The 2015 version of PB1768, Insect Control Recommendations for Field Crops, is now available online at UTcrops.com. Hard copies will soon be available and distributed at UT county and crop production workshops.
The following is an updated version of an older article … The next 4-5 weeks is the time to consider making a foliar application for aphids in wheat. I’ve discussed the potential value of managing aphids to prevent the spread of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) in a previous article. A late-winter, foliar insecticide application, at least on wheat not having an insecticide seed treatment, has shown a consistent yield benefit in my testing over the last five years (figure below). Continue reading
As I visit with farmers in Tennessee, one of the common statements I have heard is that 2014 was one of the best yielding crops ever, but that doesn’t mean it was the most profitable year. Many times they have said 2014 was the most expensive crop ever. That has left many producers coming up short in paying all their bills and loans. Continue reading at Southeast Farm Press.
Corn, soybeans, and cotton were up; wheat was down from last week. In
early 2015, row-crop producers and landowners will be required to make
several interrelated decisions under the 2014 Farm Bill. These decisions will
be in place for the next five years, so it is important for producers and landowners
to weigh their options carefully. Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights.
I’ve recently received several calls concerning N applications on wheat. Although this cold front has made it easier to get across wet fields, it is still early for the first split in a late winter/early spring split-N application approach. To make the most of the first split, target ‘spring greenup’, or the period in which wheat breaks dormancy and begins to grow rapidly (typically Feekes 3 or Zadoks 25). Delaying applications until this point can help ensure the applied N is available to the developing crop by reducing the potential for N loss. The current N demand of the dormant crop Continue reading
Farm Bill meetings for producers, landowners, and agri-industry in Tennessee have been scheduled in January and February. Topics Include Farm Bill Programs & Decisions Specific to Row Crop Production in Tennessee: Base Acre Reallocation, Yield Updates, Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC), Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), and FSA Online Decision Aids. Continue reading at 2015 TN Farm Bill meetings.
Corn, soybeans, cotton, and wheat were down from December 19th. Since reaching a 5-month contract high on December 29th of $4.17/bu, March corn has dropped 22 cents closing on Friday at $3.95/bu. March soybeans achieved a 1-month high on December 29th of $10.68, before dropping 61 cents in three trading days to close this Friday at $10.07/bu. Continued vola-tility in grain and oilseed future markets are likely to persist as we move further in to 2015. Currently, a good argument can be made for further price declines or a rally in early 2015. Those bullish in grain and oilseed markets will point to the demand side where exports, domestic soybean demand, and corn ethanol use have exceeded USDA expectations to date. Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights.
The 2014 TN Cotton Variety Trial Results Publication (PB1742) is now available online. This document contains detailed results from all harvested trails in the 2014 University of Tennessee Cotton Variety Testing program. This expanded publication follows the recently published summary publication, 2015 TN Cotton Variety Guide (W285), which was released a few weeks ago.
The tech-trait diversity in the top performers highlights the excellent yield potential, stability and fiber quality currently available in commercial cultivars irregardless of tech platform. Given many of these currently-available varieties have been moved forward into new tech-trait platforms, it appears producers will be deciding between several very viable options for many years to come. Continue reading