Blog Archives
Storm Damaged Crops
The rain was welcome on Thursday but the wind and hail damage that came were devastating to a good portion of the
County. I’m so sorry to all of you affected….for some of you, this is two years in a row of severely hail damaged or totaled out crops. We are thankful the damage wasn’t worse. You can see more pictures here.
So the big question is what do you do now? Ultimately, each field will need to be assessed on a case by case basis. The following are our NebGuides for hail damage to corn and soybeans. For the most part we were in brown-silk to blister for corn and late pod-beginning seed in soybean (R4-R5). The concerns I have right now are stalk quality, disease, grain filling, and the amount of diseased grain we may have due to mushy areas on hail-damaged cobs right now. Several years ago, we watched how severely hail-damaged corn a little later in the season turned brown and died. We also know that southern
rust is in the area and while much of the leaf tissue in the County is damaged, it is still in the County in other fields and south of us. The Puccinia polysora fungus that causes southern rust, when severe enough, will infect and cause pustules on the stalks. With the wounding and low leaf area for photosynthesis, stalk strength is a concern and fungicides may be a consideration depending on potential yield loss-again need to assess on a field by field basis.
I talked with a number of people on Friday regarding thoughts on silage, green chop, haying/baling, planting cover crops, etc. Dr. Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist, said the most common salvage operation for corn damaged by hail, wind, drought, or other calamities is to chop it for silage. Don’t be in a hurry, though. Standing corn currently could be over 80 percent moisture. The easiest way, and maybe the best way, to lower moisture content is simply wait until some stalks start to turn brown. Waiting also allows surviving corn to continue to add tonnage.
But in some of our damaged fields, I don’t think we can wait to make silage. Bruce also shared you can reduce moisture by windowing the crop and allow it to wilt one-half to one full day before chopping. You also could mix grain or chopped hay to freshly chopped corn to lower the moisture content. It takes quite a bit of material for mixing though – about 7 bushels of grain or 350 pounds of hay to lower each ton of silage down to 70 percent moisture from an original 80 percent moisture. That’s 7 bushels grain or 350 pounds of hay for each ton of silage.
Or, you can allow that windrowed corn to dry completely and bale it as hay. Be sure to test it for nitrates before feeding. Grazing might be the easiest way to use damaged corn, and this is a good way to extend your grazing season. You might even plant some corn grain or sorghum-sudangrass or oats and turnips between rows to grow more forage for grazing if you can wait until late fall before grazing. Be sure to introduce livestock slowly to this new forage by feeding them before turning in to reduce the chances of digestive problems. Also, strip graze the field to reduce trampling losses and get more grazing from the corn.
Gardening in Drought
As I set here writing, we went from wearing t-shirts yesterday to receiving freezing rain and sleet today! The precipitation is much welcomed and it’s nice to see spring bulbs coming up and the grass turning green! But we’re unfortunately not out of the woods yet regarding this drought, and may not be for some time.
This Thursday, April 11, Elizabeth Killinger, UNL Extension Educator in Hall County, will be talking to us about gardening during drought. Come enjoy an evening of learning about drought-tolerant plants and ideas for your landscape! The evening begins with a light supper at 5:30 p.m. and we plan to be finished around 7:00 p.m. There will be no charge for this workshop, so please come and invite your friends and your youth who enjoy gardening as well!
Also, if you would like to bring some plants for exchange, you are welcome to do so and share with others! Please call the Clay County Extension Office at (402) 762-3644 or Jenny at jrees2@unl.edu to let us know you’re coming so we can plan for the meal. See you then!
Corn Planting Rate Research & Recs
Even with recent rain and snow events, the subsoil is still dry. You may be wondering,
“What should I do regarding corn planting rates in 2013?”
A few weeks ago, UNL Extension held our on-farm research meetings to share our 2012 Corn Planting Rate results for irrigated and dryland conditions. I always enjoy hearing our farmers share why they were interested in a certain trial and what they found out as a result.
