Traders Dispatch - September 2023

Salinity Control Seminar in Fort Benton

By Tyler Lane, Chouteau County Extension Office

A salinity control seminar will take place at the Ag Center in Fort Benton on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. The first presenters will be Scott Brown and Tera Ryan. Scott is the Montana Salinity Control Association (MSCA) Program Director and Soil Scientist. Tera is the MSCA Assistant Director and Reclamation Scientist. She will explain dryland saline seep development and reclamation techniques. Explain what a shallow ground water investigation entails and how that will define ground water flow direction and the recharge area for specific saline seeps. In addition, Scott will talk about saline seep acreage progression with and without CRP.

Kent McVay MSU Extension Cropping Systems specialist will discuss how to use annual and perennial plants to manage saline seep. He will also discuss his new Montguide on water use, which covers rooting depths of annual crops in an effort to help producers who want to keep fields in annual production.

Roger Hybner MSU Northern Ag Research Center Retiree will share results from a research study where they seeded AC Saltlander in a saline seep on top of feedlot compost.

Detection of Garden Loosestrife confirmed in Western Montana

The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) confirmed Garden Loosestrife at two different sites in Western Montana. These are the first cases of Garden Loosestrife confirmed in Montana.

Property, Online A9

Sept 23, Brownell Auctions, Consignment Auction, Pendroy MT A2

Sept 23, Krance Auction Service, LLC, Andreas Estate, Belfield ND A3

Sept 23, Collins Auction Service, Angelos/Double A Ranch, Pendroy MT A4

Sept 28, Shobe Auction and Realty, Janicek’s Iron Wheel Ranch, Moore, MT A7

Sept 28 - Oct 4, Big Mountain Auctions, Jim Schaeffer Estate, Online A6

Oct 3, Fritz Auction, Vince & Carla Sullivan Farm Retirement, Cut Bank MT A11

Oct 7, Ophus Auction Service, Ralph Seibel Farm, Fort Benton MT A15

Oct 7, RK Statewide Auctions, Beach Ranch, Beach ND A17

Oct 14, RK Statewide Auctions, Lige Murray Estate, Jordan MT A21

Diamondback Moth Larvae feeding on Canola pods

From Northern Canola Growers Association Fields with some pod feeding from mature larvae have been observed near Devils Lake and northeastern areas of North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. This is the second generation of diamondback moths. Scout for mature larvae (lime green about ½ inch long), which feed on flowers and young pods of late planted canola. This is when the canola crop is most susceptible to injury – blooming to early pod development. Larval feeding during blooming to early pod development can cause delayed plant maturity, uneven crop development and significant yield reduction due to loss of

Garden loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris), an aggressive non-native wetland plant, has been found in western Montana. In July 2023, approximately 0.1 acres along the Stillwater River, west of Kalispell, and an additional 0.2 acres along the Bitterroot River in Hamilton were mapped and treated by local land managers and MDA’s Early Detection, Rapid Response (EDRR) Program. Monitoring will be conducted on both sites and adjacent lands for the next several years.

Garden loosestrife is a Class A (highest priority) noxious weed in Oregon, a Class B (second highest priority) in Washington and is invasive and problematic in several other states. It is a rhizomatous perennial forb that grows three to six feet tall and can form dense stands along waterways and in riparian areas. The leaves are opposite or whorled in groups of three to five, lance-shaped, three to five inches long and softly hairy, which gives them a slightly grayish-green tinge. Flowers are yellow, have five petals, appear in clusters at stem ends toward the top of the plant, and bloom in July or August.

Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), a Montana-listed Priority 1B noxious weed, has many shared physical characteristics and occupies the same type of riparian areas. Montana has two closely related natives, also with yellow flowers: fringed loosestrife (Lysimachia ciliata) and water loosestrife (Lysimachia thyrsiflora).

To report a suspected Garden Loosestrife plant, contact your local county weed district, MSU Extension agent, or the Montana Department of Agriculture. Leave the plant in the ground so it can be correctly identified, take plenty of pictures, record GPS coordinates, and arrange for a site visit as soon as possible. For additional resources and contact information, visit the Early Detection, Rapid Response webpage here: agr.mt.gov/ Noxious-Weeds.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky. For more information on department programs and services, visit agr.mt.gov.

This is what it looks like “from the top of the world” A view from the Stonewall Peak lookout (small photo in bottom right) near Lincoln, Montana.

ALL I WANT IS MELTON ALFALFA!

Also available: Shaw, Wrangler, Ladak Ernie Johnson 406-357-4182 or cell: 262-3081

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In central Italy, there is a fountain that flows red wine 24-hours a day. It is free to everyone, except for “drunkards and louts.”

BROWNELL AUCTIONS

GENERAL CONSIGNMENT AND ANTIQUE AUCTION

September 23, 2023 - 10:30 am

at 3431 East Lake Road, (1 1/2 miles east of Pendroy, 2 1/2 miles north on East Lake Road) Pendroy, MT

Will take consignments up to 9/22/23. In-person Auction only

Lunch provided by New Life Youth Group

MORE ANTIQUES

Late summer

grasshopper management

By Samantha Daniel, UNL

Areas of the state are beginning to dry or continue to suffer from drought conditions after the recent hot and dry weather which has created an environment conducive to grasshopper movement into crops from field edges. Alfalfa and grasses seeded this late summer can be especially susceptible to grasshopper feeding damage.

Frequent scouting of fields is critical for maximizing grasshopper control. By conducting visual counts or using a sweep net, you can determine if the threshold of 15-20 nymphs or 8-10 adults per square yard has been reached in your field.

If grasshopper levels have reached threshold, treatment with an insecticide may be feasible as long as pre-harvest intervals are considered. Many insecticides used for other insects in alfalfa and other forages are also labeled for grasshoppers. Please be especially careful to avoid injuring bees and other important pollinating insects when using insecticides and carefully read and follow all label directions.

ANTIQUE RAKES

Shop tools, 2 air compressors, small air pact, Craftsman Bench Drill Press, Battery Pac, Black & Decker hand drill, 2 shop tool boxes (top & bottom units) 2 floor jacks, ( 1 is a 3 ton jack).

Bolts grade 5 and 8. Different sizes and lengths.

Brand new Square head bolts and nuts, ¼ inch, ½ inch.

Log Chains Different lengths. Over fifty years old.

Brand new ratchet straps 2 and 1 ½ inch.

3 medium size electric motors, pumps, and hydraulic cylinders. Sheetrock gun and screws.

Texture gun and air compressor. Welding table, 3 Barrel rack made from pipe. Older bench grinder and vise. Craftsman table saw. 10” Delta portable table saw. Numerous hand tools some are antique wrenches.

Household items. Several tables, kitchen and dining, two are hand made oak.

2 wooden rockers, other wood chairs, old chrome craft chairs. Kitchen and dining chairs. Lights, old lambs and 6 old wall mount lights, bought new in 1950. Several lamp tables with storage.

Antique small paperback books. (Riverside Literature Series.) And others.

7 drawer wood desk from the 50’s.

3 drawer sewing machine cabinet, used as a small desk. Small steel metal cabinet with drawers storage on one side and top with lid.

Several old glass gallon jugs and quart jars, different shapes.

Old 3-burner Coleman gas camp stove, 2 Coleman lanters, 2 kerosene lanterns all from 50s era. Wall tent 6-ft. x 41/2-ft. x 18” high.

1) 2” 3 hp, 110/220 water pump.

It’s also important to remember that our goal isn’t to completely eradicate grasshoppers from our fields, but to reduce their numbers to below threshold levels and give our crops a chance to “win the race” against pests until the first hard freeze of the season.

Diamondback Moth Larvae

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

flowers and pods. The next (third) generation usually occurs too late in the season to cause plant injury, except in extremely late-planted canola fields. Insecticides registered for diamondback moth control include: 1st choice - diamides (Prevathon, Vantacor, Coragen, Exirel); 2nd choice premix (Besiege), and 3rd choice pyrethroids (bifenthrin - Brigade 2EC and generics, Delta Gold, Warrior II and generics and Mustang Maxx).

Salinity Control Seminar in Fort Benton

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Jim Cave will discuss NRCS funding opportunities for perennial seedings and well investigations in partnership with MSCA.

Other items. 6 horse collars, 2 harnesses and many more ready to go. Bird seed grinder. Several electric fence stakes and several feet of 14 gauge wire.

2) 11/2” Red Lion water pumps. All pumps work.

2) microwaves, both work.

Lunch will be served at noon. Following lunch, a grower panel will take place with Highwood Alkali control association members and Marvin Miller/ retired hydrogeologist from the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. Marvin is responsible for the initial saline seep ground water investigations on the Highwood Bench in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The event will conclude with a tour of a well site near Fort Benton.

THE TRADER’S DISPATCH (USPS 019-793) SEPTEMBER 2023 — Vol. XXIV No. 8

4 wagon axles. 6 rims for wagon wheels, inside diameters are, (2 are 42 5/8 inches, 2 are 43 1/2 inches, and 2 are 50 ½ inches). Over head electrical wire. Will have length by auction day. New carpet will have size auction day. Small electric cream separator. 18 ft Small square bale elevator.

Too many smaller items to list.

Something FOR EVERYONE!!

Anything the Auctioneer says takes presidence over all printed and radio advertisements.

BROWNELL AUCTIONS

Conrad, MT 59425

Dave Brownell (406) 788-3242

email: davebrownell51@gmail.com

Bonded & Insured

Conrad, MT and at additional mailing offices.

Deadline for October issue

Wednesday, September 27.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Trader’s Dispatch, PO Box 997, Conrad, MT 59425-0997 Jean Aaberg, production Geri Aaberg, circulation Kathy Peterson, ad layout Suzy Benzing, ad layout Office Phone 406-271-5533 FAX 406-271-5727

e-mail: advertising@tradersdispatch.com www.tradersdispatch.com

2 Wringer washers, one is square tub and other is round. Both run. Old Ironrite, (needs some work). Side by side oak entertainment center. 3 old dressers. A bell collection and curio cabinet. Old antique trunk fair to good shape.

2) gas torches, one with soldering iron. Gas clothes iron.

Nice set of harness with collars and bridles.

Sears & Roebuck meat grinder, works. Old hand crank meat grinder. Push lawn mower.

Lawn mowers

Before putting your lawn mower away for the winter, give it a thorough cleaning and checkup.

Disconnect electric cables from sockets or spark plugs and battery cable and remove caked-on grass and mud from around the blades.

To prevent rusting when not in use, wipe all moving parts with a lightly oiled rag.

Lubricate all moving parts; spray rust inhibitor on the blade and other unpainted metal parts.

Check if the blades and cutters need sharpening, tightening, or even replacing.

Examine electric mower cables and any with signs of damage or badly worn should be replaced immediately.

If you have a motor mower, drain the gas

and oil tanks, and clean the spark plug. Fill oil tank with clean oil but leave the gas tank empty as gas deteriorates.

Get replacement parts or repairs done before storing for the winter as it is more difficult to get them done in the springtime.

Lightly sand and paint any rusted or peeling spots on the mower’s metal body.

Never leave a motor mower standing for months on a damp surface or in a damp place as this will inevitably make it difficult to start in spring. Stand it on a piece of cardboard or a block of wood and kept the area as well ventilated as possible to avoid condensation.

If the mower refuses to start, take out the plug and dip the sparking end in gas, replace, connect, and the mower should start.

HAY FOR SALE

The competition was tough at the 2023 Marias Fair Market Beef show, but in the end, Alec Morrisett went home with the Reserve Champion Market Steer belt buckle! Photo by Kari Lewis.

Cut Bank Tire

Estate of John S. Angelos - Double A Ranch

September 23rd, 2023

Gates open at 8 am for preview - Auction starts at 10 am Lunch Available

13329 East Lake Road, Conrad, MT 59425

This Ranch is just 8 miles North of Pendroy, MT on East Lake Road.

From Conrad: Take Hwy 219 West for approximately 17 miles, turn right on East Lake Road (13th Ln NW), follow East Lake Rd for about 5.5 miles. Turn right into the Double A Ranch. Watch for Collins Auction Service Signs and Flags.

From Choteau: Follow Hwy 220 North about 18 miles to Hwy 219. Turn left on Hwy 219 and follow it West for about 5 miles. Turn right on East Lake Rd (13th Ln NW), follow East Lake Rd for about 5.5 miles. Turn right into the Double A Ranch. Watch for Collins Auction Service Signs and Flags.

AG EQUIPMENT

Allis-Chalmers 4W-220 4 wheel drive tractor, articulated, dozer blade, 5437 hours, PTO.

Case 4490 4-wheel drive tractor, CAH, 4 hydraulic.

Oliver loader tractor.

Set of 4 John Deere grain drills with transport, 1 additonal for parts.

Ezee-On post pounder.

Grain auger.

John Deere riding mower.

Sickle bar mowers.

CARS, TRUCKS, SUV & MOTORCYCLES

Why larkspur is dangerous for cattle and how to manage it

By Nevin Lawrence, UNL Integrated Weed Management Specialist and Mitch Stephenson, UNL Range Management Specialist

As a result of this year’s wet weather in areas of Nebraska, ranchers and land managers can expect some changes in weed species abundance in range and pastures. Larkspur is one weed that’s showing up and causing some problems. At the Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center in Scottsbluff we have had more phone calls and in-person visits from ranchers regarding larkspur management in the last month than we have in the previous five years combined. Several species of larkspur (Delphinium spp) are native to Nebraska and can be poisonous to cattle and other livestock. Prairie larkspur (Delphinium virescens Nutt.) is the most common across the state and has white or pale blue flowers. Geyer larkspur (Delphinium geyeri Greene) and twolobe larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum Pritz.) grow in the panhandle and have light blue or violet flowers.

How does larkspur affect cattle?

Larkspurs contain highly toxic norditerpenoid alkaloids that are quickly lethal to cattle with consumption of as little as 0.5% of body weight. Larkspurs are the most palatable to cattle and when cattle are at the highest risk of poisoning in late April through June. Cattle are less susceptible to poisoning after seeds have dropped later in the growing season. Sheep tend to be less susceptible to poisoning throughout the growing season.

How to manage or control larkspur

Managing the timing of cattle grazing may be the most viable option for pastures with larkspur, but there are some herbicide options for larkspur control. Two active ingredients are labeled for control of larkspur, picloram and metsulfuronmethly. Picloram is sold under the tradename Tordon® 22K and metsulfuron-methyl as Escort® XP. There are also a number of other labeled herbicides which contain either picloram or metsulfuron-methyl in a mix with other active ingredients (Table 1). Picloram containing herbicides are labeled for geyer, prairie, and tall (Delphinium exaltatum) larkspur while metsulfuron-methyl containing products are labeled for dunecap (Delphinium occidentale) and tall larkspur. Given that there are dozens of native larkspur species across the country, both active ingredients likely control more than the species listed, but have been tested only on those species. Products containing picloram are restricteduse pesticides that require the applicator to have a pesticide applicator license, due to the risk of groundwater contamination and surface water runoff.

The timing of herbicide applications depends on the herbicide used, herbicide rate, and species targeted. Larkspur can be controlled in the vegetative phase of growth, the budding stage, or in the flowering stage, and the herbicide label should be consulted while planning an herbicide application. In 1992, picloram was able to control larkspur species at 2 and 4 pints an acre across all plant growth stages, while metsulfuron-methyl was most effective when applied in the vegetative stage. Herbicide use should be limited in areas where non-target native forbs and flowering species might be negatively affected.

National Tailgating Day

Date When Celebrated:

This holiday is observed on the first Saturday in September Football is back and the leaves on the trees have begun to turn in splendid beauty. Fall weather has turned cool, crisp, and nothing short of luscious. Are you going to the big game? Then, it’s time for a tailgate party. Grab your football, pack up the grill and cooler, and let’s all head to the game. While today is National Tailgating Day, there are games every week all Fall long. So, technically we can celebrate this holiday before every game!

The very first football game was held on November 6, 1869. The term “Tailgate party” had not yet been coined. But, fans arrived early to savor the moment, and to enjoy some food, beverages, and camaraderie before the game between Rutgers University and Princeton University. Perhaps they tossed the football around the parking lot, too.

Montana State to offer pest management tour

From the MSU News Service

The Montana State University Extension Pesticide Education Program is offering a pest management tour for pesticide applicators at six locations across northwestern Montana from October 2 to October 4.

In order, the tour will visit Kalispell, Ronan, Superior, Plains, Missoula and Hamilton. At each stop, speakers will present on a variety of topics, including forage pests, integrated weed management and herbicide resistance, management of vertebrate pests, proper pesticide use and integrated pest management, biological control of weeds, and identification of weeds and nontarget pesticide symptomology. Presentations vary by location.

Tour speakers include:

Hayes Goosey, MSU Extension forage specialist.

Tim Seipel, MSU Extension cropland weed specialist.

Stephan Vantassel, Montana Department of Agriculture vertebrate pest specialist.

Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension pesticide education specialist.

Melissa Maggio from the Montana Weed Biocontrol Program.

Noelle Orloff, MSU Schutter Diagnostic Lab weed diagnostician.

Private applicators can attend morning or afternoon sessions for three credits or both sessions for six credits. Commercial applicator credits are also available and can be viewed on the MSU Pesticide Education Program website at pesticides. montana.edu.

Individuals in the state’s Private Applicator Training District 1 need to earn six private applicator credits before Dec. 31 to avoid losing their private applicator certification, according to Tharp. Applicators can check their credits at mtplants.mt.gov by selecting “pesticide programs” and “pesticide license search” prior to entering their license number. Applicators can also contact their county MSU Extension office for license information.

The tour stops are:

October 2, Kalispell. Hilton Garden Inn, 1840 Highway 93 S. Cost is $15. Lunch is provided. Register by October 1 by contacting Mackenzie Dey, MSU Flathead County Extension agent, at 406-758-5554 or mackenzie.dey1@montana. edu.

October 2, Ronan. Community Center, 300 Third Ave. NW. Cost is $20. Lunch is provided. Register by October 1 by contacting Patrick Mangan, MSU Flathead Reservation Extension agent, at 406-210-9843 or patrick.mangan@montana. edu.

October 3, Superior. Mineral County MSU Extension office, 301 Second Ave. E. Cost is $15. Lunch is provided. Register by October 2 by contacting David Brink, MSU Mineral County Extension agent, at 406-822-3545 or dbrink@

montana.edu.

October 3, Plains. Butcher’s Nook, 600 W. Railroad Ave. Cost is $10. Lunch is provided. Register by October 2 by contacting Wendy Carr, MSU Sanders County Extension agent, at 406-827-6934 or wendy. carr@montana.edu.

October 4, Missoula. Fairgrounds, Gerald W. Marks Exploration Center, 1075 South Ave. W., Large Conference Room, New Facility Conference Room. Cost is $20. Lunch is provided. Register by September 29 by contacting Steffany Rogge, Missoula County weed education coordinator, at 406258-4211 or srogge@missoulacounty.us.

October 4, Hamilton. Bitterroot River Inn and Conference Center, 139 Bitterroot Plaza Dr. Cost is $45. Lunch is provided. Register by October 3 at 5 p.m. by contacting Kimberly Richardson, MSU Ravalli County Extension agent, at 406-375-6611 or kimberly.richardson@montana.edu.

A detailed program agenda is available online at www.montana.edu/extension/pesticides/events/2023pmt.html. Information is also available from local MSU Extension offices. For other questions, contact Tharp at 406-994-5067 or ctharp@montana.edu.

Montana Department of Agriculture 2023 Pesticide Disposal Program

If you have any old pesticides - insecticides, herbicides, rodent poison or fungicides - laying around unused, the Montana Department of Agriculture will take them off your hands. The agency will hold waste pesticide collections in Western Montana in September. The collections are scheduled in Kalispell on September 19; Hamilton on September 20; Helena on September 21; and Three Forks on September 22. The disposal program is a non-regulatory, service progam that offers pesticide users the opportunity to dispose of unwanted and unusable pesticides in a safe and legal way that is economical and convenient. Disposal costs are free for the first 200 pounds and $1.00/lb. per pound for additional amounts over 200 pounds. Disposal by other services can cost 5 to 10 times more. Additional information and the required pre-registration forms are available by contacting Carli Davis in Richland at (406) 465-0531; mail to Dept. of Agriculture, Pesticide Disposal Program, 508 Prairie Dell Rd, Richland, MT 59260; email Carli.Davis@mt.gov; website http://agr.mt.gov/pesticidewaste-disposal-program

JOHNSON POLLED HEREFORDS

Grazing sorghum stover following grain harvest

By Brent Bean, Sorghum Checkoff Agronomist

Cattle grazing of stover following grain harvest is an important component of many cropping systems. One of grain sorghum’s many strengths is that the remaining stover can be utilized for grazing or hay harvesting or serve as protective groundcover during the winter months. Sorghum’s high ratio of leaves and palatable stems make for an excellent cattle feed choice and the tall residue height allows access to the stover even in snow-prone areas.

For pregnant cows in mid to late-gestation, grain sorghum’s energy and protein levels provide adequate support. However, supplements may be necessary for late-gestating heifers. In a study conducted at Oklahoma State University (okstate PSS-2607), the average crude protein in the residue of nine sorghum varieties following grain harvest was 9% at one location and 10.4% at a second location. Total digestible nutrients were approximately 58% at both sites.

In terms of stover quality, a general rule suggests that fields with low grain yield often have higher quality because more nutrients and sugars remain in the stems and leaves rather than being allocated to grain production.

To determine stocking rate, growers should estimate the available forage. A rough calculation for estimating total dry stover after harvest can be obtained by multiplying the number of harvested bushels by 60. However, this is an approximation, and the actual forage amount may differ significantly depending on the sorghum hybrid. Additionally, not all stover should be consumed by cattle; some residue must be left as cover to protect the soil. A conservative estimate is to multiply the number of bushels harvested by 10 to calculate the amount of palatable and high-quality forage that cattle can eat. By using this method, a field yielding 80 bushels of grain should have approximately 800 pounds per acre of quality dry forage for grazing. Growers should also note that under prolonged grazing, the quality of the stover will decrease as cattle first consume the leaves and more palatable portions of stalks, in addition to weather having a deteriorating effect over time.

Compaction from grazing is a concern for some growers. Yet, studies from the University of Nebraska (UNL EXT EC278) have shown no reduction in yield to corn or soybeans following grazing of stover in both no-till and ridge-till systems. The top 3 inches of soil may be somewhat more compacted compared to ungrazed areas, reducing water infiltration, but this compaction can largely be avoided by not allowing cattle to graze late into the spring when conditions become muddy. In addition, not permitting overgrazing and leaving a significant amount of residue on the surface will go a long way in preventing compaction issues.

Most of the nutrients that cattle consume, which would otherwise stay in the field, get returned to the soil via manure. Typically, managers withdraw cattle from the field after about half the stover has been consumed, leaving the rest to enhance the soil’s fertility.

On a cautionary note, growers should be aware of the risk of prussic acid (cyanide) and nitrate poisoning. If grain sorghum is harvested prior to a killing freeze or if glyphosate was not used to kill the plants, any new growth potentially can contain high amounts of prussic acid. Cattle should be kept out of these fields until a hard freeze has killed the new growth. Growers should wait five to seven days after a killing freeze before allowing cattle into the sorghum field to provide sufficient time for the prussic acid to dissipate.

The risk of nitrate poisoning is generally less when grazing sorghum stover compared to feeding hay because nitrates accumulate primarily in the lower portion of the stalk. Grazing cattle will first consume the leaves and upper part of the stalk, where nitrate concentrations are lower. Nitrate accumulates in plants that have been stressed due to any number of factors. If nitrate levels are high prior to a killing freeze or a glyphosate application, they will remain high in the stover after grain harvest. However, under normal growing conditions, nitrate levels in sorghum stover are generally low.

While the risk of prussic acid and nitrate poisoning in cattle grazing sorghum stover is generally minimal, if any potential risk factors for these conditions exist, growers are strongly advised to get the forage tested prior to grazing. This proactive approach ensures the safety and well-being of the grazing cattle. For more information on these topics, growers can refer to the Agronomy Insights page on the Sorghum Checkoff website (https://www.sorghumcheckoff. com).

Twenty bull calves to pick from that are DNA tested free of all genetic defects, docile and muscled. Buy as calves and feed them out yourself.

We have 5 herd sires including JPH Trust 33E Reg# 43771121 and F 33Z Victor 114 Reg#44219538 that has a CHB# of 184.

Fall forage inventory

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Summer is flying by and fall is just around the corner. While it may seem like a weird question to ask already, do you know how much feed or hay you have for this fall or going into winter?

Last year’s winter didn’t do anyone’s bale yard a favor and a dry spring and early summer didn’t help alleviate pressure on forage resources. With tight supply and high costs, it’s worth asking if you have enough feed this fall or winter for your current cattle numbers.

Consider the “best case” and “worst case” scenarios. Count bales, measure silage, calculate remaining pasture, and get a real idea of how many calves and feeders you may have. If more forage is needed, there is still a very short window to plant a fall grazing crop, find some extra acres to hay, or decide to chop a bit more silage if the situation calls for it.

While temperatures are still warm, those wanting to plant some extra forage should skip the warm season species and focus on cool season crops that will really take off in the fall. Right now your two best choices are oats for either hay or grazing and turnips for grazing. Winter small grains like cereal rye, wheat, and triticale can be mixed with the oats and turnips. They won’t produce much fall growth, but they will provide some early grazing next spring.

If growing your own feed isn’t an option, another action plan to consider is buying feeds that are cheaper now and storing them through the winter. We know how to do this with hay and silage, but what about distillers grains? Mixing distillers with low quality feeds and packing in a bunker or in a bag, can significantly reduce the cost of protein and energy supplements during the winter months. This is especially helpful if cows are coming of off grass thin and need to improve condition before calving.

Planning is indispensable. Having a feed inventory, adding needed forage when able, and checking prices and availability of purchased feeds now will go a long way to reducing the anxiety of what we will feed our cows this fall and winter.

1945 McCormick Deering Farmall H hyd., narrow front, pto, good rubber, manual loader w/bucket, 19 hp. drawbar, 24 pto hp., good runner, s#FBH-211413, Janicek restoration 1989

Case S, wide front, pto, no hyd., belt pulley, good front rubber, rear rubber fair, s#4509451S

MM Model EE, pto, hand clutch, belt pulley, restored McCormick Deering Farmall F12, on steel, narrow front, unstyled, s#FS68810, restored

1937 Allis Chalmers WC 19 hp drawbar, s#42106, restored

1928 Hart Parr 18-36, on steel, kerosene/gasoline fuel, made in Charles City, Iowa, s#30860, restored

1939 McCormick Deering Farmall F-20, narrow front, 16 hp., belt pulley, unstyled, excellent rubber, s#FA131952, Janicek restoration 1992

1948 MM Universal ZTU 25 hp/34 hp belt, pto, hand clutch, excellent rubber, s#582380U, restored in 2002

1928 Twin City 17-28 on steel, spoked flywheel, s#25897, 17 hp drawbar, kerosene/gasoline fuel, built in Minneapolis, MN

1957 MM GB, propane, cab, 68 hp belt hp, snow plow sells with the tractor, pto, unrestored

1965 MM G705 diesel, 101 pto hp, 91 hp drawbar, runs on ether, sold new by Gilbert Barr, MM dealer in Helena, MT, s#23901885-

504CID

1958 MM GB propane, 68 hp, pto, made in Minneapolis, MN, s#08903456

1945 AC Model C, 14 hp drawbar, 17 hp belt, pto, single hyd., rear rubber 60%, front rubber very good, 1 plow rated tractor, s#31926

Fordson Model F, 6 hp drawbar, 18 hp belt, kerosene/gas fuel, built in Milwaukee, WI, s#720496, restored in 1987

1937 Allis Chalmers Model U, 34 hp, kerosene/gas fuel, good rear rubber, front rubber weather checked, s#13055, restored in 1988

1926 McDeering 10-20, 20 hp drawbar, 10 hp belt, on steel, kerosene/gas fuel, built in Chicago, Ill., restored 1985

1951 MM Model UTE wide front, 36 hp drawbar, 45 hp belt, pto, wheel weights, hand clutch, front rubber near new, rear rubber weather checked, s#01107376, restored 2001

1948 Oliver 99 gas, 62 belt hp, 54 hp drawbar, belt pulley, built Charles City, Iowa, restored in 1993

1928 JD D, on steel, 15 hp drawbar, 27 hp belt, kerosene/gas, built in Waterloo, Iowa, s#60592, restored 1984 1934 Caterpillar Model 28 crawler, 30 hp drawbar, 37 hp belt, pto, good undercarriage, s#4F550, restored in 1994 by Jim Janicek. This model crawler was made 1934-1935.

