Peanut grower may 2016

The

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com

Protect Your Profit From Pests

Irrigation: Are You Putting Too Much?

Surviving This Farm Economy

MAY 2016

PG0516 Layout_CF 11/13 template 4/13/16 10:46 AM Page 2

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MW 1ELA6006-7.875x10.75 03/16

The

MAY 2016

PEANUTGROWER ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC

MAY 2016

THE PEANUT PRODUCER'S MARKETING & PRODUCTION MAGAZINE www.peanutgrower.com

Protect Your Profit From Pests

Volume 28 • Number 5

Irrigation: Are You Putting Too Much?

Surviving This Farm Economy

Departments 4

Editor’s Note Surviving a dangerous situation

5

News Briefs Modernizing the grading system

6

Market Watch Contracting covers less of crop each year

20 Peanut Pointers Know the water requirement at various growth stages

10 Features

10 Irrigation Management

Is your irrigation scheduling method reliable or is it reducing yields?

14 Planting Intentions Stay Connected

See what producers report will be planted in each state and nationally.

15 Gypsum Use And Timing

A variety of gypsum sources and application methods gives producers options.

16 Protecting Profit From Pests

While work continues on developing economic thresholds for insect pests, scouting can pay dividends now.

18 Farm Economy Survival Tips Sign up for the monthly e-newsletter at peanutgrower.com to have exclusive industry news and content delivered directly to your inbox.

Commodity price trends mean tighter operating budgets on the farm.

Cover photo by Amanda Huber.

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MAY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

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EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com Copy Editor Carroll Smith csmith@onegrower.com Art Director Ashley Kumpe

ADMINISTRATION Publisher/Vice President Lia Guthrie (901) 497-3689 lguthrie@onegrower.com Associate Publisher Carroll Smith (901) 326-4443 Sales Manager Scott Emerson (386) 462-1532 semerson@onegrower.com Circulation Manager Charlie Beek (615) 377-3322 Production Manager Kathy Killingsworth (901) 767-4020 kkillingsworth@onegrower.com

For circulation changes or change of address, call (847) 559-7578

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD John Beasley Extension Agronomist Auburn University Dell Cotton Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Assn., Franklin, VA Kris Balkcom Agri-Program Associate Auburn University Craig Kvien Coastal Plain Experiment Station,Tifton, GA

Jason Woodward Extension Plant Pathologist Texas A & M University David Jordan Extension Agronomist North Carolina State University Glen Harris Extension Agronomist University of Georgia Jason Ferrell Extension Weed Specialist University of Florida

ONE GROWER PUBLISHING, LLC Mike Lamensdorf President/Treasurer Lia Guthrie Publisher/Vice President The Peanut Grower (ISSN 1042-9379) is an agribusiness magazine for U.S. peanut producers. Published in eight monthly issues, January through July and November. Annual subscriptions are $40.00. Single Copy price is $5.00. Annual overseas subscriptions are $70.00, including Canada/Mexico.

Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN. Copyright © 2016 One Grower Publishing, LLC, all rights reserved except where otherwise noted. The Peanut Grower ® is a registered trademark, which reserves all rights granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in association with the registration. POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO OMEDA COMMUNICATIONS, CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT, P.O. BOX 1388, NORTHBROOK, IL 600651388. All statements, including product claims, are those of the person or organization making the statement or claim.

The publisher does not adopt any such statement or claim as its own, and any such statement or claim does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. Printed in the USA. One Grower Publishing, LLC, also publishes Cotton Farming, Rice Farming, Soybean South and Corn South.

More Than A Safety Tip

I

read with sadness a few weeks ago about a farmer in South Carolina who was killed when he raised his spray boom up and touched a power line. It wasn’t until he tried to get off his tractor that he was electrocuted.

I’ve been around farming long enough to know it is a very dangerous occupation, but it’s doubly sad to know that this tragic accident could have been prevented.

As I ride past fields every day, I see power lines all around and often in the middle traveling to wells to run irrigation. So when I thought about writAmanda Huber ing on this topic, I contacted my local Editor, The Peanut Grower electricity provider, Central Florida Electric Cooperative, and asked about how to survive this type situation. The following is what I found out.

Electricity works a lot like a liquid in that, essentially, it wants to reach the lowest point. It really wants to reach the ground. When your tractor or spray boom is touching a power line, your tractor is now energized as if it were part of the line. The electricity would ground itself, except that rubber on the big tractor tires is not a good conductor. However, you are an excellent conductor.

The second you step off that tractor, holding the hand rails and touching the ground at the same time, you just became the best conductor, or the best route, for that electricity to reach the ground. The rubber soles of your boots are not enough to protect you and you will be electrocuted.

What should you do in this situation? Well, like everyone says, “don’t panic,” followed closely by “don’t get off your tractor,” which is often the first thought. If possible, lower your spray boom or whatever is touching the line and drive away from the line. On the tractor, you are protected by the rubber tires.

If it is not possible to lower the spray booms or equipment because the line has gotten hooked or tangled, then sit still, pull out your cell phone and call 9-1-1. Tell them what has happened and that you are not moving until help arrives. Emergency services is well versed in what to do, and they will call the power company to assist and get you safely off the equipment and equipment off the line.

A last resort in this situation is to jump, free and clear, away from the tractor so as to not touch the ground and tractor at the same time, and, if possible, land with both feet together. Then, call emergency services and the power company will assist you in getting your equipment safely away from the line.

Electricity is essential in our lives, but it’s as deadly as any piece of equipment you work with. I hope you will remember this “survival” information should this ever happen to you.

One Grower Publishing, LLC 6515 Goodman Rd., Box 360, Olive Branch, MS 38654 Phone: 901-767-4020

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • MAY 2 016

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Fewer Peanut Acres Predicted

USDA’s A gricultura l Statistics Service issued the first crop acreage estimate late March and predicted peanut acreage to be down 9 percent.

According to the report, producers intend to plant 1.48 million acres in 2016 versus last year’s 1.62 million acres. The expected decrease in planted area, per USDA, is largely driven by price concerns due to the large supply of peanuts.

