Corn South January 2021

Preseason Planning

CornSouth ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

Southern Production & Marketing Strategies

A Supplement to Cotton Farming and The Peanut Grower Magazines

January 2021

CornSouth

Market Factors

Outlook For U.S. Agricultural Trade

A Mutually Beneficial Market

Amanda Huber Editor

To reach producers with news and information, the Texas Corn Producers Association has produced a series of “Corn Conversations.”

The fourth installment posted recently to its website is a look at driving demand for corn in the U.S.

red meat market.

The conversation was with U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President for Industrial Relations John Hinners. The USMEF is an international marketing organization driving the demand for U.S. red meat in nine different sectors. The organization designs marketing and advertising campaigns for U.S corn-fed beef in Japan, Hong Kong, China, Mexico and Taiwan to increase demand of red meat and, by association, of corn.

Hinners highlighted the value of meat exports, the current state of global trade, and the mutually beneficial relationship between meat exports and corn production.

As highlighted by Hinners and Wesley Spurlock, TCPA president, an integral piece of the corn market is the collaboration with USMEF. Hinners said that although the current state of the market is stable, they are always looking for growth opportunities in other markets to further expand demand.

He noted that exports are a key driving force within many markets — and meats are no exception. A recent study on the value of red meat exports to corn found that in the past five-year growth period, one in every four bushels of corn has been used for U.S. red meat markets. Hinners said USMEF hopes to see rising numbers in the coming months for this market opportunity that provides value to corn farmers.

To hear more of this Corn Conversation or other installments, visit the TCPA website at www.texascorn.org and click the “News” tab.

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ccording to the U. S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service and Foreign Agricultural Service in their November trade report, U.S. agricultural exports in Fiscal Year 2021 are projected at $152 billion, driven by higher soybean and corn export values. The projection for soybean exports is a record $26.3 billion due to higher unit values, strong demand from China and record volumes.

Corn exports are forecast up $4.2 billion to $13.2 billion because of reduced competition, higher unit values and record volumes.

Economic Recovery and Uncertainty

The global COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted major setbacks to countries’ gross domestic product around the world. Expectations of real GDP numbers have improved from the initial lockdown, but recovery forecasts are still marked by uncertainty.

Overall, global real GDP growth is expected to fall by about 4.4% in 2020. Global trade volume, which declined 9.2% in FY 2020, is expected to increase 7.2% in FY 2021.

According to the report, despite revisions, projected real GDP remains below pre-pandemic levels. Economic recoveries will depend on the status of the pandemic and public health initiatives, including the successful distribution of vaccines.

These forecasts still hold an atypically large margin of error, particularly to the downside, since the forecasts rely on public health and economic variables that are difficult to predict. There is also greater uncertainty due to changes in consumer preferences and behavior, which have dramatically shifted from the pre-pandemic world. It is yet to be seen if these changes persist.

Export Products

FY 2021 U.S. grain and feed exports are

USDA forecasts corn exports at $13.2 billion for these reasons: • Reduced competition.

• Higher unit values.

• Record volumes. forecast at $35.6 billion, up $4.6 billion from the August forecast on higher corn, sorghum and wheat exports. Corn exports are forecast at $13.2 billion, up $4.2 billion on expectations of both higher unit values and record volumes. Prospects for exports are bright with reduced competition from Ukraine, with fewer exportable supplies, and anticipated higher demand from China. Sorghum exports are forecast at $1.5 billion on higher unit values and strong shipments to China.

Feed and fodder exports are unchanged at $8.1 billion.

The regional export forecast for China has increased $8.5 billion from August to $27 billion, primarily because of strong soybean and corn demand and reduced competition from other exporters. With this new forecast, China is projected to once again be the top U.S. agricultural export market, a position last held in 2017.

Forecast exports to Japan and South Korea are increased by $600 million and $500 million, respectively, due to higher expected corn and beef exports. Exports to Taiwan are forecast $300 million higher on improved corn and soybean prospects.

The export forecast for Central America is increased by $200 million, driven by strong corn and soybean meal values to Guatemala, Honduras and Costa Rica.

For the complete Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade report, go to https://www.ers. usda.gov/publications.

Corn South: Covering Southern Corn Production Corn South is a supplement to the Mid-South and Southeast versions of Cotton Farming magazine and to The Peanut Grower magazine for producers in Florida, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.