Our farmers followed protocols of 28K, 32K, 36K, 40K (40,000 seeds/acre) or 30K, 34K, 38K, 42K/acre for irrigated production and 18K, 22K, 26K, and 30K for dryland production. 
The results since 2010 continue to show us that each individual hybrid varies in its response to increasing populations; however, there is a general trend with newer hybrids that increasing population results in increased yields. Dr. Tom Hoegemeyer, UNL Agronomy Professor of Practice spoke about how our hybrids have genetically come so far in combating various stresses while maintaining yields. We know that many seed companies have conducted research to determine the population calibration curve for each hybrid to determine best recommendations for you. Thus, we’d recommend that you check with your seed dealer to determine which hybrid may fit best at which population for your operation.
Even with this data, you may question if that’s truly the best population for your field; that’s where on-farm research comes in! We recommend testing the recommended population against a higher and lower population with at least 4000 seeds/acre difference in planted population-whether irrigated or dryland. With today’s technologies, it’s not very difficult to test seeding rates for different hybrids for yourself!
So what rate should you plant this year? In the majority of our irrigated studies, economically, many hybrids maximized yields and economic returns between 32,000-36,0o0 seeds/acre. Again, this is very hybrid dependent so ask your seed dealer what he/she would recommend and test for yourself!
Regarding limited irrigation, UNL research has actually shown a negative effect of lost yield by backing off population too far in a dry year. 
Tom’s recommendation was for dryland in Eastern Nebraska, most hybrids even with the low soil moisture profile should be ok with planting 24,000-28,000 seeds/acre. I realize we have essentially no moisture in our profile. But taking probabilities of rainfall events, March-May is usually pretty good and we don’t want to short-change ourselves in yield by planting too low of populations. For Central into Western, NE, I feel 20,000-22,000 seeds/acre will work for many hybrids. Our genetics have come so far since we finished the last drought in 2007 and were planting 18,000 seeds/acre in dryland. We will just keep praying for rain and hope for the best next year! Ultimately, test this and your other on-farm questions for yourself to know what will work for your farm!
If you’re interested in conducting some seeding rate trials, please let anyone on our UNL On-Farm Research Team know! All our studies are posted on the CropWatch on-farm research page.
What planting rates are you considering for 2013?
Fall Fertilizing Considerations
With the early harvest and potential product discounts, producers may be considering fall fertilization soon. I can appreciate the reasons for it such as the product discounts, covering acres, and the fact that we don’t know what spring weather will bring in order to fertilize before planting.
At the same time applying nitrogen when a growing crop is not present allows for nutrient loss and we continue to see nitrates in groundwater increase in some areas. Check out the following Webcasts regarding research from UNL Soil Fertility Specialists as you consider nutrient application and the addition of nitrogen inhibitors.
Guidelines for Fall Fertilizing
If you do apply fertilizer in the fall, the Natural Resources District (NRD’s) have provided guidelines so please check specifically with them. Both UBBNRD and LBNRD have said no fall fertilization before November 1st and recommend no fall fertilization when soil temperatures are above 50°F. This is because the conversion of anhydrous ammonia is much slower once soil temperatures are consistently below 50°F. Please see the CropWatch Soil Temperature page for a map of current soil temperatures.
LBNRD also recommends but doesn’t require a nitrogen inhibitor placed with the anhydrous in the fall. No liquid or dry nitrogen fertilizer can be applied between November 1st and March 1st without receiving a fertilizer permit. With the fertilizer permit, producers will be required to put a nitrogen inhibitor in with their dry or liquid fertilizer.
Two exemptions are provided in the spreading of manure, sewage, and other by-products conducted in compliance with state laws and regulations, and the applications of pre-plant starter nitrogen to fall seeded crops, such as wheat.
A few other considerations from UNL Soil Fertility Specialists:
- Take soil samples as soil nitrates may be higher than normal this fall-particularly in dryland fields.
