2013

May

Newsletter Contributors May 7, 2013
Marketing: The 2013 Corn Crop Has Started Its March Towards Harvest May 7, 2013: My have been calculating what grain price I need to stay financially sound and flexible while also remaining sane.
Consider Physical Incompatibility of Pesticides May 7, 2013: In the last week, we heard about at least two situations where various pesticide active ingredients were added to the spray tank that resulted in chemical reactions producing problems.
“Weed of the Week” May 7, 2013: Weed of the week - Birdsrape mustard (Brassica rapa)
Diagnosing Soil Compaction May 7, 2013: Soil compaction diagnosis is not as straightforward as it seems, especially because we lack good tools to do a quick test.
Hey! What About the Hay? May 7, 2013: The forage industry is the major agricultural enterprise in Pennsylvania and the Northeast.
Now Is the Time…To Attend A Small Grain Field Day! May 7, 2013: In southeast Pennsylvania, there are three opportunities to view small grain plots and meet with Penn State specialists.
Be Thankful For a More Normal Spring, But Be Wary of Slugs as Planting Progresses May 7, 2013: As we progress into planting season, I hope you recall the odd spring we had last year with record warmth.
Comment Period Open for Deregulation of Low-Lignin Alfalfa May 7, 2013: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) publish in the April 22, 2013 Federal Register, a petition received from the Monsanto Company and Forage Genetics International seeking nonregulated status for a low-lignin alfalfa.
Weather Outlook for May 7, 2013 May 7, 2013: A large swath of central and northeast Pennsylvania tallied no more than a few hundredths of an inch of rain (less than 5% of normal) last week.
How to Print or View the Entire Field Crop News on One Page May 7, 2013: When you receive the email notifying you the latest Field Crop News is online click on the link near the top of the email “Print this newsletter”.
Contributors for May 14, 2013 May 14, 2013
Marketing May 14, 2013: This week’s crop report gives a clear indication of planting progress in the face of some spring rains in areas of historically significant production.
Control of Roundup Ready Corn: Volunteers or Replanting May 14, 2013: Volunteer Roundup Ready corn in corn or in a replant scenario can be a challenge.
Here it is Again-Roughstalk Bluegrass, a Common Weed This Spring in Small Grains and Hay Fields May 14, 2013: Roughstalk bluegrass is rearing it's ugly head again. Problem seems to be spreading.
Alleviating Soil Compaction May 14, 2013: What can you do to alleviate soil compaction?
Small Grain Disease Update May 14, 2013: Rusts, powdery mildew, and head scab update.
Corn and Frost Injury May 14, 2013: Are you worried about frost injured corn?
Monitor Barley and Wheat for Freeze Damage May 14, 2013: Check for cold injury to wheat and barley after last nights temperatures.
Significant Flights of Black Cutworm Detected May 14, 2013: Black cutworm moths on the rise in Pennsylvania.
Weather Outlook May 14, 2013: Thunderstorms tomorrow, then dry, then scattered showers over the weekend with unsettled conditions persisting next week into Memorial Day weekend.
Contributors for May 21, 2013 May 21, 2013
Examine Herbicide Labels to Determine Adjuvant Requirements May 21, 2013: Not sure which adjuvant to use? Reading the herbicide label may provide some clues.
Pests to Consider: Black Cutworm, Cereal Leaf Beetle, and Alfalfa Weevil May 21, 2013: Significant flights continue for the black cutworm moth, and attention should be given to the cereal leaf beetle. Meanwhile, alfalfa weevil is beginning to pupate in Southeast PA.
Continue to Monitor Barley and Wheat for Freeze Damage May 21, 2013: Here is an update to last week’s freeze damage article on barley and wheat.
Weather Outlook for May 21, 2013 May 21, 2013: Despite anticipated thundershowers with an advancing cold front later this week, most sections are likely to have an increase in their rainfall deficit by this time next week.

