september october 2016 extension views newsletter · 2013-09-11 · september-october 2016 ......
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Extension Views Newsletter
September-October 2016
This newsletter is mailed to approximately 1,400 farmers and agriculture businesses in Central Wisconsin at a cost of .70 per newsletter. County budgets are tight and each department has been asked to reduce expenses. If you would like to view the Extension Views newsletter on-line versus receiving a paper
copy please contact the UW-Extension Office at 715-743-5121 / [email protected]. You can view the newsletter on our webpage at: http://clark.uwex.edu/agriculture/agriculture-newsletter/ Thank you for considering this option!
Should I Select Low Lignin Alfalfa for 2017?
Richard Halopka, CCA
UW-Extension Clark County
Crops & Soils Agent
Livestock farmers usually focus on the task at hand, livestock
production and crop production may be the management area they will
rely on advice from an agronomist. Keeping up with new technology
in forages may be something they read in an article, but they may not
have investigated what are the basics of this new technology? Low
lignin alfalfa is the buzz in the forage industry. Will this technology
help improve a livestock producers bottom line?
First, what is low lignin? Low lignin alfalfa is a cultivar with genetics
that will reduce lignin present in the plant cell wall and improves cell
wall digestibility. Currently there are three companies with breeding
programs to produce low lignin alfalfa cultivars. HarvXtra has
developed a transgenic cultivar that deactivates enzymes that
synthesize lignin and contains about 12-15% less lignin. Hi-Gest is a
cultivar developed through conventional plant breeding and contains
about 7-10% less lignin. Pioneer has developed a cultivar containing
about 5% less lignin. The lignin reduction, mentioned above, is
comparing low lignin to conventional alfalfa cultivars (Sheaffer &
Undersander, 2015).
Second, how would this fit in my crop management? Low lignin
alfalfa cultivars would allow a greater harvest window without a
decrease in forage quality. Basically, if weather delays harvest or you
desire to lengthen your harvest window, (change from a 30 day harvest
to a 35 day harvest) forage quality would not change as quickly as a
conventional alfalfa cultivar and result in a slight increase in forage
yield during the season. Now this is important if you are feeding dairy
cows, growing heifers, or finishing cattle. If you require forage to
maintain livestock (winter cow/calf or dry cows and bred heifers)
forage quality may not be as important…continued on page 2
In this issue
Should I Select Low Lignin Alfalfa for 2017……..Page 1, 2
Conservation Update……………………………….….....Page 3
Weed of the Month: Common Ragweed………....Page 4
Fall Beef Meeting ……………………………………...…..Page 4
Mailbox Prediction Tool Available…….……………Page 5
Artificial Insemination Certification Program....Page 6
Fall Field Day and Corn Silage Burndown……….Page 7
Think Combine Safety For a Good Harvest………Page 8
2016 Crop Review………………………………....……...Page 9
Farmers, Be on the Lookout for Silo Gas…….…...Page 9, 10
Kewaunee County Ag Tour…………………...………..Page 10
Steps For Preparing Bins and Equipment for
Harvest………………………………………………..…….…Page 11
Consider Pros, Cons of Alternative Grain Storage
Methods……………………………………..………………...Page 12, 13
2016 Wisconsin Pest Management Update .…...Page 13
Upcoming Meeting / Events……………………...…...Page14
Clark County University of Wisconsin Extension
517 Court Street, Room 104 Neillsville, WI 54456
715-743-5121
Richard Halopka Crops and Soils Agent
Shawn Ganther Program Assistant
Contact Us
Extension Views Newsletter Page 2
…continued from page 1
Third, how would low lignin alfalfa work if I have grass in the forage mixture? Good question, first cutting would be
of greatest concern, grass species tend to mature sooner than alfalfa and harvest will generally be timed to the grass
rather than the alfalfa. Additional cuttings during the season grasses tend to stay vegetative and then the
maturity of the alfalfa would determine the cutting timeline.
Fourth, what is the economic output to obtain low lignin alfalfa? Prices from a local supplier for low lignin alfalfa
would be in the $9.00 per pound range for the seed, while conventional alfalfa is in the $5.00 per pound range. Low
lignin alfalfa does provide some economic advantages related to improved digestibility and HarvXtra offers a
Roundup Ready option for weed control. The two other low lignin breeding programs may or may not have a
Roundup Ready option.
In conclusion, as a livestock producer, what are the pros and cons of implementing this technology on my farm?
Pros:
1. Improved digestibility of alfalfa forage in dairy and finishing diets.
2. Extending the harvest window while maintaining forage digestibility (harvest at first flower instead of bud stage).
This may be valuable if weather prevents timely harvest.
