Farm Notes
June 2012
In This Issue ……..
Dairy Grazing Conference Set For July 25-27.................. 1
General Forestry Course Fall Semester 2012 ................... 2
Responsible Horse Ownership Week Posted .................... 2
Proposed Changes-Nutrient Management Regulations .... 3
Credit For America’s Farmers & Ranchers ...................... 3
On-Farm Small Flock Field Day Seminar ........................ 4
New Estate Law Should Help Families ............................ 4
Subscribe To Field Crop News Today .............................. 5
Buttercups In Bloom......................................................... 5
Insects & Slug Pests Attracting Attention This Spring ..... 6
How Soon Can Newly Baled hay Be Fed? ....................... 7
Glyphosate Use................................................................. 8
Income Over Feed Cost .................................................... 8
Virginia Tech Discontinuing Participation ..................... 10
Weather Effects On Forage Quality................................ 10
Weed Control For Hay & Pasture Weeds ....................... 11
Dates To Remember ....................................................... 13
DAIRY GRAZING CONFERENCE SET FOR JULY 25-27
The 2012 Mid-Atlantic Dairy Grazing Conference will be based
in Chestertown on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It will begin with
registration at Washington College in Chestertown at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, July 25, and conclude at 2:15 p.m. Friday, July 27.
Fair Hill Farm and St. Brigid’s Farm in Kent County will host
the on-farm portions of the conference on Wednesday and
Thursday.
Speakers and panelists will include successful dairy graziers
and others with practical expertise in relevant pasture-based
dairy topics including forages, nutrition, grazing management,
reproduction, genetics and economics.
Most topics will be applicable to both organic and conventional
pasture-based systems.
Program information: Dr. Steve Washburn, North Carolina
State University, Steve_Washburn@ncsu.edu – (919) 5157726, FAX: (919)-515-6884
Local arrangements and registration: Jay Douthit, Maryland
Extension, jdouthit@umd.edu – (410) -778-1661 FAX: (410) –
778- 9075
Source: UME
1
GENERAL FORESTRY COURSE FALL SEMESTER 2012
The University of Maryland Extension will offer the General Forestry Course for the fall 2012 semester.
Both the PAPER AND ONLINE version will be offered. The course begins September 1 and runs until
December 15, 2012.
Registration opens July 1.
To register, go to the website at
http://www.mdforest.umd.edu.
As there are no formal classes, you work from the comfort of your home using your own woodlot, a friend's, or
a public forest. You will learn how to protect your trees from insects, diseases and fire; step-by-step procedures
will walk you through a forest inventory and stand analysis; and the details of the forestry business are
presented, including tax nuances and the sale and harvest of forest products. Ultimately, the course exercises
help you develop the framework for a management plan for your forest.
The cost for this forestry course is normally $300. However, the course is being offered at a $25 discount
during the month of July so it will only cost $275 through July 31. The cost goes up to $300 on August 1.
Late registration (September 2-14) is $400. Included in the cost are copies of the supplemental readings (A
Sand County Almanac, The Woodland Steward, American Forests: A History of Resiliency and Recovery, and
a small pamphlet entitled What Tree Is That?). The paper version text and appendices are in binder form.
Online users receive a flash drive of the paper version of the text and appendices for use as a reference after the
course ends. A certificate of completion is awarded when all assignments are completed.
But don't take our word for it.
See it for yourself on the website at
http://www.mdforest.umd.edu. There you can read a lesson from the text, view an
interactive exercise, read through detailed course information and FAQs.
For more information, contact Nancy Stewart at the University of Maryland Extension,
Wye Research and Education Center, P.O. Box 169, Queenstown, MD, 21658; phone
410/827-8056, ext. 107; or email nstewar1@umd.edu. REMEMBER, YOU GET THE
DISCOUNT DURING JULY ONLY. Check for details on the website today and
mark the date for open enrollment on your calendar!
