Today’s Farm
Jim Dunn/jdunn@saukvalley.com
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
A supplement to Sauk Valley Media
Today’s Farm
PAGE 2
Sauk Valley Media • January 10, 2017
PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE
Nitrogen and the 2016 corn crop Good nitrogen supply helped to boost yields BY LAUREN QUINN U of I Extension
URBANA – The 2016 cropping season was a good one for corn in Illinois, according to University of Illinois crop scientist Emerson Nafziger. “Planting was on time into good soil conditions, and crop development proceeded with little stress, though June was warm and dry in most areas,” Nafziger said. “The current prediction is for statewide corn yield to be 202 bushels per acre, edging out the previous record of 200 bushels set in 2014.” Soil temperature and moisture conditions in May and June were favorable for mineralization, or the release of nitrogen from soil organic matter. This increased the amount of plant-available nitrogen in the soil during vegetative growth in 2016. With a good nitrogen supply and plenty of
sunshine, corn plants in most fields were dark green and growing rapidly by late May and early June. Even strips in trials that received little or no nitroEmerson gen fertilNafziger izer stayed green into the middle of June, much later than normal. The benefits of this good supply of nitrogen carried through the season, and meant that the crop needed less fertilizer nitrogen than normal. “Across 26 on-farm nitrogen rate trials, yields averaged 225 bushels per acre at an average nitrogen rate of only 150 pounds of nitrogen per acre,” Nafziger said. “That is more yield with less nitrogen than we saw in 2015, when June was wet.” Not only did relatively low nitrogen rates produce high yields in 2016, but timing and form of nitrogen made less difference in yield than usual. Ammonium is stable in the soil, while nitrate can
move with water through the soil. If most of the nitrogen is nitrate and heavy rain falls, nitrogen loss can be substantial. That didn’t happen in 2016, mostly because of dry June conditions. Nafziger and his colleagues also studied nitrogen application timing in 2016, and found that timing made almost no difference in how corn responded to nitrogen rate. In particular, late-split nitrogen, in which application is split between planting and tasseling time, produced no more yield than when all of the nitrogen was applied at planting. With no additional yield to cover the cost of the late application, late application reduced net income. “We saw nitrogen at its best in 2016,” Nafziger said. “It was present when the crop needed it, and the supply of nitrogen from soil organic matter, along with little loss, meant that the crop needed less fertilizer than usual, even though uptake and yield were high.” Nafziger continued: “We can’t depend on this
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normal rates will meet the needs of the crop without our needing to pour on more nitrogen to reach high yields.”
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Today’s Farm
January 10, 2017 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 3
ANIMAL AGRICULTURE
Constructing a new way to manage cattle Barn emphasizes animal comfort, which will pay off in greater production, says Griggsville farmer BY RITA FRAZER FarmWeekNow.com
GRIGGSVILLE – Jack Kirk has been building hog and cattle barns for other people for 44 years. He decided it was time to build one for himself. While he was at it, he went the extra mile, constructing the first deeppit monoslope gestation barn in the Midwest. “We finally decided to build a barn for our own cattle,” said Kirk, owner of JK Ranches and Longhorn Cattle and Swine Confinements. “We wanted to build a barn to house our gestating cows and calves that would provide a better environment for them and be able to better utilize the manure.” The monoslope barn is 62 feet by 188 feet and has six separate pens, with feedbunks on both sides. It houses an animal-handling area, 42 feet by 62 feet, with a tub and squeeze chute.
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“The barn provides a lot of flexibility for housing cattle. Currently we have cows and bulls in one pen, heifers in another, and weaned calves in another pen. We will adjust as needed depending upon the weather and our production cycle.” Jack Kirk
Griggsville farmer “The barn provides a lot of flexibility for housing cattle,” Kirk said. “Currently we have cows and bulls in one pen, heifers in another, and weaned calves in another pen. We will adjust as needed depending upon the weather and our production cycle.” The barn has rubber mats on top of concrete
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slats above a deep pit that provides nearly a year’s worth of manure storage. “Animal comfort is first and foremost with this barn,” Kirk said. “The cattle stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The cattle’s comfort level will be reflected in their performance.” JK Ranches covers 1,100 acres of rolling timber and pastureland, which is used for the cow/calf and quarter-horse operation. Three generations of the Kirk family work together on the farm: Jack; his son, Jarrod; and Jarrod’s daughters.