3. Depending where your farm is located, allows for a reduced cutting schedule (Ex. 4 cut to 3 cut system) while
maintaining forage quality and improving yield (Scheaffer, Undersander, 2015).
4. Remember, reducing the number of cuts per season will reduce field traffic and harvest cost. May reduce
compaction in the field.
5. Roundup Ready option for weed control. Check with your seed supplier when purchasing.
Cons:
1. Depending on the species of livestock you raise, low lignin may not be worth the investment if quality is not of
concern.
2. Considered transgenic depending on the process and if a Roundup Ready crop. Some producers may not want a
transgenic cultivar.
3. When incorporating grass into the forage mixture may not allow weed control options and may limit options on
the first cutting.
4. Price of seed may deter livestock producers from considering the technology.
Overall livestock producers now have more options to maintain forage quality in the field with the low lignin
technology and provide improved digestion of plant cell wall components. The livestock manager now must
determine if the technology is of value to their operation and should determine if the investment will improve their
bottom line profit.
References:
Scheaffer, C. and Undersander, D., Forage Production: New reduced lignin alfalfa varieties, available at: http://www.extension.umn.edu/
agriculture/forages/variety-selection-and-genetics/reduced-lignin-alfalfa-varieties/ verified August 24, 2016,
“Low lignin alfalfa is a cultivar with genetics that will reduce lignin present in the plant cell wall and improves cell wall digestibility.”
Extension Views Newsletter Page 3
Hello from the Clark County Conservation Corner!
Summer is winding down as I am writing this column. One thing you can
say for sure about this growing season is that it was anything but a
drought. Except for maybe a couple weeks in July, the Black River was
roaring all summer and unfortunately brown from sediment and nutrients.
Your Clark County Conservation Department has made a commitment to
purchase a no-till drill equipped with small seed boxes. This no-till drill
will be available to farmers and landowners for planting of crops and cover
crops. The drill will be available for rent early to mid-September. There
are other sources that rent drills in the county if ours is rented. So why
don’t you give it try before more of your valuable top soil ends up in our
surface waters?
Are you interested in trying cover cropping? The Conservation
Department has some money available that it can provide for cost sharing
the establishment of a cover crop. Contact the Clark County Land
Conservation Department for details at 715-743-5102.
Do you know what the plant Purple Loose Strife looks like and why you
should be concerned about it? Purple Loose Strife is an invasive perennial
weed that has been in Wisconsin since the early 1900s. It grows 3-9 feet
tall and has purple to pink flowers and 4 sided stems. It may be attractive,
but don’t be deceived. This plant can take over a landscape and replace
native species of plants; in addition wildlife will avoid Purple Loose Strife.
It has a strong massive root system and woody like stems. It propagates by
seed or from root parts or broken stems, so cutting with a mower will
allow the invasive plant to propagate. Purple Loose Strife prefers wet soils
so generally you will see it in wetlands, along banks of streams, river and
lakes, but you’ll most likely encounter it in road ditches.
The best method of control is to pull out the entire plant, roots and all
before seed set. If entire removal is not an option then cutting the plant off
as close to the roots as possible, allow the plant to dry, then burn or land
fill. It is susceptible to glyphosate (Roundup). If controlling plants near or
in water, use Rodeo (formulation of glyphosate for use in aquatic
environments). As always read the label before any chemical methods of
control are used. Currently a biological control using an imported beetle
has proved successful for severe infestations of Purple Loose strife.
If you think you may have Purple Loose Strife on your property, but aren’t
sure contact the Clark County Land Conservation Office at 715-743-5102
or contact the DNR Office for help to identify Purple Loose Strife.
Conservation Update
Jim Arch, County Conservationist
“Are you interested in trying cover cropping? The Conservation Department has some money available that it can provide for cost sharing the establishment of a cover crop. Contact the Clark County Land Conservation Department for details at 715-743-5102.”
Extension Views Newsletter Page 4
Meeting qualifies for 1 BQA Continuing Education Credit
FALL BEEF MEETING
Marketing Beef
Wednesday, September 14
Country Fresh Meats
9902 Weston Ave (near Weston, WI)
4:30 p.m. (registration)
5:00—8:00 p.m.
Direct Marketing Beef—Don’t know where to start when marketing your farm-raised beef? The
presentation will cover the basics of getting started and marketing to new customers
Rules & Regulations of Marketing Your Own Beef—WDATCP representative will review rules and
regulations for marketing your own beef
Cost is $20.00 per person (includes dinner).
Register by August 31. Mail check (payable to UW-Extension) with name, address, email, and phone
number to:
UW-Extension
212 River Drive, Suite #3
Wausau, WI 54403
You can also register online at: https://goo.gl/forms/UxhOtLsB40AGjUYz2
Weed of the Month: Common Ragweed
Common ragweed is very common in fields in 2016. Weather conditions in 2016
have allowed common ragweed to germinate and compete with many crops.