Source: Nancy Stewart, UME WREC
WEBINARS FROM RESPONSIBLE HORSE OWNERSHIP WEEK ARE NOW POSTED
The University of Maryland webinars featured during Responsible Horse Ownership Week are now posted to
the Equine Studies website! Follow the link below to view recordings of "Horse Ownership 101", "Maximizing
your Horse's Nutrition for Optimal Health and Performance", "Equine Facilities and Pasture Considerations",
"Basic Equine Health and Emergency Preparedness" and "Horse Shopping? Better Ask Some Questions"
http://www.ansc.umd.edu/equinestudies/index.cfm?directory=webinars.cfm
Please note that the Adobe Connect system used for the webinars is a Flash based program, so you will need to
have Flash Player installed for it to run properly. You can install Flash Player by clicking here:
http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
Source: Jennifer Reynolds, Coordinator-Equine and Poultry Extension Activities, Dept. of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland
2
PROPOSED CHANGES TO NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
Recently proposed changes to Maryland’s Nutrient Management Regulations were submitted to the Joint
Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review (AELR) for review.
Following are key features of the new regulations:
** Beginning July 1, 2016, nutrient applications will be prohibited between November 1 and March 1 for
Eastern Shore farmers and between November 15 and March 1 for Western Shore farmers.
** Organic nutrients will need to be incorporated into the soil within 48 hours of application.
** Farmers will be required to plant cover crops when they use organic nutrient sources in the fall.
** Beginning 2014, farmers will be required to establish a 10 to 35 foot “no fertilizer application zone”
adjacent to surface water and streams.
** Beginning 2014, farmers will be required to protect streams from livestock traffic by providing fencing or
approved alternative best management practices.
** Fall fertilizer applications for small grains will be limited.
** Guidance and clarification is provided on the use of soil amendments and soil conditioners.
If the AELR Committee does not delay the proposed regulatory changes, they will be published in the Maryland
Register for a 45-day public comment period. After the comment period closes, MDA will review any
comments. If MDA makes substantive changes as a result of the public comment, the revised regulations will be
resubmitted to the AELR and the Maryland Register.
A summary of the MDA’s proposed changes
www.mda.maryland.gov/pdf/proposednmregs2.pdf .
submitted
to
AELR
is
available
online
at:
Source: MDA
NEW AND EXPANDED ACCESS TO CREDIT FOR AMERICA'S FARMERS AND RANCHERS
New Microloan Proposal Helps Small Farmers Avoid High-Interest Credit Card and Personal Loans
With expanded access to credit, USDA is helping a new generation of farmers sustain and build upon what is
now the most productive period in history for American agriculture.
USDA farm loans can be used to purchase land, livestock, equipment, feed, seed, and supplies, or to construct
buildings or make farm improvements. For beginning farmers and ranchers, USDA provides affordable credit,
including loans under the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program and Youth Loans. In addition, USDA
provides grants under the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. The establishment of a
coordinating office for USDA beginning farmer programs has supported education and training for more than
15,000 beginning farmers and ranchers.
USDA is also seeking comments on a proposal to improve its Operating Loan Program to better meet the needs
of small farmers with a new microloan program. Under the microloan proposal, producers who need a loan for
less than $35,000 may apply using simplified and streamlined procedures. The program will cut the required
paperwork in half and simplify the process to obtain a loan. The goal of the microloan program is to better meet
the credit needs of small farm operations while making more effective use of FSA resources. Small farmers
3
often rely on credit cards or personal loans, which carry high interest rates and have less flexible payment
schedules, to finance their operations. The improvements aim to offer a more efficient processing time for
smaller loans, adding flexibility to some of the eligibility requirements and reducing the application
requirements.
The proposed rule may be viewed at
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/federalNotices?area=home&subject=lare&topic=frd-pi or through the FSA home
page at http://www.fsa.usda.gov.
Comments should be submitted no later than July 23, 2012 by either of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting
comments. Mail: Director, Loan Making Division (LMD), FSA, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Stop
0522, Washington, DC 20250-0522.
Source: USDA
ON-FARM SMALL FLOCK FIELD DAY AND EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR
Small flock poultry producers are invited to attend an evening field day and educational seminar hosted by Tom
Albright, Albright Farms, 15630 Old York Road, Monkton, MD 21111-2204, (410) 329-3269 on Wednesday,
June 27, 2012 beginning at 6:00 PM. Albright Farms are local growers of free-range beef, chicken, turkey, and
many plant varieties in Baltimore County, MD. Tom Albright also handles chick orders and sourcing for the
newly formed Central Maryland Poultry Producers Group.
Our program:
1. Presentations concerning varieties and growth rates on different types of meat birds.
2. Tour of the farm’s poultry production system featuring Tom’s own movable coop designs.
3. Membership information about joining the Central Maryland Poultry Producers Group.
6:00 pm: Lite dinner will be provided by Albright Farms. Registration is required. Please RSVP
your reservation to Tom Albright at 410-329-3269 or email to albrightfarmsinc@aol.com
6:35 pm: Evening program begins.
