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Vol. 17 Issue 4 MSU Extension April 2012

U.P. Ag Connections 725 Greenland Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953

Published Irregularly

NEWS & VIEWS By Frank Wardynski, MSU Extension Educator

What a difference a year makes. March of 2012 has been warmer than May or June of 2011. Last year was characterized by the

cold, wet spring that delayed plantings and was a large part of the reduced yields, frost damaged produce and crops in August

in some locations and early fall in many others. Of course many locations across the Upper Peninsula exhibited drought

conditions through the summer and severely limited yields. All those conditions of 2011 followed record yields of many crops

during the 2010 growing season.

It’s hard to believe the weather we have had with heat units that must be rivaling records coupled with wide spread rain. My

cows and horses at home have almost quit eating hay for the abundant grass they have available. And that’s not by my choice;

the feeders are full of the same average to low quality hay they ate all winter. It’s almost hard to believe that if past history

holds true, we are probably going to get another snow storm.

The moral of the story may be that we can’t control the weather, but actually we already knew that. So with that in mind, may the

lesson be that although we can’t predict the weather, we can and need to be prepared for anything. Most everyone probably agrees that

the most influential factor of yield is precipitation. Certainly there are other factors with

significant impact on yield, such as temperature. My point is that predicting those factors is

like predicting the lottery. We never really know what the weather is going to do.

My advice, be ready for anything!!! That’s real easy to say. Prepare for the drought by

planting emergency crops. Prepare for skyrocketing feed prices and plummeting commodity

prices with futures contracts, crop insurance, etc. Implementation of a plan like this isn’t

found in a recipe. It’s going to change constantly. Farmers are business managers, in charge

of finance, production and marketing. The good managers have built in contingency plans to

deal with constant change. It’s not easy. Many of our consumers believe farmers have it

made with the high cost of food and high commodity prices. They don’t realize that the cost

of production is also at historic highs with growing cost of fuel, fertilizer and land.

Every aspect of your business is going to be challenged with change. How will the weather

affect production? Are prices going to remain steady or will they swing high or low? Will

bumper produce crops challenge our local marketing prices? Will inflation drive interest

rates up? Who knows what changes and challenges are looming around the corner? The

point is, having a variety of strategies to deal with them are critical to success in the future.

~Frank

Table of Contents

2. -Market Report

-For Sale/ Wanted

-Beef Feeder Cattle Marketing

-Will we make a profit in 2012?

3. -Building Soil Quality With An

Oilseed Radish Cover Crop -

Where Did The N Go?

4. -Wheat Gets A Jump-Start This

Year

-Despite Challenging Growing

Conditions

5. -Breeding Soundness Exams for

Bulls

-FSA News

6. -Forage Soybean as an Alternative

Forage Crop

-Hydrating New Bare Root Trees

For Planting

-Pasture Walk in the Western UP

7. -Sponsors

8. -Calendar

-Beginning Farmer Webinar Series

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Market Report (as of 3/23/2012) By Frank Wardynski, MSU Extension Educator

Market Ready Prices

Choice Steers $115-$127 per 100 lbs.

Holstein Steers $105-$118 per 100 lbs.

Hogs $ 73 -$ 89 per 100 lbs.

Lambs $130-$160 per 100 lbs.

Cull cows $ 60- $ 93 per 100 lbs.

Breeding and Feeder Animals

Grade Holstein cows $ 850 - 2,350 per head

Grade Holstein bred heifers $ 800 - 1,725 per head

Deacon calves (MI. Market) $85-170 per 100 #

“Farm Account” Feed Prices across the U.P. (as of 3/23/2012)

Avg. $/cwt Avg. $/ton Price Range

Corn $14.90 $298.00 $280-$312

Soymeal $20.59 $411.75 $400-$420

Oats $15.03 $300.50 $244-$362

Barley $12.00 $240.00 N/A

Average price/100 wt. for 1 ton lots

Beef Feeder Cattle Marketing The Bay de Noc Beef Producers Association will again be

loading out another load of feeder cattle on April 9th for

delivery to the Equity Cooperative Livestock Sales

Association auction market at Waukon, Iowa.

Shipping is available regardless of size of load. This

option offers good price discovery through open and

competitive bidding.

For more information about the sale please contact John

Rappette, President of the Bay de Noc Beef Producers

Association at 906-399-5510.

Will we make a profit in 2012? By: Dan Rossman, Michigan State University Extension

Just a few years ago it would have been a dream to have soybean

future contract prices over $12 a bushel and corn prices over $6.

