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Agriculture

Joshua Coltrain

2013-06-25 10:00:20

If we get a little stretch of warm and sunny weather, it won’t be long before many of you are out on your combines harvesting wheat

When you add harvest to all of your other work — finishing up planting, trying to get some double-crop beans in the ground, and maybe some haying — it makes for an extremely busy time of year. You don’t need me to tell you that we must be extra careful during harvest season to avoid accidents and injuries — but I’m gonna do it anyway. Most serious farm injuries —and often most farm deaths— involve machinery and equipment. Part of the danger is the stress, fatigue, and time pressure of planting and harvesting. In fact, these factors may explain why some research suggests farmers are more likely to be hurt by falling off their combine than by getting entangled in the machine itself. At harvest time, even simple combine operation and maintenance can mean mounting and dismounting the machine dozens of times a day. That can be tiring in itself. Plus, ladders and platforms often get slippery with crop residue, dust or mud. The top of most combines is 12 to 14 feet off the ground, that means most operator’s platforms could represent a 7- to 8-foot fall. To make it through harvest time safely, you’ve got to stay aware of how well you are doing personally. You’ve got to remember the everyday kinds of risks. Sometimes, a 15- to 20-minute break to wipe off the ladder and have a cup of coffee could make all the difference in how safe you are for several hours. Another risk factor, however, is that farmers may use some of their most dangerous equipment only a few days per year. Some harvest and grain storage equipment may not be part of regular machinery maintenance and probably has not been used since last fall. Simply because you don’t use it as often as some of your other equipment, you also may not be as familiar with the equipment or its limitations. You won’t automatically follow safety measures. In fact, you probably won’t remember all the potential hazards because we tend to only read the operator’s manual when equipment is new to us or when an adjustment is needed. At the same time, farm operators work around powerful equipment year-round. And that creates yet another risk factor: We get too comfortable, even over-confident. None of us is as young as we used to be, and human reaction time slows down with age. Physical condition makes a big difference, too. Make no mistake though, no one’s reaction time is fast enough to avoid accidents with farm machinery while it’s running. No one can beat gravity if they’re under something heavy when it falls. Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a second. Research engineers estimate that’s how long it takes: * A loose bootlace to get pulled 4.95 feet into a moving belt and pulley. * An arm to get wrapped 5.35 feet around a power take-off shaft. * A sleeve to wind 7.5 feet along an auger. * Equipment to fall 9 feet and hit the ground—and/or an over-confident farmer. Remember, manufacturers install safety guards for very good reasons. They write operating manuals for good reasons, too. Most farm accidents are preventable if you don’t let time pressure and stress spur you to bypass or ignore safety procedures. In other words try not to come down with a bad case of the “Gotta Goes”! Have a safe and happy harvest season! For more information feel free to contact Wildcat Extension District agent Scott Gordon in Independence by calling (620) 331- 2690 or by email at sgordon@ksu.edu. You may also contact Keith Martin in Altamont - (620) 784-5337, rkmartin@ksu.edu; or Josh Coltrain in Girard - 620-724-8233, jcoltrain@ksu.edu. We also offer programs in Family Consumer Science, 4-H and Youth, and horticulture. Program information and additional contacts can be found on our website www.wildcatdistrict.ksu.edu.

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Agriculture

Joshua Coltrain

2013-05-29 11:30:20

What US city has the most days of precipitation (rain or snow) in a year

My first guess was Seattle, Washington because of its well-earned reputation. As a fan of what my wife likes to call worthless trivia, I was disappointed to find out that I was wrong. It’s actually Rochester, New York with 167 days a year with precipitation (Seattle comes in with 149). Why do I bring this up? Corn planting is very behind schedule due to the amount of rainy days we have been having. Kraig Roozeboom, Cropping Systems Agronomist, and Ignacio Ciampitti, Cropping Systems Specialist recently reported on the effects of delayed corn planting. They tested three maturities (100-, 108-, and 112-day) over two years at three locations (Belleville, Manhattan, and Hutchinson) with three distinct environments: a low stress environment, with favorable rainfall amounts throughout the growing season, an early stress environment, with cool temperatures and wet conditions early in the season, and a high stress environment, with favorable conditions early with hot and dry conditions in mid-summer. Under low stress conditions, they found that yields were reduced by less than 20% if planted before mid-June. Yield results were not statistically different for any planting date before May 20 and the yield response was similar for hybrids of all maturities. Producers here in southeast Kansas should remember the locations where this study was conducted and should shift the timeframe at least a couple of weeks back. In the early stress environment, yields were improved by delaying planting until late June. Once again, this was similar across the maturities. They did point out that the location had favorable conditions (temperature and moisture) throughout July and early August. In the high stress environment, yields dropped by about 1% per day of planting delay, and the hybrid did show an effect in this environment. As expected, the short season hybrids had better yields when planted before late May. However, all hybrids had a yield reduction of more than 50% when planting was delayed until early to mid-June. Hopefully producers will be able to get in the field as soon as possible. I think we can rest assured that we won’t have as many rainy days as Rochester, NY, but hopefully we can distribute some of this moisture to the middle of the summer. If you have questions or would like more information, please call me at the office (620) 724-8233, or e-mail me at jcoltrain@ksu.edu, or visit the Wildcat Extension District website at www.wildcatdistrict.ksu.edu.