Meeting is open to the public. A short meeting of Central Maryland Poultry Producers Group will be held prior
to the start of the evening program. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the Central Maryland
Poultry Producers Group and to visit a profitable and sustainable poultry production and marketing farm. Talk
with the farmer and learn what makes him successful.
For additional information about the field day or about the Central Maryland Poultry Producers Group, visit the
website at www.cmdppg.com.
Sponsored by Central Maryland Poultry Producers Group & Future Harvest CASA.
Source: Ginger S. Myers, Western Maryland Research & Education Center
WHEN FARM OWNER DIES, NEW ESTATE LAW SHOULD HELP FAMILIES KEEP IT IN
BUSINESS
Farmers who want to keep the family farm in the family and in business when the owner dies hope that a law
signed last week will do just that for agricultural homesteads in Maryland.
4
The Family Farm Preservation Act signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley aims to protect the future of the family
farming by substantially reducing death taxes on many smaller operations.
The new law, which takes effect in July, raises the estate tax exemption from $1 million to $5 million on
agriculture-related assets so long as the farm remains in agricultural use for 10 years following the owner’s
death. The previous base exemption made it difficult for farmers to pass their farm on to the next generation
following an owner’s death.
The Mid-Atlantic region’s high land prices coupled with a modest-sized farm’s machinery, livestock and
buildings on the farm like a barn or farmhouse quickly adds up to $1 million or more in assets.
Since 2003, there has been a disparity between the federal and Maryland’s estate tax exemption. According to
the USDA, the farm estate tax has steadily increased in this time, with a short-lived repeal in 2010 and return to
$1 million in 2011.
Though the federal tax exemption base is lower, the tax rate is significantly higher at 55%. The farm bill
reduces the state’s tax rate from 16% to 5%
The farm preservation bill was an official part of O’Malley legislative priorities but was passed by the General
Assembly just two days before the regular session ended.
Virginia and West Virginia do not impose any taxes on wealth transfers while tax burdens in Pennsylvania,
New Jersey, and the District of Columbia are among the highest in the nation.
Source: Dana Amihere, Dana@MarylandReporter.com
SUBSCRIBE TO THE PENN STATE EXTENSION CROP MANAGEMENT TEAM FIELD CROP
NEWS TODAY
If you’re not getting the Field Crop News, there’s still time to start. This is a weekly electronic newsletter that
is delivered to your email box on Tuesday afternoons during the growing season with monthly newsletters
during the winter. You will see the latest about our Weather Outlook from State Climatologist Paul Knight and
timely agronomic crop management articles from the Crop Management Team at Penn State. Whether its corn,
alfalfa, weeds, insects, or other issues, this is the place to stay current. We also promote upcoming events such
as field days and other educational activities. To subscribe electronically, go to: Field Crop News or
(http://extension.psu.edu/field-crop-news/subscribe) and fill out the requested information and receive the
next newsletter later today. If you have problems subscribing or wish to cancel your subscription, please
contact Lisa Crytser by e-mail at lac8@psu.edu or by phone at 814-865-2543. Hope you join our newsletter.
Source: Bill Curran, Field Crop News Coordinator, 116 ASI Bldg., Crop and Soil Sciences, Penn State University
BUTTERCUPS IN BLOOM
A number of buttercup species (Ranunculus sp.) are quite visible in many pastures this time of year. This genus
includes about 600 species with about 25 included in The Plants of Pennsylvania
http://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/14335.html. They are mostly herbaceous perennials with bright yellow
or white flowers, but some are annual or biennial. Buttercups are poisonous to livestock, but are generally left
uneaten because of their acrid taste. People have commented that they seem more conspicuous than normal this
year.
