2012 Spring Farm tab by The Paper of Wabash County

THE PAPER of Wabash County, Inc. www.thepaperofwabash.com

March 28, 2012

s e t r n ing o

at a time

Local resident handcrafts a variety of wool items Local resident handcrafts a variety of wool items, one string at a time

“I started spinning and weaving about 18 years ago,” Peggy said. “Over time as I learned more about it, I’ve gotten to the point where I am now.” What started as a simple hobby 18 years ago has by Brent Swan evolved to where Peggy has at least 13 different looms, Rural Lagro residents Phil and Peggy Siders have although some are more ornamental, and a vast invenfour sheep roaming in front of their house. To most peo- tory of different types of wools she can choose from at ple that drive through the area, the sheep are nothing any point. out of the ordinary, just random farm animals you see After selecting a project to begin, Peggy then picks throughout the rural countryside. To the Siders, howev- the type of wool she wants to work with. Then, after selecting the wool, Peggy spins the wool into yarn also by hand using one of two s p i n n i n g wheels; a foot operated spinning wheel, or an electric one Phil engineered by utilizing the motor from a s e w i n g machine. “Phil has been able to make some of the tools I use,” Peggy said. “The electric spinning wheel saves me a lot of time.” “She can sit on the couch for hours doing that,” Phil said PEGGY SIDERS works to complete a blanket on one of her looms, which she purchased from of the spinSweden. Siders raises sheep, and buys wools from other sources, to create sweaters, rugs, and many ning. “Just other items – all by hand. (photo by Brent Swan) about every night, she’s er, the sheep are just the beginning step to a passion of working on something. It’s something you get used to.” Peggy’s. After spinning the yarn, Peggy is then ready to start The Siders have three crossbred, mixes of Corriedale putting it all together using one of her looms. Again and Romney, and a purebred Romney, all of which fea- dependent upon the type of the project, Peggy chooses ture a wool that is desirable to a select group of hobby- a loom and sets it up according the pattern she designs ists – handspinners. using a computer program. The wool the Siders’ sheep provides is a longer, softer The largest loom, a counter marche loom imported and finer wool than the wools associated with the sheep from Sweden and assembled by Phil, was utilized for seen at a local 4-H fair. That type of wool allows Peggy one of Peggy’s most difficult projects to date, an intrito create items such as sweaters and blankets, where a cate alpaca blanket. softer feel is preferable. “The alpaca blanket was so difficult because it was “With the standard meat breed type wool you might wider than the loom itself,” Peggy explained. “I actualmake a quilt batt or use it for felting.” Peggy explained. ly wove the blanket while it was folded in half. Also, Phil and Peggy raise the sheep and shears them using the alpaca fiber is a little tougher due to the annually to collect their wool. Peggy then cleans and nature of the material itself. Their hair is slicker and cards the wool, which she then spins into yarn and can be challenging to spin.” makes into various projects – all by hand. After originally joining a few Weaving Guilds from as

far away as Indianapolis, with the intent to learn more about the craft, Peggy has now reached the point where she can be seen as the teacher to many. Although reluctant to admit it, Peggy has competed at a variety of events including the Indiana State Fair. “I won Best of Show at the State Fair with one of my sweaters,” Peggy explained. “I got a blue with my coat, and I got the Grand Champion for the Skein Competition award at the Greencastle Fiber Event last year and two of my fleeces won a blue and a red” (continued on page 11)

Farm Service Agency announces deadlines DCP sign-up deadline is June 1. Producers wanting to participate in the 2012 DCP program should call our office at 260-563-3145 and set up an appointment. If you have made any changes to farms you farmed in 2011, we will need to make those corrections in farm records before running new contracts. There will be no advance payments this year. All payments will be issued in October 2012. Farms not signed up by the June 1 deadline will not be eligible for benefits. April 6 is the deadline to offer acreage into a new Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general sign up. If you have marginal cropland or farmland near bodies of water, this is your opportunity to offer this land for 10-15 year contracts with the government. The land will be placed in conservation cover of your choosing and will earn annual rental payments. Cost share will also be available to help establish the conservation cover. Call 260-563-3145 to set up an appointment. Continuous CRP, the creation of waterways and filter strips is eligible for sign up year round. Land that is experiencing gulley erosion and land next to bodies of water where runoff from the field can contaminate the water are excellent candidates for this program. NRCS will work with you to develop a plan that meets the needs of the land and still allows you to farm the remaining acreage. Annual rental payments and cost share are available to assist in the establishment of these conservation practices. We are often asked about the disaster programs in place for the 2011 crop losses that occurred in Wabash County in 2011. When you certified your crops last summer, we had you complete eligibility forms reporting your prevented planted or low yields due to the heavy spring rains and later hot dry summer. Later this fall, we will begin working on potential SURE payments for producers that qualify. Wabash County was declared a disaster county and producers will be eligible for a potential (continued on page 11)

2012 SPRING FARM EDITION

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March 28, 2012

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2012 SPRING FARM EDITION

March 28, 2012

Farm safety expert: Know what’s in proposed child labor law Parents of children who work on the family farm or are in agriculture education programs should thoroughly review proposed changes to child labor laws so they fully understand how the new rules could affect them, a Purdue farm safety specialist advises. “Because the proposed rule changes are 51 pages long, I don’t know that many people understand exactly what’s being presented,” Bill Field said. “The changes not only hold the potential for positive but also significant negative effects to youth less than 16 years old who seek employment or are

currently employed in agriculture.” While the A g r i c u l t u r a l H a z a r d o u s Occupations Order was written in an effort to protect children from dangerous situations, it could prevent many young people from working on family farms or participating in agriculture-related educational programs. The U.S. Department of Labor on Feb. 1 temporarily shelved the legislation after complaints that it would erode the tradition of children working on their family-owned farm. Although it agreed to reinstate a “parental exemption” that

would allow parents to assign on-farm duties to their children, Field said many other proposed rule changes could further restrict young people from working in agriculture. Under the proposed changes, the “parental exemption” itself would not apply to incorporated family farms, Field noted. “Many small, family farms are incorporated because of the tax advantages,” he said. “But when a farm is incorporated, parents are considered a corporate entity and they would not be covered by the parental exemption.” Field said that due to negative feedback

from producer groups, the U.S. Department of Labor has appeared to back off of this provision as it relates to incorporated farms. However, he said there has yet to be a published revision. Educational programs such 4-H and the FFA’s Supervised A g r i c u l t u r a l Experience program, in which some students work on a farm or in some other agricultural business, also could be affected by the proposed changes, Field said. While Field doesn’t believe the rules are ready to be passed in their current form, he said it’s time to update farm youth

labor legislation. Current rules have not been updated since the 1960s. “Even though there are significant concerns with many of the proposed rule changes, there is a need to review and revise the current rules to reflect changes in agricultural production practices and technology since the original rules were adopted more than 45 years ago,” Field said. The public comment period has passed, but those in favor of and opposed to the new legislation still have time to make their voices heard. Field encouraged those in agricul-

ture to read about what’s being proposed and contact legislators with their thoughts.

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Purdue University agricultural economists will break down the numbers from a pair of highly anticipated U.S. Department of Agriculture reports during a free webinar on March 30. Corinne Alexander and Chris Hurt will discuss what the USDA Prospective Plantings and Grain Stocks reports say, how the projections could affect grain prices and which marketing strategies farmers can employ to get the most profit from their crops. The webinar takes place from noon to 1:30 p.m. EST (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CST). Farmers can view the webinar on any computer with Internet access or at 12 county sites hosted or co-hosted by Purdue Extension. The webinar comes just hours after USDA issues the reports. Prospective Plantings estimates the types and acres of crops U.S. farmers intend to plant this spring, based on a USDA survey of growers. The Grain Stocks report details how many bushels of the 2011 crop remain. If the USDA numbers hold true to commodities market trends, corn will dominate farmers’ planting decisions, Alexander said. “While our inventories for soybeans and wheat at this time are a little comfortable, corn inventories from

the most recent USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report showed ending stocks for this marketing year to be 801 million bushels,” Alexander said. “Those are record tight stocks, given our corn usage is above 12 billion bushels a year.” Already, grain markets are sending signals that more corn will need to be planted in 2012 to meet global demand. “Right now the grain trade is expecting U.S. farmers in the coming year will plant an additional 2 million acres of corn, for roughly a total of 94 million acres,” Alexander said. “Since 2007 what we’ve seen with the Prospective Plantings report is the market will go into a period where it will ‘buy’ acres. That is, it will drive up the price of corn or soybeans relative to the other, in

order to convince farmers to plant more of one or the other. Then, by the June 30 USDA report of what farmers do plant, there could be a swing of as much as 5 million acres from the March report.” Fertilizer and production costs also will factor into farmers’ acreage decisions, Alexander said. To view the Purdue webinar live, log onto https://gomeet.itap.p urdue.edu/march_30_ outlook/ just before the program starts, provide a name in the “Enter as a Guest” box and click “Enter Room.” The webinar utilizes Adobe Connect technology, which allows viewers to submit questions via a message box. Alexander and Hurt will answer as many questions as time permits. Counties with webinar viewing sites include Adams,

B l a c k f o r d , Bartholomew, Greene, H e n d r i c k s , Huntington, LaPorte, Madison, Pike, Spencer, Vigo and Warrick. For site locations, additional information about the webinar and how Adobe Connect works, visit http://www.agecon.p urdue.edu/cab/Marc h30Outlook/. After the webinar the page will contain a link to the archived recording of the program. The webinar is sponsored by the Purdue Center for C o m m e r c i a l Agriculture. CCA is dedicated to providing management education and information for farmers and agricultural businesses.

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March 28, 2012

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by Ann Kopecky What causes calf loss?.... Scours, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. As the leading cause of preweaned heifer calf deaths, calf scours account for 36 percent of all death losses between birth and 30 days of age. Losing a

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Holstein heifer calf can cost approximately $300, which during this current economic climate can leave some serious implications on the profitability of any dairy operation. As cold winter temperatures set in, these costs and working to prevent calf scours are at the top of every dairy producer’s mind. Scours can be caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites. Disease conditions are created when these agents damage the villi that line the intestinal tract. This damage prevents normal absorption of fluids and nutrients. Weather is one the biggest outside influencers to newborn calves, along with difficult births, poor sanitation, and the reduced health status of the mother. When these conditions are present and the calf ’s resistance to disease is lowered, the induction and

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overload of e-coli and salmonella are more likely to cause lowered production, and possibly death. What can producers do to help prevent this problem from continually creeping into calving season? The quick answer is: Stop the cycle! These are some general control measures producers can follow: Minimize the accumulation of drainage water mixing with dry manure, which creates a haven for bacterial growth. Clean water troughs regularly and protect them from manure contamination. Reduce chances of feed contamination from rodents and birds. Avoid hauling dead animals or manure in front end loaders used for feeds. Minimize visitor entry to the barns to prevent cross contamination. Utilize herd health programs set by the veterinarian. Keep healthy cows out of hospital pens. Do not use calving

also knows nutrition can play an important part in calf health. After discussing Alltech’s Dairy Advantage Program with his Famo Feeds representative, Greden decided to incorporate one of the program’s products, Bio-Mos(r), into his nutrition program. Besides seeing a decreased need for antibiotics and a reduced number of days sick, Greden was also able to measure a significant reduction in calf death. “Bio-Mos is a costeffective product for us because it is a tool that has helped us decrease calf mortality and we have saved money in antibiotic costs,” Greden said. The Alltech Dairy Advantage series of natural solutions is aimed directly at optimizing rumen efficiency and maintaining animal health as well as reducing mastitis, lameness and fertility issues. For more information, contact your local Alltech sales representative or e-mail AlltechDairyAdvanta ge@alltech.com.

