Articles - 2010
Required Fuel Spill Plans Part of Wheat Show & Glyphosate Affects Lentil Germ
In recent months information relating to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a requirement that farms write and implement a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan. For years the State Seed Department and others have been telling us that glyphosate can have a detrimental effect on seed germination. The departments testing laboratory is finding more of a problem on the germination of lentil seed.
Colorado Veterinarian to Speak on Calving Made Easy & Pulse Day
As the New Year begins many cowherds in this area will be entering their third trimester of gestation. Along with this comes increased anticipation of the new calf crop and anxiety over possible calving problems. To help livestock producers prepare for the 2011 calving season several county agents in western North Dakota have coordinated efforts to have Dr. Robert Mortimer of Colorado State University (CSU) speak at four locations: Dickinson, New Town, Minot and Williston.
Klinefelter - Keynote Speaker for Wheat Show
Danny Klinefelter, well known agriculture economist from Texas A&M University, will be the featured speaker during the 58th National Hard Spring Wheat Show scheduled February 7, 8 and 9 at Williston, North Dakota. He will speak on two issues. They are: 1) Twelve Best Management Practices, and 2) Being Prepared to Borrow in a RiskManagement Environment.
Ultra-Sound Technology Used on 4-H Steers
Steers exhibited by Williams County 4-H members during the Upper Missouri Valley Fair have been scanned using the ultra-sound technology. This enables us to study the carcass merits of an animal before it is harvested.
Cropping Challenges for 2011 & Introductory Pesticide Training
Through interactive video technology Williston will host a “Cropping Challenges” meeting on Wednesday, December 8, 1:30 p.m., in the Conference Room of the Williams County Courthouse. Commercial or public applicators and dealers who are new to the pesticide certification program can save some time and expense by participating in one of five statewide internet videocasts scheduled this winter and next spring. Dates of these videocasts are December 20, January 24, March 11, April 11 and May 31, all scheduled 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., CT.
2010 Durum Quality Average But Highly Varied
Recently I received a quality report of the 2010 durum wheat produced in Montana and North Dakota. Because the northwest corner of North Dakota has transitioned into being the largest durum production area of the state, I want to share some of the basic but important features of the 2010 crop as reported through a survey conducted by the North Dakota Wheat Commission. First of all, the 2010 northern U.S. crop is estimated to be roughly 15 percent larger than the bountiful harvest of 2009. The larger production is attributed to more acres being planted and once again record yields due to a very favorable growing season.
Canada Thistle/Leafy Spurge Top Weed Threats & Tree Leaf Drop
This past March the Williams County Weed Board conducted a mail survey of landowners, users of the weed board’s programs and township officials. One of the survey questions related to the threat of the weeds classified noxious in North Dakota. No one likes to see leaf drop this time of the year. Some of us have a very high emotional value for trees. Maybe it is because there are so few of them in this area compared to those our friends have in the eastern part of North Dakota.
Tax Information To Be Shared & Texas Professor to Speak During Wheat Show
Once again we are approaching that time of year when most people begin to have some thoughts about income tax reports. Although there is considerable time before such needs to be filed with our state and federal governments, there are about 45 days remaining to take action to minimize tax liability. Dr. Danny Klinefelter, Professor and Extension Economist at Texas A&M University, will be one of the featured speakers during the 58th National Hard Spring Wheat Show scheduled February 7, 8 and 9 at Williston.
Farms Recognized for Conservation; Tree Windbreak Renovation & Tree Plantings for 2011
This past week the Williams County Soil Conservation District held its annual banquet to give special recognition to farm operators who do an outstanding job of protecting land and water resources. All farmers and ranchers understand the importance of trees which provide critical protection for farmsteads, livestock and even crops. It’s not too early to begin planning your 2011 tree planting. In order to plant trees in the spring of 2011, you need to contact the Williams County Soil Conservation District as soon as possible.
Transplanting Woody Plants - When?
There are many variables to consider when answering this question. There is one thing for sure. That is, regardless of the time, the process of transplanting adds stress to trees and most of the trees we transplant are not native to this area.
Cattle Type Should Determine Feeding System
Within the next 60 days most of our spring born beef calves will be weaned from their dams, marketed or placed in the home corral for backgrounding and sold at a later date at heavier weights. There are many different methods or systems of backgrounding or growing beef cattle. Each has advantages and disadvantages. These pros and cons must be weighed by producers for deciding which system is right.
