Story Archives

2011

Agronomy Country Store Feed Fuel

Agronomy

Clean Water

We all know the importance of clean water, but lately agriculture has been getting a lot of bad press for contributing to hypoxia in the gulf of Mexico. With the Mississippi river running right through our area, it’s important that we take a proactive role in doing all we can to preserve this as well as all of our natural resources. Click here to view an invitation to an upcoming meeting at the Clear Lake Town Hall.

Frost Impact

Last week’s frost across much of the upper Midwest has everyone wondering what type of impact this will have on final yield of corn and soybeans. Industry and Universities are posting numerous articles on this topic that show reductions in yields ranging from minimal to 20% What makes accurate forecasting difficult this year is the combination of how early (or late) the crop was planted and the severity of the frost as this varied greatly across our trade area. Many of us have experienced an earlier than wanted frost – but never in combination with late planting. The combines will tell us shortly – but click here to see a good link of information from the U of M.

Conditions Ripe for Stalk Rots

By Tim Schmitt - St. Martin Crop Advisor

The growing season we have had this year has created an environment where stalk rot is showing up in many fields. Click here to read and article from a Dekalb newsletter on that topic. Fields affected may need an earlier harvest to keep harvest loss’s to a minimum.

Goss’s Wilt Alert

by Tyson Kaldenberg

Goss’s Wilt is showing up in some area fields. Fungicide treatments have shown no activity on this disease – so other BMP’s are the only way to manage thru this in coming years. Click here to learn more Goss’s Wilt

White Mold

Hot, wet conditions are provide a prime environment for white mold, especially if the field has a history of the disease. For more information about white mold click here.

Answer Plot Session 3

Mark your calendars to attend the third Answer Plot session on Aug 18th. Click here for more information.

Aphid Alert

by Rachael Dahlman

Aphid populations are beginning to reach threshold levels in some area fields. Click here to read a story from the U of M on what to look for when scouting or call your local Agronomy Center for help and treatment options. (Click image for larger view)

Green Snap Alert

Adequate plus moisture followed by much needed heat have really got our crops growing, but with some high winds in areas conditions were ripe for Green Snap. Click here to read an article from Dekalb on this topic.

Crop Tissue Sampling Primer

by Rachel Dahlman Winfield Solutions Intern

1. Tissue Sampling Made Easy: Nutrient testing in plants is an easy and economical practice you can implement in your farming operation. For information on how to tissue sample click here.

2. Sampling Guidelines: Interest in tissue sampling corn, soybeans or alfalfa? Click this link for information regarding the oportune crop staging for tissue sampling and which part of the plant should be gathered for the sample.

Glyphosate Alone Probably Won’t Cut it

With the delay in planting across our part of the state, the stages of development in our Corn and Soybean crops covers a very wide range. This in itself makes it next to impossible to make blanket weed control recommendations, but one thing our team of Centra Sota Crop Advisors has noted is the growth spurt a lot of broadleaf weeds have had in the last week. Glyphosate is an excellent herbicide, but its weakness’s have tended to show up with control of broadleaf weeds – especially those that are larger in size. Be sure to consult with your Crop Advisor on what products you may need to tank mix with your glyphosate to get the weed control you expect. Also, click here to view a short video clip on Interlock – a drift retardant and deposition aid that helps enable better coverage which is essential to get the most out of your investment in crop protection products.

Yellow Tops on Corn

By Tyson Kaldenberg – Cokato Agronomist

We are seeing some of the earlier fields of corn planted exhibiting scattered areas of yellow tops. Click here to read an article I found from Purdue University does a nice job of explaining what is causing this

Late planting vs prevented planting

This past weekends storms have had many questions surface on final planting dates and prevented plant coverage as it relates to crop insurance. The final plant date for full coverage on Corn is May 31st and with Soybeans June 10th. For planting after those respective dates, coverage is reduced by 1% per day. Click here to review a summary sheet on how prevented plant coverage works. Also, Kent Thiesse put together an additional information piece on this same topic. Click here to read his strategy.

Farmers Say One of Worst Years for Planting

Centra Sota’s member, Brad Paumen sums the year up quite well in this video aired on KSTP. Click here to see!!