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Agriculture

Zach Parish

2013-04-29 15:20:53

Q-I have been holding grain in my bin since fall harvest in anticipation of getting a premium during the summer months. The last USDA market reports have substantially lowered the market and made me think about emptying my bins to avoid losing more. Should I cut my losses and sell out or will the market turn around in the summer?

A-A common question that I have gotten several times since the USDA report that was released on March 30th is “when will these markets bounce back?” It is always a hard pill to swallow when markets fall that rapidly and you still have grain that hasn’t been sold yet. But, that is the nature of the beast. There is always risk involved with holding grain. Then again, is this the right question to be asking? Should we be more concerned with what the market is doing as a whole, or what our individual situation is? The answer is we should pay attention to both. It is important to pay attention to what’s happening with the markets worldwide, because it will likely affect local markets. There are numerous items that should be taken into consideration—weather, planting conditions, planted acres, ending stocks, acres harvested, value of the dollar, international relations, crop reports, etc. But the part producers sometimes do forget about is knowing where they stand on their own position. What is your break even cost? What is your personal profit goal? What are current profit levels? How do current profit levels fit into your long term goals? These are very relevant questions that often get overlooked. The key to being successful over the long term is to know where you stand and take advantage of profitable price levels when they become available. It’s not a sprint, it’s about long term profitability. Yes, it is very disappointing when corn prices drop from $7.50 to $6.50 per bushel in a matter of a couple of days. There is no way to beat the market. However, this is where you need to know your personal position. If your breakeven point is $4.50, you still have $2.00 per bushel of profit available to you. It’s on the table and can be taken. 20,000 bu X $2.00 = $40,000 PROFIT Sometimes it’s easier when the numbers are in front of you. Each individual has a unique situation, so it’s vital that you know exactly where you stand. Profit levels we are currently seeing will not likely be around forever. I strongly encourage all producers to take a deep look at where they stand, and see how current profit levels fit into their long term plans. If you would like help planning or have any questions, I would be more than happy to talk it over with you.

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Agriculture

Zach Parish

2013-03-25 16:02:52

With planting season upon us, farmer activity on public roads will be at a high. I would like to take the opportunity this month to ask the numerous readers of the SEK Q & A Times to be mindful of slow moving machinery and other farm equipment out on the roads and highways. Help keep America’s farmers safe and be prepared to share the road. The average American farmer feeds about 155 people. Let’s help them help us by being respectful and mindful of their safety. Thank you and be safe!

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Agriculture

Zach Parish

2013-01-02 15:54:41

Q-What are some risks associated with forward contracting grain and some ways to protect yourself from those risks?

A-This is a great question for a follow up to December’s article. Last month, we discussed the best time to market grain. My simplistic answer was “as soon as you can sell at a profit.” As long as you are making money, you can’t go out of business. But you should always keep in mind there are certain risks involved in selling grain that you don’t physically have. First you have the risk of non-production. Many weather related catastrophes such as drought, hail, and heavy rains can cause problems for producers. If the weather is too severe and crops don’t produce, farmers may be forced to cancel their forward contracts or buy in the grain from other farmers. Another risk in forward contracting is the possibility of market rallies. It is possible that grain prices can be higher at delivery time than they are when you forward contract. If you have the physical grain at delivery time, you only have the risk of the price difference between your contract price and the current price. But remember, you should only forward contract a certain percentage of your expected crop. The rest of your crop is now worth that much more. Hopefully, your contracted grain will be the cheapest you sell. If you forward contracted at profitable levels and delivered the rest of the grain at the higher price, you are a very profitable operation. On the other hand, if you do not produce the grain and prices rally, you could have a liability against your contract. You would be responsible to buy out of the bushels that you can’t deliver. If the current cash price is higher than your contracted price, you would be responsible to pay the difference between the cash prices plus a cancellation fee if applicable. Those are a few risks that you need to consider before forward contracting. But there are also ways to help protect against those risks. You could buy options. A call option, which gives you the right to buy futures at a specified level, protects you from market rallies. As the market goes up, your option will be worth more. That way if the market does rally after you contract grain, you will be able to capture that rally in the market. If you also fail to produce the grain at delivery, the money you gain from the option would come in handy if you have to buy out of contracts. Crop insurance is also an important part of protecting your operation. The last couple of years, at least in our area, crop insurance has been essential. It might be best for some producers to wait until their insurance is in force before they forward contract. That way, if there is a non-production, your insurance can cover some of the cost of canceling the contract. There are many pros and cons to forward contracting. But, if producers weigh the options and take actions to protect themselves, it can certainly pay off.

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Agriculture

Zach Parish

2012-11-19 11:47:52

Q- With the 2012 crop year coming to a close, when is the best time to look at marketing my 2013 crop?

