Producers using no-till practices have observed that crop yields can greatly exceed expectations based on nutrient and water supply. For example, Ralph Holzwarth, who farms near Gettysburg, SD, has averaged 150 bu/ac of corn on his farm for the past 6 years. We were surprised with this yield, as corn yields in eastern South Dakota (Brookings County) averaged 140 bu/ac during this same time interval.
According to the latest USDA-NASS report, South Dakota soybean planting progress is 63% complete and 20% emerged compared to the average 71 planted and 33 emerged. Long-term research done at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm near Beresford shows that a 0.4-0.5 bushel per acre loss per day in early to mid-June can be expected (Figure 1).
Hazardous Occupation Safety Training in Agriculture (HOSTA) sessions will be delivered across the state this spring (2013) by SDSU staff. HOSTA is a program which aims to educate South Dakota youth about the dangers associated with working on a farm or ranch. Currently, the law states that any individual who is 14 to 15 years old must be trained on the safe operation of tractors, farm machinery, and other hazardous activities in the agricultural industry.
Late planting period starts this weekend (May 25th) for corn in Northern counties of South Dakota. South Dakota producers routinely purchase crop insurance on corn, soybeans, wheat and sunflowers. The most commonly used insurance products have provisions for prevented planting, late planting, replanting, and planting of a second crop. In addition to agronomic considerations for how well a crop may recover or how late a crop could be planted with a reasonable chance of success, several dates are important from an insurance standpoint.
The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report on Friday, May 10th, showed the projections for the 2013-2014 U.S. crops. Few adjustments were made to the 2012-2013 supply and demand estimates.
Soil moisture conditions have changed some with recent snows and moistures. However, in some parts of the state, there still exists the possibility of dry planting conditions this spring. Regardless of soil moisture conditions where you are at, fortunately there is a calculator that can give some useful starter guidelines for various crops, starter fertilizers, and soil moisture conditions.
South Dakota producers insured 4.5 million acres of soybeans in 2012. For the 2013 crop year, the volatility factor is very low by historical standards while the projected price is $12.87 per bushel. For the common policy types and coverage levels producers will not see much change in premiums.
As March brings in climatological spring, many are anxious for the return to warmer temperatures and longer days. And, in the case of South Dakota, many are anxious for some relief from the ongoing drought that has plagued much of the state in 2012. The latest climate outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center indicate that some improvement in drought conditions may be on its way.
This article is a summary of the project “Development and Refining Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Optimum Yields”, which was made possible by the support of the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. Currently in year four of a five year project, the overall goal of this project is to increase production and profitability of South Dakota’s soybean producers.
South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Soybean Association, and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council have undertaken the task of producing the iGrow Soybeans Best Management Practices Book. This publication will present over sixty chapters covering all aspects of soybean production in South Dakota and is scheduled to be available in March, 2013.
As severe weather makes its way yet again across South Dakota this week, I get asked the question… when will this wet streak end? Not only has it been wet, but a steady dose of wet days. The Aberdeen National Weather Service forecast office provided these tidbits of information...
According to the latest USDA-NASS report, South Dakota soybean planting progress is 63% complete and 20% emerged compared to the average 71 planted and 33 emerged. Long-term research done at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm near Beresford shows that a 0.4-0.5 bushel per acre loss per day in early to mid-June can be expected (Figure 1).
In the 2012 soybean growing season, samples from 8 fields in 5 counties in South Dakota tested positive for the sudden death syndrome pathogen. This is the first detection of sudden death syndrome of soybean in South Dakota.
Over the last 5 days, some areas have received over 6.0 inches of rainfall, leading to ponded or flooded areas in fields. Water saturated or waterlogged soils lack enough oxygen for root respiration and many wonder, “How long can corn and soybeans plants at early growth stages survive in these waterlogged soils?
Dandelion has become much more of a problem as farming practices have changed. Less tillage and increased use of glyphosate resistant crops along with reduced use of residual herbicides have allowed some perennial weeds such as dandelion to prevail. The burn down program in row crops is important in keeping dandelion in check. The main goal is to prevent seed production and stopping the emergence of new seedlings. The more mature the dandelion plant is the more difficult it is to control with herbicides.
Timely rainfall is more critical than normal this growing season. Only the northeast corner of South Dakota has been removed from the drought designation, though it is still abnormally dry. Only 28% of subsoil moisture in the state is rated adequate to surplus in the latest USDA-NASS crop progress and condition report. Growers abandoning winter wheat and seeding a spring crop may want to consider the answers to these questions: 1) Are some crops thriftier with water and 2) did some crops in 2012 deplete soil moisture more than others?