April

2013 Small Grains Field Day April 2, 2013: This year’s Small Grains Field Day will be held Wednesday, June 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Southeast Ag Research & Extension Center (Landisville Research Farm) in Manheim, Lancaster County.
Cover Crop Walk and Soil Quality and Weed Management Trade-offs Study Circle April 2, 2013: The field day will be April 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Mohrsville, Berks County.
Cover Crop Field Walks Starting Friday April 2, 2013: Cover crop walks are planned at 10 locations this spring across Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s 2013 Machinery Custom Rates April 2, 2013
Why is my Barley Yellow? April 2, 2013: Many of the barley fields we see this time of year can have a distinct yellow appearance.
Should I Keep My Alfalfa Stand? April 2, 2013: Even though winter seems to be holding its grip on us this year, there are some things we can be doing now to assess our crop’s potential.
Manage Grass Height Now for Competitive Pastures This Spring April 2, 2013: With the cool spring, pastures have barely broken dormancy.
Pasture Renovation for Spring April 2, 2013: A common goal for animal managers in the spring is to renovate a pasture.
Cover Crop Burndown Considerations April 2, 2013: In last year’s April 10 Field Crop News, we had an article about cover crop management.
Weather Outlook for April 2, 2013 April 2, 2013: Wednesday morning should bring the chilliest readings of April for much of the state, though not the end of cool weather for this month.
Newsletter Contributors April 9, 2013
Farming for Success Field Day–Thursday June 27 April 9, 2013: Please note this on your calendar. More information will be coming out in a later edition.
2013 Small Grains Field Day April 9, 2013: This year’s Small Grains Field Day will be held Wednesday, June 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Southeast Ag Research & Extension Center (Landisville Research Farm) in Manheim, Lancaster County.
Cover Crop Walk and Soil Quality and Weed Management Trade-offs Study Circle April 9, 2013: April 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Mohrsville, Berks County
Cover Crop Field Walks Continue This Week April 9, 2013: Make plans now to come out to one of Penn State Extension’s remaining cover crop field walks.
Feedback Wanted for Field Crop News April 9, 2013: What are we doing right? How can we do better?
Pyroxasulfone: The New Kid in The Neighborhood April 9, 2013: Here’s a look at products containing this new herbicide and some data from our product efficacy trials.
Control of Marestail in No-till Soybean April 9, 2013: If you’ve got herbicide resistant marestail, one of these burndown options may be your best bet.
How Early Can I Apply Residual Herbicide Before Corn Or Soybean? April 9, 2013: Planned two-pass systems make this kind of application more practical.
Tidbits From the Extension Risk Management Education National Conference April 9, 2013: Sometimes it’s good to step back and look at a larger picture
Now is the Time to Collect a Manure Sample April 9, 2013: There are several advantages to grabbing manure samples as it is being pumped out or spread
Risk Management and Corn Planting April 9, 2013: This is not your father’s corn planting season
Start Watching For Mites in Timothy April 9, 2013: If your timothy looks drought stressed in April, get a magnifying glass out.
Weather Outlook for April 9, 2013 April 9, 2013: Temperatures will fluctuate, low chance of any significant rain soon.
Newsletter Contributors April 15, 2013
Farming for Success Field Day, Penn State SEAREC, Manheim, PA–Thursday June 27, 2013 April 15, 2013: Please note this on your calendar. More information will be coming out in a later edition.
Penn State/Cover Crop Solutions, Plot Tour, May 22nd April 15, 2013: Mark your calendars and watch for more information for this Penn State wheat variety and management tour led by PSU entomologist, Dr. John Tooker & York County Agronomist, John Rowehl.
2013 Small Grains Field Day April 15, 2013: This year’s Small Grains Field Day will be held Wednesday, June 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Southeast Ag Research & Extension Center (Landisville Research Farm) in Manheim, Lancaster County.
Cover Crop Walk and Soil Quality and Weed Management Trade-offs Study Circle April 15, 2013: April 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Mohrsville, Berks County
Cover Crop Field Walks Continue This Week April 15, 2013: Make plans now to come out to one of Penn State Extension’s remaining cover crop field walks.
More results from 2012/2013 cover crop project: late 2012 accumulations of aboveground biomass April 15, 2013: In ten counties across the Commonwealth last September/early October, cover crops plots were no-till drilled planted following corn silage harvest.
Alfalfa Weevil Pest Prediction and Soil Temperatures found on PA-PIPE April 15, 2013: For a few years now Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has invested in the PA-PIPE system.