- Dry soils are difficult to sample and may affect results. Soil organic matter and soil nitrate results should be fine, but some soil pH and potassium may be affected by the dry conditions.
- Knife applications, including sealing of anhydrous ammonia injection tracks, also may be more difficult in dry soil conditions.
- Monitor rain and snow infiltration between now and the next growing season and make fertilizer adjustments next spring if excessive rain may have caused leaching.
Additional Resources
Landlord Tenant Cash Lease Workshops
Cash rent questions are the top question I receive in the office and are difficult to answer directly. There’s no great formula or survey that can provide a magic number for every situation. The following post provides some thoughts regarding this.
One thing we do know is that developing farm cash leases that meet the needs of both landlord and tenant while maintaining a positive relationship will be the goal of a UNL Extension workshop series. The Landlord/Tenant Cash Lease workshops will be held in November and December at sites across the state. It is helpful if both the tenant and landlord can attend together.
Topics
UNL Extension educators will present on the following topics, providing information and common sense tips for landlords and tenants.
- Expectations from the lease, including goal setting for the rental property
- Lease communication, determining appropriate information sharing for both the tenant and landlord
- Tips for farm leases that include relatives
- Alternative cash lease arrangements, flexible provision considerations for your situation
- How the 2012 drought affects leases, irrigation systems, grain bin rental, and other topics related to leases will be discussed as time allows.
These free workshops are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board and the North Central Risk Management Agency. A meal and handouts are included. Participation is limited. To register, contact the local UNL Extension office hosting the workshop.
For more information, contact Allan Vyhnalek, UNL extension educator in Platte County, at 402-563-4901 or avyhnalek@unl.edu.
Dates and Locations
- Dakota City — Nov. 5, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., USDA Service Center, 402-987-2140
- Pender — Nov. 7, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fire Hall, 402-385-6041
- Wayne — Nov. 7, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., Fire Hall, 402-375-3310
- Curtis — Nov. 8, Noon – 3:30 p.m., NCTA Ag Industry Education Center, 402-367-4424
- McCook — Nov. 8, 5:30 – 9 p.m., Fairgrounds, 308-345-3390
- Imperial — Nov. 9, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fairgrounds, 308-882-4731
- Fairmont — Nov. 13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Legion Hall, 402-759-3712
- Fairbury — Nov. 13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., 4-H Building/Fairgrounds, 402-729-3487
- Blue Hill — Nov. 13, 5:30 – 9 p.m., Community Center, 402-746-3417
- Lexington — Nov. 14, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Extension Office, 308-324-5501
- North Platte — Nov. 14, 5:30 – 9 p.m., West Central Research, 308-532-2683
- Hastings — Nov. 15, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fairgrounds, 308-461-7209
- Grand Island — Nov. 15, 5:30 – 9 p.m., Extension Office/College Park, 308-385-5088
- Humboldt — Nov. 27, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Ag Building/Fairgrounds, 402-852-2970
- Auburn — Nov. 27, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., Nemaha Co. 4-H Building, 402-274-4755
- Hartington — Nov. 29, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., City Auditorium, 402-254-6821
- Nebraska City — Nov. 29, 5:30 – 9 p.m., Kimmel Center, 402-267-2205
- Blair — Dec. 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., City Office, 402-426-9455
- Tekamah — Dec. 4, 5:30 – 9 p.m., First National Bank Northeast, Nebraska meeting room, 402-374-2929
- Burwell — Dec. 5, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Legion Club, 308-346-4200
- Arcadia — Dec. 5, 5:30 – 9 p.m., Legion Club, 308-728-5071
- Bloomfield — Dec. 6, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Community Center, 402-288-5611
- O’Neill — Dec. 6, 5:30 – 9 p.m., Courthouse Annex, 402-336-2760
- Elba — Dec. 11, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Community Center, 402-745-1518
- Albion — Dec. 11, 5:30 – 9 p.m., Casey’s Community Building, Fairgrounds, 402-395-2158
- Neligh —Dec. 12, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Legion Hall, 402-887-5414
- Osceola — Dec. 13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Fairgrounds, 402-747-2321
Wheat Planting Resources
This dry fall has raised questions about winter wheat planting…should I plant or delay? How much seed should I drop? My wheat has emerged but
how do I assess my stands?
