. But it sure did a good job on my nutgrass.’” According to Dr. Bob Scott, professor, Extension Weed Science at the University of Arkansas, Permit Plus adds another mode of action to Roundup Ready and LibertyLink programs. “The main strength of Permit Plus is definitely nutsedge control, but it does help control dayflower, northern jointvetch, morningglory, hemp sesbania, In Dr. Helms’ 2013 trials, this LibertyLink STS soybean plot that was smartweed and some other treated with Ignite and various rates of Permit Plus shows minimal weeds found in Arkansas. leaf yellowing. “Having said that, it’s not
really going to help with resistant pigweed, as many of those populations are resistant to ALS herbicides as well,” Scott says. Crop safety concerns To see how the product rates in terms of crop safety and year-end yields, Gowan hired Dr. Ronnie Helms of G&H Associates in Stuttgart, Ark., to conduct a series of small plot studies with Permit Plus on several STS soybean varieties. “We conducted studies on five different Roundup Ready/STS varieties in the 4.7 to 5.3 maturity range during the 2013 growing season: Asgrow 4832, Pioneer 95Y31, Pioneer 49T24SR and Syngenta S48-P4 and Stine 5200-4. We also evaluated Stine 47L008 – a Liberty Link/STS variety. “Our goal was to evaluate the response of these varieties to Permit Plus based on genetic diversity, application timing and application rates,” Helms continues. “While all these varieties showed good tolerance to Permit Plus applications during the early V2V3 growth stage, even at twice the labeled 0.75 ounce-per-acre rate, there was some yellowing at the higher rate when the beans were sprayed at the early reproductive growth stage (V6-R1).” Helms noted that yields in his test plots ranged from 55-69 bushels per acre. “Overall, the STS varieties appear to be pretty tolerant to Permit Plus, especially when sprayed during the early growth stages. The product worked really well in the Stine 47L-008 plot, as LibertyLink programs are notoriously weak when it comes to nutsedge control.” Added peace of mind Since Permit Plus is labeled for rice as well as STS soybeans, it offers growers and aerial applicators an added margin of safety compared to some other herbicides. “When you have rice grown next to soybeans, planting STS beans gives you the option of using Permit Plus without fear of damaging either crop,” Helms adds. “That’s an important consideration, given all the liability issues that arise from herbicide drift issues.” Baldwin echoed Helms statement and added, “The flexibility to use Permit Plus in both rice and soybeans is often an overlooked advantage. By using Permit Plus, you avoid drift issues and still get good control of yellow nutsedge and other key weeds.” Information provided by Gowan Company. SOYBEAN SOUTH MAY 2014
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Service Propane Equipment Maintain propanepowered equipment such as irrigation engines, generators, pickup trucks and forklifts to ensure best performance.
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s farmers gear up for planting season, now is the best time to ready equipment following a harsh winter. Maintenance early in the season lowers overall upkeep costs and keeps systems operating smoothly and efficiently. More than 865,000 farms in the United States use propane to run pumps and engines, heat buildings and dry and process crops. Spring equipment maintenance is similar to systems powered by other fuels, but there are key advantages of propane-powered equipment. Together with leading irrigation engine, generator and work truck manufacturers, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) compiled a list of spring preparation tips. Irrigation engines After a long winter, rodents, debris and exposure to the elements are the most common source of engine issues, says Pete Stout, product manager for Origin Engines. Stout encourages farmers to refer to their product manuals for maintenance needs specific to engine models and offers these tips for preparing irrigation engines for spring planting: • Disconnect the engine battery and check battery voltage. • Clear away any dirt and debris that have collected on and around the engine. Pay special attention to clutch bellhousings, radiator shrouds and wire harnesses. • Inspect wire harnesses for cracked or exposed wires and make repairs if necessary. • Check front drive belts for proper tension and wear. “I also urge farmers to place engines inside of structures, such as a simple carport style shelter, for the summer growing season,” Stout says. “UV sunlight and general exposure to extreme weather can be tough on engine power units.” Generators Propane-powered standby and portable
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generators can keep homes and farming operations protected when the grid goes down. Propane is often easier to access during outages and doesn’t degrade over time, in the same way as diesel, gasoline or ethanol-based fuels. Art Aiello, public relations manager for Generac Power Systems, recommends the following tips to ready a propane generator for spring: • Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as oil Early in the season, take care of the maintenance needs specific to changes, on both standby irrigation engine models. and portable generators to ensure long-term reliability. • Follow the specific instructions outlined lifecycle costs of fuel and equipment use are in your owner’s manual for maintenance spe- in favor of using propane.” cific to your generator. Forklifts • For new generator installations, choose a Many farmers are using compact propanequalified, experienced propane installer in powered forklifts for a wide range of materiyour area. “Propane is a safe, environmentally al handling needs. Because propane produces friendly and convenient fuel that many farm- fewer emissions, propane forklifts are safe ers are already using,” Aiello said. “A for both indoor and outdoor operations. Jeremy Wishart, senior programs manager propane generator can be your best protecat PERC, offered the following maintenance tion against spring weather-related outages.” and safety tips for propane forklifts: • Perform a lube and filter service at least Pickup trucks Propane-autogas-powered trucks require every 1,000 hours or every four months, similar maintenance procedures as gas-pow- whichever comes first. Always follow speered trucks, and spring is the perfect time to cific service intervals as recommended by assess needs for oil and filter changes, said your equipment manufacturer. • Inspect the fuel system on a regular basis Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at Roush CleanTech, a Ford for wear or damage and replace components as needed. Qualified Vehicle Modifier. • Do not modify or repair valves, regulaMouw recommends the following tips for tors or other cylinder or appliance parts. Call prepping trucks for spring: • Check all air filter and fluid levels, your propane retailer or a qualified techniincluding oil, antifreeze and washer fluid. cian for repair assistance. Make certain the air conditioner and both Propane Farm Incentive Program windshield wipers are in good condition. Purchase incentives of up to $5,000 are • Examine tires for tread wear and proper inflation. Remove snow tires and install all- available to farmers who upgrade to eligible propane-powered farm equipment, including season radials or summer tires. Additionally, farmers already using irrigation engines, grain dryers, generators propane equipment on the farm or in the and other eligible equipment through the home can increase overall energy efficiency PERC Propane Farm Incentive program. Find out about PERC’s incentive prowith the addition of a propane autogas truck, grams by visiting agpropane.com and Mouw said. “Producers will be using propane year buildwithpropane.com. round, rather than just during peak use seasons, and can leverage better prices from Information provided by the Propane their propane dealer,” he explains. “The total Education and Research Council (PERC).