The first week in May is not unusual for a hard freeze across most of the state, as shown in the light blue color. The State Climate Office shows average last dates for 24, 28, 32 and 36 degree air temperatures in the spring. Over the last several days, these temperatures have risen 4-6 degrees in many areas, so we are now in a better range for planting.
The 2012 Field Plot Summaries: Plant Diseases & Fungicide Trials data have been summarized from ongoing Extension Plant Pathology project field trials. The objective of these trials was to evaluate and demonstrate the effects of fungicide seed treatments and foliar fungicides or cultural controls to manage plant diseases in various field crops. Data in the report are presented by crop and by individual study location.
Annual legumes, which include soybeans, peas, lentils and chickpeas, actually have very high demand for nutrients (especially nitrogen) during their growth. Producers typically treat all annual legume seed with rhizobia just prior to planting or apply a granular product that contains peat and rhizobia in the seed trench to ensure that the young plants have ample rhizobia and can produce the nitrogen they need to grow.
Fungicide seed treatments protect seedlings from both seed-borne and soil-borne pathogens. Seed-borne pathogens can be those inhabiting the seed surface, such as Pythium spp, or those in the interior of the seed (for example loose smut of wheat). Soil-borne pathogens survive in the soil and when they come in contact with the seed or seedling and the conditions are conducive, the infection process is initiated.
Every year, the fate of the entomological world is discussed by 2,000-3,000 entomologists at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America (this year held in Knoxville, TN). Often, a hot topic is clearly identifiable from this meeting. This year is no exception: the major theme of the meeting was nothing less than the next generation of insecticides: RNAi-based insecticides.
SDSU Extension publishes the South Dakota Pest & Crop Newsletter each week to provide growers, producers, crop consultants, and others involved in crop production with timely news pertinent to management of pests, diseases, and weeds in South Dakota.
Noxious weed are problems for landowners and farmers regardless of what the year is like. Nearly 1.9 million acres of statewide noxious weeds were reported in 2012. Statewide losses from them exceed $140 million annually. Noxious weeds are characterized by their ability to spread rapidly and are not controlled by normal management practices.
Why calibrate? Many sprayers spend a good share of time identifying weed problems and what control is available. However all that time is wasted if time isn’t spent getting the sprayer ready for the field. A properly calibrated sprayer will provide effective control results and will allow for the best weed control possible.
In the 2012 soybean growing season, samples from 8 fields in 5 counties in South Dakota tested positive for the sudden death syndrome pathogen. This is the first detection of sudden death syndrome of soybean in South Dakota.
Current weather conditions are conducive for seedling diseases to develop. Several parts of the state have had over 5 inches of rain in the last seven days. Also soil temperatures for the eastern part of the state are below average (50 to 61° F as of May 26 2013 at the 4’’ soil depth). Wet and cool soils favor most pathogens that cause damping off in corn and soybean.
Dandelion has become much more of a problem as farming practices have changed. Less tillage and increased use of glyphosate resistant crops along with reduced use of residual herbicides have allowed some perennial weeds such as dandelion to prevail. The burn down program in row crops is important in keeping dandelion in check. The main goal is to prevent seed production and stopping the emergence of new seedlings. The more mature the dandelion plant is the more difficult it is to control with herbicides.
Despite recent rain and snow storms, chances are still high that producers will face dry planting conditions, which also brings unique challenges in treating weed problems. While annual weeds will grow slowly in these conditions, there will typically be large numbers of seeds ready to grow following spring rains.
The following strategies should be effective in reducing problems with herbicide tolerant and resistant weed biotypes, but no strategy is likely to be totally effective alone.
The 2012 Field Plot Summaries: Plant Diseases & Fungicide Trials data have been summarized from ongoing Extension Plant Pathology project field trials. The objective of these trials was to evaluate and demonstrate the effects of fungicide seed treatments and foliar fungicides or cultural controls to manage plant diseases in various field crops. Data in the report are presented by crop and by individual study location.
As severe weather makes its way yet again across South Dakota this week, I get asked the question… when will this wet streak end? Not only has it been wet, but a steady dose of wet days. The Aberdeen National Weather Service forecast office provided these tidbits of information...
Tillage erosion is the downslope movement of soil by tillage. During tillage, soil is lifted and gravity moves soil downslope. Soil movement by tillage increases with slope steepness. However, net soil transport by tillage is determined by the change in slope. Soil movement by tillage very slowly levels the land surface.
Over the last 5 days, some areas have received over 6.0 inches of rainfall, leading to ponded or flooded areas in fields. Water saturated or waterlogged soils lack enough oxygen for root respiration and many wonder, “How long can corn and soybeans plants at early growth stages survive in these waterlogged soils?
