C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2020-37
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Planting Fall Cover Crops
We are now approaching the time of year to think about planting fall cover crops. Cover crops can serve many purposes, ranging from erosion control to nutrient sequestration. Depending on the type and species of cover crop, benefits range from providing a Nitrogen source, scavenging nutrients to decrease leaching potential, acting as a soil builder, preventing erosion, fighting weeds, acting as a forage, conserving soil moisture, and enhancing wildlife habitats.
Benefits of certain types of cover crops:
Legumes:
Legumes:
- Can be used as a Nitrogen source due to their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil
- Many have good or excellent forage value, such as many clover species, alfalfa, and winter pea
Brassicas:
- Many are good weed-fighters, such as turnips, oilseed radish, and mustards
- Many have good grazing and forage value, such as canola, turnips, and oilseed radish
Grasses:
- Good erosion fighter due to fibrous root systems
- Many have excellent grazing or forage value
- Good nutrient scavenger due to vast root system
Cover crops can be seeded in ways to fit any operation. They can be broadcast with or without shallow tillage, drilled, aerial-seeded, or frost-seeded. There are considerations for each seeding method, however. The chosen cover crop must have seeds small enough to fall into cracks formed as the frozen ground goes through freeze-thaw cycles to frost-seed. It is often advised for aerial seeding to increase the seeding rate due to the lower chance of achieving seed to soil contact. Cover Crop stands are usually more uniform after drilling or broadcast with incorporation compared with the other methods. Cover crops emerged sooner and in higher densities after drilling compared with broadcasting (Brenan, E. & Leap, J., 2014).
Timing when you plant your cover crop species is an important step, especially as we progress into late fall. Depending on whether the chosen species is winter-hardy or winter-killed can determine when it should be seeded. What type of crops you have grown or plan to grow in your operation type and the goals you want your cover crops to achieve can dictate the planting window. To find out the ideal planting window, characteristics, potential advantages, and disadvantages for your area and chosen cover crop, visit https://mccc.msu.edu/selector-tool/ to utilize the Cover Crop Selector Tool from Midwest Cover Crops Council.
When planning how much cover crop seed to purchase, it is important to understand the concept of Pure Live Seed. Seeding rate recommendations are reported as pounds of Pure Live Seed per acre, which is calculated as follows:
% Purity * % Germination = Pure Live Seed (PLS) Rate
If you have a 62.5% PLS Rate and need to seed 15 pounds PLS per acre, you will need 24 bulk pounds of seed per acre:
15/0.625 = 24
It is essential to understand that specific programs, such as EQIP or H2Ohio, may have requirements for rates or planting dates that must be met to receive your payment. Check with your local NRCS, Soil and Water Conservation District or FSA Office for information about programs you may be enrolled in.
It is also crucial to know how to terminate the cover crop you choose to plant. Some cover crops are winter-killed, but winter-hardy species may cause problems with the following season’s cash crop if they cannot be controlled or killed. Rogue cover crops can become weeds in your field and compete with your cash crop for nutrients, space, water, and light.
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Fall-Applied Herbicides: Odds and Ends
A commonly asked question about fall herbicides – how late in the fall can herbicides be applied and at what point is it too cold to apply? We have applied well into December under some very cold conditions and still obtained effective control of winter annuals. We suggest applying before Thanksgiving and aiming for a stretch of warmer weather if possible, but the effective treatments should work regardless. Extended periods of freezing weather will cause the perennials to shut down – dandelion, thistle, dock.
We received a lot of questions about annual bluegrass this year, especially regarding difficulty in controlling it in the spring. Fall is a good time to control this weed. This will require the addition of glyphosate to whatever herbicide mix is being used.
Wheat fields not treated with burndown herbicides at planting may also be subject to infestation with winter annuals and dandelion. There are several effective postemergence herbicide treatments for wheat that can be applied in November to control these weeds. Fall-applied herbicides can control these weeds (especially dandelion) more effectively than spring-applied, with less risk of crop injury. The most effective postemergence treatments include Huskie, Quelex, or mixtures of dicamba with either Peak, tribenuron (Express etc), or a tribenuron/thifensulfuron premix (Harmony Xtra etc). We discourage application of 2,4-D to emerged wheat in the fall due to the risk of injury and yield reduction.