A- The best time to market grain is going to vary from producer to producer. You could ask 10 different people and get 10 different answers. Marketing advisors can show you countless charts and data to give you an idea of when is the best time to “hit the high.” One thing I have learned in my time in the grain industry is that it is next to impossible to “hit the high” all of the time. It is also hard to go out of business if you are making a profit. We have a three-point marketing plan we use to help producers concentrate on profit and block out the added “noise” of generic marketing plans that may end up costing you money in the long run. Point 1: Sell desired profit as soon as possible. I know this is a broad statement, but our first suggestion to producers is to “sell at a profit.” It is up to the producer to decide what his desired profit level is. And no, “all I can get” is not a very good answer. It is important that producers sit down and really figure what input costs are going to be per acre and look at current grain prices. These are necessary pieces of the puzzle when deciding what your target price will be for your crop. In my opinion, the best time to sell grain is as soon as you can sell to cover your input costs plus your personally desired level of profit. A profitable operation is one that will be around next year. Again, focus on long term success, which is derived from profit. Point 2: Turn grain into cash as soon as possible. At the end of the day, you can’t take grain to the bank. Cash is king. We encourage farmers to turn their grain into cash and concentrate on moving forward while remaining profitable. Sell your grain at profitable levels and keep your focus on profit. Long term success is far more valuable than gambling with your grain in an attempt to hit the high. By playing the market you are risking grain prices falling, and also possibly incurring other unnecessary costs, which brings me to Point 3. Point 3: Avoid added marketing cost (storage, value of money, shrink) Most grain facilities charge a fee for storing unpriced grain. So if you decide to take your grain to a local elevator, you will be incurring monthly charges in exchange for the opportunity to price your grain at a later date. If you decide to store grain in your own bins, you will incur a different kind of cost, shrink. Anytime you put grain in a bin, you never pull out the exact amount you put in. It’s always a little less. Not only do you incur some shrink, but you also incur the extra cost of handling the grain. I am not trying to discourage farmers storing their own grain, but it’s important that they take these factors into consideration when they are determining their desired profit levels. With the help of a couple local producers, I put together a spreadsheet to help producers determine their individual profit levels. The numbers used in this spreadsheet are ESTIMATES, and will vary from farm to farm. We figured double cropping wheat and soybeans, no tilling in your soybeans, and cash renting all your acres. I would be more than happy to provide a blank spreadsheet to anyone who would like one. It is a powerful marketing tool to use and a great way to figure your own profit levels. 5 STEP GRAIN MARKETING PLAN Step #1 - Determine your estimated production Step #2 - Determine your production cost per acre Step # 3 - Set a profit goal per acre Goal/Acre SB $200.00 Step #4 - Calculate a target price Step #5 - Take Action!

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Agriculture

Mike Davied

2012-11-19 11:37:39

Q- Recently I noticed a fluid that looks like engine oil coming from the radiator of my diesel truck, is this even possible and what would be the necessary repair?

A- Most heavy equipment and diesel truck engines have engine oil coolers that circulate engine coolant and engine oil inside them to keep the oil at the proper temperature. As the engine oil is under higher pressure inside the cooler than the anti-freeze mixture is, whenever a leak occurs the oil goes into the radiator. So repair the engine oil cooler and flush out the cooling system to remove the oil, replace with fresh coolant and then change the engine oil and filters. Q2: My off road diesel machinery has recently begun to clog fuel filters almost daily. The filters seem to be full of a slimy black gunk, and it is in all my fuel tanks too, is it possible that someone is dumping something into my tanks? A: No, you probably have an algae problem, and once it starts in a fuel tank it is transferred to every machine you fuel from that tank. Ask your fuel supplier to check your tanks with you and they can help to treat the problem. There are several good fuel additives for this problem, but some are poison so be cautious in their use, after treatment change the fuel filters, as usual, and be careful where you get that next load of "cheap" fuel. Q3: Today the front loader on my tractor wouldn't lift but the bucket worked as it should, then when I hooked it to my field cultivator it worked correctly, what's up? A: The piston seals on the loader lift cylinders are leaking, so no oil is leaking on the ground, but it is by-passing inside the lift cylinders. These parts are easily repaired, and your loader will soon be as good as new. Q4: Last time I used my tractor as I parked it the lights seemed to be dim and then today it wouldn't start, I'd like your opinion. A: Check over the charging system and don't forget to check the battery and all connections, as they take a beating on low voltage situations as it sounds like you have, good luck. Thanks to ALL the readers for your questions, keep them coming, and a Merry Christmas to Ya'll!

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Agriculture

Zach Parish

2012-11-07 11:37:53

Q- What are some safety and maintenance procedures commonly used in and around the grain business, as we approach the winter months?

A- Safety has become a very important issue in the grain business, especially in the last few years. One should take extra precautions during the winter months. It is essential to exercise extreme caution when working around possibly icy areas. It is important to examine the area you will be working in and make sure there is no possibility of injury due to ice. Falling ice is a good example of a hazard around grain bins. I urge anyone who must work around bins with icy roofs to do what they can to make sure falling ice can not hit them. This is extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. I would also suggest using ice melt to keep walkways clear of ice and also wearing shoes that have good traction to help prevent falls. As far as maintenance, check all vehicles prior to winter to make sure antifreeze levels are acceptable, and that equipment is protected to at least -20°F. Plug in diesel equipment at the end of each day to prevent the engine from freezing up. Block heaters and fuel additive to prevent diesel fuel from “gelling” is essential in keeping diesel powered equipment working correctly during the winter months. I would suggest implementing a regular maintenance schedule to ensure that all your equipment is properly maintained and ready for the cold weather as we are approaching the winter season. On the other hand, colder weather can also work to your advantage if you have grain in your own storage. Winter is an excellent time to run your bin fans to cool grain down, which will help prevent hot spots and keep grain “in condition.” This works the best when you “pull the center out” of each bin as Brice described in a previous issue of the Q & A. Another significant advantage of keeping your grain cold is bug control. Bugs can not survive in extremely cold grain. The cold climate will help minimize the further infestation of bugs and possibly kill some bugs that are already in the bin. By using the cold weather to your advantage, you will save money by possibly eliminating fumigation costs and also preserving the condition of your grain. At the end of the day, the grain in your bin is essentially money, and it is crucial that you take the necessary actions to take care of your money.