1975 Oliver 1755 diesel, WF, cab, 3 pt., pto, single hyd. remote, 86 pto hp., 6133 hrs., 6 fwd/2 reverse transmission, swamp cooler. Jim has owned this tractor since new.

JD sickle mower, 2 pt., pto Snow King 3 pt. snow blower, pto drive, hyd. discharge

JD Model 56 riding mower, 24” deck, 6 hp., good runner

1979 Polaris 340 Apollo snowmobile

Craftsman weed trimmer, 22” push type, B/S gas engine

MW walk behind garden cultivator, gas engine

1950 Dodge Power

What is current research in drought preparation?

American Society of Agronomy

Plants suffer from drought stress when they do not have sufficient water for their growth and reproduction. Drought stress can cause food crops to become less productive, not produce a crop at all, or even die. Drought stress is a major problem in places where crop production mainly relies upon rainfall to supply crop needs. The August 22nd Sustainable, Secure Food Blog looks at promising research that may help crops cope with drought stress.Peanut seeds soaking in solution

The weather cannot be controlled, but to some extent, plants can. Since they cannot move, plants need to adjust and adapt to changes in their environment, such as drought, high temperature, or salt. Scientists are trying to use this ability to help plants respond to stress faster or more effectively to improve production and survival.

Although plants do not have brains or a nervous system, they can ‘remember’ the stress after experiencing it multiple times through a process called “stress memory.” The repetition of the stress ‘trains’ the plant to recognize the stress when it happens again.

Plant physiologists – scientists who study how plants function - are trying to use stress memory to improve crops’ tolerance to drought stress. One approach to prepare plants to stress before it occurs is by “priming” them. Although not exactly the same, the idea of priming is like administering a vaccine to the plant.

Just as vaccines give a small amount of a virus to activate our immune system, we expose plants to low levels of stress to activate stress responses. When people get vaccinated, they may experience some symptoms but recover after a short time. Then, if exposed to the virus, that person will have immunity and generally not experience severe symptoms.

Primed plants show a similar response. During the priming treatment, they show mild stress symptoms such as slight wilting or lower metabolic activity. Ideally, the priming treatment does not reduce growth but alerts the plant to be prepared for stress. Once the plants are returned to normal conditions, they recover and are ready to perform better if the stress occurs later in the growth cycle.

Aline de Camargo Santos, University of Florida, researches “priming” to increase peanut tolerance to drought stress by testing two different priming techniques. In the first approach, we apply mild water stress at the beginning of the crop cycle as a priming treatment. Primed plants receive less than the recommended irrigation for peanut during the priming period, which is about 2-3 weeks. After that, the plants receive plenty of water, so they can recover and build their defense system. Later in the season, we stress the plants again by completely stopping all irrigation to test if the priming treatment increases stress tolerance. After that, we harvest the plants, and the productivity of the primed and not primed plants is compared. This approach can potentially reduce the amount of irrigation applied while maintaining yield and increasing the peanut plants’ stress tolerance.

In the second approach, we prime seeds before planting with naturally occurring plant natural chemical compounds that the plants already use to signal stress and activate stress responses. Melatonin, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid are some examples of these compounds.

The germination process is considered quite stressful for the seed. The seeds must absorb a lot of water in a short time to produce the first leaves and establish the root system. For this method, seeds are primed by treating them with a melatonin solution for a few hours. That allows the seeds to absorb as much water as they need from the solution. The seeds also absorb some melatonin that helps them to prepare to germinate. Preliminary results from this research show improved and more uniform early establishment and vigor in young plants. Once melatonin-primed plants are exposed to stress, they are healthier than the not-primed plants and potentially show improved tolerance against drought stress. Drought stress impact on crop production is complex and unlikely to be solved with a single method. Therefore, diverse strategies need to be developed to address the problem. The use of priming is one way we can improve how crops are produced under drought conditions. Further research is necessary to understand priming and to adjust all aspects of the method (effective stress levels, duration of the priming treatment, and timing of application) specifically for each crop and production environment.

To read more about the research findings and the entire blog, visit: https://sustainable-secure-food-blog.com/2023/08/22/ what-is-current-research-in-drought-preparation/

ONLINEONLY

AUCTION

2023 State of Montana Surplus Property

Helena, MT • Bidding open Sept. 16 and ending Sept. 30

Sale Site: 16 W. Custer Ave., at the corner of Custer Ave. & Henderson, next to the Lewis & Clark Co. Fairgrounds.

BOBCAT

BOBCAT

TRACTORS

FORD 6610 tractor with mower

FORD 6640S tractor with batwing mower

DUMP TRUCKS & TRUCKS

2 - CHEVROLET Kodiak dumps w/plow

2 - GMC 4x4 w/drill unit (Texoma & Sterling)

1994 FORD L8000 tandem tractor

ONE TON DUMPS

2005 FORD F450

2001 DODGE 3500 diesel

ONE TON (4wd and 2wd)

2011 DODGE 3500 diesel

2005 FORD F450 cab & Chassis, diesel

2002 GMC 3500 service body & plow, diesel

1/2 TON (4wd and 2wd)

10 - FORD F150 (2003 - 2017)

3 - GMC Sierra (2005-2015)

3 - Dodge Ram 1500 (2002-2012)

2007 Chevrolet Colorado

2004 GMC Canyon

1999 Dodge Dakota

3/4 TON (4wd and 2wd)

2005 GMC Sierra

8 - FORD F250 (2005-2017)

2 - CHEVROLET 2500 (2002-2006)

VANS & MINI VANS

2017 NISSAN NV200

3 - DODGE Grand Caravan (1999-2012)

2008 FORD Econoline van

2006 CHRYSLER Pacifica

2006 CHEVROLET Uplander

1996 CHEVROLET Astro van

2017 CHEVROLET Express van

1998 FORD F-350 Wagon

3 - DODGE Ram 1500 (1997-2002)

2 - GMC Savana (2006-2014)

2 - GMC G1500 vans (1995)

2004 DODGE Sprinter, diesel

1993 FORD Aerostar

PASSENGER CARS 15 - FORD Taurus (2001 - 2014)

8 - FORD Fusion (2010 - 2017)

5 - CHEV Impala (2003 - 2009)

2012 DODGE Charger

3 - BUICK Century (2003)

3 - DODGE Avenger (2009)

7 - TOYOTA Prius (2010)

SUV’s & MPV’s

7 - FORD Escape (2011-2017)

5 - 2014 JEEP Patriot

2016 FORD Explorer

2020 CHEVROLET Equinox

5 - CHEVROLET Trax (2019)

2 - NISSAN Rogue (2017-2018)

2003 SUBARU Forester

1996 TOYOTA Rav4

BOATS

3 - Aluminum (Tracker & Wooldridge) w/jet drive motors

ATV’s

4 - POLARIS Sportsman

SNOWMOBILES

4 - Snowmobiles (Ski-Doo & Polaris)

WRECKED & NON RUNNING

Approx. 32 wrecked or non running cars, trucks, dump trucks & pickups

TRAILERS

9 - Assorted (Step deck, Lowboy, Boat, Snowmobile, Equipment & Utility)

HYSTER & WINDHAM Forklifts

LAND TAMER II 8x8 Amphibious

Download the Pate Auction App to your mobile device or go online and bid your price on this line of vehicles & equipment!

COMPRESSORS & WELDERS

Automotive lifts, Gen Sets, Commercial mowers, Fire trucks, Travel trailers, Vac trailer, Ambulance, Machine Shop Equip., Diesel engines, Commercial kitchen equip., 3 point attachments, Gun safe, Asphalt recycler & More!

MORE ITEMS TO BE ADDED!!

ONLINE ONLY AUCTION

Viewing will be held Thursday, Sept. 28 and Friday, Sept. 29 from 8 am to 5 pm each day.

Removal: Monday, Oct. 2 thru Friday, Oct. 6 from 8 am to 4 pm each day. Online registration available on our mobile app or on the website.

Viewing: Thursday, September 28 & Friday, September 29 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day!

LOADER BACKHOE & EQUIPMENT

1 - JOHN DEERE 510C Loader backhoe

853H skid steer w/backhoe & auger

5600 4x4 tool cat

baler, twine and net.

Phone (406) 660-0110, Dillon, Montana

Better Breakfast Day

Date celebrated: September 25th Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. It provides your body with the energy that keeps it going throughout the day, and that initial burst of energy that gets you up and out the door. Better Breakfast Day reminds us that if breakfast is good, a solidly balanced, healthy breakfast is just plain better!

Breakfast is a critical part of the day because it gives us the energy that we need. Plus, breakfast foods are excellent sources of vital nutrients, including fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, and calcium. These essential nutrients are required by the human body. Research has shown that if you miss these nutrients at breakfast, they are less likely to be compensated for later on during your day. This is why it’s important to get them during breakfast time!

Better Breakfast Day has been created to encourage people to eat better breakfasts. It is not just about reminding people about how important this meal is, but it is about making sure that people are using breakfast as an opportunity to get all of the nutrients they need.

History of Better Breakfast Day

Breakfast has always been an essential part of our diet, and has been seen as important throughout history. Better Breakfast Day was established to remind us that just because any breakfast is better than no breakfast, that doesn’t mean we should skimp on what we put in our bodies at the start of the day. Rich eggs, solid protein from meat, and a reasonable portion of grains (Bread or oatmeal, for instance) will help us keep motivated. Recent research has shown that not having breakfast before school can lead to problems learning and focusing throughout the day. This just goes to show that it’s even more important to make sure that our kids leave the house with a solid healthy breakfast under their belt.

How to Celebrate Better Breakfast Day

Start your celebration of Better Breakfast Day by judging your breakfast quality. Do you simply have a piece of toast with butter? A bowl of breakfast cereal? Or the tasty but incredibly bad for you Pop-Tart? Try to ensure that you get some healthy fruit in with your breakfast, alongside a nice piece of toast and some slices of bacon or pieces of sausage. Giving your body a balanced start to the day is essential.

Say

www.centrol-llc.com

SIGN UP TODAY FOR YOUR 2024 SOIL SAMPLING! Standard Analysis, Complete Analysis, Soil Health, or NutriScan™ Analysis.

0-6 inch, 6-24 inch and 24-42 inch depths Composite or Variable Rate Sampling with prescription writing.

Jeff Farkell CPAg/CCA 406-788-4875

Joel Farkell CCA 406-581-6243 centrol_llc@outlook.com

1989 Chev 3500 dually, regular cab, 4x4, gas, mounted with DewEze 480 and a T&S cake feeder, 44,000 miles.

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

HARVEST AND HANDLING

2011 JOHN DEERE 9770 STS combine, large wire concaves, StarFire 3000, 2884 eng hrs/1884 sep hrs

JOHN DEERE 640D HYDRAFLOAT header, 40’, draper, finger reel, dualknife sickle, no transport

TRACTORS

1982 VERSATILE 895 tractor, 310Hp Cummins, 3R/4S, 5 remotes, 750 EZ-steer, dual duals, appx 1000 hrs on rebuilt, 9575 hrs

1982 VERSATILE 895 tractor, 310Hp Cummins, 3R/4S, 4 remotes, Trimble500 GPS, dual duals, appx 1000 hrs on rebuilt, 9447 hrs

TRUCKS, PICKUPS AND TRAILERS

2001 WESTERN STAR semi, CAT C15, 475Hp, 13 speed, 142 dual fuel tanks, sleeper, 735,112 mi

1993 KENWORTH semi, Detroit 60 Series, 430 Hp, 13 speed, 120 dual fuel tanks, day cab, 1,207,000 mi

1970 CHEVROLET C60 single-axle truck

1968 CHEVROLET C60 single-axle truck

1955 CHEVROLET 6400 single-axle truck, 261, 13’ box/hoist, wood floor, extensions, duals, bad motor

SPRAYING

2011 JOHN DEERE 4830 sprayer, 100’, self-propelled, 1000 gallon stainless steel tank, stainless steel rinse tank, mixing cone, 3” necked to 2” plumbing, 5-way nozzles, StarFire 3000, PinPoint Capstan, air ride, skinny tires, 2382 hrs

FLEXICOIL 67 sprayer, 90’, pull-type, 1000 gallon, induction cone, single body nozzle, FOR PARTS

2-CHEMCO chemical pump, 12V

MISCELLANEOUS

2012 POLARIS RANGER CREW

800EFI side-by-side, 4 seater, windshield, seat belts, dump bed, 4WD, 3746 mi

BRANDT 5200EX grain-vac, 1000 PTO, 7” tubes, 9.2 hrs

BRANDT 1080 auger, 10x80, 540 PTO, low-profile swing out

FARM KING auger, 10x70, 540 PTO, low-profile swing out

BRANDT 835 auger, 8x35, Kohler

23.5Hp, w/ 4 section Wheatheart sweep

SAKUNDIAK HD7-400 auger, 7x40, Honda 20 Hp, treat-box

SEEDING AND LAND PREP

CASE ATX 6012 air seeder, 60’, 12” spacing, C shank, 4” carbide tips, single chute, rubber packers, ADX 3430 cart, 186-102-142 split, course roller, 10” auger, AgHopper, tow-behind

EZEE-ON disk, 28’, 22” discs, hydraulic, single wing-up

FRIGGSTAD 600 plow, 45’, w/ harrows, 1 wing-up

FLEXICOIL 600 plow, 45’, 5-section double fold wing-up, w/ harrows

JOHN DEERE 800 rodweeder, 40’, manual wing-up, end tow

JOHN DEERE rodweeder, 30’, manual double wing-up

NOBLE blade, 28’, double wing-up

GEYSLER cultivator, 18’

FISHER roller, 50’, 3 section

SHOP BUILT roller, 40’, 3 section

VALMAR 3255 AIRFLOW granular spreader, w/ Flexicoil 82 harrow, 70’, fold behind

1954 ADAMS grader, pull-type, 10’ blade

Harrow

1981 BIG BUD 400/20 tractor, 450 Cummings, Trimble Pilot, 4 remotes, case drain, 10K+ hrs

1985 VERSATILE 256 tractor, Cummins, 3R hydrostat, bi-directional, loader, 100Hp, 3 remotes + large set remote, dual front PTO, AC/heat, bucket, diesel, 6725 hrs

1979 GMC SIERRA GRANDE service wagon, 350, 4 speed, Maverick grill guard and service bed, PTO driven 250 gallon fuel tank, hose reel, 2WD, 1794 mi

2008 FORD LARIAT F250 pickup, SuperDuty V8 Powerstroke, automatic, 4 door, sliding rear window, B&W turnover hitch, step tailgate, 191,184 mi

2007 DODGE RAM 2500 pickup, Cummins Turbo Diesel, mega cab, 4WD, no bed, unknown high miles

2011 NEVILLE BUILT grain trailer, 40’, roll tarp, pineal hitch, 68000 GVW

2004 SOUTHLAND DOEPKER grain trailer, 35’, roll tarp, 1200 bushel capacity

YAMAHA MOTO4 350 4 wheeler, manual, oil cooled, carb issue, 2WD FORD 905 post hole digger, 12”, 3pt, 540 PTO

Post pounder

GENERAL SHD15 rotary mower, 15’, 540 PTO, bat-wing FORD 951 mower, 5’, 3pt, 540 PTO

HUSQVARNA Z242T riding mower, 42” deck, KAWASKI 600V motor

HUSQVARNA riding mower, 42” deck, 836.9 hrs

CRAFTSMAN riding mower, 42” deck, 24Hp Briggs & Stratton

DAYTON heater, 15000BTU

SHOP BUILT hoist, A-frame 220 cords

aeration fans

aeration tubes, 15”

Grain dryer

Barbed wire

VERSATILE 276 tractor, Cummins, 3R hydrostat, bi-directional, loader, 100Hp, 2 remotes, dual front PTO (must take apart to switch, currently 540), AC/heat, bucket, 4308 hrs

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Welcome to the Vince and Carla Sullivan Sale. Vince and Carla have sold the farm and will be offering a full-line of farm equipment. This sale is live onsite and online at equipmentfacts.com. Register on their site early to prevent any bidding delays. You can view more pitctures there also. Be sure to read Terms and Conditions for loadout dates, deadlines and payment options. Every item sells as is, where is and without reserve. Mileage and hours are odometer readings only.

See you Oct. 3.

Jim, Dena, Jake, Jimi and crew

WILSON trailer, spray station, 40’, 2-2600 gallon tanks, 30 gallon & 60 gallon mixing cones, 2” plumbing, water pump, tandem duals

2021 PJ trailer, 30’, flatbed, gooseneck, 6’ dove tails, equipment tool box, front cheater step, tandem duals

PJ 3314 trailer, 14’, utility flatbed, dove tail ramp, side ramps, 2” ball, spare

SWATHING

VERSATILE 4700 swather, diesel, VERSATILE 4025 25’ header

VERSATILE 4200 swather header, 25’, triple delivery, bi-directional

VERSATILE 4025 swather header, 25’, bat reel, with trailer, 4000 bidirectional adaptor, FOR PARTS

Pull-type swather

BLACK DIAMOND air compressor, Honda GX160

INDUSTRIAL AIR CONTRACTOR air compressor, HondaGX160

Cherry picker attachment, bi-directional

Rock picker, bi-directional

Cutting torches

DELTA 17-950L drill press

Gas tank, 500 gallon, w/ stand, gravity flow

FISHER slip tank, 200 gallon, 12V

2-SEED SOLUTIONS treat box, 25 gallon, 12V

Vice

PACER water pump, 3” plumbing, 6.5

Vanguard, new

PACER water pump, Briggs & Stratton XR550

BRIGGS & STRATTON 900 water pump, 1.5” plumbing

Water tank, 1000 gallon, galvanized

Water tank, 2000 gallon, galvanized, 2” Banjo, only used for potable water

month.

Soybeans for forage

By Ben Beckman - Extension Educator; Mary Drewnoski - Beef Systems Specialist and Jenny Rees - Extension Educator

With drought plaguing parts of Nebraska this year, producers may want to salvage soybeans as forage instead of for grain. Many can remember when soybeans were only used for forage many decades ago, so it can definitely be done.

Grazing, haying or ensiling can all be done with soybean plants. Grazing is very simple and has a relatively low risk of bloat; however, if there are many bean seeds themselves, high oil consumption can cause issues in cattle, especially calves. Young calves should not be allowed access to beans. We typically shoot for less than 7% of the diet as the bean. So with cows that is about 2 lb per day (that’s under “normal” situations with beans at 20% fat and we assume some of these beans may have less oil). We’re guessing cattle will pre-select pods/seeds. Allocation/limiting access is one way to handle this. Providing palatable hay or another feed may also reduce the likelihood of cattle overeating soybeans. Use strip grazing to force the use of the entire plant.

Crew cab, 4x4 with 8-ft. long box, LT trim package, aluminum wheels,

Hay from soybeans will have a similar quality to that of alfalfa. However, drying and rolling up hay is difficult with soybeans. The leaves become very fragile, while the stems can take a long time to dry. Crimp the stem heavily and resist the urge to rake the windrow unless done only one day after cutting to limit leaf shatter.

Double cab, 4x4, long box, 91,000 miles, 6.0 litre gas engine, work truck package, power seat, vinyl floor, cloth seats, bed liner, running boards, factory tow package $34,999

1-Ton

Crew cab, 4x4, long box, only 61,000 miles, 6.2 litre gas, XLT trim with FX4 Offroad package and limited slip rear differential $46,999

Soybean silage is easier than haying. The moisture content needs to be between 60% and 70%. In the past, soybean silage has been packing while corn silage is being packed at a ratio of one ton soybean silage to three or four tons corn silage. This improves fermentation and will make the overall silage pile have higher crude protein. If doing only soybean silage in a pile, wait until the leaves begin to turn yellow and be sure to use an inoculant. Adding a bushel of rolled corn per ton of silage can help fermentation, and as always, be sure to get a very good pack.

Using soybeans other than for grain can be done. Remember to have the soybeans released by crop insurance prior to using for forage. We’ve been told that many soybeans aren’t being released until the plants turn completely brown. However, please ask your insurance if you can leave strips for them to assess later. As the plant matures, the stems basically become so low quality, they are like sawdust in feed value. So using now is a good idea in situations where one can get them released.

One final important thing is not to provide access to blocks, tubs or supplements that contain urea when allowing access to raw soybeans. Raw soybeans contain urease that can rapidly turn urea into ammonia and cause ammonia toxicity.

Storage methods to reduce hay losses

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Hay is a very valuable commodity this year. So, as you bring in your round bales for winter storage and feeding, store them to minimize weather losses.

Hay stored outside will be damaged by rain, snow, wind, and ice this fall and winter. The average round bale may lose up to one fourth of its original nutrients during storage, but these losses can be reduced to less than 10 percent or so.

For instance, do you usually line up bales for easy access so the twine sides touch each other? Or do you stack your bales? If so, extra spoilage will occur where these bales touch because rain, snow, and ice will gather in spots where bales touch instead of running off. Research has shown that round bales stacked in a pyramid form will have greater dry matter losses compared bales butted end-to-end, cigar-like.

Does snow drift around your bales? Bales placed in eastwest rows often have drifts on the south side. Hay next to fencelines or trees can get extra snow. As snow melts it soaks into bales or makes the ground muddy. Plus, the north side never gets any sun so it’s slow to dry. This year, line your bales up north-and-south for fewer drifts and faster drying as sunlight and prevailing winds hit both sides of the row.

Most important is the bottom of your bales. Always put bales on higher, well-drained ground so water drains away from them. If necessary, use crushed rock or other materials to elevate bales to keep the bottoms dry. This also will reduce problems getting to your hay or getting it moved due to snow drifts or mud.

So, for outside storage, a single row of bales end to end, along with consideration for row orientation and the ground surface drainage, will be the best storage method.

2019 Chevrolet 2500HD

2021 Chevrolet 2500HD

Z71 Offroad package, bed liner, power seat, power windows, locks and mirrors. All powered by the Awesome 6.6 litre gas engine. $49,999

2020 Chevrolet 2500HD

Double cab, 4x4 work truck with 8-ft. bed, 6.6 litre gas engine, Z71 Offroad package, power seat, windows, locks and mirrors, bed liner, trailer tow package $41,999

2017 Ford F350 1-Ton

Supercab, 4x4 and 8-ft. long box, XLT trim with 6.2 litre gas engine, only 46,000 miles, locking rear differential, manual hubs, 3.73 gears, 10,700 lb. GVW, nice truck. $42,999

2020 Chevrolet 2500 HD Crew cab, 4x4, short box, 6.6 litre gas engine, work truck package with Z71 Offroad, running boards, 80,000 miles, spray in bed liner, back up camera, vinyl floor, cloth seats, power seat, 3.73 gears, 10,450 lb GVW. $44,999

The advertising deadlines for the Trader's Dispatch are the WEDNESDAY BEFORE the 1st Monday of the

Why consider drylotting cows this fall?

By Connor Biehler, Nebraska Extension Educator

This fall as pastures continue to recover from drought in previous years, some producers who traditionally pasture their cattle are considering feeding cow-calf pairs in confinement. Drylotting can be a feasible way to allow pasture recovery, while feeding grain, forage, and crop stover to pairs. A few of the many advantages of a drylot system include closer observation of the herd, low weaning stress, and providing opportunity to bunk break calves prior to weaning.

While input costs of confined feeding of pairs is more expensive than in years past due to increased commodity prices, it provides the opportunity for producers to stockpile forage in the future. With hay prices still above $200/ton, limiting inclusion amounts in diets is economical. However, in order to keep a healthy rumen, forage inclusion should be at least 0.5% of the cow’s weight on a dry matter basis.

When developing rations, consider using cost per unit of protein and energy to determine the most cost-effective feed. If available, corn silage produces more energy per acre than any other crop. Silage mixes well with low quality forages, and it can help to limit the needed inclusion of low-quality hay, which can help to prevent ruminal impaction. Low level grain inclusion can also decrease cost per unit of energy.

Knowing the quality of your feedstuffs is an important part of feeding cattle in a drylot. It is recommended to test your feed as a total mixed ration, but more importantly testing forages prior to the feeding period. This allows nutritionists/ producers the ability to develop rations that properly meet the nutrient requirements of the animal, and not exceed them, wasting resources.

To further reduce wasting of feed resources, drylots provide the option to limit feed, by reducing intake while still meeting nutritional requirements. Limit feeding should be fed at least 1.75% of body weight, otherwise cows will exhibit irritable disposition from lack of fill. This can be mitigated further by feeding long stem hay, which promotes rumination, keeping the cattle more content and reducing behaviors like fence chewing.

If properly managed, confined feeding herd health is comparable to pasture scenarios. Cattle should be lotted into pens allowing 500-800 square feet per pair. If pens are too large and dry conditions persist, the increased dust from the surface promotes a greater chance of pneumonia for calves. When planning to drylot cows, allow for 2836 inches of bunk space per pair.

It is ideal to separate cows based on nutrient requirements. Younger cows and first calf heifers have greater

energy and protein requirements, whereas mature cows in good condition require less energy relevant to their body weight. If feeding everything in one pen is the only option a producer has, maximizing bunk space per head is highly recommended to allow smaller, more timid cattle a spot at the bunk.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind if intending to dry lot cows:

- Feeding whole corn works better than rolled corn when daily forage intake is at 0.5% of body weight

- Mineral can be either mixed into the feed or fed free choice.

- Feeding cattle in a dry lot increases the production life of older, broken mouth cows

- A smaller, confined area, allows for easier health checks of cattle

For more information on Nebraska Beef Extension or drylotting cows, reach me at my office (402) 624-8007 or visit my programming website bigredbeeftalk.unl.edu.

#####

The Manhattan cocktail was invented by Winston Churchill’s mother.

##### Knock, knock. Who’s there? Nana. Nana who? Nana your business!

Nebraska wheat planting varieties

By Chabella Guzman, Nebraska Extension communications specialist

The Hard Red Winter Wheat harvest is in the bins, and now growers are beginning to look at planting for next year’s crop.

Nebraska Extension faculty were at the recent Kriesel Certified Seed event in Gurley, Neb., with some information for growers making planting decisions for the winter wheat crop.

“It’s a great time to evaluate what varieties have worked for you in the past,” said Katherine Frels, University of Nebraska-Lincoln small grains breeder. “Take a look at the results from the state variety trails and new releases from breeders around the region to really find your next big wheat.”

This year’s weather patterns saw more rain in western Nebraska than typical with cooler temperatures. While the rest of the state experienced varying degrees of drought. Even in western Nebraska, the rains were scattered, with hail accompanying the thunderstorms. The varying degrees of rain caused challenges for the wheat varieties.

“We didn’t have a lot of consistent winners throughout the whole region as we did some years,” Frels said.

One of the varieties which performed well and surprised Frels and the team at the UNL High Plains Ag Lab in Sidney, was Settler CL, an older variety of wheat.

“It really liked the environment this year,” she said. “But it’s not one we would recommend for a lot of acres anymore as it doesn’t have as high yield potential as some of the new varieties, but it had a fantastic year.”

It’s best for growers to look at averages in the variety trials, where available, because sometimes varieties have an outlier result for a single year like Settler CL did this year. She added growers need to check the areas closest to their soil type and look at multiple years to get an average.

Something else growers need to consider when picking a variety for planting time is to look at the wheat’s disease resistance package. The added moisture this year did cause more fusarium head blight. While unusual for this area, there was a lot of rain around the time the wheat was flowering. Disease may be one challenge for growers next year, but the wheat stem sawfly is a constant challenge. The UNL faculty has been working on the sawfly problem for several years.

The sawfly causes stem damage and lodging in the mature wheat stands, making it harder to harvest, impacting the yield.

“So what we are doing is trying to measure the impact as far as when we have wheat infested with sawfly, are we losing yield, how much, and is it impacting our quality. That will help us to drive our efforts going forward. To understand where problems are and how to address those problems,” said Cody Creech, Nebraska Extension dryland cropping specialist.

