ISU Extension and Outreach, Crop Notes

VIRTUAL & LIVE PROGRAMS

Nov. 5, Exploring Impacts of Cover Crops, Tillage and N-Inhibitors on Crop Performance and Water Quality, virtual, free

Staring at 1:00 PM, this is a free virtual field day exploring impacts of cover crops, tillage and nitrogen-inhibitors on crop performance and water quality. Join live to hear from Matt Helmers, Director of the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, Emily Waring, Graduate Research Assistant, and Carl Pederson, Agricultural Specialist in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. Certified Crop Advisor CEU available. For more information and webinar access link, go to: https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/virtual-field-day-november-5-exploring-impacts-cover-crops-tillage-and-n-inhibitors-crop-performance

Nov. 10, Ag Lenders Seminar, virtual, $50 registration

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This year’s Tri-State Agricultural Lenders Seminar will focus on market outlooks for livestock, grains and dairy, plus focus on exports and trade issues. The list of nationally recognized presenters includes: Mike North – President, Commodity Risk Management Group (CRMG), Platteville; presenting on marketing opportunities from a global view; Dr. Wendong Zhang, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economist, Iowa State University; presenting on issues of importance in trade with China; Dr. Mark Stephenson, Director of Dairy Policy Analysis, University of Wisconsin, Madison; presenting a dairy market update; Dr. Chad Hart, Professor of Economics, Crop Market Specialist and Extension Economist, Iowa State University; presenting a land, livestock and crop market update. Each session will allow time for questions to the presenter and will be archived for 30 days. Registration is $50 and is available on-line at: https://form.jotform.com/4Hregion1/2020-lenders-seminar  A confirmation with the seminar link will be sent electronically to you so be sure to include an email.  For more information, go to: https://www.morningagclips.com/virtual-agricultural-lenders-seminar-nov-10/

Nov. 10-12, University of Wisconsin Pest Management Update, webinar, free

A free 2-hour webinar offered at 3 different times: Nov. 10 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Nov. 11 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Nov. 12 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Speakers UW weed scientists, plant pathologist, and entomologist. Approved for 2 CEU credits in pest management. For more information and to register, go to: https://ipcm.wisc.edu/blog/2020/10/2020-wisconsin-pest-management-update-virtual-meetings/

Nov. 10-19, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Hosting Marketing Meetings, live, free

Provide important updates to producers and solicit grassroots input to help shape the discussion in the coming months. Lead discussions centered on cattle market reform to include the Grassley-Tester 50/14 bill, the Cattle Marketing Transparency Act of 2020, and NCBA’s voluntary proposal. For more information, see the news release at: https://www.morningagclips.com/ica-to-host-cattle-marketing-meetings/

• Nov 10, 7 p.m. at Tama Livestock Market, Tama, IA
• Nov 11, 10 a.m. at Plymouth County ISU Extension & Outreach, LeMars, IA
• Nov 11, 7 p.m. at Spencer Livestock Sales, Spencer, IA
• Nov 11, 7 p.m. at Decorah Sales Commission, Decorah, IA
• Nov 12, 10 a.m. at Brickyard Bistro, Sheffield, IA
• Nov 12, 10 a.m. at Humeston Livestock Exchange, Humeston, IA
• Nov 12, 7 p.m. at Keosauqua Sales Company, Keosauqua, IA
• Nov 19, 10 a.m. at Dunlap Livestock Market, Dunlap, IA
• Nov 19, 7 p.m. at Creston Livestock Auction, Creston, IA
• Nov 19, 7 p.m. at R Land & Cattle, LLC, Cascade, IA

Nov. 11, Finding the Right Fit for Soil Health Practices, webinar, free

Starts at noon. Topic: How to create the mind-set needed to evaluate systems and develop a customized approach for adopting soil health practices that meet on-farm goals. For more information and webinar access link, go to:  https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/november-11-webinar-finding-right-fit-soil-health-practices

Nov. 17, Crop Quality & Storage Issues webinar, free

7:00 PM, featured speaker is Dr. Charles Hurburgh, Professor, Iowa Grain Quality Initiative at ISU. What should you look for in your crop? What is the best way to manage the crop for sale or storage? Get tips from a well-respected expert with timely ideas for the 2020 crop. To register, go to: https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Article/2020-Crop-Storage-and-Quality-Issues-Webinar

Nov. 19, Crop Marketing Strategies: Basis, Carry & Cost of Ownership, webinar, free

7:00 to 8:00 PM. A free live webinar featuring Steve Johnson, ISU Extension Farm Management Specialist & Ed Kordick, Iowa Farm Bureau Farmer Education Program Manager to discuss:

• Current corn & soybean supply/demand and price outlook
• Local basis trends & futures price carry
• Cost of grain ownership trends
• Crop marketing strategies, tools & market planning

Nov. 23, Iowa Organic Conference, virtual, $25 registration

In its 20^th year, the program goes virtual this time. The usual trade show of vendors will be replaced with a virtual show of exhibitors and sponsors, including organic grain buyers, organic seed purveyors, local food system nonprofits, and government offices working with transitioning and certified organic farmers. Registration fee of $25. Details about the program are available at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/annual-iowa-organic-conference-be-held-virtually-nov-23

