2014 UK Wheat Field Day

Please call the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office at (270)273-3690 and let me know if you are interested in attending this event with me!

2014 Plant Swap

Black Cherry Trees and Livestock

Black cherry trees grow in abundance across Kentucky's landscape. These trees are an important timber and wildlife species, yet can cause cyanide poisoning in livestock.  The leaves of the trees, especially wilted ones, are high in cyanic acid, which can kill livestock by depriving them of oxygen.

According to Dr. Jeff Stringer, UK Extension Forestry Specialist, you can reduce the likelihood of livestock losses due to wild black cherry trees by cutting them out of fencerows. You may want to remove cherry trees that pose a risk, such as those that could potentially lose branches or are in poor condition. But you can leave healthy, well-pruned trees to become a potential timber source.

If you are going to take out a tree, it is important to do it properly to reduce sprouting and recurrence. Black cherry trees have a propensity to sprout from the cut stump and from the roots, so take extra precautions. Also, you should check fencerows for the trees’ inevitable from seed carried by birds.

The quickest way to reduce or eliminate sprouting is to properly use herbicides that are labeled for controlling black cherry in pasture or fencerows. These herbicides are systemic, meaning they will travel throughout the plant and have the potential to kill all or a portion of the root system so that sprouting is reduced or eliminated.

If you don’t use herbicides, you can expect sprouting, and you’ll probably have to cut several times to exhaust the food supply to the roots. This could take several years.

You can apply herbicides in one of two methods, foliar spray or "cut stump" applications.

You can use a foliar spray if the trees are small enough to allow spray coverage of all or a large majority of the leaves. This technique involves spraying a diluted concentration of herbicide to cover the foliage.

Many herbicides are labeled for foliage application of brush and trees. Foliar applications work best after trees have fully leafed out until one or two weeks prior to leaf fall. The treated tree should remain in place until all the foliage has browned, ensuring that the herbicide has entered the root system.

Check product labels for restrictions on pasturing and entry into treated areas. Generally, livestock should not be allowed access to areas where trees have been sprayed until the trees have been removed or wilting foliage is no longer present.

Larger trees should be cut down and then a herbicide treatment applied to the cut stump. This method involves spraying the freshly cut stump with a concentrated herbicide solution. It is important that you apply a concentrated solution according to label directions.

A number of herbicides are labeled for stump application including those with active ingredients such as glyphosate, triclopyr and dicamba. It is also critical to treat the stump as soon as possible and no longer than an hour after the top has been exposed to air. Waiting longer could reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

If the tree has been cut within several weeks, it may be possible to recut the stump by at least two inches to expose moist, live wood and then apply the herbicide.

Cut stump applications generally carry less environmental risks than foliar applications because you apply the herbicide directly to the target plant with less risk of overspray and non-target exposure, with one exception.

It is possible that the treated cherry trees may be root grafted to an adjacent black cherry or ornamental/cherry tree. Instances have been documented where a herbicide has moved from a treated tree to another of the same species or genera through a root graft. While this is not a high probability, in areas where other cherry trees are present, you should consider mechanical removal of the tree.

For more information on cherry trees and livestock, 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, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Wheat Injury Unlikely Despite Unusually Cold Temperatures -by Carrie Knott

Carrie Knott, Extension Agronomist-Princeton, University of Kentucky

Most of the wheat crop in Kentucky is either still tillering (Feekes 4-5) or just beginning to joint (Feekes 6). Although this has presented management challenges this year, it also may have protected the crop against freeze injury from the unusually cold temperatures the past two nights. On average the wheat crop is only about Feekes 4 or 5 for the entire state. However, in Western Kentucky many fields are beginning to joint. Wheat that is between Feekes 1 and 5 is injured when temperatures are 12°F or less for 2 or more hours. When wheat is jointing, Feekes 6-7, injury occurs when temperatures are 24°F or less for 2 or more hours.

