WTSB AG News

Updated: July 30, 2010

Small Grains Production Meeting Sept. 23
Small grains production meeting is set for September 23rd, 6:30 PM at the Johnston County Ag building.  We had many obstacles to over come this past year with wheat.  Randy Weisz and Dominic Reisig will address some of those issues and talk about next years wheat potential.  The meeting will adjourn at 8:00 pm.  We will offer 1 hour of pesticide credits for categories X, O, N, and D.  A sponsored meal will begin at 6:30.  Those interested in attending need to call the Extension Office at 919-989-5380 by Monday, September 20th so we can have a close head count.

Soybean Rust Update

Soybean rust is unlikely to spread appreciably from Mobile, but we now know it is alive and well in the US with the previous finds in Texas and Mexico.  Traditionally, rust has moved from Florida up the East Coast to NC. Considering the length of time it has taken to reach North Carolina from Florida/Georgia in the past, and the hot dry conditions  current in much of the US, it seems unlikely to impact North Carolina this growing
season.  Koenning and Dunphy, reserve the right to alter the prediction should a tropical storm develop that would transport spores.

We do not consider this find to pose any imminent threat to our North Carolina soybeans.  North Carolina farmers should continue to monitor reliable reports of where else rust has been found.  An up-to-date map of where rust has been found is at http://www.sbrusa.net.  The current version of these NC updates should also be available at our Teletip line: 800/662-7301.

Soybeans and Dry Weather

When temperatures get up to 95 degrees or more, soybeans tend to close their stomates to conserve moisture within the leaf.  They can't move enough water through the plant to keep up with that high an evapotranspiration demand.  Soil moisture levels, therefore, have little to do with it.  Beans tend to stop growing vegetatively.  No photosynthate, no growth.  If the plants make it to 36-inches tall and lapped row middles anyway, losing those days of growth were of little consequence.  If they don't get that big by flowering (in determinate varieties), the lost growing days will have been more serious.  This leads to aborted flowers, which is not a big deal, since soybeans can replace those flowers, and they don't seem to care much which flowers become pods.  However, when they abort small pods, this tends to be a little more serious, but the plants may well have enough pods left anyway.
 
 Remember that soybeans typically produce way more flowers than the combine will ever find as pods, and will start more pods than will make it to harvest.  That's one of the major ways they survive adversity like this.  The net result will probably be not much worse than losing a few days of potential production.  I wouldn't expect any lasting effect of this response to high temperatures.

Postemergence options for weed control in Soybeans

As with cotton, in most areas, we have had enough rain to activate pre-emergence herbicides.  Most of the recommended pre-emergence herbicides gave good control of resistant Palmer Amaranth and other broadleaf weeds, sedges, and grasses.  In fields where effective control was not achieved with the pre-emergence herbicides, a post over the top may be needed.  Scouting these fields and determining what weeds are present and the sizes of these weeds will allow you to make the best application decision.  Remember, some post herbicides must be directed with drop nozzles after the cotton reaches a certain height.  Read label recommendations.

Post over the top recommendations for Round up Ready soybeans includes the following choices:

Glyphosate + Harmony (Non ALS resistant pigweed)
Glyphosate + Storm (If ALS resistance is present)
Glyphosate + Ultra Blazer
Storm + Fusilade DX ((May require an additional application of Fusilade) read label)
Ultra Blazer + Fusilade DX ((May require an additional application of Fusilade) read label)
Glyphosate + Flexstar or Reflex

Postemergence horseweed control can be achieved with Classic at .75 ounces/acre.  Classic should not be applied in excessive heat.  It is recommended that Classic at the .75 oz. rate not be tank mixed with other herbicides.  A surfactant at 1 qt/100 gallons in recommended.

Always read the label for proper application timing and tank mix partners. 

Disclaimer: The use of brand names and any mention or listing of commercial products or services in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University nor discrimination against similar products or services not mentioned.

Weeds is Double crop Beans

Planting Beans in wheat stubble calls for different herbicide approach.  Growers are finding that many of their wheat fields already have small pigweed that has germinated.  Starting clean is crucial to maintaining a clean soybean crop.  Gramoxone Inteon at 3-4 pints/Acre plus a residual herbicide like Prefix has demonstrated good results in the past.