There would be no doubt that the field crop producers would

think that the coming year should be very good. The last three

years have been exceptional for most. The reality for 2012 is that

although these are the current contract prices, the cost of

production has risen so much that the bottom line could become

very tight. In completing a projected budget for our major crops,

it is humbling to see that excellent yields and strong prices will

be needed to cover expected expenses.

Farmers have a lot invested and at risk. It will not be

uncommon to have nearly $500 per acre invested into a corn crop

in 2012 before land costs. Land costs, seed, machinery, repairs,

fertilizers and most other inputs are increasing. Seed and

fertilizer expenses make up nearly one-third of the total costs of

producing most field crops. These two items also have a great

deal to do with how successful the crop production will be. So

what should producers do? Everyone’s strategy will likely be a

little different depending on their own risk situation and

preferences.

The first step is to develop a crop budget or cost of production

based on your own farm operation. Relook at alternative

rotations and special use crops and premiums. Put a realistic

marketing plan in place and then follow it. The current prices we

have now are not guaranteed to continue through harvest.

Our markets will likely be very volatile. Another key action to take, which we have stressed for years,

is to base your fertilizer program on good soil testing and crop

needs. There is a huge variation of nutrient levels throughout

your fields. It is unwise to under apply needed nutrients or over

apply nutrients. You will not know this without a good soil test

program. Everyone needs to also recognize that soil fertility is

more than just nutrient levels. Good soil quality has active soil

biology, stable soil structure and effective organic matter levels.

These are affected by crop rotations, tillage, cover crops, manure

use, and soil conditions during tillage, planting and harvesting.

Take time and analyze the best yielding and most economical

varieties adapted for your farm. Most producers have their seed

ordered and are set for 2012. Be intentional and plan out your

own variety comparison test on your farm. Replicate it on

uniform ground then take the time to collect yield data and

analyze it for 2013. Additional information can be gained by

looking at other local on-farm variety trials. Both the Mid-

Michigan area and the Thumb area have numerous on-farm

variety comparison sites coordinated by the local MSU Extension

educators. Also take advantage of the MSU statewide variety

testing program which compares hundreds of varieties at dozens

of sites.

Make certain the rest of the crop program is sound. Weed

control, pest management, crop insurance and machinery are the

next items on the budget list that are also critical to get right.

Work with agri-professionals for advice with each of these items.

Plug everything back into your budget and make certain it works.

Run “what if” scenarios to assess your risk if prices or yields are

less than expected. Reevaluate on a regular basis and make

changes as needed.

Our overall economy seems to be very volatile and hard to

predict. Although agriculture is currently very strong, there are

mixed opinions on what is in store for us. Events in other parts of

the globe can change our bottom line over night.

Wanted & For Sale Listings

Personal ads will be removed monthly. We reserve the right to edit your ad. Free ads must

be no more than 110 spaces. Please respect the space requirements. You can always

purchase an ad if more space is required. Please call or email your ad no later than the 15th

of each month. Call the Ontonagon County MSU Extension office at 906-884-4386 or

email msue66@msu.edu.

For Sale: Registered springing Holstein heifers.

MSU U.P. Research Center, Chatham 906-439-5114

For Sale: Quality, mixed, square hay bales for sale.

Bark River, Michigan 906-280-3442

For Sale: John Deer 3300 gas combine 13 ft. In good condition

Iron County 906-875-3466 906-542-3356

For Sale: 1st crop hay-small square bales-$1.50

Ontonagon 906-884-6321

For Sale: Two young Boer meat goats-no does.

Silver Leaf Farm, Stephenson 906-753-2249

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Building Soil Quality With An Oilseed Radish

Cover Crop - Where Did The N Go? By: Tim Harrigan, MSUE & Laura L. Van Eerd, School of Environmental

Sciences, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus

There is a great deal of interest in using cover crops to build soil

quality. One crop in particular—oilseed radish (OSR) —has

received a lot of attention. Some varieties are known for their ability

to break up soil compaction while others, such as the variety

‘Colonel,’ have biosuppressive properties and are used by sugarbeet

growers to suppress the sugarbeet cyst nematode. Oilseed radish is

quick to establish when seeded in late summer and can be an

excellent addition to a forage mix for late season grazing. One trait

shared by all OSR varieties is the great ability to scavenge and trap

nitrogen (N) in the cropping system. If you use cover crops to cycle

nitrogen in your cropping system, this recent work in Michigan and

Ontario, Canada will interest you.