Answer Plot Session I June 15th at Santiago

Click here for an agenda of the days activities.

2010 Harvest Yield Data Now Available

Plot data and side by side comparisons have been coming in from across the Centra Sota market showing some impressive yields and the value of traits in some markets. Click here to open up a page that will allow you to navigate by crop,county and farm. Then contact your Centra Sota Crop Advisor to get the right product for your acres on order.

Considering Switching from Corn to Soybeans?

Click here look at some economic implications

Late Planting

Planting progress is mixed across the Centra Sota area from nearly complete to little or no corn in the ground. The University of Minnesota posted an interesting sheet on Late Planting recommendations and what to expect. Click here to read the article.

When to Switch to an Earlier Maturing Hybrid?

With the wet weather we have had this spring and the delays (especially compared to last year) in getting any field work done, the topic of the season has been when to go to an earlier hybrid. Click Here to read a short article from Dekalb which sites some good University data on this topic.

Consider using Ascend with your Starter Fertilizer

Growers looking for a consistent way to improve yield potential should consider the in-furrow use of AgriSolutions™ Ascend® plant growth regulator with a starter fertilizer in 2011. Click here to read more.

Predicting your Alfalfa crops yield potential

Alfalfa producers who are curious about their stand's future productivity are welcome to consult a palm reader or a crystal ball, but a far more effective way to tell an alfalfa stand's fortune is by reading the stand. Click here to read more.

Trading up on your Planter this year?

By: Tyson Kaldenberg
Cokato Crop Advisor

Since we hear that many of you are considering upgrading your planters this year – I think this article I came across recently may be helpful to ensure you continue to get the desired final stand you are looking for.

Roundup Ready Alfalfa now Cleared for use.

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the deregulation of Roundup Ready® Alfalfa (RRA) without conditions. This was the final step in an extensive environmental review process undertaken by the USDA that took 46 months to complete. Click here to read the full article.

Grain Marketing Ideas

Across much of our trade area, yields have exceeded expectations and I think we have all been surprised by the bullishness in the market recently. So if bushels are available - when is the best time to sell ? I certainly don't claim to be an expert in the grain markets, but I really thought this article from Dr. Steve Larson of Iowa State addressed the topic from some interesting perspectives. Click here to read the story.

America’s Farmers Grow Communities

For the past few years Monsanto has been promoting the importance of Agriculture as part of it’s advertising campaign. While this is preaching to the choir in many ways – it is also important to keep our city neighbors informed on the important role we all play in feeding the growing population of our country and the world. They have recently launched a website www.growcommunities.com where farmers can register to win $2500 to be donated to a local non-profit organization. The sign up only takes a few minutes and one dollar will be donated to the United Way for all farmers that register. Click here to download or open a Powerpoint presentation (file size = 32Mb) on this program and Monsanto’s effort on behalf of the American Farmer.

Top Yield Corn Contest 2010

Centra Sota will again be running a Yield contest through each of our Agronomy Centers. Click here for more details. Click here for side by side and plot yield information on this years corn and soybeans.

Country Store

What's News?!

"Hunters Night Expo" on April 28th hosted by the Buffalo Country Store. Stop in and check out the events or give us a call if you want more details. Click here for information on how to contact us and to see your full year calendar of events!

Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs fame weighs in on Agriculture

The last time I was in Indianapolis was the summer of 2003. I remember it pretty well because I was still sulking about The Colts being moved there without my permission and not quite over their inglorious departure from my hometown of Baltimore twenty years earlier. My bitterness melted away however in nearby Plainfield at ... Click here to read more.

Feed

Are your cows prepared for summer heat stress? By: Dr. Jake Reed Centra Sota Ruminant Nutritionist

With the cool, wet spring you might have pushed off preparing your ration for summer heat stress. If so, now is the time the time to make the changes needed to keep your cows performing through the summer. <...read more...>

Butterfat and nutrition By: Dr. Jake Reed Land O Lakes Livestock Nutritionist.

When butterfat drops, nutrition is usually the first management practice to get blamed, but could a change in your herd’s butterfat be due to seasonal variation and not to any nutritional changes that may have been implemented on your dairy? Click here to read the following article by Dr. Brian Perkins to help problem-solve your herd's butterfat depression.