The group is also looking at the impact the sawfly has on crops following a wheat crop. In western Nebraska, that is predominately corn. When there is a sawfly infestation, what is the residue degradation and speed, and how does that impact the soil moisture?

“We’re still looking at data from this year, but by winter, we’ll have a better understanding of the impact of sawfly,” Creech said.

For the latest information on the wheat variety trails, visit https://cropwatch.unl.edu/winter-wheat-variety-test-results

International Country Music Day

Day celebrated: September 17th

Country music is one of the most popular types of music in the world and this special type of music originated in the USA. International Country Music Day was established in the 1950s and is held each year on September 17th. On this special day country music festivals are held at various venues around the world. Lovers of country music gather to listen to live music acts while drinking and dancing. Line dancing is popular during International Country Music Day and competitions are often held to determine the best dancers.

This is a vibrant event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In order to fully embrace the fun of International Country Music Day, it is important to look the part. Dress to impress in a pair of jeans or denim skirt teamed with a gingham shirt and, of course, a pair of cowboy boots and a cowboy hat to complete the look.

THANK YOU

1st Interstate Bank of Cut Bank

for purchasing my 4-H pig, Pua.

Your support of 4-H is always appreciated!

Brody Stokes

Montana Holster & Shoulder Rig

44/45/357 500/460/454

1911’s Taurus Judge

Great for Horseback Riding, Bowhunting, Backpacking, ATV riders

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Is that corn crop worth more as silage or grain?

By Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator and Galen Erickson, Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist

Ongoing dry and drought conditions in many parts of the state are supporting hay and forage prices as we look towards this fall. Perennial dryland hay production in many parts of Nebraska has been less than average. Forage production on rangeland and pasture in central and eastern Nebraska is, in many situations, significantly less than average. This diminished production is going to result in less fall and winter grazing.

Nationally the stocks of corn and the current crop in much of the Corn Belt are estimated to be adequate to support December corn futures trading near $5.50 per bushel. With harvested forage supplies being tight in much of Nebraska, harvesting corn for silage may be a good option this year, especially with fields that are drought stressed. However, having the experience and facilities to put up silage is an important consideration.

When evaluating whether to harvest a field for silage or grain, the issue of how to price and value the corn is often a point of uncertainty and is subject to variability. Corn silage is usually priced at one of three points—standing in the field, packed in the silo, and delivered in the bunk.

Corn Silage Standing in the Field

basis would cost $0.12 per pound of TDN.

Corn silage priced at $68.44 per ton that is 35% dry matter and has a TDN value of 72% on a dry matter basis would cost $0.14 per pound of TDN.

Wet distillers grains plus solubles at $100 per ton delivered that is 35% dry matter, has a TDN of 108% on a dry matter basis and shrinks 10% would cost $0.146 per pound of TDN.

Corn priced at $5.30 (average price for the year if $5.00 at harvest) per bushel and has a TDN value of 83% (note a TDN of 8890 is in grain diets, not forage-based diets) on a dry matter basis would cost $0.134 per pound of TDN.

Grass hay priced at $180 per ton and has a TDN value of 53% would cost $0.199 on a dry matter basis.

TriCal Flex™ Triticale

• Awnletted

• Most widely adapted facultative triticale

• Slight edge in winter forage yields

TriCal Gunner™ Triticale

• Beardless, facultative

• Better average yields than forage wheat

• Good forage quality data

FORAGE SAWFLY

AP Solid

• Excellent solidness score, confirmed by Montana State University

Warcat

• Beardless, dual purpose true hard red winter wheat

• MSU replacement for Willow Creek

• Good yield potential in Montana

• Good protein/excellent test weight

Warhorse WB4483

• Good yield potential/ solid stem

• Good stripe rust resistance

• Good winter hardiness

• Great yielding solid stem

• Improved hardiness

• Aluminum tolerance

UNL research has shown that corn silage priced standing in the field before harvest should be valued at 7.65 x the price per bushel of corn where a ton of corn silage is harvested at 60-65% moisture. This multiplier value is consistent regardless of corn price. With the historic basis for corn, it is estimated that corn will be near $5.00 per bushel at harvest in Nebraska. Corn at $5.00 per bushel x 7.65 = $38.25 per ton in the field. This accounts for not having to combine or haul grain to market, but also should be harvest corn price, as we add storage costs to silage. Corn price also increases throughout the year due to storage, at least on average across many years of data.

There are several factors to consider when evaluating whether to harvest corn for grain or for silage. Both methods of harvest have advantages and disadvantages depending upon an operation’s goals and objectives. Tight forage supplies in many parts of Nebraska combined with current corn market conditions may heighten the attractiveness of harvesting corn for silage this year as a forage source. For more information on harvesting, storing and feeding corn silage, see the video presentations from the Silage for Beef Cattle Conferences at the beef.unl.edu website.

The nutrient or fertilizer value of manure from cattle fed corn silage should also be taken into account in determining the value of corn silage. In operations where the nutrient value from manure is utilized with cropping systems, this manure value should be credited back against the cost of the corn silage. An article in the Progressive Forage Magazine titled “Silage pricing: Did you account for the manure?” highlights this topic. Drought Stressed Corn for Silage

• Solid stem for improved sawfly management

• Very good winter hardiness

HOLLOW STEM

• Very good winter hardiness

• Hollow stem variety

WB4727

• Excellent yield potential

• Very good wheat streak mosaic virus resistance

• Single-use license

Ray HR Winter Weat Ramsay

• Excellent dryland variety

• Excellent standability

Milestone

• Stripe Rust tolerance

• Top yield potential

• Dryland or irrigated

• Broadly adapted

Corn Silage Packed in the Silo

Harvest, hauling and packing expenses can vary. The 2022 Nebraska Farm Custom Rates publication showed an average custom rate of $13.50 per ton. At $38.25 per ton plus $13.50 per ton for harvesting, hauling and packing equals $51.75 per ton in the pile. When $3 per ton is added for storage expense, the price per ton is $54.75.

Corn Silage

Delivered in the Bunk

Keldin

• High yield potential

• Outstanding test weight

• Responds to higher seeding rate

COAXIUM CLEARFIELD

StandClear CLP

• Best combo of yield, solid stem, & CLP

• Good winter hardiness

• Excellent yield potential

AP 18 AX

• Phenomenal yield potential

• Medium maturity

• Aggressor herbicide tolerance

The ensiling process will cause shrink and dry matter loss from 10-20% or more from when silage is packed into the silo until it is removed to be fed. With 10% dry matter shrink, the value of silage delivered to the bunk would be $60.83 per ton. If the shrink loss is 20%, then the value of silage would be $68.44 per ton. Excellent information is available on the beef.unl.edu website illustrating the impact of covering, packing, and other management factors to decrease silage shrink.

Comparing corn silage under current market conditions to other feed resources can be helpful in evaluating whether to harvest a field for silage or as grain. When comparing nutrients in feeds to one another, they should be compared on a price per pound on a dry matter basis consumed by the cattle. This takes into account all waste loss and expense. The following examples are compared to one another on a price per pound of TDN (energy) on a dry matter basis delivered to the bunk.

Corn silage priced at $60.83 per ton, that is 35% dry matter and has a total digestible nutrient value (TDN) of 72% on a dry matter

Harvesting drought stressed corn as silage may be an option to salvage the crop and also produce needed forage. Producers considering harvesting drought stressed corn should also evaluate the impact of doing so on future crop production. In a July 2017 issue of CropWatch, Bob Klein addresses this topic in an article Should You Hay or Cut Silage from Drought-Damaged Corn Fields?

The quality of drought stressed corn silage can vary but is usually 85-95% the energy value of regular corn silage. A good measure to consider is doing a starch analysis. If you divide the starch % (DM basis) in corn silage by 0.70, that gives you an indication of the grain content in silage, which may be very important in drought-stressed or damaged silage. With drought stressed corn, caution should be used in harvesting if high nitrates are present. Ensiling can reduce nitrates by 40-60%. Nitrates accumulate in the bottom of the stalk so raising the cutting height can also impact final nitrate concentration in silages, but also yield. For more information on feeding and pricing drought damaged corn silage, please see the article Options for Drought Damaged Corn Fields and the NebGuide The Use and Pricing of Drought Stressed Corn (G1865). Both resources can be found at the beef.unl. edu website.

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Smaller animals tend to perceive time as if it is passing in slow motion. Insects and small birds, for example, can see more information in one second than a larger animal such as an elephant.

Landscaping for summer shade, birds and property beautification

By Catherine Wissner, retired University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Horticulturist.

A nicely done landscape with properly placed trees, shrubs and perennial flowers can enhance the value of your property. Trees will also create a shady retreat, reduce your cooling cost, attract pollinators and beautiful birds. With trees and flowering shrubs you can improve views or hide views.

For shade June through September plant trees on the west side of your home. As the summer season changes have trees along the north west to south west sides for shade. Look at it as placing a tree between your place and the afternoon sun.

There are numerous shade tree choices for our area. One tree making a grand comeback is the American Elm. This tree almost wiped out by “Dutch Elm” disease , a fungus, is making an a strong revival with survivor stock and years of testing. These trees are hardy to minus 30 to minus 40, tolerate the wind and difficult soils. These tall stately shade trees are long lived, fast growing with 3 to 4 feet per growing season and have beautiful dark green leaves. Some choices for here; Prairie Expedition, Cathedral, Accolade and St Croix. For a smaller version the New Horizon and Triumph Elms will fit in smaller spaces and still provide great shade.

Trees and shrubs create a safe haven for migratory summer birds. These birds like to start up high then drop down to a shrub or small tree like a Toba Hawthorn or Hot Wings Maple while looking for food. The Toba, a very small tree, has beautiful spring flowers produces berries for birds in the winter. The Hot Wings Maple, a small tree, blooms in the spring, has red winged seeds and good fall color. Planting shrubs like; Lilac, Serviceberry, Russian sage and Nanking cherry all help these winged tourists and pollinators. Planting different perennial flowers, with varying plant heights, colors and time of blooming will also help support a greater diversity of birds and pollinators.

Western Prairie birds did not evolve with trees, they adapted to nesting and living on the ground. They are masters at camouflaging their nest and their eggs blend into the soil. Food for these ground birds, plant a patch of millet, wheat, buckwheat and wildflowers. This will help the ground nesting Mourning Doves, Meadowlarks and Horned Larks to name a few.

When available, native plants are the best choice for local pollinators and birds. Native plants are good sources of food and shelter for wildlife, many are very beautiful. Typically,

they are low maintenance, pest free, drought tolerant, and ability to hold and help the soil. Not mowing the prairie is important for development of pollinator and bird habitat. Left to grow, native grass will out compete weeds and discourage ground squirrels and prairie dogs. The airid Rocky Mountain area has few insect pest, the use of insecticides is almost never recommended. All this helps reduce your chores and free up your time for fun.

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• Includes all labor to pour slab, complete heated floor, and erect the building

Pruning

Early spring and late winter is the best time to prune many shrubs and small trees.

Shrubs that bloom in summer and autumn generally develop flowers on the current season’s growth and should be pruned before the first flush of growth in the spring.

Shrubs that bloom in the spring or winter should be pruned immediately after flowering has finished.

In early summer, prune evergreens that are not in flower. Prune conifers in late summer or early autumn. Prune other evergreens after flowering.

Pruning is practiced to maintain plant health, control plant growth, and encourage flowering and fruiting. These objectives should be remembered as you prune.

Pruning should encourage plant health, not plant disease, so it is important to prune properly using the correct pruning tools.

For twigs and light branches, hand pruning shears or secateurs can be used.

Loppers may be used for branches up to 1-1/2” thick. Use a pruning saw for larger branches.

Hedge shears or clippers should be used to trim closely clipped hedges only.

All tolls should be kept sharp. Sharp tools cut easier and avoid bruising the plant tissue. Bruising the plant causes slower healing of the wound and causes an increase in the probability of disease.

A clean cut should be made; the cut surface should have a smooth surface, not a rough one that looks as if the tissue has been torn or pulled.

Care should be taken not to damage the plant round the cut, or rip or tear the bark above or below the cut. The cambium layer, a thin layer of cells just below the bark, is important in wound healing and it is easily damaged.

Do not twist or turn the shears as you cut because you will damage the plant as well as the shears.

Unless a shrub is a topiary or part of a formal hedge, it should not be closely clipped but allowed to develop naturally and pruned to keep in shape.

First remove all dead, diseased, or injured branches. If necessary, thin out the plant. Remove branches that cross each other or they will become entangled. If the shrub still looks to thick, remove some of the older branches. Remove any branches that are distinctly different from the rest of the shrub. Cut back any very long growth to a bud.

To reduce the size of a shrub, cut back each branch 4”6”, to a new bud. Do not use hedge shears; cut each branch separately.

Prune hybrid tea and floribunda roses in March. Cut out dead, diseased, or thin wood and trim back the main shoots. When cutting back main shoots, count buds from the base of each shoot and cut just above the second or third one. The length of the shoot is less important than the number of buds.

Shrub roses are best pruned in winter. As both old and modern roses produce most of their flowers on shoots produced from old wood, prune lightly. Remove dead, thin, and decayed wood and shorted main stems by one third.

Prune rambling roses in the autumn. Cut untidy, flowered shoots right down to the base and tie new shoots to the trellis or support. If there are a few new shoots, leave some of the flowered shoots in place, cutting back just a little.

Climbing roses are also best pruned in the autumn. Remove any crossing or thin shoots and reduce the height of the main stems by about one third. This prevents them being blown about by the wind. Remove any side shoots that spoil the shape and cut back the others by about two thirds.

Miniature roses should be pruned in March. Cut off any dead, diseased, or thin wood and trim back the main stems.

Waffle Trivia

Amaze your family and friends with your knowledge of waffles.

In the Middle Ages, people made waffles on round plates with images of Jesus Christ and other religious symbols. The word waffle appeared in the English language in 1725. Thomas Jefferson brought the waffle iron to America. Of course, it wasn’t an electric iron at the time.

The first waffle iron was patented in 1869 by Cornelius Swarthout.

The Waffle House once sold Chick-fil-A sandwiches. Belgium waffles have their roots in Belgium and France. The word “waffle” comes from the Dutch word “wafel” which means wafer.

General Electric Company introduced the first electric waffle iron in 1911.

Belgian waffles were originally called “Brussels Waffles”. Frozen Eggo waffles hit the market in 1953.

It’s Nice to Know you are more than a # with us!

We’re your local “HOME TOWN” Bank

Ownership – Local Decisions

Recipe Patch by Geri

Meat and Potato Casserole

4 cups thinly sliced peeled potatoes

2 Tbsp butter, melted

1/2 tsp salt

1 lb ground beef

1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn

1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted

1/3 cup whole milk

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp pepper

1 Tbsp chopped onion

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided Toss potatoes with butter and salt; arrange on the bottom and up the sides of a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are almost tender.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Sprinkle beef and corn over potatoes. Combine the soup, milk, garlic powder, pepper, onion and 1/2 cup cheese; pour over beef mixture.

Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 2-3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

One Skillet Lasagna

3/4 lb ground beef

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with basil, oregano and garlic, undrained

2 jars (14 ounces each) spaghetti sauce

2/3 cup condensed cream of onion soup, undiluted

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1-1/4 cups cottage cheese

3/4 tsp Italian seasoning

9 no-cook lasagna noodles

1/2 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

In a large skillet, cook beef and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink, breaking beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in tomatoes and spaghetti sauce, heat through. Transfer to a large bowl.

In a small bowl, combine the soup, eggs, cottage cheese and Italian seasoning.

Return 1 cup meat sauce to the skillet; spread evenly. Layer with 1 cup cottage cheese mixture, 1-1/2 cups meat sauce and half the noodles, breaking to fit. Repeat layers of cottage cheese mixture, meat sauce and noodles. Top with remaining meat sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-17 minutes or until noodles are tender. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with shredded cheeses; cover and let stand for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Black-Eyed Peas & Ham

1 package (16 ounces) dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted

1/2 pound fully cooked boneless ham, finely chopped

1 medium onion, finely chopped

1 medium sweet red pepper, finely chopped

5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 tsp chicken bouillon granules

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp pepper

6 cups water

Minced fresh cilantro, optional

Hot cooked rice

Soak peas according to package directions. Transfer peas to a 6-qt. slow cooker; add the next 12 ingredients. Cover and cook on low 5-7 hours, until peas are tender. Sprinkle with cilantro if desired. Serve with rice.

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A red blood cell is about 8 microns wide–less than half the width of a human

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Electric eels must surface to breathe every five minutes or they will drown.

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#####

Experienced Agronomists

We

Last alfalfa cutting

By Todd Whitney, UNL

Best management practices, like cutting alfalfa in the morning to speed drying to preserve sugars and starch for higher quality hay, are followed by most producers. However, timing the last fall alfalfa cutting seems to vary among growers; since the forage quality does not change as rapidly in later cuttings compared to earlier cuttings.

Usually, the first week of October is the average first killing frost (28°F) for alfalfa, so targeting Sep. 1 as the last alfalfa cutting would allow plants 6 weeks to store root carbohydrates prior to the killing frost. Last cutting timing decisions will potentially impact your crop’s winter survival and vigor next spring. For example, in five-cutting irrigation system, research has shown that the next spring first cutting yield will be lowered by approximately the same amount as the yield from a late-fall last cutting.

This year’s drought may have extended the traditional 35-days between cuttings for four-cutting growers; so some producers are just now harvesting their 3rd cutting with possibly only about 6 weeks until the first fall frost.

What may be the risk if these producers seek yet another cutting during this growing season

If the first fall frost occurs earlier than normal, then winter injury is a risk. However, conditions vary from year to year; and plant winterizing generally begins about three weeks before the first frost date with the “ideal” being six weeks of uninterrupted growth in the fall to become well winterized. Winter survival of later cuttings will improve with younger stands (except new stands); winter hardy varieties and disease-resistant varieties. For those needing extra cash or forage this fall, the higher dairy quality forage values may off-set the financial risk of needing to re-establish alfalfa stands next year which winterkill.

For most producers, the best strategy is to avoid harvesting alfalfa (Sep. 1 to Oct. 15) during the critical fall period 6 weeks before the first killing frost. This allows plants to enter winter with higher root carbohydrates.

A portion of all profits from Emergent ST Guardian sales are donated to local veteran organizations.

Developing a larger vocabulary may help protect you against depression. It allows you to precisely label--and confront--subtle emotions.

Hugging your cat has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, especially for people who are dealing with illness, depression, PTSD, and other ailments.

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##### Knock Knock. Who’s there?

Hatch. Hatch who? Bless you.

#####

Q: What has a face and two hands but no arms, legs, or a body?

A: A clock.

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A land-grant mission fulfilled

By Meaghan MacDonald-Pool, Montana State University

In 2006, grain growers in northwest Montana’s Flathead Valley had a problem with the orange wheat blossom midge. Since the 1980s, the midge had been spreading through Canada and into the northern Great Plains, but an unprecedented outbreak occurred in 2006 in the Flathead Valley. Though tiny, the orange insect causes large-scale damage, feeding on developing wheat seeds and excreting enzymes that break down cell walls and convert starch to sugar. Growers saw full heads prior to harvest, but those seeds were empty at harvest. Spring wheat fields in the region that normally produced 80 to 90 bushels per acre instead produced fewer than two bushels, and one estimate put the economic loss for Flathead County at more than $1.5 million. Enter Luther Talbert. Now retired, Talbert had served for three decades as the spring wheat breeder for the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station, or MAES, when the infestation

CONTINUED ON PAGE A28

#84935

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2021 John Deere S780 with premium cab, Moisture Yield sensor, Combine Advisor, Pro Drive transmission with Harvest Smart, regular wear grain handling package, fine cut chopper, 520/85R42 front tires with duals, 750/65R26 rear tires, side hill performance package, guidance, power folding GT covers, 28.5-ft. unloading auger, PowerCast tailboard. Stock #86522 $520,000 (12)

2020 John Deere S780 with premium cab, LED lights and extremity lights, SF6000, Combine Advisor, Active Yield and moisture sensor, Pro Drive with Harvest Smart, TriStream rotor with extended wear package, power folding grain tank covers, 28.5-ft unloading auger, fine cut chopper, PowerCast tailboard. Stock #84957 $445,000 (1)

2020 John Deere S780 with premium cab, LED lights and extremity lights, SF6000, Combine Advisor, Active Yield and moisture sensor, Pro Drive transmission with Harvest Smart, TriStream rotor with extended wear package, power folding grain tank covers, 28.5-ft. unloading auger, fine cut chopper with PowerCast tailboard. Stock #84954 $395,000 (1)

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2013 John Deere S680 with ProDrive transmission, HD hi torque fixed speed drive, TriStream rotor, 26-ft. unload auger,

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Research associate Kasee Clark, left, and researcher Peggy Lamb harvest wheat at MSU’s Northern Agricultural Research Center near Havre. MSU photo by Kelly Gorham.

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DRILLS & SEEDERS

Check out our selection of good used seeding tools for spring.

2021 John Deere N560F drill with 60-ft., 10” spacing, double shoot air package, All Run Blockage, cast serrated closing wheels, spoked narrow gauge wheel, tow behind air cart, tank scales C850, SN 1A8C850HLMK790125. Stock #84934 $729,000 (1)

2021 John Deere N560F air drill, loaded with all the options, 60-ft, 10” spacing, mid row banding, double shoot, relative flow All Run Blockage on seed and fertilizer, cast serrated closing wheel, narrow spoked gauge wheel, 850 bushel tow behind tank, tank scales, section command, dual IF 850/75R42 rear tires, IF 900/75R32 front tires. Stock #85059 $697,500 (1)

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2012 John Deere 4940 with 120-ft. steel boom, 20” spacing, 480/80R50 tires, boom level, stainless tank, hydraulic tread adjust, no GPS, but guidance ready, traction control, high flow pump, eductor, SS plumbing, RH and LH fence row nozzles. Stock #86160 $137,500 (1)

2015 John Deere 1830 hoe drill, 61-ft., 7.5” spacing, single shoot mechanical depth control, 550# opener on 4 ranks, 3x21” steel press wheels, dual main and wing caster wheels, 1910 tow between cart SN:1A81910TKEZ760254. Stock #86294

2008 John Deere 1895 43-ft. drill, 10” spacing, double shoot, dry fertilizer delivery tube, narrow gauge wheels, cast closing wheel, 430 bushel tow behind cart, Intelligent Ag All Run Blockage, loading conveyor, 1910 cart SNA01910H725956. Stock #84752 $95,000 (2)

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2012 Case IH ATX 400 58-ft. hoe drill, 12” spacing, single shoot, 1” carbide points, 4” press wheels, with Case IH 3430 430 bushel 3-tank variable rate cart, SN:YBS015143. Stock #86161 $44,500 (11)

2005 Case IH ATX4812 drill, 48-ft. wide, 12” spacing, rubber packer wheels, 1” tips, includes 3380 tow behind cart. Stock #83627 $36,500 (1)

2006 FlexiCoil 4350/5000 HD 57-ft. air drill, 5000 HD tool with 4350 cart, 10” spacing, single shoot with Intelligent Ag Blockage. Stock #86186 $45,000 (12)

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4WD, ROW CROP AND UTILITY TRACTORS

Fall planting and winter feeding time is close by - Check out our selection of good used tractors for you farming and ranching needs this coming fall!

2014 Case IH Steiger 620 with CVX drive, CVT transmission, ful guidance, AFS Pro 7000 monitor, no PTO, hi-flow hydraulic pump, 30” tracks, 6 SCVs. Stock #86867 $315,000 (1)

2000 John Deere 9100 4WD, Synchro transmission, 9738 hours, 520/85R38 tires, 30% tread (1 inside tire leaking air) 4 SCVs, Case drain, iTC receiver with extend, 1800 display with AutoTrac, ATU 200 included. No implement harness. Stock #86808 $50,000 (11)

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2022 John Deer 8R310 with IVT transmission, RH reverser, less receiver, air seat with cab suspension, 84 GPM hydraulic pump, 13/4 1000 PTO, 6 SCVs, 380/90R54 with duals, 380/80R38 front tires with duals, 22 front weights, rear weights. Stock #86945 $405,000 (15)

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##### Bart Simpson’s name is an anagram of BRAT. His full name is Bartholomew Jojo.

#####

The Muppet vampire, Count von Count from Sesame Street, is based on actual vampire myth.

#####

An oak tree produces about 10 million acorns during its lifetime.

A land-grant mission fulfilled

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A26

in the Flathead happened. Talbert was able to fall back on decades of MAES breeding research to “back-cross” plants, creating a new variety of spring wheat to help counter the pest for quick release to producers.

That swift action to help slow dramatic crop losses was made possible by research collaborations between campus and MAES’s seven agricultural research centers across Montana, according to Darrin Boss, department head of the ag research centers. Those scientists help test MSU crop breeding lines and varieties in the state’s variable climate and geographic conditions and work closely with producers to provide immediate feedback to breeders.

Boss said the 2006 outbreak exemplified how MAES research can help get ahead of a problem that has major financial ramifications for Montana producers.

“Our breeding programs and research centers are exceptionally nimble to the immediate needs of our producers,” he said. “This program has been a long-term collaborative effort, and it all ties back to how we act as a unit. No one person can get something done without the researchers who contribute to this. One of the most important things we do at the research centers is to test these varieties and get them into the hands of farmers.”

For more than nine decades, the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station’s breeding and variety development program which today produces spring and winter wheat, barley, durum and pulse crops has directly linked the university with the vitality and economic sustainability of Montana agriculture. MAES is part of MSU and includes the MSU campus in Bozeman and seven off-campus research centers in Sidney, Moccasin, Huntley, Conrad, Havre, Kalispell and Corvallis. Collectively, the centers conduct research to address the diverse climatological challenges of Montana’s agricultural industry.

Sreekala Bajwa, MSU vice president of agriculture, dean of the College of Agriculture and director of MAES, calls the breeding and variety development program the heart of the college’s founding mission to help agricultural producers.

“Our plant breeding and variety development program epitomizes MSU’s land-grant mission as it integrates research and development with education to address the needs of Montana,” she said, noting that roughly 2.5 million acres across the state are planted with MSU-bred and developed wheat or barley varieties.

New crop varieties are the result of years of research conducted by MAES scientists. Breeding lines are tested across the state at research centers and on-farm locations to ensure they are well-suited to address Montana’s production challenges, from pests to drought and more.

Each variety is bred with the end goal of increasing yield for growers, Bajwa said. In Montana, spring wheat, winter wheat and durum combine for approximately $2 billion annually in agriculture industry revenue.

“I am very proud to say the varieties that come out of our research program are well-suited for Montana’s diverse conditions and are some of the best on the market,” she said.

“It’s the history of this program that has made our varieties very successful,” said Mike Giroux, head of the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology and MSU’s durum breeder. “For a variety to be released, made available and for growers to adopt, you’re looking at maybe 15 years of research and development.

“If a new breeder has a release in January, it’s based on

Doctoral student Brandon Tillett studies multiple wheat and durum genes in a laboratory on the MSU campus in Bozeman. MSU photo by Marcus “Doc” Cravens.

Uncle Sam Day

Date When Celebrated: This holiday is always held on September 13

Uncle Sam Day celebrates a symbol of America. Uncle Sam is certainly one of America’s most recognized symbols. Uncle Sam appears on everything from military posters to cartoon images to advertising media. He is perhaps, the most recognizable symbol in the world.

Origin of Uncle Sam Day: There are two theories as to how Uncle Sam emerged. Both

date back to the early 1800’s. The officially recognized theory dates back to soldiers stationed near Troy, New York during the war of 1812. Barrels of meat they received were stamped “U.S.” The supplier was Samuel Wilson of Troy, New York. Solders jokingly referred to him as “Uncle Sam”. In 1813, the first image of “Uncle Sam” appeared. In 1961, the U.S. Congress issued a resolution recognizing “Uncle Sam” Wilson, and authorizing a monument in his hometown in Troy, NY.

There is a second, less popular theory of the creation of Uncle Sam. During the early 1800’s, Irish immigrants were coming to America. Some

believed that Uncle Sam emerged from these immigrants. In their Gaelic language, the United Stares of America was “Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá”, abbreviated “SAM”.