On-farm strip trials in Michigan

Results from large-scale, on-farm strip trials in Michigan have

shown that when swine manure slurry was applied to wheat stubble

on a loam soil in early August, and the OSR variety ‘Colonel’ was

sown as a cover crop to trap manure nitrogen, the OSR trapped

more than 125 lbs./acre N while producing more than two tons of

dry matter per acre. However, very little of that N was available for

use by the following corn crop.

The swine slurry was applied using two application methods:

1) low-disturbance placement behind the aeration tines with an

AerWay tillage tool and SSD applicator, and

2) low-disturbance injection with a Yetter injection system. Field

length strips were sown either with an OSR cover crop (12 lb/

acre; var. Colonel) or with no cover crop. The swine slurry was

applied at an agronomic rate to supply the desired level of

phosphorus, and after accounting for expected N losses the

swine slurry was expected to supply about one-half of the N

needed for the following corn crop. The remaining N for corn

production was supplied by a commercial source of N. The

OSR uptake of N in the fall was in excess of 125 lbs./acre, so

we assumed a 40 lb./acre N credit for the OSR strips and cut

the commercial N rate to the corn crop by 40 lb./acre. An N

deficiency in the following corn crop began to show up in plant

tissue tests in July as well as in stalk nitrate tests near harvest.

The 40 lb./acre N credit for the OSR cover crop led to a 40 bu/

acre yield reduction in the following corn crop.

Based on the rule-of-thumb of 1 lb./acre N needed for 1 bu./acre

corn grain, and the fact that a 40 lb./acre N credit lead to a 40 bu./

acre yield loss, it appears that very little of the manure N trapped by

the OSR was available to feed the following corn crop.

Research results from Ontario, Canada Smilar results were observed on small plot research trials in

sweet corn grown on a sandy loam soil at Ridgetown Campus,

University of Guelph, Ontario. Drilled in at 12 lbs./acre, common-

seed Diakon-type OSR was planted after processing peas; soil and

pea residue sampling showed there was a lot of residual N in the

field after harvest, which is ideal for OSR growth. By mid-

November OSR took up more than 150 lbs./acre N in aboveground

shoots. The following year, nitrate in the soil and N taken up by the

sweet corn crop were monitored every 2-3 weeks during the

growing season. At no time during the sweet corn season was there

more N in the OSR plots (in soil + crop) compared to the no cover

crop control plots. This suggests that the timing of N release did not

match up with sweet corn production. It could be that N from the

OSR cover crop was released over the winter or early spring.

Measurements taken in April and May before sweet corn planting

showed higher N in the soil and cover crop residues on the soil

surface compared to the no cover crop. This suggests that N was

released before the sweet corn crop could use it.

Importance of timing This research from Michigan and Ontario illustrates two

important processes for efficient nitrogen management with cover

crops—N uptake and N release. The cover crop needs to capture the

N and then release the N at a time and rate that matches the needs of

the following crop. Oilseed radish was an excellent cover crop for

trapping N, but it did not appear to be effective at releasing N at a

level that provided a significant N credit for the following corn

crops.

Based on the lack of synchrony of OSR N release and corn crop N

need, a mixture of OSR and cereal rye was evaluated in the same

sweet corn trial at Ridgetown Campus, Ontario. The thought was

that the cereal rye would be alive and growing in the winter/early

spring and taking up N released from the OSR. Unfortunately,

similar to OSR alone, the timing or amount of N release with OSR

plus rye mix did not meet sweet corn N needs.

More than an N credit Although there doesn’t appear to be much of an N credit from

OSR or OSR plus cereal rye mix, there were slight sweet corn yield

boosts. Economic analysis considered revenue from yield at fresh

market selling price to the cost of the seed and the cost for custom

planting as well as the cost to burn down the cereal rye the

following spring. Profit margins were 8-15% higher following the

OSR or OSR plus cereal rye mix than without a cover crop. Clearly,

bottom-line profits to the farmer are based on more than these

factors, and economics for sweet corn is definitely different than

field corn, but profit margins were higher with OSR and the OSR

plus rye mix. With higher profit margins, there is room to invest in

the soil building properties of a cover crop such as OSR and rye.

Similar results were observed in other research trials at

Ridgetown Campus, Ontario with processing tomatoes and machine

-harvested cucumber. There was little evidence of an N credit, but

profit margins were as high or higher with OSR and OSR plus rye

mix compared to having no cover crop. It is not clear why there

were slight yield boosts with OSR and OSR plus rye mix but it may

be due to healthier soil feeding soil microbes.

Build soil quality with manure and cover crops Improved N cycling and N credits are potential short-term

benefits from incorporating cover crops in your cropping system.