According to the Kentucky Mesonet (kymesonet.org) on April 15, 50 of the 64 Mesonet sites had low temperatures below freezing. The 14 counties that remained above freezing were Allen, Barren, Fulton, Hardin, Hart, Hopkins, Letcher, Marshall, McLean, Metcalfe, Muhlenberg, Simpson, Warren, and Webster. There was no Mesonet site that recorded 12°F or less for 2 hours, but there was one Mesonet site, Harlan county, that had a low temperature of less than 24°F for more than 2 hours. If any wheat is grown in Harlan county and it were between Feekes 1-5, widespread injury probably did not occur; however if any wheat in that county is jointing then injury is likely.

On April 16, only 4 counties remained above freezing: Calloway, Christian, Crittenden, and Fulton. There were 6 counties that low temperatures less than 24°F for more than 2 hours: Harlan, Harrison, Johnson, Lewis, Pike, and Rowan. If the wheat crop in these counties had reached Feekes 6, injury is likely.

Typical freeze injury for wheat that is Feekes 1-5 is leaf yellowing (chlorosis), burnt leaf tips, silage odor, and/or blue cast to fields. Characteristic injury from Feekes 6-7 is death of the growing point, leaf burning or yellowing, lesions, splitting, or bending of the lower stems, and silage odor. Although the temperatures recorded by the Mesonet indicate that wheat freeze injury is unlikely, it is important to scout fields to determine if freeze injury has occurred in small areas of fields. Freeze injury can be isolated to low areas of fields where cold air settles. It typically takes about 10 days of warm temperatures before injury can be seen. Be sure and check for wheat stems damage close to the soil surface.   

Weed Control in Spring Lawns

Based on the number of lawnmowers that I have seen out within the last week, I think it is safe to say that Spring is finally here.  I know many of us were excited to gas up the mower and shake off the dust for the first time this season.  Now that mowing season has finally kicked off, it is time to start thinking more about spring lawn care.  Having a well-manicured lawn will improve the aesthetics and value of your property, and it really isn’t as hard as it sounds.

Weed control plays a huge part in having a healthy lawn.  The best defense against weeds in home lawns is a healthy, dense lawn.  In thick lawns, weed seeds may not germinate because light may never reach the soil surface. A thick lawn is com­petitive with weeds, keeping them from growing and reproducing. Developing a healthy and dense lawn comes from using cultural practices such as proper grass species and cultivar selection, proper mowing heights and fertilization, and other good management practices. The need for herbicides to control weeds in home lawns can be greatly reduced if the lawn is well maintained.

There are instances, however, when weeds escape and more aggressive con­trol tactics are necessary. Even in well-maintained lawns, weeds can become a problem. Some weeds adapt to lawn management practices, and diseased or drought-stressed lawns can result in thin turf and create openings for weed germination. Control tactics can in­clude herbicide applications or physical removal of the weeds. In small areas, or if the weed infestation is not severe, physical removal is the control method of choice. However, an herbicide application can provide the lawn a better chance of successfully competing with weeds.  For all weeds, herbicide treatment when the weeds are young will result in the easiest and best opportunity for control using the least amount of herbicide.

Herbicides available for use in home lawn weed control can be classified by when they are applied—either before or after weeds appear—and whether they are selective or nonselective. A pre-emergent herbicide is applied before weeds appear and controls them as the seed germinate. A common misconcep­tion is that pre-emergent herbicides kill weeds before they germinate. Actually, pre-emergent herbicides form a residual barrier in the upper soil layer and must be applied prior to weed seed germination to be effective. When seeds germinate and young weed seedlings begin to grow near the soil surface, the seedling comes in contact with the herbicide barrier. The herbicide is then taken into the plant, and the weed dies. Lawn grasses with established root systems are unaffected by the herbicide barrier.

Selective post-emergent herbicides are applied after weeds germinate and plants are visible.  The most commonly used post-emergent, selective herbicide is 2,4-D.  These herbicides are most ef­fective when applied to young, actively growing weeds. Most pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides selectively control the undesired species without damaging the turf. Nonselective her­bicides, usually applied post-emergent, often will injure or kill all plants within the treated area, both desirable and un­desirable ones that come in contact with the herbicide. Nonselective herbicides are typically reserved for spot treatments or total renovation of an area.