Common ragweed is an annual forb that will flower between July and September.
The plant has a shallow taproot system, alternate leaves, on erect stems, and
produces monoecious heads of male and female flowers. The leaves are twice
pinnatifid with pubescent surfaces. The leaves are somewhat a pale green and
have a ragged appearance.
Common ragweed is very common in Midwest cultivated fields, but can be found
in waste areas, pastures, roadsides, rangeland, and prairies.
Common ragweed has very few beneficial uses other than seed for wild birds. It
can contain volatile oil that causes skin irritation and is unpalatable to most
livestock. It can also accumulate nitrates. Native Americans used common
ragweed leaf tea to treat nausea and applied it to injured tissue to relieve swelling.
One problem is common ragweed is a major cause of hay fever.
Extension Views Newsletter Page 5
Mailbox Prediction Tool Available
We have been working on improving the software
system we developed last summer where producers
can use farm-specific estimated regression models to
forecast their own mailbox price for 12 months from
the date of analysis. The most current Class III and
IV futures market data are used in the forecasting
exercise. This regression model includes farm specific
mailbox price as the variable of interest. Announced
Class III and IV prices are used as explanatory
variables as well as farm specific fat and protein
contents (if desired by the producer). The Announced
Class III and IV prices are automatically accessed from
the Understand Dairy Markets website.
Shown are a couple of snapshots of the analysis of
average Wisconsin mailbox price based on a regression
using data over the January 2005 – January 2016
period as an example. The first figure is used to show
the mailbox input form. The 2nd figure is used to show
the regression results. Note that components are not
included but could be if this data had been updated.
The 3rd figure shows the results of our forecast for the
April 2016—March 2017 period. (Note that the May
Class III and IV prices will be announced later.) In
this figure we show the mailbox point forecasts (red
line) as well as the 50% confidence interval (CI) of
these forecasts. Note the cone-shaped CI. This CI
accounts for the uncertainty due to not only the use of
estimated regression coefficients but also the use of
futures market data with the characteristic of more
uncertainty the further into the future a particular
futures price. This summer we hope to have this
system extended to be a web-based system where
producers can create their own databases of mailbox
and component data.
Check out the following website for more information:
http://future.aae.wisc.edu/index.html
If you would like a copy of this software please
contact:
Brian W. Gould
608-263-3212
608-335-1288
Extension Views Newsletter Page 6
December 6 & 7, 2016
Browning Town Hall
(corner of Highway 64 and Lekie Drive east of
Medford)
Pre-registration is required
Contact the Marathon County UW-Extension Office
for a registration form or you can register online at:
https:/goo.gl/forms/JmdKSK3ueAeI6ptI2
Registration and payment are due by November 23
Cost is $125 per person and includes
written training materials, instruction, and
lunch both days
This workshop is geared at educating beef and dairy producers on how to Artificially Inseminate their own cattle. During the course producers will learn: Benefits of using Artificial Insemination instead of a
bull The importance of proper heat detection and the
tools available to help you better heat detect Producers will also learn various estrous
synchronization protocols to use in their herd. This course includes both classroom and on farm
activities. Things to Know: You will be outside for part of this training so dress
accordingly. Lunch is provided both days—if you have special
dietary needs please let them know at time of registration.
Bring rubber washable boots and coveralls for use in the barn.
For a complete registration go to: http://www.marathon.uwex.edu
Artificial Insemination Certification Program
AGENDA DAY 1: 8:30 a.m. Registration and Introductions
9:00 a.m. Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology
This section will cover key components of the
female reproductive tract and hormones involved
in regulation of their function.
10:00 a.m. AI Technique
This section will discuss how to palpate, pass the
cervix and position the insemination rod for
optimal fertility within the female reproductive
tract.
10:30 a.m. Reproductive tracts and semen handling
During this session participants will work with
reproductive tracts and practice handling and
thawing semen and loading it into the
insemination rod.
11:30 a.m. AI Equipment
Explanation of equipment involved in storing and
thawing semen and inseminating cows. Along
with associated costs.
12:00 p.m. Lunch (provided)
1:00 p.m. Practice with cows
3:00 p.m. Adjourn
AGENDA DAY 2: 8:30 a.m. Registration and Introductions
9:00 a.m. Heat Detection
The science and “art” of proper heat detection
and heat detection aids
9:30 a.m. Estrous Synchronization Protocols
This section will explain the most current
synchronization protocols, highlighting their
individual benefits or drawbacks.
10:30 a.m. Bull Selection
This section will explain how to read sire proofs,
and discuss how each number in the sire proof is
calculated.