Although in this case there was little N available for feeding the

following corn crop, there are many additional benefits associated

with soil quality improvement that develop with long-term use.

Cover crops can alleviate soil compaction, reduce erosion by

providing a vegetative cover and improving water infiltration, and

stimulate soil-building biological processes. If you are using OSR to

trap nitrogen, be conservative in allowing N credits until you

confirm how the following crop will respond in your soils.

Additional research is needed to further understand N cycling with

cover crops and cover crop mixtures. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-

MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Wheat Gets A Jump-Start This Year By: Martin Nagelkirk, Michigan State University Extension

Michigan’s wheat is getting an early jump on the season

based on its current level of green-up. But even more

telling and significant is the fact that new root initiation

and growth could be seen already in mid-March. This

stage of development is often not seen until April. The

early development could bode well for the crop,

particularly because the soil has not been excessively wet

for an extended length of time. Warm, dry soil conditions

tend to translate into roots being less hampered by soil-

borne diseases, and less stressed by repeated freezing and

thawing. Plant nutrients are also more readily available

under this environment.

This is not to say that there isn’t some risk. At this

point, Michigan wheat growers may well see some freeze

damage to leaves in the weeks to come. However, this is

unlikely to reduce potential yields. If crop development

continues to outpace the change of seasons, the greatest

risk occurs when the growing point (also known as the first

node or joint) rises above the protection of the soil surface.

This stage may occur as early as mid-April this year. The

growing point is at risk when temperatures dip near 20

degrees. The risk increases as the plants continue to

develop. (This was also addressed in an earlier article,

“Winter wheat’s winter survival.” Also see Jeff

Andresen’s article, “Record-breaking warm weather

advances beginning of growing season.”)

As for managing this crop, few if any adjustments are

necessary. There is no hurry to apply fertilizer nitrogen

(N), though a partial dose at this time may be useful where

stands are thin. If a split application is planned, the first

application might go on within the next two weeks with

the second and final application around the time of first

joint.

Some speculate that we will see early development of

foliar diseases. While it’s true that powdery mildew is

being found, yields are largely unaffected this early-on.

However, if the variety is particularly susceptible and the

disease continues to develop, a fungicide application might

be considered for use around the time of first joint. The

idea that this season will bring more wheat diseases is

largely unfounded. As always, it’s best to wait to see how

the crop and the diseases develop before committing to

making multiple fungicide applications.

To contact an expert in your area, call 888-MSUE4MI

(888-678-3464) or visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu

Despite Challenging Growing Conditions, 2011 Corn Silage Proving to be Good Dairy Feed By: Faith Cullens, Michigan State University Extension

Each winter the team of Michigan State University (MSU)

Extension dairy nutritionists hosts a series of Nutrition

Roundtable meetings for dairy nutritionists practicing in

Michigan and northern Indiana. During December 2011,

five meetings were held across the state. At the meetings,

we discussed a variety of current topics, new products, and

new nutrition research. The feed value and nutritional

make-up of the 2011 corn silage crop was discussed in-

depth during the meetings.

Last year, 2011, was unique in most areas of Michigan

in that there were two different plantings due to heavy

rains – one in early May and one in early June. Despite

poor planting conditions and questionable growing

conditions throughout the state, most producers and

nutritionist are reporting average to good yields and good

quality. Typically, when producers switch to new corn

silage in early winter, milk production drops due to low

digestibility of the corn grain before it is fully fermented.

However, this winter, many nutritionists are reporting

steady to higher milk yield with typical seasonal gains in

milk components. Although few had tested corn silage

samples for NDF digestibility prior to the nutrition

roundtable meetings, the milk gains could be from

increased NDF digestibility along with lower overall NDF

and higher starch content.

These field reports are consistent with the information

published in the MSU Corn Silage Variety Trials. For

example, if we compare the 2011 tested variety averages

against the 2 year averages, yield was up in every zone

with some areas up over 1 dry matter (DM) ton/acre higher

than the two year average. While the average neutral

detergent fiber (NDF), a measure of digestibility, was

relatively unchanged this year compared to the 2 year

average, the amount of NDF in the silage was less in the

2011 crop. In addition, the silage this year appears to have

more grain in it than average, as measured by the starch

content.

For producers that are purchasing corn grain, having

high grain content in the corn silage can help to reduce

feed costs. On many farms, the amount of forage in the

diet may be increased to maintain healthy a healthy rumen

environment. Due to hay shortages throughout the country

and rising hay prices, the forage increases may come

primarily from corn silage. Care should be taken to

monitor corn silage use throughout the year so that there is

not a shortage next fall. In addition, the high starch content

of the silage may cause ruminal upsets when the silage is

fully fermented if not carefully monitored.