UNL Extension’s CropWatch newsletter has featured several wheat articles from Bob Klein, UNL Extension Cropping Systems Specialist and other Extension faculty. Since they’re on several different CropWatch release dates, I decided to put all the info. in one place for you. Hope this helps!
Recommendations to Compensate for Delayed Winter Wheat Seeding and Improve Yield Potential
For those who have waited to plant winter wheat, Bob Klein, UNL Extension Cropping Systems Specialist, says to increase wheat seeding rate 10-15 lbs per acre (150,000-225,000 seeds/acre) per week for every week delayed after the seeding rate for our area. Hessian fly free seeding dates range from September 25 for most of our area to September 28 in southern Nuckolls and most of Thayer Co.
For no-till, he recommends automatically increasing seeding rate an additional 50%. So if you’re a dryland no-till producer planting in October, he would recommend seeding 90 lbs to 120 lbs maximum of wheat seed. For irrigated wheat, start at at least 90 lbs/ac and increase 15-20 lbs/acre every week later than suggested seeding date but don’t exceed a maximum of 180 lbs/acre of seed.
Determining the Seeding Rate for Your Winter Wheat
A review of seedling rates vs. yield potential: On the average, there are 22 seeds per head and 5 heads per plant, or 110 seeds per plant. With an average seed size of 15,000 seeds per pound or 900,000 seeds per bushel, a pound of average-sized seed with 80 percent germination and emergence has a yield potential of approximately 1.5 bushels per acre. Seeding 40 lb of seed with a weight of 15,000 seed per pound has a yield potential of 60 bushels per acre.
Seedbed Conditions and Seeding Equipment Affect Timing of Wheat Seeding
Paul Jasa, UNL Extension Engineer says to make sure the drill is running lower in back than normal. Transfer more drill weight to the back of the drill and add extra weight to the drill. This will allow for penetration into dry, hard soil, forcing the seed into the soil and insuring seed-to-soil contact. Also, don’t seed wheat too shallow. When using disc drills, plant at a depth of 2 inches or more.
Additional Resources:
- Fertilizer Options for Dryland Wheat: Is Wait and See a Good Option?
- Grasshopper Management Considerations in Emergent Winter Wheat
- Use of Seed Treatment Fungicides to Improve Wheat
- Guides to Winter Wheat Variety Selection
- How Wheat Seeding Date Affects Yields
- Assessing Winter Wheat Stands and Estimating Yield Potential
Latest 2012 #Corn Yield Predictions
2012 Corn Yield Potential Forecast Based on Aug. 27 Hybrid-Maize Simulation: Irrigated corn yield potential is predicted to be 2-8% below long-term average, while dryland yield potential in much of the Corn Belt will be moderately to severely reduced, falling 22-67% below normal. Predictions are assuming no stress during pollination and fully irrigated fields with no equipment, disease, or insect problems.
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Simulations were run for dryland corn in Iowa, Illinois, and South Dakota, and for both irrigated and dryland corn in Nebraska. Simulations were based on the typical planting date, hybrid relative maturity, plant population, and soil properties at each location. Underpinning data used in these simulations are provided in Table 1. To evaluate the impact on potential production at 12 sites across the Corn Belt (Figure 1), we used the Hybrid-Maize model to estimate end-of-season yield potential based on actual weather up to August 27, and historical long-term weather data to complete the season using data from each of the past 30 years. This approach gives a “real-time,” in-season estimate of expected yield potential (the median value shown in Table 1) depending on weather conditions from August 27 until the corn crop reaches maturity.