Spot treating weeds is typically per­formed with a handheld sprayer. This method of weed control can be very ef­fective and uses less herbicide. However, because non-selective herbicides will kill your desired lawn species as well as the weeds, the application must be carefully controlled to keep these spots as small as possible.

Some herbicides are packaged with a fertilizer as a “weed and feed” product. These products should be avoided in the spring for cool-season lawns, which are composed of tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. In Kentucky it is recommended that fertil­izer should not be applied to these lawns in the spring. Spring and summer fertil­izer applications lead to increased lawn disease and weed infestations. The best time of year to fertilize cool-season lawns is in the fall, not with “weed and feed” in the spring and summer.

Remember that the best defense against weeds is a healthy lawn. Using good management practices may make herbicides unnecessary, but if you expe­rience weed problems, you may choose to apply an herbicide to give your lawn a fighting chance to successfully compete with the weeds. You must identify the kind of weed you want to control so that you can choose the herbicide that will be effective in your environment. Read the herbicide labels and if you have any questions, please contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office 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.

Wheat Development Delayed about 2 Weeks this Year -by Carrie Knott

Wheat Development Delayed about 2 Weeks this Year

Carrie Knott, Extension Agronomist-Princeton, University of Kentucky

We all know that this year has been an unusually cold year.  I am sure many if not all of you have visited your wheat fields to determine the effect this year has had on wheat growth and development.  At the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center at Princeton, KY, visually the wheat crop is about 2 or 3 weeks delayed.  Typically by this point on the calendar we are either at Feekes 5 or 6.  Right now we are only at about Feekes 2 or 3.  

I have also spent considerable time analyzing the weather data to determine how many growing degree days, or heat units, we have accumulated this season.  Growing degree units per day are calculated by subtracting 32°F from the average daily.  The 32°F is considered the “base” temperature or the temperature that wheat stops actively growing.

For example, on March 1, 2014 the average daily temperature was 48.5°F.

                48.5°F - 32°F =16.5 growing degree days (GDD)

If you add up all the GDD between November 1, 2013 and March 16, 2014 the total is 1411.5 (Figure 1).  If you compare this to the 2013 growing season the total accumulated GDD from November 1, 2012 to March 16, 2013 was 1841.5 (Figure 1).  That is a difference of 430 GDD. 

Assuming that we will have “normal” temperatures from March 17 to April 7 we can calculate how long it will take to accumulate those 430 GDD we lack.  At Princeton, typically from March 17 to March 31, which is 15 days, we accumulate 19 GDD.  From April 1 to 7 we typically accumulate 23 GDD.

                15 days x 19 GDD = 285 GDD for March 17 to 31

                7 days x 23 GDD = 138 GDD for April 1 to 7

                285 GDD + 138 GDD = 446 GDD for March 17 to April 7

According to GDD calculations it will be between April 6 and 7 before we accumulate the 430 GDD that we are behind, compared to last year.  That is about 2 to 3 weeks late.  This matches our visual estimates of 2 to 3 weeks late.

It is very important to understand the delay in wheat development this year because it will complicate wheat management this year.  We will NOT be able to manage a profitable wheat crop this year by the calendar.  You are going to have to be diligent and make sure you wait for the appropriate development stages to apply inputs.

We have already put out numerous articles regarding this, especially for nitrogen management, but it is worth repeating.  Wheat prices are not projected to be great this year and to maximize profitability you must be an active participant for management, which will not allow passive management with the calendar.

Figure 1. Calculated Growing Degree Days (GDD) and Cumulative GDD for November 1 to March 16 for the 2013 and 2014 Wheat Crop.

Tips for Successful Meat Goat/Sheep Marketing

I love my dairy goats.  Yes I am pretty bias, but I thoroughly enjoy bragging on my dairy goats.  However, after listening to Tess Caudill, Goat/Sheep Marketing Specialist with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture speak, I kind of want to get back into the meat goat business.  And my husband just loves it when I come home talking about buying more animals….not really.