The crop estimate has Georgia pea nut fa rmers dropping 7 percent, Alabama down 15 percent and Florida down 27 percent. For the first time, Arkansas was listed as a major producing state with 18,000 acres.

The largest percentage increase was in North Carolina, up 5,000 acres, a 6 percent increase over last year’s 90,000 acres. Texas also showed a major decline, down 40,000 acres or 23 percent.

For other crops, USDA predicted corn growers intend to plant 93.6 million acres, 6 percent more than last year. If realized, this would be the highest planted acreage planted in the U.S. since 2013 and the third largest planted acreage since 1944.

Modernizing The Grading System

T. E. Moye, Georgia Federal State Inspection Service president, recently reported on progress being made on modernizing the peanut inspection system.

T he Federa l St ate Inspec t ion Service (FSIS) in Georgia and other states is charged with providing an impartia l, eff icient and accurate inspection of certain farm crops. In Georgia, more than 35 commodities are inspected, including peanuts, fruits, vegetables and pecans and ensure the shipment of high quality agricultural products.

Moye says, “We are constantly looking for ways to reduce labor during the peanut harvest. Training is also a T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

concern with over 130 peanut buying stations.”

New progra ms being tested include: (1) The e-Nuts Program A new peanut load tracking system wherein peanut drying software and tracking will interface with USDA software for receiving and weighing the peanut load. This program will be free to buying points, and some buying points are already using the program.

(2) FSIS is testing an automatic sampler. This new program, which will be tested at Fudge Peanut Co. in Colquitt, Ga., is operated from the grading room. The sampler will be automated in a rotation taking samples 12 inches from trailer sides with normal probe patterns. The goal will be to have samples ready when inspectors arrive.

(3) New peanut grading equipment will be developed in a project that began in April and is slated to end December 2017. In 2017, the goal is to test the equipment in 10 to 20 buying points. The goals are to reduce labor, to improve efficiency and enhance cost effectiveness.

Another goal is improve consistency with inspection results.

Surplus Peanuts Going To Haiti

In an effort to provide a nutritional food to people in need and also use up a surplus of peanuts, USDA has agreed to provide 500 metric tons of packaged, dry-roasted U.S. peanuts to school children in Haiti who are food insecure. This effort stems from the “Stocks for Food” program that first started in late 2007, a joint project between the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Foreign Agricultural Services (FA S) a nd Food a nd Nutrition Services (FNS) that transfers surplus commodities in government inventory to feeding programs and food banks both domestically and overseas.

The school feeding project in

In Brief: • Slight increase in other crops means decrease in peanuts.

• Three new programs being tested to improve grading efficiency, consistency.

• USDA using surplus peanuts in feeding programs.

• CCC looks to exchange peanuts for peanut butter.

• Peanuts, peanut butter are a ‘smart snack’ weight study researchers find.

• Ag Expo field day scheduled; see other calendar of events.

Haiti, where the United Nations will distribute the peanuts, is funded by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program, a worldwide program for school children struggling with poverty, malnutrition and disease. The peanuts will help feed nearly 140,000 malnourished kids for a full school year. Having food available for the kids increases their attendance at school and improves their ability to learn.

SPGC Returns To Florida

The 18th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 21-23, 2016, at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Miramar Beach, Fla. The three-day event provides farmers with information on peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition to the conference sessions, the event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program and a golf tournament.

For more information, visit the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation website at w w w.southernpeanutfarmers.org.

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MAY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Shellers Contracting Smaller Percentage Of Crop Each Year

T

he U.S. peanut industry is adrift in a growing, uncharted fog.

The Farm Bill has caused an expansion in acreage, which resulted in great surplus, and a lack of strategic planning has failed to keep all segments in a profitable posture. It will take time to turn this boat around and a heavy fog of market uncertainty and government intervention is making waves in that effort for all segments.

For the peanut forfeitures of 2014, the Commodity Credit Corporation e xc h a n g e d p e a nut s for pro duc t .

However, a donation of packaged dry roasted peanuts is thought to hamper the price of peanuts for Haitian farmers being helped through a University of Georgia outreach program. The final 15,997 tons of 2014 forfeitures are now up for exchange for peanut butter.

Strategic Planning Tough Strategic planning is most difficult for the peanut industry during these times. Questions are many. What will happen to the Farm Bill in 2018? Will there be a Farm Bill in 2018? Will the number of farmers continue to decline and the remaining farmers get bigger?

Will the consolidation of peanut buying points continue? Will the lower price start impacting quality as farmers cutback? Will the expansion of farmer-owned sheller cooperatives continue?

What about demand? Lower prices for ingredients should signal manufacturers to unveil new products and increase demand, but the trend has been slow.

Demand abroad has not grown as prices have declined...what’s wrong?

The 2015 peanut crop appears to be moving from the loan at a faster pace, meaning shellers need the peanuts and are offering contracts to growers. Some shellers indicate their supplies are com6 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • MAY 2 016

J. Tyron Spearman

Contributing Editor, The Peanut Grower

Leading Marketing Indicators (As of April 12, 2016) 2015 Acreage - Up 20.4% .............................................. 1,568,000 acres 2016 Acreage (estimated) ........................................... 1,476,000 acres 2015 Production (estimated) ........................................... 3,107,000 tons 2015 Inspected (2- 19-16) ................................................. 3,005,700 tons 2015 Market Loan .............................................................. 2,075,021 tons 2015 Market Loan Redeemed (4-7-16 ) ............................. 743,219 tons 2015-16 Domestic Usage (7 Mo.) .............................................. Up 2.0% 2015-16 Exports (6 Mo.) .............................................................. Up 3.8% NATIONAL POSTED PRICE (per ton) Runners - $424.51, Spanish - $407.34, Valencia and Virginias - $429.28

mitted until new crop. There is a sense that this oversupply may be waning, but the movement has not shown up in the usage numbers.

Reasons For Optimism The Chinese are buying in-shell farmer-stock peanuts for use in peanut oil production in China. More and more containers of peanuts are entering the rail system in Cordele, Ga., ready to board ships in Savannah. Some Chinese buyers have been unable to fulfill additional orders, which is likely influenced by prices offered.