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Agriculture

Mike Davied

2012-11-07 11:13:01

Q- What are some steps in winterizing my farm equipment? Last year I admittedly didn’t do the proper maintenance procedures and some things, well, they were a little hard to get going again in the spring! Thanks in advance.

A- Well it's that time of year again! What time is that? Well…time to winterize your equipment of course, and here are a list of your chores. 1. Change all the fluids, & filters & top off all gear boxes with the proper fluid. 2. Inspect belts, hoses, tires, brakes, and all other moving parts, especially lights, & wipers, for safety. Check windshield wiper fluid if necessary. 3. Make any repairs as needed so that this machine is ready when you next need it. 4. Check anti-freeze for freeze point, & corrosion protection. 5. Top off fuel tank & add any additive correct for your type of fuel to prevent stagnation, or jelling, and to prevent moisture build-up. 6. Get your grease gun out & use it to lubricate all grease fittings. 7. Drain all air tanks if you have them. 8. If this machine or truck might be used before warm weather, be sure to treat fuel & air systems with the proper winter additives so you don't get stranded during bad weather. 9. Be sure to run the engine long enough to warm it up & distribute all these additives, new oil, etc. as part of your checklist, before you're done. 10. Make sure that all access points are closed to prevent entry of rodents, & the damage they will cause. Now if you've done all these things, you'll be ready to go in the spring, have a safe & fun winter!

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Agriculture

Brice Elnicki

2012-10-03 09:43:35

Q- Every year I seem to hear of someone in our local community that is injured in a farm auger accident. More often than not, these injuries could have been avoided if the individual would have slowed down and considered the possible consequences. There are countless dangers associated with farming and ranching. In fact, too many to list. What are a few of the common risks?

A- Before I begin, I would like to state that the reason for this discussion of common dangers stems from my genuine concern for the great people who have carved out a life for themselves and their family in the agricultural business. In no way do I mean to bring negative or unwanted attention to agriculture. Grain augers can be the most dangerous and greatest risk on the farm. When a grain auger accident occurs; loss of limbs or death can happen. The most common hazard is getting caught in the auger screw itself. This can be easily prevented with proper guarding over the auger. When cleaning out a bin, and the bin sweep or under bin auger is running, no one should be allowed in the bin. It is a policy that will only add about 30 minutes to the cleaning process. In exchange for the extra half-hour, the risk of an in-bin auger accident is virtually eliminated. Another major risk on portable augers, as well as other farm implements, is the power take off (PTO) shaft. In a perfect world there is a plastic guard that encompasses the PTO shaft. The guard does not spin as the PTO shaft does. However as wear and tear occurs, this guard will either be removed or will begin to malfunction. This can be another big hazard. It is very easy for loose clothing to get caught by the shaft, and the person pulled into the shaft and hurt. These PTO guards can be bought at virtually any farm equipment store. The guards are not cost prohibitive and can easily save someone’s life. As winter feeding begins and farm grain, PTO shafts and augers will be used continuously. It is up to the operator to remember and be aware of these common risks and hazards and ensure all equipment, whether brand new or used is in good working order. Overhead power lines are often an overlooked hazard when operating and moving grain augers and conveyors. Before moving an auger, always be sure to lower the auger as much as possible. Pay very close attention to the overhead lines. Remember, you don’t actually have to make contact with the lines for an arc to occur. A safety tip would be to have the lines marked and protected so that this hazard can be avoided. For many of you, these tips are common sense. However, often when we are in a hurry, we tend to take short cuts. Accidents can and do happen even to those farmers who have been around this equipment for their entire lives. I urge you to discuss these common hazards with your family and hired help. Discussing safety issues and concerns is well worth the extra time and can be the difference between life and death. We look forward to many years of safe farming practices for our current and future customers.

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Agriculture

Mike Davied

2012-10-03 08:52:22

Q- Is it better to send equipment to the manufacturer or take it to the local repair shop for tune-ups or repair?