5
Buttercups in pasture are generally a symptom of overgrazing and in general not enough attention paid to
pasture management. You can control or reduce the buttercups with several herbicides, but they will return the
next season if additional management is not included (rotational grazing, fertility and pH, drainage,
overseeding, etc.). If you are willing to use an herbicide, when is the best time is to control buttercups in
pasture? For both annuals and perennials, trying to control or suppress them prior to seed production in early
summer would be helpful. However, as it is for most perennials, a well timed late summer application may be
most effective. We conducted a study back in 2008 in Lebanon County, PA on a farm infested with perennial
bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus). We tested a number of herbicides in a mixed-grass pasture
examining two application times; July 8 and September 24, 2008. We evaluated the plots the year of application
and the following summer. The year of application treatments only provided 50 to 77% control of buttercup and
continued to decline. By the year after application, the September timing provided better control than the July
timing. The aminopyralid containing products (Milestone and ForeFront) tended to be near the top with 83% or
better control. Clarity + 2,4-D amine provided 67% control with Cimarron Plus and a metsulfuron + Clarity +
2,4–D amine treatment coming in at 77% control. As mentioned in last weeks' newsletter, aminopyralid, a
component of ForeFront can only be used in permanent grass pasture settings in Pennsylvania, it cannot be used
in hay production (supplemental label update: http://www.cdms.net/LDat/ldA6J003.pdf) and special manure
handling is required. This is generally not a product suitable for horse pastures where manure may leave the
farm.
Source: Bill Curran and Dwight Lingenfelter, Penn State Weed Science Extension
A VARIETY OF INSECT AND SLUG PESTS ATTRACTING ATTENTION THIS SPRING
In the past few weeks, I have provided updates on various insect and slug pests that have
warranted attention this spring http://extension.psu.edu/field-crop-news/archives/2012. This
week the list will reiterate much of these same points and expand slightly because crop scouts
and growers around Pennsylvania are reporting many actively feeding pest species.
At our research farm in Centre County, we have found a few corn fields with substantial black cutworm
damage. These caterpillars are active at night, but were easy to find with a trowel by digging up the cut
seedling. Presence of the black, greasy looking caterpillars verifies the source of damage, which can be difficult
to diagnose is some cases, particularly in slug infested fields. Some of the fields where we found damage were
planted with seed protected by the high rate of a popular seed treatment; nevertheless, damage is evident.
Similarly, some transgenic corn varieties claim activity against black cutworm, but this control is not always
perfect and damage to these Bt hybrids can be surprising. To hedge against any surprises, growers and field
personnel would be wise to scout fields, including transgenic and seed-treated fields, for this cutting damage,
and apply rescue treatments if larvae are small and the economic threshold is exceeded. For details on black
cutworm and thresholds, check here: http://www.ento.psu.edu/extensi on/factsheets/black_cutworm.htm.
True armyworms are also active. These caterpillars can cause damage to small grains and corn, but tend to be
most problematic in corn planted before a small grain cover crop was completely dead. Be sure to scout for
damage from this pest because, true to its name, populations can generate quickly and march through fields
causing extensive damage - in corn characteristic defoliation leaves just the midrib remaining. For details see:
http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/armyworm
Slugs continue to be problematic with the regular bouts of rain experienced by much of the state. These slimy
mollusks can quickly decimate newly sprouted fields, so be sure to scout low-lying fields or those with heavy
residue. Corn seedlings often can grow out of seemingly serious damage. If the upper leaves are more or less
free of damage, chances of the corn growing out of it are pretty good. If rescue treatments are warranted, act
6
quickly.
See
our
factsheet
for
details
and
slugs:http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/slugs-as-pests-of-field-crops
control
options
for
We are getting an increasing number of reports of cereal leaf beetle activity around Pennsylvania. This time of
year cereal leaf beetle infestations are often diagnosed from the cab of a vehicle as fields turn frosted and
frosted fields are too late to save. This year substantial populations have been detected when growers inspect
their sprayers after applying fungicides and finding larvae all over the sprayer. Once populations reach one or
more larvae per stem, treatment is probably warranted, especially if larvae are feeding on the flag leaf prior to
head emergence. Damage later in head filling does not appear to be significant and if adults are seen late in
spring, it is likely too late to manage this pest. For details on this pest’s life cycle and management options, see
our recently revised fact sheet: http://ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/cereal-leaf-beetle
Bean leaf beetle populations are abundant in many soybean fields this spring. Cold temperatures typically
knock back populations of this native pest species, so the mild conditions we had this past winter have likely
contributed to larger populations. Seed treatments are very effective against this early season pest, but soybean
seedlings can still experience defoliation and damage to the cotyledons. Growers may be uncomfortable with
damage they are seeing, but beans typically recover well and there is rarely a yield drag from this early season
damage. So unless damage is extreme, be patient and trust your treated beans.
Lastly, we have gotten our first reports of potato leafhopper populations in alfalfa fields. Hot dry temperatures
can really speed development of this pest, but populations this time of year can still increase, so keep those
sweep nets handy and watch your alfalfa fields. Happy Scouting!