Uncle Sam Day became official in 1989, when a joint resolution of Congress designated September 13 “Uncle Sam Day”. This date was selected, as “Uncle Sam” Wilson was born on September 13, 1776.

A barley head gets it start this winter in an MSU greenhouse. As part of the university’s breeding program, researchers make crosses and then inbreed them over the course of a year. The seed from the head will be planted in an MSU research field this summer and then evaluated. MSU photo by Marcus “Doc” Cravens.

A land-grant mission fulfilled

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A28

the research started by prior breeders 10 to 12 years ago, whose science has been marching forward ever since.”

The science starts, as one might expect, in a laboratory. Before a crop breeder (MSU breeders include Giroux, Jamie Sherman, Jason Cook, Kevin McPhee and Sue Mondal) can adapt a new variety to tackle environmental or pest-related issues, MSU graduate students in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology study specific genes that can help target pests or foster desired traits.

Doctoral student Brandon Tillett works in Giroux’s lab and studies multiple genes that control seed size and numbers per head. The genes he examines contribute to the number of spikelets, which contain fertile florets, in the head, as well as the number of seeds in a spikelet, the size of the seed, protein content and more. All are factors that affect crop yield.

This type of work helps determine which genes are worth including in new crop varieties, quantifying the usefulness of any single gene in producing outcomes favorable for Montana growers. Once it is determined how well a gene works in Montana’s environment, breeders can include it in future breeding lines.

Tillett said the reasons behind their work are never far from his mind.

“We have the general goal to increase metrics because the population of the world is growing,” he said. “Breeding is very important to meet the goal of feeding the world and increasing the net return for Montana farmers. At the end of the day, this all goes back to helping design better plants for the future.”

But researching genes is only the beginning. That process leads to one of the most important aspects of breeding: crosses.

Wheat is a self-pollinating plant; its flowers contain both male and female parts. Breeders choose two adapted varieties of wheat that vary genetically and use one as male and another as female. They pollinate the female, which produces an F1 seed, the beginning of a new population.

Each time a seed is grown and replanted, it creates a new generation and genetic makeup. According to Jason Cook, MSU’s current spring wheat breeder, about 200 unique F1 crosses go forward annually and are grown into F2 seeds. Breeders advance the plants about four or five generations until their genes are no longer segregating and the plant is considered stable, a state they consider to be “breeding true.

Cook said most of the varieties are bred in an attempt to tackle perennial problems like drought, wheat stem sawfly, quality and yield. However, the breeders are keeping their eyes open across Montana and surrounding states. Sometimes new challenges creep up, and breeders need to move quickly.

“The biggest thing we focus on is emerging disease and insect pests that could move into our wheat-growing regions,” he said. “Whatever these problems are, we’ll start to look for genetic solutions and bring those genes into the breeding program.”

Peggy Lamb has been a researcher with MSU for 23 years, primarily at the Northern Agricultural Research Center in Havre. At NARC, she oversees variety testing and gathers vital data such as stand counts, flowering, heading and maturity dates, disease severity, pest resistance, protein value, test weight, growth stages, falling numbers and seed yield.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A30

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On-site variety testing is a pivotal part of variety development. Researchers gather real-world data that determines whether a breeding line is ready to be released to the public as a named variety. At NARC, Lamb oversees test plots in Hill, Blaine, Chouteau, Phillips and Liberty counties. When breeders send variety development trials for collaborative research, Lamb and her team prepare and maintain the plots, from seeding to hand-weeding and harvest. They collect field data during the summer and then perform months of lab work after harvest to measure agronomic performance of the varieties and breeding lines.

Breeding lines and varieties are not just grown on-site at the research centers; they are also tested off-site in producers’ fields. Some producers have cooperated with Agricultural Research Centers for decades, nearly 40 years in some cases. Lamb said trials at research centers like NARC are good, but it’s also very important to see how the plants perform in growers’ fields under varying environmental conditions.

It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement, she noted. Lamb receives an abundance of data and builds relationships and trust with producers. Producers benefit by having high-quality research done in their fields and seeing which varieties will work best for them.

“We listen to everything they have to say, the good and the bad,” Lamb said. “The bad observations are just as valuable as the good, because you learn from it all, how to correct and know what we need to be doing. Farmers have a lot of input on what they want to see and what we produce.”

Boyd Heilig is one such producer who has seen the benefits of MSU’s variety development. Heilig runs a 6,000-acre farm with his father outside Lewistown and has used MSU releases for 30 years. He recently switched to MSU’s wheat stem sawfly variety, Dagmar, to combat the insect. He has been pleased with the variety and said it has made a huge difference in his production.

“MAES has one of the few breeding programs that focuses on wheat stem sawfly because they know how bad a problem it is in Montana,” Heilig said. “If you look at the varieties that are produced in Montana, the MSU solid stem ones are up top every year, and that is for a good reason.”

As vice president of the Montana Grain Growers Association, which represents the interests of Montana wheat and barley growers, Heilig said MSU and MGGA share an understanding of the importance of grain growing to the state and maintain a strong working relationship to make sure the industry is healthy and successful. And as an MSU graduate and lifelong Montanan, Heilig has many ties to Montana producers and tries to spread the word of the efficacy of MSU’s varieties.

He said he doesn’t need to do much to convince most people that he knows how to grow MSU varieties.

Bajwa said it is gratifying to know MAES is making a difference for the people of Montana and beyond.

“When I get a call from an excited farmer about how our varieties are performing exceptionally well, it is a happy moment for me,” Bajwa said. “This is why we are here. It’s a fulfilling moment when I hear from people who say, ‘We are benefiting a great deal from MAES research. MAES made a difference in our operation.’ It is MSU’s land-grant mission fulfilled.

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A land-grant mission fulfilled

Garden hints

Apply a teaspoon of salt directly onto a weed such as dandelion in your lawn to kill it.

Avoid splashing creosote on plants when treating woodwork as is can cause leaf scorching.

The secret of getting a new ivy to cling to your walls is to cut it hard back after planting. New shoots get a grip straightaway–old ones never do.

Hang nets under trees in the autumn to catch some of the falling leaves and save having to rake them off the ground. When raking leaves in the garden, sweep them into a pile and water lightly with a watering can. Soggy leaves will not fly away in the wind and more will fit into the wheelbarrow or sack.

When gathering rubbish in the garden or house, roll a piece of cardboard into a tube and place it in a garbage bag. The cardboard must be able to expand when released in the liner so that it can stand on the ground unaided. This will enable you to have both hands free when loading the bag with rubbish. As you fill the bag, raise the cardboard slightly until the bag is full. Remove the cardboard, which can be used again, and tie the liner as usual.

When carrying heavy loads, such as compost, in the wheelbarrow, always load more at the front of the barrow (over the wheel). That way the barrow will move better and not make your arms painful.

Use an empty, cut-off lemonade bottle to water your growing bags. Turn the bottle upside down in the growing bag and pour the water directly into the funnel that the bottle makes. The water will run directly into the growing bag and not leak out onto the floor.

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Gene was known for his cheating on the course, and his playing partners were fed up. So when Gene was in a sand trap that was hidden from view, they were all listening intently as Gene hacked around for what seemed like an eternity. When he finally got his ball onto the green, his foursome asked, “How many shots was that?” “Two,” Gene replied. “Oh come on,” his frustrated compatriots yelled “We heard at least four.” “That’s because it was a very deep trap, and two of the shots you heard were echoes.”

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Creating a wildflower meadow for wildlife, pollinators and grounds beautification

Written by Catherine Wissner, retired, University of Wyoming Laramie County Extension Horticulturist

Some conservation groups consider pollinators to be a keystone species for small game birds, native birds small wildlife along with native ruminants and of corse native bees and butterflies. Their link in this cycle has everything to do with pollinating flowering plants for seed production. These seeds then feed birds, ground insects, some seeds remain for future flower and grass germination. Forbs or wildflowers feed ruminate species like; antelope and mule deer.

A good pollinator/habitat plot will have a mix of native grasses, perennial and annual wildflowers along with small grains like millet and oats. Importantly, a wildlife habitat should be feeding as many native bees, butterfly’s, benificial insect and native animal species seasonally as possible. Your habitat plot should have three to four flowers species blooming each month of the growing season. Ruminates and native birds will need feed to last through winter into spring, hence the grains.

Now is the time to start working on

next year’s habitat plot development or enhancement. The time to plant is mid to late October, the time to prep the site is now. The habitat plot should be as weed free as possible. Most native perennial flowers need to go through a period of cold. Some natives need 6 month of cold or winter in order to germinate, hence the fall planting. Seeds should be drill seeded into the soil, not broadcasted. Seeds need good soil contact and planted 1/4 inch deep. You may be able to rent a towable no-till drill seeder from your local county conservation district. In Laramie County call 307-772-2600 to rent theirs. If possible after seeding, the site should be covered with straw mulch or landscape mulch to help hold soil moisture and reduce soil temperature fluctuations and erosion. Do not plow up or overly disturbed the soil this only encourages weeds and erosion.

Annual flowers and native grass seed mixes can be planted in early spring like April, but not after Mother’s Day. This time frame typically has the best soil moisture for seed germination. Drill seeding, not broadcasting, is the best approach.

Wildlife plots planted with just annual flowers typically only last a couple years where perennial flowers should last for many years. If you plant with perennial flowers the first year plot should be mowed so the plants work on roots over flowers. This will give you a longer lived wildflower meadow.

Farm or garden stores should still have wildflower seed mixes for sale. You can also order seeds via the internet. Some online native wildflower stores are: Wind River Seed in Manderson, WY., Beauty Beyond Belief, Applewood Seed, American Meadows, Botanical Interest along with others. Always get seed specifically for your area, take into consideration annual moisture and altitude. Plants for most of Wyoming including Laramie County should be zone 4 or hardy to minus 30. Any seed purchased must be kept in a cold and dry location, until you use it. Never keep seed in your garage and never the garden shed as the fluctuating temperatures will kill the seed.

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Humans shed about 600,000 particles of skin every hour. By age 70, humans lose an average of 105 pounds of skin.

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Listening to your favorite music for just 15 minutes a day lowers stress levels, anxiety, sadness, and a depressed mood.

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A duel between three people is called a “truel.

Fruit trees

Crab apple is the most commonly used ornamental fruit tree. Cherry and plum trees make beautiful additions to the landscape; they flower in early spring and then produce a crop of tasty fruit in the summer.

The best age to buy fruit trees such as apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and pears for planting in the home garden is one to two years old.

Fruit trees can be planted at any time when they are dormant–usually from November to the end of February.

Do not plant fruit trees or shrubs near the vegetable garden. Their needs are different–especially the specific spraying for disease control.

Dessert apples, gooseberries, and strawberries should be grouped together as they require only a limited amount of nitrogen. Cooking apples, plums, and bush and cane fruit need more, while black currants will require a large amount.

Raspberries and gooseberries like moderate shade, while other fruits like full sunshine.

Mulching fruit trees helps to conserve moisture, control weeds, adds plant food as the mulch decays and catches the fruit when it drops, preventing bruising.

Young, developing trees often set fruit that take the nourishment needed to build up the tree framework. Most of these fruits should be removed at an early stage.

Sometimes older fruit trees set more fruit than they can hope to develop. Some thinning should be done, but not until the natural shedding has been completed, generally around mid-July.

Branches of old fruit trees should be well propped to prevent them breaking when laden with fruit.

Fruit trees are quite hardy, but the flowers are easily damaged by frost. To avoid this, cover the trees with a light piece of material or newspaper.

If blossoms are only slightly frozen, cover to protect them from the early morning sun as it is quick thawing that causes most damage.

To evaluate pollination in apples, slice an apple crossways. There are five seed pockets with the potential to two seeds in each. If there are eight to ten fully developed seeds, then you should have a good crop. If there are less, then better pollination is required from more bees in the garden or a different variety of fruit tree.

Soft fruit should be picked when it is cool and dry, early in the morning after the dew has lifted but before the sun warms the fruit. Plums should also be picked dry.

If apples or pears are to be stored, then they are best picked dry–otherwise they should be spread out to dry after picking.

Check the ripeness of apples by gently lifting the fruit with the palm of the hand, while still attached to the tree. When ripe, the stalk

will detach itself easily.

If the garden is more than 600’ above sea level, it will be difficult to grow fruit trees satisfactorily, unless they have plenty of protection.

To help keep fruit trees free from pests, allow chickens to feed under the trees to eat the insects and larvae.

Store apples and pears separately, as apples should be left undisturbed while pears need to be checked regularly.

Fig trees need their roots confined. Plant in a 3’ cubic hole, line the sides with concrete slabs, and fill with rubble.

#####

A golfer is having a terrible round and complains to his caddie, “I don’t normally play this way.” After a few more bad holes, the golfer reiterates, “I truly don’t usually play his way.” And finally, after the horrible round comes to a conclusion, the golfer apologizes again the says, “I don’t know what happened today. But I never play this way.” To which the caddie responds, “I understand. But I’m curious, what game do you usually play?”

C20, C21

Cascade Machine & Supply, Great Falls MT C16

Centrol Crop Consulting LLC, Brady & Conrad MT A10

Circle S Seeds, of Montana, Three Forks MT A10

Clearview Seed, Denton MT A30

Courtesy Ford, Conrad MT B21

Cut Bank Tire, Cut Bank MT A4

Dakota Truck & Farm, Minot ND C15

DBL Sales & Service, Dave & Brock Linker, Coffee Creek MT B22, C1

Doane Western of Montana, Bozeman MT B8

Double Diamond Truck & Equipment Sales, Missoula MT B28

Dry Fork Ag, Ledger MT A24

Escrow Montana LLC, Whitefish MT A10

First State Bank, Shelby, MT A22

Fisher Metal Products, Fort Benton, MT...C8

Flaman Rentals, Power MT B22, C6

Fort Benton Realty, Fort Benton MT C14

Fox Ford, Wolf Point MT C24

Frank Merchant Roofing, Great Falls MT B28

Fraser’s Oil Inc., Inverness MT C4

Frieling’s Agricultural Equipment, Great Falls MT B14, B15, C1

Frontier Precision (formally Triangle Ag, Great Falls), Bismarck, ND A13

Frontline Ag Solutions Dillon, Dillon MT..A23

Frontline Ag Solutions, Choteau, Conrad, Cut Bank, Dillon, Lewistown, Havre, Chester, Great Falls, Belgrade, Livingston MT A26, A27

Glass Trucking, Denton MT C26

Glasgow Rental, Glasgow MT C11

Golden Harvest Seeds, Big Sandy MT....A14

Golden Triangle Rental, Great Falls MT...C11

Golden Triangle Seeds, Rudyard MT A29

Gordon Repair, LLC, Miles City MT B2

Greenway Seeds, Caldwell ID A34, A35, C32

Greyn Fertilizer, Choteau, Dutton, Valier MT A25

Grossenburg Equipment, Winner, Pierre, Philip, Belle Fourche SD, Wayne, Bloomfield, Harrington NE, Sundance WY....C23

Heartland Seed Company, Moccasin MT C5

Hedman, Inc, Grass Range MT B27

Helfert’s Helena Farm Supply, East Helena MT A32

Henke Enterprises, SprayFlex & Big Dog

Mowers, Chester MT B4

Henry Building Systems, Pelican Rapids MN C26

Hi-Line Rental, Havre MT C11

Highline Communications, Cut Bank MT B6

Hillco Technologies, Inc. Nezperce, ID....A35

Hoven Equipment Co., Great Falls MT....C29

Hwy 12 Equipment & Repair, Baker MT....B2

J & T Equipment Sales, John Jones, Stevensville MT B20

J Bar T Bins & Steel Buildings, Jeremiah Johnson & Thad, Chester MT C26

Jamieson Motors, Inc., Chinook MT A8, C30

Johnsen Trailer Sales, Inc., Bismarck & Fargo ND C8

Krogmann Mfg. C26

Lattin & Sons, Power MT B22, C6

Lewistown Polaris, Lewistown MT C12

Lewistown Rental, Lewistown MT C11

M & M Auto, Trailers, & Welding, Stevensville MT A33

M & W Machine, Three Forks MT C10

Mahindra, Big Sky Harley, Great Falls MT B17

Montana Ag Safety Program C10

Montana Department of Agriculture A5

Montana Farrier Supply, Livingston MT....C9

Montana Fence, Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell MT B16, C12, C22

Montana Fiberglass Inc, Lewistown MT C24

Montana Holster & Shoulder Rig, Norm Schertenlieb, Great Falls MT A16

Montana Metal Fabrications, Great Falls MT C24

Montana Valley Irrigation, Great Falls MT B10

Montech Seed Group, MT A28

Mountain View Metal Works, Wilsall MT....C5

MQS, Montana Quality Structures, Stevensville MT C27

MT Tractors, Matt Pendergast, Stevensville MT B28

Musselshell Valley Equipment, Roundup MT B11, B18, B22. B23

New Homes of the Future, Billings MT B6

NM Machinery, Missoula MT C10

North Star Equipment, John Myers, Simms MT A19, A34

Northern Ford, Cut Bank MT B9

Northern Prairie Auto Sales, Wolf Point MT B12

Nutrien Ag Solutions, Inc, Conrad, Great Falls, Billings, Fort Benton, Belgrade, Hardin ,Chester, Shelby, MT A16

Opportunity Bank C18

Oxbow Engineering LLC, Randy Pierce PE

Three Forks MT B25

Pete’s Auto Sales, Great Falls MT C33

Platinum Auto Center, Big Timber MT C2

Poteet Construction, Missoula MT B16

Power Motors Implement, Fort Benton MT A13

Precision Truck & Trailer, Havre MT C19

Price Truck & Equipment Sales, Missoula MT C22

R & L Seed & Machine LLC, Geyser MTB2

R & M Exterminators, Cheney WA C35

RDO Equipment, Kalispell, MT C2

RDO Equipment, Missoula MT C2

Reddig Equipment & Repair, Kalispell MT C6

Redhead Equipment, Regina SK Canada A36

Rehbein Ford, Inc., Plains MT B25

Reinke, RPH Irrigation Services, Choteau MT C17

Rockwell

Sunrise Hoppers, Bow Island AB Canada C14

Super SmartRooms/Superform ICF, Jerry Gangstad, Avon MT B16, C27

T & T Farm Supply, LLC, Chester MT B24

Taylor Farm Store, Shelby MT B7

TCB Transport LLC, Todd Bedosky, Geyser MT B14

The McGregor Company, Seed Start A24

The Western Feed Corral, Great Falls MT A14

Tiber Tractor Co., Chester MT C17

Tilleman Equipment Company, Havre & Great Falls MT C35

Tom’s Shop, Grass Range MT A10

Torgerson’s

911 Remembrance Day

Date When Observed: 911 Remembrance Day is observed annually on September 11

51⁄2’x24’StandAlonePanels$375ea.

Seed and Machine, LLC 406-735-4374 – Geyser, MT rlmccray@3rivers.net

Vermeer bale processors help you make the best use of your bales with the least amount of labor, and give you the versatility you need to process round bales or large square bales with an optional kit. Changing the feeding location promotes a healthier open-range feeding environment and reduces manure-handling issues.

Each processor quickly unrolls bales into windrows that give all the cattle equal feeding room. As the bales are processed, dust and mold are blown away and the hay is aerated, becoming more palatable for your herd. Reclaim and protect seeding areas by mulching straw and spreading it up to 40' (12.19 m) away.

Today is 911 Remembrance Day I doubt anyone will ever forget where they were on the morning of September 11, 2001, when they heard of the attacks on the twin World Trade Towers in NYC and the Pentagon in Washington. And let us not forget the brave passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, who fought the terrorist. Ultimately, the plane crashed in a field in Shanksville, PA rather than hitting the White House or the Capitol Building, likely destinations. This horrible and tragic day when the Twin Towers fell is etched forever in our memories. So, we will forever mark 911 Remembrance Day on September 11.

Like the attack on Pearl Harbor that brought us into World War II, the 911 attacks led us into a new war… the war on terrorism. It also touched and changed forever, the lives of each and every American.

On the anniversary of 911, we encourage you to spend a few minutes reflecting upon this event, and praying for the victims who died, and their families and friends.

911 History

On the morning of September 11, 2001, nineteen Islamic al-Qaeda militants hijacked four planes. The hijackings occurred from Boston, Newark, and Washington airports. The planes selected were long-distance flights, which would have more fuel in the tanks.

One plane each hit the north and south towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. The planes and engulfing firestorm ultimately brought down both towers.

A number of other buildings were also damaged or destroyed. Most notably was the Marriott hotel, which was also destroyed.

A third plane hit the Pentagon in Washington, DC.

The fourth hijacked plane ultimately crashed in a field in Shanksville, PA. Passengers on the plane learned of the fate of the other planes and unsuccessfully attempted to take back control of the plane from the suicidal the hijackers. Everyone aboard died.

In total, thousands were killed.

Deaths included Americans as well as citizens from many other countries.

Today’s Quote

Tubeline TLR5000 AX2 bale wrapper, lots of extras . $38,000

2019 Vermeer 605N 14,000 baler, new belts, chains, sprockets. $35,000 2018 Vermeer 605N 14,000 bales, through shop $34,000 John Deere 530 baler ..................................... $3000 Chisholm Trail/Cannonball bale beds, dumping beds WW HD EZ 4-wheeler lifts for balebeds $1000

Hay Liner 42-ft., 8 bale dumping trailers.In Stock..$9500

Full line of feed and mineral products in stock

Hwy 12 Equipment & Repair 8201 Hwy 12 W - Baker, MT Connor 406-778-3777 • hwy12equip@gmail.com www.hwy12equipment.com

• In-Shop Repairs & Service Truck Repairs •

New & Used Equipment

Vermeer R2800 & R2300 hydraulic rakes $NEW

Vermeer 605N baler, net, moisture, pickup clutch. $NEW

Vermeer VR1022, VR1224, VR1428, VR2040 wheel rakes $NEW

Vermeer BPX9010 bale processor $NEW

Kuhn GMD5251TC multi disc mower $NEW

Kuhn FC4661TCR mower conditioner

................................................... $NEW

Haybuster 2650 bale processor $NEW

JD 560M round baler, 800 +/- bales, like new $54,000

Vermeer 605N baler, 10,000 +/- bales, net only $41,500

Farm King 1400 7 bale mover $Call

Highline CRF650 bale processor, final cut $Call

Gordon Repair, LLC 406-234-4595 Miles City, MT www.gordonrepair.com clint@gordonrepair.com

“The attacks of September 11th were intended to break our spirit. Instead, we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel renewed devotion to the principles of political, economic, and religious freedom, the rule of law, and respect for human life. We are more determined than ever to live our lives in freedom.” — Rudy Giuliani

Delayed hay harvest?

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Weather this year has been quite the roller coaster, resulting in many producers dealing with adverse conditions when harvesting and putting hay up. Do you know the impact these conditions will have on the final product?

For some producers, too much moisture has been causing issues. Wet meadows where harvest has been delayed are dealing with prairie hay that is past it’s prime. As plants mature, quality drops, so expect this hay to be at least a bit lower quality than normal.

In other parts of the state, too little rain led to brome fields that weren’t even worth an early harvest. With some precipitation returning, these fields are coming back and may be recovered for a fall harvest. This is a complicated topic, so check out the latest BeefWatch for an article with full considerations. However, ensuring that stands are fully recovered is critical before deciding to cut. Additionally, plants that were unable to fully mature earlier may try producing seed late, leading to lower quality than we normally see in fall brome growth.

All producers may have dealt with uncertain forecasts, making the decision to drop hay difficult or raining on cut fields. Remember the more hay is worked, especially for alfalfa, the more leaf shatter occurs and the lower quality we end up with. With low hay stores from last year, getting a bit more growth and delaying cutting may be the best option, especially if hay quality will end up being equally low if harvested earlier and raked several times to dry. Especially wet hay that needs to be removed may be better of wrapped and used for balage than deal with the fire risk, mold growth, and declining quality that occurs when hay is put up too wet.

Herd That! Conference

The Nebraska Women in Agriculture program, along with the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance Program, are excited to announce the second annual Herd That! Conference on September 19th and 20th, 2023 in Broken Bow, Nebraska. The two-day conference will bring a variety of speakers and topics for attendees to learn from. During the morning sessions at the One Box Convention Center (2750 S. 27th St.), participants will learn from industry experts as well as University of Nebraska Extension professionals. Topics will include market outlooks, livestock insurance, veterinarian practices and more. Registration for the event is now open on the Nebraska Women in Agriculture website, https:// wia.unl.edu/herd-that. There is a cost to attend this conference which increases after September 6th. More information about speakers, topics, etc. can be found on the Women in Ag website. If plans change and registration needs to be canceled in advance, this can also be completed online. Participants who cancel on or before Sept. 16th will receive a full refund. A 50% refund is available if you cancel by Sept. 17th. No refund is available on or after Sept. 19th, 2023. Questions can be directed to the Nebraska Women in Ag program (308632-1247; wia@unl.edu).

Dill, fennel and lemon balm

Dill is an annual herb whose leaves and seeds are popular flavorings for pickles, cucumber, and fish dishes. It is a tall plant with small yellow umbrella-shaped flower heads and feathery foliage, similar to fennel. Dill seeds can be planted in the autumn or early spring.

Fennel is similar to dill but is perennial and hardier. However, the plants can become very large, so it is best to grown annually. It will self-seed freely. The leaves and bulb have an aniseed flavor. Use the leaves with fish and the seeds with eggs, cheese, vegetables and in cakes.

Lemon Balm is a lemonscented plant used in iced drinks and hot teas. It spreads rapidly so it should be planted in a container in the ground or frequently cut. Growing to a height of nearly 2 feet, its oval leaves have slightly serrated edges and cluster of small white flowers. Start from seed or small plants. It will self-seed or can be propagated by root division.

