A UVM blog Out Croppings: Important crop news from the field!

Excessive rainfall and flooding in Vermont during April could create locations where the prevented planting provisions of crop insurance policies may apply. Follow this link for a helpful fact sheet;Prevented Planting Insurance Provisions: Flood, which highlights the flood or excessive moisture prevented planting provisions for producers covered by crop insurance. Because conditions vary significantly between geo­graphic areas, loss determinations are based on each producer’s individual circumstances. It is very important to contact your crop insurance agent with any questions. It is necessary to report a prevented planting loss. Good record keeping and documentation is key to receiving prevented planting payments. Producers should work with their approved insurance provider to determine the documentation needed for their specific prevented planting claim. In addition, when filing acreage reports, reporting all acres of prevented planting is essential in order to receive full credit for the crop.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011
11:00am – 3:00pm
Fournier’s Farm Equipment
Rte 78 Swanton, VT

Download a copy of the brochure here.

– Learn how to convert a conventional planter to no-till and reduced tillage.
– Renowned expert Joel Myers, long-time no-till farmer from Pennsylvania will be there to offer advice and help explain the tools of the trade.
– Hear from farmers from our area who have had successful experiences with cover crops and reduced tillage cropping systems.
– Attendees will be eligilible for cost-share to convert their own planters.
Cost: $10, includes hearty lunch. To register, please call the UVM Extension office in St. Albans by February 16, 2011 at 802-524-6501. For more information please contact Heather Darby 802-524-6501 or , email
Directions:
Take I 89 North to exit 21 for VT-78 toward US-7 Swanton. Turn Left at VT-78 W/1st Street. Turn Right at Grand Ave. Turn left at Merchants row. Turn right at VT-78W/N River St. Fournier’s Farm Equipment is on the left.

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Workshop sponsored by:
Lake Champlain Basin Program
Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education
NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants
University of Vermont Extension

Sediment Abatement Project for Rock River and St.Albans Bay

Friday, January 28th
Swanton House of Pizza meeting room – Rt.78 downtown Swanton Village
10:30 am to 1 pm

Agenda

Slideshow and discussion of fall cover cropping activities
–    Impact of seeding date on cover crop establishment in 2010
–    Spring termination of cover crop strategies – roller/crimper, spray, tillage
–    Review of most cost-effective strategies for local soil types and conditions
–    Short-season corn varieties
–    Observations of reduced tillage plantings
–    Addressing compaction through subsoiling or tillage radishes

Presenters include:
–    Heather Darby, Ph.D., University of Vermont Extension
–    Brian Jerose, WASTE NOT Resource Solutions

Noon – Lunch Provided – Farmer Peer Discussion

Planning for Spring 2011
–    Interest in strip-till, zone-till, no-till and subsoil implements
–    Opportunities for critical area seeding, manure injection/incorporation
–    Conservation tillage trials with UVM Extension
–    Other sediment abatement practices of interest – grassed waterways

Publications available free to farmer participants: Managing Cover Crops Profitably, Steel in the Field, Building Soils for Better Crops and other handouts

Support for this workshop provided by: Friends of Northern Lake Champlain (FNLC) via a Vermont Dept. of Environmental Conservation Grant for Sediment Abatement in the Rock River and St.Albans Bay watersheds, UVM Extension and the Franklin-Grand Isle Counties Farmers Watershed Alliance (FWA).
For more information and to RSVP for lunch please contact:
Brian Jerose, WASTE NOT Resource Solutions
(802) 933-8336 or email

Organic dairy producers will learn about animal nutrition, herd health considerations, the latest agronomic research, and more at a day-long workshop on Jan. 13.

The Vermont Organic Dairy Producer Workshop will be held at the Red Schoolhouse on the Vermont Technical College (VTC) campus in Randolph Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is due by Jan. 7. The fee is $20 per person and covers lunch and materials. To register, send a check, made payable to University of Vermont Extension, to Organic Dairy Workshop, UVM Extension, 278 S. Main St., Ste. 2, St. Albans, VT 05478. If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please call 524-6501 or (800) 639-2130 by Jan. 7. For more information, please see the workshop brochure at http://bit.ly/gRzPWR.

The workshop will start with a presentation by Dr. Heather Darby, UVM Extension field crops and nutrient management specialist, who will describe results of the latest research conducted by her team, including organic forage studies, grains trials, and other projects. Dr. Kathy Soder, an animal scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit in Pennsylvania, will discuss developing low and no grain feed strategies that complement high quality homegrown forage production. She also will describe the effect of plant species diversity on intake, productivity, and grazing behavior.

A panel of veterinarians–Drs. William Barry of Brookfield, VTC’s Chris Dutton, and Hubert Karreman of Penn Dutch Cow Care, Lancaster, Pa.–will address herd health questions posed by participants. In addition, the workshop will include a live broadcast by Dr. Charles Benbrook on the Shades of Green Calculator, a tool that helps estimate environmental, animal health, production, and economic impacts of different dairy management practices. He also will highlight findings of a recent study of farms that have used the calculator. Benbrook, chief scientist with The Organic Center, a national organization providing scientific studies on organic farming, is currently an adjunct professor at Washington State University.