11:00 a.m. Pregnancy Detection
This section will explain different methods of
pregnancy detection.
12:00 p.m. Lunch (Provided)
12:30 p.m. Written Exam
A brief written exam will be given and reviewed.
1:00 p.m. Practice with cows
Students will be asked to demonstrate proper
method of thawing, loading, and inseminating
cows
4:00 p.m. Evaluations and Award Certificates
Extension Views Newsletter Page 7
FEATURES: Company Reps Available In Field
Field Demonstrations
Company Promotion tables all day
NIR Machine from John Deere
Ride and Drive Event
Corn burndown from 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
Free Lunch
Rain or Shine Event
AGENDA: 10:00 a.m. Field Demonstrations
Corn Silage Harvesting
Hauling/Storing Corn Silage
11:45 a.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Field Demonstrations
Harvesting
Tillage
No Till drill
Bring in 3 stalks of corn to check whole plant moisture
NIR from 10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
*RSVP is appreciated by September 21 not required / 715-743-5121
Seed Plot Participants and Event Sponsors
DeKalb, Legacy, Mycogen, NK, Wolf River. Renk, LG, Prairie Estates, Master Choice, Croplan
DIRECTIONS:
From Loyal: Take County Road K north 1 mile to Spencer Road, east 1/4 mile to Plot
From Highway 29: Take County Road P south for 13 miles (it will become County Road K),
to Spencer Road, east 1/4 mile to Plot. Watch For Field Signs
Fall Field Day & Corn Silage Burndown hosted by: Thank you to our collaborators:
Central Wisconsin Forage Council’s
Fall Field Day and Corn Silage Burndown
Thursday, September 22
Lindner Farm, Loyal
10:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.
and Mitch Lindner’s Farm
Extension Views Newsletter Page 8
Think Combine Safety For a Good Harvest
The size, power and moving parts of a combine when coupled with the stress and rush of
harvest time, can be a recipe for disaster. That's why good safety procedures are a must during
harvest season, according to an agricultural safety specialist at North Dakota State University.
The combine is among the most dangerous machines on farms in the region, according to
George Maher of the NDSU Extension Service. He notes that Agricultural Injury Surveillance
Statistics collected as recently as 1995 show that the combine, grain auger, and tractor were
the machines most involved in North Dakota agricultural injuries.
"Thinking ahead to establish safety procedures that prevent injuries is essential," Maher says. "Getting into good hab-
its and thinking through potential hazards can prevent disasters during the harvest rush." Maher lists several safety
procedures.
Set aside time to properly prepare the combine for harvest. Rushed repairs may lead to injuries.
Conduct a safety check before taking to the field. Replace all guards and shields that may have been removed.
Replace or repair all lights that don't work -- especially transport lights, such as headlights and taillights.
Examine fields for hazards such as erosion washouts and other surprises that can develop during the growing
season. Alert other workers to those hazards too.
Adjust and service the combine as directed in the operators manual. There are usually some adjustments that need to
be made while the machine is running, but others should be done with the machine stopped and the key removed
from the tractor or the combine's ignition switch.
Always refuel the combine or tractor after it has cooled. Fuel vapors can easily ignite on hot engine and combine
parts. Refueling accidents are a major cause of combine fires.
Grease and check the combine in the morning while when your mind is fresh. Put the ignition key in your pocket
while you are working on the combine so no one can start it or the tractor up while you are working on the machine.
Check hydraulic leaks carefully. Use a piece of cardboard, wood, or sheet metal to detect leaks. Hydraulic oil under
high pressure can easily be injected through the skin and result in serious medical problems.
Drive the combine only while you are alert and aware of your surroundings. Hours of steady operation can lull you
into a hypnotic state. To avoid this dangerous situation, schedule a break for all workers every two to three hours.
Change jobs with someone else who can operate the combine for a while.
Use the safety stops on the header lift cylinders when working under the header. Don't trust hydraulics with your
life.
Keep your distance from other vehicles and machines. Combines need a lot of room to maneuver and have large
blind spots.
Always be aware of the location of other equipment
Move combines from field to field only during daylight. Driving combines on public roads after dark can be very
risky. The size of a combine, coupled with its unfamiliar shape and lighting pattern make it a dangerous hazard on the
road after dark.
"Thinking ahead to establish safety procedures that prevent injuries is essential. Getting into good habits and thinking through potential
hazards can prevent disasters during the harvest rush."
Extension Views Newsletter Page 9
2016 Crop Review
Richard Halopka, CCA
UW-Extension Clark County Crops & Soils Agent
As September is beginning the majority of the 2016 growing season is behind us now and the final harvest is
beginning. What did we learn in 2016?