Get ready for Corn Planting by Choosing the Appropriate Burndown Program for the Weeds on your Farm! April 15, 2013: With the wet cool spring it has been difficult to yet get into the field in much of the state.
Weather Outlook for April 15, 2013 April 15, 2013: During the first 100 days or so of 2013, virtually all of the state is experiencing a deficit in rain/snow fall.
Newsletter Contributors April 23, 2013
Penn State Agronomic Field Diagnostic Clinic July 16 and July 17 April 23, 2013: The event will be held on July 16 & July 17 at the PSU Agronomy Research Farm in Rock Springs.
Small Grains Field Day June 5 April 23, 2013: This year’s Small Grains Field Day will be held Wednesday, June 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Southeast Ag Research & Extension Center (Landisville Research Farm) in Manheim, Lancaster County.
Penn State/Steve Groff (Cover Crop Solutions) Plot Tour May 22 April 23, 2013: Penn State Extension and Cover Crop Solutions, LLC invite you to join us in the field on May 22nd from10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon at the Groff Farm 535 Drytown Rd. Holtwood, PA 17532 to see what’s new for 2013.
Winter Wheat Walk “Biodiversity for Reduced Pest Pressure” May 15 April 23, 2013: A wheat field day will take place May 15, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Norman and Edwin Burkholder Farm 187 Smoketown Road Mertztown, PA 19539
One Remaining Cover Crop Field Walk April 23, 2013: If you are in the Northern Tier of PA make plans now to come out to the last of Penn State Extension’s cover crop field walks.
Looking for Fields Infested with Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus April 23, 2013: Penn State is trying to help predict when and where BYDV will occur.
Aphids and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus April 23, 2013: Scouting is the key to finding aphid populations that exceed the economic threshold.
Capture the Flag (Leaf) April 23, 2013: Since wheat leaves appear by emerging from within the stem, how do you know when the top leaf that you see on a wheat plant is, in fact the flag leaf?
Grain Marketing Update April 23, 2013: Planted corn acres are behind last year’s pace but not behind the 5 year average.
Weed of the Week – Common Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) April 23, 2013: A winter annual weed that can be found year-round, toxic to livestock and tough to control with certain herbicides.
A Windy Spring for Spraying: Suggestions for Reducing Drift April 23, 2013: Helpful management tips to keep your herbicide applications on-target and you out of hot water.
Corn Planting: Timing, Soil Temperature and Stands April 23, 2013: Daily Minimum Soil Temperatures are still in the 30’s across most of PA. Producers Beware!
Weather Outlook for April 23, 2013 April 23, 2013: There are no signs of prolonged warmth and it is possible that portions of the state, particularly in the northwest may have a long period without significant rainfall.
Feedback Wanted for Field Crop News April 23, 2013: The Crop Management Team at Penn State Extension values your feedback and asks that you take a few minutes to complete the survey at the link below.
Upcoming Events April 30, 2013: Upcoming crop management events from around Pennsylvania
Newsletter Contributors April 30, 2013
2013 Corn Club Registration Online April 30, 2013: Registration for the Five Acre Corn Club is now open.
PA Planting Windows (7X) April 30, 2013: Planting season (aka spring fever) is upon us, and the national agricultural focus for the next few weeks will be on the ever important “planting progress” especially in the “I-States (Indiana, Iowa, and Illinois) of the corn belt.
Cut Hay Early to Improve Quality April 30, 2013: This certainly isn’t news to many of you but all too often I see farmers starting to cut grass hay around Memorial Day.
New Alfalfa Seeding Weed Control Update April 30, 2013: For alfalfa that was recently seeded or is currently going in, here are some herbicide reminders/updates.
Vertical Tillage Implements and PPO Soybean Herbicides April 30, 2013: As more farmers use vertical tillage to manage crop residues or to mellow the seedbed prior to planting (especially soybeans), questions have arisen about possible impacts of using these types of tillage operations in combination with certain soybean herbicides.
Time to Scout: Cereal Leaf Beetle, Black Cutworm, Alfalfa Weevil. All are active April 30, 2013: As field activities increase, I thought it would be good to remind folks that scouting should be the basis of pest management plans.
Weather Outlook for April 30, 2013 April 30, 2013: It was another drier than average week across the Commonwealth as most of the eastern third of the state had less than a quarter of an inch of rain.
Thanks for Your Feedback! April 30, 2013: The Crop Management Team at Penn State Extension appreciates the hundreds of readers that took the time to give us feedback on our Field Crop News survey.