Warehouses are popping up across the peanut belt and another farmer-owned co-op sheller is moving ahead.

Recently a peanut leader said, “I believe peanuts are the only food that has the combination of cost, supply, flavor, nutrition and sustainability to be a major player in alleviating the hunger/ starvation/obesity problems around the world. The oversupply is a problem, but it also may be an opportunity.”

If you love peanuts, that will make you optimistic about the future.

Acreage And 2016 Crop The message has been clear to the farmer. If you plant peanuts, know where they will be stored, and it must be in a government-approved warehouse for the $355 per-ton loan to be obtained. In all three regions, contracts were only for a portion of a grower’s peanuts, leaving a portion uncontacted and unprotected.

Recently, some farmers were signing a loan value $355 per-ton contract just to get guaranteed warehousing.

The PLC payment is sure to encourage more acres of peanuts, which some analysts are estimating to be about $150 per ton, depending on the average price per pound nationwide. With good seed supplies and good quality, acreage is likely to be similar to last year. Farmers owning their land are more serious about rotation than are farmers who rent. Financing continues to be a problem for smaller farmers as contract offers are too low.

If farmers cut back 9 percent to 1,476,000 acres and average 4,000 pounds per acre, that’s 2,952,000 tons.

Total demand is estimated at 2,750,000 tons, another 200,000 tons added to PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

the carry-forward of 1 million tons. If no cutback, carry-forward will be over 1,440,000 tons and government costs will skyrocket.

Less Pressure To Shell As explained by a peanut broker, in 2014, supply stood at 146 days, with a stocks-to-use ratio of 40 percent. In 2015, with planted acreage across the peanut belt increased 18 percent resulting in a 3-million ton crop, supply stood at 202 days and the stock-to-use ratio was 55 percent. Demand is not expanding as much as the 20 percent increase in peanut production, as it was only up 2 percent for the first seven months and peanut exports were up 3.8 percent.

Shelled peanut prices have remained steady because shellers are contracting less of the crop each year. In 2016, the expectation is that 50 to 60 percent will be contracted. If shellers don’t own the peanuts, there is no pressure on them to shell more than they own or can sell,

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plus peanut milling has slowed substantially since 2012-2013 to allow for the government to store the peanuts until needed by the market.

For the industry, it’s time to turn up the heat to expand peanut demand at home and abroad. If we plan to grow more, we have to sell more. For the grow-

ers, some are in survival mode, while some growers will be saved with a PLC payment. If we grow more, more storage is needed. The industry must continue to invest in new technology to produce and handle larger crops. One fact is certain, this peanut industry is changing and hopefully for the better. PG

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GPC Increases Research Funding

The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) board of directors has approved $423,036 in research project funding for the 2016-17 budget year. The research projects approved include 30 project proposals submitted from the University of Georgia and USDA Agricultural Research Service.

“We are proud of our close relationship and partnership with research institutions in the state,” says Donald Chase, GPC Research Committee chairman. “Peanut growers are pleased to invest in the future by providing monetary support for research and education that has continued to demonstrate a return on our investment.”

The research programs primarily focus on peanut breeding for higher yield and improved quality; economics; conservation methods; irrigation and water management; pests, weed and disease management; and peanut allergy research.

Georgia’s peanut growers invest $2 per ton annually toward GPC programs, which includes research, promotion and education. Research comprises 22 percent of available funds in the commission’s budget.

For a complete list of the research projects funded by the GPC, visit www.gapeanuts.com.

CCC Calling For Exchange

The Commodity Credit Corporation is looking to exchange 15,997 tons of Virginias, runners and Spanish peanuts from the 2014 crop for up to 2,216,160 pounds of commercial peanut butter.

The peanut butter will be in 12/18 ounce containers, produced and packaged in accordance with USDA specification and destined for various locations. CCC does not guarantee the quality of the peanuts that will be loaded out. Warehouse operators are obligated to deliver the total CCC receipt value of peanuts represented on the warehouse receipt based on receipt factors. CCC will not pay load out charges. The contractor will be 8 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • MAY 2 016

responsible for any fees that apply.

All costs for transportation/manufacturing/handling of peanut butter from the contractor’s plant to the final destination are for the contractor’s account. Commercial peanut butter shall be delivered between June 16, 2016 and June 30, 2016. For information, contact Lisa Edie at lisa.edie@kcc. usda.gov.

Sunbelt Expo Field Day Announced

Research, innovation and education — three words that describe what farmers will find at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day. The annual half-day free educational event will be held July 14, in Moultrie, Ga., and is open to anyone involved in agriculture and agribusiness.

Touring t he Da rrell Willia ms Research Farm on covered trams, participants will see the latest research in the growing stages. Industry representatives and university researchers will give up-to-date information on topics such as new seed varieties, irrigation, crop protection, soil fertility, forages and precision agriculture. Field Day is also the opportunity to see what will be harvested at the 39th Annual Sunbelt Expo, Oct. 18 – 20.

In addition to the field tours there will be static exhibits from various equipment manufacturers and allied industry partners. Registration and static exhibits open at 7:15 a.m. and a complimentary biscuit breakfast will be offered. Trams will depart for the field tours at 8:00 a.m. and will return by noon when a barbecue sack lunch will be served. Participants can also register for door prizes.

PB Part Of Healthy Snacking

The Pea nut Institute recent ly reported on a new study that shows high-risk adolescents who consistently consumed a daily snack of peanuts or peanut butter significantly decreased their Body Mass Index (BMI) over a 6-month period. The study, “Benefits of a snacking intervention as part of

Calendar • June 25-29, 2016 - USA Peanut Congress, Charleston Place Hotel, Charleston, S.C. Go to www. peanut-shellers.org for info.

• July 12-14, 2016 - American Peanut Research and Education Society Annual Meeting, Hilton Clearwater Beach, Clearwater, Fla. For information: www. apresinc.com.

• July 14, 2016 - Sunbelt Ag Expo Field Day, Moultrie, Ga. Registration at 7:15 a.m. Trams start at 8 a.m. Complimentary breakfast and lunch.