Source: John Tooker, PSU Entomology Specialist
HOW SOON CAN NEWLY BALED HAY BE FED?
With forage shortages lingering from last year, some hay producers are selling their newly baled hay right out
of the field. Because some animal owners are feeding this hay immediately there have been concerns about how
SAFE this hay is to feed before it goes through a “sweat”.
Newly baled hay usually goes through a “sweat” because it continues to lose moisture from the bale until the
moisture content becomes equilibrated with the surrounding air. Hay baled at 20% moisture will usually drop to
about 12% moisture within a few months of baling. Add to this moisture loss, the heat generated from continued
respiration in the bale and you have what is known as a “sweat”.
Ideally, hay should be fed in the order in which it was placed into storage (first in, first out) which means that
hay would normally have been in storage for at least a few days before being fed. However, the tight hay supply
means that this isn’t always possible this year.
There are no animal health problems directly associated with feeding newly baled hay. However, animals
should be gradually acclimated to this new feed. Just like with any new feed, acclimating the animals helps
avoid digestive problems associated with rapid changes in feeds.
An additional consideration when selling or buying hay directly from the baler is the amount of water being
sold or bought. A ton of newly baled hay (20% moisture) will contain about 180 lbs more water than stored hay
at 12% moisture.
Source: Marvin Hall, PSU Forage
Specialist
7
IF YOU WANT TO USE GLYPHOSATE IN THE FUTURE, BEST TO TANK-MIX NOW
As we move into the seasonal time frame of applying more post herbicides, this is just a reminder to always
consider herbicide resistance management. With many acres of Roundup Ready crops being planted, properly
managing herbicides, especially glyphosate, to prevent resistance is always a challenge.
The first consideration is using the proper rate of glyphosate depending on the size of the weeds. In most cases,
for 4–6 inch tall weeds use 0.75 lb ae of glyphosate http://extension.psu.edu/agronomy-guide/pm/tables/table-22-1a. Be sure to increase glyphosate rates when required by larger weed sizes. Avoid thinking that glyphosate
can control any weed, at any time. Glyphosate does not provide equal control of all weed species. Glyphosate
tends to be weak on annual morningglories, lambsquarters, velvetleaf, nightshade, smartweed, and ragweeds,
especially if they are larger in size (8 inches or taller).
Another consideration is to tank mix with other herbicides which have different modes of action yet control a
similar complement of weeds. Also, tank mixing broadens the weed control spectrum and provides additional
insurance for reducing resistance. In RR soybeans, tank mix with Pursuit, Scepter, Raptor, FirstRate, Classic,
Reflex, Warrant, or Harmony SG.
In RR corn, consider adding atrazine, Clarity, Status, Impact/Armezon, Capreno, Yukon, Northstar, Resolve Q,
or Steadfast Q. Keep in mind there are certain products that are already pre-mixed with glyphosate including,
Extreme, Flexstar GT 3.5, and Halex GT. Some of these herbicide combinations provide some soil residual
activity after the post application.
In order to preserve glyphosate’s usefulness now and in the future, it is important to use necessary resistance
management tactics. Otherwise we will lose another valuable weed control option.
Other things to watch for: ALS herbicide injury in corn. With all the wet weather, we are setting up for a
repeat of last year with corn injury from ALS herbicide products applied preemergence. Watch out for fields
that are stunted and chlorotic. Also, we are expecting to see more weed escapes as soil-applied, residual
herbicides are degrading and/or are being washed away with the abundance of rainfall. If these happen, we will
provide more details in future newsletters.
Source: Dwight Lingenfelter and Bill Curran, PSU Extension Weed Science
INCOME OVER FEED COST (IOFC)
First, know what the formula is to calculate IOFC.
IOFC ($/cow/day) = Pmilk x (DAMP/100) – DFC
You take your gross milk price (Pmilk) and multiply it by the daily average milk production (DAMP) divided
by 100. Next, subtract the daily feed cost (DFC) to arrive at your income over feed cost per cow per day.
Daily feed cost is the daily cost of feedstuffs required to produce the amount of milk reflected in the daily
average milk production or DAMP.
The gross milk price (Pmilk) can be taken from your monthly milk check. To figure the daily average milk
production, take the total pounds of milk shipped (from your milk check) and divide it by the number of days in
the month, then divide by the number of lactating cows.
