Preventing Combine Fires

Photo from Blip.tv

After our unusually wet summer, Mother Nature did not do us any justice by deciding to turn off our water faucet for such a long period of time.  Now, in the midst of a drought and a County Burn Ban our combines and farm equipment are going full force.  Fields are beyond dry and run a high risk of catching fire.

Not only do we worry about crop ground catching fire, but also have concerns about combines catching on fire.   Combine fires can cause costly and devastating damage.  Take these steps listed on AgWeb.com to help prevent combine fires:

Mechanical Tips:
• Use a pressure washer or a compressed air blowgun to thoroughly clean the machine.
• Remove excess crop residue from rotating units.
• Always inspect the machine for buildup of harvest materials before operation.
• Keep your work area clean.
• Check lubricant levels often, and grease fittings regularly. Fix leaking oil, fuel, or hydraulic lines promptly. Check belts for proper tension and wear to reduce friction.
• Carefully check bearings for excessive heat. Overheated bearings are a major cause of combine fires.
• Check valve covers for oil leaks that can ignite as oil runs down manifolds.
• Check for cracked or loose exhaust pipes, ports and check the manifold.
• Pay particular attention to the exhaust system, checking for leaks, damage, or an accumulation of crop residue.

In the Field Tips:
• Put out any fire immediately.
• Always have a fire extinguisher within reach.
• Keep at least one fully charged, 10-lb. fire extinguisher on all equipment. (Or carry two: one in the cab and one where it can be reached from the ground.)
• Visually check your extinguishers (at least) monthly, looking for cracks in the hose and inspecting the gauge to see if the extinguisher is fully charged.
• Have a professional fire extinguisher company inspect your fire extinguishers annually.
• Carry your cell phone or two-way radio with you at all times so you can call for help.
• If a fire does occur, CALL 911 FIRST, and then attempt to extinguish the fire with your fire extinguisher.  Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire and sweep from side to side. Remember P.A.S.S., which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

For more information on preventing combine fires contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Dealing with Crop Disease and Pests

The wet summer that we experienced created an ideal situation for crop diseases and pests this year.  While some of those may not have been observed when they first occurred, they are making their presence known now.

Thankfully, some of the pest and disease occurred late enough in the season that yields should not be effected, specifically southern corn rust and sugarcane aphids.  Southern corn rust is not new to McLean County, but it does not occur every year.  Sugarcane aphids, on the other hand are not only new to McLean County, but new to Kentucky.

The sugarcane aphid is a grain sorghum pest.  They are small, pale insects with a pair of dark tubes extending from the top rear of the abdomen. The feet and antennae of the insect also are dark.  Sap feeding by large numbers of sugarcane aphids can reduce plant vigor and grain yields.  The first sugarcane aphids were found in McLean County the first of this month.  Thankfully our grain sorghum is already past the boot stage and everyone’s crop is headed out, drastically reducing any chances of yield loss.  However, if fields are heavily infested it can cause problems at harvest.  Sugarcane aphids leave a sticky, honeydew-type substance on leaves that could potentially gum-up equipment during harvest.  If producers fell that their fields have large enough quantities to damage equipment during harvest, Sivanto 200 or Transform WG can be applied.  These are the only two products labeled for Sugarcane Aphid control in grain sorghum.  It is vitally important that we protect the products that we have by not over using them.  Do not apply unless the threshold is met and do not apply more material than the label allows.

Two other pest that are making their presence well known this year are palmer pigweed and waterhemp.  Both glyphosate resistant invasive weeds continues to expand across the Commonwealth.  Last year both species of weeds were found in McLean County and this year they are not an uncommon sight.  Unfortunately, it is easier to find Palmer amaranth and waterhemp populations in grain crops later into the season after the plants have begun to produce new seed. Unlike the more common pigweed found in Kentucky, Palmer amaranth and waterhemp have smooth stems and often a longer seedhead.