Some resources on fall herbicide treatments in addition to last month’s CORN Newsletter article:
- “Five things to know about fall herbicide treatments”, 2015 C.O.R.N. article (info still current)
- “Reminders about fall herbicide applications”, 2020 in-field Youtube video (5 min)
- “Identification of Ohio winter annuals”, Youtube video (30 min)
- “Identification of Ohio winter annuals”, Powerpoint file (so you don’t have to watch the video)
For more information feel free to contact Mark Loux – loux.1@osu.edu.
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Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) has Made Itself at Home in Ohio
This invasive species has adapted quite well to Ohio conditions, and is unfortunately doing very well in some fields based on egg counts. We are wrapping up intensive sampling of Ohio Fields from the support of the soybean check-off through Ohio Soybean Council and United Soybean Board. To date, 566 samples were submitted from 34 counties. From these, 33.7% had populations of 200 eggs or more. There were 7.6% in the high range (>5,000 eggs per cup of soil), which are associated with significant yield losses.
More importantly, from these samples that had high numbers, we have completed the SCN Type test. This evaluates which resistance will be effective, PI 88788 or Peking. From the 56 SCN populations (each from a single field), only 7 populations were still controlled by PI 88788. The remaining populations could reproduce on the soybean roots of the PI 88788 source of resistance, albeit at levels of 30 to 60% of the susceptible. Remember that SCN resistance mechanism is by means of reduction in reproduction to less than 10% of a susceptible variety. Peking fared better in the test, where almost half of the populations, it was very effective and where it could reproduce it was primarily in the 10 to 30% range of reproduction compared to susceptible. What this would look like in a field is the egg counts would show a slow steady climb when planted to soybeans, and not the reduction in numbers like we would expect if the resistance was effective.
We still have some samples to complete, but overall SCN is best managed when the population levels (based on egg or cyst counts) in a field (overall numbers) are kept low. This is done through rotating crops to a non-host crop, managing weeds that can serve as hosts (including some cover crops) and protecting the overall health of the plant through the growing season. As you select varieties for this next year – PI 88788 resistance will provide some protection; but watch your egg counts and your yields. Check the county average – was this field lower? On your yield maps are there areas that are consistently underperforming without any explanation? If they are large or you know you have a high SCN population, after you plant corn or hopefully wheat for 2021– go back into that field with a different type of resistance such as Peking to keep driving the numbers down.
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For Safety’s Sake: Don’t Take Drying Shortcuts with Stored Corn
Wet weather conditions are causing concerns with the 2020 corn crop going into storage. Proper management of stored grain will be the key to eliminating risks to human health and safety later in the season.
Grain that goes into the bin with higher moisture content presents a host of possible issues.
- It can freeze or bind.
- Mold issues can arise.
- An environment susceptible to insect problems can be created.
- Higher volumes of bin fines can result.
All of these issues ultimately affect grain flow efficiencies, which can lead to a number of safety hazards. These conditions can cause grain to become bridged or line the sidewall of the bin, resulting in the need for bin entry into an unstable environment.
Producers will need to monitor bin conditions and test the moisture level of the product more frequently throughout the storage season. Do not take short cuts by reducing the adequate drying time needed when putting the crop in the bin.
Establishing best management practices for safety at the bins now and following those throughout the storage cycle will be a good layer of defense in eliminating hazards.
Start with a “no bin entry” policy. This is the absolute best form of protection from becoming a victim.
If entry must occur, proceed with caution by following these steps:
- Turn off all power to the bin that is being entered. Lockout any equipment that could be started while a person is inside.
- Monitor the air quality in the bin before entry.
- Wear a harness and lifeline for fall protection.
- Wear an N-95 mask to eliminate respiratory hazards.