To learn more about dairy nutrition, consider attending

“Nutrition Basics for Dairy Farmers and Employees”

March 13 and 20, 2012 in Coopersville, Mich and March

15 and 23 in Ithaca, Mich. Contact Faith Cullens

atcullensf@msu.edu or 517-388-1078 for more details.

Go Green! Attention Subscribers

If you would like to help reduce our monthly publishing/ mailing expenses and also to be environmentally friendly, we encourage you

to receive the newsletter by email every month. To be added to our email list, please provide your email address to:

msue66@msu.edu.

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Breeding Soundness Exams for Bulls

Producers will again be able to have their bulls fertility tested

at various locations across the Upper Peninsula in 2012.

During the dates of April 23-27, Dr. Dan Grooms, Large

Animal clinic with Michigan State University will be

conducting breeding soundness exams and will be assisted by

Dr. Renee Koyer with the Thompson Vet Clinic in

Manistique.

Any producer that has turned out an infertile bull knows

the financial ramifications. High percentage of cows not

pregnant next fall means high cull rate and replacement cost.

Especially with our current situation of historically high cost

of production and rising replacement cost, the cost of fertility

testing is inexpensive.

To schedule testing your bulls at one of the sites, contact

Frank Wardynski in the Michigan State University Extension

office in Ontonagon County at 906-884-4386.

FSA News

Dairy Producers Reminded of MILC Program The Michigan Farm Service Agency would like to remind

dairy producers of some important program eligibility

requirements for payment under the Milk Income Loss

Contract program (MILC). FSA Michigan State Executive

Director, Christine White, says dairy prices may authorize

potential MILC payments, but all dairy producers need to be

award of the program requirements should those conditions

arise.

Dairy operators currently enrolled in MILC, need to notify

the local county office if there have been any changes to their

dairy operation.

If a payment rate is announced, dairy producers enrolled in

the MILC program will need to provide the local county

office with documentation showing the eligible milk

production and commercial milk marketing for the months

with a MILC payment rate in effect.

When producers enroll in MILC, a payment start month is

selected. This month remained the same through all program

years, unless a change is requested by the dairy. Dairy

producers are allowed to change their start month an

unlimited number of times throughout their enrollment in

MILC provided that the changes are requested timely.

MILC program participants are also required to comply

with FSA’s Adjusted Gross Income requirements each fiscal

year. This certification, on a CCC-931, must be completed

prior to a payment being disbursed.

New dairies that have not previously participated in the

MILC program will need to fill out the CCC-580, Milk

Income Loss Contract.

Appointments Recommended We recommend you call to make an appointment before

coming to the office to conduct business. This will enable us

to prepare any necessary paperwork and research issues

before your appointment. This will reduce the amount of time

that you have to wait in the office.

Foreign Buyers Notification The Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act

(AFIDA) requires all foreign owners of U.S. agricultural land

to report their holdings to the Secretary of Agriculture.

Foreign persons who have purchased or sold land in the

county are required to report the transaction to the FSA

within 90 days of the closing. Failure to submit the AFIDO

form could result in civil penalties of up to 25% of the fair

market value of the property.

Apply Now For 2012 Annual Operating Loans Farmers that plan to apply to the Farm Service Agency for

annual operating loan assistance this year are encouraged to

apply as soon as possible. The earlier an application for loan

assistance is filed, the quicker the FSA staff can process your

request. In addition, due to budget constraints, farmers that

wait until later in the year to apply, often run the risk of

finding out that our funding allocations have been utilized

already. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local FSA

office to set up an appointment for information as to what is

required in order to have a complete loan application on file.

Decisions cannot be made until a complete application is

received.

Lease Requirements for DCP and ACRE Contracts Leases must contain:

The type of lease (cash, share, etc.)

Landowners name, signature, and date

Farm operator name, signature, and date

Length of lease (list number of years)

Prevented Planted Acreage Prevented planting is the inability to plant the intended crop

acreage with proper equipment by the final planting date for

the crop type because of a natural disaster. If you plant an

alternative crop on those acres, those acres are not considered

prevented planting. For example, if you intended to plant

oats, but subsequently planted corn on the acres, FSA does

not consider those acres as prevented planting. If you were

unable to plant all the acres you intended, action is necessary.