What to expect from dry corn silage By: Dr. Jake Reed Land O Lakes Livestock Nutritionist.

Wet conditions delayed corn silage harvest causing many farmers to put up very dry corn silage. Dry corn silage does not ferment well causing increased spoilage, heat damage, and mold growth. Typically dry corn silage has lower NDF digestibility and reduced starch availability. In addition, starch availability in poorly processed corn silage may be exceptionally low this year due to a very hard, dry kernels. Click here to read an article from U of M extension offers some feeding advice for trying to maintain milk production with dry corn silage.

Start Planning for Corn Silage Harvest

You only get one chance to harvest high quality corn silage and it appears that the harvest will be upon us very soon. Now is the time to get prepared! Review your harvest management plan with your nutritionist to decide on moisture, inoculation, chop length, and kernel processing. This year's corn will likely need more extensive processing. The following articles from hayandforage.com give some excellent tips for making high quality corn silage.
Corn Silage Troubleshooting Tips
Corn Silage Troubleshooting Tips Part 3

Fuel/Propane

John Deere Meetings Address Premium Fuels

CHS representatives were invited to discuss the benefits of newly enhanced Cenex® premium diesel fuels at recent grower meetings in Humphrey and Clarkson, Neb. Click here to read full article.

2010

Agronomy Feed Fuel

Agronomy

Roundup Ready Alfalfa available this Spring?

Since the Supreme Court ruling in June – many industry experts have remained optimistic about RR Alfalfa being available for Spring 2011 planting. Click here to read a recent article.

Answer Plot Sessions a Huge Success

Over 700 growers attended the 3 Answer Plot Technology tours this year in Santiago. Unlike most field events, these events focused on cutting edge technologies and the science behind them rather than just the products. Comments such as “ a lot of companies want to sell me products – you guys explain to me what goes on in all phases of crop growth and that’s what helps me stay profitable”. The Answer Plot also played host to a group from Land O Lakes International Development program. 56 people from 18 countries toured the site to learn about Midwest modern crop production practices.

Check out a series of pictures from the years events.

Local Plot Tour Dates

The schedules for Local Plot tours in September have been set. Cokato – 8th, Watkins – 9th, St. Martin – 21st, Upsala – 22nd, Little Falls – 23rd, Santiago – 24th. Check with your location and Crop Advisor on locations of each site. All sessions will run from 10:00 AM till approx noon.

Roundup Ready Alfalfa Clears first Hurdle

In a 7-1 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court has cleared the way for full approval of RR Alfalfa. Next step is the USDA to register final approval of this technology to make it available in the U. S. market. More information will be posted here as it becomes available, and check with your local Crop Advisor for updates.

Answer Plot Session III Aug 19th

Mark your calendars now for the last Answer Plot Technology tour in Santiago. Click here for list of agenda topics.

Answer Plot Technology Session II

Answer Plot Technology Session II – July 16th Santiago, MN. Click here for list of agenda topics.

Over 150 Farmers attend June 18th Answer Plot Technology Tour

After the stormy weather on June 17th – a huge turnout attended the first of 3 Answer Plot tours at our Santiago location. Staff members from Congresswoman Michele Bachman office also were in attendance and marveled at the advancements taking place in Agriculture. Mark your calendars now to attend the next 2 sessions – July 16th and August 19th. Agendas will be posted on this site in coming weeks.

Check out a few pictures from the day!

Bugs, Bugs and more Bugs

Seems to be a banner year for insect issues in crops. Bruce Potter from the U of M published this interesting article on what he has seen across the state which is quite similar to what your Centra Sota Crop Advisors are reporting also. Alfalfa fields need to be monitored closely.

Glyphosate Alone is Not Enough

Across much of Minnesota, confirmed instances of glyphosate tolerant weeds have been confirmed. Click here to read a brief article by Dennis Berglund on this topic. We can’t emphasize his final comment enough –“Use full glyphosate rates and try to use a second mode of action on your fields”.