• July 21-24, 2016 - Southern Peanut Growers Conference, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Sandestin, Fla. For information, visit their website at www. southernpeanutfarmers.org.

a school-based obesity intervention for Mexican American children,” was published in the Journal of Applied Research on Children.

The randomized study followed a group of 257 Latino adolescents who were overweight and obese. Despite being at very high risk, the children who ate the peanut and peanut butter snacks more than four times a week showed better results than those that ate them less than once a week or not at all. The average age was 12 years old and both boys and girls showed similar benefits.

Dr. Craig Johnston, principal investigator at the University of Houston, said, “We have shown that schools, aftercare programs and parents can easily replace unhealthy snacks with peanuts or peanut butter and it works on many different levels.”

According to USDA, about one quarter or more of our daily calories comes from snacks, about the same as calories from lunch. Therefore, it is important to make sure those calories reduce hunger and provide essential nutrients to maintain a healthy weight.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

The Peanut Institute is a non-profit organization that supports nutrition research and develops educational programs to encourage healthful lifestyles that include peanuts and peanut products. For more information, go to www.peanut-institute.org.

Georgia Farmer of the Year

pearman

For John McCormick, farming is a tradition. His ability to help his farm evolve over the years earned him the title of “Georgia Farmer of the Year.”

The Screven County peanut, corn and soybean farmer was honored by Gov. Nathan Deal on Ag Awareness Day at the Georgia Capitol in April.

McCormick will represent Georgia at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Ga., in October, when the Swisher Sweets/ Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award is presented.

Ray Hicks, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension coordinator for Screven County, nominated McCormick, who pioneered the use of new technologies, like GPS-guided machinery and variable-rate irrigation, in southeast Georgia.

“He is a very diversified farmer who has used modern technology to help ad 11/14/08 3:19 PM and Page 1 improve the profitability sustainability of this farm. (He’s used) variable-rate irrigation and GPS on his tractor and has adopted conservation tillage on his land,” Hicks said.

Beginning as a young boy in 4-H, McCormick learned to love the experi-

Georgia Farmer of the Year for 2016, John McCormick and his wife Paula McCormick, accept his award from Gov. Nathan Deal. Screven County Extension Coordinator Ray Hicks and Georgia House Majority Leader, Rep. Jon Burns, are on hand to congratulate them.

mental nature of farming, and over his 42-year career, he has never stopped experimenting and trying to make his operation better. Over those years, he has also been able to change directions when parts of the farming business no longer made sense.

Mark McCann, UGA College of A gricultura l a nd Environmenta l Sciences assistant dean for Extension, said, “Helping your farm evolve doesn’t just mean taking on the newest technology and techniques; it’s also the ability to let things go.

“People sometimes have a harder time with that than with adopting the new stuff. The thing about John is that he hasn’t allowed himself to

be tied down. It’s not always been about the adoption of new technology, but it’s about the strategy of how he defines his farm.”

McCormick’s focus is to improve efficiency and sustainability and leave his land in better shape than it was when he bought it. He works to reduce erosion, improve soil health and use the latest, best management practices that are available and applicable.

McCormick says, “Due to ongoing research, the goals have evolved through the years and will continue to change as research unveils new ways to improve soil health and produce more crops with higher yields on less acreage.” PG

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MAY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Irrigation Management Is your irrigation scheduling method reliable or is it reducing yields?

By Amanda Huber

T

he need to reduce costs in a time of down prices is easier said than done. What input can you possibly cut and still provide the crop what it needs, including protection from disease, insects and weed competition? According to Wes Porter, UGA Extension irrigation specialist, it could very well be irrigation. Studies he has conducted over the last two years show that producers might be irrigating too much and to the detriment of peanut yield.

Lost Yield “Typically in the South, we run the irrigation system a couple times a week or whenever we can get to it,” Porter says. “But I am wondering if we can do better than that.”

Water is essential to peanut production, and Porter estimates that in Georgia about 50 percent of the peanut crop is irrigated.

“Irrigation scheduling is one option for maximizing yields and increasing profitability,” he says. Irrigation scheduling is

Irrigation Scheduling Conclusions: • A sensor-based method produced the most consistent and highest yield in all varieties during the drier year of 2014.

• Irrigator Pro and UF PeanutFarm, which require little investment, performed well during 2015 and have the potential to guide producers much better than a checkbook method.

• Over watering or too much rainfall can hurt peanut yields.

• The UGA checkbook method should be reduced to better match crop requirements.

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THE PE ANUT GROWE R • MAY 2 016

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EPA PA A Approval A for on or In-Furrow In-Furr Peanuts, eanuts, plus New w Rates Ra and Timings imings in FL and GA.

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RadiateÂŽ is a patented formulation of IBA and Kinetin that helps crops develop longer, healthier, stronger roots to improve nutrient uptake, stress resistance and plant health.

In many soil types or application systems, the root force of Radiate may enhance yields and crop quality, so ask your CPS dealer about it today.

This year, put the root force of Radiate in your crops.

See how other growers are making a difference this season with stronger results at LovelandProducts.com/ Radiate.

Text Radiate to 31313 for more information. Š 2016 Loveland Products Inc. Radiate is a registered trademark of Loveland Products, Inc. Radiate is not registered in California and is not approved or intended to be used or sold in California. Always read and follow label directions.

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a technique that involves determining how much water is needed and know when to apply it to the field to meet crop demands.

“The main purpose is to increase profitability and/or quality of the crop by increasing the efficiency of using water and energy or by increasing crop productivity,” Porter says. “That means getting it to the crop at the proper time. Irrigation timing affects quality and profitability.”

Unfortunately, surveys from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service find that producers often base irrigation scheduling decisions on visible stress, feel of the soil or simply based on the calendar.

“If you wait until visible stress, yield has already been lost,” Porter says. “Using a soil moisture sensor or testing the soil with a soil probe allows for better accuracy when determining moisture in the soil and whether you should irrigate.”

Management Considerations The goal of irrigation management should be to apply water at specific times to meet crop demand and minimize water loss due to runoff and deep percolation.