To receive Corn South, visit www.CornSouth.com and click on “Subscribe to Corn South.”

Send comments to Corn South, 875 W. Poplar Ave., Suite 23, Box 305, Collierville, TN 38017.

You may also call 901-767-4020 or contact Lia Guthrie at lguthrie@onegrower.com or Amanda Huber at ahuber@onegrower.com.

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Increase Yield Potential

Five Management Strategies To Improve Profitability

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o optimize corn yield opportunities, numerous resources and management must be provided. Of course, favorable weather plays a huge role as well. Prevalent rainfall restricts planting progress, stand development, nutrient relations and crop growth and health during the season. This article describes key strategies we can use to limit these risks and improve corn yield potential. The Mississippi State University corn verification program played a major role in identifying these factors and is used to develop strategies and demonstrate the value of implementing new practices.

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Abundant soil moisture is often the most troublesome issue in planting and getting a good stand, which is critical. Not only can wet soil delay planting, but it will hinder stand establishment and create soil compaction that limits productivity. Both these issues cannot be overcome during the season.

Stale seedbed cropping systems are intended to mitigate prevalent spring rainfall, but common sense is also needed. Pushing the planting envelop when soils are marginally wet produces tire traffic and planter compaction that can seriously inhibit root growth and yield. Patience is a must to avoid these problems.

Plant at a moderate 1.5- to 2-inch depth, as deeper planting will delay emergence and expose seeds to cooler and wetter soil, which will impede seedling growth and lead to stand problems, including emergence variability. Furthermore, minimize the aggressiveness of a pre-plant harrow or do-all operation to help maintain the raised bed height and its effectiveness in relieving soil saturation.

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Fertility is the foundation for plant health and is needed to grow big yields. Unfortunately, it is often the first item cut when budgets are tight. Crop response to numerous inputs will falter when a nutrient becomes limiting. Although nitrogen gets the most attention, we see a lot more corn production issues associated with inadequate phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc and magnesium in Mississippi.

Soil testing is key to identifying most fertility needs, except for N and S. More frequent soil and, perhaps, plant tissue analyses are needed to address fertility in rotation systems because crop needs are different, and corn needs may exceed other crops. Also, nutrient availability may differ depending on the fertilizer source, application method and timing. Thus, crop response for many nutrients is more modest, especially initially, than what you would expect with nitrogen or sulfur, which are mobile in the soil. Neutral soil pH is also paramount because the availability of many nutrients is restricted if the soil becomes acidic or alkaline.

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Starter fertilizer is an important supplement in most high-yield programs, particularly in reduced tillage. Prolonged flooding reduces phosphorus availability to plants and is known to substantially limit corn productivity. Corn responds to starter fertilizer because it improves phosphorus availability when roots are small.

This enhances plant uptake, particularly when growing conditions are cold and wet, increasing early vigor and maturity. Likewise, zinc, an immobile nutrient like phosphorus, in starter fertilizer may enhance crop response for the same reason.

Nitrogen use efficiency can be substantially improved by “spoon feeding� fertilizer relative to corn needs.

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A warm, wetter climate greatly increases nitrogen loss potential, which limits corn yield, compared to drier and colder climates, particularly in heavier, clay soils. Improve nitrogen availability with better application timing and using appropriate application methods for different nitrogen sources. This may not be necessary every year, but it will provide dividends when soils are saturated for a prolonged period and a tremendous amount of nitrogen is lost.

Improve seasonal availability by applying nitrogen fertilizer at specific times according to corn need. A split application strategy where no more than 25% of your seasonal nitrogen is applied just after plants emerge is a suggestion. Follow this with the bulk of the nitrogen fertilizer just before rapid growth stages (if side-dressing), when the plants need. If you are broadcasting nitrogen, a second application should be at the V5 growth stage (12 inches tall) and proceed at about 10-day intervals until tassel. A pre-tassel application can also be incorporated as another split to further conserve nitrogen availability throughout the season. This strategy reduces fertilizer exposure to saturated soils, leaving more available for the crop.