You may want to report those acres as prevented planted

when you file your acreage report. If you have crop

insurance, talk to your agent immediately to find out if

prevented planted acres are covered under your policy and if

restrictions apply. For more specific information on

Prevented Planting, contact your local FSA office.

GovDelivery Farmers and ranchers in Michigan now have a more efficient,

timely option for receiving important FSA program eligibility

requirements, deadlines and related information. Through

FSA’s GovDelivery electronic news service, producers can

establish subscriber preferences by choosing to receive

federal farm program information by topic, by state and/or by

county. Producers can select as many subscriber options as

they want, which allows producers who farm in multiple

counties to receive updates from each county in which they

operate or have an interest. To begin using GovDelivery,

subscribe online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/subscribe or

contact your local office for subscription assistance.

6

Registered Angus yearling bulls

Complete A.H.I.R. records,

semen checked. Visit:

http://onionhollowangus.shutterfly.com/

Bill Paulsen: 608-583-3177

608-739-2855

27371 Onion Hollow Ln.

Lone Rock, WI 53556

ANGUS

Forage Soybean as an Alternative Forage

Crop By Dr. Doo-Hong Min, MSU UP Research Center

Main forage crop failure resulting from winterkill, poor

establishment, or severe drought can cause feed shortage.

Annual forages for either warm-season or cool-season can play

an important role in compensating feed shortage as an emer-

gency forage crop. In the late 1990’s, three varieties (Derry,

Donegal, and Tyrone) of forage soybean were developed and

released by the USDA-ARS in Maryland. Also there are

roundup-ready forage soybean varieties on the market. If

forage soybean is properly planted and harvested at optimum

stage of maturity, this crop may produce high quality forage.

Following are the characteristics and planting tips of forage

soybeans.

Uses: fresh-chopped, silage, food plot

Height: Forage soybean is much taller than traditional soybean

and it can be as tall as 30 – 50 inches.

Seeding rate: 50 lbs per acre

(equivalent to 155,000 seeds per acre)

Seeding date: Mid to late May

Harvesting time: when forage soybean reaches

between 28 – 36 inches

Yield potential: 2.0 – 4.0 dry matter tons per acre

Forage quality: CP, 14-19 %; ADF, 30 – 50 %; NDF,

40 – 60 %; Digestibility: 60 – 70 %

Forage soybean

Hydrating New Bare Root Trees For

Planting By: Philip Schwallier & Amy Irish-Brown, MSUE

In the summer of 2011, the IFTA summer tour was held in

the UK, Belgium, and Holland. While visiting the nurseries

and growers they explained their research of methods used to

prepare trees for planting. All methods were centered on the

importance of hydrating bare root trees prior to planting.

Here in Michigan and other places as well, growers store

trees bare root with periodic watering by sprinkling typically

from a garden hose. Then prior to planting, the trees are thor-

oughly wetted again by sprinkling or by a dip in a water tank

and taken to the field to be planted.

However, the Europeans indicate that trees get a better

start by soaking the trees roots in water for 24 to 48 hours

prior to planting. This soaking will hydrate plants to twice

their weight and will provide 30 days of water in the new

planting, thus greatly reducing the stress associated with the

drying of soil around the roots shortly after planting.

The Europeans report trees hydrated by a good, pre-plant

soaking will also give the trees a 30 day head start over trees

handled in the traditional fashion. European growers report

that they will take the whole bundle of trees down to a creek

and completely submerge the trees in water (although only

the roots need to be submerged) for at least 24 hours. This

method of a 24-hour soak could be of great benefit to Michi-

gan fruit growers.

This article was published on MSU Extension News. For

more information from MSU Extension, visithttp://

news.msue.msu.edu. To contact an expert in your area, vis-

it http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-

678-3464).

2012 FEEDER CATTLE SALES

CLARE COUNTY

LIVESTOCK AUCTION, LLC Clare, MI

DAVID CLARK OWNER/AUCTIONEER

Phone #810-441-6191

SALE BARN #989-386-9256

ALL CATTLE WEIGHED AT TIME OF SALE

Accepting Cattle: ALL DAY WEDNESDAY PRIOR

TO SALE

COLORED & HOLSTEIN,

STEERS, HEIFERS & CALVES

SOME PRE-CONDITIONED Information available at time of sale!

THURSDAYS: March 22, April 19 & May 10

Starting at 1:00 PM (EST) &

EVERY MONDAY at 3:00 PM

Go to: www.davidclarkauction.com

FOR MARKET INFORMATION!!

Piirto Farm Trout Creek

For sale: First Cut 2011 Timothy Hay

$4.00 per bale.