March

Mark Your Calendar Penn State Agronomic Field Diagnostic Clinic March 5, 2013
Agronomy Scout School Scheduled for March 30 March 5, 2013: Entry-level scouts are encouraged to participate in this day-long workshop, giving them skills they can use in the field.
Fumigation Meeting to be Held at Livestock Evaluation Center March 5, 2013: Looking for credits in fumigation? Plan to attend our meeting on March 21
2013-2014 Agronomy Guide Available on the Web March 5, 2013: Here’s information on how to obtain the PSU Agronomy Guide online, both in HTML version, and now available in PDF format.
Late Winter 2013 Crop Insurance Update for Pennsylvania March 5, 2013: Some important deadlines are approaching for crop insurance, as well as some new special provisions.
Cover Crop Field Walks Planned Across Pennsylvania March 5, 2013: Cover crop walks are planned at 10 locations this spring across Pennsylvania.
Glory Herbicide (metribuzin) Receives Special Local Need Label for Control of ALS-Resistant Chickweed in Pennsylvania March 5, 2013: Glory Herbicide has now received a special local need label for winter wheat and barley in Pennsylvania.
Looking Ahead to Spring Pasture Management March 5, 2013: Here are some practical tips when looking to manage pastures this spring.
Palmer Amaranth Getting a Foothold in Michigan – Can We Expect the Same Thing in Pennsylvania? March 5, 2013: As we move into the growing season, pay close attention to any abnormal pigweed species, because Palmer amaranth may be closer than you think. (Article by Christy Sprague, Weed Extension Specialist, Michigan State University with opening remarks by Bill Curran)
Grain Marketing Update March 5, 2013: Review of the 2012 grain marketing season, and some advice as we move into 2013.
Smartphones, Tablets, and Apps for the Agronomist March 5, 2013: Do you use a smartphone or tablet in your job? Learn about some helpful apps to make your life as an agronomist easier.
Weather Outlook for March 5, 2013 March 5, 2013: Don’t put your snow shovels away yet; winter weather is still in the forecast across the Commonwealth.
Mark Your Calendar Penn State Agronomic Field Diagnostic Clinic March 20, 2013: Dates have been set for the annual Penn State Agronomic Field Diagnostic Clinic.
Agronomy Scout School Scheduled for March 30 March 20, 2013: Penn State Extension: Crop Management Team is proud to announce that we will again be hosting an Agronomy Scout School on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Penn State-University Park Campus
Cover Crop Field Walks Planned Across Pennsylvania March 20, 2013: Join one of the many Penn State cover crop walks that will take place during the month of April across the state
Herbicide Tidbits March 20, 2013: Zidua and Fierce herbicides are now labeled for use in soybean
Winter Annual Weed Control in Alfalfa March 20, 2013: As warmer weather approaches, start thinking about controlling winter annual weeds (especially common chickweed) in alfalfa
Some Weed Control in Winter Wheat Reminders March 20, 2013: The last half of March and first half of April are the months to control weeds in winter wheat
Grain Marketing Update March 20, 2013: Let’s consider once more what revenue level is desired for our farm while we do have a few minutes before spring rush
Dairy and Crop Enterprise Budgets Available March 20, 2013: Penn State Extension Educators are helping dairy and crop farmers calculate and monitor their own actual costs to produce corn and haylage crops
Weather Outlook for March 19, 2013 March 20, 2013: The bout of wintry weather will persist for at least the next week or longer. While no significant snow or ice is expected before Sunday, readings will stay well below seasonal levels into the weekend.