The workshop is sponsored by UVM Extension; the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont; Organic Valley, a Wisconsin-based organic farm cooperative; the USDA Risk Management Agency; Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education; and eOrganic, a web-based organic agriculture resource.

Hi Folks,

I sent out an email alerting readers to scholarships available for Gorst Valley Hops’s Hops 101 and 201 in Cooperstown, NY last week, only to be contacted by numerous people saying that they hadn’t received the email.  I’m not sure what happened in the ether of cyberspace, but allow me to reiterate here:  There are scholarships available for the workshop, please contact me if you are interested.  Also, if you do not receive the occasional email from me concerning UVM Extension’s latest work with hops, and would like to be included on that list, shoot me an email, and I’ll add you.  No spam, I promise.

Hope to see you there,

Rosalie

Dr. Heather Darby, Agronomic Specialist, UVM Extension

Once again, I have seen increased Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NLB) pressure in our area.  I have seen severe damage in the river valleys where dense fog and heavy dews are common.  Northern leaf blight is a fungal disease found in humid climates wherever corn is grown. The disease thrives when relatively cool summer temperatures coincide with high humidity and available moisture.  The number of NLB outbreaks has increased considerably over the past 5 years.  Corn silage yield and quality losses from this disease can be significant.  Therefore it is important for us to gain a better understanding of the disease cycle, symptoms, and management practices that can be employed to reduce the impact of NLB on the corn crop.

Disease Cycle

Northern corn leaf blight is caused by the fungus Exserohilum turcicu.  It overwinters as mycelia and conidia in diseased corn stalks (Figure 1).  In the spring and early summer, spores are produced on this crop residue when environmental conditions are favorable. Primary infections occur when spores are spread by rain splash and air currents to the leaves of new crop plants.  Infection will occur if free water is present on the leaf surface for 6 to 18 hours and temperatures are 65 to 80F.
Secondary infections occur readily from plant to plant, and even from field to field.  Infections generally begin on lower leaves first and then progress up the plant. Heavy dews, frequent light showers, high humidity, and moderate temperatures favor the spread of the disease.

Disease Symptoms

Within 2 weeks of infection grey elliptical lesions begin to develop on the leaves.  Over time the cigar shaped lesions become tan as they enlarge (Figure 2).  Under moist conditions, the lesions produce dark gray spores on the lower leaf surface. As many lesions enlarge and coalesce, entire leaves or leaf areas may be covered.
It is obvious that the more leaf area that becomes damaged from this disease the more yield and quality losses that maybe incurred. Generally, the damage on the plants is seen after silking, however, there have been earlier infections reported in the moist valley regions.

Disease Management

One of the most effective means of managing NLB is selecting resistant corn hybrids (Figure 3).  Since we have not recognized this disease as a major threat focus on resistant hybrid selection has not been a priority. Hybrids with above average resistance to NLB should be planted.  Work with your corn seed representative to select hybrids that meet these criteria.
Since corn residues harbor the disease, all fields that are grown for grain may be at the greatest risk for disease infection.  In areas where NLB problems have occurred in recent years, reducing any previous corn residue is important to minimize disease inoculum and its effects. Corn residue can be reduced through several practices including crop rotation and moldboard plowing.  Remember that this disease has been seen primarily in continuous corn silage fields in Vermont.  Therefore, any amount of residue will increase the risk of this disease.
Although there are fungicides available to protect the corn from this disease they are generally not considered cost effective in corn silage systems. If you suspect that your corn has Northern Corn Leaf Blight please report the incidence to UVM Extension Agronomists Heather Darby.  For more information please contact Heather Darby at (802) 524-6501 or email.

University of Vermont Northwest Crops and Soils Team’s Grain Quality Laboratory is up and running!  The team headed up by Heather Darby, received funding through the Castanea Foundation located in Montpelier, Vermont and generous private donations to purchase a sophisticated machine to test the Falling Number of wheat, an internationally standardized method for sprout damage detection.  The Falling Number System measures the alpha-amylase enzyme activity in grains and flour to detect sprout damage, optimize flour enzyme activity and guarantee soundness of traded grain. Alpha-amylase activity is crucial for final product quality of bread, pasta, noodles and malt.

The lab is also equipped with near-infrared technology for protein analysis and employs a method to test for deoxynivalenol (DON) also known as vomitoxin.  Occurrences of this vomitoxin in wheat at or above 1 ppm are considered unsafe for human consumption by the FDA.  Contamination of wheat with DON is directly related to the incidence of Fusarium head blight and strongly associated with relative moisture and timing of rainfall at flowering.

Our lab is currently accepting samples and will continue to do so until December 1, 2010.  Click here to download a Cereal Grain Test Submission Form.  In order to get results that accurately reflect your product, be sure to employ good sampling techniques.  Remember the results are only as good as the sample submitted! For more information on testing the quality of your grains, contact UVM Extension’s Crops and Soils Team.

Forage Field Day hosted by G. Boucher Fertilizer Inc.

Friday September 3, 2010 from 11:00am-3:00pm.