August 27 projections give a narrower range than our projections based on August 13 simulations, and, at some locations the crop reached blacklayer during the past week (Mead, Concord, O’Neill, and Nashua, Iowa). Projected yield potential since August 13 has not changed by more than 7% across all locations, except for the two locations in west central Illinois (Monmouth) and south central Illinois (Bondville) where predicted dryland yield has increased by 30% due to good rains and cooler weather. It should be noted, however, that if unusually hot, dry weather occurred during pollination at these Illinois locations, such a large yield improvement would not be expected due to reduced seed set. Still, projections of final yield potential are below the long-term average at all sites, under both irrigated and dryland conditions (Table 1).
The bottom line is that 2012 irrigated yields will be moderately lower than the long-term averages (2-8% below normal), while dryland corn yield potential in much of the Corn Belt will be moderately to severely reduced (22-67% below normal). It is important to keep in mind that yields can be even lower at places where both prolonged drought and high temperature stress at pollination have occurred. Also, greater field-scale variability is being observed this year in irrigated fields due to the inability of some irrigation systems to keep up with crop water use demand, problems with pivot irrigation nozzles and uneven watering, and additional stresses from insects and diseases. Such problems can contribute to reduced yields at irrigated sites of more than the 2-8% simulated by the model.There is a modest yield loss (5-8%) for locations in South Dakota (Brookings) and west central and north central Illinois (Monmouth and DeKalb) while a moderate yield loss of 22-28% is predicted for dryland corn in central and northeast Iowa (Gilbert and Nashua). Severe yield loss of 32-67% is projected for dryland corn in south central, eastern, and northeastern Nebraska (Clay Center, Mead, and Concord), northwest Iowa (Sutherland), and south central Illinois (Bondville) (Table 1). In contrast to large loss of yield potential in these dryland systems, the projected losses in yield potential at all irrigated sites are modest at about 2-3% in south central Nebraska (Clay Center, Holdrege), and 7-8% in east and northeast Nebraska (O’Neill, Concord, and Mead) (Table 1). Projected irrigated yield potential since August 13 has increased by about 3% due to cooler weather during the past two weeks.
Patricio Grassini, Research Associate Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture Department
Jenny Rees, UNL Extension Educator
Haishun Yang, Associate Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture Department
Kenneth G Cassman, Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture Department
Earlier Hybrid-Maize Predictions
| Table 1. 2012 In-season yield potential forecasts as of August 17 using UNL Hybrid-Maize Model | |||||||||
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| Location, State | Water Regime | Soil Type¶& Initial Water |
Plant Pop.¶ (ac-1) |
Relative Maturity (days) |
Planting Date¶ | Long-term Yp (bu/ac)‡ |
2012 Forecasted Yp (bu/ac) | ||
| Median | |||||||||
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| Holdrege, NE | Irrigated | Silt loam | 32.4k | 113 | April 27 | 248 |
243 | ||
| Clay Center, NE | Irrigated
Rainfed |
Silt clay loam
100% ASW |
32.4k
24.0k |
113 | April 23
April 23 |
250 146 |
242 98 |
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| Mead, NE | Irrigated
Rainfed |
Silt clay loam
100% ASW |
32.4k
28.0k |
113 | April 30 | 240 160 |
224 53 |
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| Concord, NE | Irrigated
Rainfed |
Silt loam
100% ASW |
32.4k
29.0k |
104 | May 3 | 235 154 |
218 90 |
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| O’Neill, NE | Irrigated | Sandy loam
100% ASW |
32.4k | 106 | May 3 | 225 |
207 | ||
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| Brookings, SD | Rainfed | Silt clay loam
100% ASW |
30.0k | 98 | May 4 | 120 |
110 | ||
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| Sutherland, IA | Rainfed | Silt clay loam
100% ASW |
31.4k | 99 | May 1 | 168 |
104 | ||
| Gilbert, IA | Rainfed | Loam
100% ASW |
32.4k | 110 | April 26 | 200 |
145 |
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| Nashua, IA | Rainfed | Loam
100% ASW |
32.4k | 99 | May 1 | 198 |
155 | ||
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| Monmouth, IL | Rainfed | Silt loam
100% ASW |
32.4k | 112 | April 27 | 212 |
189 | ||
| DeKalb, IL | Rainfed | Silt clay loam
100% ASW |
32.4k | 111 | May 1 | 201 |
190 | ||
| Bondville, IL | Rainfed | Silt clay loam
100% ASW |
32.4k | 114 | April 20 | 197 |
134 | ||
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| ¶ Simulations based on dominant soil series, average planting date, and plant population (PP) & relative maturity (RM) of most widespread hybrid at each location (Grassini et al., 2009).