Five things that successful meat goat/sheep marketers need to understand are:

1) Prices are seasonal

2) There is a correct weight to market kids/lambs

3) How long does it take to raise kids/lambs to desired market weight

4) Quality does matter

5) Keeping accurate records can affect herd profitability

Prices are typically highest in the coldest months from December to May.  The warmer it is, the lower the price.  This pattern is mainly due to supply.  Most meat goat/sheep producers breed their animals to kid/lamb during the months of December through March, therefore flooding the market during the summer months.  Over the past four years, market trends have shown that market prices are at their peak in February, March and April.  This leads me to believe that meat goat/sheep producers should be weaning kids/lambs and getting them ready for market by January 20^th. 

In order for producers to have kids/lambs ready to hit the market at optimal time, we have to start preparing now.  If you have not already, make sure you have a buck/ram in line within the next week or two.  April 25^th-30^th, we need to synchronize our does/ewes so that they all come into heat at the same time.  By mid-May, we need to flush and deworm females and put the buck/ram on them May 31^st.  Your herd sire needs to be removed from the dams by July 15^th. 

Make sure throughout this entire you are keeping a close eye on your herd health, managing parasites and providing them with proper nutrition.  30 days before kidding/lambing, be sure to vaccinate all your does/ewes, which should fall close to September 25^th.  By October 10^th, you should begin to prepare for kidding/lambing, making sure you have all the supplies you need and does/ewes are getting proper nutrition. 

If all goes well, your herd should start kidding/lambing by October 25^th.  Fall kidding/lambing seasons should allow you to wean by mid-January and give you the option to take kids/lambs to market in February.  Ideally when kids go to market, 45-80lbs is the most desirable weight.   A set of uniform goats has the potential to bring top dollar at the market.

Accurate recording keeping can be the difference in profit or loss.  It is estimated that one does cost approximately $216 to maintain a year, including feed, hay, medicine, dewormer, housing, bedding, labor and management.  Therefore, a doe must produce 2 marketable 60lb kids per year to “earn her keep”.  If you are keeping accurate records, then after two seasons, you should be able to make the decision to keep or cull does/ewes.  Other production factors that you should be keeping records of are pounds of kids/lambs at weaning, input cost, market price, dates of vaccinations/dewormers and dates of grazing rotations. 

Raising goats and sheep is hard work.  High input costs are squeezing profit margins, just like every other agricultural commodity.  Profitability comes from good management, accurate record keeping and maintaining herd health.  You can be successful at meat goat/sheep production if you are willing to put in the time, effort and work.

If you would like more information on meat goat/sheep production, contact the McLean County Cooperative Extension Office 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.

Untangling the Web of Copper Fungicides

Fire blight season is approaching, and delayed dormant applications of copper fungicides are recommended for management of fire blight and other tree fruit diseases. 

Below is a summary of copper fungicide formulations, their characteristics, and their limitations:

·         Fixed Copper

o   Fixed copper is safer for plant tissue than “bluestone” copper (see below).

o   May be used throughout the growing season, but may cause fruit russetting.

o   Low solubility in water, resulting in a lower risk for phytotoxicity.  High rates of fixed copper may cause plant damage, however. 

o   Release copper ions slowly (with water/rain), resulting in longer residual activity.  This extended release may damage plant tissue if prolonged.

o   Slow drying time (e.g. rainy conditions) increases solubility of copper, release of copper ions, and thereby phytotoxicity of copper fungicides.

o   Acidic conditions/additives also increase copper solubility, ion release, and phytotoxicity.

§  Adjuvants, phosphorus acid fungicides, and mancozeb lower pH of tank mixes.