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Today’s Farm
PAGE 4
Sauk Valley Media • January 10, 2017
AG INFORMATION
New Farm Policy News blogsite launched BY DEBRA LEVEY LARSON U of I Extension
URBANA – Fans of Keith Good’s Farmpolicy.com website who were sad to see it discontinued in 2015 will be happy to hear about his new University of Illinois blogsite. The site, farmpolicynews.illinois.edu, features topics of interest to Corn Belt farmers such as land values, farm income variables, agricultural production estimates, Farm Bill developments, trade issues, biofuels news, regulatory proposals, and other topics that are impacting the agricultural economy. Good said he draws from many different resources when reviewing a topic to post on the site. “I use current newspaper articles, government reports, Extension updates, Federal Reserve Bank reports, congres-
the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at U of I. How will the new site be different from Good’s former Farmpolicy.com? “Rather than a comprehensive update containing most of the developments
Screenshot
Topics of interest to Corn Belt farmers regularly appeared on Keith Good’s Farmpolicy.com website, which was discontinued in 2015. Good’s reporting now appears on his reborn University of Illinois blogsite, farmpolicynews.illinois.edu. sional hearings, and news releases to disseminate easy-to-digest, informative posts,” Good said. The content of the new Farm Policy News blog is of interest to a diverse audience. The site was created to expand the
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in the latest news cycle, the updates at the new site will be more narrowly tailored to one particular topic that is currently in the news,” Good said. “In addition, unlike the old site, where updates were posted on a strict early-morning deadline each weekday, posts at the new site will be made
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Today’s Farm
January 10, 2017 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 5
WEED CONTROL
Dicamba and soybeans: What to expect in ’17 Expectations may exceed herbicide’s capabilities BY LAUREN QUINN U of I Extension
URBANA – One barrier to weed control on soybean farms has just been lifted. In early November, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a label allowing use of the herbicide dicamba in dicamba-resistant soybeans, although only one commercial product received that label. Many Illinois farmers anticipate this technology will provide a muchneeded method to control weeds that are resistant to multiple herbicides, as well as other difficult-tocontrol species.
Aaron Hager is a University of Illinois weed scientist. “Without question, there are instances and scenarios in which dicamba will improve Aaron control Hager of certain weed species, but dicamba will not bring back the ‘good ol’ days’ of POST-only weed control programs in soybean,” Hager said. “Current expectations of what this technology can accomplish tend to be a bit more optimistic than what the technology actually will be able to deliver.” Hager expects the technology will work well in a handful of scenarios. For example, dicamba should be effective for glyphosate-resistant horseweed (i.e., marestail) that does
not respond to the traditional burndown tankmix of glyphosate and 2,4-D. “The new dicamba label allows up to 1 lb. dicamba acid-equivalent to be applied prior to planting dicamba-resistant soybean. This can provide better and more consistent control of glyphosate-resistant horseweed compared with 0.5 lb. acid-equivalent 2,4-D,” Hager said. It is important to note that although the new label allows soybean to be planted immediately after dicamba application, Hager advised farmers to wait a few days following application before injuring the weeds with the planting operation. Hager also predicts that dicamba will provide good control of tall and ivy-leaf morning glory, as well as common and giant ragweed. “Dicamba certainly can
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Soybean fields with minimal weeds may be a little easier for farmers to achieve now that the EPA has approved the use of the herbicide dicamba in dicamba-resistant soybeans. provide better control of herbicide-resistant ragweeds than can glyphosate or ALS inhibitors,”
he said. For farmers battling waterhemp, the solution may not be as simple.
Most university weed control guides list dicamba as good or very good on waterhemp, but not excellent. “Dicamba can improve control of pigweed species, but it will never be as effective as glyphosate once was,” Hager said. “Illinois farmers have made great strides toward utilizing more diverse herbicide programs for waterhemp control than they were using a decade ago. We suggest that dicamba should be used in a way that does not reduce this diversity. It is imperative to maintain a diverse weed management approach to prolong the effective utility of dicamba.” Illinois waterhemp populations have evolved resistance to herbicides from six site-of-action groups. According to Hager, resistance to dicamba is not a question of “if,” but “when.”
