Category Archives: Farm Management

06 Jul 2016

Updated sulfur recommendations for cotton

06 Jul 2016
Author:  2 Comments

Tyson Raper and Frank Yin

ARTICLE OVERVIEW 

  • Sulfur deficiencies are starting to show up this year in TN cotton.
  • Deficiencies appear as uniform chlorosis of new growth, slight stunting
  • Soil applied applications of ammonium sulfate can still remedy the deficiency 
  • Late season deficiencies can be addressed with (2) applications of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)
  • UT currently recommends 10 lb S per ac for cotton
Ames Plantation, TN S plots
LEFT: New growth of sulfur deficient cotton will appear uniformly chlorotic (yellow) and may be stunted. This row received no S at planting. RIGHT: Applications of 10-20 lb S per acre have been shown to prevent the deficiency. This plot received 20 lb S at planting.

Sulfur (S) deficiencies are beginning to appear in some West TN cotton fields.  The image above was taken last week at Ames Plantation in a trial conducted by Dr. Frank Yin.  Although the soils at that location (Collins fine sandy loam) are coarser than our typical silt loam, I was surprised to see such a strong response to the nutrient by Continue reading →

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

04 Jul 2016

Managing cotton plant growth in 2016

04 Jul 2016
Author:  Comments Off on Managing cotton plant growth in 2016

blooms2016

Many fields in West TN reached first flower well-before the 4th.  I wouldn’t be surprised if over half of our acres will be blooming by the end of the week.  With rain and warm temperatures in the forecast, expect very rapid plant growth in areas which have adequate moisture as we move into flowering.  For those who have not applied an early shot of a plant growth regulator (PGR), you should consider doing so very soon.  Several points should be considered when attempting to regulate growth in 2016. Continue reading →

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

10 Jun 2016

June 10th Supply and Demand Estimates and Profitability Outlook

10 Jun 2016
Author:  Comments Off on June 10th Supply and Demand Estimates and Profitability Outlook

May 10th Supply and Demand Estimates and Profitability Outlook 

This link to Supply & Demand Estimates & Profitability Outlook contains a  summary of the USDA’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. Domestic balance sheets for corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat are displayed along with price reaction in futures markets for each commodity on the day of the report release. Additionally, supply and demand estimates for key importing and exporting countries are provided for the current month along with change in estimates from the previous report. The Profitability Outlook section contains estimated returns per acre for each commodity based  on 2015 Tennessee state average/trend yields and current price offerings (note: cotton prices include a seed and hauling rebate). Variable expenses are based on the University of Tennessee Extension 2016 Row Crop Budgets. Prices are updated monthly; expenses are updated as warranted during the year and may be different than the expenses contained in the 2016 Row Crop Budgets. This section provides an estimation of the current relative profitability amongst major row crops in Tennessee.

The report is prepared monthly by Dr. Aaron Smith and Chuck Danehower.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

19 May 2016

Milan No-Till Field Day Set for July 28

19 May 2016
Author:  Comments Off on Milan No-Till Field Day Set for July 28

2016No Till Logo Finalhigh resMILAN, Tenn. – UT AgResearch will host the Milan No-Till Crop Production Field Day on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the AgResearch and Education Center at Milan. The event will offer 40 research-based presentations. Sessions will cover best management strategies for no-till crop production, including nutrient enhancement, water use, new technologies in pest control and advancements in plant breeding.

The event is free and open to the public. Gates open at 6 a.m. Presentations and an agricultural industry trade show begin at 7 a.m. The field day will conclude at 2 p.m.

A schedule, a list of presentation topics, and information on pesticide recertification points as well as Certified Crop Advisor CEUs are available at http://milan.tennessee.edu/MNTFD. Individuals are also encouraged to follow the event on social media platforms using the hashtag #MilanNoTill.

Continue reading →

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

12 May 2016

UT Crop Marketing Update 5/12/2016

12 May 2016
Author:  Comments Off on UT Crop Marketing Update 5/12/2016

Corn: It has been a wild ride in the commodity markets this week. Corn, like the other grains, has had its fair share in the roller coaster ride this week. In fact,  September corn futures opened Monday at $3.80 and closed today at $3.92. The gain of $0.12 can be attributed mostly to the fear of what will happen to U.S. corn acres along with a spillover effect from the soybean trade. The Midwest has received rainfall in key growing areas that is delaying the planting of corn. Continue reading →

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

10 May 2016

May 10th Supply and Demand Estimates and Profitability Outlook

10 May 2016
Author:  Comments Off on May 10th Supply and Demand Estimates and Profitability Outlook

May 10th Supply and Demand Estimates and Profitability Outlook 

This link to Supply & Demand Estimates & Profitability Outlook contains a  summary of the USDA’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. Domestic balance sheets for corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat are displayed along with price reaction in futures markets for each commodity on the day of the report release. Additionally, supply and demand estimates for key importing and exporting countries are provided for the current month along with change in estimates from the previous report. The Profitability Outlook section contains estimated returns per acre for each commodity based  on 2015 Tennessee state average/trend yields and current price offerings (note: cotton prices include a seed and hauling rebate). Variable expenses are based on the University of Tennessee Extension 2016 Row Crop Budgets. Prices are updated monthly; expenses are updated as warranted during the year and may be different than the expenses contained in the 2016 Row Crop Budgets. This section provides an estimation of the current relative profitability amongst major row crops in Tennessee.

The report is prepared monthly by Dr. Aaron Smith and Chuck Danehower.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email