Lamb Prices at Record High & Let Corn Silage Cook
The principles of supply/demand are certainly impacting the current lamb market. Below are some numbers gleaned from a recent report of the Livestock Marketing Information Center based in Denver. A major goal of making corn silage is to reduce oxygen and raise acidity rapidly so that lactic acid bacteria grow to stabilize and preserve or “pickle” the silage.
Women in Ag & Selling vs. Retaining
Mary asked me to put a plug in for the Women in Ag Conference scheduled October 29-30 at Dickinson, North Dakota. I realize the event is being held a far distance from here, but the agenda looks to be well worth the special effort. The majority of U.S. 2010 calf crop will be weaned over the next 60 days. Many cattlemen in this region have made it a practice to retain ownership for another 30 to 90 days. This allows producers to add more weight to the calves and take advantage of premiums frequently offered for weaned calves.
Cattle On Tour, Acreage Report & Optimism Realistic
Some of the best cattle in the area will be under the spotlight when their owners put them on display during the All Breeds Cattle Tour scheduled Tuesday, October 5. Cory Paryzek, Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency of Williams and Divide Counties, recently sent a summary of 2010 crop acreage. Globally 75 million people are being added to our planet’s population each year. Along with this population increase the agricultural branch of the United Nations estimates that global beef production will need to double by 2050 just to keep pace with rising incomes and populations.
New Durum Variety & New Winter Wheat
Since the July Field Day conducted at the Williston Research Center there have been several growers inquiring about the new durum variety named Tioga. It was developed by the NDSU Durum Breeding Program and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station this past winter. Wheat growers who have interest in winter wheat will be pleased to hear that Leon Helstad, Williston has agreed to a contract with the Williams County Agricultural Improvement Association and the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station to increase a new variety of winter wheat named Decade.
Sprouted Grain Has Good Feed Value
The current weather pattern is a bit spooky. Rainfall during much of May resulted in delayed plantings and now harvest is well behind normal. Besides causing a discoloration of grain kernels, this wet weather can cause grain to sprout. We can only hope for the sun to shine soon.
Lawn Renovation Tips & Fungicide Increased Barley Yields
As the summer days come to a close some areas of the lawn may show signs of stress due to heavy traffic of humans or pets, and maybe lack of water. Most compacted areas can be renovated with a machine which pulls plugs out of the soil. Disease, mostly of the fungal type, has been a threat to crops for many years. Most fungus organisms prefer moist and moderate temperatures to propagate. However, based on both public and private research data and early yield reports of producers, it appears 2010 was a profitable year to apply fungicides.
New Nitrogen Recommendations Based on Economics
During the Wheat Show held last February, Dave Franzen, NDSU Extension Soils Specialist, explained the new recommended nitrogen rates for spring wheat and durum. The new rates are the result of research in North Dakota since 1971.
From Trees to Cows
Diversity will best describe the topics in this week’s column. Let me first cover a tree problem, and then I will hit the beef cattle market outlook as it pertains to our cow/calf industry.
Mixture or Rotations and Hackberry Suggested
Herbicide mixtures appear to be more effective than rotations in slowing the evolution of herbicide resistance, according to a report in Weed Technology. Herbicide rotation is now the most common form of herbicide resistance management practice among farmers.The two most popular and adaptable trees for this area are no longer recommended for new plantings. For several decades now the beautiful American elm has been attacked by a fungus disease spread by a beetle. Now the hardy ash tree is being threatened by a boring bark beetle.
Why Winter Wheat
In the mid 80’s winter wheat production in Williams County was quite popular. According to the North Dakota Agriculture Statistics Service, crop producers in the county harvested about 25,000 acres in 1986. That was over three times the amount harvested the previous year.
Off-Station Crop Variety Tour, Cost Share Herbicide Available & Blossom End-Rot of Tomatoes
If you missed the annual field day of the NDSU Williston Research Center or would like to get more information on the cereal and pulse crops grown in this area, plan to attend the tour of the off-station research and demonstration plot which is located on the north side of U.S. Highway 2 five miles west of Ray. Jim Basaraba, Williams County Weed Control Officer, asked me to remind landowners that the county weed board has authorized the cost-share of the herbicide Milestone. I don’t know of anyone who does not cherish the taste of a fresh home-grown tomato. However, getting them to the table can be challenging.
Glyphosate Herbicides for Harvest
An unusual amount of growing season rainfall and relatively cool growing conditions so far point to another bountiful harvest. My recent travels around the county show delayed maturity of crops and very likely a later than normal harvest. I am sure many growers will consider some type of herbicide burn down in an effort to begin the harvest season as early as possible and avoid harvest that could possibly extend into late September and early October.