Disclaimer: The mention of these companies in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University nor does it discriminate against similar companies not mentioned.

Cotton Observations

Are Spider Mites on the Rise?

Spider mites have begun to show up in many areas of the state this past week, so far at sub-economic levels.  Our recent near record breaking hot weather is tailor-made for spider mite buildups as well as control challenges.  Mite damage initially appears as a slight yellowing stippling of the leaves which later changes to a red to purplish or bronze color, particularly in the interveinal areas of the leaf.  Mite damage can also be recognized by the presence of fine webbing on the underside of the affected leaves. Because mites more often than not do not reach treatable levels here, our general recommendation is to treat when mites are widespread in a cotton field (as many plants with mites as not) and some defoliation of yellowing lower leaves has occurred. Find a list of miticides and their relative effectiveness in Southeast cotton at http://ipm.ncsu.edu/cotton/insectcorner/PDF/Survey.Charts.insecticide.performance.pdf.
 
Plants Bugs in Cotton

Plant bugs have also been reported from scattered cotton fields in eastern North Carolina, mostly in areas that have benefitted from good rainfall patterns.  A few cotton fields have been treated.  We don’t think that this will evolve into a major problem as high plant bug levels in other states to our south have diminished significantly.  Nevertheless, weekly square retention counts and visual observation of live adult plant bugs are recommended. Square retention of 80% or more is the most effective means of ruling out the need for additional more comprehensive plant bug scouting involving a sweep net or ground cloth for approximately 5 to 7 days.  In pre-blooming cotton, square retention of less that 80% should trigger the use of a sweep net.  Treatment may be indicated when 8 or more plant bugs are found per 100 sweeps averaged over at least 5 field locations.  Blooming cotton calls for a ground cloth, and recently developed thresholds in the Midsouth suggest levels of 2 to 3 plant bugs per 6 row feet based on weekly sampling.  With our typical low plant bug levels here in North Carolina, “dirty bloom” levels in the 0 to 10% range may also new.

Three new herbicides labeled for use in pastures and hayfields

Pastora is a newly labeled herbicide from Dupont. Pastora herbicide is a selective, broad-spectrum herbicide for postemergence control of grasses including field sandbur and johnsongrass in bermudagrass pastures and hayfields. It provides control on more than 25 grass weeds and 100 broadleaf weeds. Pastora also provides residual control of broad-leaf weeds. The active ingredients are nicosulfuron and metsulfuron methyl. The labeled rate is 1 to 1.5 ounces per acre and cannot exceed 2.5 ounces per acre per year. Follow-up applications may be necessary to control heavy infestations or additional flushes of certain weeds, including sandbur. Consult the Pastora label for recommended application times. There are no grazing, haying, or manure use restrictions for any class of livestock or horses. Always read the label before using herbicides. Information from Dupont Pastora label.

Prowl H2O has a supplemental label for use in established bermudagrass pastures and hayfields for preemergent control of annual grasses. Prowl H2O is a BASF herbicide. The active ingredient in Prowl H2O is pendimethalin. It is only labeled for use in dormant Bermuda. The supplemental label has a rate range of 1.1 to 4.2 quarts per acre per season. Split applica-tion timing is 1/2 rate at onset of dormancy followed by 1/2 rate prior to spring greenup. It will provide excellent control of crabgrass and goosegrass and fair to good control of sandbur. If applied correctly, this treatment will provide season-long control of crabgrass and goosegrass even with heavy populations. Some restrictions include do not apply in standing water and do not exceed 4.2 quarts per acre per year. Haying restrictions are 60 days and grazing restrictions are 45 days. Always read the label before using herbicides. Information provided by Fred Yelverton, NCSU Weed Specialist.

Chaparral is a newly labeled herbicide from Dow Agrosciences. Chaparral provides control of Bahiagrass and a wide spectrum of other broadleaf weeds including horsenettle, ragweed, spiny amaranth, dandelion, wild carrot, ironweed, gold-enrod, biennial thistles and bitter sneezeweed. It is labeled for use in permanent grass pastures, but some precautions may apply. The active ingredients are aminopyralid and metsulfuron. The labeled rate is 1.5 to 3.3 ounces per acre and consult label for recommended application times. There is no grazing or haying restrictions for any class of livestock or horses, but label precautions do apply to manure management from animals that have been fed hay treated with aminopyralid products. Always read the label before using herbicides. Information from brochure and website at www.ChaparralHerbicide.com.