Top Farmer Crop Workshop set for July 9-11 at Purdue Farmers looking to improve their operations will learn how to better evaluate their economic, agronomic and technological opportunities and challenges at the annual Top Farmer Crop Workshop in July at Purdue University. The July 9-11 workshop, in its 45th year, for the first time will be held in partnership with the University of Illinois. Presenters from diverse viewpoints of academics, agribusi-

Phone: 563-8381 or 800-992-3435

pens as sick pens. Insure proper feed preparation to prevent contamination from manure. Pay attention to cleanliness of dry lots, holding areas, calving facilities and feeding areas. Use iodine on navels. Minimize exposure to pathogens at birth by using products that help to clean the gastrointestinal tract of the cow prior to calving. Keep the calf dry and away from manure and urine accumulation. Utilize a colostrum management program set by your veterinarian and/or nutritionist Practicing good management has been a key factor to the success at Greden Dairy in Altura, MN. According to Ross Greden, co-owner of a 240 heifer calf operation, he has always believed in good supervision, cleanliness, consistency, preventative measures and free choice water to ensure optimum return on investment. However, Greden

ness and farmers will help participants explore strategies for growing their business, develop new ways to manage production costs and risk, and learn about new crop production technology. They also will have the opportunity to meet other farmers and share ideas. “Discussion among attendees and presenters occurs after, and often during, each presentation. It’s the interaction that our attendees say they

benefit from the most,” said Brent Gloy, director of the Center for C o m m e r c i a l Agriculture, based at Purdue, and one of the presenters. “People really value the networking that occurs in the hallways between and after sessions.” Gloy and Purdue agricultural economics colleague Michael Boehlje will lead a session titled “Positioning Your Farm for Growth,” (Continued on Page 5)

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March 28, 2012

Warm winter could bring early insects; growers encouraged to scout fields While the nearrecord warm winter will cause some insects to appear earlier than normal, whether the bugs negatively impact field crops will depend on spring weather, insect variety and planting dates, says an Ohio State University Extension entomologist. Insects such as the bean leaf beetle, corn flea beetle and alfalfa weevil will likely be seen earlier than normal this year, said Ron Hammond, who also has an appointment with the Ohio A g r i c u l t u r a l Research and Development Center. This winter is the warmest winter experienced nationwide since 2000 and the fourth-warmest winter on record, according to the National Oceanic and A t m o s p h e r i c Administration. This was caused when the jet stream, which divides the cold air to the north from

the warm air to the south, settled at a much higher latitude this year, the federal agency said. The warmer weather will cause insects to come out earlier to feed and become more active in the months before spring, Hammond said. In addition, many insects migrate from southern areas, such as black cutworm, true armyworm and potato leafhopper, he said, noting that their development is affected by weather conditions farther south. Whether they migrate into the Eastern Corn Belt earlier will depend on the weather conditions later this spring, he said. The impact these bugs can have on field crops depends more on the stage of crop development and growth, Hammond said. “If insects arrive in fields early but no crop is even planted, this could lead to greater mortality if

they cannot find alternative hosts,” he said. “However, if the insect arrives or begins feeding earlier when crops are smaller in size, a greater potential for injury exists.” However, corn flea beetles in particular, and their ability to vector Stewart’s bac (Continued on Page 6)

Top Farmer Crop...

Continued from Page 4 focusing on ways to evaluate growth options and alternative business models to optimize success. Another session, “Using Spreadsheet Tools to Make Better Decisions,” will be led by agricultural economics experts from the University of Illinois farmdoc team. “The spreadsheet is a powerful management tool, if you know how to use it,” said Scott Irwin, University of Illinois agricultural economist and leader of the farmdoc project.

“Most of us only use a fraction of the potential that the technology has to offer. The session on spreadsheet tools will provide instruction on how to use the free, spreadsheet-based decision tools for you that are posted on the farmdoc website.” For complete information including the agenda, list of speakers and registration, visit http://www.agecon.purdue.edu/commercialag/progevents/topfarmer.htm l.

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Wabash resident wins Beck’s Hybrids’ Orange County Choppers motorcycle raffle

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Midwest, visiting more than 15 events and tradeshows. Today, Beck’s Hybrids is pleased to announce the winner of the We Care for Orphans Adoption Fund Sweepstakes is Greg Lundquist from Wabash, Ind. “We couldn’t be more excited to award Greg with one of the most unique custom choppers,” said Scott Beck, vice president of Beck’s Hybrids. “With the help of farmers, bike enthusiasts and the agricultural community, we’ve raised a total of $80,043. From the beginning of the sweepstakes, it has been our desire to help provide as many families with the resources they need to make their adoption a reality. More than 20 families will benefit from the funds raised.” Lundquist has been in sales at Agro-Chem, a distributor in agricultural chemicals, in Wabash, Ind., for 37 years. He registered for the OCC chopper at the IN-

GREG LUNDQUIST recently received a custom-built Orange County Choppers (OCC) motorcycle after winning the Beck’s Hybrids We Care for Orphans Adoption Fund Sweepstakes raffle. Beck’s raised a total of $80,043 through the raffle, which is set to benefit more than 20 families from the funds raised. (photo provided) IL Farm and Outdoor Power Equipment Show on December 15, 2011. The chopper Lundquist will receive features a unique, custom paint job. An American flag with the saying “God Bless the American Farmer,” flies on the gas tank, along with an image of a two-row horse drawn planter, which is how the first Beck’s Superior Hybrids seed corn was planted. “When I received

the call saying I won the bike, I thought it was a prank,” said Lundquist. “I entered the sweepstakes mainly for the charity, never thinking I had a chance to win. I just wanted to donate $20 to a good cause that helps orphaned children in need. And even though I’ve never driven a motorcycle, I think I’m going to have to learn!” There are 143 million orphaned children worldwide.

The We Care for Orphans Adoption Fund helps unite orphaned children with loving families. The average cost to adopt is around $30,000. The bikes were unveiled on July 28, 2011 in front of nearly 1,000 customers, dealers and employees. The c o m m e m o r a t iv e reverse trike was featured on the hit Discovery Channel TV show, American Chopper last fall and will remain at the Beck’s headquarters

Warm winter could ... Continued from Page 5

395 S. Huntington St. Wabash, IN 46992 Ph. 260-563-3317 • Fax 260-563-4692 9901

terial wilt, is of concern this year because of the warmer winter

temperatures, Hammond said. In fact, more corn flea beetles are expected this year, significantly increasing the potential for Stewart’s bacterial wilt. Farmers can mitigate the damage if they

scout their fields earlier and with more tenacity, he said. “We recommend that growers scout, scout, scout,” Hammond said. “Growers need to be out in their fields to be aware of the insects

they’re dealing with and pay more attention this year, especially in the crop rows, because more insects may be waiting for crops to come out of the ground.”

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New field guide helps farmers choose, manage cover crops Farmers interested in planting cover crops to improve soil health can now find information and tips in a new pocket guide produced by the Midwest Cover Crops Council and Purdue University. Written by Eileen Kladivko and Corey Gerber of Purdue’s A g r o n o m y Department and colleagues from Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada, the goal of the Midwest Cover Crops Field Guide is to provide information to farmers that will help them choose the appropriate cover crops for their needs and learn how to best manage them to receive the most benefits. “Interest in cover crops has been increasing across the Midwest over the last

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260.774.3322 2-3 years, especially in the eastern Corn Belt of Indiana, Ohio and Michigan,” said Kladivko, a professor of agronomy. “Planting cover crops can help with weed suppression, breaking up compacted soils, erosion control, and, over the long term, improving crop yields and profitability. So demand for information about cover crops has been increasing as interest increases.” The guide is available through the Purdue Extension Education Store at http://www.the-education-store.com or by calling 888-EXT-INFO (398-4636). Individual copies of the guide cost $5 each, and boxes of 25 are available at a 10 percent discount, $112.50. The guide is divided into two sections. The first contains general

information about cover crops, including selection and planting methods, killing methods, concerns about insects, and ways to keep the crop from becoming a weed. The second contains photos, seeding dates, depth, planting and killing methods, benefits and cautions for specific crops, each given a ranking according to their benefit type and amount. Cover crops are planted after harvesting a cash crop, such as corn or soybeans, or sometimes shortly before harvest to conserve soil nutrients and prevent erosion during the winter. Each cover crop is cultivated for a specific benefit: grasses such as annual ryegrass and wheat, for example, break up compacted soil, while legumes such as alfal-

FARMERS have been able to get out in the fields earlier this year as the temperatures have been well above normal and dry. Many Ag experts caution against planting this early in the season, but farmers such as this one spotted off of Dora Road on March 20 have capitalized on the chance to work ground early. (photo by Brent Swan)

fa and clover “fix” atmospheric nitrogen and convert it into a form plants use. Types of cover crops are selected according to the needs of the soil and cropping system, and they are either killed off or allowed to die naturally to release nutrients into the soil before or during the main growing season. Farmers faced with high fertilizer and pesticide prices want to be efficient and conserve as many nutrients in the soil as possible, Kladivko said. “Cover crops trap nitrogen that would otherwise leach away in the fall, winter and spring,” she said. “By planting cover crops, farmers can save 20 or 30 pounds of nitrogen that would otherwise have been lost. This will help build soil organic matter, and in

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Paying more for food may not be out of the question for consumers if regulations on the U.S. poultry and livestock sectors increase. In fact, consumers could pay up to $16.8 billion more annually for meat, milk and eggs if regulations are imposed on U.S. poultry and livestock farmers that raise input costs by 25 percent. The Consumer and Food Safety Costs of Offshoring Animal Agriculture, a recent soy-checkoff-funded study, evaluated current U.S. supply and demand for poultry and livestock products and the impact of regulations on retail price. The study indicates that potential regulations could

raise consumer costs. For example, requiring cage-free housing for laying hens would increase the cost of eggs from $1.68 to $2.10 per dozen, a total cost of $2.66 billion per year to U.S. consumers. “This could have a big impact on everyone - it’s not just that dozen eggs you and I buy at the grocery store,” explains Vanessa Kummer, a soybean farmer from Colfax, N.D., and chair of the United Soybean Board (USB). “As Americans, we have abundant, nutritious and affordable food choices that rely heavily on protein from animals, and, as farmers, we continue to work hard on improvements because we share consumers’ concerns for our country’s land and resources, and the quality of

America’s food.” The report cites increased regulations that could drive up costs of production meat, milk and eggs by anywhere from 10 percent to 25 percent. It shows that a 25 percent increase in costs to animal agriculture would reduce U.S. exports by $1.1 billion and cause nearly 9,000 Americans to lose their jobs. “U.S. agriculture leads the world as a global producer and exporter of animal products, and we need that to continue,” adds Kummer. “The poultry and livestock sectors not only support the U.S. export market, but also make our economy stronger here at home by creating jobs and tax revenue.” The most recent statistics compiled by the soy checkoff show the poultry and live-

stock sectors support 1.8 million jobs and generate more than $283 billion for the U.S. economy. USB is made up of 69 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization, industry relations, market access and supply. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff. For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.o rg.

Warm winters may affect crop management decisions The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently revised its Plant Hardiness Zone Map northward, meaning that the extreme low temperatures during the winter in Kansas and most of the rest of the country aren’t quite as cold now as they were about 20 to 30 years ago, said Mary Knapp, K-State Research and Extension climatologist.