When considering irrigation, Porter says you have to take into account the efficiency of that system.

“Efficiency usually ranges from 60 to 95 percent. When talking about efficiency, if your system is only at 60 percent efficiency, keep in mind that means only six-tenths of an inch is getting down to the crop.

“Those in the 60 percent range are usually older systems, solid-set systems, travel guns and systems that perform at high pressures. Newer, low-pressure systems can be around 90 to 95 percent efficiency,” he says.

Other considerations are soil water holding capacity, which can be from sixtenths to 1.8 inches per foot, and the crop growth stage.

Porter suggests the use of sensors for more precise estimation of soil moisture, and to split the application of weekly water rates to help improve efficiency.

Usable Water Knowing what’s going on in the soil is an important place to start in irrigation scheduling.

Soil has an infiltration rate and a soil water holding capacity. The crop has a rooting depth. Porter gave the following example: How much moisture can be stored from a rain event that had 1.5 inches per hour intensity and two hour 12 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • MAY 2 016

With a few items easily obtained at a hardware store, the UGA EasyPan continues to be a viable means to scheduling irrigation.

Peanut Irrigation Scheduling 2015 Irrigation Scheduling Method

Irrigation Amount (inches)

Total Water (inches)

Yield (lbs/A)

Dryland

0.50

23.30

5193.6

UGA SSA

4.45

27.25

5478.6

CWSI

3.55

26.35

5172.8

12.50

35.30

5313.4

UGA EasyPan

5.20

28.00

5404.9

UF PeanutFarm

5.20

28.00

5327.3

Irrigator Pro

2.80

25.60

5542.6

50% Checkbook

6.76

29.56

5176.1

UGA ET Checkbook

Planted: May 18, 2015; Dug: Oct. 5, 2015; Harvested Oct. 12, 2015; Rainfall 22.65 inches.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

duration? While three inches were caught in the rain gauge, the infiltration rate is one inch per hour and the soil water holding capacity is .8 to one inch per foot. In the example, the soil has the ability to infiltrate or “catch” approximately two inches of the rain event. However, with roots only 12 inches deep, only one inch of the rain event would be available to the crop. In this situation, only one inch of this rain event should be considered in calculating the need for irrigation.

“You have to remember where your roots are,” Porter says. “Think about what’s going on in the soil first.”

of irrigation called for in the checkbook method and the effect on yield.

“This really made me start thinking that we need to adjust the checkbook method; maybe we are over applying.

It called for 15 inches of irrigation for a total of 27 inches of water, and there was a reduction in yield of about 1,000 pounds below the best method and 600 to 700 below other methods.”

In 2015, the study was repeated and additional methods included; however, weather conditions made it a wetter

year. Irrigation scheduling method has less effect on yield in the wet year, but again the checkbook method called for more than 12 inches of irrigation.

“We don’t want to over irrigate in a wet year,” Porter says. “It may not reduce yields as in a dry year, but it is costing money in pumping water that isn’t helping the crop.”

Porter will continue the study again in 2016, but whether it will be a wet year, dry year or somewhere in between remains to be seen. PG

Scheduling Methods Porter began a study of irrigation scheduling methods in 2014, a dry year, and continued in 2015, a year with much more rainfall.

In 2014, looking at peanuts under irrigation treatments, they studied the University of Georgia Smart Sensor Array (UGA SSA), smart crop, which is a method in development, the traditional checkbook method, UGA EasyPan, UF PeanutFarm, a web-based irrigation scheduling tool, and then rain fed.

Porter says in 2014, a dry year, the highest yield was achieved from the UGA SSA, putting out only 9.40 inches of irrigation for a total of 21.73 inches of water and achieving an yield of 6,052 pounds per acre.

Costly Pumping What surprised Porter is the amount

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Calvin Perry, superintendent of the University of Georgia C.M. Stripling Irrigation Research Park, displays various soil moisture monitoring devices during a field day event at the park.

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13

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

MAY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

46318-04 Rainbow_Spectrum_4_5x7_5_Peanut_PG-2016_a1.indd 1

2016-03-30 3:16 PM

Planting Intentions

A

ccording to USDA’s National A gricu lture Statistic s Service, peanut producers intend to plant 1.48 million acres in 2016, down 9 percent from the previous year. The slight decrease coincides with a slight increase in planting intentions of acreage to corn and cotton.

However, a rainy spring may mean the pendulum swings back toward peanuts just a bit. Unfortunately, very few peanuts are needed because of the oversupply of 2015.

The expected decrease in planted area is largely driven by price concerns due to the large supply of peanuts. Over the last two years, growers increased peanut acres in many states due to relatively low prices of other crops creating a large supply going into the 2016 crop year.

Since 2013, the Southeast has increased acres 63 percent, and the total U.S. has increased acreage by 52 percent.

For 2016, Georgia producers are expected to decrease planted area by 7 percent from 2015. All Southeastern states show a decline in acreage intentions for peanuts.

Virginia and New Mexico show acreage unchanged from 2015, with only North Carolina increasing acreage slightly.

If realized, total acreage would be 1,476,000 acres or 91 percent of 2016’s acreage totals.

Cotton All cotton planted area for 2016 is estimated at 9.56 million acres, 11 percent above last year. Upland area is estimated at 9.35 million acres, up 11 percent from 2015. American Pima area is estimated at 215,000 acres, up 36 percent from 2015.

Corn Corn planted area for all purposes in 2016 is estimated at 93.6 million acres, up 6 percent from last year. If realized, this will represent the highest planted acreage in the United States since 2013, 14 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • MAY 2 016

Peanuts: Area Planted by State and U.S. USDA Estimate of Area Planted — March 31, 2016 State

Alabama

2014

2016

2014/2015

———— (1,000 acres) ————

percent

175.0

2015

200.0

Arkansas*

170.0

85

18.0

Florida

175.0

190.0

150.0

79

Georgia

600.0

785.0

730.0

93

Mississippi

32.0

44.0

40.0

91

New Mexico

4.5

5.0

5.0

100

North Carolina

94.0

90.0

95.0

106

Oklahoma

12.0

10.0

9.0

90

South Carolina

112.0

112.0

110.0

98

Texas

130.0

170.0

130.0

76

19.0

19.0

19.0

100

1,353.5

1,625.0

1476.0

91

Virginia U.S. Total

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimate of intended plantings in 2016 as indicated by reports from farmers. *2016 First year in Prospective Plantings Report.

and will be the third highest planted acreage in the United States since 1944.