1. Just because El Nino and La Nina stirs a controversy doesn’t mean we will have a drought. Much stress and
questions early in spring were based on the concerns of drought. As we now know we didn’t have a drought. Moral of the
story—plan on a normal growing season and don’t lose sleep over predictions.
2. Depending on where you lived in the county, you may have gotten too much rain, while others received adequate amounts.
Areas of the county receiving excessive rain during or just after planting resulted in poor emergence and replanting of crops.
The frustration normally is when one area of the county needs rainfall and another area is to wet.
3. Baling dry hay was a challenge in 2016. It was a very tough year to bale dry hay. Hay is readily available,
compared to just a few years ago and doesn’t have a great value.
4. Rainfall and weeds go hand in hand. When we receive more than adequate rainfall crops generally respond as does the crop
competition—weeds. Adequate rainfall in July and August allowed a second flush of weeds to emerged, even if residual
herbicides were applied earlier in the season.
5. Fortunately 2016 had really no economic thresholds of insects. The common insects of forages and grains were well below
economical thresholds.
6. Rainfall with warm temperatures provided a good environment for pollination of corn and soybeans. Even days with high
temperatures there was adequate moisture for plant transpiration and that had very little impact on the crops.
7. Rainfall and warm temperatures provided an environment for disease in crops. New seeding forages and soybeans have dis-
played phytophthora symptoms and white mold is present in soybean. Diseases require 3
elements to cause an infection: environmental conditions that favor disease infection, a susceptible cultivar, and a virulent
disease. Many questions have been asked about white mold. Understand the infection began at the
initiation of flower, not when you noticed it in the field. White mold is present in every field in the county and the only real
course for control is selecting a resistant cultivar. Other management practices may help reduce the
potential for the disease.
8. Overall crops had a good growing season; yes some fields are challenged and have less than desired populations and weed
escapes are seen as of late, but 2016 was average to above growing season.
For today this pretty much sums up 2016. If you have particular questions please call 715-743-5121 and ask for
Richard or email him at [email protected].
Farmers, Be on the Lookout for Silo Gas
By Charles Schwab and Erin Fosselman
What is silo gas?
“Silo gas is a toxic, natural by-product of silage production,” said Schwab. “The gas occurs naturally as a result of
ensiling. This hazard exists each year, but because of drought conditions, it could occur more frequently, since more
farmers are ensiling this harvest season.”
As nitric gases from recently harvested plants leave the silage, the gases combine with oxygen from the air to produce
another gas, called nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a toxic gas that should be avoided. Carbon dioxide is also
present. Silo gas forms when the nitrogen dioxide and carbon dioxide combine.
Silo gas usually forms within a few hours and up to three weeks after fresh plant material is added to the silo, silage
bags or bunkers. The three-week period is the most dangerous time, and farmers should check for signs of silo gas.
The gas is typically a problem in conventional, non-airtight silos. Open air usually prevents silo gas from reaching
dangerous levels…continued on page 10
Extension Views Newsletter Page 10
...continued from page 9
Silo-Filler’s Disease: What it is, and how to prevent it
Silo-filler’s disease is the term given to the injuries that result from exposure to silo gas. Inhaling even a small amount of silo
gas can result in serious, permanent and sometimes fatal lung injuries. Symptoms of silo-filler’s
disease include coughing, burning, shortness of breath, chills, fever headaches, nausea or vomiting.
Silo gas is almost invisible, but it can be seen as a yellow or red haze hanging just on top of the silo. Silo gas is
heavier than air, and will settle on top of the silage and in any depression or cavity in it. It can travel down the silo chute and
collect in adjoining buildings.
If signs of silo gas are detected, leave the area. See a doctor immediately if silo gas inhalation or exposure occurred, or could
have occurred. To reduce the amount of silo gas formed:
Fill the silo quickly.
Fill the silo as full as possible.
Keep a blower running to provide as much air movement as possible during filling time.
After filling, keep the door between the feed room and barn closed and secured.
“It is important to remember this hazard exists, whether you make silage every year or are ensiling because of drought conditions
this year,” Schwab said.
Charles Schwab Erin Fosselman
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering ISU Extension and Outreach
515-294-4131 515-294-9807
[email protected] [email protected]
Kewaunee County Ag Tour
Wednesday September 14, 2016
Kewaunee, a county with twice as many dairy cows as people, a county that has maintained farm numbers and grown milk
production. Located in the eastern Wisconsin karst region, producers are implementing new practices to improve water quality.
Join MACCI and the Wood County Farm Technology Days committee as they tour two large dairies. One will host Farm
Technology Days in 2017 and the other has faced many challenges in the permitting process as they have expanded their dairy.
