Holidays

I would like to thank all the farmers for what you do and bring to everyone that lives in this great country. Here is an impressive statistic...an average farmer produces enough food to 155 people year round. I would like to thank all of you for the business that you bring to Panhandle Coop and the continued support. Our working partnerships mean so much to all the staff here at Panhandle Coop. Again, thank you!!

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Happy Holidays!!

Harvest Time

The warm weather that we have had the past month has really helped in the dry down of the corn. The crop is coming out in many areas and there has not been a fight with high moisture as we faced last year. Yields have been all over the place due to the different stresses that occurred in areas throughout the year. Hail storms, grasshoppers, spider mites, and early frost; these are just a few of the issues that you may have faced this year. It is a great time for our agronomists to spend some time looking on how to improve upon the yields when stress occurs to the crop. We are starting to build plans with growers for the 2011 season and evaluating the 2010 crop plays a big role in the process. We are getting a better understanding towards goss' wilt and the varieties that have better tolerance towards the issue. At this point we do not have a place within our territory that is 100% free of goss' wilt. This is something for everyone to keep in mind while selecting the hybrids to be placed on your acres. It is not too early to start placing orders for the seed that you will need for the 2011 crop. There are new genetics out this year so spend some time visiting with your agronomist about what is available. We have had many orders come in already and we urge everyone to at least lock in some of the seed that you will need. This will help you get the seed size that fits your operation better as well as the hybrids that will produce well on your ground. Corn acres should be up next year; seed availability won't last forever.

Fertilizer

With the commodity prices inching upward weekly, this has caused a lot of pressure within the fertilizer pricing. The most recent crop reports are stating that the ratio between consumption and what is physically there are tight. This is a good indication that prices may continue to climb within commodity prices. The bad news is that this will remain true with fertilizer prices. We here at Panhandle Coop are advising to take a look at locking in some of your fertilizer needs for 2011. I continue to communicate with all our sales reps daily and they are filled in with the changing industry. We would like to offer the best position for the grower that you can get to make 2011 successful. The formation within the fertilizer industry has changed substantially this year. There are not as many players on the supplier side which puts the suppliers that have the product in a power play position. I would advice everyone to visit with your Panhandle Coop sales rep and visit about some opportunities to lock in some of your 2011 needs in and while doing so, maybe take a look at locking some commodity price in at the same time to help eliminate some of your risk going into next year. At this time there is a good profit opportunity to lock in.

Seed Treatment

We have positioned ourselves with a seed treater this year which is perfect timing for treating wheat seed. We have various options to offer whether it is for insect, or disease control. Another popular option that we have is to coat the seed with Teprosyn. Teprosyn is designed to coat the seed with fertilizer. Copper, Phosphate, or Zinc are just a few of the nutrients that we utilize to help the crop get a better start in the fall. Talk with you Agronomist about the many options we have to offer.

Spider Mites

The corn crop in the Panhandle and Eastern Wyoming is progressing well and strong yields are likely in many areas. The last month has been a bit more dry and warm which has caused spider mite colonies to really come on. In many cases over the last couple of weeks they have extended themselves above the ear leaf. Some of the corn out there is starting to dent but we need some strong weeks ahead for the crop to finish itself off. Here at Panhandle Coop we have seen pockets of mites really infect a crop to the point the yield will be affected negatively. Take the time to have your agronomist take a look at the crop in the field and make sure this type of damage does not reduce your yield come harvest time. Under pivot irrigation, spider mites will be contained to a point. The issue of having a pivot that has drop nozzles does not work as well to keep the colonies at bay due to the water spraying lower on the crop. Something to keep in mind.

AquaSpy

I would like to introduce everyone to a new water management tool that we are providing to the growers within our trade territory. Recently we started working with AquaSpy. They have a system that has the ability to read the moisture level in the soil as well as check to see how much the plant is utilizing. The system has the ability to understand the status of the crop and what the needs are so you don't over water or under water the crop. A crops need for water is more severe during different crop stages and AquaSpy can indicate when that occurs. With the water allocations that are put forth, this system works great to get the best use out of your water. Another big issue that we see is when people over water their ground. This will cause a lot of the nutrients in the soil to leach away which can damage a crop significantly. Not to mention the cost of running a pivot around at a cost of $1000 per revolution (this cost may vary depending on many circumstances). A nice feature that AquaSpy has is the ability to send the data to a computer or cell phone. If anyone has any questions about the system talk with your Panhandle Coop Sales Representative and they will fill you in.

Pest Damage

Our interns here at Panhandle have been doing a lot of scouting the last couple of weeks. North of Scottsbluff they have been detecting significant amount of grasshopper damage to the corn. While looking over the corn, they found that the leaves are getting ripped up and it has even caused some of the corn to fall over. Take a look at your fields or contact your Agronomist to look them over. We are getting some good heat units into the crop and we can't afford a delay in the growth cycle of the crop. A good portion of your inputs are in place now so don't allow other pests such as weeds or insects disrupt the potential of a high producing crop, especially with this week's crop report that has caused an up swing with the commodity prices. It is always a good time to take a look at your crop and evaluate how we can make things better whether it is fertility, pests that cause a yield decrease, or the plants health due to potential or existing disease. All of these possible issues need to be monitored.

