All posts by Delma Kennedy

The article published by Joel Bagg has been updated to include the following: Graze or Green Chop with Caution Green chopping or grazing corn stressed by dry weather can be an option for some producers facing feed shortages, but considerable caution should be used. Nitrate levels can fluctuate daily within the plant, with concentrations higher in the bottom of the plant compared to those found near the top. Corn plants typically contain significantly higher levels of nitrate immediately after a rainfall event that follows a prolonged period of dry weather. The risk of nitrate poisoning while green chopping or grazing this corn is much higher for the 5 – 7 day period after a rainfall than during the actual period…

Report originally posted on Field Crop News (Using Corn Damaged By Dry Weather For Silage) by Joel Bagg Dry weather during corn silking and pollination can significantly reduce grain yield expectations. Inadequate moisture can result in poor ear fill or even corn plants without any ear or grain. In extended dry weather situations, farmers can also face the immediate problem of providing adequate forage inventories to feed their livestock. Damaged corn crops with low grain yield potential may be available for salvaging as corn silage for livestock producers that are short of forage. Silage piles and silage bags provide flexible storage. Farmers attempting to salvage corn fields damaged by dry weather by harvesting them as forage should be aware of…

Report originally posted on Field Crop News (Summer Seeding Oats for Extra Forage) by Joel Bagg Seeding oats in late-July or early-August following wheat for an early-October harvest can be a useful low-cost option for extending forage supplies. Oats can make good feed when harvested at the correct stage of maturity and made into “oatlage” or baleage. Oats are more frost tolerant in the fall than sorghums, and can continue growth after some frost. The challenges can sometimes be lack of adequate moisture in August, and having dry enough weather in October for adequate wilting. Oats can also be pastured if fence is available. Seeding Oats normally require about 60 days of growth following germination to reach the boot-stage. However,…

Report originally posted on Field Crop News (Field Crop News- Forage Report July 11th, 2012) by Joel Bagg Potato leafhoppers (PLH) are being reported at damaging levels in many areas across the province, including areas where they are not typically a problem. PLH dramatically reduces alfalfa yield and forage quality. Reduced stem and root growth, and vigour results in stunting and slow regrowth. New seedings are very susceptible and can be permanently damaged, so be sure to check these fields. Adult PLH are 1/8th of an inch long, lime-green and wedge-shaped. They insert a stylet into a leaf midrib and inject a toxin that results in a wedge-shaped yellow “hopperburn”. Damage is often confused with moisture and heat stress. Scouts…