Crops

By Bruce Clevenger, CCA, Ohio State University Extension

The 2018 Ohio county estimates for crop yields were recently published by the USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service. This annual report provides a look back to the previous production year and give an average of planted and harvested acres as well as the county yield in bushels per acre and a total estimated production for the county. The report additionally groups counties into nine reporting districts and provides an overall state yield estimate for corn and soybean. Ohio county estimates for the 2018 wheat crop were released back in December of 2018.

Western Ohio continues to lead the state in both corn and soybean yields and production. The counties leading the corn yield estimates were Greene, Clinton and Auglaize Counties reporting 214, 213 and 210 bushels per acre, respectively. The State corn yield estimate for Ohio is 187 bushels per acre with a total production estimate at 6.17 million bushels.… Continue reading

By Matt Reese

There is not a row crop farmer in Ohio who can avoid getting a bit antsy sitting idle as temperatures warm in April and conditions approach ideal. Yet, the early spring experience of many has shown the perils of getting a jump on planting the often-fickle corn crop. Cory Atley of Greene County, founder of Advanced Yield, has found a spring planting recipe for success, and he’s got impressive yield numbers to back it up. He plants soybeans first.

“We really want to plant when the conditions are fit. Normally we only really get 10 or 14 days of optimal conditions when things are right and we really try to take advantage of that. We have seen through a lot of different planting trials we have done on our own farm that the early-planted beans are the easiest way to pick up more bushels. Beans don’t mind some stress.… Continue reading

By Jason Hartschuh, CCA, Ohio State University Extension

It is time for modified relay intercropping planting of soybeans into growing wheat. This is a very versatile system working across multiple row spacing’s and planting dates. Eighteen years of MRI soybean planting have been done in Bucyrus with wheat yields averaging 75 bushels per acre and soybean yields of 33 bushels per acre. Over the past 3 years we have had outstanding double crop soybeans, but MRI has out yielded them by about 10 bushels per acre averaging 42 bushels per acre. One challenge though is that straw cannot be baled in the MRI system but can be in double-cropping. The lower price of soybeans and higher price of straw is driving more producers to double-crop soybeans.

During these 18 years we have worked with multiple row spacing’s, seeding rates, and planting dates each with success and challenges. The easiest systems we have worked in is wide rows, either 15 inch or twin row wheat, wheat rows are 8 inches apart on 30-inch centers leaving a 22-inch gap.… Continue reading

By Randall Reeder, Ohio State University Extension (retired)

Forget about research plots 4 rows wide by 50 feet long. How about a plot 24 rows wide and a mile long?

We’re not really ignoring small replicated plots on university research farms. But as Bob Nielsen of Purdue pointed out at the Conservation Tillage Conference on March 5, precision agriculture technologies enable researchers to design and conduct statistically sound field scale trials that minimize challenges for the farmer. Fields of 50 to 150 acres are ideal. Having different soil types can also add value to the results.

OSU Extension Ag Educators and State Specialists work with farmers doing a variety of on-farm research, with most results published in eFields. Reports from 2018 on-farm trials are online at: go.osu.edu/efields.

Videos of most presentations at CTC are on the CTC website: ctc.osu.edu.

If you are on Facebook, you probably know we have a page for CTC (Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference) with over 700 followers, and one for no-till (Ohio NoTill Council).… Continue reading

By Doug Tenney, Leist Mercantile

The corn number was actually friendly due to feed usage not down as much as some had feared. However, corn exports and corn for ethanol were also reduced.

Typically the April Supply and Demand Report has been pretty boring. Traders view the May report more importantly as it provides the first supply and demand numbers for the upcoming 2019 crops.

Corn ending stocks increased 200 million bushels, due to cuts in ethanol, exports, and corn used for feed.

Traders will be closely watching export projections for corn, soybeans, and wheat and how that flows through to the bottom line. Soybean and wheat ending stocks are expected to see little changes in the U.S. tables. Corn captures plenty of attention to see how USDA views corn fed to livestock and the resulting ending stocks. Last month’s surprise of higher than expected corn stocks had corn closing 17 cents lower.… Continue reading

By Matt Hutcheson, CCA, Product Manager, Seed Consultants, Inc. 

As growers across the Eastern Corn Belt get ready to plant corn, it is important to review and understand what goes into corn the germination and emergence process. Uniform corn emergence is one of the most important aspects of stand establishment and producing high yielding corn. Understanding germination, emergence, and how environmental factors influence these processes is the first step toward ensure uniform emergence.

Germination

Germination begins in a corn seed when it has imbibed 30% of its weight in water. While corn can germinate when soil temperatures are 50 degrees F or higher, research has determined that the optimal temperature is 86 degrees F. Visual signs that corn germination is taking place are the appearance of the radicle root, coleoptile, and seminal roots. When temperatures are cooler, the germination process is slower and seedlings are more susceptible to disease, insects, and other damaging factors.… Continue reading

USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that higher levels of coverage will be offered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), a popular safety net program, beginning April 8, 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes to the program, including service fee waivers for qualified military veterans interested in obtaining NAP coverage.