Crop Nutrients

We have experienced many different forms of weather this spring. The crops in the field are speaking it out loudly. One issue with a wet spring is how much of the fertilizer placed early on has leached away. With the cool weather, symptoms are magnified to what the plant is lacking. A person can identify many deficiencies visually but one will not know how in depth the issue is. Sending in plant tissue samples is one way that a person can get an accurate read for what is going on with the plant. Once we pull a tissue sample from the field, we can get the results back within 3-4 days. The system we are utilizing is called Megalab. The system will send back what your results are with recommendations. The recommendations will spell out what product to utilize and the reason why. If you have any field that looks to be behind, I urge you to contact your Panhandle Agronomist and get the testing done as soon as you can. We can't waste any time and allow the crop to sit idle. We are too far behind with heat units as is.

There are many different ways to supplement a crop in the field. We have foliar products that can be ran with your herbicide, we have side dress machines, and we have injectors to utilize to apply through a pivot. Whatever fits your need, we can supply it to you to get the job done.

Crop Issues

A couple different crop issues that I would like to touch on. Rust and hail damage.

With the rust that we have had move into the area on the wheat crop, we are running out of time to get a treatment program done. If your wheat has not begun to flower, we still have a couple different options to offer to control the yield loss that can occur with rust. If your wheat is flowering now, we can still put a product on called Prosaro. Prosaro has a 30 day pre harvest interval so we can't wait much longer if your wheat began flowering this last week. There is a lot of fear with some growers treating their wheat with all the bad weather in the area the last couple of weeks. However, you have a great amount of investment into the crop out there now and we urge people not to plan to fail. If you don't get a destructive hail storm on your crop, you can lose a great deal of yield from rust damage. We are seeing a lot of other issues in the wheat crop other then rust. There is a lot of tan spot present as well as septoria and glume blotch. These too can negatively impact your wheat production. It is all treatable though.

With the other crops growing in the field, we are getting some size to the crop and if you get peppered up with hail we have a proven prescription to get the crop out of its funk. This too is something we are promoting growers to do. We are behind on heat units as much as 100 GDUs at this time. Damage caused by a hail storm will delay the crop which we can't afford to have happen being this far behind in the season.

If you have any questions about any of the prescriptions or different options that we have, contact your Panhandle Agronomist and visit with them about the ways we can improve and help eliminate any yield or production loss with any and all your crops. We would like the opportunity to go out and scout your crops to see what may be going on in your crop.

Rust

I have been touching on Rust in the wheat crop quite a bit on my blog. I do want to confirm that the rust has arrived in the area. Kansas has been so thick the last week that the planes are delayed a week in some areas. The wind is forecasted to be blowing out of the south the next couple of days and with the moisture in place and warmer temperatures forecasted, the rust is inevitable. I would like to remind everyone that a fungicide program does a better job preventing rust. If the rust is present, damage has already begun. Timeliness of the application is very important. Earlier is better. Wheat prices have not moved upward as we would all like but a thick infestation of rust can cause a lot of damage to a crop. I would advise everyone to get with your agronomist, check out your crop and make a plan to avoid a crop disaster. The flag leaf will be emerging very soon and in some cases it already has. The flag leaf is the most important part of the plant to take care of.

Agronomy Insights-Wheat

Agronomy Insights
Sam N. Bartee, CCA/CAC
West Central Division Agronomist
May 3, 2010

Wheat Stripe Rust – it has Arrived in Kansas and is Spreading!


Over the past several weeks, we have been hearing about Stripe Rust and its activity in Texas and movement into Oklahoma. Generally rust diseases move progressively from the south to the north with detection in wheat fields to affirm its distribution and “south-to-north” progression. One surprising development was the first known Kansas detection in north central Kansas near Belleville (not a southern location). Additionally it was found near Hays and Manhattan. In the past few days, stripe rust has been detected in Meade, Finney and several other counties in southwestern Kansas. One can assume it will continue to show up, especially if favorable weather conditions (cool, moderately wet) continue.

The question about optimum fungicide application timing always plays a major part in proper and effective treatment/control. One specific aspect of Stripe Rust is its inherent ability to spread within the plant. With this in mind, I look at taking an aggressive approach at being proactive with a fungicide application – apply as early as practical. For holding on to yield potential in wheat, it is generally all about protecting the flag leaf. If stripe rust becomes established on a wheat plant, it will cause a loss in yield – how much loss depends on a number of factors including the severity of pressure, wheat variety, overall plant health, associated environmental parameters, etc. Under the right set of conditions, it has reduced wheat yields from 40-60%.