A- Unless under warranty, repairs made in the field, or on site are almost always quicker, and cheaper than dealer shop repairs. Most dealers are required by FACTORY rules to charge set amounts, use only factory authorized new parts, and are bound by factory procedures. This is a good thing as quality is always the number one reason to go with the brand. However, on occasion, individual repair technicians are able to affect repairs on a more cost effective basis when allowed to do so. This is on account of parts being discontinued due to factory obsolescence (or other rules that dealer mechanics are bound to) including many rules that don't allow certain operations to be performed on an individual’s property, especially on older machines. On a one to one basis most independent repair technicians are allowed to repair multiple brands and types of equipment. Unlike dealer trained mechanics, many are able to repair tractor "A" pulling machine "J" which will allow you to save money instead of calling multiple dealers. Some are even able to do scheduled maintenance & emergency repairs at a moment’s notice, without the delay of a dealer’s rigorous time constraints. Some of the better non dealer shops offer factory trained techs and often factory or dealer warranties on their work & parts. This is without the dealer requirements on account of their ability to control their quality at a substantial savings to you the Customer. Often times most repair shops are able to work around YOUR schedule and save you time in your busy seasons, and just like dealers we like to cultivate a following of loyal customers.

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Agriculture

Mike Davied

2012-08-30 08:21:09

Q- My combine is overheating, please help. What needs to be done and how can I prevent this in the future?

A- The first thing to always do is shut off the engine (use extreme caution to avoid burns as most coolant can reach 210 degrees F. and can spray out and scald you!!!). 1.) After the engine is cool, check coolant level. Every day a pressure cooling system can lose some coolant, and needs to be full to cool equipment properly. 2.) Check fan belt tension, if the drive belts are not tensioned properly the fan will not run at the correct speed. 3.) Check external radiator for blockage, and wash out as needed. Blocked air passages prevent proper cooling. 4.) Check water pump function, if the coolant can't circulate the engine will overheat. 5.) Check for a sticking or broken thermostat, the thermostat regulates the temperature of the engine. 6.) Check for improper coolant flow on the inside of radiator and through the radiator cores. A plugged core will also cause the engine to overheat. These tests will require help, possibly the aid of a mechanic. 7.) Check out ALL fan blades, ducting, louvers, shrouds, etc. All these items are required to keep air flowing in the right places for proper cooling. If everything checks out to appear to be in working order, check out the gauge for proper function, and replace as needed. 8.) Eighth & MOST important ALWAYS be safe as coolant can burn, fan belts & other moving parts can severely injure you & others. Safety starts & ends with each of us. If after all of these tests are performed and you still have a problem, call a mechanic. I hope I was able to be of help.

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Agriculture

Brice Elnicki

2012-08-30 08:11:42

Q- What are the dangers of Nitrate Toxicity in Drought-Stressed Corn.

A- There are really no dangers to the grain itself, as far as I’m aware. The main danger is to the corn stalk, which in years like this with a severe drought, where there is a lot of corn chopped for silage due to lack of grain production, nitrate toxicity is a real concern. The nitrate level of silage is important because it can kill the cattle fairly easily. This happens due to a lack of water available to the plant, this lack hampers the efficiency of the plant to turn the nitrate into protein or amino acids. How this affects the cattle is the nitrate is absorbed into the blood system, then the nitrogen rich blood is unable to carry a required amount of oxygen, which basically asphyxiates the animal. The best way to avoid this is prior to harvest have the plant tested to determine the nitrogen level, and a secondary precaution is to not harvest the bottom twelve inches of the plant. Once the silage is in a pile, bunker or silo, after a period of time a process called the ensile occurs and microbes will metabolize and break down a large portion of the nitrate, as much as 50%, and maybe more depending on how long the silage is left to cure, the longer the better, to an extent. Since the majority of silage harvesting will be complete by the end of August, this information may be to little to late, for producers that already have a silage pile. But this isn’t to say their silage is worthless or guaranteed to kill any cattle, if the level of nitrate is too high, producers can typically blend in grass hay with the silage at feeding time, to lower the amounts of nitrate available to the animal. Most local producers can blend prairie hay, brome, or fescue to decrease the likelihood of nitrate toxicity from silage. I’m by no means an expert in silage, and would encourage anyone that has questions or concerns to contact Kansas State University and/or their local extension agent.

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Agriculture

Jess Daniels

2012-08-29 15:23:02

Q- What are these essential oil products and how do they increase cattle performance?

A- Any number of feed ingredients have been reported to mediate heat stress, which in turn enhances performance in cattle: Aspergillus Oryzea products, yeast culture, feeding fat, ionophores, niacin, kelp. These ration additions tend to improve rumen fermentation or increase energy density, or increase vasodilatation- which will increase rate of cooling by getting more blood to the skin/surface There is a product that has shown to increase feed intakes of heat-stressed feedlot cattle, using a proprietary blend of essential oils- natural ingredients containing cinnamon, garlic, and hot peppers. It is marketed as an all “natural flavor”. To protect the “all natural” statement- it is prudent not to promote that the material is a vasodilator. It has been shown to increase the dissipation of body heat by increasing peripheral circulation. Blood flow is also increased- with increased blood flow to the udder- we have seen increased milk production in dairy cows. Under heat stress, there has been a reduction in still births in sows by increasing blood flow to the uterus. The increased ability of the animal to dissipate heat leads to increases in feed intake and performance. Here are a couple of similar products used in the field: Cinnagar - made by Akey/Promvimi (recently purchased by Cargill), positioned principally for dairy cows- has been reported to improve rumen function, milk production, and DMI. Escencia - a Citura product (Citura was recently purchased by Cargill) contains cinnamon and garlic. I.C.E. (Internal Cooling Elements) - made by Promvimi (also recently purchased by Cargill). It contains an osmolite- which is kelp based- it is positioned/used similar to the Tasco kelp product: reduces body temperature, improved hair shed, increased first service conception, increased ADG in calves on grass, and increase body score condition of cows on grass Xtract - a Pansoma product, ADM is said to have sole distribution rights. It contains cinnamon, cloves and hot peppers. Many of these different forms are being added to feed and more commonly mineral blends as a means of getting the essential oils to the animals.