February

Penn State Extension Field and Forage Crops Team and Newsletter Contributors February 5, 2013
2013 Cover Crop Innovations Webinar Series February 5, 2013: Penn State Extension is hosting a series of webinars during the winter of 2013 to focus on cover crop innovations.
Professional Crop Producer Conference – Feb 20-21 February 5, 2013
Fumigation Update – Feb 28 February 5, 2013
Crop Management 1 + 1 Webinar Series February 5, 2013
Upcoming Events February 5, 2013: Crops Seminars & Days still remain!
Quick Tips to Navigating PDA Website February 5, 2013: Searching for classes & checking your pesticide credits online.
New Agronomy Guide Now Available February 5, 2013: The new 2013-2014 edition of the Penn State Agronomy Guide is now available for purchase.
Time for Planter Maintenance February 5, 2013: Is your equipment ready for planting? Follow this checklist.
Get Ready for Red or Sweet Clover Frost-seeding February 5, 2013: Consider adding clover to your cover crop this spring.
Agricultural Compliance through Manure Management and Erosion & Sediment Control Plans February 5, 2013: Be prepared by knowing the law.
Easing Transportation Burdens for Farmers February 5, 2013: Pennsylvania vehicle code makes new exemptions.
Weather Outlook for February 5, 2012 February 5, 2013: Punxsy Phil calls for an early spring, but still snow left in the forecast.

January

Field and Forage Crop Team and Newsletter Contributors January 8, 2013
Upcoming Events January 8, 2013: Don't forget to attend for the PA Agronomic Education Conference, Jan. 15/16; Attend one of Penn State's Crops and Pesticides One-Day Seminars held at 11 convenient locations; The Graziers Winter Meeting on Jan. 22; and The Professional Crop Producers Conference Feb. 20/21.
What’s New for Agronomic Weed Control in 2013 January 8, 2013: Learn about the latest herbicide technologies and new herbicide resistant crops
Voluntary Conservation Approaches Work in the Chesapeake Bay January 8, 2013: Penn State Cooperative Extension works closely together with other partners in the public and private sector to help restore the Chesapeake Bay to its former glory by researching, educating and promoting Best Management Practices to control erosion, nutrient losses and pesticide losses.
Winter Manure Application Considerations January 8, 2013: Winter manure application is probably the most sensitive nutrient management issue that farmers face.
Grain Marketing Tips January 8, 2013: As the 2012 crop finishes pricing, consider marketing for 2013
Weather Outlook January 8, 2013: Warmer weather ahead in January and predictions for a mild wet winter
We Welcome in 2013 - Watch for our next newsletter on February 5 January 8, 2013
Cover Crop Innovations Webinar Series Announced January 29, 2013: Penn State Extension and the Northeast SARE Pennsylvania State Program are hosting a series of webinars during the winter of 2013 to focus on cover crop innovations. Topics in the series will include using winter-killed cover crops to reduce tillage in organic vegetable production systems, interseeding cover crops in standing corn, cover crops for small dairy farms, managing beneficial and pest insects following high-residue cover crops, nutrient and weed management in organic no-till cover crop systems, and managing nitrogen with cover crop mixtures. Here you will find the schedule and registration information for the upcoming webinar series.

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