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Today’s Farm
PAGE 6
Sauk Valley Media • January 10, 2017
FARMER SURVEY
Weather, machinery apps among favorites Apps save time, put more info at fingertips BY CHRIS ANDERSON FarmWeekNow.com
When it comes to helpful farm smartphone and tablet apps, keeping an eye on the weather ranks No. 1, according to a trio of Illinois Farm Bureau members. Jared Kunkle of Warren-Henderson County Farm Bureau, John Olson of McLean County, and Adam Watson of Champaign County also turn to apps that monitor crop inputs and field conditions and assist in machinery operation. “I use weather apps the most,” Watson said. “Weather Link is free. It
“You can’t be afraid to try new things.” John Olson farmer
tells you rainfall and wind speeds in your area based on a network of weather stations. You can also see soil-moisture levels.” Olson and Kunkel use the Fieldview weather app. Kunkel accesses planting/harvest data and weather conditions, and records field information, such as the location of tile holes and rocks. “I use Dropbox to store field maps and spread-
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Today’s Farm
January 10, 2017 • Sauk Valley Media
PAGE 7
U OF I EXTENSION WORKSHOPS
Training set for manure management Livestock producers asked to sign up soon U of I Extension
University of Illinois Extension has scheduled workshops to provide Illinois livestock producers the manure management training they need to meet the requirements of the state’s Livestock Management Facilities Act. The 2017 Certified Livestock Manager Training workshops, to be held in eight locations throughout the state, will begin Jan. 31 in Springfield and end Feb. 23 back in Springfield. Please note that all workshops are concentrated in February, with only one workshop in January. Workshops begin at 8:30 a.m. and will take 3 1⁄2 hours with the IDOA exam administered afterward. Workshop dates and locations are as follows: Jan. 31 – 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield Feb. 7 – 1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington Feb. 8 – 1209 North Wenthe Drive, Effingham
Feb. 9 – 1163 North Fourth St., Breese Feb. 14 – 180 S. Soangetaha Road, Suite 108, Galesburg Feb. 15 – 210 W. Spring St., Freeport Feb. 16 – 1350 W. Prairie Drive, Sycamore Feb. 23 – Illinois Department of Agriculture Building, State Fairgrounds, Springfield Each workshop will offer a general curriculum designed to keep producers current on the latest industry practices. The curriculum covers the basics of nutrient management as well as new technologies, research and trends, so producers who have completed the training and are renewing their certification will benefit. The Livestock Management Facilities Act requires facilities with 300 or more animal units to have at least one employee certified in proper manure-handling procedures. For facilities with 300 to 999 animal units, the employee must attend a workshop or pass the
Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Certified Livestock Manager exam. Employees of facilities with 1,000 or more animal units must do both to achieve certification. To register for a workshop, call the University of Illinois at 217-2449687 or register online. The cost is $35. If more than one employee from the same farm signs up, each additional registration will cost $25. Lunch will not be offered, but coffee and donuts are provided. Employees also have the option of taking five online quizzes. Passing them is the equivalent of having attended a workshop, but does not substitute for passing the state administered Certified Livestock Manager exam. There is no charge to take the online quizzes other than the cost
of a manual. The workshops will use the instructional manual for the National Livestock and Poultry Environmental Stewardship (LPES) curriculum, which can be purchased for $67.50. Participants do not need a new manual if they have a 2003 or newer version. The manual is also available on a CD for $32.50. To purchase a manual, call University of Illinois at 1-800-345-6087. Producers are encouraged to pre-register at least 2 weeks prior to ensure a seat for the session that fits their schedule. Advance registration also allows participants to receive a manual beforehand, which is important for those planning to take the written Illinois SVM file Department of Agriculture test to obtain their 2017 Certified Livestock Manager Training workshops will run from Jan. 31 to Feb. 23 in Illinois. certification.
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Today’s Farm
PAGE 8
Sauk Valley Media • January 10, 2017
AGRABILITY UNLIMITED
Statewide program for agricultural workers with disabilities gains renewed USDA funding U of I Extension
URBANA – AgrAbility Unlimited, a statewide program promoting independence in agriculture for people with disabilities and their families, has acquired renewed funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Authorized by the 1990 Farm Bill, in 1991 the U.S. Department of Agriculture initiated funding for state-level programs to provide information on accommodating disability in agriculture. Robert Aherin is professor of agricultural and biological engineering at the University of Illinois,
and program director of AgrAbility Unlimited. “The funding is provided through a competitive grant process,” Aherin said. “Illinois is one of 24 states operating individually with this funding.” The University of Illinois Extension is the lead organization in collaboration with Macon Resources Inc., The Illinois Assistive Technology Program, and Community Health Partnership of Illinois. These organizations have combined their expertise in agriculture, assistive technology, and disabilities to form AgrAbility Unlimited, a pro-
“If there is a need for financial assistance in covering assistive technology costs, we will assist clients in obtaining the needed financial resources if they meet certain financial qualifications.” Robert Aherin
Program director, AgrAbility Unlimited gram to promote independence and productivity for Illinois agricultural workers who have experienced physical limitations due to a disabling injury or illness as a result of an accident, disease or age-related health problem.
“Through AgrAbility Unlimited, our goal is to assist farmers, their families, migrant workers, and farm workers to improve their quality of life,” Aherin said. The program has also received private support from the Illinois
Farm Bureau, 1st Farm Credit, the IAA Foundation, Growmark, Co-Bank, Farm Credit Services, The Brandt Foundation, Susan Vinckel Trust, Ullrich Foundation, and contributions from individuals. Aherin said the program seeks ways to mitigate the effects of disabling illnesses and accidents through understanding each individual’s needs and then assisting them through a network of local agricultural and rehabilitation specialists, equipment modification ideas, job restructuring, and if needed, alternative job development.
“If there is a need for financial assistance in covering assistive technology cost, we will assist clients in obtaining the needed financial resources if they meet certain financial qualifications,” Aherin said. All AgrAbility Unlimited services are free of charge and the confidentiality of those who contact the program is held at the highest regard. To allow easy access to these services, there is a toll-free information and referral hotline. In Illinois, call 1-844-876-5623. Visit www.agrabilityunlimited.org to learn more.