“There is a lot of variability, of course, from year to year. But the USDA has determined that there is enough evidence of a trend for warmer winters that it made this change in the Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Certainly that was the case during the early part of the winter this year, with Kansas recording one of the warmest Januarys on record,” Knapp said. Agricultural producers in the state may see some benefits from this trend of less extreme cold in the winter, but it may also result in the need for a few management changes in their cropping practices, according to K-State

Research and Extension scientists. Here are a few of the potential factors they say to consider: Insect overwintering survival. During winters with extreme lows that are not as cold, it is possible that some wheat pests may survive the winter a bit more easily, and become a problem earlier and in a larger scale than in more “average” winters, said Jeff Whitworth, K-State Research and Extension entomologist. “Of particular concern would be greenbugs and bird cherry oat aphids. Although these insects probably do not overwinter in

Kansas, they may do so during warmer winters. If they overwinter in Kansas, they would be available to start feeding and reproducing earlier, as soon as the wheat breaks dormancy,” he said. Also, flea beetles, army cutworms and winter grain mites may be more of a problem earlier in the year if their populations are not limited by the “normal” extreme lows in the winter we had in the past, Whitworth added. Dry conditions also add to the stress these pests have on the wheat and make it just that much more critical to start scout(continued on page 9)

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2012 SPRING FARM EDITION

March 28, 2012

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Do you have corn in the ground, or just about?

by Stu Ellis How much corn do you have planted? How about your neighbors? Are you leading the pack or trying to keep up with the neighbors? There is a good possibility that over half of the counties in the Corn Belt have corn in the ground, thanks to the unusually warm end to winter and finally, warm start to spring. And if you have rented additional ground for 2012, you might already be feeling behind schedule. But with 10 days still on the March calendar, is it too early to really feel pressed to put seed in the ground? The central part of the Corn Belt has benefited from warm temperatures, thanks to the jet stream that has resulted from the transition from La Nina to El Nino. In the weather, nothing is ever normal or average, but that description is reached as a passing fancy.

And while 2012 temperatures will certainly raise the average, another year will bring something on the other end of the spectrum. But for now, many Corn Belt farmers have been working fields for several weeks and many have also been planting mid-March corn. Why? Because they can._University of Illinois crop production specialist Emerson Nafziger says with a continuation of the warm temperatures, the crop would be expected to get off to a fast start. Calculating Growing Degree Days, Nafziger says about 15 to 18 are being collected every day, and that means it would take about a week to accumulate enough to provide the 115 needed for germination. At this time of year, there would typically not be any collected, or only a handful per week at the most. And in most other years, overnight

temperatures in March and early April would provide sufficient amount of frost to stun young corn plants back to ground level. Based on soil temperatures being reported around the Corn Belt, (IL for example) many soil temperatures are above typical corn planting, and the trend has been for increasing temperatures. Nafziger says, “If it stays warm and doesn’t get wet, we normally would expect planting to get going in late March, with April 1 being the “go” date for many in the southern twothirds of Illinois.” (Equate that latitude to your state.) Nafziger says his many years of research have never planted corn in midMarch. However, he says there is plenty of research on corn planted in late March and compared to early April for yield advan-

tages. “Of 12 trials conducted over the past three years, corn planted in late April has yielded more than corn planted in late March or early April nine times, and the earlier planting has yielded more three times. The average advantage from planting later was about 4 bushels per acre.” Because planting date responses are unpredictable, Nafziger says there is no certainty that corn planted in late March will yield any more or less than corn planted in late April. But he says consider the soil moisture and the growing degree days. With more time for root development, early corn may be able to take up more water than later planted corn. But for Growing Degree Days, the typical amount is minimal in March and April and there may not be enough heat units to help the corn plants,

and “early planting may not mean early pollination, maturity, and harvest.” Nafziger expresses concern about a return to low and even sub-freezing temperatures, which would not only trump the early planting

opportunity, but farmers may find replacement seed difficult to obtain either the hybrid numbers they want or quantity they want. Crop insurance for much of the central Corn Belt has an early April date for planting with cover-

age for replacement seed. He says, “Unless temperatures remain far above normal over the next month or more, the risk of planting now may well outweigh the likely return.”

Warm winters... continued from page 8 ing wheat fields as soon as the first new growth is evident, the K-State entomologist said. Plant disease overwintering survival. Leaf rust can at times get started on wheat in the fall in Kansas. These fall infections do not usually cause a significant problem because the leaf rust fungus does do not normally survive the winter in Kansas, said Erick DeWolf, K-State Research and

Extension plant pathologist. “But if the extreme lows during the winter are not as cold now as in the past, which is what the recent change in plant hardiness zones implies, then leaf rust may successfully overwinter on wheat more often,” DeWolf said. As a result, it would be a good idea for wheat farmers and consultants in Kansas to inspect their wheat fields more closely and frequently in late

winter and early spring for signs of leaf rust, as well as other early-season diseases such as powdery mildew, tan spot, and septoria leaf blotch, DeWolf explained. Another disease that may increase in frequency is barley yellow dwarf virus on wheat, DeWolf added. This disease is spread by greenbugs and oat bird cherry aphids, and these insects could become more of a problem in

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March 28, 2012

Are we really exporting ethanol so it will not compete with imported gasoline?

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by Stu Ellis Every day supertankers full of $100 per barrel oil are docking at US ports where other supertankers full of $1 per gallon ethanol have just departed for overseas markets. While some folks have trouble understanding the economics of the exchange, others are happy there is a thriving ethanol industry in the US and a global market for it. It adds value to corn, and somewhere around the world, motorists would rather have the lesser expensive motor fuel and let the US motoring public pay for the more expensive commodity. Maybe, there is someone, somewhere who can make sense of this. But in the meantime, ethanol has a market. The “blend wall” is that sky high object that ethanol ran head long into some months back when the 10% limit was reached in the nation’s motor fuel supply. Currently, the recession has reduced demand to about 135 billion gallons per year, and 13.5 billion gallons of ethanol is the maximum that can be blended into regular gasoline. We are there, but that is less than the 14.75 billion gallon capacity of the US ethanol industry, so what can be done with the excess? Iowa State University economist Bob Wisner says exports are the way that ethanol can scale the blend wall and escape the chains of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS.)

Wisner’s latest renewable energy newsletter says there is a glut of ethanol: storage facilities are full, gasoline use is down, ethanol returns are negative, and some plants have begun to close. One safety valve would be E-15 or 15% ethanol blends, or E-85, an 85% blend, but merchandisers have not been anxious to install those pumps. One of the problems is the restrictions on EPA’s latest approval for E-15, and another is Detroit’s reluctance to build cars for higher levels of ethanol fuel. Wisner says with E-85 mileage about 24% to 28% less than gasoline, it needs to be priced 25% less than regular, but with the loss of the blenders’ credit, it will be difficult to achieve that savings at the pump. Lower pricing of ethanol would unlock the price of corn from the price of crude oil, but Wisner says that lower price would have to be shared by corn growers, land owners, and ethanol plant operators. Subsequently, the export market has been a good alternative to get around the blend wall. For the 12-month period ending last November, the US exported 1.094 billion gallons of ethanol, equal to 400 million bushels of corn. He says after adjusting for DDGS replacement that added 25¢ to 30¢ to a bushel of corn. With that level of exports, the US replaced Brazil as the largest exporter and that tenure will depend

on Brazil’s use of sugarcane to make sugar or ethanol, the relationship between the dollar and the Brazilian real, foreign mandates for ethanol use, and the relationship between ethanol and gasoline prices. With 6% of ethanol production being exported, that is one gallon of every 16 refined, which is a significant market. Canada has been the leading market and purchased 239 million gals in 2011. The EU was second, followed by Jamaica and Brazil. A group of 57 other nations came in 5th place indicating a broad demand for some volume of ethanol. Canadian ethanol production was about 357 mil. gal. and its total demand is increasing annually, with supplies also coming from waste product refineries. Canada has a mandate for E-5 in the motor fuel, but different provinces have various internal levels mandated. To meet the demand, Canada would need 525 million gallons per year, with part of that to be filled by imported US ethanol, before it meets a blend wall also. The European Union’s imports increased sharply in 2011 to 227 million gallons in an effort to meet its internal 10% blend mandate. The United Arab Emirates became a significant market in 2011, and Mexico has been increasing its imports. Brazil is the wild card, since its once

large exports were exchanged for imports when sugar prices were higher and it was more profitable to export sugar and buy ethanol. That is changing and in recent days Brazil has indicated its intention to reduce sugar production, increase ethanol production, and return to exporting it. Jamaica has been the Caribbean ethanol broker, since it could export ethanol to the US without a duty and had been resale point for Brazilian ethanol before the tariff expired at the end of 2011. Corn and sugar economics were working against the Jamaican ethanol refineries and its plants have recently closed and its future is uncertain at best. Wisner says US ethanol exports are a small share of the total market, but have grown rapidly and helping an industry with a saturated market. The exports are primarily to neighboring countries, and to markets with mandates for ethanol use. But in the longer term, US ethanol exports will compete at times with Brazil. However, he says the rising price of gasoline will likely spur many nations to come to the US for ethanol, since we may have plenty to sell.

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2012 SPRING FARM EDITION

March 28 , 2012

Field history should play important role in grower decisions

Successfully controlling yield-limiting crop diseases comes down to analyzing field history and making the right management decisions for individual fields, says a Purdue Extension plant pathologist. Once soil-borne crop diseases are present in a field, they rarely disappear. When the right weather conditions present themselves, diseases such as sudden death syndrome, root rot, white mold and seedling blight can substantially decrease crop yields. “Managing diseases starts with knowing what is present in the fields,” Kiersten Wise said. “Growers need to

know what diseases have shown up in their fields in the past, and they need to plan for those diseases even if they haven’t seen them in a few years.” Disease development is mostly dictated by environment, planting date and seed variety. Wise said there could be more problems after a very warm, wet winter because soil-borne diseases are there and waiting for the right conditions to flourish. “Soil diseases don’t go away, so growers need to plan to manage them,” she said. “Knowing the field history can help growers choose varieties that are resistant to previous disease pressures.”

With soybeans, growers have a few more seed treatment options. But with no treatments to effectively fight sudden death syndrome, Wise said variety selection and planting date are extremely important in fields with a history of this disease. Fields with disease history should be planted as late in the season as possible. Corn growers also have a variety of disease management choices, including hybrid selection and fungicide applications. “Foliar disease organisms won’t be as affected by the mild winter. Instead, they will depend more on the weather during the

reproductive stages, probably in July,” Wise said. “At that point, if growers are seeing foliar diseases, they can consider fungicide treatments.” Many fungicide purchases have rebates if the orders are placed before the crop is planted. Wise said corn producers should consider a few factors in deciding whether they might need to consider fungicide application. “If farmers are planting into fields with a lot of residue, if they’re planting susceptible varieties and if their fields are continuous corn, they could possibly benefit from a fungicide later in the season if the environment is

favorable for disease development,” she said. Purdue Extension’s Corn and Soybean Field Guide offers more information and helps producers identify crop diseases throughout the growing season.

“People might not know that you don’t just sit down and start spinning yarn,” Peggy said. “When you start spinning, you already know what you want your

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ease also can send samples to the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Laboratory for diagnosis within a few days. More information is available at http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/PPDL/

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One string at a time...continued from the front page Even though she has begun to accumulate awards, Peggy insists she simply enjoys the process as a whole. This past year, her granddaughter, Evelynn Gray, created a 4-H project where she wove a scarf from scratch, earning a possible state ribbon. “There is not a whole lot of people around that do this, but I think there’s a lot of people that would enjoy it if they knew how to do it,” Peggy said of the hobby. “It’s a relaxing type of hobby that I truly enjoy. It’d be nice to see a group of people that are interested in it start up a group or a guild.” The main ingredient to the hobby, according to both Phil and Peggy, is time.