After Palmer amaranth and/or waterhemp become established they can be very difficult to control because many populations of this plant are already resistant to glyphosate and the cost for weed control in these crops can more than double. When only a few plants are spotted in a field it can be worthwhile to physically remove and destroy these individual plants. Fields or portions of fields with large infestations may justify destroying plants by mowing or tillage in order to limit the production or spread of seed. Growers who plan to harvest these heavily infested areas would be advised to combine these areas last to minimize the introduction of new seed into other fields. Furthermore, an attempt to clean the combine, grain carts, trucks, and other equipment used to destroy or harvest the crop would be advised, but will not be easy since the small round seed size are not much bigger than a period.

Please be aware of a new corn disease called Tar Spot that was identified in Indiana recently.  This was the first observation of tar spot in the United States.  Since this is a new disease, there is little information out there about it.  However, Purdue has put out a publication on it.  It can be found online at http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/pestcrop/2015/Issue24/#1.

For more information on crop diseases and pest, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Lawns Need Continued Care During Fall

Photo from tractorsupply.com

Taking care of your lawn during the fall is as important as it is during spring and summer, even more so for lawns with cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Nearly all fertilizers and broadleaf herbicides should be applied in the fall and it is by far the best time to renovate and reseed lawns.

Fertilizing your lawn in the fall will help it grow stronger, thicker and greener. Cool-season grasses should be fertilized with nitrogen in late September and again in four to six weeks. Use either farm fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate or urea, or use specialty fertilizers found in garden centers. The normal rate is 1 to 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn, however it is always best to soil sample and know the exact recommendations for your home lawn. Remember to spread it evenly over your lawn.

If broadleaf weeds such as clover, dandelion, plantain and chickweed are growing in your lawn, fall is the best time of year to get them under control. Almost all broadleaf weeds can be controlled selectively in turfgrass by applying 2, 4-D and/or Dicamba. These are sold in many garden centers under a variety of trade names. For the best results, apply the herbicide on any relatively warm day in late September and/or October.

Summer’s stresses often take a toll on your lawn. The best time to reseed your lawn is from late August through late September. Because the goal is to get the seed in close contact with the soil, it is recommended that you first remove surface debris and mechanically groove the soil. This is easier done by traversing the lawn with a dethatching machine that can be rented at many rental centers. Seed a turf-type tall fescue at a rate of 5 to 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet. To avoid uneven application, spread half the seed horizontally across the lawn and the other half vertically. The best and quickest results are obtained if the seeded areas can be kept moist until the seeds germinate.

Remember to continue mowing your lawn as long as the grass is growing. You might want to lower the height in the fall to 2 inches. This tends to keep the grass greener longer in the winter and will help the lawn to green up earlier the next spring. It might even help increase turf density.

For more information on lawn care and renovating your home lawn, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

There will be a poultry producers meeting this Friday, September 4th at the Extension Office.  It will begin at 9am and conclude with lunch.  Dr. Tony Pescatore will be here to discuss Avian Influenza and Forrest Wynne will be discussing water management for producers on a lake system.

Take Steps to Ensure a Safe Harvest

One of the most taxing periods for Kentucky farmers and their families is the impending fall harvest season. This is a peak season for agricultural injuries and an especially important time for farm families to remember safety.

All workers should be trained and physically capable of operating equipment and understand the safety procedures for it. Take time to talk to workers about safety.

Long working hours can lead to fatigue and stress, making you less alert to potential safety hazards. Take some breaks when operating equipment for an extended period of time. If possible, trade off with other workers for a change of pace.

Dress appropriately for the job. Avoid loose clothing, jackets with dangling strings, and sweatshirts that could become entangled in moving equipment.

Entanglement in moving parts, especially Power Take-Offs or other chain and belt drives, is a major fall harvest hazard. Inspect machinery and equipment to be sure shields and guards on moving parts are in place and in good repair.  Replace ineffective or missing safety equipment. Before getting off field equipment, turn off the engine and wait for moving parts to completely stop.