Nov. 24, Iowa Forage & Grassland Council Winter Conference, virtual, free

Agenda: Grazing down corn residue; Pasture drought recovery; Emergency forage – what options are available to seed for quick feed? The event is free but requires registration. To register go to: https://agribiz.swoogo.com/ifgc2020/begin

Dec. 1 – Feb. 4, CropsTV, registration opens mid-November, webinar, $45 registration

A webinar series for farmers and agribusiness. CropsTV webinars will replace the annual Integrated Crop Management Conference and the Crop Advantage Series winter extension meetings for 2020-2021. This allows for the convenience of viewing at home, office or anywhere there’s an internet connection. Live webinars will still allow interaction with specialists, presenters and panelists. On-demand viewing of topics allows schedule flexibility. Participants can select from over 30 topics from ISU faculty and staff as well as invited guest presenters.

The 10-week program launches Dec. 1, 2020 and continues through Feb. 4, 2021. Live webinars are scheduled each week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9-10 AM. Recordings of previous webinars as well as additional topics will be available for on-demand viewing throughout the program. Webinars will be a combination of live presentations and pre-recorded content with a live question and answer session allowing interaction with presenters.

Registration for CropsTV is $45 and includes all live webinar broadcasts, on-demand viewing of previous webinars and over 30 CCA credits. Online registration opens mid-November 2020. Additional information is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/cropstv  For questions, contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429, or email [email protected]   Financial support for CropsTV is in part provided by the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Soybean Association.

Dec. 1-2, University of Missouri Crop Management Conference, virtual, $50 registration

Virtual conference features 16 sessions. Topics include 2021 corn and soybean markets; the latest on dicamba and 2,4-D; and emerging diseases; non-conventional weed management tools to manage herbicide resistance; effects of soil health on insect pests; and much more. Details and registration information can be found at:  https://web.cvent.com/event/be189509-2bd8-4939-826b-5f915741718a/summary?tm=E64w6khDGOa9lZXohZQzsKNrwXon_F90uuUy1jKsu0o

16 CEU credits offered. Pre-registration is recommended in order to ensure timely receipt of log-in information. Registration fee of $125, or $50 if a farmer.

Dec. 7-11, Pro-Ag Outlook Series webinars, $20 registration

1:00 to 2:00 PM each day. The webinar series is designed to provide participants with a concise evaluation of current market conditions, expected trends in crop and livestock income potential, and management implications. Time for questions will be included at the end of each day’s presentation.

• Dec. 7, Wendong Zhang, ISU Extension Economist, will be presenting on farmland values and issues of trade with China.
• Dec. 8, Alejandro Plastina, ISU Extension Economist, will be presenting on farm finances and the impact of government support programs.
• Dec. 9, Lee Schulz, ISU Extension Livestock Economist, will be presenting the livestock outlook and profit potential for the beef, pork and dairy industries.
• Dec. 10, Keri Jacobs, ISU Extension Economist and Iowa Institute for Cooperatives Endowed Economics Professor, will be presenting the financial and physical impacts of the 2020 derecho on cooperatives in Iowa.
• Dec. 11, Chad Hart, ISU Extension Economist and Crop Markets Specialist, will be presenting the current grain market situation, including global demand and key factors going into 2021.

Register online at http://bit.ly/proagvirtual . For more information, contact Ryan Drollette at 319-853-8624 or [email protected] or visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/meetings.html

Dec. 8 & 15, Ag Chem Dealer Updates, live, $70 registration

Two dates and four time offerings.

• Dec. 8, Biocentury Research Farm near Boone at either 8:00 to 11:20 AM or 1:30 to 4:50 PM.
• Dec. 15, Johnson County Extension office in Iowa City at either 8:00 to 11:20 AM or 1:30 to 4:50 PM.

The program deliver the latest crop production recommendations, news and information directly from ISU. Sessions review the positives and negatives of the previous growing season and prepare seed, chemical and fertilizer dealers, crop consultants, farm managers and agronomists for the challenges of the crop production year ahead. The meeting qualifies for continuing instruction in categories 1A, 1B, 1C and 10 for commercial applicators, and CEUs of 3 in PM and 0.5 in CM for certified crop advisors. Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins or late registration. Per ISU’s face covering policy, all ISU staff, presenters, and event attendees are required to wear a cloth face covering while on university property and at university events. Disposable coverings will be available at the door for attendees that need one. For more details and registration link, go to:  http://www.aep.iastate.edu/acu/

Dec. 8-10, University of Minnesota Extension’s Crop Pest Management (CPM) Connect, virtual