End the day at a winery and vineyard just as the grapes are ready to be harvested this year.
Itinerary for the Day
7:00 a.m. Depart Marshfield Mall parking lot
8:00 a.m. Depart Rapids Mall parking lot
Travel to Kewaunee County (east of Green Bay
11:00 a.m. Kinnard Farms tour
12:30 p.m. Lunch at Kinnard’s Observation Room
1:30 p.m. Ebert Enterprises tour
3:30 p.m. Parallel 44 Winery—vineyard and winery tours
5:00 p.m. Depart for central Wisconsin
7:30 p.m. Arrive at Rapids Mall
8:15 p.m. Arrive at Marshfield Mall
For more information please contact:
MACCI at 715 384-3454
Please register by SEPTMBER, 2016: KEWAUNEE COUNTY AGRICULTURE TOUR
REGISTRATION COST $40 per person (includes coach bus, catered lunch at Kinnard Farms and wine tasting and vineyard tour
at Parallel 44 Winery)
Send To: MACCI; 700 S. Central Avenue; Marshfield WI 54495
Extension Views Newsletter Page 11
Steps For Preparing Bins and Equipment for Harvest
(taken from the University of Nebraska webpage)
Grain harvested in Nebraska is essentially insect-free, but can become infested by storage insects, which originate in or around the bin or
in contaminated equipment such as combines and grain augers. Take time now to clean and prepare bins for this year's grain by follow-
ing these tips:
Start with Clean Grain and Equipment: First, be sure to store sound, clean, dry grain. It may be advisable to screen out broken
grains, trash and fines to increase the quality of the final storage product. Also, the elimination of trash will enhance fumigation, should
this procedure be required later.
Since stored grain insects can invade new grain from infested harvesting and handling equipment (combines, augers, etc.), cleanup is essential. Carefully
remove all traces of old grain from combines, truck beds, grain carts, augers, and any other equipment used for harvesting, transporting, and handling grain.
Even small amounts of moldy or insect-infested grain left in equipment can contaminate a bin of new grain. Then clean grain bins thoroughly, disposing of
spilled, cracked, and broken grain and grain flour, along with the insects feeding on such material. A simple broom and a vacuum cleaner are essential pieces
of equipment in cleaning grain bins.
"How clean is clean enough?" is a question many producers ask. A good rule of thumb to follow when cleaning bins and equipment is: If you can tell what
was stored or handled last season by looking in the auger, bin, or combine, it is not clean enough to prevent re-contamination of the new crop.
Clear Away Clutter, Landscaping Near Bins: Around the bins, be sure to remove old equipment, junk, and clutter to make the area less attractive to
insects and rodents. Make sure that the bin is insect and rodent-proofed by plugging holes, sealing bins, caulking, and making general repairs. Grain spilled
near the bin attracts insects and draws mice and rats. Clean up and dispose of any spilled grain several weeks before harvest. If rats have tunneled under
foundations, use baits or traps to reduce or eliminate them. Tall weeds can harbor insects and provide cover for rodents. Mow around the bin site to remove
tall grass and weeds to reduce the potential for insect and rodent infestation. If necessary, re-grade the site so that water readily drains away from bin
foundations. One cannot always wait for the soil to dry before loading or unloading grain from bin sites. Make certain that travel lanes have enough rock or
gravel to bear the weight of heavy trucks and grain carts.
Landscaping should be maintained well away from grain storage facilities. Leave a 4-foot wide strip of bare gravel around the perimeter of storage bins. If
buying old crop grain for storage with newly harvested grain, watch for insects in the incoming grain. If infested grain is purchased for livestock feed, store it
away from the new crop and feed it as soon as possible. Grain stocks may be rotated or moved and a grain protectant applied at the time of turning.
Manage Grain Conditions to Reduce Insect Problems: Stored grain insects cannot live on extremely dry grain (less than 10%); however, it is impractical
to reduce grain moisture much below minimum moisture levels necessary for long-term storage. Insect activity and reproduction are favored, however, by
high grain moisture (14% or more), especially when condensation and molds occur, and fermentation raises temperature in the grain mass.
Spoilage and internal heating allow insects to remain active even in winter. Manage aeration to manipulate grain temperature. Since insects are "cold-
blooded," they are not active much below 50°F, and grain cooling can be particularly important in reducing insect reproduction. Condensation of moisture in
the grain mass is prevented by slow cooling and gradual reduction of the gradient between the grain mass temperature and the outside (ambient) temperature.
Check and Repair Mechanical Areas: A bin of 19% moisture corn with a starting temperature of 75°F can lose a full market grade in about five days if the
aeration system shuts down, allowing the grain to heat and deteriorate. Electrical system maintenance before harvest can prevent costly downtime. Wiring for
fans and other electrical components should be inspected for corrosion and cracked, frayed, or broken insulation. Exposed wiring should be run through
waterproof, dust-tight conduit. Avoid kinking the conduit and make sure all connections are secure.