- Have an observer outside the bin and maintain constant visual communication during entry. Ideally in the event of entry a team of 3 would be on hand. One person in the bin, one person at the opening and one person on the ground.
- While completing tasks inside the bin always be aware of your surroundings and changing conditions.
- Do not by-pass or dismantle guards.
In incidents of entrapment or engulfment, response time is crucial and having preplanned for events of this nature can help first responders save critical time. Follow these emergency plans at each of your stored grain facilities:
- Post emergency numbers at the bin, including gas, electric and other utility suppliers.
- Number and label bins so first responders can identify where they need to be when called.
- Keep your vendor(s) or installer(s) information in a known location for contact in the event of mechanical or structural questions during an emergency.
- Inquire with your local fire department about the type of rescue equipment and training they have to respond to grain entrapment situations.
As the wet harvest season continues, keep drying down that grain. By keeping your crop in good condition throughout its storage life you can prevent grain entrapment risks in the future.
Have a happy and healthy harvest from the OSU Ag Safety and Health team!
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2020 Ohio Soybean Performance Trial: Henry County, Preble County, and Clinton County Yield Results Available
Yield results from Clinton County have been added to the 2020 Ohio Soybean Performance Trial available online: https://stepupsoy.osu.edu/soybean-production/variety-selection/ohio-soybean-performance-trial
In the early trial (RM 2.5 to 3.6) at Clinton County, yield ranged from 59.8 to 81.9 bu/acre (average 73.3 bu/acre). In the late trial (RM 3.7 to 4.4) at Clinton County, yield ranged from 59.3 to 85.0 bu/acre (average 77.6 bu/acre).
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Ohio Certified Crop Adviser Pre-Exam Training
The Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) Exam Training program, delivered by members of the OSU Agronomic Crops Team, will be held virtually for 2021 on January 5, 6, 7 & 8. This is normally an intensive two-day workshop but will be spread across four days this year, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and adjourn by 1:00 p.m. each day. Provided as a great basic agronomy course, it will be used as a reminder on what is best to study in preparation for the local CCA exam.
In addition to the lectures during the class, study material for the program will be shipped to you registrants in advance of the class. Publications provided:
- Ohio Agronomy Guide
- Ohio, Indiana & Illinois Weed Control Guide
- The Ohio Corn, Soybean, Wheat and Forages Field Guide
- 2020 Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations
- Modern Corn & Soybean Production
- and access to all digital content
Course contact:
Harold Watters, CPAg, CCA
Ohio State University Extension
1100 S. Detroit St
Bellefontaine, OH 43311
Phone 937 604-2415 cell. Or by email: watters.35@osu.edu.The price for the exam preparation class is $200.
- Secure on-line registration via credit card, debit card or check is available on the Ohio AgriBusiness Association website: http://bit.ly/OH-CCA-ExamPrep20.
- This is an interactive class, and we will limit class size so register early.
Attendees will be provided publications in advance of the class – closing date for registration is December 21st to allow time for shipping to your address. The Ohio Agri-Business Association, operations center for the Ohio CCA Board, is the registration point and will be accepting payment by credit card or check. Before the date of the class registrants will be provided a link to the Zoom meeting sessions, and access to Box providing the presentations and digital handouts.
Instructors:
- Robert Mullen, CPAg/CCA – Chief Agronomist, Nutrien and past OSU Soil Fertility Specialist;
- Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA – Professor OSU Extension and Field Specialist Agronomic Systems;
- Bruce Clevenger, CCA – Associate Professor OSU Extension, Area Leader and County AgNR Educator;
- Harold Watters, CPAg/CCA – Associate Professor OSU Extension and Field Specialist Agronomic Systems.
Moderator:
- Lee Beers, CCA – OSU Extension Educator and Area Leader
Planned schedule for 2021 – subject to change depending on speaker availability.