“When other insurance coverage is not an option, NAP is a valuable risk mitigation tool for farmers and ranchers,” said Richard Fordyce, FSA Administrator. “In agriculture, losses from natural disasters are a matter of when, not if, and having a NAP policy provides a little peace of mind.”

NAP provides financial assistance to producers of commercial crops for which insurance coverage is not available in order to protect against natural disasters that result in lower yields or crop losses, or prevent crop planting.

NAP buy-up coverage option

The 2018 Farm Bill reinstates higher levels of coverage, from 50 to 65% of expected production in 5% increments, at 100% of the average market price.… Continue reading

By Doug Tenney, Leist Mercantile

March 29 was not a good day for producers as corn closed 17 cents lower. It came as a result of the USDA Quarterly Grain Stocks Report. Corn stocks were 335 million bushels higher than trade expectations. Corn fed to U.S. livestock was considerably below that seen in the previous year. Several analysts pointed out they were most surprised with corn demand in the second quarter much less than expected. This will be closely monitored in the months ahead as similar low corn usage numbers have taken place with the March Grain Stocks Report.

There was also a Prospective Plantings Report the same day. U.S. corn acres of 92.8 million acres for 2019 were higher than trade expectations by 1.5 million acres. Soybean acres were estimated to be 84.6 million acres and lower than expected. In 2018 U.S. corn acres were 89.129 million acres with soybean acres at 89.196 million acres.… Continue reading

Gene editing has been a much sought after and controversial technology. Last month, part of the World Health Organization called for an international registry to track all research into editing the human genome.

Purdue University researchers have developed a new technology that could change how gene editing is approached. NgAgo is programmed with guide DNA (red) to cut DNA (purple) at specific regions, enabling precise genetic modifications. (Image provided)

Purdue University researchers, including one who was inspired by the cancer death of a close friend, have developed a new technology that could change how gene editing is approached in the future. The research team presents the work on April 4 at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Orlando.

One of the most widely used methods for gene editing is CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The method requires a certain sequence or motif for function that restricts modifications.

“CRISPR can be programmed to cut DNA at specific regions to make precise edits in an organism that can increase sustainable manufacturing, treat disease and even create better crops,” said Kevin Solomon, an assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, who leads the Purdue research team.… Continue reading

By Matt Hutcheson, CCA, Product Manager, Seed Consultants, Inc.

Two aspects of stand establishment often discussed by agronomists are emergence and seed spacing. “Picket fence” spacing in corn helps plants grow efficiently and minimizes competition between them. Uniform spacing is an important part of stand establishment. More importantly, however, is uniform emergence. Plants that are just one leaf collar behind (due to uneven emergence) significantly reduce yield. According to Paul Jasa, University of Nebraska Extension ag engineer, “When a plant develops ahead of its neighbor, it hurts yield dramatically. It’s going to vary somewhat from year to year, but a plant lagging behind those around it becomes a weed.” To achieve uniform emergence, consistent planting depth is critical.

Field conditions, gauge wheel settings, unit down pressure, and planter speed all affect seeding depth. Set planter depth and check it regularly. A planter may have enough weight to apply the proper down force when full, but what about when it’s almost empty?… Continue reading

By Harold Watters, Ohio State University Extension agronomist

Cover crop dos and don’ts

As I sit here writing it is cold and wet. I have seen several planters out in the barn lot for a check-up but no one is seriously talking about planting yet. I do know that many are wondering when to terminate their cover crop, even though we haven’t had much growth yet. I like Austrian pea, it is easy — just apply your normal burndown of glyphosate, atrazine and favorite pre-emergent grass product for corn. I also like oats and will often use them in the fall to give me some cover after soybeans — they die on their own, but some folks will pasture them into December. I just started a multi-year cover crop research trial that includes crimson clover after wheat harvest. We will go to corn this year with cereal rye following, then to soybeans and after that back to wheat.… Continue reading

By Ben Brown, Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics, The Ohio State University, March 17, 2019

The month of February represents the price discovery period for Projected Prices of corn, soybeans, and spring wheat. The Projected Price for soybeans is the average of the February settlement prices for the November futures contract (ZSX2019). The subsequent Harvest Price is the average of the October settlement prices for the same November futures contract. The Projected Price and the Harvest Price are used to identify the guaranteed revenue for revenue based crop insurance products. However, neither price takes into account local cash basis.

The projected price established by RMA for 2019 soybean revenue is $9.54 per bushel. This is down $0.62 per bushel from the 2018 projected price of $10.16 per bushel representing the drop in soybean prices from 2018 to 2019. Price volatility is considered when setting premium levels for insurance products.… Continue reading

National Corn Growers Association First Vice President and Minden, Iowa, farmer Kevin Ross spoke in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule to allow for year-round sales of E15 across the country.

“Farmers stand ready to work with the Administration to clear obstacles to higher blends of ethanol such as E15 and ensure a final rule works for the full ethanol and fuel supply chain,” Ross said. “To ensure E15 sales are not interrupted, NCGA urges EPA to complete this rulemaking by June 1.”

Ross’s comments came during a hearing held as part of the rulemaking that would remove outdated regulations requiring retailers in many areas of the country to stop selling E15, a blend of gasoline and 15% ethanol approved for all vehicles 2001 and newer, during the summer months.