1994 Ford F450 flatbed truck, 7.3 turbo diesel, automatic, 14-ft. flatbed, removable stake racks, rear lift gate, very nice clean west coast truck with 90,000 miles Call

2007 Cat IT 914G front end loader, auxiliary 3rd and 4th valve hydraulics, quick attach, general purpose bucket, full cab, Air/heat, tight clean ex municipal machine Call

2002 Case 960 trencher, front backhoe, 6-way blade, 84” boom with 90 percent rock tooth chain, 3.9 Cummins diesel, only 1100 total hours, very clean,(cable plow available) Call

1997 Freightliner FL70 single axle truck tractor, 8.3 Cummins diesel (mechanical), 10 speed manual transmission, air ride suspension, rear pintle hitch, large dual fuel tanks, aluminum wheels, upgraded interior package, only 17,000 miles, beautiful rust free west coast truck that has it all Call

2012 Ram 5500 bucket truck, 4x4, 6.7 Cummins diesel, automatic, high ranger articulated/telescopic boom, full service body, AC inverter, complete ex municipal truck with 144,000 miles Call

2012 Ram 5500 flatbed, 4x4, 6.7 diesel, automatic, 84” cab to axle, PW/PL, air, flatbed with tool boxes, ex-utility company truck Call

2016 Ingersoll-Rand/Doosan P185 towable air compressor, diesel, 185 CFM 125 PSI, one owner, clean expower company machine with only 142 total hours Call 2013 Sullivan DF185P towable air compressor, John Deere diesel, 185 CFM, 125 PSI, serviced, tested and ready to go Call

Call

2007 Mack MR688P single axle truck tractor,12.0 liter Mack diesel, Allison automatic, air ride suspension, 5th wheel, rust free ex government truck with only 12,000 miles Call

1999 Freightliner FL70 mechanics lube truck, Cat diesel, high end Maintainer body, 6000lb. crane, full lube rack with stainless steel slide-up doors, Miller welder, hydraulic generator, lots of truck, to much to list, one owner ex municipal truck Call

1997 Autocar Volvo tandem dump truck, 60 series Detroit diesel (470 hpr) Allison automatic, locking differentials, heavy specs, front dual direction snow plow, low mileage west coast rust free dump truck that has it all Call 1993 Chevy C7500 boom truck, 4x4, Cat diesel, 8LL manual transmission, Manitex 956 boom, 18,000lb. capacity, 3 stage boom with 4th stage jib, manbasket, flatbed, exta clean municipal truck, complete Call

2008 Multi Quip Whisperwatt 70 KVA, 56 KW diesel generator, multi-switch machine, 1-3 phase, 120/208/240/480 volt, trailer mounted, high grade insulation package, only 715

2003

1988

2002

1990

2007

4x4 pickup, regular cab, 4 cyl., gas, automatic, air conditioning, only 35,400 miles, clean Call

2002

2674 roll off truck, 14-ft. dump box with high lift gate, flatbed dump, complete roll off system, front dual direction snow plow, M11 Cummins, 13 speed, no rust, clean, truck has it all, endless uses! Call

auxilliary hydraulics, quick attach, only 450 total original hours, ex-utility company machine, extra clean Call

2000 Keifer IRH 300 carousel/ pipe spool trailer, selfloading, elect over hydraulic, 7000 lb. GVWR Call

2004 GMC service truck, 3000 lb. auto crane, PTO driven, high volume air compressor, full service body, Cat diesel, Allison automatic, under CDL, 106,000 miles Call

Chevy C70 fuel truck, dual 750 gallon tanks, pumps/hoses/reels, diesel, 5 speed, only 3700 miles, complete Call

Freightliner FL112 digger derrick, C10 Cat diesel, 365 hp, 10 speed manual, air ride suspension, Altec D947 derrick. Complete Call

Great Dane 45-ft. step-deck trailer, air ride suspension, steel composition, 102” wide, rust free, very clean Call

2006 International 7400 dump truck, DT570 diesel, 285 hp, (not a Max Force), 10 speed manual, 11-ft. dump body, pintle hitch Call

Sullair towable air compressor, John Deere diesel, 185 CFM, dual hose reels, 2400 hours Call

2005 Zieman 2374 SPL tilt bed equipment trailer, 45,000 lb. GVWR, 24-ft. long, 102” wide, 17.5 tires, air brakes, no rust, ex-municipal, clean Call

2012 International Prostar truck tractor, 475 hp, diesel, 13 speed transmission, air ride suspension, locking rear ends, all new tires, 413,000 miles Call

2015 Skyjack SJ6826 RT rough terrain scissor lift, 4x4 dual fuel, gas/propane, 26-ft. reach, slide out, AC generator, 1800 hours Call

2005 Ingersoll Rand P185 towable air compressor, John Deere 4045 diesel, dual hose reels and hose, 185 PSI, torsion bar suspension, only 70 actual hours, pristine condition Call

2007 Ford F550 tow truck, Jerr-dan 0808D wrecker body, 10,000 lb. capacity, rear wheel lift, diesel, automatic, only 10,000 actual miles and 300 engine hours, complete, absolutely like new condition, perfect! Call

2012 Snorkel A46JRT articulated boomlift, 46-ft. reach, 550 lb. capacity, Kubota diesel,

1991 Chevrolet Kodiak 7500 tandem axle dump truck, Cat 3116 diesel, new 653 Allison automatic, 16-ft. dump bed, 169,000 miles, ex-municipal, one owner Call

International

GMC Canyon

2006 Sterling 9500 truck tractor, Cat C15 (factory 550 hpr), 18 speed transmission, hydraulic wet kit, air ride suspension, heavy specs, 445,000 miles Call

1999 Cat 950G front end wheel loader, auxillary 3rd valve hydraulics, Balderson quick attach, general purpose bucket, (forks available), only 7,800 original hours with zero hours on new documented motor, original paint, very, very nice one owner ex municipal machine

original hours, one owner, like new Call

1982 John Deere 444C front end wheel loader, 3rd valve hydraulics, general purpose bucket, full cab, one owner, ex municipal loader with only 7800 original hours, rust free clean tight machine Call 1995 Ford F800 single axle water truck, 5.9 Cummins diesel, 6 speed manual transmission, PTO driven water pump, front/rear/side sprays, rear push block, rust free, 24,000 miles

1998 Case 621BXT front end loader, auxiliary 3rd and 4th valve hydraulics, quick attach, 5.9 Cummins diesel, auto shift, tool carrier with higher reach capacities, new radial tires, extra tight clean one owner ex municipal machine with only 6,600 hours, very nice Call

hydraulic generator, 4x4, only 426 hours, clean........

NEW HDPE PIPE

– IN STOCK –

1” – 11/4” – 11/2” – 2” – 3” & 4” x 200 psi

Use for irrigation, stock water or drinking water.

Red stripe for electrical use. Yellow stripe for natural gas use.

Also available 3/4” to 2” SIDR TURF/IRRIGATION HDPE pipe

3/4” - 4” orange smooth wall HDPE conduit

HDPE pipe available in 20 to 50-ft. lengths from 6” to 66” diameter

Pipe is available by the stick - coil - reel - truckload

Call Ed at Big Sky Pipe – Great Falls, MT

Delivery available 406-453-7299 Veteran Owned or Email: ed.bigskypipe64@hotmail.com – www.bigskypipeandsupply.com

#####

A “glisk” is sunlight that is glimpsed through a break in the clouds, a fleeting glance at a glittering sight, a brief glow of warmth from a fire that’s burned low. It can also mean a sudden flash of hope in the heart.

#####

Pet owners usually have better self-esteem, are more in shape, and are less lonely than those who do not own pets.

COMBINE FOR SALE

2008 CASE 7010 combine, 3850 engine hours, 2885 separator hours, lateral tilt, EZ Steer GPS, long auger, 900 front tires. Lots of service history, always kept inside. Very clean machine for its age. Located in Joplin, MT. $58,000

Call or text (406) 390-4413

TRACTORS FOR SALE

2002 John Deere 8220 MFWD 4WD tractor, 5032 hours (pulled a sprayer for the majority of hours), 190 hp. at PTO, 3-point hitch, 3 hydraulics, 1000 PTO (large), GreenStar Auto Trac Ready, 16 speed full powershift transmission, 20.8R42 rear dual tires in excellent condition, 16.9-30 front tires with fenders, H480 self-leveling loader in like new condition with bucket, pallet fork, and hay spear attachments.

1974 John Deere 7520 4WD tractor, 9790 hours, 175 hp. at PTO, 1000 PTO, 18.4-34 tires, runs great. $7500

Phone (406) 658-2106, Malta, MT

Apply to help cover costs of organic production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will cover up to 75% of the costs associated with organic certification, up to $750 per category, through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Montana Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages organic agricultural producers and handlers to apply for OCCSP by October 31, 2023, for expenses incurred from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.

As part of USDA’s broader effort to support organic producers and in response to stakeholder feedback, this year FSA increased the cost share to the maximum amount allowed by statute.

“We’re taking steps to better support Montana organic producers,” said Maureen Wicks, State Executive Director for FSA in Montana. “We’ve heard about this program’s value in helping Montana organic producers and handlers obtain or renew their certifications under the National Organic Program, and I’m pleased that we’re able to increase and restore the cost share to the statutory limit this year. Organic certification costs have long been identified as a barrier to certification, and this assistance, at its full levels, will help Montana organic producers participate in new markets while supporting and growing our local and regional food systems.”

Cost Share for 2023

The cost share provides financial assistance for organic certification, and producers and handlers are eligible to receive 75% of the costs, up to $750, for crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling and state organic program fees (California only).

Montana producers have until October 31, 2023, to file applications, and FSA will make payments as applications are received.

How to Apply

To apply, Montana producers and handlers should contact their local FSA office USDA Service Center. As part of completing the OCCSP application, producers and handlers will need to provide documentation of their organic certification and eligible expenses.

Organic producers and handlers may also apply for OCCSP through participating state departments of agriculture. Additional details can be found on the OCCSP webpage. Opportunity for State Departments of Agriculture

FSA is also accepting applications from state departments of agriculture to administer OCCSP. FSA will post a synopsis of the funding opportunity on grants.gov and will electronically mail the notice of funding opportunity to all eligible state departments of agriculture.

If a state department of agriculture chooses to participate in OCCSP, both the state department of agriculture and FSA County Offices in that state will accept OCCSP applications and make payments to eligible certified operations. However, the producer or handler may only receive OCCSP assistance from either FSA or the participating state department of agriculture.

Other USDA Organic Assistance

USDA offers other assistance for organic producers, including the new Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), which includes direct farmer assistance for organic production and processing, conservation and crop insurance.

to 48-ft. header trailers available

ROMAFA

STAINLESS STEEL

AIR SEEDER PARTS AVAILABLE!

10-ft. & 12-ft. dirt box blades

For conservation, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is helping producers adopt the new organic management standard, which allows flexibility for producers to get the assistance and education they need such as attending workshops or requesting help from experts or mentors. It supports conservation practices required for organic certification and may provide foregone income reimbursement for dips in production during the transition period.

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers interested in the Transitional and Organic Grower Assistance Program, also part of OTI, to visit with their crop insurance agent for more information. Premium benefits for eligible policies will be automatically applied to the producer’s billing statement later this year.

For producers that participated in the Transitional and Organic Grower Assistance Program, also part of OTI, premium benefits for eligible policies will be automatically applied to the producer’s billing statement later this year.

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) also administers federal crop insurance options, including Whole Farm Revenue Protection and Micro Farm, which may be good options for organic producers.

Also under OTI, is the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program’s (NOP) Transi-

Big Sky Equipment Co.

Phone 406-278-3277

Toll-free 1-800-332-7541

Sales

Kurt Christiaens 450-3277 cell

Conrad, Montana website: www.bigskyequip.com

USED AIR DRILLS

USED TRACTORS

USED COMBINES

2004 Morris Maxim II, 55-ft., 10” spacing, 3.5” steel packers, single shoot, 7300 towbetween tank, mechanical drive cart $29,900

2008 New Holland SD550 drill with SC430 tow-between cart, 12” spacing, 60 ft., single shoot, 4.5” steel packers. Just Traded

2001 Flexi-Coil 5000 57-ft., 12” spacing, 3.5 inch steel packers, single shoot, 3450 tow between tank, variable rate $42,500

MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT

Degelman 4100 bale processor $10,995

Erskine 2010X 78” snow blower skid steer attachment, CNH and Bobcat electric harness, hydraulic spout turn/tilt $6500

USED SPRAYERS

2022 New Holland CR8.90 combine, full automation, duals, variable speed rock drum, full guidance, electric folding hopper, Sunnybrook concaves

Just In

2022 New Holland CR8.90 combine, full automation, chopper & spreader, electric folding grain tank cover, DFR rock trap, twin pitch rotors, Sunnybrook concaves. Just Traded

2022 New Holland CR8.90 combine, full automation, autoguidance, chopper & spreader, electric folding grain tank cover, DFR rock trap, twin pitch rotors, Sunnybrook concaves. Just Traded

2019 New Holland CR8.90 combine, duals, autoguidance, chopper & spreader, electric folding grain tank cover, DFR rock trap, twin pitch rotors, Sunnybrook concaves. Just Traded

2018 New Holland CR8.90 combine, duals, autoguidance, chopper & spreader, electric folding grain tank cover, DFR rock trap, twin pitch rotors, Sunnybrook concaves. Just Traded

New Holland TR96, straw chopper, hopper top extensions, moisture sensor, 30-ft. New Holland 971 header with pickup reel, New Holland 970 pickup header, and Rake-Up attachment $12,500

1995 Case IH 2188 combine with MacDon 960 36-ft header and 1010 15-ft pickup header. $19,995

2006 John Deere 9760 STS combine....REDUCED $10,000 to $39,900

1993 Massey Ferguson 8570, includes 30-ft. auger header, 13-ft. pickup header Make an Offer

USED HAYING EQUIPMENT

Give

LET’S DEAL

2018 New Holland H7150 swing tongue frame

USED WINDROWERS

USED HEADERS

2023 HIGHLINE BALE MOVERS

USED GRAIN CART

2011 Apache AS1020 self-propelled sprayer, 100-ft. steel boom, 1000 gallon poly tank, Smartrax autosteer, AutoBoom UltraGlide, Envizio Pro monitor.

2007 Apache 1010 self-propelled sprayer, 1000 gallon poly tank, 60/90-ft. steel boom, autorate, autoboom. PRICE REDUCED $69,900

Summers 500 gallon, 80 ft. pickup sprayer, Raven controller, Honda pump, manual fold.

2017 Case IH RB565 round baler, wide pickup, net and twine, endless belt, hydraulic bale ramp.Just Traded

2016 New Holland Boomer 41 CAB hydrostatic drive, NH loader, 2 rear remotes. Just Traded

New Holland T6.810 loader Just In

New Holland T7.260 with self-leveling NH loader, autoguidance ready, rear duals, 4 rear remotes.

MacDon D60 45 ft. draper header with pickup reel, transport. Reduced

MacDon M100 self-propelled windrower with 35 ft. draper header.

J&M 750, pivot spout unload, scale $37,500

ITEMS FOR SALE

1994 Freightliner FLD120 430 Detroit, 13 speed, 355 rears, sleeper $24,999

1981 Freightliner FLC 12064C, 400 Cummins, 13 speed, 355 rears, sleeper $22,999

1997 Super B Train front 40-ft. triple axle, 11x22.5 aluminum; rear 24-ft. dual axle, 11x22.5 aluminum $12,000

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Grazing with the weather

By Ben Beckman, UNL Precipitation

and temperature play major roles in pasture productivity, and knowing how to adjust grazing to match current conditions is key. Are you shifting your management to meet pasture conditions?

Stocking and grazing management are not static things. When production is limited, especially during a drought period, stretching forage resources is a high priority. By this point in the year, our pastures have produced the vast majority of forage that we will get. Using temporary electric fence to cross fence can increase utilization, slowing down a grazing rotation and stretching forage considerably.

This is especially true when plants become dormant due to lack of precipitation or heat. Typically, utilization seeks to balance animal demand and plant health, but taking more of a dormant plant without damaging the crown has little impact on overall plant health.

On the flip side, grass that is getting tall and lanky, ahead of a grazing rotation, could benefit from flash grazing. Moving animals on and off quick can help keep plants from getting over mature. Keep up this fast pace while growth is rapid. Once growth slows, then the rotation can slow down as well.

Speeding up grazing when things are wet and slowing down during dry times is a good rule of thumb to use as we adjust to the weather Mother Nature throws our way. Doing so can help you find the perfect balance for your pasture and animal health.

Apply to help cover costs

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B4

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Protein is often the first limiting nutrient on most forage programs, minerals and vitamins play an important role in helping cows stay healthy and in maintaining reproductive efficiency.

CRYSTAL-PHOS™ is a weather and waste proof mineral supplement that cows will consume readily along with BGF-30™. Place a BGF-30™ barrel with every 20-30 head of cows and a CRYSTAL-PHOS® barrel for approximately every 40-70 head. Studies have shown that cows will consume mineral better from CRYSTAL-PHOS. Try the “combo” program ~ it works!

Stretch your pasture

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What are your options with wet hay?

By Hannah (Greenwell) Smith, Nebraska Extension Educator; Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Educator; and Connor Biehler, Nebraska Extension Educator

Top 5 Takeaways

Wet bales are at risk for combustion; store appropriately and check temperatures. Anything above 170°F is high risk. Mold may produce mycotoxins, so roll out and let animals select good portions of moldy bales. Make sure other clean feed is available.

Protect yourself from respiratory issues while working with moldy bales by using a dust mask.

Hay testing is especially important when hay quality and safety are concerns.

Wet bales continue to lose quality over the course of the year, so sample a few weeks before you plan to feed for accurate results.

Cattle producers in some parts of the country had to adjust quickly from too dry to too wet this year.

Hay that gets rained on while it’s still in the windrow will lose nutritional value, but if it’s put up too wet, has been sitting in water, or is otherwise saturated, it needs special consideration.

Hay Combustion

Moisture can lead to combustion. Hay should be put up at 20 percent moisture or less. Above this, microbes begin to break down plant matter, and mold growth occurs. This breaking down of the hay produces heat and leads to the danger of combustion.

If weather conditions don’t allow the hay to dry and cure, baleage or other high-moisture baling techniques can be an option. These use a plastic wrap or tube to exclude oxygen and create an anaerobic fermentation environment that limits decomposition and heat production.

If you end up with “hot” hay that’s too wet in the bale, store that away from other bales, and outside to limit the risk of a fire spreading. Some insurance policies have limits on how many bales they will cover per stack, so now is a good time to check into that.

Periodically check temperatures on these bales by using a long-stem compost thermometer or driving a metal pipe into the bale and lowering in a non-mercury thermometer. Any bales at 170°F or higher should be closely monitored. At this point, temperatures will most likely continue to rise. Bale combustion can begin at temperatures as low as 190°F, especially in coarse hays like sorghum-sudangrass hybrids. Increased oxygen flow in these bales due to the coarse stems means higher risk. Moving hot bales can also open them up and increase oxygen flow, increasing the risk of combustion.

Moldy Hay

Even if they don’t catch fire, wet bales will continue to decrease in quality. Mold growth uses plant tissues as an energy and protein source, decreasing quality. Hot temperatures denature cell structures, which changes proteins and carbohydrates, making them less useful for the animal when digested. In some cases when we have anaerobic conditions and heat, hay may “caramelize,” becoming golden colored and sweet smelling. While highly palatable, this heatfermented hay is also lower in quality due to heat damage during the fermentation process.

So, if you have wet hay showing one or more of these signs, what do you do?

Managing Hay Mycotoxins

Mold has the potential to produce mycotoxins which, in high enough levels, could be deadly to animals that ingest it in extreme circumstances. The moderate side effect is reduced intake, a decrease in ruminal function, and overall reduced performance of the animal, leading to economic losses. While this may seem minor, the lowered feed values of forages due to increased rain and extended winters amplify the potential for poor breed-up and decreased calf weights. The best way to use moldy hay is to spread out the bales and let the animals pick through, with a second source of clean hay for them to select from as well. Mold often reduces palatability and animals will avoid especially bad chunks. Having clean hay available ensures animals aren’t forced to eat anything they don’t choose to. Pregnant animals are more sensitive to mycotoxin poisoning, which can lead to fetal termination, so consider limiting the amount of moldy hay these animals receive. Horses are highly sensitive to mold in hay, with danger of both respiratory and toxin issues. As such, it is best to keep moldy hay away from horses.

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What are your options

Mold can also be a health risk to the producer. Frequently breathing in large amounts of dust and mold can cause respiratory issues such as farmer’s lung. To protect against this, wear a dust mask when working with hay that may have high amounts of mold.

Hay

Hay testing is going to be critical this year. Determining actual, as-fed hay quality is important for meeting animal nutrition needs through the winter. If moldy hay is being ground for a diet, correctly diluting forages to ensure bad hay isn’t being overfed is vital, since these animals don’t have the option for refusal. Mold and mycotoxin tests can be a bit expensive and not all labs offer these tests. Your local Beef Extension Educator would be happy to help with finding a lab and determining a cost-effective sampling strategy. Until bales cool off and moisture content drops below 20%, the quality of hay will continue to drop through the year. To make sure we are getting an accurate assessment of hay quality, sample by lot (hay harvested from the same field within a 48-hour period) a few weeks before you plan to feed. Early samples can be taken to gauge quality for planning purposes, but since the degradation process in these bales is ongoing, a true reading won’t be understood until right before feeding. This should give an accurate idea of the forage quality while still giving the lab time to get results back to you. Knowing the quality of hay allows for better decision making of how to use low quality forage and prevent underfeeding of animals.

Jonathan Stuart Leibowitz

Talk-show host Jon Stewart has given several explanations as to why he dropped his last name: It was too hard to pronounce, kids in middle school called him “Leiboshitz,” and “Leibowitz just sounded too Hollywood.” But in truth, he’d been uncomfortable with his name ever since 1971, when his father, physicist Donald Leibowitz, divorced his mother. In 1987, after a New York comedy club emcee butchered his name, he decided then and there to leave the name “Leibowitz” behind.

Herbs

Herbs can be grown in a separate part of the garden –preferably near the kitchen–or they can be grown in pots or containers or with other flowering plants. They like a sunny place and light, fertile, well-drained soil, but they are generally hardy enough to be grown in most soil. Herbs are short-term plants–some are annuals and must be planted each season from seed. The perennials will need to be renewed every two to three years.

Things really do change

• Ancient Egyptians used slabs of stones as pillows.

• Medieval women wore breast bags to flatten the draw attention away for their chests.

• Surgery goes all the way back to the Stone Age. However, it has only been since the mid 1800s that patients were given anesthesia.

• Assyrians who parked their chariots on the king’s road were killed and impaled.

• Ancient beer was a thick, sour brew that tasted like vinegar and was served at room temperature.

• If you want to drive across the United States today, you can do it in a few days. A century ago, that road trip would have taken about two months.

• The first speeding ticket came in 1896, when a Brit was fined one shilling for going 8 mph. (In 2020 a Swiss driver going 180 mph got a ticket for $1 million.)

• In 1914 U.S. government pamphlet, “health experts” discouraged parents from interacting with or kissing their babies: “The rule that parents should not play with the baby may seem hard, but it is without doubt a safe one.

Determining forage quality: Understanding feed analysis

A goal for any feeding program is to achieve an appropriate balance among available feed ingredients where total ration nutrient composition meets daily nutritional needs of the animal or animals. To accom-

By Robert J. Van Saun, Extension Veterinarian, PSU

plish such a feat on a day-to-day basis, one needs to have some information as to the nutrient content of feed ingredients. Tremendous variation exists in nutrient composition between different feeds. Even within

a feed ingredient, there is potential for significant variation in composition. This is especially true for forages. Forages harvested off the same field within the same year can have very different composition as influenced by environmental conditions and cutting time. In a previous column, the concept of forage quality was defined and its affect on a feeding program described. Low-quality forages have less available nutrients, thus require larger amounts of supplements to be added. Unsupplemented low-quality forages may predispose pregnant or lactating females to hepatic lipidosis or slow rate of gain in growing animals. Supplemental feeds are often cereal grain-based and their overconsumption may increase risk of digestive upsets and acidosis. In this column I will address forage testing practices as they relate to evaluating quality of your forage.

A variety of biologic, chemical, enzymatic, and other sophisticated analytical methods are used to evaluate nutrient content and availability of feeds. Chemical methods can directly measure quantities of compounds associated with an essential nutrient; however, they tell us nothing about availability. Biologic, enzymatic, and other sophisticated methods provide a more nutritional perspective to feed analysis; thus helping us to better understand just how the animal will interact with its feed. More information is needed to routinely apply these analytical techniques to feeding camelids. The most practical approach to feed analysis is one of chemical composition--direct determinations of moisture, ether extract (fat), ash (mineral), nitrogen (crude protein), and fiber fractions. A comparison between required essential nutrients, feed chemical composition, and analytic methods used in feed analysis is summarized in Figure 1. Although wet chemistry analysis is considered the “gold standard” for feed testing, simpler and less expensive methods with shorter turnover time were needed. Newer technologic advances have brought a rapid, lower cost analytical technique termed near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy. In general, NIR analysis has high accuracy in measuring crude protein and fiber fractions compared to wet chemistry, but is less accurate in measuring feed mineral content. Many certified feed analysis laboratories are capable of completing wet chemistry, NIR analyses, or both. Certified feed analysis laboratories around the world can be found through the National Forage Testing Association website. This site also provides information on how to take a representative feed sample for analysis. The basic tests to evaluate forage quality described below can be determined by most laboratories at a cost between $12 and $30 depending upon methodology used (wet chemistry vs. NIR) and number of tests performed. As previously described, forage quality reflects the ability of a given forage to meet the nutrient needs of the consuming animal. Forage fiber content is the primary detractor to high intake and nutrient availability. Relative to assessing forage quality, fiber tests are our single best method, though additional tests for protein and moisture can help to further characterize the forage. The following are brief descriptions of forage analysis tests and their interpretation relative to forage quality.

Dry Matter (DM)

Dry matter is defined as the non-moisture portion of a feed ingredient or diet. The sum of moisture and dry matter content of a feed on a percent of total will always equal 100. Dry matter contains the essential nutrients within a given feed ingredient or forage. Feeds, and thereby diets, vary widely in their moisture content. Pastures and liquid feeds have moisture content between 75 and 90% (10-25% DM). Dried feeds usually have less than 15% moisture (>85% DM). Moisture or dry matter content of a feed is determined by heating a weighed sample of feed in a convection drying oven until a constant weight is reached (24-48 hours). Dry weight is expressed as a ratio to original sample weight (moisture + DM) or converted to a percent. For example, a feed sample weighs 150 g wet and 50 g dry. The DM ratio would be 0.33 (50/150) and percent DM 33.3% (50/150 x 100). The moisture content of this feed would be 66.7% (100-33.3 or [150-50]/150 x 100).

Why is knowing moisture content important? One important aspect is our ability to compare nutrient content of different feeds on an equal basis. Nutrient content of a feed can be determined on an “As Fed” (AF; moisture included), or dry matter (moisture excluded) basis. Intuitively, nutrient content will always be higher on a DM compared to AF basis for any feed. Feeds having more water content (i.e., pastures) will have much lower nutrient content than dry hay when compared on an as fed basis. From Table 1, it can be seen the

Figure 1. Comparison of essential nutrients, feed chemical composition, and analytical testing procedures.

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Drought-damaged smooth bromegrass pastures

By Daren Redfearn, Nebraska Extension Forage and Crop Residue Specialist, and Ben Beckman, Nebraska Extension Educator

A frequency grid can help determine the extent of stand damage and give you a baseline for evaluating pasture recovery.

The extent of the damage will determine whether you will need to seed the pasture, or if a wait-and-see approach will be sufficient.

For best recovery, it is vital to wait until after the first killing frost to graze drought-damaged smooth bromegrass pastures.

Regardless of the extent of the damage, you will likely need to take an active, sooner-rather-than-later approach to weed management.

Additional phosphorus can help strengthen smooth bromegrass root systems, even if the phosphorus levels are considered adequate.

Pasture Recovery Assessment

How well smooth bromegrass pastures recover after a drought depends on rainfall, management and how much damage occurred during the drought.

The best approach to post-drought smooth bromegrass pasture management is to reduce plant and animal competition and focus on moisture conservation and use. For additional information on managing grass recovery, please see “After Drought” on the National Drought Mitigation Center website.

Many smooth bromegrass pastures in eastern Nebraska are experiencing drought effects that date to September 2022. Recent precipitation in some of these areas has resulted in a few pastures beginning to green up and may have several inches of new growth. However, this seems more common for smooth bromegrass hay fields than grazed pastures. Hay fields do not have the continued, repeated forage removal that occurs with grazing. Currently, there are grazed pastures that look as if there is no hope of improvement this year. While this may be true in some instances, there are strategies that can be used to facilitate pasture recovery. To create a management strategy, start by assessing the drought damage and then create a pasture recovery plan.

Assessing Drought Damage

With a little time and material you probably have lying around, you can gather the data you need to accurately assess the drought damage and create a starting point for evaluating progress. This method uses a 5 x 5 grid from a section of cattle panel (30-inch x 30-inch frame with 25, 6-inch x 6-inch squares) (Fig. 1). A 9-minute video describing and demonstrating the use of the frequency grid can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXZN7-PmldU.

A summary of use is:

Place the grid on a section of the pasture. Count each grid square that has at least one desirable plant (smooth bromegrass). Empty squares or squares with no desirable plants are not counted.

Plants that cover more than one square are only counted

Determining forage quality: Understanding feed analysis

CONTINUED

pasture has much lower nutrient content on an AF basis; however, when corrected for water content, both pasture and hay have equal nutrient content. To appropriately compare these two feeds equally, nutrient content needs to be converted to a DM basis. Feed moisture determinations also facilitate

calculations and monitoring of animal DM intake. Finally, DM determinations can be used to evaluate whether or not feed moisture content is within expected ranges. For hay or any dry feed, moisture content should not exceed 15%, as this amount of moisture is necessary to promote mold growth.

Fiber

The detergent feed analysis system is used to characterize fiber or total cell wall content of a forage or feed. That portion of a forage or feed sample insoluble in neutral detergent is termed neutral detergent fiber (NDF), which contains the primary components of the plant cell wall, namely, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin. As cell wall production increases, as occurs in advancing plant maturity, NDF content will increase. As NDF content of a feed increases, dry matter intake will decrease and chewing activity will increase. Within a given feed, NDF is a good measure of feed quality and plant maturity. For legume forages, NDF content below 40% would be considered good quality, while above 50% would be

considered poor. For grass forages, NDF < 50% would be considered high quality and > 60% as low quality.