Or

Negotiate a price for the

entire 1000 bales!

Hay is stored in barn.

Contact Dr. Doug Piirto:

805-461-0642 or via

e-mail: dpiirto@calpoly.edu.

Registered Maine Anjou and Angus

CLAY KNOLL FARMS

Open & Bred Heifers and

Breeding Age Bulls available

Breeding Cattle to

Impact the Present and Influence the Future.

Breeding Stock-Bulls Show Prospects– Steers

Duane Simpkins & Sons 989-426-3244

Gary & Jan Simpkins 989-426-8185 Gladwin, MI

Pasture Walk in the Western UP Duane Kolpack, manager of Dykstra Cattle Farm will be hosting a

pasture walk on April 13, starting at 10:00. The session will start at

the farm, 13670 Hwy M-38, Ontonagon. That’s pretty early for a

pasture walk, but Duane tried some innovative feeding systems this

spring, including feeding round bales in the field and fall cutting of

hay and swathing into windrows for cattle to eat off the ground.

7

MSU Extension appreciates the support of this newsletter by our advertisers, however in no way does this imply endorsement of any specific products or services.

Please say “THANK YOU” to our sponsors.

(563) 568-4501

Skinners

Pickford, MI

906-647-5655 or

877-647-2500

Kubota, AGCO, Massey– Ferguson,

New Idea, Hesston, Gehl, Bush Hog,

H&S, Kverneland

FARM BUREAU INSURANCE

Rick Jensen, Escanaba

(906) 789-9373

Mike Ternus, Marquette

(906) 225-1328

KNIGHT * BRILLION * H & S

LINDER IMPLEMENT CO. New & Used Farm Machinery

Lawn & Garden Michael Linder: Parts

Joe Linder: Owner/Sales

Highway U.S. 41, Nadeau, MI 49863

(906) 639-2185

Johnson Brothers Livestock 3740 18th Rd.

Escanaba, MI

Buying or

Hauling Cattle St. Louis—Mondays

Gaylord—Wednesdays

Call Gary Johnson

Office: 906-786-4878

Gary Cell: 906-235-0099

Steve Cell: 906-399-2858

Ray’s Feed Mill

Ration & Crop Consultants

FEED

SEED

FERTILIZER

800-832-1822

906-466-2231

Bark River & Norway

Your source for Polled Genetics

Richlo Dairy Farms

Engadine, MI 49827

Polled Holstein, Jersey, &

Norwegian Red Bulls available!

Employment Opportunities!

For information on polled

bulls in A.I., call Jonathan:

906-477-6505

HUGHES WESTFALIA

SURGE LLC

Surge pipelines

Sanitation supplies

Cow mats

Ritchie Water Fountains

Silo unloaders

Call:

Larry @ 906-786-0806

Henry @ 906-786-7190

Chippewa Co.

Farm Bureau

President: Bruce Berkompas

Secretary: Carol VanderMate 10481 W. 17 Mile Road

Rudyard, MI 49780

906-478-3808

St. Louis Sale every Monday

Marion Dairy Sale 3rd Friday of

each month. For dairy cattle call Chad @ 517-294-3484 or

Paul @ 614-296-5038 Collection point in Escanaba

Call for more information

(989)681-2191

Stephenson Marketing

Cooperative, Inc. Agricultural Services

&

Supplies

Stephenson, MI Powers, MI (800) 445-6167 (800) 962-3008

Oconto, WI Aurora, WI (920) 834-4500 (800) 962-3007

Michigan Meat

Processing, Inc.

Custom Slaughtering & Processing

Cut, Wrap, and Frozen to your

specifications.

Beef, Pork, Lamb & Wild Game

3708 19th Ave. N., Escanaba, MI

Office: 906-789-7410 Fax 906-789-0233 Plant: 906-789-7410

Rainbow Packing Inc.

Harvesting-Processing

Smoking-Sausage

Vacuum Packaging Available

Now the ONLY Facility Under

USDA Inspection in

Escanaba Area 3532A 18th Road, Escanaba

906-786-7098 “Well Done is Better Than Well Said”

USDA POULTRY PROCESSOR!!

ALANSON 800-344-4667 WILLIAMSBURG 800-304-4667

HILLMAN 877-334-4667

www.GINOPSALES.com

Equity Cooperative Livestock

Sales Association

Collecting Cattle on Tuesdays at the

Larry Linsmeier Farm north of Me-

nominee, MI

906-863-8123

www.equitycoop.com

Equity Cooperative Livestock

Sales Association

www.equitycoop.com

WAUKON, IOWA Feeder Sales Schedule

* May-August: 2nd & 4th Thursdays

* Sept-April: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

Jilbert Dairy Marquette, MI

Buying top quality milk to produce

the U.P.’s finest dairy products.