Disclaimer: The mention of these companies in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University nor does it discriminate against similar companies not mentioned.

Hay Directories

There are two web site directories for people selling haying or looking for hay to buy. It is free to list your hay for sale.
1. North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Hay Alert is at http://www.agr.state.nc.us/hayalert/.
Producers can call the Hay Alert at 1-866-506-6222 or you can sign up to list your hay on-line.
2. The Southeastern NC Hay Directory is available at http://onslow.ces.ncsu.edu/files/library/67/HayDirectory.pdf.
Call your Extension Agent to learn how to include your farm on the list.

New Peanut Risk Management Decision Aid and Website

There is a lot to accomplish after establishing a good stand of peanuts.  First and foremost, target early season weeds while they are small enough to control.  Second, begin a fungicide program 30-40 days after planting when conditions are right for peanut diseases.  Diseases like TSWV, CBR, Leaf spot, southern stem blight, southern stem rot, and Sclerotinia are the major diseases of peanuts in the area.  Watch threshold levels and use the Peanut Disease Management Calendar as a guide for applications.  In most cases, prevention is easier than curing a disease problem once you have it.

Peanut scientists and Extension Specialists at North Carolina State University, Virginia Tech University, and Clemson University have developed a new Peanut Risk Management decision aid and website. The free decision aid is customized for users in North Carolina and Virginia and can be found at http://www.peanut.ncsu.edu/.

Growers can use the decision aid to compare the risks of 12 disease and insect problems based on cultivar, rotation, field history, and typical cultural practices. Risks are shown on a scale of green (low risk), yellow (medium risk) and red (high risk) for each problem. The Herbicide Application Decision Support System (HADSS) decision aid is also found on the website.

In addition to the decision aids, the website includes information sheets on production and cultural practices, cultivars, diseases, weeds, and insects and mites. Links to production manuals for North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina are also included. Timely news and alerts are posted on the website home page at http://www.peanut.ncsu.edu/Default.aspx.

We hope you will find the website helpful, bookmark it, and return to it periodically to check out new features and new information.

NC State Tobacco Connection

The Tobacco Specialists at NC State University are publishing a newsletter called the “NC State Tobacco Connection.”  The latest version has just been released and contains production information on sucker control for flue-cured tobacco.  Interested individuals can access the newsletter from http://www.tobacco.ncsu.edu/connection.html .  If you would like a printed copy mailed to your address just contact the Johnston County Extension Center at 919-989-5380.

Adjusting Soil pH

Municipal sludges contain many nutrients necessary for plant growth and development and organic matter that can improve the soil fertility. Applying sludge in accordance with the nutrient requirements of the crop and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines poses little risk to the environment or public health. Sludge is often provided without charge. Its use can therefore reduce fertilizer bills and increase the profitability of crops.

However, one of the major concerns when using these sludge’s is the build up of heavy metals and the high pH’s that can build-up in the soil. The soil pH on sludge application sites should be maintained at 6.0-6.5 for optimum crop uptake of nutrients and to lower the plant uptake and leaching potential of heavy metals. Soil samples should be tested annually to monitor pH and heavy metal concentrations.

When the soil pH is higher that 6.5, some nutrients become unavailable for use by the certain field crops.  Some crops, like wheat and soybeans, will show symptoms of nutrient deficiencies more than others. The deficiency symptoms appear to be worst on sandy soils.   Iron, manganese, copper, and zinc are important micronutrients that show up as deficient in plant and soil samples when soil pH is high.  Also, phosphate availability may decrease and the uptake of boron can decrease when the soil pH is above 6.5. There are ways to lower the pH in soils where the sludge may have been over applied.  In most cases, using fertilizers containing ammonium-N can lower the soil pH.  Ammonium sulfate and sulfur-coated urea are two of the best choices for acidifying soils.  Lowering soil pH is a slow process that can take one or more years. 