8
Essentially, the gross milk price is being converted from dollars per cwt to dollars per pound of milk produced
and then the cost of producing that milk is subtracted.
For example, if your gross milk price is $18.50, your daily average milk production is 70 pounds and your daily
feed cost is $5.15, the formula would look like this: $18.50 x 70/100 - $5.15 = $7.80/cow/day IOFC. In this
example, if your IOFC breakeven is $9, this means you will probably have trouble paying bills and won’t be
able to save cash.
Only include lactating cows in your calculation. Dry cows and heifers should be excluded from all calculations
because it’s only the lactating cows that provide the income.
Your ration likely consists of both homegrown and purchased feeds. Therefore, it’s important to calculate the
real cost of home-grown forages.
The cost of home-grown forages should include the cost of the seed, fertilizer, crop chemicals, and custom
harvesting. The value of home-grown forages is most important when you are planning a cash flow and wish to
determine your breakeven IOFC. While this is not the full cost of producing the grain or forage, the overhead
cost must be covered by the IOFC you receive on the farm. When you want to benchmark your herd with other
dairy farms, use the market price for that forage.
Whether you choose to use your own cost calculation for homegrown forages or the market price, it is important
the method used be consistent each month.
Actual pounds fed to the lactating herd are needed. Do not exclude feed refusals. There is a cost to feed the
cow whether she consumes the feed or not, notes Ishler.
Feed prices for all ingredients are also needed. This includes forages, grain mixes and commodities. If you
forward-contract, use the contracted price instead of the actual market price.
When gathering figures to calculate, accuracy is important. If you make too many
assumptions, it is harder to rely on IOFC as a decision-making tool.
Calculating IOFC one time is not meaningful. Ideally IOFC should be calculated every
month if not more frequently.
And, it’s something that shouldn’t be a chore to update — 10 to 15 minutes once you
have the Excel file set up. (See links below to find where you can download an Excel
spreadsheet to calculate IOFC.) The best time to calculate IOFC is right after the
monthly milk check is received.
The bottom-line is herds that do a good job monitoring their IOFC have a higher likelihood of sticking around
longer.
As we move through these volatile times, feed prices are changing rapidly. Be cautious about making decisions
based on single ingredient prices alone.
Often, a knee-jerk reaction when a commodity gets expensive is to automatically remove it from the ration.
Next, you start bringing in all sorts of ingredients because they are cheap. But cheap can get expensive really
fast.
9
Maybe an ingredient is more expensive, but if you don’t lose milk production, and your income over feed cost
is within the benchmarks you set, then you are still OK.
Once you have calculated your income over feed cost (IOFC), it’s time to put it to use. Knowing your IOFC
enables you to:
• Make informed decisions about feed purchases.
• Know when to lock in milk price.
• Know when to adjust your ration to accommodate price volatility.
Penn State University Extension offers several resources on calculating income over feed cost. Here is a list of
available resources.
•
Managing income over feed cost
•
How to use the Penn State income over feed cost tool
•
Penn State income over feed cost tool
Source: Adapted from original article by Megan Pierce, Associate Editor, Dairy Herd Management
VIRGINIA TECH IS DISCONTINUING PARTICIPATION IN THE ACADEMIC COMMON
MARKET
http://www.registrar.vt.edu/records/common_market.php
Any student newly admitted in Dairy Science this Fall 2012 to Virginia Tech and applies as a Maryland resident
for ACM by June 30, 2012 (State deadline), may be eligible for ACM tuition benefits.
All other majors newly admitted to Virginia Tech (such as Dairy Science) may certify for Fall 2012 as Virginia
Tech is not dropping other programs until Spring 2013. VIRGINIA TECH’s DEADLINE FOR STUDENTS
TO BE CERTIFIED FOR ACM BENEFITS IS SEPTEMBER 4, 2012.
If you are interested in attending Virginia Tech under ACM go to the web site listed above for more
information. All questions regarding this change should be directed to Virginia Tech!
Source: Dr. Leon H. Slaughter, Associate Professor & Associate Dean Academic Programs, Associate Professor & Associate Dean, Plant Science &
Landscape Architecture, AGNR, UMD.
WEATHER EFFECTS ON FORAGE QUALITY
Any forage producer knows that both the yield and quality of forages is impacted by any rain that occurs from
the time the forage is cut until it is actually consumed by the animal. Rain causes quality and tonnage losses to
forages in many ways. By keeping the vegetation moist, the natural process of plant respiration continues in the
windrow. Plant respiration uses carbohydrates in plant cells until moisture levels drop below 15%. When the
respiration process continues for an extended period, the overall energy content of the forage is reduced, greatly
affecting quality.