It is a good idea to take the ignition key with you so another person does not unexpectedly start equipment while you are performing maintenance or repair. If you are working under any piece of equipment, such as a header unit, always use the jack stand or hydraulic cylinder locks to prevent it from suddenly falling and pinning you under.  Be sure all safety locks are operational.

A pinhole-size hydraulic leak can cause severe tissue damage. If you are injected with oil from a hydraulic leak, immediately seek medical assistance. The oil must be surgically removed, and delays can result in serious infections and possible amputations.  Always use paper or cardboard to check for hydraulic leaks.

Tractor overturns and run-overs are leading causes of farm deaths. Being thrown off a tractor and run over is the second leading cause of tractor deaths in Kentucky.  Equip older model tractors with a rollover protective structure (ROPS). Most tractors built after the late 1960s or early 1970s can be equipped with a ROPS for $600 to $1,200.

Make it a habit to use the seat belt to ensure you remain inside the zone of protection provided by the ROPS or safety cab. The seat belt also will keep you from being thrown off the tractor if you hit an obstacle.

Run-over injuries to extra riders, especially those involving children, who fall off are very tragic. Never allow any extra riders on tractors or equipment.

Keep bystanders away from operating equipment.  Also, be aware of people who may have come into the area. Check around equipment before starting or moving it.

Carry a fire extinguisher on all tractors and self-propelled equipment, chiefly combines. Frequently check extinguishers to ensure they are pressurized and in good condition. To prevent fires on combines, be sure equipment is clean and hoses and fuel systems are in good shape and not leaking. Remove debris around engine components.

Check for clearances with overhead power lines when operating or moving tall machines, because contact may result in electrocution. Moving portable augers around overhead power lines is especially hazardous so always lower them first.

When filling silos, watch for the bleach-like odor indicating silo gas. This yellowish brown gas is heavier than air and will settle on the silage surface and may flow down the chute into adjacent livestock areas. Close any doors leading to livestock areas, keep the base of the silo chute well ventilated and do not enter a silo during the first two weeks.

Keep slow-moving-vehicle emblems and extremity markings clean and bright to help motorists notice equipment. Replace faded emblems and check headlights, taillights and flashing lights for satisfactory operation.

To alert oncoming drivers, use yellow reflectors or yellow retroreflective tape on the edges of towed equipment especially if they extend beyond the left side of a tractor. If a tractor has mirrors, keep them clean and adjusted for the driver to watch for approaching motorists. When possible, pull completely off the road to let a line of traffic behind pass.

Proper equipment management along with using safety precautions around the farm and farm equipment will lead to a safer fall harvest season for everyone.

For more information on farm safety, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Time to Plant Fall Garden

Photo from underwoodgardens.com

I have to admit that I was a little heart broken when our Farmers’ Market closed for the season.  And even more heart broken when my summer garden stopped producing.  However, we are looking forward to harvesting the benefits of having a fall garden.  If you have not done so already, you need to be finishing up planting your fall garden by the end of this month.

Early August would be the time to make a last planting of bush beans, carrots, kale, collards, bibb lettuce, turnips and cole crops such as kohlrabi, Chinese cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.  Late August plantings can include mustard greens, spinach greens, radishes, turnip greens and leaf lettuce.

Before planting, remove any existing debris including crops and weeds to the compost bin and cultivate the soil.

If the previous crop was well fertilized and grew vigorously you may need to add little if any additional fertilizer, otherwise apply about 2 to 3 pounds of a complete fertilizer such as 5-10-10 or 10-10-10 per 100 square feet of planting area.

Remember to keep fall gardens well watered as this tends to be a fairly dry time in Kentucky during an “average” year.  A weekly irrigation sufficient to wet the soil to 6 or 8 inches should be adequate. This is more or less equivalent to a weekly one-inch rain.