The heavy-metals content may also adversely affect crop production if too much sludge is applied to the soil. The USEPA has established lifetime limits for the application of heavy metals to a given land area. After these limits have been reached, sludge application must cease, but the land may still be used for normal agricultural production.

Private Applicators Recertification/Safety Classes

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service is inviting all private applicators 
whose license expire in 2010 to attend the Private Applicator Pesticide Recertification/Safety Classes. This two-hour V class will be held on the following date:

Thursday, September 2, 2010, beginning at 6:30 PM

The classes will be the Johnston County Ag Center in Smithfield on NC 210 Hwy.   Applicators are reminded that licenses expire at the end of the year, but all recertification credits must be obtained before September 30th of the year the license expires. Applicators are asked to bring their Pesticide Credit Report Card with the bar code scan along with them to class.  Please call Tim Britton at 989-5380 to check credits.

 

North Carolina growers: Would you like some signs?

In order to make consumers aware of the availability of local berries and “brand” fresh, local NC strawberries in consumers’ minds, the NC Strawberry Association has created some colorful, professionally designed signs for North Carolina growers. These signs are free and you do not need to be members of the Association to receive them (though you will receive more signs if they are) but you MUST contact the association and confirm your strawberry acreage, contact information, and interest in receiving the signs. Contact NC Strawberry Association, info@ncstrawberry.com or 919-542-4037, 1138 Rock Rest Rd., Pittsboro, NC 27312.  This project received support from the NCDA&CS as part of the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. For NC growers only (though the Association has stickers and coloring books others may want to order).

Certified Safe Farm Reviews

Farming is a critically important sector of the economy in Johnston County and in North Carolina.  Unfortunately, it is also one of the most dangerous occupations in the country.  In 2005, agriculture had the highest occupational fatality rate (32.5/100,000 workers).  This is an industry in need of an innovative program like Certified Safe Farm (CSF).  Everyday farmers face hazardous work and living environments and through this voluntary program we aim to improve the health and well-being of farmers and their families while offering an innovative combination of benefits for farmers and their public and private sector partners.

Johnston County is part of a pilot program for Certified Safe Farm In North Carolina.  Currently, we are planning voluntary farm reviews.   Doing the process, the reviewer will evaluate each structure and piece of equipment using the checklist and deduct points for unsafe conditions.   While doing this, the reviewer will provide education to the client regarding risks present on their farm and methods to remove them.  A minimum score of > 85% is required to become certified safe. The primary goal of the voluntary review is to reduce farm-related injuries. 

If you are interested in scheduling an on farm review, please call Tim Britton, Bryant Spivey, or Amie Newsome at the Johnston County Extension Service at 989-5380.  

Free Training Through JC

Do you need training in computer skills to better run your business? Do you have a family member that needs training to get a job? If you are a current or former tobacco farmer or quota holder, you and members of your family may be eligible for funding through the Project Skill UP program at Johnston Community College to take a variety of short-term courses to better run your farming business or retrain for other employment. This opportunity is provided through the NC Community Colleges and the NC Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. For more information, please contact Rosa Andrews at 919-209-2015 or rsandrews@johnstoncc.edu.

Woodland Owners Update- Join the NCSU Extension Forestry’s Woodland Owners Update, Our New Email Listserv.

 To better serve woodland owners in North Carolina, NCSU Extension Forestry has created a new listserv “Woodland Owners Update”.  This service updates you directly through email on woodland owner events throughout the state.  We also inform you on current and new publications as they come out.  Informed landowners make the right decisions about their woodlands and we are dedicated to providing NC woodland owners the best information available.  If you would like to join Woodland Owners Update, please visit our website for more details and registration: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry/list.html

Biomass Crop Assistance Program

The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) provides financial assistance to producers or entities that deliver eligible biomass material to designated biomass conversion facilities for use as heat, power, biobased products or biofuels.  Initial assistance will be for the Collection, Harvest, Storage and Transportation (CHST) costs associated with the delivery of eligible materials.

The 2008 Farm Bill provided a means to pay producers of “eligible biomass material” matching funds - $1 for $1 – up to $45/ton collected (cut, processed and loaded), delivered, stored and transported  to a “Qualified Biomass Conversion Facility.”  Note:  Payment is based on dry tons – not green.