‡ Average (20+ years) simulated yield potential (Yp). |
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Aflatoxin Concerns in #Corn
This article originally appeared in http://cropwatch.unl.edu written by Dr. Tamra Jackson-Ziems, UNL Extension Plant Pathologist.
Drought and high temperatures promote development of the disease Aspergillus ear rot (pictured right). The fungi that cause this disease (most commonly, Aspergillus flavus) can produce aflatoxin. Aflatoxin is one of many chemicals in a group known as mycotoxins that are produced by fungi (molds). Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin, can be toxic to animal and human consumers and, at certain concentrations, can lead to dockage or rejection of grain at elevators.The unusually high temperatures and drought this summer are having severe impacts on Nebraska corn. In addition to reductions in test weight and overall yield, secondary problems are developing in some corn fields as a result of these conditions.
Corn harvested for grain to this point has been predominantly from fields that sustained substantial drought damage leading to early maturation and plant death. Notable aflatoxin contamination appears to be in a small percentage of southeast Nebraska fields, based on samples submitted to several laboratories in the area.
Mycotoxins are common and can be safely consumed at low concentrations. The concentration of aflatoxin that is considered safe for consumption depends on the age and species of the consumer. An abbreviated summary listing the Action Levels identified by the FDA for aflatoxin is listed in Table below.
Testing for Aflatoxin: Farmers and crop consultants can scout high risk fields for Aspergillus ear rot as an indicator for aflatoxin, but only lab testing of grain samples can accurately identify the concentrations of aflatoxin in the grain. Accurate lab test results for aflatoxin will depend greatly on the quality of the sample that is collected and the laboratory methods used to test it. The test results are only applicable to the sample that is submitted, so it is very important to collect an adequate sample for the best results. Refer to the publication, Sampling and Analyzing Feed for Fungal (Mold) Toxins (Mycotoxins) for recommendations on how to collect and submit a high quality sample for mycotoxin analysis.
Contact and submit samples to a laboratory that is certified by the federal Grain Inspection Service and Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) for mycotoxin analysis for the most accurate results. A GIPSA website lists laboratories certified to conduct testing in Nebraska. They include
- Lincoln Inspection Service, Inc.;
- Fremont Grain Inspection Department, Inc.;
- Omaha Grain Inspection Service, Inc; and the
- Sioux City Inspection and Weighing service Company.
Some grain elevators and individuals may be using a black light (ultraviolet light) to detect for fluorescence as a method for rapid screening of grain samples. This practice is NOT recommended when making decisions about aflatoxin contamination in loads of grain. The component that produces fluorescence under black light is called kojic acid. Although kojic acid is produced by the same fungus that produces aflatoxin, its presence is not necessarily an indicator of aflatoxin and might lead to false positive results and unnecessary rejection of grain.