Year-round E15 is a no-costs means for farmers to grow demand. It also saves drivers between 3 and 10 cents per gallon and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.… Continue reading

By Doug Tenney, Leist Mercantile

Friday’s USDA Prospective Plantings report was negative with corn stocks 325 million bushels above trade estimates. This is still way too early to say this, but you have to wonder if the 2018 corn yield will move higher later this summer.

Corn stocks were 8.6 billion bushels, soybean stocks were 2.72 billion bushels, while wheat stocks were 1.59 billion bushels. Corn acres were 92.8 million acres, soybean acres were 84.6 million acres, and all wheat acres were 45.8 million acres.

Today is all about quarterly grain stocks in the US as of March 1 along with planting intentions for US grains in 2019. Traders will be paying more attention to grain stocks as they gauge demand and disappearance. US acres are in the mix today. They will be noted with a checkmark. Yes, they were released. Traders will easily answer, “Who cares?”

Just ahead of the report, grains were all lower with corn down 3 cents, soybeans down 2 cents, with wheat down 5 cents.… Continue reading

State Senators Brian Hill (R-Zanesville) and Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) announced the unanimous Senate passage of their legislation that would create an industrial hemp program in Ohio administered by the Department of Agriculture.

Senate Bill 57 clarifies that hemp and hemp derived products, including CBD oil may be sold legally in Ohio.

“This an exciting opportunity for farmers to expand the crops they plant,” Hill said. “Farmers can rotate hemp to improve soil health while earning more profit than many traditional cover crops. I’m eager to see all the ways that Ohio will benefit from this legislation.”

With the recent passing of the 2018 Federal Farm Bill, industrial hemp has been removed from the list of scheduled substances banned by the federal government and can now be grown as a commodity crop throughout the United States.

“It is important to understand that hemp is not marijuana, it is much more versatile and lacks an appreciable amount of THC to cause any psychotropic effects,” Huffman said.… Continue reading

By Chris Zoller, Ohio State University Extension

Do you apply fertilizer (other than manure) to more than 50 acres of land on crops grown primarily for sale? If so, the Ohio Department of Agriculture requires that you complete a three-hour fertilizer certification training. Even if you apply fertilizer to less than 50 acres and/or feed all of your crops to livestock, you are encouraged to become certified. The Tuscarawas County office of Ohio State University Extension will conduct a fertilizer certification class for anyone who is not certified. This is NOT for recertification. The training will be held April 9 at 7 pm at the Community Center in the Village of Tuscarawas at 222 E. Cherry St.

Please contact the Tuscarawas County office of Ohio State University Extension at 330-339-2337 no later than April 5 to pre-register. Additional information is available at http://tuscarawas.osu.edu.… Continue reading

By Matt Reese

It is not that books, research and coursework are unimportant for agriculture — they certainly are. The best agronomists, though, are able to combine those book smarts with real lessons learned from hands in the dirt on a working farm.

With nearly 40 years of crop advising service in the Hancock County area, agronomist Don Boehm combines knowledge gained while managing his own farm to best serve the customers he works with as the crop protection manager at Legacy Farmers Cooperative.

Boehm, from Findlay, was recently named the 2019 CCA of the Year by the Ohio Certified Crop Adviser Program at the Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference.

“The thing that has been the most rewarding to me is that God has blessed us with the opportunity to farm, so I get to use a lot of these same things I talk about on my own operation. I have learned a lot on my farm to help educate others.… Continue reading

The Board of Directors for the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association recently voted to unanimously support Governor Mike DeWine’s original proposal calling for an increase to Ohio’s Fuel User Fee.

Gov. DeWine proposed an 18-cent increase in the state’s gas tax which, if approved by lawmakers, would take Ohio’s tax to 46 cents a gallon. The governor’s tax proposal is estimated to generate an additional $1.2 billion annually for road and bridge projects, the bare minimum, he claims, the state can spend to ensure its transportation infrastructure remains safe. In addition, the plan also calls for revenue sharing with Ohio municipalities, counties and townships.

“The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association Board has reviewed the various plans that have been announced and we back the proposal from the governor and the Advisory Committee on Transportation Infrastructure. Money the state receives through the fee on motor fuel hasn’t kept pace with maintenance and construction needs to keep Ohio roadways in good condition.… Continue reading

By Matt Hutcheson, CCA, Product Manager, Seed Consultants, Inc.

For much of the Eastern Corn Belt it is widely understood that the optimal planting period is between April 20 and May 10. Research has proven that corn loses yield potential daily when planted after the beginning of May.

For the Central Corn Belt, the declines in yield potential due to planting delays vary from about 0.3% per day early in May to about 1% per day by the end of May (Nielsen, 2013). Knowing that this is true, it can be frustrating during a wet spring or when field work is delayed for one reason or another. Planting is a critical component of a successful crop as it sets the stage for the entire growing season. However, it is important to keep in mind that early planting is just one of many factors that contribute to high yield potential. Planting early favors high yields, but it does not guarantee them and growers should not focus entirely on the calendar.… Continue reading