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PHIL AND PEGGY SIDERS work on another of the many looms they have inside their residence outside of Lagro. Dependent upon the nature of the project, Peggy then chooses the appropriate loom to finish the product. (photo by Brent Swan)

Farm Service Agency...continued from the front page

payment if they suffered at least a 10 percent loss in one crop. Crop insurance coverage is a requirement to be eligible for 2011 SURE benefits. July 15 will be the final date to report the following: - Crops planted in 2012 - Certification of the existence of CRP practices - 2011 yields for farms enrolled in the ACRE program The Farm Service Agency continues to offer loans to producers needing money for operating expenses, land purchases, grain bin storage and for beginning farmers trying to get established. We will be glad to provide you with additional information if you have a need in this area. Please call 260-

563-3145 for assistance. Landowners in Waltz, Liberty and Lagro townships will be electing an individual this fall to represent them on the Wabash County Committee. Mr. Dan Bowman has represented you for the past nine years and will not be eligible to serve once his current term expires in December. If you are interested in serving in this important position please let us know. We want to extend a big thanks to Mr. Bowman for a job well done these past nine years. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where

applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance programs. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-7202600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication and Compliance, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 800795-3272 (voice) or 202-

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Research pushes for 300-bushel corn yields Research completed during the last three years shows that a new systems approach to highyield corn production management significantly out-produced conventional production systems. In 2011, researchers saw an average 30-bushelsper-acre yield advantage and as much as 92 bushels per acre in one location despite temperature and moisture stress. Top yields reached 300 bushels in one location where growingseason moisture was closer to normal, and several other locations nearly reached that goal. “To optimize production and move to the 300-bushel-peracre corn yield goal targeted for 2030, we have to identify new and more efficient ways to optimize the yield potential of rapidly advancing crop genetics,” explains Dan Froehlich, Ph.D. and manager of New Product Development with The Mosaic Company. “This means investigating innovative approaches to crop production, which is why we’re working in conjunction with the University of Illinois to evaluate this systems approach.” The innovative systems approach to high yields being investigated by Mosaic and the University of Illinois incorporates five technologies or agronomic approaches. Results show the beneficial synergies of combining them. The advanced agronomic system

includes additional phosphorus, provided by MicroEssentials(r) SZ(tm), and additional nitrogen, provided by SuperU(r) stabilized nitrogen to ensure adequate nitrogen (N) is available later in the season. A triple-stack hybrid with both corn borer and corn rootworm insect protection is used, planted at 45,000 plants per acre in 30-inch rows, with a strobilurin fungicide applied at flowering. The traditional system includes university nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium recommendation levels, double-stack hybrids, 32,000 plants per acre, and no fungicide use. Results of research from 2009 and 2010 over 11 comparisons showed an average yield benefit of 62 bushels per acre compared to the conventional management approach. The yield advantage across all locations ranged from 40 to 114 bushels per acre. Researchers at the University of Illinois also have studied the nutrient uptake of corn hybrids protected by insect-resistant traits, and found that the per-acre removal rates of nutrients (N, P, K, S, Zn) are from 14

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to 27 percent greater for hybrids with the rootwor m-resistant gene. These hybrids have more intact roots and develop greater root mass than their nonresistant counterparts. This enables them to take up more nutrients from the soil, resulting in higher yields. Ensuring adequate and balanced levels of crop nutrients is crucial in maximizing the high-yield potential of these corn hybrids. “We’ve learned that a key component to the success of this type of program is to provide the crop with not only a higher level of nutrition, but also a balanced nutrition program,” says Froehlich. “Most growers understand crops need nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but they also must remember that sulfur, zinc and other micronutrients are needed in the right ratio for optimum performance and to push yields to a higher level. We know that phosphorus and sulfur increase nitrogen uptake efficiency and zinc improves phosphorus uptake,” he adds. MicroEssentials SZ is a product designed

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Pork exports maintain hot pace; beef ahead slightly U.S. red meat exports have a tough act to follow after a record-setting year in 2011, but the early indications for 2012 are good. January pork exports jumped 28 percent in volume and 43 percent in value while beef exports were even in volume but rose 14 percent in value, according to statistics released by the USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. “There is a challenge to follow a very successful year like 2011 and sustain the momentum,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. “The good news is that there are opportunities to expand the presence of U.S. red meat by exploring new market niches as well as increasing access with several key trading partners.” Several key measurements also showed continued growth: export value per head and percentage of total production exported. For pork, January’s export value equated to $59.44 per head of commercial slaughter compared to $43.59 a year ago, and 29.6 percent of total production (including variety meat) was exported in January versus 24.2 percent last year. For just muscle cuts, 25 percent of production was exported this January compared

to 20 percent last year. Beef exports equated to $197.95 per head of fed slaughter in value compared to $170.10 last year. The percentage of production exported—12.3 percent for beef and variety meats and 9 percent for just muscle cuts—remained the same. Sales jumped in double or triple figures with the top key pork trading partners, surging 21 percent and 27 percent respectively in volume and value to Mexico; 88 percent and 158 percent to China; and 17 percent and 28 percent to Japan. For the month, the U.S. exported 211,457 metric tons of pork valued at $566.9 million, increases of 28 percent in volume and 43 percent in value. While it’s early in the year, it is encouraging that these increases are coming on the heels of a year that saw 2011 pork exports top 2.25 million metric tons valued at more than $6.1 billion. And positive news continued for U.S. lamb exports in January. Top destination Mexico (accounting for 74.5 percent of total lamb exports by volume and 54.6 percent by value) raised its purchases 31 percent in volume to 1,021 metric tons and 25 percent in value to $1.1 million.

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China purchases U.S. corn and soybeans China bought 110,000 metric tons of corn and 285,000 metric tons of soybeans early March 1, generating more talk that the Chinese are wary of weather and supply disruptions in South America and will turn more heavily toward U.S. grains. The sale helped soybeans gain 8 cents per bushel March 1 on the Chicago Board of

Trade, closing at $13.13. Soybean prices have rallied almost 15 percent since Jan. 1, boosted by news of heat and drought in Brazil and increased acres for corn planting in the United States this spring. “Of that soybean purchase, 175,000 metric tons were from the old 2011 crop in storage,” said Don Roose

of US Commodities in West Des Moines. “As for corn, China’s domestic price is up to around $9.75 per bushel, which is just off their all-time highs. So that would tell you they might be running into supply shortages.” Even before the purchase, China had become a bigger factor in U.S. corn pur-

chases, with 2.6 million metric tons purchased since the marketing year began Sept. 1, compared with 313,000 metric tons this week last year. China also has picked up the pace of its soybean purchases, which now stand at 16.2 million metric tons since Sept. 1 vs. 19.5 million metric

tons this time last year. The recent visit of a Chinese trade delegation to Iowa and the signing of new soybean sales agreements have firmed confidence that China will continue to be a strong customer. In recent years, it has bought 60 to 70 percent of U.S. soybean exports.

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Raising dairy steer calves for profitable beef production by Frank Wardynski, Michigan State University Extension Fed dairy steers make up about 15-20% of all fed cattle sent to market for beef production. Dairy steer or bull calf sales only account for about 12% of gross sales from typical dairy farm operations. Given current beef and milk prices, if dairy steers are fed to finish on the farm, they would account for about 15% of dairy farm revenues. Dairy steers are a significant contributor to the US beef supply and can be a revenue generating center for dairy farms or other farming operations. Since the sale of newborn bull calves are a small percentage of revenue there is little financial incentive to offer them the same high quality care that the female counterparts receive. However, the future profitability of bull calves is greatly impacted by the care they receive during the first hours and days of life. Calves that do not receive adequate immunoglobulin transfer within the first few hours of life are at greater risk of diseases such as scours and pneumonia and exhibit mortality rates twice

those of calves receiving adequate immunoglobulin transfer. Management recommendations for steer calves need to be the same as the heifers if they are to be healthy and vigorous. Raising steer calves to 300 pounds from birth requires an intensive allocation of feed, labor and facility resources. Comparatively, as the dairy steer grows older labor and facility costs decrease on a per head basis and feed costs per pound of gain also decreases. Calculating breakeven analysis at various death loss rates indicate that the simple loss of the purchase price is only a small portion of losses. Utilizing this analysis indicates that calf feeding programs can be reasonably profitable if sickness and death loss are low. However, if mortality is high due to inadequate immunoglobulin transfer on a high percentage of calves, high morbidity rates and decreased animal performance result in financial losses. Accelerated calf feeding programs are gaining popularity in an effort to raise heifers at a faster rate so they are ready for breeding at an earlier age. Accelerated calf feeding programs

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require uniquely different milk replacers and calf starter feeds increasing the total cost of raising calves. If rate of gain and fed efficiency are at recommended levels the cost of gain will not increase while improving overall calf health and the immunological system. Dairy managers must be aware that accelerated programs require top quality calf management and are not for everyone. Cost of gain while feeding dairy steers to 300 pounds is considerably more expensive than at heavier weights because milk and concentrate feeds greatly increase ration cost as compared to rations with higher roughage content. Unfortunately young calves do not have a fully developed rumen and do not utilize roughages nearly as efficiently as concentrate feeds as an energy source. Calves from 300-500 pounds are utilizing forages more efficiently than during the birth to 300 pound range. However, the rumen is not fully developed and calves less than 500 pounds will exhibit decreased performance if fed high roughage diets. Grazing steers in Michigan significantly lowers the cost of gain on steers that are six months of age and

older. However, younger lighter calves cannot digest high forage diets and exhibit decreased performance. Feeding grain rations to steers while on pasture allows light calves to grow efficiently while lowering cost of gain as compared to steers fed grain diets with high quality stored hay or silage. Using Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Gold Standards, dairy calves should weigh approximately 425 pounds at six months of age. Calves of this age and weight should have fully developed rumens and be able to fully utilize forage based rations. Grazing steers at 425 pounds and greater weight decreases the cost of gain as compared to rations with stored feed. Dairy steers are an important part of the US beef supply. Holstein steers have the genetic ability to produce carcasses with quality comparable or better than many beef breeds. Ensuring steers receive high quality care is a critical first step in raising healthy calves that can grow rapidly and efficiently. Feeding the dairy steers can be an excellent profit center for the dairy farm or feeding operations.

USDA Outlook: Corn prices could fall below $5 per bushel U.S. farm officials recently signaled expectations that corn prices will return below $5 a bushel as they forecast a doubling in domestic inventories of the grain, boosted by a record harvest. Largest corn acres planted since 1944 and 164 bushels per acre yields could lead to greater corn supplies. The US Department of Agriculture, updating outline estimates unveiled last week, forecast the US corn crop soaring 15% to top 14bn bushels for the first time this year, backed by

growth in yields as well as sowings. Consumption will hit a record high too, supported by expansion at US pork and poultry farms, by growing exports, and the end of a long-term decline in the use of corn-based sweeteners by domestic drinks groups. Even so, the harvest will cover use with some 800m bushels to spare, allowing a “sharp recovery” in inventories. Stocks will end 2012-13 at 1.62m bushels, more than doubling year on year, (continued on page 16)

March 28, 2012

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Mark York, a pork producer from Roann, and Randy Curless, a pork producer from Wabash, served as delegates at the Pork Act Delegate Assembly March 1-3 in Denver, Colo. York was named a delegate by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. York and Curless were two of the delegates who represented producers from across the country and importers who sell pork product sin the United States. The delegates are charged with helping to provide direction to the pork promotion, research and consumer information programs that are funded by the Pork Checkoff through the National Pork Board. Producers contribute 40 cents of every $100 of sales to the Checkoff, and

importers use a sales formula to contribute a similar amount. That money helps producers support the We Care initiative, promoting pork to consumers and research into animal welfare, food safety, swine health, environment and other topics. “From managing issues to promoting our product at home and internationally, Pork Checkoff Programs are continually working toward the end results of yielding positive results for pork producers,” said York. The National Pork Board approved a 2012 budget for national spending of $69.3 million for programs of promotion, research and education to protect the ability of farms to produce pork, to reposition pork’s image and to enable producers to remain highly competitive on a global basis. Included in that amount was about $37.7 million focused on increasing domestic consumer pork expenditures. “The Pork Be inspired brand cam-

paign is showing many signs of early success,” said Curless. “Despite record retail prices, consumers are buying more pork.” The Checkoff also is at work in ongoing programs that include efforts to provide science-based answers and educational opportunities including: - We Care, a responsible pork initiative, which is a coordinated effort of the National Pork Board and National Pork Producers Council to earn the trust of the pork industry’s customers and consumers. Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus), which is a three-part process that includes attending an educational and training session and then having an on-farm site evaluation to achieve PWA Plus site status. The program also includes a third component of random, statistically valid, third-party evaluation of program implementation. Results of those evaluations will show if

the industry is improving its overall animal-care practices. - The Pork Checkoff is continuing research into the four pillars of environmental sustainability focusing on the water footprint in 2012. The National Pork Board has responsibility for Checkofffunded research, promotion and consumer information projects and for communicating with pork producers and the public. Through a legislative national Pork Checkoff, pork producers invest $.40 for each $100 value of hogs sold. The Pork Checkoff funds national and state programs in advertising, consumer information, retail and food service marketing, export market promotion, production improvement, technology, swine health, pork safety and environmental management. For information on Checkoff-funded programs, pork producers can call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at 800-456-7675 or check the Internet at www.pork.org.