High Risk Factors for Aflatoxin Contamination in Corn
- Drought-damaged fields, including rainfed (dryland) fields and non-irrigated pivot corners
- Fields or areas with higher incidence of corn ear-feeding insects, such as the corn ear worm
- Grain damaged before or during harvest or after harvest while in storage
Ear rot diseases and aflatoxin are not evenly distributed across fields or in the grain, so scouting and/or sampling should include a substantial portion, at least several acres. The presence of the fungus in kernels does not always correlate well with the presence of aflatoxin, nor does the absence of visible fungal growth necessarily indicate the absence of aflatoxin.Scouting For Aspergillus Ear Rot
- Open husks to view a large number of ears.
- Look for the presence of dusty yellow-green to olive-green spores, especially on the surface of damaged kernels or ear tips (Figure above).
- Pay special attention to higher risk areas.
Harvest and Storage: If fields have documented Aspergillus ear rot and/or risk of aflatoxin contamination, it is recommended that you harvest and keep grain separate from other grain at less risk, such as irrigated fields. Storage of affected grain is not recommended because ear rot diseases and mycotoxins can continue to accumulate during storage. If storage is necessary, cooling and drying grain to less than 15% moisture within 48 hours of harvest will help to slow fungal growth and aflatoxin production. Grain intended to be stored for longer periods of time should be dried to less than 13% moisture.
Presently, it is too early in the harvest to know the extent of aflatoxin contamination in this year’s corn crop, but at this time only a small percentage appears to be affected.
Resources: For more information, refer to the list of publications below or view this week’s episode of Market Journal.
- Plant Disease Profiles #3: Ear Rot Diseases and Grain Molds, EC1901
- Understanding Fungal (Mold) Toxins (Mycotoxins), G1513
- Sampling and Analyzing Feed for Fungal (Mold) Toxins (Mycotoxins), G1515
- Use of Feed Contaminated with Fungal (Mold) Toxins (Mycotoxins), G1514
- Aspergillus Ear Rot and Aflatoxin Production, Iowa State University Integrated Crop Management News
- Check Cornfields for Aspergillus Ear Rot, University of Illinois the Bulletin
| Table 1: FDA action levels for aflatoxin contamination in corn intended for livestock. | |
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| Commodity Action Level | (ppb) |
| Finishing (feedlot) beef cattle | 300 |
| Finishing swine of 100 pounds or greater | 200 |
| Breeding beef cattle, breeding swine, or mature poultry | 100 |
| Immature animals and dairy cattle | 20 |
| For animal species or uses not otherwise specified, or when the intended use is not known | 20 |
| Human food | 20 |
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| Source: FDA Action Levels for Aflatoxin | |
#UNL #Drought12 Educational Summary
Drought-Maintaining Silage Quality
Unfortunately the drought continues to intensify. All Nebraska counties have now been released for haying and grazing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands. Information and resources continue to be added to UNL Extension’s Drought Resource page at http://droughtresources.unl.edu. Please check it out for drought information for livestock, crops, water, and gardening.
Some have started chopping corn for silage or are about to soon. Dr. Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist, shares the following information about maintaining silage quality in the future. “After silage has been chopped and piled and packed correctly, it still can be damaged seriously by air and moisture slowly penetrating the outer 3 to 4 feet. Animals often eat less when fed moldy silage and can even experience health problems due to mycotoxins.
Good, well-eared silage can lose over 20% percent of its feed value from fermentation and spoilage under normal conditions. Silage made from corn with little or no grain might have even greater losses. This loss can be cut in half or even more if the silage is kept well covered by plastic.
Cover freshly chopped silage with black plastic immediately after you finish filling the trench, bunker, or pile. Then cover the plastic with something to help hold it down. Old tires are readily available and do a good job of keeping the plastic from blowing away, but they only keep keep pressure on the silage directly under the tire. In between the tires, air can circulate and cause spoilage.
An even better choice would be a solid cover over the plastic, something like freshly chopped forage or weeds or maybe even a 3- to 4-inch layer of manure. This would ensure that the entire surface of silage is fully protected to reduce the chance for air bubbles to form under the plastic which could reduce silage quality. You go to a lot of time and expense to make good silage. Isn’t it worth it to protect that investment?”
JenResources 