Another measure of fiber is acid detergent fiber (ADF), a subset of NDF. Acid detergent fiber contains the poorly digestible cell wall components, namely, cellulose, lignin, and other very resistant substances. Due to its nature, ADF is often used to predict energy content of feeds. Like NDF, ADF is a good indicator of feed quality; higher values within a feed suggest lower-quality feed. A goal would be to have < 35% ADF in either legume or grass forages.

Crude Protein (CP)

Feed protein content is often considered a good determinant of quality. In actuality

CONTINUED ON PAGE B18

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Determining forage quality: Understanding feed analysis

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B18 ing feed mineral content. Mineral analysis is not always done since it is the most expensive test. Feed mineral content has no bearing on feed quality evaluation, but can provide insight as to the type of mineral supplement required.

Visual Assessment of Forage Quality

Although forage testing is the most definitive method of determining forage quality, it often is not complete. Associated costs, lack of laboratory availability

or constant forage turnover are the most often reasons people cite for not testing their forages. The first two reasons are not good excuses; however, the third is an issue on many farms that purchase small lots of hay often. One can use their various senses to evaluate small amounts of forages, though sensory evaluation does not provide any sense of nutrient content. Table 2 summarizes visual and chemical analysis of forages with guidelines for assessing quality.

Although the general idea is that forages grown in North America are of better quality than South American forages, forage quality can not be ignored in our feeding programs. Many factors influence forage quality, the most critical being plant maturity. Feeding programs consisting of low-quality forage and limited variety of feedstuffs can potentially result in protein-energy malnutrition, failure to thrive and hepatic lipidosis disease problems. There is no best single feeding program that fits all situations, but

extremes of only high-quality alfalfa hay or low-quality grass hay are not appropriate. Feeding programs with pasture access may have the greatest application, allowing the animals to best express their selective feeding behaviors. When hay is the primary forage in a feeding program, critical assessment of nutrient content via laboratory analysis is highly recommended. Further questions or comments about forage quality and nutrition are welcomed.

Hot Mulled Cider Day

Day celebrated: September 30th

History of Hot Mulled Cider Day

The history of hot mulled cider is bears remarkable similarities to the old pagan tradition called Wassailing. The word ‘wassail’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase ‘waes hael’, which means ‘good health’. The wassail was a drink made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and sugar. It was served from huge, 10-gallon bowls, often made of silver or pewter. This originally came from a story about a young beautiful maiden presenting the drink to Prince Vortigen, saying the words “waes hael” in a toast. The term wassailing refers to the act of the bowl being carried into the room with great splendor, a traditional carol about wassailing and then the beverage was served. Nowadays, hot mulled cider is generally referred to non-alcoholic, fermented apple juice. Hard cider would be the alcoholic version of apple cider. This drink can be served during the fall and winter seasons, and it is similar to Mulled wine, which is essentially hot,

sweetened red wine made aromatic with the addition of citrus fruits and warming spices

such as cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. How to celebrate Hot Mulled Cider Day

One of the best ways to celebrate this holiday is to find a recipe and make mulled cider yourself! It’s a very easy and simple drink with a lot of flavor. In a large pot, add brown sugar to apple cider over medium heat. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved. Then add other ingredients such as nutmeg, allspice, orange juice, and lemon juice, and bring to a boil. When serving, strain out the spices, pour into a mug, and enjoy! Add a cinnamon stick to your mug if you’d like, or make it fancy and add rum into your mixture.

Drought-damaged smooth bromegrass pastures

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B16 once from where they were originally rooted.

Repeat the process in 3 other areas of the pasture.

Add the total number of squares counted with desirable plants from the four frames and divide by 100 to get % stand frequency.

For simplicity, drought-damaged pastures can be categorized into three classes:

Fully functional (> 70% stand frequency) pastures can recover quickly with deferred grazing or harvest, weed control, and adequate fertility once satisfactory growing conditions return. Complete recovery may take only one to two months of uninterrupted growth.

Damaged (40 to 70% stand frequency) pastures should also recover using a combination of deferred grazing or harvest, weed control, and proper fertility. Previous management practices, especially grazing and harvest management contributed to the pasture drought response and may need to be corrected to improve pasture recovery. Complete recovery of these pastures may require uninterrupted fall and early spring growth.

Severely damaged (< 40% stand frequency) stands will require patience following a return to satisfactory growing conditions. Fall weed control with proper fertility will likely be needed to aid spring recovery. If these stands have not improved following a period of uninterrupted fall growth, stand conversion or replacement may be the only remaining alternative. It could take up to a year or longer for severely damaged pastures to fully recover.

Frequency frame example showing 25/25 squares containing at least 1 green plant. Figure 1. Frequency frame example showing 25/25 squares containing at least 1 green plant, along with drought-damaged growth from earlier in the spring.

Developing Pasture Recovery Strategies Stand Conversion and Replacement

For pasture conversion, please see the guidelines in Nebraska Extension NebGuide G1705 (Establishing Dryland

CONTINUED ON PAGE B22

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Drought-damaged smooth bromegrass pastures

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B21

Forage Grasses). For stands that are severely damaged, stand replacement may be the only option. To improve pasture forage yield and animal production above historic levels, consider planting one of the newer, improved cool-season cultivars. Consider ‘Newell’ smooth bromegrass to replace older stands of ‘Lincoln’ smooth bromegrass and ‘Manska’ or ‘Beefmaker’ intermediate wheatgrass to replace stands of ‘Oahe’ or ‘Slate’ intermediate wheatgrass. You can increase species diversity by mixing in other suitable grass species, such as orchardgrass and meadow bromegrass or productive forage legumes like alfalfa or red clover.

Stand Enhancement

This strategy could include overseeding or interseeding without conversion and would be best suited for damaged and borderline severely damaged stands. Overseeding and interseeding will likely be challenging unless there are larger areas of absent plants. The greatest advantage to stand enhancement is the opportunity to increase species diversity by including productive forage legumes like alfalfa or red clover.

Wait-and-see (but don’t walk away)

The wait-and-see approach is only appropriate for those pastures that are borderline fully functional or damaged with stand frequencies close to 70%.

Post-drought Pasture Management Grazing/Harvest Deferment

It is important to allow smooth bromegrass pastures to complete the fall growth cycle and not graze until after the first killing frost. This is especially critical for those pastures that are damaged with between 40 to 70% stand frequency. Fall growth translates to greater spring growth (more tillers) and will increase stand density and forage yield the following spring.

Weed Control

Almost certain is the need for weed control in both damaged and severely damaged smooth bromegrass stands. Pastures should be evaluated this fall for any fall-germinating broadleaf weeds that need to be controlled sooner rather than later. Proper identification of problem weeds will help to determine the best timing and method of control. From a forage management standpoint, it is better to spray a single time at an earlier date with a lower rate of herbicide than too late with an increased herbicide rate. In many cases, herbicides have minimal control on weeds once they reach a certain height, resulting in a costly herbicide application that fails to control the problem.

Fertility

Forage fertility should be given a priority, especially in severely damaged stands, especially if pastures have not been fertilized in the last few years. Many smooth bromegrass were grazed repeatedly during the drought, and root CONTINUED ON PAGE B23

Drought-damaged smooth bromegrass pastures

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B22 growing.

growth may be restricted in the top few inches of soil. It is important that these pastures have a strong root system to speed recovery. Soil phosphorus (P) Standard P fertility recommendations are based on stands with slight to moderate damage. Stands with severe damage may benefit from additional P, even with adequate available P levels. Nitrogen fertilizer should be applied only when soil moisture is present and smooth bromegrass is actively

Heavy

Note: Information in this article was synthesized from two extension publications Redfearn created in 2012 during his time at Oklahoma State University. This was specific to the assessment and recovery of warmseason pastures, which dominate Oklahoma forage-livestock systems. This article has been modified to focus on recovery of cool-season pastures, specifically smooth bromegrass.

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This Day in History - September

September13 New York City becomes the capitol of the United States. I bet you didn’t know that! (1788)

September 14 Francis Scott-Key composed the lyrics to “The Star Spangled Banner”. (1814)

• Economist and philosopher Karl Marx produces the first volume of Das Kapital. (1867)

September 15 The Lone Ranger premieres on television. It was originally a radio series. (1949).

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September 16 The Mayflower sets sail from Plymouth, England. It carried pilgrims headed to the New World, to escape religious persecution. (1620)

• The Great Seal of the United States of America was impressed on an official document for the first time. (1782)

September 23 The planet Neptune is first discovered by German astronomer Johann Gottfried Golle. (1846)

September 25 Vasco Nunez de Balboa discovers the Pacific Ocean. Tell that to Pacific Islanders and a whole bunch of people on the east coast of Asia. (1513)

• Major League Baseball’s first doubleheader is played between Providence and Worcester. (1882)

• Sandra Day O’Connor became the first female Supreme Court Justice. (1981)

September 26 The Federal Trade Commission was established. (1914)

• The first televised Presidential Debate occurs between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon. (1960)

• The U.S. Postal Service was founded. (1789)

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September 18 U.S. Air Force is established. (1947)

September 20 Billie Jean King defeats Bobby Riggs in a battle of the sexes tennis match. (1973)

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September 21 Henry Ford retires from Ford Motor Company. (1945)

September 22 President Abraham Lincoln declares the Emancipation Proclamation. (1862)

• The record for drinking Ketchup belongs to Dustin Phillips (USA). On this day, he drank a 14 oz. bottle of Ketchup through a 1/4” straw in 33 seconds. (1999)

September 27 The first passenger locomotive is operated by George Stephenson in England. (1825)

September 28 A woman on Fifth Avenue in New York City is arrested for smoking a cigarette in a car. (1904)

• The Giants beat the Phillies in the fastest baseball game ever plated in the majors. it was 51 minutes long. (1919)

September 29 Telephone service begins between the U.S. and Mexico. (1927)

• Bell Laboratories invents the telephone answering machine. (1950)

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Collect Rocks Day

Date When Celebrated: Collect Rocks Day is always observed on September 16

Collect Rocks Day is a day to enjoy and add to your rock collection. Ahh, to be a kid again, and have a rock collection. Well, we have good news for you. No one ever said you had to give up your

rock collection when you became an adult. We hope you always keep and cherish your invaluable rock collection. Undoubtedly, young girls who collect rocks will trade in their rock collection as they get older. The kind of rocks a woman seeks are called “gems”. And, where do the ladies often get those gems? Why from the men, of course!

Kids collect rocks because it is a fun thing to do. They even trade rocks among other young rock collectors. There are no books on what rocks to collect, or how much each rock is valued at. Rather, rocks are selected for a collection based upon a wide range of attributes. A lot of it is an individual appeal. The rock could be big or small, a particular color or range of colors. smooth or rough or display a unique characteristic. Consequently, when it comes to rock collecting, beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder (or rock holder in this case).

#####

Q: Why do bagpipers march when they play?

A: To get away from the noise.

#####

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Pot head: Kevin Shelley cracked a world-record 46 toilet seats over his head in one minute.

The deadline for advertising for the October 2023 issue of the Trader's Dispatch will be September 27th.

The Dawson County 4-H Sheep Lead contestants in the Junior Division were: (from left to right) Elena McFarland, Lexington; Melissa Montano, Kearney; Makennah Sauer, Lexington; Alex Rickertsen, Lexington; Bristol McConville, Lexington; Mollie Spradlin, Cozad; Barrett Hunke, Lexington; Josue Casanova, Lexington; and Benjamin Dones, Lexington. The lambs used for the contest were owned by 4-H’ers Samual Winter, Cozad; Taylor Kramer, Elm Creek; Cadey Wolf, Cozad; Trina Pearson, Brady; and the Walahoski family, Overton. Extension Photo.

TRACTORS, VEHICLES & MOWER FOR SALE

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Irrigation designs based on planted crops, soil texture, and available water.

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Early season irrigation during drought

By Steve Melvin - Extension Educator Irrigated Cropping Systems | Crystal Powers - Research and Extension Communication Specialist, Nebraska Water Center | Aaron Daigh | Saleh Taghvaeian - Biological Systems Engineering Associate Professor, UNL

Getting the crop off to a great start is essential for a successful season. On dry years, it is sometimes necessary to start irrigating in May and June. However, it is critical to monitor soil moisture to balance crop needs with the risk of losing nitrogen and other valuable crop inputs. Monitoring will also help prevent unnecessary irrigation expenses, and if you have a water allocation, avoid using up water that is critical for later growth stages.

May and June are particularly vulnerable times for nitrate leaching in our irrigated fields because of several factors. First, the fields are left fairly wet from last season’s irrigation, precipitation from October through May usually puts more water into the soil than it can hold, the crop is still small and not using much water, and most — if not all — the nitrogen for the corn crop has been applied.

Strategies for Early Season Irrigation

Last year’s irrigation will have left the soil fairly wet compared to dryland fields. On a typical year, a silt loam soil that was reasonably well irrigated the previously year (full yield) may only hold two to four inches of water from precipitation in the non-growing season. Sandy soils will hold even less. This means most years, irrigated fields will be at or above field capacity in May, particularly in the eastern two-thirds of Nebraska. Also, keep in mind the corn roots grow about an inch each day into soil that is at field capacity, providing much of the water the plants need for that day. Generally, irrigation needs to be delayed until the soil begins to dry down. Furthermore, research conducted in the North Platte area has shown that irrigation could be reduced by one to four inches, compared to a fully irrigated crop, during the vegetative period without a significant yield reduction and can stimulate deeper root growth. For more information, go to “Vegetative Growth Stage Irrigation,

2023’s

Is

It Needed This Year?”

Exceptional Drought

Reviewing several soil water logs from central Nebraska, many fields were left a little drier than normal after 2022’s harvest. Plus, with many areas of the state getting very little precipitation from October through May, many fields have needed some irrigation to get the crop established and growing well through the vegetative stage. It all depends on the amount of water stored in the soil.

Soil Moisture Monitoring

In this drought year, many irrigated fields have very little subsoil moisture, while other portions of Nebraska have experienced significant rains over the last month. With irrigation, any grower can can over-irrigate early and create a wet spring. The most reliable method to know when and how much to irrigate is to monitor soil moisture at multiple depths. Keep in mind that when irrigation is applied with a center pivot an inch at a time on the soil surface, the top foot will stay very wet all summer.

Soil water monitoring data is easier to analyze once the crop has taken up water at the 16- to 24-inch depth during the vegetative growth stage. This drier zone can then be monitored with sensors to see if the area gets wetter or drier. If it keeps getting drier, the irrigation system needs to keep running. However, if it starts to get wetter, then stop irrigating for a few days. Ideally, the drier zone should slowly expand deeper with the crop using most of the subsoil water by the time the crop matures.

For more information on this scheduling strategy, watch the Advanced Irrigation Scheduling Techniques video.

Risk of Early Season Leaching

Excess irrigation has its own risks. Generally, when the soil is above field capacity, excess water leaves the

root zone, called deep percolation. This is an essential function of the soil for groundwater recharge. When deep percolation takes agrichemicals past the root zone, it is called leaching. May and June are the most critical time for leaching losses all year.

Nitrate leaching loss rates typically range from five to 10 pounds of nitrogen for every inch of water lost to deep percolation or drainage in Nebraska (based on in-field research as well as modeling nitrate-nitrogen losses in a Hastings silt loam soil series with over-irrigation during May and June. Source Aaron Daigh, 2023). Leaching losses can be even larger in sandy soil, with values as large as 30 lb/ac for every inch of over-irrigation measured in a loamy

sand soil. Over-irrigation is very expensive and something that needs to be avoided.

Leave Room for Storing Rainfall

Monitoring soil moisture and leaving it moderately dry during the vegetative growth states also leaves room for the soil to store any rainfall that may come. Too wet and you’ll lose that rainfall as runoff or deep percolation. Each inch of rainfall you store saves irrigation, input costs and prevents nitrate leaching.

The key to early water management is to apply irrigation only when it is needed to get the crop off to a good start, while keeping in mind over-irrigation enables crop input losses. Precision water and nitrogen management can help guide your early season irrigation decisions.

Figure 1. Schematic representation of effective crop root-zone depths and factors that affect deep percolation. (Source: UNL EC3015)

Figure 2. Depiction of typical nitrogen uptake and the potential for nitrate leaching and runoff caused by precipitation during the growing season. (Source: UNL EC3015)

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How to plant a tree

A tree’s dormant period–from late autumn after leaf drop to early spring before bud break–is the best time for planting. Prepare for planting by calling the local utility companies to locate your underground lines. Whatever form of tree you plant, the instructions are similar. The following method refers to balled-and-burlapped and container-grown trees.

1.) Measure the diameter of the tree’s root ball with the shovel handle. Remove sod that’s twice as wide as the root ball. Set the tree aside (pick it up by the root ball, not by the trunk). 2.) dig a planting hole. Make sure it is deep enough so that the top of the root ball will align with ground level. Loosen soil in the bottom of the hole and around the sides. Peel the burlap back from the trunk but leave it on the root ball; it will decompose eventually. Remove any containers, plastic, twine or wire encasements. Center tree in the hole. 3.) Refill the hole with soil. Do not fertilizer. Crumble dirt clods then settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around roots by watering the hole as you fill it. After the hole is completely backfilled and watered, apply mulch. Water again in a week, then again every week (unless 1” of rain falls) through the first growing season and prior to winter.

When planting bare rooted trees and shrubs, spread the roots out like an umbrella twisted roots stunt growth. As you cover the roots with soil, shake the plant from time to time to allow the soil to drop down well between them. Water well after planting.

Put support stakes in before you plant a new tree to avoid the possibility of damaging the roots.

To prevent snow damaging small conifers, when it is forecast, tie the branches to the trunk with string or old nylon tights. However, do not leave them tied for more than a day or two.

When planting trees or other large plants, make sure they don’t adversely affect your neighbor’s house or view.

The Twist

You can thank Dick Clark for this dance craze–as host of TV’s American Bandstand, he was always on the lookout for the next big fad. In 1959 he heard a little-known Hank Ballard b-side called “The Twist.” Clark loved the song and urged Ballard to perform it on Bandstand, but Ballard wasn’t interested. So Clark searched around Philadelphia (where the show was based) and found a part-time chicken plucker named Ernest Evans who was known for his ability to mimic popular singers. Before Evans could perform, however, Clark insisted he find a good stage name. Clark’s wife, Barbara, suggest modeling it after Fats Domino: “Fats” became “Chubby,” and “Domino” became “Checker.” So the newly christened Chubby Checker sang “The Twist” on Bandstand and it was an immediate hit. The single shot to #1, and the dance craze of the 1960s was born. So why was the Twist so popular? First, as a non-contract dance, it was novel and rebellious enough to appeal to teenagers, but safe enough for the conservative media. Second, the Twist is easy–even non-dancers (like Uncle John) could do it. “It’s like putting out a cigarette with both feet and wiping your bottom with a towel,” explained Checker.

Typecast: The Twist” turned Checker into a star. He followed it up with a string of successful dance songs (to this day, he’s the only recording artist to have had five albums in the Top 12 at the same time). Yet the song also took a toll on Checker’s artistic dreams. “In a way, ‘The Twist’ really ruined by life,” he lamented years later. “I was on my way to becoming a big night club performer, and ‘The Twist’ just wiped it out. It got so out of proportion. No one ever believes I have talent.”

#####

#####

If you want a quality, act as if you already had it. Try the “as-if” technique.

– Ken Alstad

Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.

#####

The only good reason to leave a party without thanking the host and hostess is if you weren’t invited.

– Texas Bix Bender

– William James

#####

Never run away when you see a bear, unless you know you can beat some of the other runners.

– Peter Darbo

deadline for advertising in the October 2023 issue of the Trader's Dispatch will be September 27th. Phone (406) 271-5533 or email: advertising @tradersdispatch.com

Escapology Day

Every September 21st

When was it founded? September 21, 1927

Escapology is an ancient art that’s seeing rising popularity in recent days. The recent craze started with a slew of internet games that were easy to code, and a lot of fun to play.

In these games you were put in a situation where you were trapped in some location, be it a room, a house, even a car. Throughout the game, you’d try to find all the tools and clues you needed to escape that location in as little time as possible.

Escapology, however, has a much longer history, and Escapology Day celebrates its past, present, and future.

History of Escapology Day

Practitioners of Escapology are known as escapologists, and among their number you’ll find such notable names as Harry Houdini, the Davenport Brothers, and John Nevil Maskelyne, just to name a few.

These artists performed incredible stunts involving their escape from seemingly impossible situations, some of them putting them at such risk that it cost some of them their lives. The term itself came to be thanks to Norman Murray Walters, a contemporary of Harry Houdini and highly respected escapologist.

Escapology even has its own Patron Saint, at least if you ask the escapologists themselves. St. Nicholas Own was said to have help jailbreak two Jesuit inmates from the Tower of London after having escaped himself. Due to the seeming impossibility of escaping from this prison Catholic escapologists have taken him as their own, along with St. John Don Bosco.

While not nearly as perilous as the feats attempted by these pioneers of the practice, modern escapology has been brought to amateurs in the form of ‘Escape Room’ businesses that create puzzles for people to solve in a set amount of time. #####

I don’t have big ideas. I sometimes have small ideas, which seem to work out.

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The importance of green spaces

By Esther E. McGinnis, Horticulturist, NDSU Extension

Gazing across the white landscape of the Northern Plains, I long for green spaces. I daydream about hiking in forests, vising botanical gardens and strolling in tree-lined parks. This longing is more than just a defense mechanism against our winter blizzards. Our longing reflects a biological need. We instinctively know this. During the height of the pandemic, the general public flocked to city parks, gardens, arboreta and national parks. At first, these visits were prompted by the COVID-19 virus limiting our indoor recreational activities. However, many individuals continued visiting a wide variety of green spaces because they started realizing physical and mental health benefits.

Outdoor walks in natural settings lower blood pressure in all age groups. Heart rate is also affected. A recent study showed that adults had significantly lower heart rates when walking past landscaped areas compared to non-landscaped vacant lots. The stress hormone, cortisol, is also reduced in green spaces.

Physical benefits are not limited to adults. Children with access to tree-lined city parks and landscaped schoolyards are more likely to be physically active. Anything that can lure children away from screens is a good thing.

In addition to physical benefits, green spaces can result in improved mental health. Many studies show a correlation between close proximity to nature and reduced anxiety and depression.

Two related studies further illuminate the restorative power of nature. University of Michigan researchers were studying recently-diagnosed breast cancer patients. These patients were in emotional distress and then compelled to make a series of treatment decisions.

Overwhelmed patients commonly reported a significant decrease in their cognitive capacity and their ability to pay attention even before surgery. The researchers studied this phenomenon in 150 newly-diagnosed patients and divided the group in two. Half were instructed to spend 120 minutes per week in green spaces and were offered free admission to botanical gardens. The other half was the control group. Green space activities could be active (walking in the garden) or passive (taking a scenic drive) as their physical conditions allowed. The patients were evaluated before and after surgery for their ability to take tests that required focus and attention.

The two studies found that spending time in green spaces before and after surgery allowed the women to overcome their mental fatigue and to restore their ability to pay attention.

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Society invests large amounts in health products but our connection to nature may be equally important. How can you reap the benefits of green space? First, support research in this area.

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Currently, the benefits of different types of green space are not well understood. Is there a difference between visiting a natural landscape such as a state forest versus a welldesigned garden? We don’t definitively know at this time. However, that shouldn’t deter you.

Visit green spaces that you find attractive and make you feel relaxed. Take a walk in the local park, have a picnic at a state park or add more greenery to your yard.

Ice Cream Cone Day

Day celebrated: September 22nd

Ice Cream Cone Day seeks to draw attention to the invention of the ice cream cone; an important, yet sadly often overlooked, invention that allows people to enjoy delicious ice cream combined with a handily portable and edible wafer cone, often whilst out and about. Just imagine what the world would look like without an ice cream cone. No ’99s, ice cream would have to be eaten with a bowl, and ice lollies would dominate!

Celebrate Ice Cream Cone Day by testing various different styles of cones and flavours of ice creams. Debate the merits of the ‘oyster shell’ versus the ‘half cup’.

Encourage children to create pictures of their favourite ice creams and ponder on what the ice cream cone means to them.

Learn about the history of the cone – this is an area of hotly debated controversy with much discussion about the true origins and antiquity of the cone.

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• Increased early season vigor

• Phosphorus and Zinc to drive rooting & cold start the crop.

• Zinc to help with early season hormone production, ie. Auxin for root and shoot growth.

• Convey Technology to help with early season stresses, such as cool soils and excess moisture. It also improves nutrient use efficiency.

• Other essential nutrients target at each specific crop, ie. Boron for cell wall strength; Manganese for efficient photosynthesis.

• Second chance for a starter fertilizer

• Formulations are targeted at early season root growth (more root = more efficient moisture and nutrient uptake).

• Proactive way of managing the crops nutritional requirement.

• Convey Technology helps with early season stresses such as cool soils, excess moisture, and drought. Also improves nutrient use efficiency.

• Speeds up recovery from herbicide hangover - the correct supply of nutrients helps the crop metabolize the herbicide more quickly.

• Contains novel Phosphorus nutrition, providing increased nutrient uptake and movement within the plant.

• Targeted at the reproductive phse of the plant.

• Proactive way of managing the crops utritional requirement

• Contains other essential nutrients targeted for each specific crop, ie. Boron to aid pollen tube growth, Zinc to help produce Auxin, to ensure healthy pollen tube growth.

Corrections to ERP Policy and two key conservation programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two to provide a method for valuing losses and accessing program benefits to eligible producers of certain crops, including grapes grown and used by the same producer for wine production or forage that is grown, stored and fed to livestock, that do not generate revenue directly from the sale of the crop. These updates ensure that ERP benefits are more reflective of these producers’ actual crop losses resulting from 2020 and 2021 natural disaster events. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting ERP Phase Two applications from eligible wine grape and forage producers once this technical correction to ERP is published in the Federal Register and becomes effective, which it anticipates will be on Friday, June 16, 2023. The deadline to submit applications for ERP Phase Two is July 14.

“When designing and implementing new programs for a sector as diverse and complex as agriculture, it’s almost inevitable that we encounter situations that we had not previously considered. The updates to the Emergency Relief Program that we are announcing today address the unique needs of producers of crops that are used on-farm and may not generate sales revenue,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Farm Service Agency Administrator. “I am grateful for our frequent conversations with producers, along with commodity and stakeholder groups, that helped us address existing gaps in this crucial disaster assistance program. FSA will continue to be nimble from a policy standpoint to try to provide assistance to all who need the help.”

Background

In January 2023, FSA announced ERP Phase Two, designed to wrap-up and fill remaining gaps in previous natural disaster assistance for 2020 and 2021.

To be eligible for ERP Phase Two, producers must have suffered a decrease in allowable gross revenue in 2020 or 2021 due to necessary expenses related to losses of eligible crops from a qualifying natural disaster event. Assistance is primarily for producers of crops that were not covered by Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program since crops covered by Federal Crop Insurance and NAP were included in the assistance under ERP Phase One administered in 2022.

Determining Crop Value

Producers of certain crops now have a method for including crop value in their allowable gross revenue for the purpose of determining ERP Phase 2 benefits.

The value of the eligible crop intended for on-farm use will be based on the producer’s actual production of the crop and a price for the crop as determined by FSA’s Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs based on the best available data for each crop such as published crop price data or the average price obtained by other producers in the area. Acceptable, published sources including but are not limited to Federal Crop Insurance Corporation established prices, FSA established National Crop Table prices and National Agricultural Statistic Service prices.

Revenue and pricing guidelines for expected revenue for wine grapes and on-farm forage is available online for producer reference and convenience when applying for ERP Phase Two.

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Wine grape and forage producers who have already submitted their ERP Phase Two applications to FSA have the option of revising the application and updating their allowable gross revenue to include crop value if applicable.

Producers of crops grown for on-farm use other than wine grapes and forage may request consideration to use a crop’s value in their allowable gross revenue. Submit requests to RA.FSA.DCWA2.ppb@wdc.usda.gov. FSA’s Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs will review submitted requests.

Additional Technical Corrections – Conservation Programs

In addition to emergency relief policy updates, FSA has also established policy corrections for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP). The policy correction clarifies that federal payments received for the same practice will be considered duplicative assistance for producers who receive ECP and EFRP program payments. The revised program provisions are related to program updates FSA announced in January that give more farmers, ranchers, and tribes the

Native American Day

Date When Celebrated: 4th Friday in September

This day is set aside to honor and celebrate Native Americans, the first Americans to live in the U.S. Still commonly referred to as American Indians, the term “Native Americans” has been used in recent years as a sign of respect and recognition that they were indeed the first people to populate our great and wonderful nation.