Are you getting the most for

your quality?

1-800-427-0980 Toll free in the U.P.

1-906-225-1363 Local calls Ask for John or Mark

At the heart of a growing America

95 Years of AG EXPERIENCE

LOANS, AG TAXES, FARM RECORDS,

CONSULTING

1801 N. Lincoln Rd, Suite A

Escanaba, MI 49829

(906) 786-4487 FAX (906) 786-3450

meat processing

Northwoods

906-563-5941 Beef, Pork, Lamb, Goat & Buffalo

Slaughtering-Processing-Smoking, Sausage & Vacuum Packaging Available:

W 6465 US 2

Quinnesec, MI 49876 Winter hours:

Monday through Friday: 7 am-7 pm

Sat: 10 am-5 pm Sun: 10 am-3 pm

Dickenson County

For Only $30 a Month

Call the Ontonagon County MSU Extension office

906-884-4386 for more

information

8

Meetings & Events Calendar

April

5 Beginning Farmer Webinar Series - Part 1 - 7:00-9:00 pm (EST) farm business basics. For more information and to register go to

www.msue.msu.edu/ alger, or call Alger County MSU Extension at 906-387-2530

10 Beginning Farmer Webinar Series - Part 2 - 7:00-9:00 pm (EST) animal based farm enterprises. For more information and to register go

to www.msue.msu.edu/alger, or call Alger County MSU Extension at 906-387-2530

12 Beginning Farmer Webinar Series - Part 3 - 7:00-9:00 pm (EST) plant based farm enterprises

13 Pasture Walk-10:00 am - Dykstra Cattle Farm, 13670 Hwy M-38, Ontonagon. Call Ontonagon MSUE 884-4386 for more information. 15 REGISTRATION DEADLINE for Michigan Fertilizer Law Amendments FREE Webinar (to be held on April 18) see details listed on the 18th.

18 Michigan Fertilizer Law Amendments Webinar– FREE WEBINAR– For more information or to register contact

Maureen at 586-469-6440 or Maureen.prisbe@macombcountymi.gov

21 Super Duper Yooper Pig Sale-Johnson Brothers Livestock, 3740 18th Rd. Escanaba, MI - Viewing starts at Noon,

SALE starts at 2:00 (EST) For more information on pigs contact: Todd Boicken - 815-592-9291 or Frank Wardynski -

906-281-0918, Lambs: Darrel Leese - 906-440-7113

23-27 Breeding Soundness Exams on bulls. Dr. Grooms will be assisted By Dr Renee Coyer, DVM of the Thompson Vet

Clinic in Manistique. Producers interested in having bulls tested should contact Frank Wardynski, 906-884-4386.

28 Key to Profit Cattle Sale, Escanaba

May

5 Maple Lane Lamb Sale-10 am EST Bark River, MI contact Bob St. John 906- 466- 2535

Frank Wardynski

Managing Editor

Dairy & Livestock

Educator

(906) 884-4386

wardynsk@anr.msu.edu

Sandra Kiefer

Publications Editor

(906) 884-4386

Fax 906-884-2582

msue66@msu.edu

Published monthly by

Ontonagon County

MSU Extension

725 Greenland Road

Ontonagon, MI 49953

U.P. Agriculture

Connections

725 Greenland Road

Ontonagon, MI 49953

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U.S. Postage

PAID

PERMIT NO. 157

Marquette, MI

49855

SERVING THE UPPER PENINSULA

AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity

employer. Michigan State University Extension

programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity,

religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs,

sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities

may be requested by contacting the event hosting County

MSUE office at least one week prior of event start date to make arrangements. Requests received after this date

will be fulfilled when possible.

***If you do not wish to receive this publication,

please contact our office***

Or Current Resident

Beginning Farmer Webinar Series Offered For people interested in exploring opportunities in small or larger-scale farming, MSU Extension is offering a

3-evening, internet-based webinar series for “Beginning Farmers”. A team of presenters will cover farm busi-

ness basics, animal and plant based farm enterprises. Evening webinars will be held from 7-9 pm EST on April 5,

10 & 12. Participants will need a computer with speakers and high-speed internet connection. A group viewing

site is planned for Sault Ste. Marie. Pre-registration and fee required. For more information and to register go to

www.msue.msu.edu/alger, or call Alger County MSU Extension at 906-387-2530.