USDA Outlook: Corn prices... continued from page 14

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and ending a two-season spell when historically low inventories have supported prices. ‘Sharply lower prices’ Indeed, the recovery in supplies will put “substantial downward pressure on futures and cash corn prices” in 201213, with values set to drop “sharply lower by fall harvest”. While restating a forecast that farmers will receive an average of $5.00 a bushel for this year’s production, down 19.4% year on year, the USDA said that even gaining a result at this level requires selling ahead of harvest, while values are still high.

“Prices received by producers are expected to reflect substantial forward pricing at values well above $5 a bushel,” the department said, implying many sales being undertaken at below $5 a bushel. The forecasts factored in the softer outlook for corn use by ethanol plants outlined on Thursday by Joseph Glauber, the USDA chief economist, thanks to expectations of smaller exports to Brazil, whose production of cane-based biofuels is expected to recover, and of US use hitting the “blend wall”. However, the estimates also assumed a rise in demand for

corn starch by paper and construction industries. USDA Projected Corn Yields Challenged. However, some analysts raised questions over the 164-bushelsper acre yield figure, after two seasons when lofty yield estimates have foundered. The impact of slower economic growth means less use of transport than US statisticians expected when setting out ethanol forecasts in 2007, and means that less of the biofuel is needed to meet the requirements of socalled E10 - in which it is mixed to a level of 10% with gasoline.

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Safety precautions for agitating and pumping manure by Jerry May and Dale Rozeboom Michigan State University Extension Hydrogen sulfide and methane are the two main gases of concern when agitating manure. Methane is a product of anaerobic digestion in the lower levels of deep pits and

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is continually released into the air above the manure. It is removed from this air space by pit ventilation. In foaming pits, methane accumulates in the foam bubbles. During manure agitation and pumping the foam is disturbed releasing a large amount of methane in the pit, below the slats. This high concentration of methane is at risk of escaping into the air space above the slats and with a simple ignition source, such as a heater or an electrical spark, a flash fire and/or barn explosion is possible. For more information on methane and foaming pits see the Michigan State U n i v e r s i t y Extension News article, “Use caution when dealing with foaming manure pits.” Hydrogen sulfide gas accumulates in manure foam as well and in the manure itself. Much like methane, it is released with manure agitation and pumping. In cases of rapid release or inadequate ventilation, it too, may escape into the animal area above the slats and reach concentration levels that are lethal

to both humans and pigs. Manure pit gases are believed to be responsible for a number of growingfinishing pig deaths in spring of 2011. These pigs were in barns where manure was being removed from the deep pits beneath the pens. MSU Extension educators were able to visit with these farmers about the problems they encountered. What do we know about last spring’s incidences? The one commonality between these farms is between 20 and 100 pigs were found dead in barns where the farmer thought they had adequate ventilation to prevent pig losses. In one case, the farmer used maximum pit ventilation but only three of the four fans were providing ventilation. One pit fan was also the cover for the pump-out port, so was not available to be used. This open port was acting as an air inlet allowing incoming air to short circuit the barns normal air inlets and enter directly into the pit area below the slats. Less air was being pulled downward across the slatted floor surface. In certain areas of the barn, gases were rising above the floor into the pig space. It appeared to the farmer the pigs sleeping or lying on the floor succumbed to the hydrogen sulfide first. Preventative practice: Prevent the pump-out port from becoming an air

inlet by covering the opening around the agitator and the pump or hose with a tarp. Is it correct to think that if you maximize pit ventilation fresh air will be pulled into the pit evenly across the slatted floor surface? No, there are too many openings in slatted surface to create an even down draft throughout the building. The down draft caused by pit fans is a local effect, meaning that there is more air pulled down closer to the fans than other areas of the barn. Farther from the fan less air will be pulled down into the pit area. The “localizing” effect of the pit fans can create dead zones in the barn where pit gases can build up in the animal area. Preventative practices: Maximum pit ventilation should be supplemented by wall fans. The air exchange rate in a barn while agitating and pumping should be three times the minimum ventilation rate or set no lower than 25 to 30 CFM per pig. In tunnel-ventilated barns make sure all air inlets are functioning but partially closed. Compensate for the reduced air flow through the inlets by opening the tunnel curtain an additional 6 - 12 inches. In naturally-ventilated barns during cold weather, maximize pit ventilation and open all ceiling vents and slightly open the curtain. During warm weather open the curtain along with setting

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pit ventilation at maximum levels. Run stir fans, if they are available, to ensure good distribution of fresh air throughout the barn. Another farmer lowered the curtains of a naturally-ventilated barn on a calm spring day. The manure was being returned on the surface of a foaming pit. The pig deaths were caused by a combination of disturbing the manure foam and on a day with limited wind movement. Preventative practices: Agitate manure in naturallyventilated barns with curtains open on days when wind speeds are above 5 mph. Methane flash fires and explosions are the main concerns with foaming manure but the bubbles contain a mixture of all manure gases. Breaking down the foam causes a sudden increase in hydrogen sulfide as well as the other gases. Be particularly careful with foaming pits. Similar to practices used in mechanically-ventilated barns, run stir fans if they are available. What role did agitation play in these losses? The farmers followed the recommended practice of drawing down the manure about two feet before beginning to agitate. In one case, rooster-tailing occurred from the agitation and the spraying of manure back into the pit allowed for increased release of gases. The pens of pigs just above the rooster-tail of manure were the ones overcome by the gases. Preventative practice: Avoid rooster tailing and spraying manure against pit walls and pillars. Use only the bottom agitator nozzle and stop agitation when the manure has been lowered to the point where its surface is being disturbed. Safety of People: While everyone needs to be cautious (continued on page 19)

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Dairy Products prices NEED GRADUATION INVITATIONS? THE PAPER released for week Excavating ending March 10 TROY EADS INC. OF WABASH COUNTY, INC.

Butter prices received for 25 kilogram and 68 pound boxes meeting United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Grade AA standards averaged $1.42 per pound for the week ending March 10. The United States (US) price per pound decreased 0.8 cent from the previous week.

Cheddar Cheese prices received for U.S. 40 pound blocks averaged $1.49 per pound for the week ending March 10. The price per pound increased 0.5 cent from the previous week. The price for U.S. 500-pound barrels adjusted to 38 percent moisture averaged $1.51 per pound, up 0.8

cent from the previous week. Dry Whey prices received for bag, tote, and tanker sales meeting USDA Extra Grade standards averaged 61.9 cents per pound for the week ending March 10. The US price per pound increased 1.3 cents from the previous week. Nonfat Dry Milk prices received

Deere announces record first quarter earnings of $533 million Net income attributable to Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) was $532.9 million, or $1.30 per share, for the first quarter ended January 31, compared with $513.7 million, or $1.20 per share, for the same period last year. Worldwide net sales and revenues for the first quarter increased 11 percent, to $6.767 billion, compared with $6.119 billion last year. Net sales of the equipment operations were $6.119 billion for the quarter compared with $5.514 billion a year ago. “By completing another quarter of record performance, John Deere has started 2012 on a strong note,” said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer. “These results are evidence of the skillful execution of our operating and marketing plans. They also reflect an enthusiastic response by customers worldwide to our advanced lines of equipment. Maintaining such a high level of execution is especially noteworthy as we move ahead with major new-product launches and significantly expand our global market presence.” Over the last year, Allen pointed out, Deere introduced a record number of products and announced plans to build seven new factories throughout the world. The company also expanded or modernized additional locations in the U.S. and other countries.

Safety precautions...

continued from page 18

and avoid pig losses, one needs to be particularly mindful of all animal caretakers. Remind all employees and family members to stay out of buildings during manure agitation and removal. Instruct workers and contract manure haulers to make sure all employees are out of the building prior to starting agitation equipment. As an extra precaution consider the use of lock-out tags, similar to the one pictured on the right, as a system of alerting every one to the dangers of entering a building during manure agi-

tation and removal. Lock-out tags are available free to all pork producers from the National Pork

Board at their online Pork Store. Click on “Pork Production Resources” and then select “Safety.”

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More growers around the globe adopt biotech crops

More farmers around the world adopted genetically engineered (GE) crops, with some of the highest adoption rates in developing countries, according to a report released by the International Service for the Acquisition of AgriBiotech Applications (ISAAA). The ISAAA report, Global Status of

Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2011, says a record 16.7 million farmers in 29 countries are growing biotech crops on 395 million acres. According to the report, “such adoption represents a 94fold increase in hectares planted since 1996, making biotech crops the fastest adopted crop technology in recent

history.” Ninety percent (more than 15 million) of the growers utilizing biotech varieties are resource-poor farmers in developing countries,” says Dr. Cathleen Enright, Executive Vice President, Food and Agriculture for the Biotechnology I n d u s t r y Organization (BIO). “The growth rate for

biotech crops in developing countries at 11 percent (on more than 170 million acres) during 2011 was twice as fast and twice as large as that in industrial countries at 5 percent

(on more than 9 million acres). “This year’s ISAAA report further confirms what we have known all along: that agricultural biotechnology is a key com-

ponent in sustainable crop production,” explains Enright. “Biotechnology provides solutions for today’s farmers in the form of plants that yield more per acre,

resist diseases and insect pests, and reduce farmers’ production costs, pesticide applications and on-farm fuel use.” In a statement (continued on page 22)

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TWO FARMERS look over their equipment while taking a break from working ground March 22 next to Northfield High School. With the weather expected to remain close ideal for the near future, farmers have had to deliberate as to whether they should start planting or wait for that one last frost. (photo by Brent Swan)

Corn and soybean profitability to remain strong according to USDA Corn and soybean profitability will remain strong for U.S. producers over the next decade, thanks to steady demand and high prices, according to USDA’s 2012 - 2021 L o n g - T e r m Agricultural Outlook Projections. The

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report also projects long-run gains in producer returns that will be favorable for U.S. rice acres in the latter part of the projection period and a decline in U.S. cotton plantings over the next 10 years. The U.S. crops sector will respond in the short term to relatively high prices in 201112, the report said. Planted area for eight major field crops in 2012 is projected to

reach 251 million acres, the secondlargest acreage level of the past 10 years. Over the longer run, corn-based ethanol production in the United States is projected to slow, although the large expansion in recent years will keep corn use for ethanol high. Prices are expected to fall from current high levels, but will remain historically high for many crops,