Fungal Disease Can Threaten Pulse Crops & Wheat Protein Enhancement
The three pulse crops (peas, lentils and chickpeas) are all susceptible to ascochyta, a fungal disease that can affect leaves, stems, flowers, pods and seeds. Sam Markell, NDSU Extension Plant Pathologist, suggests several factors when considering a fungicide application. First, the more ascochyta you have at early bloom on the lower canopy, the greater the risk. According to Dave Franzen, NDSU Extension Soils Specialist, the time for post-N wheat protein enhancement is immediately after flowering until the wheat berries begin to turn milky.
No Insecticide Solution for Wheat Sawflies
For some wheat growers, the wheat stem sawfly has moved from the category of a nuisance pest to a more serious category of causing severe economic losses. In this area of the state, producer reports indicate sawfly populations are gradually increasing.
Late Planting of Wheat & Continued Scouting Advised
The unusually cool and wet conditions during May have resulted in some late crop plantings. Some acres are yet to be planted and may not be planted. Although the threat of insects to our crops appears to be less than last year, continued vigilance is suggested especially for cutworms and alfalfa weevils.
Butterflies Abound & Hornet Season is Here
A few folks have asked about the yellow and white butterflies which are flying around the countryside in great abundance. They are of the Pieridae family. Years ago I was stung in the neck by a yellowjacket. I thought nothing of it until feeling a “hot” sensation throughout my body and a 4-H parent noticed my face was red and very swollen. This memorable moment happened during a September reorganization meeting of a 4-H Club and landed me in the hospital.
Weevil Could Threaten 2nd Cutting & National Recession Influences Consumer Decisions
There have been years when the alfalfa weevil has devastated this forage crop, almost always the first cutting. This year development of the first cutting of alfalfa has been progressing quite well and appears to be ahead of the growing degree days (heat units) necessary for the development of the alfalfa weevil. In the last decade, there has been considerable effort within the food industry to put a brand on products in an effort to sway consumers. This method of marketing has experienced a fair amount of success, but the national recession is having a negative impact on the meat industries’ effort to build brand affinity.
Scouting for Flea Beetles; Tan Spot Management & Herbicide Rotation
Although last fall’s survey for flea beetles indicates this area should not expect a large population of the insect, growers still are advised to scout canola fields for localized infestations and not rely on the efficiency of insecticide seed treatments, especially on early planted seed. A number of fungicides are available for control of early season leaf spot diseases in wheat. Increased reliance on herbicides has tended to increase weed resistance to certain herbicides. So, weed scientists have urged the rotation of herbicide groups.
Mushrooms & Lawn Pests; ND Waters Safe
One of the more frequent questions I receive this time of year is “What can I do to get rid of mushrooms in my lawn?” Mushrooms tend to be more of a problem this time of the year because of cool and moist conditions typical of spring. As summer temperatures arrive, they tend to disappear until the following spring. There is some good news for agriculture producers and homeowners in North Dakota who use pesticides to grow the safest food and simply make life more comfortable. The state now has three years of surface water sampling for pesticides in all major watersheds across the state.
Plant Pests Being Found & Disease Forecasting Site Activitated
Flea beetles have already been observed on volunteer canola in the Fargo and Devils Lake areas. Then there is the wheat curl mite found in volunteer spring wheat and winter wheat in counties to the east of us. This tiny insect is responsible for the transfer of the wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) in wheat causing a yellow to brown streaking on the leaves thus reducing the vitality of the plant. Closer to home, there is the report of cutworms being found in the Ray area.
Local Horseman Offers Training Clinic, Ag Transportation Manual and Project Safe Send Dates & Locations
Area youth will have a great opportunity to learn horsemanship skills from one of the very best horse trainers in the region. The handbook addresses anhydrous ammonia transportation, health card, height-weight-width-length limitations, hours of service, inspections, permits, licensing-accessories and implements of husbandry. Project Safe Send Dates and Locations Announced July 8 at Watford City is the nearest date and location for this year’s Project Safe Send. This is a program deemed to help farmers and the general public get rid of unusable pesticides safely and legally.
Understanding Water Quality Reports
Water quality is important to herbicide effectiveness and spray problems. However, the issue is complex as each herbicide may respond differently to water quality. Laboratory reports will usually include pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), hardness, sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate and bicarbonates.
Horticultural Oils Offer Some insect Relief
For many years oil based pesticides have been used to control many garden and fruit tree insects. These products first became popular as a way to control pest problems on fruit trees. Fruit trees posed a unique problem because they were susceptible to insects, but many of the effective insecticides could not be used because of the fruit’s use in human diets.