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Agriculture

Brice Elnicki

2012-08-02 11:34:55

Q- Can you tell me the best way to store grain and keep it in good condition? What are your recommendations?

A- Storing grain on the farm can be a great asset to producers; it can allow the producer to realize any upside in markets, limit storage cost that may be incurred at local elevators or terminals, as well as speed up harvest for some producers. With that said, keeping stored grain in condition should be the number one priority, possibly even more important than trying to capture market gains. The biggest mistake someone can make is to dump grain into a bin, and think that all is good, and walk away; they could have totally ruined the quality of grain, and now stand to lose several dollars per bushel. Grain almost always needs to be aerated and cooled. This is done by either roof fans that pull air out through the grain, and/or floor fans that push air thought the grain. For instance, if we plan on holding a bin of corn, wheat or soybeans, once the bin is full, we will use the center auger gate to “pull the center out” of the bin, which may consist of one load on a small bin to 3-5 loads on a 50,000 bushel bin or 15 loads on a bigger bin, depending on the bin diameter. What this does is brings the grain from a convex or peaked center, down to a concave or coned down center. Air flow seeks the path of least resistance, and pulling the center of a bin allows the air to flow through the center of the bin much easier, which will in turn dry and cool the grain far faster and more efficiently than if the center is left peaked. If the grain is wet, and not aerated and cooled, hot spots that are formed when wet grain ferments and molds, can heat up, turn to a darker color, lose quality and if left unattended in the right environmental conditions can combust and burn. Grain quality can be diminished quickly, as well as create an unsafe work environment, when grain isn’t stored correctly. The most important thing to remember is that grain needs to be kept cool and dry, and checked on regularly. When planning on storing grain for several months, the producer should really look into treating the grain with a grain conditioner/insecticide that will help inhibit infestation of bugs.

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Agriculture

Jess Daniels

2012-08-02 10:22:14

Q- I’ve heard that using too much Permethrin (fly control compounds) on bulls can make them sterile, is this true?

A- This has become a topic of question since a concern was expressed by one of the presentations at a reproductive conference in Southwest Missouri last fall. The same concern and presentation made it into the May 2012 issue of Beef Magazine (“Buzz Killer”), creating questions nationally rather than just regionally. The statements made in the presentation and subsequent article were a result of the presenter’s clinical impression/assessment of situations where he had associated a decrease in bull sperm motility or count on Breeding Soundness Exam with the animals being recently treated with a product containing a member of the Pyrethroid/Permethrin family of fly control compounds. The questions in response to these statements caused us to visit with technical services of each of the major manufacturers of these products offered through dealers. Their bottom line statement is that there is no published study and/or evidence to support the claims of concern. In addition, the safety and efficacy studies these companies used to get FDA and EPA approval for the currently marketed products did not uncover any such concern. After also visiting with a toxicologist, he agreed with the above analysis but did add the common sense warning that if such products are misused (too concentrated; too much; unapproved product, etc.) there could be adverse effects on the sperm motility and concentration, but he thought they would be transient, or short lived, in nature. So let common sense and label directions continue to guide the use of products!! There has been some indication that one or more of the manufacturing companies are working to complete a controlled study to address these concerns with science and statistical certainty. We will let you know the results if and when that information becomes available. So, as the Pyrethroid questions continue to come up, the above explanation is the only answer thus far. If the questioning producer still has concerns, we are recommending alternative products such as pour-on avermectin compounds (Ivomec, Dectomax, Cydectin) or Co-Ral dust be used on the breeding bulls. Thank you for your question, I hope I’ve helped in some way!

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Agriculture

Jason Sutterby

2012-08-01 14:49:17

Q- What is precision agriculture and how can it benefit today’s farmer?

A- Traditionally in agriculture we have (and still do, to a great extent) applied soil amendments and fertilizers with a flat-rate, or blanket approach. Is it probable that some areas of a field might not require as much ag lime to correct soil pH, or some areas that may need a little extra fertilizer to reach optimum yield? Of course! Does the flat rate approach address those concerns? No, and in some cases it can increase costs and affect yields in a negative way. With technology available today, precision agriculture allows us to apply soil amendments at variable rates, allowing crops the opportunity to achieve optimum yields through proper soil fertility. The process is really not that complicated: • The field is divided into a grid of 2.5 acres each using GPS, and representative soil samples from each grid are collected and analyzed at the laboratory • A multi-year Nutrient Management Plan is developed for each field based on soil test levels, yield goals, and cropping practices • Ag lime and fertilizer recommendations are made for variable rate application to the grids laid out previously • Lime and fertilizer applications are made with spreaders equipped with GPS and variable rate spreading capabilities Over the course of the plan, soil fertility levels are brought to optimum. With the price of inputs today, it really makes sense to consider this program. In our experience, over 75% of fields enrolled will pay for the cost of the program in lime savings alone. After the initial plan, future fertilizer inputs can be fine tuned based upon actual yield data and crop removal rates. This is just one facet of precision agriculture and many more possibilities exist in the areas of planter, tillage, and application equipment controls.