A second way rain can impact forage quality is by actually washing soluble plant components such as
carbohydrates, proteins and minerals out of the plant cells. This washing out is commonly referred to as
leaching.
10
Leaf shattering and loss is also common in rain damaged forages, especially legumes. This loss can occur from
actual rain impact but most often results from the extra raking that is necessary to promote additional drying.
If the harvest windrow remains too wet, too long, undesirable microbes and molds can develop that will
consume what little plant carbohydrates remain, further reducing forage quality and adding to the risk of
harmful mycotoxins.
How much does rainfall reduce yields? Researchers at Wisconsin and Michigan looked at this effect on alfalfa.
In Wisconsin, they measured a 22% loss in dry matter when alfalfa was exposed to 1 inch of rain after cutting.
The investigators also noted a 44% loss to alfalfa exposed to 1.6 inches of rain over several days.
In Michigan, one study found dry matter losses in excess of 34%. Both studies concluded that the greatest losses
happened when rainfall occurred following a longer curing period.
How does rainfall intensity and forage moisture affect quality losses? In the same studies the results are very
clear. With the same amount of rainfall, a long, low intensity rain results in greater leaching losses than a short
duration, high intensity rain event. In addition, the Wisconsin study clearly showed that as the forage cures in
the field and moisture declines, it is more prone to dry matter losses from rain.
The researchers were trying to answer the question of “Do I cut my hay or not; if it is ready based on maturity
but rain is in the forecast?” Their conclusion - there is no easy answer because the impact of the rainfall on loss
of yield and quality varies with timing, amount, and duration. At Wisconsin they grouped the answer into low
risks and high risks for the management decision. Lower risk situations involved ensilaging; small acres to
harvest; rain forecast for early in the harvest period; forecasted rain is of short duration or scattered; pure grass;
already beyond optimum harvest stage; use of drying agents or preservatives; and the ability to market, feed or
store separately from higher quality forages.
With access to local weather reports from the Internet, producers now have greater access to up to date current
weather information. However, even the best forecaster is never 100% accurate and forecasting longer than 36
hours is often a good guess at best.
For additional information check out the following web
site:http://www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/uwforage/Rain_Damage.htm
WEED CONTROL ODDS AND ENDS FOR HAY AND PASTURE WEEDS
Herbicides in new grass and legume seedings. Herbicide selection for new forage grass and/or legume
seedings are limited. Most herbicide labels for grasses like orchardgrass, timothy, etc. state that the grasses
should be well established with at least 4–5 inches of growth. Some labels are more restrictive than this. The
metsulfuron label states that grasses should be established for at least 6 months prior to an application. This
ensures that they are developing a solid root system that could tolerate potential stress from the herbicide.
Herbicide selection, formulation (ester vs. amine) rate, and environmental conditions at application will all
impact the potential for injury. Herbicide use in new legume seedings has similar concerns. In general, legumes
should have several trifoliate leaves and be 2 to 3 inches tall before making an application. The Pursuit and
Raptor labels state that alfalfa should have 2 trifoliates or larger at application; two of the most lenient products
for new alfalfa seedings. Also, keep in mind that at the same time that we want our crop to have sufficient
growth, our targets are generally “small” annual weeds which are easier to kill – a bit of a paradox. Finally,
products are even more limited with mixed seedings. Pursuit is labeled for established alfalfa-grass mixtures as
is metribuzin (Dimetric, TriCor, etc.); MCPA and Buctril are labeled on legume/small grain companion
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seedings,
and
several
other
products
http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/FreePubs/pdfs/uc198.pd f.
have
labels
for
CREP
mixtures
Established hay and pasture. The flowering stage is an excellent time to attempt some control of poisonous
perennial plants. A number of common plants can be poisonous when eaten in sufficient quantity by livestock,
so monitor those pasture and hay fields closely. Remember that perennial weeds are most sensitive to control
with a systemic herbicide when they are in the bud to bloom stage and in late summer. Biennials including
musk and plumless thistle, burdock, wild carrot, etc. should be treated before they begin to bolt (they are bolting
now or very soon) and the smaller the better. Late fall or early spring is even a better time to treat them. And
finally, control summer annual weeds as soon after they emerge as possible when they are most sensitive to
chemical control. Below are some guidelines to provide a quick management summary for some common
weeds of pasture.