Ammonia Loss With Urea Measured
The loss of ammonia has been thought to be lower when applied at lower soil temperatures. While this may still be true, research using new ammonia measuring equipment shows substantial amounts of ammonia is lost even at temperatures near freezing.
Tree Transplanting Guidelines
Regardless of where people live in this country, there is a high respect for trees. Besides beauty, shade and maybe food, trees offer many intangibles. For me, I think it is a sense of security. This week I want to use my column space to share some thoughts about transplanting trees. Although some species may survive transplanting any time during the year when the ground is not frozen, the preferred times for moving trees is spring after the ground thaws and before buds on the tree or shrub begin to swell.
Growth Regulators Reduce Fruit Production & Black Knot on Cherry Trees
Fruit on trees adds color and interest to the home landscape. However, when mature the fruit can be messy and adds to the maintenance of the yard. The black knot disease usually requires two years to complete a life cycle. We usually recognize its presence by the second spring after infection when new fungal spores are produced.
NDSU Weed Publication Available
The cost of controlling weeds in field crops varies with each crop; however, weed control expenses represent a substantial amount of the total direct (cash) cost, regardless of the crop. For example, weed control in small grains is likely near 20 percent compared to approximately 25 percent for pulse crops.
Early Application of Tree Insecticide Suggested
Controlling insects that feed under tree bark with insecticides has been and continues to be a difficult task. However, new systemics are now on the markets that give us some chance of protecting our valuable home landscape ornamentals.
New Farming Practices Favor Ragweed & Local Durum Grower Recognized
As farm producers have moved to less tillage to reduce soil erosion, conserve moisture and cut costs, they are confronted with different problems. Reduced tillage or no-till practices have reduced some weed problems but also are preferences for new weeds. One of these weeds is common ragweed. It is natural for the wheat growers of North Dakota to expound on the quality of the product they produce. But just how good is it? That is one of the tasks the North Dakota Wheat Commission tries to answer through its annual quality survey and a special contest.
Understanding Genetic Defects in Beef Cattle
Most of us were either not around or were too young to have personal experience with the most famous genetic defect in the 20th century—snorter dwarfism. It became an issue in Angus and Hereford cattle during the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Pesticide Certification and New Labeling
In order to purchase and apply pesticides classified as “restricted-use” farmers are required to participate in training programs which emphasize the safe application of such products which have a potential of being harmful to the applicator, public and the environment. In North Dakota, as in many states, the Extension Service is charged with the responsibility of conducting the educational efforts and certification of applicators and sellers of pesticide products.
Flea Beetle Offers Alternative to Leafy Spurge Control
Although leafy spurge has lost its status as the number one week threat in North Dakota to Canada thistle, it remains a serious impediment to the livestock sector of the state's agricultural economy. Biological control of leafy spurge was initiated in the mid 1980s.
Estate Planning Seminar & New Grass Publication
Estate planning is often viewed as a difficult task thus frequently avoided. To make this task easier, staff of the North Dakota State University Development Foundation is offering a free Estate Planning Seminar for alumni and friends of the university. A select group of eight warm-season grasses which dominate North Dakota rangelands are discussed in a new publication recently released jointly by the North Dakota State University Extension Service and USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service.
Soil Health Focus of Pulse Day Information
Growers of field peas, chickpeas and lentils may want to mark Wednesday, February 24 on their calendars as the day to be in Williston (Airport International Inn) for the 10th Annual Mondak Pulse Day. This year’s line-up of topics and speakers will appeal to both the experienced and new growers as the event will focus on soil health. The agenda also includes the latest recommendations on production, marketing and utilization of pulse crops.
Crop Budgets Not Rosy
Agricultural economist, Andrew Swenson and Ron Haugen of North Dakota State University, recently released their projected 2010 crop budgets for northwest North Dakota. Except for lentils, the budgets are not rosy but most crops do show a positive value for a return to labor and management.
Plotting a Course for 2010
Planning for the future is a very challenging process. Some take the approach that we have little control of the future and planning is a waste of time. Because food production is so highly dependent on weather and we humans definitely have very little control over rainfall or heat units bestowed upon our crops, planning for the future does sometimes seem futile.
Luncheon Speakers Offer Daily Life Messages
Those attending the Wheat Show February 2nd and 3rd will have the opportunity to hear 20 speakers discuss as many topics. Folks staying for the noon lunches will be treated to some strong daily life messages from two seasoned and professionally qualified presenters.
Wheat Show Agenda Finalized
Recent additions to the educational program include Rebecca Bratter, Director of the U.S. Wheat Associates Policy Program and Paul Sweeney who was recently named as North Dakota’s State Conservationist for USDA’s National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).