Soybean Soybean planted area for 2016 is estimated at 82.2 million acres, down less than 1 percent from last year.

Compared with last year, planted acreage intentions are down or unchanged in 23 of the 31 estimating states.

Wheat All wheat planted area for 2016 is estimated at 49.6 million acres, down 9 percent from 2015. The 2016 winter wheat

planted area, at 36.2 million acres, is down 8 percent from last year and down 1 percent from the previous estimate.

Of this total, about 26.2 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 6.60 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.37 million acres are White Winter. Area planted to other spring wheat for 2016 is estimated at 11.3 million acres, down 14 percent from 2015.

Of this total, about 10.7 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat. The intended Durum planted area for 2016 is estimated at 2.00 million acres, up 3 percent from the previous year. PG PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Gypsum Use And Timing A variety of gypsum sources and application methods gives producers options.

By Amanda Huber

G

ypsum, or calcium sulfate, products are available from many sources and can be purchased based on price, availability and spreadability. It used to only be available in the granular form mined out of Canada or a by-product of fertilizer mining in Florida. Now, there are “wet bulk” products scrubbed from smoke stacks and another created from citric acid production.

No matter the source, at least 1,000 pounds of gypsum per acre works on today’s varities, says Glen Harris, University of Georgia Extension soil specialist. Lime is still preferred if soil pH needs adjusting, but it must be put out prior to planting so that it has time to solubilize and move down into the pegging zone.

The calcium in gypsum is able to move more quickly through the soil profile, thus the reason it is applied at early bloom. Split applications, such as at planting and bloom, are still not recommended.

Wet-Bulk Application Tips For producers making use of the “wet bulk” sources of gypsum, Harris says application takes a bit of know-how to accomplish.

“The use of a conveyor belt to load the material into the spreader will help to fluff it up,” he says. “Also, spread wet-bulk materials using a stainless steel, steep-sided spreader with a wide chain. Applicators should drive slowly when transporting and applying the material so that it does not pack down.”

Another trick is to stand a PVC pipe up in the back of the spreader by the gate and, when it is pulled out, the material should flow more easily.

The Choice For Dryland Harris says producers should consider using gypsum in dryland production.

“Without irrigation to move lime down into the root zone, I am not sure it will get where it is needed soon enough. If there have not been enough rain events, adequate calcium may not be available,” he says. “Dryland producers should consider using only gypsum.”

For gypsum, apply at bloom, but Harris considers 100 days as too late.

Overall, it is the source that determines timing and rate, but T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

Gypsum: ✔ Can be purchased based on price, spreadability and availability. ✔ Does not raise soil pH, but does improve soil properties. ✔ Increases soil calcium levels and much more soluble than lime. ✔ Apply at bloomtime to be available at pod fill. ✔ Spreading of wet-bulk products can be a challenge. ✔ Good product for dryland production.

adequate calcium is needed to reduce “pops,” lessen the likelihood of pod rot and black heart and to increase germination the next year. PG

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MAY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

15

Protecting Profit From Pests While work continues on developing economic thresholds for insect pests, scouting can pay dividends now.

U

niversity of Georgia entomologist Mark Abney is searching for ways to monitor insects responsible for destroying peanut crops, a first step in developing economic thresholds that will indicate when it’s time to apply insecticide products.

Currently, Abney and his team are focusing on the three-cornered alfalfa hopper, but they also hope to establish thresholds for the burrower bug and the two-spotted spider mite. For each, they hope to develop an economic threshold, or a point when the insect population reaches a level at which farmers should take action to prevent the pest population from affecting their profit margin.

Point Of Impact “All of these insects could have a significant impact on peanut production in Georgia,” Abney says. “Finding a threshold for the three-cornered alfalfa hopper is important because it’s a pest farmers have to contend with every year. We need to do more research to understand the biology of the burrower bug before we can begin to think about establishing economic thresholds.”

Having a set threshold would provide farmers with information about when to treat their crops to ensure that insecticide applications are most effective.

Scouting Pays Even though a threshold doesn’t exist for all peanut pests, there are options that farmers can use to save money when it comes to pest management, Abney says.

“Farmers don’t have to treat for insects in every field every year. That’s why scouting is so important. Growers who have good scouts can save themselves money.”

When insecticides are applied, there is the potential that beneficial insects will be killed. Spraying these costly insecticides when pests are absent or present at low levels wastes farmers’ money, according to Abney. He adds that unnecessary application of insecticides can be bad for the environment and can lead to secondary pest outbreaks.

Watch The Weather The most economically damaging peanut pests thrive in dry, hot environments. “Unfortunately, there are few effective chemical controls for the burrower bug or two-spotted spider

16 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • MAY 2 016

mite,” Abney says.

The damage these insects inflict on peanut crops is different, but results are similar: reduced peanut yield and quality.

The burrower bug uses its needle-like mouthparts to suck juices directly from the developing kernels inside the peanut pod.

“These direct pests are very damaging because they feed directly on the peanut pod, and every pod a pest feeds on is one less peanut the grower has to harvest,” he says.

The three-cornered alfalfa hopper sucks juices from the stem of peanut plants, while two-spotted spider mites suck the juices out of a peanut leaf, which turns the leaves yellow or even black.

For the past two years, Abney and his UGA team have researched the alfalfa hopper. Abney admits that it’s hard to predict when a threshold will be available for growers.

“It depends on how the research goes,” he says. “It can take years before you have enough data to feel comfortable publishing an economic threshold.” PG

By Kenzie Kesselring, University of Georgia College of Agricultural Sciences PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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Farm Economy Survival Tips Commodity price trends mean tighter operating budgets for farmers.