§  Growers may add lime to reduce potential for plant damage.

o   Use higher rates during dormancy for fire blight management (until ¼” to ½” green).

o   Lower rates should be used during growing season for management of other diseases.  Follow label instructions.

o   Common forms of fixed copper fungicides:

§  Basic copper sulfate – Cuprofix, Basicop

§  Copper Hydroxide – Kocide, Champ

§  Copper oxychloride sulfate – C-O-C-S

§  Cuprous oxide – Nordox

·         Copper sulfate pentahydrate – bluestone

o   Dormant spray, only.

o   Highly soluble copper ions can be phytotoxic to exposed plant tissue.

o   Often combined with lime to help “tie up” copper ions and slow their release.

o   No residual activity.  Copper ions are released rapidly upon application.

o   Common brands of copper sulfate:

§  Mastercop, Phyton

Copper fungicides are not systemic and wash off with rain.  Fixed coppers have more residual activity than bluestone copper because they release ions slowly.  Rapid release of ions can cause phytotoxicity, so growers are encouraged to avoid acidic solutions and slow-drying situations. 

Copper is an antimicrobial; it is non-selective.  Exposed bacteria, fungi, and even plant tissue are susceptible to damage.  Thus, high rates of copper are not recommended after green-up.  Additionally, copper can accumulate in soils, where it can inhibit plant growth and adversely affect microorganisms and earthworms.

Metallic copper equivalent is the amount of copper available for fungicidal activity (different from active ingredient).  Basic copper sulfate usually contains the highest metallic copper equivalent.  Refer to label for more information.

Tree fruit diseases managed with copper:

·                     Fire blight (spray guide recommendations: dormant – label: silver tip to green tip)

·                     Apple scab (dormant to pink)

·                     Bacterial canker (after harvest and late dormant)

·                     Bacterial spot (dormant/budswell, pink, and petal fall)

·                     Peach leaf curl (dormant)

·                     Cherry leaf spot (after petal fall)

·                     Black knot (dormant)

More information on fire blight at

http://nicolewarduk.blogspot.com/2013/04/fire-blight-infections-occur-during.html

http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/ext_files/PPFShtml/PPFS-FR-T-12.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdcDXNftoWg

Nicole Ward Gauthier

University of Kentucky

Assistant Professor of Extension

Department of Plant Pathology

Tips for Beef Sire Selection

The overall goal of a beef cattle operation is to increase net income by balancing what is spent on the operation with how much income it generates. A beef producer can accomplish this goal by increasing income while minimizing additional costs, or reducing costs while trying to maintain income.

One way to do this is to improve herd genetics through individual bull selection.  According to Barrh Bullock, UK Extension Beef Specialist, you should assess four primary characteristics when considering a purchase. These are reproductive soundness, structural soundness, visual evaluation and performance characteristics.  Having a breeding soundness exam done is the best way to determine a bull's reproductive soundness. While passing this exam means he should have the physical soundness to breed and settle cows, it does not measure desire. Observe bulls for their interest in females in heat.  Indications of structural soundness are that the bull moves without pain or discomfort and has appropriate angles at weight-bearing joints.

Visual observation is one way to evaluate important traits. These can include disposition, color, muscling, horned/polled, body capacity, structure, sheath and testicular development.

Expected calf performance is a primary reason to buy a bull. If replacement females will be retained, the first decision will be the breed's productivity level. When the breed is determined, selection among bull performance should be based on the expected progeny difference whenever possible. There is no such animal as the "best bull,"  because selection should be based on what you need to get from the bull.

Remember that as you select to improve one trait you often lose ground in another trait. For example, selecting for increased growth usually inadvertently increases cows' mature size and maintenance when retaining replacements.  Balancing cows' productivity levels and energy requirements is extremely difficult and if done improperly likely will result in decreased reproduction. Before you buy a bull, consider what you want to produce and what resources (primarily nutrition) you have available.

Bull selection has an important long-term economic impact on your herd. Selecting the right bull for your operation involves setting production goals, analyzing your resources and management and locating the bull that best fits your situation. While this process will take time and effort, it can generate significant financial rewards when properly done.

For more information on selecting a beef sire and other management decisions for your beef cattle operation, 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.