Mice often nest in control boxes where they are protected from predators. They can strip insulation from wires for nest material and their urine sometimes
causes corrosion on relays and other electrical components. If rodent damage is found, clean and repair or replace damaged wiring, relays, and other electrical
equipment. Then seal over knock-outs and other openings that may permit rodent entry.
Fans, heaters, transitions, and ducts should be checked for corrosion and other damage. Remove any accumulated dust and dirt that may reduce operating
efficiency and be sure all connections are tight to prevent air leaks that can reduce operating efficiency.
Treatment of Bins and Stored Grain Insects: Once empty bins have been thoroughly cleaned, a residual treatment may be applied to bin surfaces to
protect incoming grain from insect infestation. Follow label instructions carefully. The following materials are listed for empty grain bin surface treatments:
silicon dioxide, also known as diatomaceous earth – available under many brand names
Butylcarityl + Pyrethrins – available under many brand names. Related chemicals include Binfenthrin (Capture) and Pybuthryn (Butacide, Pyrenone
Crop Spray).
For bins with false floors, which are inaccessible for cleaning, chloropicrin, a bin "clean-out" fumigant, is legal to use, prior to binning the grain.
Other fumigants that could be used on empty bins would be magnesium phosphide and methyl bromide.
Caution! Fumigants are dangerous, restricted-use pesticides and may require gas monitoring devices and respirator protection for the applicator. It is highly
recommended that fumigation be done by a commercial pesticide applicator who has been trained and EPA/NDA-certified in safe fumigant handling and
application techniques. Refer to current labels for specific details and instructions.
Tom Dorn
Nebraska Extension Educator
Extension Views Newsletter Page 12
Consider Pros, Cons of Alternative Grain Storage Methods
Grain can be stored in many types of containers, but all storage options should keep the grain dry and provide adequate aeration to
control grain temperature, according to North Dakota State University grain drying expert Ken Hellevang.
"Grain must be dry and cool (near the average outdoor temperature) when placed in alternative storage facilities because providing
adequate, uniform airflow to dry grain or cool grain coming from a dryer is not feasible in these facilities," says Hellevang, an NDSU
Extension Service agricultural engineer.
Producers should look carefully at the advantages and disadvantages of the nontraditional storage methods they are considering, he
adds.
Structural Issues Grain pushing against the walls can damage buildings not built for grain storage. The walls must be anchored securely, and their
structural members must be strong enough to transfer the force to the building poles or support structure without breaking or bending
excessively.
Typically, you will need additional poles and a grain wall to support the grain force in a pole building. Hellevang advises hiring an
engineer to complete a structural design or analysis, or contacting the building company for guidance to prevent a structural failure.
Before placing grain in a building previously used for grain storage:
Look for anything out of alignment, such as a bowing wall.
Check the roofline. Bowing or bending indicates the load on the building has exceeded the load for which it was designed and built
and has damaged the structure.
Examine connections for separation or movement. A connector failure can lead to a building failure. You may need to reinforce the
connection by adding a gusset or splice.
Storing in Bags
Storing grain in poly bags is a good option, but it does not prevent insect infestations or mold growth in damp grain. Hellevang
recommends:
Placing grain in bags at recommended storage moisture contents based on grain and outdoor temperatures. Heating will occur if the
grain exceeds a safe storage moisture content, and grain in a bag cannot be cooled with aeration. The average temperature of dry
grain will
follow the average outdoor temperature.
Selecting an elevated, well-drained site for the storage bags
Placing the bags north and south so solar heating is similar on both sides.
Sunshine on just one side heats that side, which can lead to moisture accumulation in the grain on the cool side.
Monitoring the grain temperature at several places in the bags. Wildlife can puncture the bags, creating an entrance for moisture
and
releasing the grain smell, which attracts more wildlife.
Never enter a grain bag because it is a suffocation hazard. If unloading the bag with a pneumatic grain conveyor, the suction can
"shrink wrap" a person so he or she cannot move and will limit space for breathing.
Grain Piles
Grain frequently is stored short term in outdoor piles. However, precipitation is a severe problem in uncovered grain. A 1-inch rain will
increase the moisture content of a 1-foot layer of corn by 9 percentage points. This typically leads to the loss of at least 2 feet of grain
on the pile surface.
A 1-foot loss on the surface of a 25-foot-high cone-shaped pile is about 13 percent of the grain. This is a loss of $39,000 if the grain
value is $4 per bushel.