Management guidelines for some problem weeds of pastures.
Annuals
Winter annuals (Mustard species, common chickweed, etc.)




Mow after bolting to prevent seed production.
Apply an effective herbicide in fall or spring prior to bolting.
Most winter annuals emerge by late fall - a smaller percentage will emerge in early spring
Prevent seed production to prevent spread.
Summer annuals (Pigweed species, common lambsquarters, common ragweed, etc.)




Keep pasture full and competitive.
Mow after bolting to prevent seed production.
Apply an effective herbicide in early summer.
Prevent seed production to prevent spread.
Biennials
Biennials (common burdock, bull and musk thistle, poison hemlock, etc.)





Mow after plants have bolted but before seed set to prevent seed production.
Remove or dig individual plants by hand.
Apply an effective herbicide to rosettes in the spring or fall.
Prevent seed production to prevent spread.
Several insect biocontrol tools may help with thistles in the future.
Perennials
Creeping perennials (Canada thistle, horsenettle, etc.)


Mow to suppress vegetative growth and prevent seed production.
Spray with an effective systemic herbicide at bud to bloom stage or in early fall prior to frost.
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
Most perennials spread by both seed and vegetative structures.
Woody perennials (multiflora rose, autumn olive, etc.)


Mow to suppress and prevent seed production - remove roots by hand or with heavy equipment.
Spray with an effective systemic herbicide at bud to bloom stage or in early fall.
Rose rosette disease has spread as far North as Central PA and may impact Multiflora rose in the future.
Source: Paul Craig, Program Leader, Field and Forage Crops, PNST Extension
DATES TO REMEMBER
June 16
How To Determine Body Condition In Goats Roundtable-9 to 4pm, UMES Center For
Food Science & Technology Contact: www.umes.edu/1890-mce or 410-651-6206
June 21
Nutrition & Health Of The Pastured Horse-6 to 8 pm, UMD Equine Rotational Grazing
Demo Site, 4241 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD Contact: jenreyn@umd.edu
July 7
Ayrshire Show-Frederick, MD
July 7
Holstein Show-Hagerstown, MD
July 16
Holstein Show-Central, MD (evening)
July 16
Holstein Show-Queen Anne’s 4-H Park, MD
July 17
Holstein Show-Deep Creek, MD (evening)
July 19
Au Natural! Non-Chemical Weed Control-6 to 8 pm, UMD Equine Rotational Grazing
Demo Site, 4241 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD Contact: jenreyn@umd.edu
July 19
Holstein Show-Frederick, MD (evening)
July 21
Jersey Show-Frederick, MD
August 3 & 4
Brown Swiss Show-Frederick, MD
August 30
Ayrshire Show-MD State Fair, Timonium, MD
August 30
Holstein Futurity-MD State Fair, Timonium, MD
August 30
Jersey Show-MD State Fair, Timonium, MD
August 30
Milking Shorthorn Show-MD State Fair, Timonium, MD
August 30
Red & White Show-MD State Fair, Timonium, MD
August 31
Brown Swiss Show-MD State Fair, Timonium, MD
August 31
Holstein Show-MD State Fair, Timonium, MD
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August 31
Guernsey Show-MD State Fair, Timonium, MD
September 8
2012 Horse Pasture Management Seminar-9 to 3 pm, UMD Equine Rotational Grazing
Demo Site, 4241 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD Contact: jenreyn@umd.edu
Visit our web site at http://carroll.umd.edu For more event listings visit
http://www.agnr.umd.edu/AGNRCalendar/
Yours for better farming from your
Carroll County Agriculture Extension Educators
Michael R. Bell
Extension Agent
Agriculture & Natural Resources
mbell@umd.edu
Bryan R. Butler, Sr.
Extension Agent
Commercial Horticulture/
Mid-MD Tree Fruit
bbutlers@umd.edu
Steve Allgeier
Extension Educator
Home Horticulture/
Master Gardener Coordinator
hortman@umd.edu
If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please call: 410-386-2760 or 1-888-326-9645.
If you have a disability that requires special assistance for your participation in a program please contact the Carroll County Extension
Office at 410-386-2760, Fax: 410-876-0132, two weeks prior to the program.
The information given herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by University
of Maryland Extension is implied.
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