10:00 AM to 2:30 PM each day. A virtual ZOOM educational conference for ag professionals on pest, crop and fertilizer management topics. Each session includes a short presentation followed by a live question and answer period. There will be 24 presentations covering corn on Dec. 8, soybeans on Dec. 9 and additional topics, such as alfalfa, tillage, weed science, cover crops, manure management along with new alternative cropping systems on Dec 10. The 3-day program provides up to 12 CCA credits in SW, NM, PM and CM. Stay tuned to this website for additional information, registration and ZOOM link. https://blog-crop-news.extension.umn.edu/2020/10/registration-open-for-crop-pest.html

Dec. 9-10, Dairyland Initiative Virtual Workshops, $100 registration

On Dec. 9, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM discusses the latest survey of trends in automated milking system (AMS) facility design and management with a specific focus on optimizing cow performance and health. On Dec. 10, 9:30 AM to 3:15 PM covers seven different ventilation system designs for adult cow barns and provides you with the tools necessary to troubleshoot them. For registration and more information, go to: https://thedairylandinitiative.vetmed.wisc.edu/services/workshops/

Dec. 15-16, University of Minnesota Soil Management Summit webinar, $50 registration

9:00 AM to 12:50 PM each day. This summit emphasizes proven farmer experience and applied science. Straight from the fields, learn how heavier, colder soils aren’t necessarily the challenge they’re made out to be. Hear from long-time no-till, reduced tillage, and cover crop farmers as they share their experiences, so you can be spared the same hard-learned lessons. The Summit features presentations and Q&A with researchers, farmers and agricultural advisors,  information from sponsors, and conversations with farmers experienced in different soil health practices. Registration fee of $50 includes CCA credits. For more information, go to: https://extension.umn.edu/event/2020-soil-management-summit-formerly-ctc

WEEDS

New EPA Labels for Dicamba used on DR Soybeans

By now, most are aware that EPA approved new labels for the dicamba products used on dicamba-resistant (DR) soybeans. Major changes to the dicamba labels for DR soybeans include:

• Must use an approved volatility-reduction agent.
• Follow revised cutoff dates. There are slight differences in wording among registered products:
  • Xtendimax w/VGT:  Apply before June 30 or up to R1 stage, whichever comes first
  • Engenia:  Apply before June 30
  • Tavium w/VGT: Apply before June 30 or up to the V4 stage, whichever comes first
• Always maintain a 240-ft buffer between last treated row and downwind field edge. This is an increased from the previous 110 ft buffer. Roads, mowed grass and tolerant crops can be included in the buffer. The previous Xtendimax label also included a 220 ft buffer at 44 oz. The 44 oz rate has been eliminated from the label.

Other restrictions still apply:

• Apply only one hour after sunrise through two hours before sunset
• Apply when wind speed at boom height is between 3 and 10 MPH
• Do not apply during temperature inversions
• Do not apply product if sensitive crops or certain plants are in an adjacent downwind field
• Do not apply if rain is expected in next 48 hours that may result in runoff
• Maximum boom height of 24 inches
• Maximum ground speed of 15 MPH
• Dicamba specific training is still required
• A 310 ft downwind buffer and 57 ft omni-directional buffer required in counties with endangered species. This applies to the counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, Jackson, Iowa and Hardin. The labels direct users to an EPA website that provides up-to-date information on endangered species.

FERTILITY

Effectiveness of Using Low Rates of Plant Nutrients

This is a new publication summarizing research results from the upper Midwest. Although some producers may think about using low rates of fertilizer to reduce input costs, this can adversely affect yields if soil fertility drops below optimal levels. Read about the research to help your decision-making. The publication is a free download available at: https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/crops/effectiveness-of-using-low-rates-of-plant-nutrients

VARIETY TRIALS

Iowa Crop Improvement Corn and Soybean Varity Trials

• For corn and soybean, go to: http://www.croptesting.iastate.edu/
• Oat trials from 4 ISU Research Farms to be posted soon.
• Cereal rye trials

Neighboring state variety trials:

Minnesota: None posted yet. All 2020 variety trials will eventually be posted at:  https://www.maes.umn.edu/publications/field-crop-trials

Illinois:  Wheat and corn posted at this time. http://vt.cropsci.illinois.edu/

South Dakota:

• Corn: Only corn silage posted at this time. https://extension.sdstate.edu/corn-hybrid-trial-results
• Soybean: https://extension.sdstate.edu/soybean-variety-trial-results
• Oat: https://extension.sdstate.edu/oat-variety-trial-results
• Wheat: https://extension.sdstate.edu/wheat-variety-trial-results

Wisconsin: Only wheat and soybeans posted at this time. https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/fieldcroppathology/university-of-wisconsin-variety-trials/

COMMERCIAL PESTICIDE APPLICATOR

Continuing instruction courses for recertification

Details and registration forms available at: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/psep/

• Nov. 17, Fumigation (categories 7C, 10), starts at 9 AM
• Nov. 18, Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Management (categories 1A, 1B, 1C, 10), starts at 9:00 AM
• Dec. 2, Pest Control Operators (categories 7A, 7B, 8, 10), starts at 9:00 AM
• Greenhouse (categories 3G, 3O, 10), available in fall, arrange showing with county extension office.
• Available after Nov. 1, Aerial Applicators (categories 11, 10), arrange showing with county extension office.