If creating outdoor piles: Use a cover to prevent water infiltration. Aeration and wind blowing on the pile will not dry wet grain adequately to prevent
spoilage.
Prepare the ground surface where grain will be piled with lime, fly ash or cement to prevent soil moisture from reaching the grain.
Place the pile so the storage floor is higher than the surrounding ground to minimize moisture transfer from the soil into the grain.
continued on page 13...
Extension Views Newsletter Page 13
...continued from page 12
Make sure the ground surface is crowned so moisture that does get into the pile drains out rather than creating a wet pocket that
leads to grain deterioration.
Examine the entire area to assure that flooding will not occur during major rain events.
Grain Covers A combination of restraining straps and suction from the aeration system holds grain covers in place. Place perforated ducts on the
grain
under the cover to provide a controlled air intake for the aeration system and airflow near the cover to minimize condensation prob-
lems.
Properly sized and spaced ducts also should be placed on the ground under the pile to pull air through the grain. If you use a perforated
grain wall, the aeration ducts near the wall should not be perforated or the airflow through the grain will be limited to near the wall.
Cooling Stored Grain
Cool grain with aeration to reduce the insect infestation potential. Insect reproduction is reduced at temperatures below about 60 F,
insects are dormant below about 50 F, and insects can be killed by extended exposure to temperatures below about 30 F.
Cooling grain as outdoor temperatures cool reduces moisture migration and the condensation potential near the top of the grain pile. In
addition, grain moisture content and temperature affect the rate of mold growth and grain deterioration, with the allowable storage time
approximately doubling with each 10-degree reduction in grain temperature.
The grain should be cooled whenever the average outdoor temperature is 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the grain. It should be cooled
to near or below 30 degrees for winter storage in the northern states and near or below 40 degrees in states with warmer winter
temperatures.
Aeration ducts need to have perforations sized and spaced correctly for air to enter and exit the ducts uniformly and obtain the desired airflow
through the grain. The maximum spacing for aeration ducts is equal to the grain depth to achieve acceptable airflow uniformity.
For more information do an online search for NDSU grain drying and storage.
2016 Wisconsin Pest Management Update
Monday, November 7th from 1PM to 4PM
The proposed schedule for the Wisconsin Pest Management Update meeting series is listed below.
Presentations will include pest management information for Wisconsin field and forage crops.
Lunch will begin at 11:45 in Marshfield and is included with the registration fee. Presentations start promptly at 1PM
Registration is $40 per participant. For more information contact Shawn at 715-743-5121 or [email protected].
Please make your reservation with host agent at least one week prior to the scheduled meeting date.
DATE LOCATION HOST AGENT
Monday
November 7
Marshfield Marshfield Agricultural Research Station
2611 Yellowstone Drive
Marshfield
Richard Halopka Clark County Extension Courthouse
517 Court Street, Room 104, Neillsville
(715) 743-5121
Extension Views Newsletter Page 14
UW-Extension Staff
Richard Halopka
Crops and Soils Agent
Melissa Kono
CNRED Agent
Nancy Vance
Family Living Agent
Christine Hollar
4-H Youth Development Agent
The University of Wisconsin Extension provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in education, programming and employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, gender/sex, creed, disability, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or parental, arrest or conviction record or veteran status. La Universidad de Wisconsin-Extensión proporciona acción afirmativa e igualdad de oportunidades en educación, programas y empleo, para todas las personas calificadas, sin tener en cuenta raza, color, sexo, credo, discapacidad, religión, nacionalidad de origen, ascendencia, edad, orientación sexual, gravidez o paternidad, historial de detención o condena o estado de veterano de guerra. If you need an interpreter, materials in alternate formats or other accommodations to access this program, activity, or service, please contact the program coordinator at 715-743-5121 as soon as possible (10 days is reasonable) preceding the scheduled event so that proper arrangements can be made in a timely fashion.
Upcoming Meeting / Events
Make sure to listen to WCCN and WAXX for any cancellations
September 14 Fall Beef Meeting Weston Ave (near Weston, WI) 5 pm to 8 pm
September 14 Kewaunee County Ag Tour Marshfield 7am to 8:15pm
September 22 Central Wisconsin Forage Council’s
Fall Field Day & Corn Silage Burndown
Loyal 10 am to 2 pm
November 7 2016 Wisconsin Pest Management
Update Marshfield 1 pm to 4 pm
December 6, 7 Artificial Insemination Certification
Program Browning Town Hall
(East of Medford) Day 1: 8:30 am to 3 pm Day 2: 8:30 am to 4 pm
Brianna Miller
WNEP
Lori Hendrickson
Program Assistant
Shawn Ganther
Program Assistant
Phone Number—715-743-5121
Fax—715-743-5129