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Soil saturation can stunt corn growth and reduce yield potential. Historical records indicate low rainfall during May generally improves Mississippi corn productivity, particularly for irrigated acreage. This is also the time when irrigation normally begins, which can greatly compound crop issues associated with soil saturation. Be very conservative with irrigation scheduling prior to tassel for numerous reasons. Corn water needs and sensitivity to drought are both low during rapid vegetative growth stages. Furthermore, corn develops as much as 75% of its roots during this time, and unnecessary soil saturation will significantly retard growth. Soil saturation also enhances nitrogen and other nutrient losses. These factors stunt corn growth when ear size is being determined and dramatically reduce resources needed to produce high yields throughout the season. CS Article by Erick Larson, Mississippi State University Extension Specialist.

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Maximize Profitability

Conduct A Grain System Post-Harvest Performance Review

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n annual review is not something many people would look forward to. For farmers, evaluating their grain system following harvest is a sound strategy to make any necessary upgrades for the following season.

Gary Woodruff, Grain Systems Inc. district manager and grain management expert, says, “Having an efficient, properly sized grain system is key to protecting grain quality and maximizing profitability.”

Woodruff suggests that farmers grade their systems based on these criteria: ▶ Storage space. Determine if existing bin capacity is sufficient or if you need to improve your grain storage position. Temporary or unconventional storage solutions may sacrifice grain quality. When adding storage, contact the dealer as soon as possible because many get booked quickly. ▶ Drying capacity. This was not as

much of an issue in 2020 as the previous year, according to Woodruff. “However, if your wet storage bin was full before the end of each day during harvest, it may be time to increase drying capacity,” he says. ▶ Grain handling. High yields put additional stress on grain receiving equipment.

If your existing equipment can’t keep up with the inflow of grain, the result will be a bottleneck at harvest. Consider increasing the capacity of your grain handling equipment to improve harvest speed and efficiency. ▶ Safety. Any time is a good time to consider possible safety enhancements, but especial post-harvest while it is fresh in your mind. “This can include installing roof stairs or peak platforms on bins, checking to see if bin safety cages are secure, and making sure all safety shields on motor drives and dump points are in good condition,” Woodruff says.

For more information, contact your grain

system dealer, Extension agent or other industry resource. CS Article submitted on behalf of Grain Systems Inc.

Weed Management: Try A Seldom-Used Mode of Action

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eeds are the bane of most growers’ existence. In a growing class of “superweeds,” Palmer amaranth continues to frustrate farmers with its dogged resistance to commonly used herbicides.

Research has shown that left unchecked, Palmer amaranth can reduce corn yield by 91%. Different chemistries have been brought to market and enjoyed some control against the weed, yet many are no match once it develops resistance. Now, Palmer amaranth is resistant to eight modes of action. Herbicide-resistant weeds cost U.S. producers an estimated $2 billion per year.

A possible solution may be the use of an underutilized mode of action. Pyridate is a Weed Science Society of America Group 6 herbicide that works by blocking a weed’s ability to photosynthesize in the photosystem II process. It triggers the release of toxic forms of oxygen and causes rapid cell wall degradation. When combined with other classes of herbicides as part of an integrated weed management program, postemergence control of actively growing broadleaf weeds is increased.

Bring Back A Proven Solution

One example is the synergistic combination of an HPPD-inhibitor herbicide, like mesotrione, with pyridate. In this tankmix, Pyridate increases the amount of toxic oxygen produced within the weed, while HPPD inhibitors reduce a weed’s ability to process the toxic oxygen, ultimately resulting in rapid weed death.

Another effective solution combines pyridate with atrazine, another photosystem II inhibitor. While both are from the same class of chemistry, Pyridate is a contact herbicide, while atrazine is systemic.

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Palmer amaranth can produce more than 100,000 seeds per plant, making control critical for top yields.

Together, this tankmix leads to rapid weed death.

In University of Arkansas field trials of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth, a tankmix of glyphosate, mesotrione and pyridate offered a 20% increase in control of the weed in corn than the same mix without the pyridate. The same tankmix applied to HPPD-resistant common waterhemp resulted in 95% weed control nine days after application, according to research at Iowa State University.

As growers continue to look for long-term sustainable options that still provide robust weed control, using more of the same isn’t the solution, especially against superweeds. By incorporating a proven product with a seldom-used mode of action such as pyridate in their tankmix, growers have an opportunity to regain control of their fields. CS Article by Tom Wood, general manager of Belchim Crop Protection USA. He can be reached at tom.wood@belchim.com.

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