L

Credit Eroding Brewer has spoken with bankers and UGA Cooperative Extension agents during the past few months to assess the current state of farming. To the surprise of some farmers, the availability of credit is starting to erode.

“You’re already starting to hear stories of bankers denying farmers credit for operating loans or banks tightening the restrictions on the credit they make available,” Brewer said.

If farmers can’t establish a line of credit with a lending institution, they’re not able to do things like buy seed, purchase fertilizer or pay the bills that come with irrigating their crops. Brewer said most farmers haven’t encountered this scenario yet, but it could be a common 18 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • MAY 2 016

CHART BY VECTEEZY.COM

ow commodit y prices and declining credit availability are impeding cash f low for Georgia fa rmers, sa id University of Georgia agricultural economist Brady Brewer.

Brewer, an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics in UGA’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, suggests farmers do an extensive self-evaluation of their farming operation to make sure they can continue to farm in the foreseeable future.

“Farmers need to conduct a thorough review of all operating expenses and all productive assets to make sure they’re returning more value to the farm than what it costs,” Brewer said. “Where can you cut unnecessary expenses? Where can you sell off any assets you don’t use or don’t need? That’s going to go a long way in helping farmers in this environment, where low commodity prices are running rampant.”

occurrence in another year or two if commodity prices don’t improve.

Cotton was grown on 1.3 million acres in Georgia in 2014, according to the UGA Center for Agribusiness and Economic Development. Cotton is currently being sold at 57 cents per pound in the Nasdaq Stock Market. That’s

far below the 80-cent threshold that farmers strive for and the 94-cent mark recorded two years ago.

Runner pea nuts a re selling for $424.51 per ton, close to the $424.86 price from the start of 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Corn prices are also in decline, PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

Value-Added Producer Grants Available Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced that USDA is making up to $44 million available to farmers, ranchers and businesses to develop new bio-based products and expand markets through the Value-Added Producer Grant program.

“The Value-Added Producer Grant program has a great track record of helping producers increase the value of products and expand their markets and customer base, strengthening rural America in the process,” says Vilsack.

From Idea To Reality Value-Added Producer Grants are a key element of USDA’s Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative. Under Secretary Vilsack, USDA has supported providing consumers a stronger connection to their food with more than $1 billion in investments to over 40,000 local and regional food businesses and infrastructure projects since between 2009. Industry data estimates that U.S. local food sales totaled at least $12 billion in 2014, up from $5 billion in 2008.

Two examples of Value-Added Producer Grant awards from 2015 include: Shoshone-Bannock Enterprises in Fort Hall, Idaho, received a $75,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study on processing, packaging and marketing buffalo meat, a first step in identifying potential new market opportunities.

Sappa Valley Poultry in Oberlin, Kan., received a $49,663 grant to expand distribution of their free-range chicken products into eastern Colorado and western Kansas markets.

Congress increased funding for the Value-Added program in the 2014 Farm Bill. That law builds on historic economic gains in rural America over the past six years, while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers.

Connect With Consumers Value-Added Producer Grants may be used to develop new products and create additional uses for existing ones. Priority for these grants is given to veterans, members of socially disadvantaged groups, beginning farmers and ranchers, and operators of small- and medium-sized family farms and ranch-

according to the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Corn prices two years ago were more than $5 per bushel. Today, a bushel brings $3.73.

What To Do There are options for farmers to choose from in an effort to sustain their farming operation, according to Brewer.

The first is to look at the balance sheet and sell unnecessary assets.

“You can cull assets to try to create cash flow. If you can’t plant anything, it’s better to sell an unproductive asset than to not plant at all,” Brewer said.

“That’s obviously an extreme case where you’re culling off unproductive assets, but that’s something I have always advised farmers to do.”

T WIT TE R: @PE ANUTGROWE R

es. Additional priority is given to applicants who seek funding for projects that will create or increase marketing opportunities for these types of operators.

More information on how to apply is on page 20607 of the April 8 Federal Register. The deadline to submit paper applications is July 1, 2016. Electronic applications submitted through www.grants.gov are due June 24, 2016. Additional information and assistance is available through the USDA Rural Development Office serving your county.

Since 2009, USDA has awarded 1,126 Value-Added Producer Grants totaling $144.7 million. USDA awarded 205 grants to beginning farmers and ranchers.

Brewer believes another possible solution is to establish relationships with multiple banks, so that there are more possibilities for keeping a line of credit open. Farmers who use more banks are more likely to receive credit.

He stopped short of characterizing today’s economic climate for farmers as a financial crisis, especially when compared to the early 1980s, when the credit crisis led farmers and banks to declare bankruptcy. Following a profitable time period for farmers in the late ‘70s, the early ‘80s saw commodity prices drop and land values subsequently decline by more than 20 percent. This led to increases in delinquency rates of farm loans and put stress on agricultural banks.

“Is the current situation as bad as the

1980s? No. Will it get as bad? That’s yet to be seen,” he said. Brewer remains optimistic that farmers who are diligent and adequately prepared will be “just fine” until prices increase. PG

By Clint Thompson , Universit y of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences To Sustain Your Farming Operation: 8 Review all expenses and

productive assets 8 Sell unnecessary or unproductive assets 8 Establish relationships with multiple banks

19

MAY 2 016 • THE PE ANUT GROWE R /

Manage Weeds, Thrips As we move into May the most critical first step is to get a good stand with the optimum plant population. This varies some by region and market type. For Virginia types, the standard recommendation is to have four plants per foot, which requires planting five seed per foot. For Bailey, Sugg or Sullivan this is DAVID JORDAN North Carolina State generally not a challenge, but University when you transition to largExtension Agronomist er-seeded varieties like Wynne or Gregory, expense goes up and getting them planted uniformly can be a challenge.

Gregory and Wynne, and Spain if you plant that variety, might require that you slow your ground speed to get more uniform seed placement.

Second and third on the list are thrips control and weed control. Weeds and thrips need to be managed well during the first few weeks of the season. Incorporating herbicides is a good idea, especially in Palmer amaranth fields, so that you get at least some activation if it is dry. The tillage does what the rain or irrigation does, only not as uniformly.