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Agriculture

Jess Daniels

2012-08-01 14:47:16

Q- When is the best time to breed cows for optimal pregnancy?

A- As you no doubt know, there are many factors that play a role in achieving optimal pregnancy rates. First, consider the breed of the heifer. Some breeds fall in to an early or late maturing categories which determine at what age the bull and heifer reach puberty. Most heifers show signs of heat between 9 to 22 months of age. It is best to wait until after 15 months of age and after she reaches 60% to 65% of the average weight of the herd to breed. Prior to 15 months, the animal is too small to carry well and tend to have too small of pelvic area to calve out. Whether heifer or cow, and whether natural or AI, studies prove that the most optimal time to get pregnant is 6-12 hours after first observing standing heat. For AI, it is best to increase the visual observations times as this is critical in getting good pregnancy rates. You will want to choose a young bull with good calving-ease numbers for natural insemination. It is best to leave him in with the cows long enough to services all of them, typically 60 to 80 days, depending on the size of the herd. In breeding a cow, it is best to wait 45 to 60 days after her first to breed her again. That time should increase if she is older or in poor condition.

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Agriculture

Jason Sutterby

2012-06-20 16:37:15

Q: What is precision agriculture and how can it benefit today’s farmer?

A: Traditionally in agriculture we have (and still do, to a great extent) applied soil amendments and fertilizers with a flat-rate, or blanket approach. Is it probable that some areas of a field might not require as much ag lime to correct soil pH, or some areas that may need a little extra fertilizer to reach optimum yield? Of course! Does the flat rate approach address those concerns? No, and in some cases it can increase costs and affect yields in a negative way. With technology available today, precision agriculture allows us to apply soil amendments at variable rates, allowing crops the opportunity to achieve optimum yields through proper soil fertility. The process is really not that complicated: • The field is divided into a grid of 2.5 acres each using GPS, and representative soil samples from each grid are collected and analyzed at the laboratory • A multi-year Nutrient Management Plan is developed for each field based on soil test levels, yield goals, and cropping practices • Ag lime and fertilizer recommendations are made for variable rate application to the grids laid out previously • Lime and fertilizer applications are made with spreaders equipped with GPS and variable rate spreading capabilities Over the course of the plan, soil fertility levels are brought to optimum. With the price of inputs today, it really makes sense to consider this program. In our experience, over 75% of fields enrolled will pay for the cost of the program in lime savings alone. After the initial plan, future fertilizer inputs can be fine tuned based upon actual yield data and crop removal rates. This is just one facet of precision agriculture and many more possibilities exist in the areas of planter, tillage, and application equipment controls.

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Agriculture

Brice Elnicki

2012-06-20 11:22:08

Q: There have been a lot of revisions to market trading hours of late. Can you please try and explain the new extended trading hours?

A: It has been a confusing topic, and one that may take grain elevators and producers awhile to get used to (although there are some good advantages). Below I will try to explain, with an overview of the new CME Group CBOT extended trading hours. As of Sunday, May 20th, the Chicago Mercantile Group (CME Group) expanded the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) Grain and Oilseed trading hours to 21 hours per day. Prior to the 20th, CME/CBOT trading hours opened at 9:30 am and closed at 1:15 pm, Monday thru Friday, and night trade opened at 6:00 pm and closed at 6:00 am Sunday night thru Friday morning at 6:00 am. Trading hours are now 5:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. CST Sunday to Friday, excluding holidays. Although trading continues til 2:00 p.m., daily; settlements’ prices will still be based on market activity at 1:15 p.m. Pending final review by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the market final settlement will be moved to the 2:00 p.m. close. These expanded hours provide advantages to both grain elevators and grain producers. While grain elevators can now better manage price risk, grain producers now have more time to price unsold grain as well as possibly capture market rallies. The expanded hours could possibly have some disadvantages as well. For example, USDA reports will now be released during market hours. Currently, USDA reports are released at 7:30 AM CST, and when the grain markets didn’t open until 9:30 am, the 2 hour gap was plenty of time to read through the reports and get a feel for what was coming once trading started, whether it was limit up or down, or no major change. Now, trade will be open and reports will come out, and the race will be on to try and figure out what is expected. It will definitely add to the already volatile markets, but in a sense with the extended hours and only one close this may allow the markets to find their range easier, and not have to work around a close at 1:15 pm, then an open at 6pm, and another close at 6am, followed by another open at 9:30 am. An additional problem is basing the day’s closing prices off a 1:15 pm settlement, but allowing the markets to continue to trade for a straight, uninterrupted 21 hours. This has and will continue to cause some confusion, primarily because the markets are constantly changing and the price of a specific commodity could be higher or lower at 1:50pm then it was at 1:15pm, yet at 2:00pm, the closing bids will be based off the 1:15pm settlement. Eventually, it is thought that the 1:15pm settlement will be eliminated, and the settlement will be moved to 2:00pm. There is no doubt that a few glitches will need to be worked out, and some buyers and sellers are still unsure how to handle the new trading hours. But all in all, this is a good thing for producers, elevators, and end users, providing a longer trading platform so that prices can be discovered easier and limit price risk. More information can be found at www.cmegroup.com

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Agriculture

Jess Daniels

2012-06-01 08:46:38

Q: What are the advantages of using fungicide on corn and soybeans, and when should it be applied for maximum benefit?