In the case of stripe rust, I suggest two application scenarios: 1) If stripe rust is detected in field during joint/boot initiation, apply a fungicide to minimize yield reduction, or 2) If no stripe rust orother wheat disease is visible, make a fungicide application just prior to flag leaf extension.

So which types of fungicides might be the best for my above-mentioned scenarios? If no stripe rust or other diseases have been detected, the strobilurins that prevent diseases only and have good residual properties (Quadris, Headline, etc.) would be suitable. The strobilurins must be applied earlier than triazoles in order to prevent the disease from infecting the crop.

If the disease is present, then certainly the triazole chemistry which cures, eradicates, and prevents fungal diseases, (Caramba, Tilt, PropiMax, Bumper, Proline, Folicur, Prosaro, etc.), would be needed if stripe rust has been detected in a field – a mixture of triazole and strobilurin modes of action would also be an excellent program. There are several combination products containingboth triazole and strobilurin modes of action on the market (Twinline, Quilt, Stratego, etc.).

Helena’s tri-active defense fungicide is named AVARIS.
The active ingredients in AVARIS––azoxystrobin and propiconazole––control diseases systemically and through direct contact.

AVARIS has a built-in adjuvant system that improves absorption and coverage of the active ingredients. This co-formulated adjuvant can increase the biological activity of both active ingredients.

In addition to the two modes of action, the activator adjuvant in AVARIS performs the following functions:
→Improves spreading and wetting
→Reduces spray deposit evaporation
→Increases spray deposit adhesion
→Reduces the potential for active ingredient wash-off due to rain or irrigation
→Increases the degree and/or rate that the active ingredients are absorbed

If an additional application of nitrogen is needed for grain fill, AVARIS makes a great tank mix partner with CoRoN 25-0-0-0.5B
For more information, contact you nearest dealer, or Helena representative.

Wheat Infected with Rust

5/4/10



With all the spring moisture that we have received early spring and the warm temperatures we have had lately, the wheat has taken off. Weeds have also sprung up and every field that our agronomists have scouted, they have reported issues that will negatively affect yields. Commodity prices have not rebounded much at this point but we are advising not to neglect your ground. Do you want to sell less for less or more for less. Get with your agronomist and have them evaluate your ground to devise an economical way to control you weeds.

This year we will be routing a chemical delivery schedule to keep your needs taken care of. Visit with your agronomist to be placed on the schedule. This season as we all knew would happen is very compressed. Hopefully this will help alleviate some of your time and keep you stocked with what you will need to keep operating.

I would like to pass along that we still have discounted fungicide program with our suppliers. Syngenta, BASF, and Bayer are offering a substantial rebate through the end of May. After May it will be reduced but will be in affect for a few more months. There has been rust spotted in Kansas on their wheat which is plenty early for that to be happening. This causes for some concern that it will be here soon. Don't let this opportunity slip by to save some money on a proven yield enhancer whether it is corn, wheat, or edible beans.

Last blog I touched on the Precision Piece of Agriculture that we have to offer. We have successfully processed many acres and have wrote prescriptions for many growers. The process is going very smooth. If you have any interest, visit with your agronomist and have them explain the benefits that comes from the program.

We concluded our seed pick up days last week and moved a lot of seed out. We still have a good stock of seed in our inventory in case there are any acre shifts. Corn is not the only seed that we provide. We supply many different crops from the major manufacturers. Whatever direction you will be going, let us know so we can provide you what you may need.

Crop Production Update

Welcome to Panhandle Coops Crop Production update blog. My name is Cody Loyd, I am the Crop Production Division Manager for Panhandle Coop. From time to time I will be updating this blog as things in Crop Production come up. Please check regularly as to any changes.

I would like to start off by thanking everyone for their business and support of Panhandle Coop. We have a great team of individuals working for the company with the goal of helping all our growers succeed raising profitable crops yearly.

Currently we are supporting a fungicide program that is offered to the growers. There are great discounts to book your fungicide in advance. Syngenta, BASF, and Bayer all have proven yield boosters that we are supporting.

With the current weather that we have been receiving, the season is going to be compressed and timing of fertilizer being placed for the crop is going to be a challenge. Here at Panhandle Coop we have foliar products that can take away some pressure early on and we can custom tailor a program that fits your operation. Currently we have a financing program offered for Coron which is our slow release Nitrogen. We are also promoting pre-emerge herbicides to help alleviate some time that you may be lacking getting all your work done. Contact your local Agronomist and visit with them about the opportunities that are available at this time.

We also took on a project this last year of offering Precision Ag options to growers. We purchased a Veris machine which will read a growers field and from there we can build a prescription to variable rate your fertilizer as well as your seeding population. All of our locations are set up to run this system.

Thank you for taking the time to check out our website and continue checking back for updates. We all here at Panhandle Coop wish the best for a successful season to all the growers in the Western Nebraska and Eastern Wyoming region.