A complete description can be accessed eligible materials can be found at the flowing website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/bcap_elig_mats_090714.pdf



Pesticide Recycling Program

In 2009, the county recycled over 11000 lbs of pesticide containers with no rejected containers noted.  We hope to continue the success of that program by recycling more containers in 2010.  According to USAg recycling, they will take containers up to 55 gallons without modifications and will except larger containers if they have been cut into 2-foot wide sections. 

The containers should be triple or pressure rinsed and the sleeve labels, Labeling, and lids removed. A stick on label is acceptable.  Containers must be empty, clean, and dry to be accepted.  Buckets that have metal handles will be accepted if the handles are cut off.  All containers must have holes in the sides or bottom that render them useless as chemical containers. 

Currently, we have three permanent convenience center sites in the county for pesticide container drop-off. The sites where the containers are located are 820 Stewart Road, in Four Oaks, 1096 Scout Road in the Bentonville area, and the Johnston County Landfill.  Please feel free to call with any question concerning container recycling.
 

Forest Lands Cost-Share-Funds

Under both the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), non-industrial private forestland is eligible for cost-sharing payments.  Priorities for funding are prescribed burning, thinning, and restoration of declining forest communities.  WHIP applications must also benefit wildlife.

Forestland will be considered separately in a statewide forestry pool in North Carolina.  Applications will be ranked and those that provide the greatest environmental benefits will receive priority funding.

EQIP and WHIP are administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.  For more information call Robert Horton at (704) 694-3516 X113. 

Waste Oil Disposal

If you have waste oil generated on your farm or through your agribusiness, good options exist to dispose of the oil in a manner that is environmentally sound and inexpensive.  There are at least two companies that can assist with waste oil disposal in our area.

P & W Waste Oil Services of Leland, NC will come to your site to pick up at least 100 gallons of waste oil.  If you produce over 600 gallons per year, they will pay you for the oil based on crude oil prices.  Currently, they pay a maximum of $0.25 per gallon.  You can reach them at 1-800-231-4825.  Noble Oil Services of Sanford, NC will pick up 100 gallons or more of used oil at no charge in NC.  For smaller amounts there is a cost of $49 per pick-up. You can contact Noble Oil at 1-800-662-5364.

In addition, you can deliver waste oil for recycling to Johnston County Convenience Centers at no charge.  At these sites, individuals are limited to disposal of 5 gallons of waste oil per week.

Disclaimer: The mention of these companies in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University nor does it discriminate against similar companies not mentioned.

Beaver Management Assistance Program

Johnston County participates in the beaver management and assistance program conducted by the USDA.  County, state, and federal monies provide the program designed to give individual technical assistance and advice to landowners with beaver problems.  Property inspection and consultation is free.  Consultation may include showing the landowner how to trap beavers and destroy dams.

For work that the USDA actually conducts, landowners will be charged a fee for each visit to the site and a set amount for each dam destroyed.  USDA will do all or part of the work. 

Interested landowners should call or contact Tim Britton with the Johnston County Cooperative extension service at (919) 989-5380 or by email at Tim_Britton@ncsu.edu.

Manganese Supplement

Scott Carpenter, with Soil Plus in Greenville has a waste product that contains 1.48% manganese, .24% sulfur, and .68% nitrogen.  Information on this product can be obtained by calling (252) 917-4288.  Product comes with free delivery and spreader if needed.

Disclaimer: The mention of these companies in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University nor does it discriminate against similar companies not mentioned.

Forestry Landowners List-serve

Hope you have a productive and happy 2010!  I wanted to remind you all that we have a new list-serve devoted to woodland owners in North Carolina.  Landowners may easily register at the following website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/forestry/list.htm

There are two ways you can help increase the use and effectiveness of the list-serve for our landowners.
1) Get the word out!!  I encourage you all to forward this information to your woodland owners and ask them to register.  As people contact you with forestry questions - please provide them with the above website.  We want our list of landowners to continuously grow. 
2) Get the word in!!  Please send any information about workshops / meetings / field day events etc to: ncsuextfor-owner@lists.ncsu.edu  - I hope to create a new update once a month or so.  So please send it to me as soon as possible - this way announcements for events can be sent statewide. 

If you have any questions please contact james_jeuck@ncsu.edu.