USDA says. Strong demand and high prices will provide economic incentives to hold projected plantings near 245 million acres over much of the rest of the projection period. Here is the link to the USDA Report. http://www.usda.go v/oce/commodity/ar chive_projections/US DAAgriculturalProje ctions2021.pdf

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Indiana Pork recognizes Meritorious Service Award winners H&K Wrecker Service 24-Hour Service 260-774-3301 or 260-774-3633 Urbana, Indiana FOR Commercial Industrial Farm Equipment RANDY CURLESS receives the Meritorious Service Award from Sam Moffit of Indiana Pork. (photo provided)

Indiana Pork recognized two Meritorious Service Award winners at its annual meeting held Feb. 27 during the Livestock, Forage and Grain Forum in Indianapolis. Each year, the Indiana Pork Board of Directors chooses one producer and one allied industry individual whose longterm efforts on behalf of the pork industry are exemplary. Receiving the allied industry award was Kathy Lucas, a partner in the Environmental and Administrative Law Group of Bose, McKinney & Evans LLP. Lucas is a stalwart advocate for pork

farmers earning a reputation in the industry as being one of the most trusted, wellrespected go-to people to help protect the rights and freedoms of producers to operate. Kathy Lucas receives the Meritorious Service Award from Sam Moffitt of Indiana Pork. Receiving the producer award was Randy Curless of Liberty Swine Farms in Wabash. Curless is a pioneer in the use of social media by a livestock producer with more than 1,600 people connected to his farm Facebook page. He actively engages con-

sumers on a daily basis with messages about todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pork farming. Curless served six years on the Indiana Pork Board of Directors. The Meritorious Service Award has honored outstanding contributors to the industry since 1950. Past recipients include John Baugh of Purdue University, John Swisher of JBS United, Representative Bill Friend, Mike Veenhuizen of Livestock Engineering, and last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipient Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels.

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March 28, 2012

Warm winter brings threat of corn flea beetle, increased risk of Stewart’s Wilt Grain farmers should take extra precaution this spring to scout their fields as the near-record warm winter is expected to cause a severe infestation of corn flea beetle, says an Ohio State University Extension entomologist.

Insects such as the corn flea beetle will likely be seen earlier than normal this year, said Ron Hammond, who also has an appointment with the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Corn flea beetle tar-

gets both sweet and field corn and spreads the bacterium that causes Stewart’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight. Adult beetles that overwinter become active in the spring when the soil temperature reaches 65

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degrees and are most active on sunny, warm, windless days, H a m m o n d said._”Those adults that fed on corn plants with Stewart’s disease in the previous late summer or fall may acquire and carry the bacterium from one growing season to another,” Hammond said. By feeding on young plants in the spring, they may spread the bacterium, which in turn causes seedling wilt and leaf blight. “The occurrence of Stewart’s bacterial disease is totally dependent on the level of bacteria-carrying flea beetle survival over the winter.” Higher populations of the flea beetle survive during mild winters than during cold winters, he said. This winter is the warmest experienced nationwide since 2000 and the fourthwarmest on record, according to the National Oceanic and A t m o s p h e r i c Administration.

This was because the jet stream, which divides the cold air to the north from the warm air to the south, settled at a much higher latitude this year._ Using a “flea beetle index” that calculates the average sum temperature of December, January and February to predict the likelihood of the disease threat, OSU Extension researchers have found that all areas of the state have indexes above 100, suggesting that risk is severe for the pest this year. As a result, crop growers should scout their fields for flea beetles, especially if they have planted a hybrid that is susceptible to Stewart’s disease, Hammond said. Farmers can mitigate the damage if they scout their fields earlier and with more tenacity, he said. “We recommend that growers scout, scout, scout,” Hammond said. “Growers need to be out in their fields to

be aware of the insects they’re dealing with and pay more attention this year, especially in the crop rows, because more insects may be waiting for crops to come out of the ground.”_ N o r m a l l y , Hammond would recommend that growers wanting to take preventive action against flea beetles use a commercially applied insecticide seed treatment labeled for the insect, but most field corn planted these days, including all transgenic hybrids, already comes with an insecticide seed treatment applied._ “Thus, it is mostly non-transgenic corn that might need to be treated specifically for this concern,” he said. “Also, most field corn hybrids are more resistant to wilt than sweet corn, with dent corn hybrids varying greatly in their resistance to the leaf blight stage phase of the disease. “All sweet corn varieties are susceptible to wilt in the first leaf

stage. A few are resistant by the second leaf stage and many are resistant in the third and fourth leaf stage. Consult your seed supplier for information on resistant varieties and hybrids.” But while the warmer temperatures this winter might allow for an increase in corn flea beetle numbers, that doesn’t automatically result in higher incidence of Stewart’s, OSU E x t e n s i o n researchers caution. The surviving flea beetles need to be carrying the bacterium in order to infect plants in the spring. In order for them to acquire the bacterium, they needed to feed on diseased plants last season. So with the level of Stewart’s disease being low during 2011, it is quite possible that beetles, even if they survived due to the mild winter, might not be carrying the b a c t e r i u m , researchers said.

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delivering value to more and more growers around the world. “The increase in biotech adoption not only benefits farmers, but also provides consumers with a safe, affordable food supply with a reduced environmental impact. “The productivity gains from biotechnology are enabling us to better feed a global population at a time when food insecurity is becoming a

global concern. “In the United States more than 170 million acres of biotech crops were planted in 2011, and the United States remains the top country in terms of biotech acreage. The primary biotech crops grown in the United States are corn, cotton and soybeans, but also grown are sugar beets, alfalfa, canola, papaya and squash. “Over the past two

decades, we have seen how biotechnology can improve crop production through insect resistance and herbicide tolerant traits.But biotechnology can also help crops thrive in drought-prone areas, can improve the nutrition content of foods and can grow alternative energy sources.

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March 28, 2012

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Beef supplies short in 2012; producers look to expand herd U.S. beef producers have started the early stages of herd expansion as beef supplies remain very short, says Purdue Extension agricultural economist Chris Hurt. Beef cow numbers have dropped by 9 percent, or 3 million head, since 2007. They dropped by 3 percent in 2011 alone, meaning a smaller calf crop in 2012 and lower slaughter numbers through 2014. But strong finished cattle prices and moderating feed costs have driven some producers to start the expansion. Producers have reduced their herds in recent years primarily because of escalating feed costs since 2007 and a drought in the southern Plains that dried up pastures and forages. According to a January U.S. Department of Agriculture cattle report, the most recent available, beef heifer retention has increased 1 percent - a sign that producers are starting to expand. If U.S. crop yields return closer to normal during the 2012 crop year, Hurt said feed prices could come down even more, which would encourage further herd expansion. “This is the first

increase in heifer retention since feed prices began increasing,” he said. While higher retention rates would seem to suggest lower finished cattle prices in 2012, Hurt said the opposite is likely true. Beef producers retaining heifers results in lower slaughter supplies and, ultimately, lower beef supplies. With a reduction in cow numbers, the calf crop could be down more than 2 percent in 2012, and if heifer retention continues in 2012 and 2013, Hurt said beef supplies might not increase until 2015. “The modest heifer retention now is actually a price-enhancing factor in the short run,” he said. “Look for finished cattle prices to push into the higher $120s in the spring, moderate to the mid-$120s this summer, and finish the year near $130. Spring highs in 2013 could climb to the low $130s.” Despite the high finished cattle price projections, Hurt said producers need to keep an eye on the weather and 2012 crop yields before they make further expansion plans. Producers in the southern Plains should watch

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drought conditions, while producers nationwide need to watch crop progress. The National Oceanic and A t m o s p h e r i c Administration is forecasting that a region of the western Corn Belt will continue to be very dry into the spring. “That raises concerns for corn and soybean meal prices,” Hurt said. “Higher feed prices would depress cattle prices.”

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2012 SPRING FARM EDITION

March 28, 2012

Unusually warm spring may cause stored grain problems The warm spring temperatures following a warm winter may lead to stored grain problems, particularly for grain that exceeds the recommended storage moisture content or did not stay cool during the winter. The storability of grain depends on the grain quality, moisture content and temperature, says Ken Hellevang, the North Dakota State University Extension Service’s grain drying expert. Grain moisture content must decrease as the grain temperature increases to store grain safely. For example, the allowable storage time of 17 percent moisture corn is about 280 days at 40 degrees, 75 days

at 60 degrees and only 20 days at 80 degrees. Even 15 percent moisture corn has an allowable storage time of only about 70 days at 80 degrees. Allowable storage time (AST) is cumulative, so because some of it was used last fall and during the winter, only a portion of the AST still remains. The goal should be to keep the grain as cool as possible, preferably below 40 degrees. Due to the nice 2011 harvest season, some farmers only relied on field drying, and some corn was placed in the bin at moisture contents slightly above the recommended level for longterm storage. They either used or plan to use natural air-drying rather than drying

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He also recommends monitoring stored grain closely to detect any storage problems early. Grain temperature and moisture content should be checked every two weeks during the spring and summer. Grain should be examined for insect infestations as well. Corn needs to be dried to 13 to 14 percent moisture for summer storage to prevent spoilage. Soybeans should be dried to 11 percent, wheat to 13 percent, barley to 12 percent and oil sunflowers to 8 percent for summer storage. Check the moisture content of stored grain to determine if it needs to be dried. Verify that the moisture content measured by the meter has been adjusted for grain temperature. In addition, remember that moisture measurements of grain at temperatures below about 40 degrees may not be accurate. Verify the accuracy of the measurement by warming the grain sample to room temperature in a sealed plastic bag before measuring the moisture content. Grain storage molds will grow and grain spoilage will occur in grain bags unless the grain is dry. Grain in the majority of the bag will be near average outdoor temperatures, so grain will deteriorate rapidly as outdoor temperatures increase unless it is at recommended summer storage moisture contents. Corn at moisture contents exceeding 21 (Continued on Page 25)

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the corn in a hightemperature dryer. “This corn should be monitored and kept cool by running aeration fans at night or during times when outdoor temperatures are cooler than 40 degrees until the corn is dried,” Hellevang advises. “Because grain spoils faster at warm temperatures, air-drying when average air temperatures exceed 70 degrees may result in spoiled grain before it gets dry. Unfortunately, the rate of spoilage increases faster than the rate of drying at warmer temperatures.” If fans were operated during the abnormally warm temperatures, continue to operate them to cool the grain. Average temperatures in the 50s or 60s are better when air-drying corn in the spring. The required airflow rate increases with warmer temperatures and moisture contents. Stored grain temperature increases in the spring due to rising outdoor temperatures and solar heat gain on the bin. Solar energy produces more than twice as much heat gain on the south wall of a bin in early spring as it does during the summer. Air temperatures in the bin head space will be much warmer than the outdoor air temperature, which will heat the grain near the top surface. Grain should be kept cool during spring and summer storage, Hellevang says. Periodically run aeration fans to keep the grain temperature below 40 degrees during the spring.