By the time the first explorers and settlers arrived from Europe, Native Americans had populated the entire North American continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the northern reaches of Canada.

We encourage you to spend this day, learning about Native Americans, the true original settlers in America.

Corrections to ERP Policy and two key conservation programs

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C4

opportunity to apply for and access programs that support recovery following natural disasters (see January 10, 2023 news release for more information).

ECP and EFRP provide financial and technical assistance to restore conservation practices like fencing, damaged farmland or forests following natural disasters.

More Information

FSA offers an online ERP tool to help producers determine what is considered allowable gross revenue.

Producers should contact their local FSA office to make an appointment to apply for ERP Phase Two. Producers should also keep in mind that July 15 is a major deadline to complete acreage reports for most crops. FSA encourages producers to complete the ERP Phase Two application and acreage report during the same office visit. Applications for the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program, a revenue-based program for losses resulting from the pandemic, can also be completed.

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Watch for aphids in corn

By Julie Peterson - Extension Entomologist | Robert Wright - Extension Entomologist

Two types of aphids have been observed in corn over the last several weeks in west-central Nebraska. Corn leaf aphids (Figure 1) are bluish green in color with black legs and cornicles (the two “exhaust pipes” that stick out the end of an aphid’s abdomen). Bird cherry-oat aphids (Figure 2) are reddish green with legs and cornicles more closely matching their body color. A mixture of both species may be found in a single field.

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Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the juices of plants by inserting their sharp straw-like mouthparts into the plant tissues. Aphids are often found clustered in large groups that originated from just one or several females producing many offspring. Prior to tasseling, aphids may be found inside the whorl, on the developing tassel, and on upper leaves; later in the season, groups of aphids are often found on the husks of the developing ear, on the ear leaf, or directly on the stalk.

Aphid pressure is often the highest along field edges but will decrease as you move into the interior of the field. Therefore, when scouting, it is important to inspect plants from across the field, carefully examining at least 50 plants per field (for a ~132-acre pivot of corn) and recording how many plants are infested and their severity (are aphids completely covering the tassels or not?).

Crop Injury and Economic Thresholds

Before pollination: Aphids cause the greatest amount of injury while they are feeding within the whorl prior to tassel emergence. Aphid feeding can lead to wilting, curling and yellow discoloration of plant tissues. An excess number of aphids can also lead to the accumulation of honeydew (the sugary liquid waste excreted by aphids) and the growth of

Figure 1. Corn leaf aphids. (Photo by Julie Peterson)

Figure 2. Bird cherry-oat aphids. (Photo by Krystle Rhoades)

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Watch for aphids in corn

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C6

sooty mold, which can interfere with photosynthesis and pollination. Treatment may be needed if pollination is no more than half complete and more than half of the corn tassels are covered with aphids.

After pollination: Aphids are less likely to cause damage after pollination has been completed, unless they are very abundant. There are no research-based treatment thresholds for aphids in corn after pollination. However, treatment would be most likely to be economically beneficial if you have some or all of the following conditions:

Corn was planted later in the season.

Fields are under drought stress.

High populations of aphids are present (80% or more of plants are infested).

Aphid populations appear to be increasing over time.

Leaves or tassels have been severely damaged (wilted, curled, yellowing).

Presence of black sooty mold growing on aphid honeydew.

Corn growth stage is not yet nearing dent.

No signs of natural enemies contributing biological control (see next section).

If an application is warranted, see the Insect Management section of the Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska with Insecticide and Fungicide Information (EC 130) for insecticides to be used for aphid control in corn.

Biological Control of Aphids

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Aphid populations can be greatly reduced by a range of predators, parasitoids and pathogens in the field. The most noticeable beneficial insects may be the predators: lady beetles, lacewings and minute pirate bugs are just some of the natural enemies that enjoy making a meal out of aphids (Figure 3).

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Small parasitoid wasps also target aphids; female wasps will sting an aphid and lay an egg inside of the aphid’s body. The young wasp develops inside of the aphid, eventually killing the aphid and emerging. The parasitoid-killed aphid will turn a pale tan or dark black color and may look puffed up — this is called an aphid “mummy” (Figure 4).

Finally, aphids are susceptible to a pathogenic fungus that infects and kills them. Aphid survival can be favored by dry weather or the application of fungicides, which inhibits the activity of fungal pathogens.

#####

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Figure 3A-C. Convergent lady beetle (A), green lacewing larva (B), and minute pirate bug (C) feeding on aphids in corn. (Photos by Julie Peterson)

Figure 4. Tan mummies circled in white are bird cherry-oat aphids that have been killed by parasitoid wasps. (Photo by Jim Conrad)

Sweet clover an excellent forage

North Dakota State University

Yellow and white sweet clover seems to be everywhere this year. Timely rainfall has sweet clover growing in road ditches, fallow areas, pasture and range, and in places that no one has ever seen it before.

Sweet clover comes from Eurasia and is found from central Europe to Tibet. The first report of sweet clover growing in what would become the U.S traces back to 1739. Since then, it has become naturalized across the continent, but it is common in the Great Plains states.

“Yellow and white sweet clovers are biennials, meaning that it takes them two years to complete their life cycle,” says James Rogers, North Dakota State University Extension forage systems specialist. “Sweet clover will re-seed itself naturally, with seeds remaining viable in the soil bank for up to 40 years.”

The plants we see now that are flowering are second-year plants that will set seed and then die. New seedlings will remain vegetative the first year, developing a deep taproot and a crown with buds that will produce multiple branches in the second year of growth. There are some annual forms of sweet clover, but these are rare.

“Sweet clover has long been recognized as a soil-improving crop with a number of desirable characteristics,” says Rogers. “It is a legume, capable of nitrogen fixation. It forms a deep soil-penetrating taproot that aids in water infiltration and aeration. Sweet clover also tolerates alkaline soils, which makes it an attractive option to include in seeding mixture for alkaline land reclamation. It also has many wildlife benefits, providing food, cover and nesting habitat.”

As with all forage species, sweet clover also has some negative characteristics, Rogers adds. It does not tolerate close grazing or haying in its first year of growth. It can cause bloat. Most notably, it contains coumarin that gives the plant a distinctive sweet odor when crushed but also creates a bitter taste and can reduce palatability to livestock. Overtime livestock can adjust to the taste.

When sweet clover is harvested as part of a hay crop and is not dried properly for baling, overheating can occur within the bale, creating fungi that can convert the coumarin to dicoumarol. Dicoumarol reduces the blood clotting ability of animals that are consuming the forage, which can lead to internal hemorrhaging. The issue can be difficult to detect, as it may take several days for symptoms to develop.

“When feeding hay containing sweet clover, watch for muscle stiffness or lameness or hematomas (swelling under the skin), as this could be an initial indication of sweet clover poisoning,” says Karl Hoppe, NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist. “Cattle tend to be

more affected than sheep or horses, which have more selective eating habits than cattle.”

Feeding cattle hay with extremely high concentrations of dicoumarol can lead to death within a day.

Hay that contains sweet clover should be thoroughly cured and stored to avoid development of mold. As it reaches maturity, sweet clover develops thick, coarse stems, which makes drying difficult. When harvesting for hay, use a mower conditioner that will crush the stems to improve drying. Pure stands of sweet clover will be the highest risk for dicoumarol due to the lack of a dilution factor from other species.

“Because of the abundance of sweet clover this year it will be difficult to avoid producing hay with at least some sweet clover presence,” says Hoppe. “If properly baled and stored, dicoumarol development should not be an issue.”

Low-coumarin varieties of sweet-clover have been released, but caution still is advised.

Feeding management can reduce the risk of feeding hay containing sweet clover. Options include blending hay containing CONTINUED ON PAGE C10

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Sweet clover an excellent forage with the right precautions

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C9 sweet clover. Options include blending hay containing sweet clover with other hays to dilute the dicoumarol or using an alternating feeding schedule. Feed sweet clover laced hay for two days followed by hay without sweet clover for three to four days.

Henry Kallis

(605) 639-1904

Spearfish, SD

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Avoid feeding hay containing sweet clover for at least 30 days prior to animals being castrated or dehorned to avoid hemorrhaging issues. Also avoid feeding sweet clover hay to pregnant cows one to two months before calving. Do not feed moldy hay containing sweet clover to livestock, and do not rely on visual observation to determine toxicity. Even small amounts of mold can result in toxicity. NDSU Extension specialists recommend that ranchers test all hay that contains sweet clover for the presence of dicoumarol. Testing for dicoumarol concentration in hay is available at the NDSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (www.vdl. ndsu.edu/).

“Sweet clover has become a naturalized part of our pastures and range,” says Rogers. “It provides many benefits to the soil and wildlife and is an excellent forage. It does have some disadvantages, but they can be managed. Proper curing and testing of hay containing sweet clover, as well as proper feeding management, can overcome potential issues.”

######

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The second person said the same thing and God did the same thing.

This want on and on throughout the group. God noticed the last man in line was laughing hysterically. By the time God got to the last ten people, the last man was laughing and rolling on the ground. When the man’s turn came, he laughed and said, “I wish they were all ugly again.”

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Legends & lore

In ancient Greece and Rome, the hawthorn was linked with hope, marriage, and babies. At wedding ceremonies, the bridal attendants wore its blossoms and the bride carried a bough. However, in medieval Europe, the hawthorn was regarded as an unlucky plant; bringing it into a house would cause the death of a member of the household. Anyone uprooting or cutting down a hawthorn bush in a “fairy fort” would have bad luck.

The laurel is associated with fame and achievement. It was also believed by some that a person standing under a laurel tree would be shielded from infection by the plague, from lightning, and witches.

The oak tree has a widespread association with thunder gods, probably due to the fact that oak seems to attract more lightning then other trees. To Northern European people, the oak leaf cluster was a token of heroism and victory. In literature, the oak denotes strength, masculinity, stability, and longevity.

The olive tree provides oil but also food, fuel for lamps, medicine, an emollient for dry skin, and anointing oil for religious purposes. The olive is regarded as a symbol of peace, wealth, and a sign of safe travel.

The weeping willow is a well-known symbol of unlucky love and mourning in the Western world. In the East, it has been associated with the springtime regeneration of nature, eternal friendship, patience, perseverance, and meekness. It is dangerous for cattle to eat willow leaves.

The traditions with mistletoe are many. Kissing under the mistletoe is first found associated the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites. Mistletoe was believed to have the power of bestowing fertility. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce, or warring spouses could kiss and make up. In some parts of England, the Christmas mistletoe is burned on the twelfth night, lest all the boys and girls who have kissed under it never marry. And for those who wish to observe the correct etiquette: a man should pluck a berry when he kisses a woman under the mistletoe, and when the last berry is gone, there should be no more kissing!

Adding grass to thinning alfalfa

By Jerry Volesky, UNL

Do you have a thinning and low producing alfalfa stand; but are not quite ready to do a complete reseeding? These stands can be rejuvenated by interseeding grasses to increase hay production in subsequent years or to convert them to pasture.

Most alfalfa fields start to lose stand and production potential after cutting hay for several years. Orchardgrass is the grass most commonly interseeded into alfalfa, but other grasses like endophyte-free tall fescue, smooth or meadow brome, festulolium, and wheatgrasses also can be used. If the field will be used as pasture, a mixture of several grasses may be best since it adds diversity to your animals’ diet. Whether irrigated or dryland, interseeding after a midAugust to early September hay harvest can be excellent timing. There is always some risk for dryland fields because several rains will be needed to start the new grass seedlings. The seeding should be done as sone as that August or early September harvest Is complete. If your alfalfa is relatively thick, you probably will need to take another cutting in about four weeks, or as soon as the alfalfa starts to form a full canopy. This allows sunlight to continue to reach new grass seedlings below the alfalfa.

The seeding rate of the grasses will vary depending on the species that is used and how thick the existing alfalfa is. With orchardgrass for example, as little as 3 lb./acre might be adequate in a relatively thick alfalfa stand or up to 6 lb./ acre in a very thin alfalfa stand.

Next spring you will need to judge how well established the new grasses have become. If they seem a little weak, cut hay early to open the canopy for better light penetration.

Cube shaped poop

Wombats are the only animal whose poop is cube-shaped. This is due to how its intestines form the feces. The animals then stack the cubes to mark their territory.

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Master Gardener Tips

By Kaaren Grimminger, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

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As you’re working in your garden or in your landscape, do consider bees. Especially honeybees. As they are pollinating your veggies, fruit, flowers, shrubs, and trees, the bees are taking pollen to feed their young and taking nectar to turn into honey. The bees will eat the honey and also collect this healthy food for us. A fun fact concerns pollination and orchids. Orchids ‘flirt’ with honeybees to attract them. Orchids then spit out a bundle of pollen onto the bees’ backs. Be careful with the honeybees. They are definitely our friends. In the last few years, the varroa mite has greatly damaged the honey bee population. It attaches itself to the fat area of the bee or the larvae, feeding off of it, and thereby lowering the immunity of the bee, leaving it susceptible to viruses. Pesticides can be very dangerous for honeybees: follow all directions and, if possible, find a safe alternative.

“Natural” health is in these days. There is a greater emphasis on non-processed foods and on fruits and vegetables. One could also consider eating more greens. Try those greens such as collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. Experiment with them in your food preparation. For example, use them with rice or pasta for example.

Think hygiene for your garden. When you use clippers or other tools, clean them when you switch from one plant to another. Be sure to clean the clippers after you’ve worked with a plant with disease or fungal problems. Carefully clip off any diseased or fungal areas, and properly dispose of those leaves or stems. Also, remove anything on the ground around the plant that could carry pathogens and properly dispose of that also.

Be on the lookout for plant pests - on top of leaves, on the bottoms of those leaves, on the ground, and around the plants. With all the rain, I am surprised I’ve seen no slugswhich is fine with me. No slugs mean that my rhubarb and leafy veggies are safer. This year I’ve seen bugs and fungal problems I’ve never seen before. These problems are probably also due to the rain.

By Leann Sato, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

UNIQUE 66.85-ACRE

EQUESTRIAN RANCH located along Sun River Road about 1 mile W of Great Falls, MT and along the Sun River for about 3/4 of a mile. This property consists of approximately 51 acres of flood irrigated hay land for grass-hay production and 10 acres of grazing land. It features a ranch-site area of about 6 acres for the equestrian buildings and two very nice ranch homes having a view of the river valley, with a new 72-ft. x 140-ft. indoor riding arena, a combination shop & hay barn, several horse sheds with corrals, a round pen, and a well with good potable water. The current use of the property is for horse boarding, breeding, riding, and training with good potential income. The river frontage, with brush/trees along the bank, supports a population of Pheasants, Ducks, Geese, and deer, plus there’s fishing and floating on the Sun River. Mild Winters here in Central Montana, just East of the Rocky Mountains. This very special property has an incredible and convenient location and we are proud to present it at $2.5 Mil.

Three times the use - residents use three times more water in summer than winter, and it goes to outdoor watering. Instead, use what nature provides by directing downspouts to plant beds, storing runoff in rain barrels or cisterns for later use, and landscaping with native and regional plants. Rein in water use by maintaining irrigation systems, employing moisture sensors, and watering early in the morning. Summer yards don’t have to use three times the amount of water with water-wise landscapes and irrigation.

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Location, location, location! One-of-a-kind 9.5-acre exceptional building lot with equestrian facilities just 2 blocks from the Great Falls, MT city limits and 5 minutes to hospitals and shopping. Newer 2000-gallon septic tank, drain field with new pipe stubbed in and ready for a new custom-built 6 bedroom home. Excellent well water and old water rights on 2 wells, electrictiy and natural gas ON SITE. 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1984 mobile home (for property manager or temporary living while building new home) and small historic cabin to restore (both can be removed). 130-foot barn, 12 paddocks, automatic waterers, 4-inch pipe-fencing on 3 sides, and 8-foot heavy duty chain link fencing along 40th Avenue South. Equine clinic and hospital across the street and they are currently leasing paddocks for their overflow. Superb building sites and terrific set-up for horses. NO chemical spray used on the property for over 10 years. Broker-owned for 20 years. Deer, Fox, Pheasants, Turkeys, Hawks, Eagles and lots of small birds come

160 ACRES NEAR Ledger, MT: good cropland & pasture, large water-storage reservoir, 2 older homes, shop building, 2 large metal storage buildings, several large & small grain storage bins, grain elevator, barn, livestock-feedlot with corrals & loading chute. NE of Conrad, MT with easy access on paved road just 8miles E of Interstate 15. More pasture could be available. Deer, Game Birds and Water Fowl visit the reservoir. Great Opportunity For Livestock and/or Horse Operation. Incredible Value

For A Reasonable Price of $425,000! Call Broker Mark Pyrak today at 406-788-9280.

Are you an accidental polluter? The storm sewer system, “MS4” for short, routes runoff from rooftops, sidewalks, and streets to the North Platte River without treatment. That means pollutants swept in the flow of runoff end up contaminating the area’s rivers, lakes, and ponds. Protect water quality with proper disposal of trash, pet waste, and yard waste; careful application of fertilizers or pesticides, and vehicle maintenance to prevent the “accidental” pollution of waterways.

Long days, long drinks. Give trees a drink by wetting the entire root area of the tree until the soil is moistened approximately 12 inches deep. The watering area should encompass, at minimum, the tree’s critical root zone or roughly the span of the tree’s canopy. Soaker hoses, trickle or drip systems irrigate trees with minimum water waste. Alternatively, a berm around the tree may be filled with water for slow infiltration into the root zone. Give parched trees a long slow drink.

Healthy soil equals healthy water. Mixing compost with dirt helps to make healthy soil full of tiny air channels and pores that hold moisture, air, and nutrients. The pores increase the soil’s holding power. It also increases nutrient access for plant root systems, which not only helps plant growth but also prevents erosion, soil pollution and further increases water retention. Mix compost to make healthy soil and healthy water.

Don’t get hosed. Regularly check garden hoses, connectors, and spigots for damage and replace if necessary. Install washers between spigots and hoses to prevent drips. When using the hose, attach an adjustable shut-off nozzle and, when finished, turn off the water at the faucet to prevent leaks. If watering for a while, set a shut-off reminder to avoid letting water run unattended. Don’t get hosed, try these garden hose use tips to save water instead.

By Debbie Post, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Timing for harvesting your vegetables is primarily dictated by the length of time they have been growing. It’s recommended to keep your empty seed packets through each plant-

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Master Gardener Tips

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C14 ing season with a map of what’s planted where for plant identification. Your seed packets give you planting instructions, growing tips, and the expected dates for your harvest times. If you’re a tech-savvy gardener, put the harvest date in your phone calendar as a digital reminder as it gets close to the picking times for your different plants.

The best time to pick your garden bounty is in the early morning. Produce harvested early tends to stay crisp and fresh, while veggies picked in the heat of the day tend to wilt. Some plants, like tomatoes and peas, should be picked before completely ripe, while many others need to stay on the vine until it dries up. Proper storage once your produce is picked is essential - some need room temperature storage, others somewhere cool and dark, while many taste best in the cold crisper drawer of the fridge.

Nothing like opening a jar of herbs in the cold of winter and having that scent remind you of the beautiful summer day you picked it and set it to drying. The peak time to dry herbs is right before flowering when the oil content is at its highest. Low-moisture herbs like rosemary and oregano can be air-dried, tied with a string, and hung upside down. Highmoisture herbs like mint and basil need to be in a dehydrator or low temp oven to decrease any mold growth. Once completely dried, store your herbs in air-tight containers.

When we consider canning, keeping food safe for later use is the ultimate goal. Canning refers to the process of either a pressure-cooked or water-bathed method depending on the acidity of your produce. It allows for the storage of food on shelves in glass jars versus taking up limited freezer space. If you are new to canning - please check out your local extension office! They will be able to offer safety tips, equipment recommendations and give explicit instructions on which method is safest for your specific produce.

If you have extra garden produce and don’t want to resort to traditional canning methods, then look to freezing your harvest so you can enjoy that freshness long after the growing season is over. Before freezing, however, you need to blanch/shock your vegetables. Blanching will help prevent enzymes from damaging the color, flavor, and nutrients of your produce and destroys any microorganisms. Boil them briefly, drain, and then plunge into cold water, drain again before spreading them in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Once your produce is frozen solid, store in a label-dated airtight container or bag.

By Jeanne Yeoman, Nebraska Extension Master Gardener

Right now, many nurseries and garden supply stores are having sales, which is perfect because this is a great time to plant new perennials, trees, and shrubs. Now is also a good

CONTINUED ON PAGE C16

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A man’s got to have a code, a creed to live by.

– John Wayne

#####

True cowboys are the ones who aren’t afraid to get dirty.

– Lane Frost

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The Cowboy is a patriot.

– Gene Autry #####

Cowboys don’t go around breaking hearts.

– Missy Lyons

Grain Cleaners

Master Gardener Tips

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C15 time to move or divide many perennials, such as peonies, irises, and daylilies. Warm soil temperatures encourage root growth while decreasing daylight and cooler temperatures signal the plant to slow top growth. Additionally, roots will keep growing until the soil temperature reaches 40 degrees. You will want to allow six weeks for plants to become established before the first frost or freeze arrives.

Late summer into fall is a great time to plant trees and shrubs. Be sure to select a variety suited to our particular soil and climate, and make sure it will be an appropriate size for the site you have selected. Be sure it has healthy roots that are not circling and pot-bound from growing in a container all summer. Many tree planting and care recommendations have changed in recent years due to new research. An excellent resource for selecting trees and shrubs for western Nebraska as well as best practices for proper care, can be found at the Nebraska Arboretum website at www.plantnebraska.org.

Late summer into fall is a great time to divide and move perennials. Maybe a plant is just not quite in the right place, or plants have become overcrowded and are no longer thriving. Be sure to carefully dig up as much of the root as possible, and if dividing, be sure each division has three to five strong stems and healthy roots. Select the new location and dig a hole wide enough so that the roots are not crowded, and be sure the plant is at the same depth as it was previously. Add a little compost or soil amendment if needed, but do not fertilize. Water thoroughly and mulch with a couple of inches of loose organic material, such as bark chips or leaves. Many tender perennials and herbs can be overwintered indoors in a sunny location. Cut the plants back by about onethird and repot them in fresh potting mix. Another method is to take cuttings: make a clean angled cut 3-6 inches down from the top of the stem, just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem and insert the bottom third in a small container of moist potting mix. Alternatively, place the cuttings in a small jar of water and pot them in potting mix when they have developed healthy roots.

With a little attention to detail, you can save some of your garden seeds for next year. First, be sure you are collecting from open-pollinated varieties and not hybrids because those seeds may be sterile, or they will produce a plant that does not look like its parent plant. Let vegetables and flowers mature before you harvest them for seeds. Some plants, such as peas, beans, peppers, and most flowers and herbs, have seeds that can be left on the plant until dry. After the seeds are dry, they will need a cool, dry spot for storage. You can learn more about saving seeds at the Seed Savers Exchange website: www.seedsavers.org/learn

By

Kathy Tando,

Nebraska Extension Master Gardener Fall is a great time of year for planting trees. But before you plant – PLAN. In choosing a tree, make sure the tree is recommended for our area and that the mature size has the right characteristics for the result you want. Plant it such that in 10-20 years, it’s not blocking a sidewalk or too close to your house. Look up and make sure there are no power lines above. A wise gardener is an even wiser planner.

If a little is good, more is not necessarily better. Mulching our trees and shrubs is highly recommended. Mulch a circle around the tree wider than the branches reach at about a 3-inch depth. The width will need to widen as the tree grows. Don’t mulch right up against the trunk. More than the recommended mulch depth can actually damage trees by smothering the roots. So go wide, not deep, when mulching around trees and shrubs.

When planting a tree, it is vital to pay attention to the roots. Too often, the tree has been planted too deep in the container. The first step is to find the first large root, called the lateral root. You may need to remove a couple inches of soil to find it. That root should be planted at the surface. When planted, if the tree trunk looks like a telephone pole, it’s too deep. A flare at the base is the look you want.

In planting a tree, we talked about finding the lateral root to determine the depth of the hole. The next step is to check for circling roots. If present, you can try gently teasing them out so they can be stretched outward in the hole. If too solid, it might require a pruning saw to cut into the ball on four sides and an inch or so off the bottom to stop the trend.

Nothing quite announces spring in the same way Tulips and Daffodils do. Spring flowering bulbs need to go in the ground in late September through October to give them sufficient time to establish roots to produce sturdy flowers next year. Picking bulbs that state they naturalize easily will give you increasing pleasure with each passing spring. When purchasing bulbs, make sure they are healthy and firm without blemishes on the surface.

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Corn silage harvest adjustment

By Todd Whitney, UNL

Silage harvest for fully irrigated full-season corn usually begins 45 days or 800 GDD’s after the tassel / silking growth stage. However, corn maturity can hasten due to drought, heat stress and shorter-season hybrid breeding. Therefore, ear kernel milk line development and accumulated growing degree days (GDD’s) may be better predictors for timing silage harvest than following a calendar especially for drought impacted corn.

Accurately assessing whole plant moisture is key to proper silage pile fermentation and tight packing. If silage is too dry; then, packing is difficult and may allow oxygen into the pile causing overheating, mold/yeast/bad microbe growth, and spoilage. When the silage moisture content is too high, piles can weep with valuable energy and nutrients flowing out as a loss from the pile. Also, damaging clostridia bacteria colonies can grow when silage is too wet. So, target silage storage moisture content should be 65-70% moisture.

Another factor to consider for silage chopping is milk line (a corn kernel starch content indicator). Starch is one of the most energy dense feed components; so silage that contains higher amounts of starch will be higher energy overall. The further down the kernel milk line is established; the more starch content has been stored in the kernel.

However, plant moisture and milk line may not be directly correlated and may vary among hybrids. While these development factors trend in the same direction, the moisture content can still vary. For example, corn that is 55% moisture and ¼ milk may be 65% moisture at the same ¼ milk the next field over.

Corn silage is a great feed resource that can benefit from moisture content monitoring at harvest. Target harvest silage at 65-70% moisture content for best results. Use the ear kernel milk line (closer to the cob means more starch and higher energy silage) to find your ideal harvest window based on your hybrids.

5% Acidity is the gold standard for canning

Submitted by Andrea Nisley, UNL Extension Educator, Dawson County

Most white and cider vinegars used for making pickles and salsa are 5% acidity, but not all. Acidity level below 5% is not recommended as it is not adequate to control microbial growth and may result in spoilage.

The two most common vinegars are Apple Cider Vinegar and Distilled White Vinegar.

Cider Vinegar is derived from apples and is light golden in color with a tart fruit flavor. It has a milder flavor than distilled white vinegar. Because of its color, it may darken light colored fruits and vegetables.

Distilled White Vinegar is a clear, colorless liquid derived from grain alcohol that has a sharp, pungent flavor. White vinegar is preferred when a light color is desired for making fruit or cauliflower pickles. It does not compete with the distinctive flavors of herbs and spices in a brine. Because it is clear, it does not change the color of light colored fruits and vegetables.

If your research-tested recipe does not specify a particular type of vinegar, you may safely use either white or cider vinegar if it is labeled as 5% acidity.

Specialty vinegars include red or white wine vinegar, malt vinegar, balsamic, and other flavored vinegars. Use these only when specified in a research-tested recipe.

The standard vinegar used in home canning must have 5% acidity. Look at the label to be sure that the vinegar you are using is 5% acidity. Most white and cider vinegars used for making pickles and salsa are 5% acidity, but not all. When pickling, it is important to use 5% vinegar. 4% vinegar is not safe to use. Currently, it is strongly advised against using vinegar with lower acidity levels (less than 5%), as it may not be sufficiently strong to ensure the safety of the canned products. Always remember to check the vinegar label for its acidity level.

If you have used vinegar with lower acidity (less than 5%) in your canned food products and you followed a research-tested recipe, the National Center for Home Food Preservation recommend considering the following:

If your canned food has been preserved for less than 24 hours using 4% vinegar, it is advisable to store the jars in the refrigerator to maintain the safety and quality of the product.