In response to seasonal flooding, iGrow has put together a collection of the latest news updates, articles, and flood relief information to help get your farm and community on the path to recovery. Learn more inside!
Timely rainfall is more critical than normal this growing season. Only the northeast corner of South Dakota has been removed from the drought designation, though it is still abnormally dry. Only 28% of subsoil moisture in the state is rated adequate to surplus in the latest USDA-NASS crop progress and condition report. Growers abandoning winter wheat and seeding a spring crop may want to consider the answers to these questions: 1) Are some crops thriftier with water and 2) did some crops in 2012 deplete soil moisture more than others?
How far has carryover nitrogen moved in our soils with the moisture we have received mostly this spring. Soil nitrate-N is water soluble, so it can move with the infiltration of the precipitation. However, movement of water and nitrate-N within the soil is complex and all the nitrate-N doesn’t move exactly with the water wetting front.
The first week in May is not unusual for a hard freeze across most of the state, as shown in the light blue color. The State Climate Office shows average last dates for 24, 28, 32 and 36 degree air temperatures in the spring. Over the last several days, these temperatures have risen 4-6 degrees in many areas, so we are now in a better range for planting.
Our recent heavy snowfall has been welcome to replenish some of our region’s dry soils. The snow also brought comments and questions concerning the nitrogen within the precipitation in that it will help green up our pastures and winter wheat. We measured and analyzed the snowfall received in Brookings, SD about 30 hours after it had fallen.
Soil moisture conditions have changed some with recent snows and moistures. However, in some parts of the state, there still exists the possibility of dry planting conditions this spring. Regardless of soil moisture conditions where you are at, fortunately there is a calculator that can give some useful starter guidelines for various crops, starter fertilizers, and soil moisture conditions.
A number of areas, particularly in southern SD, had poor corn yields last year due to drought. As a result, many of these fields have high carryover levels of nitrogen. Carryover nitrate-N levels typically were over 100 lbs/a in two foot soil samples for many fields. Most of that carryover is still in the top 6 inches. Many of these fields will be rotated into soybean for 2013.
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the in-house research arm of the US Department of Agriculture. The ARS conducts scientific research to solve agricultural problems of high national priority. The North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory in Brookings is the only ARS facility in South Dakota and an important part of the national network of ARS labs.
One of the most destructive pests found in South Dakota soybean fields and in the world is soybean cyst nematode (SCN). SCN was first detected in South Dakota in 1995 in Union County. By 2012, SCN was detected in 27 counties in South Dakota. Although it hasn’t been found in all soybean growing counties in South Dakota, soybean cyst nematodes are hardy and likely to survive anywhere soybeans are produced in the state.
This article is a summary of the project “Development and Refining Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Optimum Yields”, which was made possible by the support of the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council. Currently in year four of a five year project, the overall goal of this project is to increase production and profitability of South Dakota’s soybean producers.
South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Soybean Association, and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council have undertaken the task of producing the iGrow Soybeans Best Management Practices Book. This publication will present over sixty chapters covering all aspects of soybean production in South Dakota and is scheduled to be available in March, 2013.
America’s only advanced biofuel is now available year-round in southwestern Minnesota, eastern South Dakota and northwest Iowa. The South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Harms Oil Company, National Biodiesel Foundation and Clean Cities have partnered to expand the availability of biodiesel in the region. Previously, biodiesel was only offered for seasonal blending.
Land-grant institutions, an idea conceived during the Civ¬il War, may be one of America’s greatest success stories. In 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act, also known as the Land-Grant Act, into law. As we celebrate 150 years of the Morrill Act in 2012, it’s time to recognize what the legislation has done for higher education in America and look at the future of land-grant universities.
Land-grant institutions, an idea conceived during the Civil War, may be one of America’s greatest success stories. In 1862, Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Act, also known as the Land-Grant Act, into law. As we celebrate 150 years of the Morrill Act in 2012, it’s time to recognize what the legislation has done for higher education in America and look at the future of land-grant universities.
Across fish species, dietary requirements vary greatly and each species has its own narrow range of requirements to maintain good growth and health. Brown says protein requirements can vary between 25 and 55 per¬cent, depending upon species and life stage, plus there are fairly substantial differences in amino acid and fatty acid requirements.
Aquaculture has expanded beyond Asia, Central America and the farm ponds of southern states up north to South Dakota. Of course, fish production in South Da¬kota opens a new market for the state’s soybean farmers.
Any pesticide user will at some point deal with the disposal of waste pesticide and empty pesticide containers. Pesticide is considered as a ‘waste’ when its label uses has been cancelled (e.g. DDT), when the label information is no longer available so as to hinder proper usage or when the pesticide is no longer in usable condition (e.g. dry formulation that has caked).