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Weed scientist: Scout now for weeds in winter wheat Winter wheat growers need to start scouting their fields and planning to control weeds that have survived the mild Midwest winter, say two Purdue Extension weed scientists. If not controlled early, common broadleaf weeds, such as dandelion, purple deadnettle, henbit, chickweed, Canada thistle and wild garlic can cause problems for the wheat crop as it comes out of winter dormancy. “These winter annual species that emerge in the fall can remain relatively inconspicuous through the winter but become competitive and troublesome during spring, if they are not controlled early,” Bill Johnson said. The severity of infestation will determine whether herbicide application is necessary and, if so,

what type of herbicide should be used. Johnson and Travis Legleiter said producers need to scout entire fields and identify problem areas before making those decisions. “Wheat fields that contain uniform infestations of at least one broadleaf weed or three grass weeds per square foot should be taken into consideration for a herbicide application, to avoid yield loss and harvest interference problems,” Legleiter said. “Some fields that have less uniform infestations but, rather, pockets of severe infestation, should be managed to reduce weed seed production and future infestations.” The stage of the wheat crop also should be considered in herbicide program decisions. Nearly all wheat herbicides are labeled for applica-

tion at certain growth stages. Some commonly used herbicides have a very short application window. “The popular broadleaf herbicides, 2, 4-D and MCPA, are efficient and economical, but can only be applied for a short period of time between tillering and prior to jointing,” Johnson said. “This is a short window that occurs early in the spring, and might occur even earlier this year if current weather conditions hold.” One option for wheat farmers to consider is the use of liquid nitrogen fertilizer solution as a carrier for herbicides. The combination allows producers to topdress the crop in a single pass over a field. However, Johnson said this technique requires caution because it can cause

Unusually warm spring... Continued from Page 24 percent should be dried in a high-temperature dryer. For natural air-drying, assure that the airflow rate supplied by the fan is at least 1 cubic foot per minute per bushel (cfm/bu) or the recommended airflow rate for your climate. Also make sure the initial corn moisture does not exceed 21 percent. Start drying when the outside air temperature averages about 40 degrees. Below that temperature, the moistureholding capacity of

the air is so small that very little drying occurs. Hellevang recommends an airflow rate of at least 1 cfm/bu to natural airdry up to 16 percent moisture soybeans. The expected drying time with this airflow rate will be about 50 days. He doesn’t recommend operating the drying fan just during the day when the air is warm and shutting it off at night because the warm daytime air normally dries the grain to moisture contents lower than

moderate to severe crop injury - especially in saturated conditions. “Many post-applied wheat herbicide labels allow for liquid nitrogen carriers, but require different rates and types of surfactants than if the herbicide was applied with water as the carrier,” he said. Growers who plan to plant double-crop soybeans also need to consider plant back restrictions. Many herbicides, especially those that control ryegrass and brome, have soybean plant back restrictions longer than the usual three months. “Soybean plant back restrictions greatly reduce the number of options available to wheat producers who double-crop soybeans after wheat,” Legleiter said. For more information and the latest weed science updates, visit the Purdue Weed Science home page at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/btny/weedscience/Pages/defaul t.aspx

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desired. For example, air at 70 degrees and 40 percent relative humidity will dry corn to about 10 percent moisture. The grain above the drying zone will be warmer if the fan is run just during the warm portion of the day, which will cause the grain to deteriorate faster. And even though the warm air may hold more moisture, the drying time is still almost twice as long because the fan is operating only half of the day.

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USDA to spur job creation, economic growth A g r i c u l t u r e Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to help rural businesses create jobs and spur economic development. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This funding is part of the Obama administrationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to using existing federal resources to foster regional innovation, create sustainable jobs and help ensure longterm prosperity,â&#x20AC;? Vilsack said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The funding will speed up job creation and new business start-ups and expansions by building regional economic systems in rural areas. USDA Rural Development plans to award up to $8.6 million through the Rural C o m m u n i t y

Development Initiative program. Applications are sought for projects that: Provide technical assistance to improve the capacity of local organizations to complete successful housing, economic development and community facilities projects; Help recipients complete pre-development requirements - such as architectural and engineering plans; Help development organizations improve their board operations, management and knowledge of financial and information technology systems; Provide homeownership education or training for entrepreneurs. Part of the RCDI

funds to be awarded may be used for projects associated with the Rural Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, which was announced on March 8. This initiative was designed by the Taskforce for the Advancement of Regional Innovation Clusters and the White House Rural Council. Secretary Vilsack chairs the Council. The Jobs Accelerator is being funded by USDA, the U.S. Department of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economic D e v e l o p m e n t Administration, the Delta Regional Authority and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

The deadline for submitting RCDI applications is May 9. Applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development state office where the applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters are located. A list of these offices is available on the USDA Rural Development website. For more information, see the March 21 Federal Register. The deadline to apply for RCDI funding for Rural Jobs and Innovation Accelerator projects is May 9. For more information on how to apply, please visit Grants.gov. Applications for Jobs Accelerator projects

must be submitted to both USDA and the EDA.__ USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $165 billion in affordable loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

Soy checkoff survey looks at importance, value of U.S. soy components As some U.S. farmers enter the fields this spring, their center of attention likely wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be on protein and oil. Meanwhile, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly the focus of U.S. soy customers when deciding what to buy. According to a recent soy checkoff survey, nearly 70 percent of U.S. soybean farmers feel no need to worry about protein and oil content because they have no problem - at present - selling their soybeans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most farmers see a price per bushel and see soy for the sum of its parts,â&#x20AC;? says Marc Curtis, immediate past chair for the United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean farmer from Leland, Miss. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That value actually is calculated based on the value of meal and oil,

minus the processing costs, but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get that sort of transparency.â&#x20AC;? The survey also helped measure soy farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; receptiveness to a component value system, being fairly reimbursed based on the value of protein and oil in their harvested soybeans. Nearly 66 percent of U.S. soybean farmers responded favorably to this idea, and 35 percent believed it would impact their price positively. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farmers already get docked on price for lack of quality, they just arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seeing it easily,â&#x20AC;? adds Curtis. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We may have an opportunity to change the way the entire industry looks at soy and its components, and that includes U.S. soybean farmers.â&#x20AC;?

Curtis leads a newly formed USB farmerdriven task force to identify ways to increase the value U.S. soybean farmers receive for soyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s components. In addition to discussing protein and oil with U.S. soy farmers, the survey also researched farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; opinions on profitability and the soy checkoff in general. It found that 78 percent of farmers support the soy checkoff. For the first time ever, the USB survey asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you feel the checkoff program has been a good deal for soybean farmers?â&#x20AC;? Eighty-two percent of the soybean farmers surveyed said â&#x20AC;&#x153;yes.â&#x20AC;? For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.o rg

2012 SPRING FARM EDITION

March 28, 2012

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Farm managers and rural appraisers: Farmland prices expected to keep rising A survey indicating that farmland values are expected to continue increasing is more good news for landowners but could also signal caution for buyers, an agricultural economist says. The survey was conducted Feb. 15 at the winter meeting of the Indiana Chapter of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. The results come on the heels of a February 2012 issue of AgLetter in which the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago indicated farmland values in Iowa, and parts of Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois have increased by 22 percent since early 2011. That is the largest annual increase since 1976. “These numbers tell us that the farmland market is very competitive. There are far more buyers than sellers,” said Craig Dobbins, Purdue Extension agricultural economist. “People in the market to buy farmland have a very optimistic outlook about the future, and they are willing to pay unthinkable prices.” According to the survey of 32 farm managers and rural appraisers from 25 Indiana counties, the average estimated price of farmland was $7,533 per acre, and all of the respondents indicated their estimated price was higher than the value in February 2011. While the increases are good news for landowners, Dobbins said there are dangers associated with paying exceptionally high prices to own farmland. “One of the dangers is that buyers’ expectations about the future of the market could be wrong,” he said. “If land values or commodity prices de-

crease, that can really change profit margins. And it doesn’t have to be a drastic decrease.” More severe problems can occur if buyers borrow a substantial amount of money to finance land purchases. “Buyers need to be careful because farm debt levels will affect how hard the fall could be if commodity or farmland values decrease,” Dobbins said. With the strong market, rental prices for farmland also have been on the rise. Survey respondents indicated the average 2012 cash rent was $253 per acre. A majority reported that rate was higher than it was in 2011, and only two reported their rental rates to have stayed the same. None had decreased. According to Dobbins, the increasing cash rents have led some landlords and tenants to get creative in lease agreements. While 42 percent of respondents said lease agreements were traditional fixed cash, others were using flexible lease agreements and crop share leases. In a flexible lease agreement, or variable cash, the landlord and tenant agree on a minimum amount of rent and share a portion of the profits. In a crop-sharing agreement, the tenant and landlord both invest in the production costs and share the crop yields after harvest. Both types of agreements help tenants and landlords share the risk associated with crop farming. While all of the survey participants agreed that farmland values were on the rise, they did not agree about the change

in land values over the next five years. Forty-eight percent of the respondents indicated farmland values would be higher, 31 percent thought there would be no change, and 21 percent expected them to decrease. “These results indicate that, in the short term, Indiana’s farmland market is expected to remain strong,” Dobbins said. “No one expects farmland values to decline for the year. But relative to the past few years, respondents expect the rate of increase to be much less. “Longer term, there is less certainty in how farmland values will change. Most respondents expect farmland values to be steady or higher, but sound risk management suggests that buyers need to explore the effect of a 15-20 percent decline in farmland values on the business.”

Just a farmer “Just a Farmer,” you said, And I laughed cause I knew All the things a Farmer Must be able to do. They must study the land, Then watch the sky And figure just when Is the right time and why To sow and to plant To buy and to sell To go to the market With cattle and well You know the books That farmers must keep To pay all those taxes And be able to sleep. And you know the fixin That farmers must do When machines like mad monsters Blow a gasket or two. I guess when God needed Folks to care for His earth He chose “just farmers” Cause he knew their true worth. 9984

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2012 SPRING FARM EDITION

March 28, 2012

Normal corn yields in 2012 could lower returns

United States net farm income is projected at $95 billion for 2012, down from $98 billion in 2011, by a report to Congress recently from the Food and

Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI). “While net farm income may fall a little short of last year, we expect 2012 to be another good year for

most producers,” said Pat Westhoff, director of FAPRI at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Corn yields dropped below trend line the last two years,

reducing carryover stocks and pushing up prices. “With normal weather, a bigger crop in 2012 may lead to lower prices this fall,” Westhoff said. “Other crop prices tend to follow corn.” The annual MU FAPRI baseline was presented on March 5 to the U.S. Congress. The baseline, extending 10 years, provides a measure for analyzing proposed changes in farm policy. Trend-line yield for 2011 season was 160 bushels per acre; however, actual production was 148 bushels. “Crop prices would be a lot lower today if we had not had backto-back years of below-trend corn yields,” Westhoff said. FAPRI projects

planted corn acres this year at 93.5 million acres, up from 91.9 million last year. An assumed normal yield in 2012 reduces per-bushel price to $4.81, down from $5.96 for 2011-12 market year. Ethanol production is projected to remain at 2011-12 levels after years of rapid growth. An end of the 45 cents per gallon tax credit, high corn prices and constraints on ethanol used in conventional 10-percent blends contribute to slower growth. Soybean prices for 2012 remain over $11 per bushel, after averaging an estimated $11.61 for 2011-12. “Soybeans must remain strong to be competitive with corn

for acreage,” Westhoff said. “Given current tight corn supplies, markets will be sensitive to news about 2012 supply-anddemand prospects,” Westhoff said. “Prices could fall if favorable weather increases crop production.” Even with good weather and higher yields, demand should stay strong enough to keep crop prices above pre-2007 levels, Westhoff said. “Weather remains the major variable, affecting grain production and livestock grazing.” Volatility can be expected. “Many of the factors that caused recent price swings remain in flux,” Westhoff said. Crop insurance accounts for a larger share of public support to farms than in the past, Westhoff said. High crop prices reduced expenditures on traditional farm programs. The consumer price index for food rose 3.7 percent in 2011 and could grow a similar rate in 2012. However, in the following years of the baseline, food price growth follows general inflation rates. Meats will show the highest inflation in 2012, as they did in 2011. Beef cow numbers fell sharply in 2011, despite the highest cow-calf net return

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since 2005. Drought in major beef states kept ranchers from responding to demand signals. Beef exports remain strong, particularly for high-quality beef, helping sustain prices. The 2012 price of feeder steers, the most common product from Missouri herds, rises to $154 per hundredweight for 600- to 650-pound calves at Oklahoma City. That’s up from an average of $139 for 2011 and $102 in the recession year of 2009. “While beef export growth since 2005 gained much media attention, the drop in imports in that period almost matched the export gains,” Westhoff said. “The relatively weak dollar and tight beef supplies worldwide place the U.S. in position to gain markets for the next decade.” Corn and feedstuffs prices will affect feedlot profitability as they bid for a shrinking supply of calves. Domestic meat supply dropped an unprecedented 22 pounds per person between 2005 and 2011. If feed prices moderate as projected, per capita meat availability should stabilize and then grow after 2013. While farm income increased, production costs grew $36 billion, almost 12 percent, in 2011. Feed, fertilizer and fuel led increases. Feed should drop; however, fertilizer and fuel remain high. The MU FAPRI baseline assumes normal weather and continuation of current farm polices. While the 2008 farm bill expires this year, analysts assume current law prevails through the 10 years, for comparison of policy alternatives. Macroeconomics on interest rates and inflation are provided FAPRI by IHS Global Insight. Economists at the Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Texas A&M, provide the economic impact of the baseline on representative farms across the country. The MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources supports MU FAPRI.