Come view the perennial forage test plots at the Boucher Farm. Rod Porter from King’s Agriseeds will be available to answer questions on new forage varieties and mixes.

It’s getting near time to chop!

Come learn how to determine corn moisture from a representative from Mycogen Seed Company using the corn burn down method.

For More Information contact Gemma Boucher.

802-868-3939

For directions click on the link:
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Thursday, August 5, 2010

10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Borderview Farm

46 Line Rd, Alburgh, VT

Click here to download a pdf version of the brochure.

This year’s theme is Agricultural Innovations! Throughout the day we will highlight our many research projects that focus on sustainable cropping systems, fertility management, soil health, and integrated pest management, as well as crop-specific research focusing on wheat, barley, sunflowers, canola, soybeans, hops, and different forage systems.

Field Day Highlights

• There is a high demand for local grains in Vermont, and we will be featuring an oat huller. We will also be demonstrating our new Falling Number Machine, which is used to test the quality of grains such as wheat and barley.  Randy George from Red Hen Bakery will be on hand to discuss flour quality and bread baking with local grains.
• A research hopyard has been constructed at Borderview Farm, and we will be showcasing our first year growth.  Mark Magiera, brewmaster for Bobcat Café, will discuss hops and grains from a brewer’s perspective.
• An equipment exposition will also take place, featuring a strip-till planter, a zone-till planter, a narrow- and wide-row grain drill, a Schmotzer narrow-row cultivator, a roller-crimper, a tineweeder, and an Aerway.
• Come see biodiesel production from growing to processing! See oilseed crop trials, including canola, sunflower, and soybeans, and watch homegrown oil be converted into biodiesel! Also featuring warm season grasses for biomass energy.
• Learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of various cover crop termination methods, such as herbicides, plow-down, or using a roller-crimper.
• Crop rotation trials and double crop systems, including winter and spring small grain trials.  Information on yield, quality, seeding rates, and using small grains for grazing, forage, or grain/straw production.
• Information on annual and perennial forage crops, including many corn research trials evaluating organic and conventional varieties, seeding rates, maturity dates, and new technologies.

Free of charge for farmers! All others* pay $15 per person at door. CCA credits will be available. Please RSVP by July 30 to Heather Darby @ 802-524-6501 A BBQ lunch featuring local foods will be provided. * Scholarships are available to Extension, USDA, and non-profit personnel. Contact Deb Heleba at  for more information. Directions

View Larger Map From Alburgh: Take Rt. 2 West. Just after the VT Welcome Center, turn right onto Rt. 225 (Border Rd.)  Drive toward the Canadian Border.  As you approach the border, turn left just BEFORE Customs.  In front of you, there will be a dirt road (Line Rd.) that goes west along the border.  Borderview Farm is the first farm on the left.  Look for signs for the Field Day!

Wednesday, July 28 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Butterworks Farm
Westfield, VT
Click here for a PDF version of this brochure
Field Day Highlights:

Learn how to Grow and Process Grains. Jack Lazor will provide a tour of his grain fields and   describe production techniques. We will learn about growing flax, wheat, barley, oats, spelt, and sunflowers. Take a tour of the Butterworks grain storage and processing facilities. See the new oat hulling machine.

Hear about current research in grain. Dr. Heather Darby and Erica Cummings from UVM will discuss research projects in the areas of variety selection, fertility management, and seeding rates.
View and learn about 19 heritage spring wheat varieties! UVM Extension and Butterworks have been evaluating heritage wheat varieties for yield and quality for baking. Three of these varieties were developed in Vermont by Dr. Cyrus Pringle in the late 1800s.
Learn about on-farm plant breeding from Dr. Steve Jones of Washington State University.  Dr.  Jones is a wheat breeder who focuses on improving wheat varieties for traditional and organic systems. Dr. Jones uses heritage and wild species as sources of genes for disease resistance, end-use quality and adaptability. Dr. Jones has been working with local farmers and UVM Extension to develop wheat varieties that fit our growing region.
Learn from John Melquist from TruckenBoard Bakery how to bake bread with locally grown wheat. John has been baking sourdough breads with flour milled at the Lazor farm for 5 years. He will discuss the challenges and advantages to baking with locally grown wheat. Come and sample bread baked from heirloom and modern wheat.
The workshop fee is $10.00 per person   Lunch will be provided by the NOFA pizza oven

For more information or to register by July 25,  please contact: Heather Darby or Erica  Cummings
Phone: 802-524-6501 or Email: heather.darby@uvm.edu or erica.cummings@uvm.edu

*If you require accommodations to participate in this program, please let our office know by July 15 so we may assist you.

Directions: At the junction of Route 100 and 58 in Lowell, take a left and head west on Route 58.  You will pass through the village of Lowell and proceed for about 2 miles. You will pass between a red barn and 2 story red house. At this point Route 58 will turn to gravel (Hazen’s Notch Road). Stay right (on pavement) and proceed north on Buckhill Road for 2 miles (look for field day signs). Turn right on Trumpass Road and the farm is on the left.

Many thanks to our sponsors for their generous support and contributions!

Northern Grain Growers Association
University of Vermont Extension
USDA Risk Management Association
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education