If your canned food has been preserved for more than 24 hours using 4% vinegar, it is advised to discard the product.

Here are some other canning tips:

Do not dilute the vinegar with water unless it specifically says so in a researchtested recipe.

Do not reuse leftover pickle juice in which vegetables or fruit have been cooked before being packed into jars. It is safe to use leftover pickle brine that has not contained any food product.

Do not use homemade vinegar when pickling. The acidity of homemade vinegar is not consistent.

Some balsamic or sherry vinegars are 6-7% acidity. Stay in the range of 5-7% acidity for home food preservation.

Do not use cleaning vinegars or horticultural vinegars. These are EXTREMELY high in acid (11-30%), one is 75% acidity. These are not intended for food preservation.

Please remember that ensuring the safety of your home-canned products is of utmost importance. Following tested and approved recipes, including the use of recommended vinegar acidity, is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of the preserved foods.

#####

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#####

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A: Because she had a pumpkin for a coach. #####

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SIZZLINGSUMMERSALE

Making the most of low hay yields

By Michelle Sweeten, Michigan State University

In need of more hay? Protect what you have first.

The dry weather has left most livestock producers in the Midwest scrambling for more hay. First cutting hay yields were down in many areas of Michigan, and if the dry weather continues, total hay yields for the year could be less than 50 % of normal production. To feed ruminant animals such as beef cattle, sheep and others through the winter season, many livestock farmers are looking for ways to stretch their feed resources.

Before livestock farms begin buying hay, they should look at their current storage system to determine if they can make changes to be better able to utilize the hay they already have. Properly made and stored round bales can minimize storage losses and maintain hay quality. Currently, Michigan Forage Council members report yields of 40% to 60% less than normal around the state. If hay yields on a farm are 50% less because of the weather and the farm does not normally cover all their round-baled hay, they can reduce this shortage by covering their hay. Increasing moisture protection for outdoor stored net-wrapped round bales will save quality as well as for twine-tied bales. According to Oklahoma State University Extension, “the value of a storage system depends on the projected hay loss and the price of the hay when sold or used.”

Hay loss is a factor of the amount of moisture the hay is exposed to:

Rainfall, snow, dew or ground moisture.

How long it is exposed.

The air temperature during the storage period (higher temperatures lead to greater losses).

The type of hay (the more digestible the hay is for animals, the easier it is for bacteria to thrive and spoil the hay).

Price Truck & equiPmenT

University research has revealed that round-baled twinetied hay sitting on the ground uncovered will suffer an average total loss of 20% to 35%. Net-wrapped round bales have become popular, and many assume that net wrapping protects the bales from rainfall. Net wrapping makes the bale surface smoother and denser so it can shed water, but the advantage is not significant. The University of Kentucky trials found net-wrapped bales still lose 15% to 25% of the hay (dry matter basis) on average when stored outside. Though some of the rain runs off the net-wrapped surface, enough soaks into the outer layer of the hay to cause deterioration. The water

CONTINUED ON PAGE C24

Kernel processing for quality corn silage

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Assessing the quality of chop as the harvest comes in can mean the difference between quality silage and a subpar harvest. Are you prepared for silage harvest?

Energy from corn silage comes in a large part from starch in the grain itself. After consuming however, the outer seed coat impedes starch digestion. To counter act this, many modern choppers are fitted with a kernel processer, that physically crush or damage the grain and stalks, improving digestibility. Correctly setting these rollers is critical. Too close and we have excess ware on the machine, too far apart and kernels aren’t broken and digestibility is decreased.

If not properly set, we need to catch the problem as soon as possible. To do this, grab a 32 oz. cup and at least once an hour during harvest, grab a sample from the pile.

Next spread the sample out on a flat surface like a card table near the pile and go through the kernels. Count all the kernels that are ½ or greater in size. You can also put the sample into a bucket of water. The kernels will sink to the bottom and stalks and leaves will float. Skim/drain off the top layer and again count any kernels that are ½ or greater in size.

For both methods, the goal is to have 2 or fewer whole or ½ size kernels in your count. Anything over that and word can be passed to the chopper to adjust the processing.

For those who don’t have access to a kernel processer, keeping chop length short can help accomplish similar results. Shortening chop length to 3/8 inch for machines without a processor will do more kernel damage and maintain similar fiber particles. For those who don’t have to worry about particle size, mostly our beef producers, dropping down to ½ inch will damage even more kernels and provide the additional benefit of getting a good pack.

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##### Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honey combs!

Making the most of low hay yields

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C22 also runs to the bottom of the bale and is absorbed there where it contacts the soil surface which causes spoilage.

The best way to reduce round bale hay spoilage is to keep water off them and break the contact with the soil so the bales do not draw moisture from the ground.

The same University of Kentucky study analyzed various forms of hay storage and found some noteworthy results. Putting the bales inside under a roof is the best option, whether a steel roof pole barn, older wooden barn or hoop barn. Total dry matter losses of the hay are typically only 4% to 7% when stored inside out of direct contact with the ground. A new building is an investment that can pay for itself over the long term if hay is stored annually, especially with higher hay prices.

For short-term investors, plastic coverage offers protection in various forms. Renting an in-line plastic bale wrapper can protect dry round bales, with the Kentucky study reporting a similar storage loss compared with barn storage at 4% to 7%. For 2023, renting a wrapper can vary from $18.59 per bale if hiring someone to do baling and wrapping to $14.65 per bale if just renting the baler and bale wrapper. Covering stacked hay with plastic tarps on a pad of stone or porous material can keep the loss down to the same 4% to 7% loss if the tarp can be secured well enough against the wind to stay in place. Plastic bale sleeves slipped over the bale leaving each end open, diminishing rainfall and soil moisture entry, resulting in the same loss at 4% to 7%. Bale sleeves are labor intensive as they are put on by hand and are best utilized on smaller quantities of round bale. Read more about the economics of wrapping dry hay from Michigan State University Extension.

Putting un-covered bales stacked on top of one another in a pyramid shape with the bottom bales in direct contact with the ground suffered a 25% to 35% loss even though half the bales were off the ground. Net-wrapped bales on the ground suffered a 15% to 25% loss and pyramid-stacked bales on stone or a porous pad suffered a 13% to 17% loss.

Any method of protection is better than leaving the bale outside exposed to the weather. In a short hay year where all feeds will be high priced, covering what hay you already have is the most crucial step in determining ways to lessen the impact of the lower yields.

For more information, contact Michigan State University Extension forage and livestock educator, Michelle Sweeten, at sweeten1@msu.edu.

Wet hay options

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Depending on where you are in the state, putting up hay this year may have been a struggle. Dry conditions were prevalent early on and continue to plague some areas, while too much rain has been an issue for some.

Rainy forecasts make deciding when to mow hay difficult. The more hay is raked and tedded, the more leaf shatter occurs resulting in quality that may be less than harvesting overly mature hay.

With low hay supplies from last year, getting more growth and delaying cutting may be the best option, especially if hay quality will end up being equally low if harvested earlier and raked several times to dry.

Wet hay that needs to be removed may be better wrapped as baleage rather than risking fire, mold growth, and declining quality that occurs when hay is put up too wet. If bales are slightly wet, make sure to put them outdoors in an area separate from other hay in case of fire. Even if these bales end up cooling down, high temperatures can denature proteins, limiting digestion, but will not be picked up by a normal forage test. If you see signs of high temperatures (sweet smelling, caramel colored hay that is matted together), be sure to get a heat-damaged protein test when you send samples in for your regular analysis. This will give the true protein value of the hay.

Finally, don’t forget that stressing a field with a late hay harvest, just like grazing, can end up doing more harm than good in an already stressed stand. However, an occasional late cutting can easily be tolerated and may open the door for other forage opportunities.

Regrowth after an early August cutting of Sandhills wet meadows was measured in September and contained 16.5% crude protein. This is a great grazing option for weaned calves or even dry cows when stocked correctly.

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World Gratitude Day

Every September 21st Gratitude Day is celebrated annually on the 21st September. The celebration of Gratitude Day allows both individual citizens and organisations within wider society to celebrate the broad meaning of gratitude in a variety of ways.

Learn about World Gratitude Day

World Gratitude Day has been designed to bring the whole world together in a day that is all about being thankful. World Gratitude Day joins organizations, nationals, and individuals in sharing their gratitude in a number of different ways.

A little bit of gratitude can go a very long way. It is important for people to feel appreciated for everything that they do. There are also many other benefits that are associated with giving gratitude. Did you know that it is actually good for your own health too? Being thankful results in a whole host of emotional and physical benefits. For instance, you can boost your immune system, lower stress levels and improve sleep by being thankful.

If that was not enough, gratitude can also help to improve self-esteem and lower symptoms of depression. If all of this was not enough, you can enhance your professional and social skills too. Who knew that expressing gratitude could offer so many amazing benefits?

History of World Gratitude Day

The celebration started in 1965 in Hawaii when an international gathering decided that it would be a good idea to have one day per year to formally express gratitude and appreciation for the many wonderful things to be found in the world. Following the meeting in Hawaii, many attendees marked Gratitude Day on 21st September 1966 when back in their own countries. Ever since then, the number of people celebrating Gratitude Day across the world has grown and grown.

##### Termites chew through wood twice as quickly when they are exposed to rock music.

Late summer pasture weeds

By Jerry Volesky, UNL

Late summer always seems to be a time when weeds can become quite noticeable in pastures. This is especially true this summer because of the abundance of annual weeds like sunflowers, lambs quarters, or snow-on-the-mountain that are a result of last year’s drought conditions.

Perennial weeds like western ragweed, ironweed, and verbena can be plentiful in some pastures as well. In areas of pastures that have relatively thin grass stands, in areas where animals congregate, or if some overgrazing has occurred, they can be very visible.

Spraying weeds now does little good. Many weeds are too large to kill. On both annual and perennial species that produce seed, herbicides might only reduce some seed production. If the goal is to improve appearance, shredding areas that have an abundance of weeds might be the best option, and may reduce some seed production too, if it’s not already too late.

Two other approaches are better for long-term weed control. First, focus on the grazing management of your pastures. This includes using the proper stocking rate and developing a good rotational grazing plan. An important objective is to increase the health, vigor, and density of your grass. Healthy, competitive grass stands are essential to reduce weed populations economically over time.

Second, target herbicide applications for when they will do the most good. Both perennial and annual species can be better targeted with a spring application when plants are smaller and able to be controlled. For perennials, if a second application is needed, waiting closer to a killing frost is best. These fall applications can be more effective as more product is translocated down to the roots of the weeds.

Pasture weeds may look unsightly now; but hold off on spraying. Improve grazing management and time herbicides for the best window of control so herbicides won’t be needed as often in the future. On the bright side, for areas that have had good rains this summer, it is likely that annual weeds will be less abundant next year as pasture grasses had a chance for buildup vigor and reproduce.

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.

Millets for a sustainable future

By Pratiksha Baishya – Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture & Dr. Dipak Santra – Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture

The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM2023), contributing to six of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 – Zero Hunger, Good health and well-being, Decent work, and economic growth, Responsible consumption and production, Climate change, and Life on Land (FAO 2023). The slogan “Rich in heritage, full of potential” is being used to convey and raise awareness about the multiple benefits of growing and consuming millets for the environment and human health, with a long-term goal of alleviating food insecurity. The key objectives for IYM2023 include providing a unique opportunity to increase global production, strengthening science and policy interactions, ensuring efficient processing and consumption, promoting better utilization of crop rotations, empowering stakeholders to take action, and building and strengthening new and old partnerships for millets worldwide (UN 2023).

In the United States, proso millet (known as ‘millet’) is the only commercially cultivated millet at present. Proso millet was first introduced in the US on the eastern Atlantic Coast by European immigrants in 1875 and is now generally grown in the Great Plains. About 90 percent of the total proso millet produced in the United States is grown in the states of Colorado, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Over the last twenty years, proso millet production in the US has been getting more popular but has been chiefly to cater to the demands of the bird-feed market, which neglects to utilize the crop to its full potential. USDA data indicates significant fluctuations in planted acreage and production statistics for proso millet over the last two decades, primarily driven by market price volatility. Combined with the lack of sound insurance coverage, farmers have no incentive to grow millet.

However, millet has several agronomic and nutritional advantages, making it an ideal substitute in the cropping system and food basket alike. Proso millet is a shallow-rooted crop that is adapted to be cultivated in semi-arid and arid environments, requiring the least amount of water among all cereals. It is a short-duration crop (60-90 days), making it an ideal alternative to be included in winter wheat-based crop rotations under dryland production conditions. It can be grown after a crop failure like winter wheat, thus aiding farmers in making additional profit. Regarding nutritional superiority, millets are naturally gluten-free and fiber-rich, aiding digestive health, especially for people with gluten sensitivities. Millets also have a low glycemic index (5468) and can prevent blood sugar spikes and promote insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients. Due to these qualities, recent years have seen a steady rise in millet popularity and demand

Measuring nitrous oxide emissions in a millet field using the LI-COR N2O/H2O Trace Gas Analyzer. Photo by Pratiksha Baishya

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Kentucky wheat study elevates bread baking through genetics

By Jordan Strickler, University of Kentucky

In 2014, a Lexington baker approached University of Kentucky researcher David Van Sanford with a seemingly simple question: could he source locally-grown wheat for his breadmaking endeavors? Little did they know, this query would launch a multi-university journey of exploration, experimentation and discovery. The results, recently published in the MDPI journal Foods, could reshape the bread-baking landscape.

Van Sanford, a wheat breeding specialist in the UK MartinGatton College of Agriculture Food and Environment Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, explained that the region’s wheat traditionally has low protein content. This makes it ideal for pastries, cookies, cakes and similar baked goods. However, the crucial element required for bread – gluten strength – is missing, thus limiting the use of locally-grown wheat.

“In this part of the country, the wheat we grow is used for just about every baked good except bread, because it has low protein,” Van Sanford said. “Also, bread requires gluten strength to make a nice and firm loaf of bread.”

Researchers from UK, Purdue University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Edward T. Schafer Agricultural Research Center analyzed sensory and artisan genetic bread traits in soft red winter wheat. The results concluded these traits are heritable through breeding lines, meaning selective breeding wheat varieties with desirable traits can improve the quality of wheat-based products.

The study’s findings have important implications for the baking industry. By identifying the genetic factors that influence the quality of wheat-based products, the study can help bakers and food manufacturers develop higher-quality products that meet consumer demand. The team found a set of wheat lines displaying promise for bread baking–a significant accomplishment given the usual reliance on hard red winter or hard red spring wheat. This could have positive effects for both the producer and consumer.

“For producers, utilizing locally sourced wheat in bread baking presents a potential value-added product that can diversify revenue streams in an industry with notoriously slim margins,” Van Sanford said.

The benefits are equally noteworthy for consumers. Not only could locally baked breads offer distinct flavors, but also tie into the larger narrative of reducing dependence on distant supply chains. The disruptions experienced during the pandemic underscored global supply network vulnerabilities, making locally sourced products even more appealing.

“We came through the study with a lot of positive knowledge,” Van Sanford said. “The money stays in the community, the taste is better and we have a locally-based supply chain. It’s much more than just a ‘feel-good’ moment. We now know that we can produce this superior wheat through genetic lines. Everyone benefits.”

Millets for a sustainable future

CONTINUED FROM PAGE C28

to meet the growing food demand worldwide while addressing food security concerns and climate change impacts on agriculture.

Research related to promoting proso millet among producers and consumers is still preliminary. Several knowledge gaps (lack of high-yielding varieties, agronomic constraints like weed and disease management, crop insurance, market limitations, lack of value-added products, etc.) need to be addressed to popularize the market for millet beyond just bird feed. The Alternative Crops Lab under Dr. Dipak Santra at UNL PREEC (University of Nebraska-Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center) aims to investigate some of these gaps in the coming years. This year, we have started a field experiment to compare the greenhouse gas emissions (particularly nitrous oxide) between corn and proso millet to test if proso millet is a better sustainable crop than corn. In addition, a variety trial for proso millet was conducted for the first time at Havelock Farm in Lincoln to see how the crop performs in the eastern Nebraska climatic conditions. Work has been started to analyze the farmer profitability for different insurance coverage levels based on existing corn and proso millet data. With an anticipated increase in demand for proso millet post-IYM2023, we also aim to test the consumer preferences/demand for various products using proso millet as a primary ingredient.

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Lawns

The most important ingredient is a good lawn is the preparation of the ground before sowing or laying turves. Good drainage is essential, though the soil itself must be moisture retentive. For the grass to become established, the lawn must be properly fertilized, water regularly in dry weather, and weeds eliminated.

A lawn can be sown or laid at any time of the year when the weather isn’t frosty or dry. The best months are April and September.

When choosing turves for the lawn, make sure that it is free from coarse grass and weeds, as these are difficult to eradicate.

The thickness of the turves is no guide to its quality. Generally thin turves properly laid root more rapidly than thick ones. All turves purchased should be of equal thickness.

Lawn turves are delivered in rolls. Since these are heavy to move, they should be dropped as close as possible to where they are required.

Lay the turves as soon as possible after delivery, as the grass tends to yellow after

five days, depending on the weather.

Use an old tenon saw to cut the turf to size and shape. This is a much safer way to cut the turf than using a knife that could slip and injure the person using it.

When laying the turf, avoid placing a short piece at the end of a row where it will fray. Move a large piece to the end and put the smaller piece next to it.

Stand on a wooden plank when working with lawn turves to avoid damaging them.

When the area has been completely turfed, roll it twice, the second time at right angles at first. Do not roll again until the turf was rooted, and then only lightly.

To prevent cracks or shrinkage, water newly laid turf once or twice a week with a garden sprinkler.

If cracks appear in a lawn after laying or during the summer months, they can be filled with a fifty-fifty mixture of sand and non-soil compost or peat. Reseed at the same time. Repeat procedure when necessary.

In the springtime, replace any patches of turf that have failed to root, or seed these areas when the weather is right.

When seeding a lawn, choose a calm day. The surface of the soil should be dry, but it should be moist underneath. To ensure even coverage, sow half the seed across the area and the reminder up and down.

After sowing a lawn, lightly rake in the seed to avoid exposure on the surface and it will germinate better. Do not roll.

Do not walk on the lawn when the grass is frozen. The grass blades will break and leave brown marks until the spring.

Repair bad patches of lawn with surplus pieces of turf acquired when making new flower beds, etc. Cut to size and fit into the gap. Add plenty of compost into the cracks and water well.

To kill toadstools or fungi on the lawn, water with diluted Jeyes Fluid. It doesn’t damage the grass.

The lawn should be fed in the springtime to encourage grass growth. A good time to use lawn feed is when it is raining lightly. The rain prevents the feed from scorching the grass.

Regular mowing is important. When the growth is most vigorous in late spring, the lawn should be mown frequently. This encourages thicker grass cover, which will help reduce weed and moss growth.

Do not mow grass when it is very wet. Avoid cutting very close. Grass should be left slightly longer in dry weather and in spring and autumn.

#####

Dolphins usually breathe through their blowhole, but, in 2016, scientists discovered a dolphin with a damaged bowhole that could breath through its mouth.

What affects how well soil holds water?

Since the beginning of agriculture, people have recognized that a sufficient water supply is essential for crop production. The capacity of soil to store and supply water for plant growth is a fundamental agroecosystem service. It also is a soil health indicator. The Soil Science Society of America’s (SSSA) August 1st Soils Matter blog looks at two questions surrounding soil water holding capacity.

Xi Zhang at Louisiana State University –Agricultural Center explains that there are two questions to consider when looking at soil water holding capacity:

(1) What is the capacity of a soil to store water and have it available for plant growth?

(2) Are all soils the same in this capacity or do they behave differently?

When water, either rainfall or irrigation, touches the soil surface, part of the water is lost through surface runoff, and part is lost by evaporation. The remaining water enters the soil profile via infiltration and becomes

soil water.

Soil is a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, and pore space. Depending on the size, number, and continuity of the pores, soil water is retained in or moves downward through the soil and recharges groundwater through the pore space.

From the perspective of plant growth, soil water can be classified into three types: (1) excess water or gravitational water, (2) available water, and (3) unavailable water. When all the pores are filled with water, the soil is water-saturated and at its maximum capacity to hold water. This situation usually occurs for a very short period when water is being added. Water will soon drain out of large pores mainly under the gravitational force.

To read the study and the entire blog please visit: https://soilsmatter.wordpress. com/2023/08/01/what-affects-how-wellsoil-holds-water/

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Think ahead for fall bale grazing

Despite the heat of summer, many ranchers are thinking ahead to fall and preparing to winter their cowherds. The first cutting of hay has been completed in many areas and ranchers are moving bales from the field to the lot for storage until they are fed.

This period of bale transport is a great time to set up areas for bale grazing, say North Dakota State University Extension specialists.

“Moving bales from the field straight to the area where they will be fed saves an extra step in bale movement and machinery costs,” says Zac Carlson, NDSU Extension beef cattle specialist.

“The concept of bale grazing is simple,” says James Rogers, Extension forage crops production specialist at the North Central Research Extension Center. “Place bales in a grid pattern in the area that they will be fed in. Then, install electric fence in a manner to allow access for two to three days of feeding. Continue to allow two to three days of bale feeding by leapfrogging the electric fence across the bale grazing area.”

considerations to make bale grazing successful.

First, consider how many bales will be needed. This is determined by nutritional demand, the number of head and the desired length of time for bale grazing. For example, the 90-day period after weaning can be an optimal time for bale grazing because it is a time of low nutritional demand for the cow, which can be met by a fair to good quality hay. Do not forget to include bale waste. Rogers says a good estimate for bale waste is 20%, but it will vary depending on the area used for bale grazing, bale density and quality, bale access space and animal behavior.

Forage test each hay lot, defined as similar species harvested from the same hay field within 48 hours, and allocate hay based on nutrient content and nutritional demand. You can stage bales based on quality and leave higher quality hay for cows in late gestation or early lactation.

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“Bale grazing is a good way to reduce manure handling, and add nutrients and organic material to a needed area,” shares Mary Keena, Extension livestock environmental management specialist at the Carrington Research Extension Center. “It also allows cattle to self-feed, reducing the labor of daily feeding.

Carlson, Keena and Rogers offer several

Selection of the area to be bale grazed is important. Bale grazing can be conducted on introduced perennial pasture, hayland or crop ground but the effects on each will differ. Bale grazing creates a concentration of nutrients and hoof action around each bale. These effects require consideration when choosing the area to bale graze. Select an area that will benefit the most from the addition of these nutrients. Perennial pasture areas with sod-forming grasses will hold up better than bunch-type grasses. Avoid areas where excess nutrients can flow into streams and ponds. Areas that can provide natural wind protection are advantageous.

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Petersen, Cloee Blain, Olivia Phillips, Shelby Sticka, Madelynn Albin, Danica

Tucker, Madylin Roascio

Joliet Weslyan Church Volunteers

Young Family Auctioneers

Musser Brothers Auctioneers

Red Lodge Fire Department

Marcia Bickel

Top Buyers:

Watson Irrigation

Bridger Auto Parts-Jaime Taylor

Carbon Equipment Repair

World West Sire Services Inc.

Laurel Ace Hardware

A & S Heating & Air Conditioning

Altana Federal Credit Union

Althoff Livestock

Althoff Trucking LLC

Arrow C Ranch

Bank Of Bridger, Bank of Joliet, Bank of Red Lodge - Family of Banks

Beartooth Tax & Consulting/Carrie Smith

CPA

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

Billings Farm Hand

Billings Kubota

Billings Livestock Commission

Boggio Welding & Fab

Brian & Amy Buessing

Brianna King

Briess Malt Barley

Brubaker Developers

Brubaker Grinding, LLC

C & B Operations

Central Montana Concrete

Chance Land & Cattle LLP

Chrissy Frank

Cory Albin

Darren Zentner

Diana Doll

Dixon Brothers

Donna Cole

Donny Morton

Dorvall Club Lambs

Doug Schwend

Farm Bureau-Stillwater & Carbon County

First Interstate Bank Hardin

Gettings Crop LLC

Granite Peak Plumbing & Heating

H Hanging C Fencing Co

Hannah Imer

Harney Creek Angus

Helena Agri Enterprise

Home of Champions Rodeo

Jane Doughs

Jerry Keller

Jim Stevenson

John Anttila

Jordan Unger

Josh Harris

Kevin Cady

Kim Ehrlich Real Estate

Kris and Jillann Knutson

Kristin Bauwens

Lacy Kircher

Lyle Wright

Marcia Bickel

Mark Canton

Marvin Frank

Morgan Contractors

Mydland Angus Ranch

Oswald Farms / Rock Creek Feeders

Phil Nardinger

Public Auction Yards

Regan Smith

Rockin CL Angus

Rocky Mountain Propane

Roger & Pat Hammersmark

Rustic Sage Salon

Sarah Wallila

Schlemmer Farms

Shipton’s Big R Stores

Simplot Grower Solutions

Skalsky Poor Boy Feeds

Spencer Angus

Spencer Farms

Staley’s Tire / Laurel Ace Hardware

Steamboat Ranch

Stetson Ranches

Steve Matteson

Stillwater Packing

Stillwater Veterinary Clinic

Stockman Bank

Tara Reinhardt

Target Construction

The Barnsion

Tiger Colvin

Tiple C Bar B Livestock

Town and Country Supply

Triple H Trucking

Tvetene Turf

Vicky Panasuk

Western Ranch Supply

Yellowstone Bank

Zane Panasuk

Zentner Cattle Company

Zentner Farming & Feeding

If possible, use multiple locations for bale grazing over time in order to reduce nutrient concentration in one area. Use soil testing to monitor changes in soil fertility over time.

Hay bales move nutrients and seed from one location to another. If hay is contaminated with weed seed, such as foxtail barley, be mindful of areas where you do not want the weed to establish.

Place bales where all cattle can have equal bale access. Setting up bales on a 40-by40-foot grid will work well and can lead to more uniform manure distribution.

Fencing and water access are important. Electric fencing provides the flexibility to make bale grazing work. Two strands of hot wire may be required to prevent cattle from pushing into yet-to-be grazed bales. If cattle have no experience with electric fence, train them to it prior to turning onto the bale grazing area. If the ground is frozen, use the bales as an area to drive posts into for the fence. Make sure that cattle have easy and adequate access to water.

Handling bale twine and wrap can be the most challenging issue with bale grazing. If sisal twine is used, place the bale on its side, and the twine will deteriorate and not be an issue. Polypropylene and netwraps will not deteriorate and will pose a problem if left on the bale. One strategy is to set bales on end and remove wrapping as needed, which works, but anticipate more moisture seeping into the top and bottom of the bale, which can increase spoilage.

The Carbon County Fair Board wished so say “THANK YOU” to everyone who helped make the Fair such a success.

Corn silage keys: Pack and cover

By Ben Beckman, UNL

Making good silage includes many factors. Are you prepared for corn silage harvest this year?

One of the most difficult pieces of silage harvest is getting the correct packing density A good density goal is to have 14 lb. of dry matter per cubic foot. Pack only a 4 to 6 inch layer at a time and have proper tractor weight. The 800 rule can be used to determine how fast a tractor can pack based on weight. Take the weight of the tractor and divide by 800. That will give a how many tons per hour a tractor can pack to have a good density. For example, if the tractor weights 32,000 divide that by 800, and we estimate 40 tons per hour that tractor can pack.

Silage harvesters can put out impressive volumes of chop, often overwhelming the packer with too many loads before they can get a proper pack. Remember, the speed of chopping should be determined by the packing speed, not the silage chopper

The next item to address is covering the pile. Even after the silage is packed correctly, air and water can penetrate the outer layers and severely damage the quality and quantity of silage. Additionally, molds, unwanted bacteria, and fungi have a prime place to grow in uncovered silage.

Studies at Kansas State University have reported up to forty percent losses in dry matter from the top three feet of silage in uncovered silage bunkers compared to covered. Covering with plastic will give about an 8:1 return on investment for the producer.

Silage should be covered as soon as possible. Whether using standard black and white 6mil plastic or adding an oxygen exclusion layer, make sure the edges are sealed and the top has plenty of weight on it. This helps hold the plastic as close to the pile as possible, even in high winds, to reduce oxygen exposure.

A solid pack and a good cover can reduce losses, increase profit, and be safer when facing the pile.