To learn more about fall gardening options, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690.  Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Upcoming Ag Events
Aug 27th Rinse & Return, 1pm Sacramento CPS
Aug 29th    Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, 5pm MCHS
Sept 4th         Poultry Producers Meeting, 9am, Extension Office

Beef Field Day this Friday!

Foliar Fertilizers in Tobacco Production

Back in the spring I had a tobacco producer jokingly ask me why I had not written many articles about tobacco production.  I thought about letting him stand in for me and write the article this week, but I was afraid that Kelly might try to incorporate a story about two donkeys.  He did have a great point about my lack of tobacco related articles, but we didn’t have too many issues to worry with last year.  This year however, Mother Nature has not been good to our tobacco producers.

I have received a few calls about foliar fertilizer for tobacco this year since the weather didn’t cooperate and most could not get in the fields to side dress.  Bob Pearce, UK Tobacco Associate Extension Professor, recently sent out these keys points concerning foliar fertilizer for tobacco production.

Tobacco can absorb small amounts of nutrients through their leaves, however most plants like tobacco do not have the mechanisms to utilize large amount of nutrients through the leaves.  Foliar fertilization could provide some temporary easing of nutrient deficiency, but we would need an almost continuous supply of low levels of nutrients for sustained relief.
       
In properly conducted research trials, supplemental foliar fertilization has only rarely been shown to produce significant and reproducible increases in leaf yield.  In some studies foliar fertilizers have been applied 4 or 5 times over the course of a season before they had significant effect.

If you decide to use foliar fertilizers, be aware that they can produce leaf burn.  Limit the concentration by using small amounts of fertilizer and increasing the amount of water applied.  For water soluble fertilizer like 20-20-20 or 20-10-20 do not apply more than 5 lbs. per acre at any one time and mix in at least 30 gallons of water.  Take extra caution when mixing fertilizers with insecticides, fungicides, and sucker control products as they may enhance the potential for phtyotoxicity.

There are some products out there that claim that a pint or two of the product is equal to a much larger amount of fertilizer.  The claims are generally false and we have not seen yield increases from the products that been tested so far at the UK research facilities.

In addition to potential fertility issues, UK tobacco specialist Dr. Andy Bailey told agents last week that black shank, target spot and frogeye are very likely to occur this year due to the wet conditions that we have faced.  Ridomil, Ultra Flourish and MetaStar fungicides are labeled for post-planting for black shank control, however work best when incorporated into the soil so we are past the point of being able to apply and incorporate now.  For target spot and frogeye, quadric is the only chemical labeled for tobacco to control both diseases and can be used up to the day of harvest.

For more information on tobacco related issues and the use of foliar fertilizers, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Service at (270)273-3690. Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

On a different note, I would like to say Thank You to everyone that came out to this year’s Ag Festival!  I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate your support and your attendance at the event.  The Ag Festival Committee met this past Monday and we are already planning for next year!  I would also like to give a special Thank You to all of our sponsors: Independence Bank, Pioneer, McLean County Farm Bureau, Muster Funeral Homes, Tyson Chicken, Inc. , Beck’s, Security Seed, McLean County Ag Development Council, CPS, Riverside Care & Rehabilitation Center, BF Evans, Jim Gooch, US Bank, Hook Em’ Up Pulling, Farm Credit Services of Mid-America, Farm Credit Services of Mid-America Crop Insurance, First Security Bank, Ohio Valley Insurance, Providence Agriculture, Southern States, Wright Implement, H&R AgriPower, Erb Equipment, Murphy Farms, Ward Implement and Underwood Farms.  Ag Festival would not be possible without the support of these sponsors.


Upcoming Ag Events
Aug 7th Tri-County Grain Sorghum Field Day, 9am Melton Farm in Sebree
Aug 13th CPH Sale
Aug 14th         McLean Co. Beef Field Day, 9am Freddie Adkins’ Farm
Aug 27th Rinse and Return, 1pm CPS