Cutworm Alert

Crop Advisors have been finding cutworms in area fields this week. The U of M and Iowa State have 2 good articles to view on scouting techniques and treatment thresholds. Contact your Crop Advisor for assistance. Click For Article One | Click For Article Two

Fun and Interesting video on Agriculture

Here's a fun yet interesting video produced by Monsanto on what all of us involved in Agriculture represent.

Early Season Crop Scouting

Rains and the recent warm weather have got a lot of things happening in the fields. Click here for a handy reference guide for weed identification and more importantly, contact your local Crop Advisor to finalize your pest management strategies. More and more weeds have been confirmed as glyphosate resistant or tolerant throughout Minnesota so planning is crucial.

How long do we delay Herbicide Applications on Frost Damaged Corn?

The wide spread frost our area received a week ago, followed by cold damp weather put a lot of stress on our emerged corn crop. Click here to read an article from Iowa State on when we should go back to the task of weed control.

Frost this weekend? Be Patient

Much of the Centra Sota trade area was hit with very low temperatures Saturday night leaving many of us wondering what effect will it have on emerged corn. With the growing point remaining under the soil surface till around the 5th collar, most of the fields we have observed will be fine, so being patient is the key. Click here to view an article from Purdue university that addresses the topic quite well.

Spring Frost Free Dates

Some additional information as you decide when to start planting soybeans. Many of you are concerned about last frost of the spring. Click here for some statistical information from the State Climatology Office.

When should we plant Soybeans?

The unusually early Spring combined with little rainfall has made short work for many area growers in getting all of their corn planted. Now the question is – when do we start soybeans? There is very limited research available for this early of a planting in Central Minnesota, but click here to view an article by Monsanto that does a good job of helping you weigh the pro’s and con’s of early planting including the need for a good seed treatment.

Feed

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“Burndown Day”

Silage “Burndown Day” - Thursday Sept. 2nd at Munson Lakes Howard Lake Country Store

Butterfat Depression

By: Dr. Jake Reed - Land O Lakes Livestock Nutritionist.

In a normal year, butterfat depression begins in the spring and worsens through the summer due to heat stress and, at times, from rapidly digested starch in fully fermented feedstuffs. This year butterfat depression occurred earlier and has been more severe; with the increased severity most likely due to high amounts of molds and yeasts in this years corn and corn silage. Click here to explore the article from the U of M Dairy Extension team to learn more about the causes of butterfat depression and how to alleviate it.

POOR QUALITY CORN
VRS CALF PERFORMANCE

Is poor quality corn dragging down your calf performance? In competitors calf starters this year we are seeing many corn fines that can reduce calf starter intake and thus calf performance. Try Land O' Lakes Purina calf starters that are produced with high quality stardards to boost your calves intake and growth. Here is an article from calfnotes.com explaining quality starters.

Monitoring Your Forages

By: Dr. Jake Reed - Land O Lakes Livestock Nutritionist.

It is time to start monitoring your forages more closely. Now that freezing temperatures are gone, spoilage could be a risk, especially for wet feeds and silages that did not ensile properly. In addition, there was a lot of mold and yeast brought into storage at harvest. With the warmer weather, the mold and yeast could be growing again in the feedstuffs, especially in poorly ensiled corn silage. Proper feedoff rate (Click here read the article from Dairy Herd Mangaement) is one management stategy that will help to keep your cows on track this spring and summer.

LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
BEYOND DOLLARS & CENTS

By: Dr. Jake Reed - Land O Lakes Livestock Nutritionist.

All aspects of Agriculture have come under more scrutiny in the past decade. The "Green Movement" with its goal of more natural and organic crops has put pressure on crop production to prove our food is safe and wholesome. Ironic in some ways as nobody including myself wants worms on our sweet corn or bugs in our cereal. <...read more...>

Fuel/Propane

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Winter Weather/Storm Preparedness for Propane Users

You and your family’s safety is important to us! Here is some information regarding propane safety during the winter including keeping tanks, outdoor vents and regulators cleared of snow. Please click here to read more.

New Cenex Premium Diesel!

CHS introduces Enhanced Cenex® Premium Diesel Fuels to Meet Needs of Fleet and Agriculture Industries. Cenex Roadmaster XL and Ruby Fieldmaster Premium Diesel Fuels improve efficiency and increase engine performance while minimizing downtime <...read more...>