A: A fungicide is vitally important, especially when you want to protect, and see a return on your investment. If you want to maximize that investment, consider a fungicide product that delivers both disease control and growth enhancement. You will be glad you did. Fungicide applied early in the season positions corn and soybeans for maximum yield at a critical growth stage through preventative disease control, better stress response and increased plant performance. Extended grain and pod fill is the final step in optimizing yields, and producers can expect to see the following when treated properly: Corn: • Long-lasting control of a broad spectrum of corn diseases • Uniform distribution of the product for flexibility and new growth protection • Built-in resistance management • Improved plant growth resulting in higher yields • Increased water efficiency that helps protect green leaf area of the plant Soybeans: • Produces bigger pods • Long lasting, broad-spectrum control of yield-robbing soybean diseases. • More beans and complete pod fill by preserving green leaf area • Longer period of photosynthesis All of these things result in a couple of big advantages. For example in treating corn, the correct product applied at the correct time will result in bigger ears with more kernels by preserving the green leaf area and promoting a longer period of photosynthesis. This will also promote stronger stalks and longer stand that leads to an easier harvest with less potential for stalk breakage or ear fall, helping prevent volunteer corn the following year. Ask around, there are some great products that will help in maximizing your efforts, make it a great season!

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Agriculture

Jess Daniels

2012-04-20 11:29:38

Q: Will this mild winter and warm spring make the insects worse this year in the crops? What pest should I be most concerned about?

A: According to a study put out by Purdue University, this winter has been the warmest on record since the year 2000. Now, a warm spring could mean an earlier and perhaps greater insect pressure this season. The problem occurs when insects overwintering in the area emerge earlier than normal. When the conditions remain favorable, more of them survive, leading to more generations of the pest. The warm temperatures even impact the migrating insects, as they would be able to survive closer to home and have less distance to fly to infest crops come spring. The potential for yield reduction and economic loss is greatly determined by the crop growth stage at time of infestation as well as any steps taken to mitigate the problem. The steps taken in prevention should include planting seed with seed protection traits, the use of treatment products, and diligent scouting to find and identify any outbreaks. In soy crops, one pest that could pose a considerable threat is the Bean Leaf Beetle. The beetle overwinters under plant debris and when the spring temperatures rise, flies to nearby crops as soon as plants begin to emerge. In corn crops, it is the Corn Flea Beetle that poses the greatest threat. The problem lies with the beetles’ ability to transmit the Stewarts bacterial wilt. Fortunately, they are not considered a major pest to hybrid corn. With proper treatment and diligence you should have a successful season, just keep a close eye on those pests.

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Agriculture

Jess Daniels

2012-03-27 10:23:11

Q: With planting season upon us, how will the mild winter affect crop pests?

A: While most people have enjoyed the mild winter, we know that the mild winter is likely to increase the insect and weed pressure facing crops. Crop pests are certain to be more abundant in the fields, having prospered from the warmer than normal temperatures. Bean leaf beetles are of particular concern as they damage the plant early, which is a bad time for soybean plants to suffer any damage. According to Purdue Extension specialists, the weather has been very favorable to insects that overwinter as well as those that migrate to the area. Since seed treatments vary in the amount of protection they provide against different pests, producers need to keep an eye on their crops as the growing season progresses and apply any necessary foliar insecticide treatments if feeding is severe. Weeds are another problem with the warmer than average temperatures. Although weeds go dormant in below-freezing temperatures, warmer weather promotes their growth. You are likely to see plenty of Henbit, Purple Deadnettle, Carolina Foxtail, Chickweed, and Marestail among many others. Growers should get burndown treatments and residual herbicides on the fields earlier than normal if the fields are dry enough. I highly recommend an insecticide, and at a higher than normal load to control these problems as the planting season begins.

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Agriculture

Jess Daniels

2012-02-27 16:58:45

Q: What is Microessentials SZ “Mesz” and how will it affect fertilizing?

A: MicroEssentials SZ (Mesz) is a state-of-the-art premium fertilizer designed to provide uniform nutrient distribution. By containing two forms of sulfur, 50 percent sulfate and 50 percent elemental, the product delivers all of the essential nutrients crops need in just one granule for season long nutrition. Mesz is specially formulized to be used on most crops, including corn, soy, wheat and rice. Each granule contains the perfect balance of nutrients, eliminating the common problems of nutrient segregation and uneven nutrient distribution. One of the most advantageous things about Mesz is that it interacts with the environment in relation to the growing season, so the crops get exactly what they need relative to the growing season and stage. The particular chemistry also improves nutrient uptake for better yield potential. In addition to versatility, having a complete product also saves bin storage space, which is always an advantage. Over all, farmers can expect increased efficiency which of course translates into increased profitability.