Smartphone app provides new way to access soil survey information

A new smartphone application, or “app,” is available as a free download for both iPhone and Android users to access soil survey information. The app, SoilWeb, combines online soil survey information with the GPS capabilities of smartphones. The SoilWeb app is a portable version of the UC Davis California Soil Resource Lab’s Webbased interface to digital soil survey data from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Because the app provides soil survey information in a mobile form, it is particularly useful for those working in the field. NRCS introduced the Web Soil Survey (WSS), an online tool for accessing soils information, a few years ago. This was a wonderful development for users of soils informationengineers, developers, farmers and

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2012 SPRING FARM EDITION

March 28, 2012

many others-because WSS provides quick access to the most current data produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. Until recently, a disadvantage of Webbased soil survey formats was that user access was limited to desktop computers with an Internet connection. That’s one reason that NRCS soil scientist Dr. Dylan Beaudette, while still a graduate student at UC Davis, developed the SoilWeb app in collaboration with NRCS and the UC Davis California Soil Resource Lab. SoilWeb can retrieve a graphic summary of soil types in response to a user inquiry in the form of soil profile sketches. Each profile sketch shows soil horizons, often compared to a vertical ice cream sandwich made up of layers of soil. Soil names, locations and taxonomic

categories are also shown. Clicking on soil sketches sends the user to the corresponding Official Series Description, a user-friendly narrative of commonly used soil properties such as horizon depths, colors, texture and rock fragment content. Clicking on a soil name (listed above each sketch) provides the user with a more detailed description, including: physical and chemical properties, definitions and links to a variety of environmental databases. This means that a farmer, rancher or even a backyard gardener could use a smartphone to gain an understanding of the soil type in the surrounding landscape. Soil health is a key factor in the success of plants-the type of soil determines what nutrients are needed, as well as how much water

should be applied. SoilWeb is useful even for users already familiar with NRCS’s Web Soil

Survey, as it is much faster than pulling up soil survey information on a desktop or laptop computer.

February milk production up 8.3 percent Milk production in the 23 major states during February totaled 15.2 billion pounds, up 8.3 percent from February 2011. However, adjusting production for the additional day due to leap year causes February milk production to be up 4.6 percent on a per day basis. January revised production at 15.8 billion pounds, was up 3.9 percent from January 2011. The January revision represented an

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March 28, 2012

Pesticide additives cause drifting droplets, but can be controlled

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Chemical additives that help agricultural pesticides adhere to their targets during spraying can lead to formation of smaller “satellite” droplets that cause those pesticides to drift into unwanted areas, Purdue University researchers have found. Carlos Corvalan, an associate professor of food science, said understanding how the additives work together means they could be designed to decrease the health, environmental and property damage risks caused by drift. Corvalan; Osvaldo Campanella, a Purdue professor of agricultural and biological engineering; and Paul E. Sojka, a Purdue professor of mechanical engineering, published their results in a February issue of the journal Chemical Engineering Science.

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“When we spray liquids, we have what we call main drops, which are drops of the desired size, and we can also have smaller satellite drops. The smaller drops move easily by wind and travel long distances,” Corvalan said. “Now that we know better how additives influence the formation of satellite droplets, we can control their formation.” The research will also have applications in food processing and rocket propulsion, where drop sizes are important. When liquids are sprayed, they start in a stream and eventually form drops. As the liquids move farther in the air, drops connected by a thin filament start to pull apart. That filament eventually detaches and becomes part of the drops that were forming on either side of it. Satellite droplets form in the middle of filaments of pesticides containing surfactants and polymeric additives, which help the pesticides wet and adhere to plant surfaces. The surfactants reduce surface tension and force round drops to

flatten, helping them cover more surface area on a sprayed plant’s leaves. The polymeric additives reduce viscosity - liquid resistance - making the pesticide flow easier. Polymeric additives also keep the drops from bouncing off plant surfaces. “Each additive is designed to improve the characteristics of the main drops,” Corvalan said. “But there is a side effect.” When both additives are present in a pesticide, the surfactant pushes more liquid toward the filament. The reduced viscosity allows liquid to flow more easily in that direction, resulting in a welldefined satellite drop forming in the filament. “When you put both additives together, there is a synergistic effect. The force induced by the surfactant that was opposed by viscosity is no longer so strongly opposed, and this combined effect can result in the formation of satellite droplets,” Corvalan said. Drifting of agricultural pesticides not only increases waste and cost for farmers

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but also can cause health, environmental and property damage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The results show that carefully modulating the strength, concentration or ratio of surfactants to polymer additives can mitigate or eliminate the formation of unwanted satellite droplets. Corvalan is now transferring the results obtained from agricultural research

into food processing and rocket propulsion work. He said drop size uniformity is as important for fuels sprayed into rocket combustion chambers as for the production of food emulsions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Air Quality Program, and the Army Research Office funded the work.

Farmers, specialist: Early herbicide applications could fail Although the calendar shows it’s March, many Midwest farmers are preparing their fields for spring planting like it’s the middle of April. That’s not necessarily a good thing, says Purdue Extension weed specialist Bill Johnson. Producers taking advantage of unseasonably warm temperatures to apply an initial round of herbicides could find those applications wearing off well before weeds reach peak growth, Johnson said. “We normally start our planting operations in the middle of April, but with all the fieldwork being done right now we’re running 2-4 weeks ahead of schedule,” he said. “That means that we’re potentially adding one month onto the growing season. And for producers using what we call reduced or setup herbicide rates, they may find their herbicide programs running out 2-4 weeks early as well.” A setup herbicide

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treatment is not intended to eliminate weed problems. The reduced rate application deals weeds a blow until they are knocked out with a post-emergence herbicide later in the crop season. A setup rate usually is one-half to two-thirds the amount of a full-rate residual herbicide application. Most farmers bought herbicide or contracted to have applications made for them months ago, so simply buying more weed-killing products or services might not be an option. But they can adjust how much herbicide they use in their first application to avoid setup rate failure, Johnson said. “If you’re using setup rates with a planned post-emerge treatment, I would strongly consider using full rates instead,” he said. “Or, when you make your post-emerge treatment, use some of your residual herbicide with your postemerge treatment.” For corn and soybeans, Johnson recommended herbicides with multiple modes of action to control both grasses and broadleaf weeds. “You want products that are pretty robust in what they control,” Johnson said. Additional information about herbicide use and strategies is available on the Purdue Weed Science home page at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/btny/weedscience.

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USDA releases January poultry numbers United States egg production totaled 7.83 billion during January 2012, down slightly from last year. Production included 6.78 billion table eggs, and 1.05 billion hatching eggs, of which 972 million were broilertype and 73 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during January 2012 averaged 338 million, down 1 percent from last year.

January egg production per 100 layers was 2,319 eggs, up 1 percent from January 2011. All layers in the United States on Feb. 1 totaled 337 million, down 1 percent from last year. The 337 million layers consisted of 284 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 50.5 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and

2.97 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on Feb. 1, averaged 73.4 eggs per 100 layers, down slightly from Feb. 1, 2011. Egg-type chicks hatched during January 2012 totaled 40.3 million, down 3 percent from January 2011. Eggs in incubators totaled 39.4 million on Feb. 1, down 1 percent from a year ago.

Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 263 thousand during January 2012, up 20 percent from January 2011. Broiler-type chicks hatched during January 2012 totaled 752 million, down 4 percent from January 2011. Eggs in incubators totaled 602 million on Feb. 1, down 5

USDA lowers Tractor sales up 7 pork cooking percent, combine temperatures sales down 54 The U.S. Department of Agriculture is lowering its temperature recommendation for cooking pork to 145 degrees. That’s a drop of 15 degrees and a change from the agency’s longstanding guideline. It means whole cuts of pork will be held to the same standard as whole cuts of beef, veal and lamb. With its lower temperature recommendation, the USDA also called for letting the pork rest for three minutes after removing it from the grill or oven. The USDA made the change after several years of

research and talks with producers and food-safety experts. Producers proposed the new standard in 2008, based in part on new production methods that reduced the risk of pathogens. U S D A Undersecretary Elisabeth Hagen says a single temperature for all cuts of meat should help consumers remember the recommendations. Despite the new recommendation, the USDA says ground beef and ground pork must still be cooked to 160 degrees and all poultry products must be cooked to 165 degrees.

percent in February According to the Association of E q u i p m e n t Manufacturers’ monthly “Flash Report,” the sales of all tractors in the U.S. for February 2012 were up 7 percent compared to the same month last year. For the year 2012, a total of 18,600 tractors were sold, which compares to 17,780 sold through February 2011. For the month, twowheel-drive smaller tractor (under 40 HP) were down 2 percent from last year, and 40 & under 100 HP were up 15 percent. Sales of two-wheel-drive 100+ HP were up 14 percent

from last year, and four-wheel-drive tractors were up 12 percent for the month. For the first two months, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (Under 40 HP) are up 2 percent from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are up 9 percent. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are up 6 percent, while 4-Wheel Drive tractors are down 11 percent for the year. Combine sales were down 54 percent for the month. Sales of combines for the first two months totaled 756, a decrease of 52 percent over the same period in 2011.

percent from a year earlier. Leading breeders placed 6.71 million

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AUCTION NOTE: This is only a partial listing, much more will be added by sale day. Consignments taken through sale day. New low commission rates. Pefley’s Farm Equipment is not responsible for lost or stolen property, accidents, or no- shows. All items subject to prior sale through Sat. March 31, 2012. Lunch will be available at auction sight. We will be selling the majority of equipment through our new drive through facility, but with 2 trucks some of the day, so bring a friend. All items must be removed within 30 days! All items purchased via online bidding will have a 2.5% buyers premium added to their winning bid with a $750 Maximum. Next Auction Thursday June 7, 2012. There will be absolutely no loading after the drive through starts, until the conclusion of the auction!

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Financing options from: SCI Leasing 800-435-4700 Agnition “Steve Kreider” 574-551-6691

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NEXT AUCTION THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2012

AUCTIONEERS: CAL KAUFMAN #AU01051620 • PERRY WILKINSON #AU10900084 Auction House: #9104231 • Phone: 260-782-2222 • Fax: 260-782-2224 e-mail: dave@pefleys.com or steve@pefleys.com • web address: www.pefleys.com

Airports: Lodging: Knights INN:PFE Rates Wabash Municipal 260-563-745 Charley Creek INN:PFE Rates or Fort Wayne Holiday INN: 260-563-0111 International 260-569-1189