Applying a chloroacetamide herbicide and flumioxazin or

20 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • MAY 2 016

Strongarm is important to do. We need good control from an intensive pre-emergence herbicide program.

At the same time you are doing this, it is important to make sure injury from thrips is not excessive. Hopefully your in-furrow insecticide gives you good control during the first month of the season, but sometimes this is simply not the case. Be ready to make a timely application of acephate. Too often we spray acephate when the terminals are already blackened from thrips feeding. Application three weeks after planting, two weeks after emergence, is often the best time.

Paraquat has become an important part of peanut weed management, especially as we try to minimize selection pressure for PPO-resistant weeds and keep fields clean during the first month of the season. Always add Basagran (at least 0.5 pints per acre) and consider adding more residual herbicide, especially in fields that are heavily infested by Palmer amaranth. Be careful spraying paraquat if you had poor thrips control. When the terminals are blackened, for instance on a scale of 0 to 5, about a 2.5 or more, avoid paraquat. The combinations of paraquat injury and thrips injury will lower yields. As you move through May and into June be as timely as possible — it makes a big difference!

Know The Water Requirements As we enter into the 2016 pea nut-growing sea son, I want to remind everyone to be mindful of what kind of water demand is required for peanuts. Peanuts require approximately 0.05 inches per day, which is very little water for the first 30 days of the growing season. The water demand KRIS BALKCOM increases to about 0.2 inchAuburn University es per day when the peanuts Agri-Program Associate begin pegging at around 45 to 50 days of age. Then, we enter the critical watering period at 65 to 90 days of age, which is during peak flowering with a water demand of 0.30 inches per day. After this stage of development the water demand starts to decrease gradually for the final two weeks to maturity, only requiring around 0.70 to one inch per week.

It’s important to remember that the peanut is an indeterminate, meaning that if conditions are not favorable for fruiting, the plant will wait until conditions change and become more favorable for fruiting. We can wait for this to happen as long as we have enough time to mature the crop before the cool weather arrives. Knowing the water demand will help in supplying the proper amount of irrigation water.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

PG0516 Layout_CF 11/13 template 4/18/16 8:18 AM Page 9

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•

Gypsum contains 23% calcium by weight but only 0.25% of that calcium is soluble, depending on water availability.

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cells delivered to the seed, which can lead to a reduction in nitrogen fixation. Adjustments to planting depths may need to be made to ensure consistent moisture is present within the seed furrow; however, planting extremely deep will increase the amount of time seedlings are exposed to infection by seedling disease pathogens.

Extremely fast planter speeds may also affect stand establishment by negatively impacting the uniformity of placement within the planting furrow. Finally, it is always a good idea to keep seed lot information, such as variety, seed lot number and viability, as well as notes related to environmental conditions the day of planting. This information is very helpful in identifying any potential stand issues.

Residue Restriction Request

Identifying Stand Issues Getting off to a good start requires a number of things to consider. Early soil moisture is an important factor that is required to maximize peanut production in the Southwestern U.S. While irrigation or rainfall is needed to activate preplant incorporated yellow herbicides, adequate soil moisture is also required JASON WOODWARD Texas Agri-Life Extension in the germination of seed and Plant Pathologist to ensure the survival of bacterial inoculants. Overall, water use during vegetative growth of peanut plants is relatively low; however, the availability of moisture is necessary during germination and stand establishment. Good soil moisture, temperatures greater than 65 degrees Fahrenheit and a favorable forecast are considered optimal conditions and should result in uniform seedling emergence.

Shallow planting into dry soil may reduce the viability of seed and Rhizobium inoculants. Low soil moisture can kill the bacterium, thus reducing the number of viable bacteria 22 /

THE PE ANUT GROWE R • MAY 2 016

Weather is always a topic of conversation during planting season. Whether it is too wet or too dry, growers will have to work around the weather to get their acres planted.

First, be sure to adequately prepare your fields for planting. Peanut planting needs to begin with a clean field. If not, you will battle weeds all year, SCOTT MONFORT University of Georgia reducing yield potential and Extension Agronomist adding expense.

Secondly, don’t rush. Take time to plan and make smart choices about all aspects of planting including soil conditions (too wet or dry), planter setup (correct planter depth, inoculant and insecticide tube maintenance, correct seeding rate for conditions), and at-plant herbicide and insecticide selection and sprayer calibration. Many potential problems are easy to remedy with some good choices, although some issues are not always avoidable. Start this season on a positive note by planning and checking off items from your pre-planting “to-do” list.

Growers also need to educate themselves on the use of Tilt (propiconazole) or products mixed with propiconazole (such as Artisan) on peanuts in 2016. Buyers are asking that propiconazole products be left out of your fungicide program because of residue restrictions that are being placed on peanuts by European countries. Please contact your county agent, Extension pathologist and/or your local peanut buying point for more information.

Finally, it will be critical this growing season to minimize input costs but maintain high-yield potential. Find a balance between your crop’s basic needs and over-management. Keep your crop healthy and productive by making smart and economical crop management choices.

PE ANUTGROWE R .COM

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EVEN THE MOST RESISTANT WEEDS CAN’T STAND UP TO STORM.

and two modees of action, Storm is a perfect ressistance management tool. With its high level of efficacy, y, it s no woonder Storm m is prominent in State S Extension ension herbicide recommendations. r So try Sttorm, and give your peanut harvvest a brighter er outlook this t yearr.r. To learn more, contact act yyour UPI distribut or,r, UPI sales repr .upi-usa.com. distributor epresentativee or visit www.upi-usa.com.

Always read and follow label directions ections and precautions. pr Storm® and UPI logo are registered ed trademarks tr ks of United Phosphorus, Inc. ry 2016. UPI, 630 Freedom er,r, King of Pr ussia, PA 19 406. www.upi-usa.co w..upi-usa.com. ©February, ©February, eedom Business Cent Center, Prussia, 19406. www.upi-usa.com.

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Eric Cohen, Crop Consultant Bainbridge, Georgia

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ELAST is a registered trademark of Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation © 2015 Aceto Agricultural Chemicals Corporation