Tuesday January 5 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Crop Management - Harold Watters
Introductions, Basics of the CCA program
- Crop Production
- Photosynthesis
- Crop Physiology
- Variety Selection
- Statistics
Wednesday January 6 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Nutrient Management Concepts - Robert Mullen
- Soil pH and Liming
- Primary Nutrients
- Secondary Nutrients
- Micronutrients
- CEC
- Nutrient deficiencies
Thursday January 7 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pest Management - Greg LaBarge
- Weeds
- Insects
- Diseases
Fertilizer & Pesticide Math
Friday January 8 - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Soil and Water Management - Bruce Clevenger
- Soil Properties
- Soil Water
- Surface and Ground Water
- Soil & Wind Erosion
Local and International Exams will be given on-line in 2021 anytime you choose between February 3rd and the 10th, and again in early August. You can even take the local on one day and the international on a different day. Registation for the February CCA exam closes December 11th: https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/exams/registration.
- For more information about the CCA program: https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/about-program
- The CCA exams are not given during the preparation class.
There is a good resource “Preparing for the International CCA Exam” available for purchase from The Fertilizer Institute. The 2019 edition is available: https://store.tfi.org/products/preparing-for-the-international-certified-crop-adviser-cca-exam. This guide is divided into the four categories of the exam: Nutrient Management, Crop Management, Pest Management, Soil/Water Management with subject matter and questions/answers at the end of each chapter. This manual is an excellent study guide for the International Exam. We do not provide this for the class.
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Agricultural Policy and Outlook Conference
On November 9th-13th, OSU's College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences will host the Agricultural Policy and Outlook Conference. The conference will be a series of two-hour online webinars Nov. 9, 10, 12 and 13.
Each day will focus on a different topic. Nov. 9 will be on agriculture finance, Nov. 10, agricultural and environmental policy; Nov. 12, agricultural trade and the health of the U.S. economy; and Nov. 13, grain, livestock and consumer demand projections.
Agricultural economists from CFAES will speak along with other experts from Washington D.C., other leading land grant institutions, and the Federal Reserve System. The webinars begin at noon and include a daily panel discussion that starts at 1 p.m. and invites people in the audience to ask questions.
Speakers at the conference will offer their recap of 2020 and outlooks for 2021 at the national, regional and local levels, Brown said.
“Our hope is that people who come gain knowledge to use to influence their businesses.”
To register and for more information about the conference, visit https://aede.osu.edu/programs/20202019-agricultural-policy-and-outlooks.
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Farmer and Farmland Owner Income Tax Webinar
Do you know how the COVID legislation may affect your tax return? Do you know how equipment trade-ins may affect your federal and state tax returns? Farmers and farmland owners who wish to increase their tax knowledge should consider attending this webinar that will address tax issues specific to this industry. Content focuses on important tax issues and will offer insight into new COVID related legislation.
Mark your calendars for December 3rd, 2020 to participate in this live webinar from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. The event is a joint offering from OSU Income Tax Schools which are a part of OSU Extension and the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Purdue University Income Tax Schools. If you are not able to attend the live webinar, all registered participants will receive a link to view the recorded webinar at a time of their convenience. This link will be available through the tax filing season.
The two-hour program is targeted towards owners who file their own farm taxes or simply wish to arm themselves with more tax information that will help them to better plan for tax filing.
Topics to be discussed during the webinar include:
- Tax Issues related to COVID-related legislations including tax credits, PPP loans, EIDL loans etc.
- New 1099-Misc and 1099-NEC
- Tax planning in an unusual year: prevented planting and revenue crop insurance indemnity payments, CFAP payments, etc.
- Like Kind Exchanges (farm machinery and equipment no longer are eligible for this provision – this is a significant change), how this change may affect state income tax and how this change may affect your Social Security credits and eventual payments
- Qualified Business Income Deduction, sales to cooperatives, lease income
- Other topics
The cost for the webinar is $35. To register, go to https://farmoffice.osu.edu/tax/farmer-and-farmland-owner-income-tax-webinar
Crop Observation and Recommendation Network
C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.
Contributors
Disclaimer
The information presented here, along with any trade names used, is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement is made by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.
CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.