Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Volume 7
Volume 7
Fall 2012
Volume 7
Volume 7
Know Your
The early spring planting and the summer-long drought have caused corn and soybeans to mature earlier than usual. Add the recent rains to the equation and farmers are left with an abundance of green weeds in mature crops. Purdue weed scientists warn that fields with actively growing green weeds could create problems for farmers during harvest. This is expected to be a statewide issue. And in a year where crop yields and quality are already expected to be low, the last thing you need is the extra problems brought on by pesky weeds during harvest. Generally, late-summer droughts or a killing frost dry out the ground and prevent new, green weed growth from occurring. However, crops matured much earlier this year so scientists are recommending the use of herbicides to dry down weeds for a timely harvest. Herbicide application is not mandatory, but if weed growth is bad enough it could cause more wear and tear on your machinery and diminish grain quality. HarAbove: Green weeds in mature crops are on vest equipment is designed to gather mature crops, not the rise this harvest season. green growth. Green weeds passing through combines and other harvesting equipment can cause the machinery to break down and delay harvest. Green weeds growing alongside corn and soybeans can also cause problems after harvest. Weeds can increase moisture in yields and decrease grain quality. The primary weeds seen thus far include velvetleaf, foxtail, morning glories, winter annuals and cover crops that are already starting to re-germinate. It is important to remember that most harvest aid products are contact herbicides and the selection of spray volumes and nozzles is vital to adequate coverage. Select nozzles that allow for smaller droplets to penetrate the canopy and cover the vegetation, but are large enough to avoid drift issues. Most labels recommend at least ten gallons per acre for ground application and a minimum of five gallons per acre for aerial application. Always check the herbicide label for proper application techniques prior to use. Also check the label for application periods because many herbicides cannot be used soon before harvest. Between the added moisture from the green weeds and the early planting and harvesting, grain could be going into bins at much higher moisture and temperature levels than under normal harvest conditions. Unless grain is dried to appropriate levels, farmers could lose their crops to mold. Grain quality specialists warn that this is particularly true for corn. In fact, mold will grow at 15 percent moisture if the corn is fairly warm. It is recommended that early harvested corn be stored at a moisture content of 14.5 percent, or at 13 percent if the grain will be stored through next summer. To achieve these lower moisture levels quickly, farmers should use high-temperature cross flow drying. You can also increase the drying rate by using a technique called layer drying, where grain is placed into a bin in layers while continuously drying.
Enemies
Volume 7
Turn the engine off before unplugging clogged equipment. Be sure all guards and shields are secured before operating your equipment. Wear comfortable, close-fitting clothing and protective shoes or boots. Remind kids not to approach machinery while it is running and that farm equipment is not a jungle gym. Always let someone know where you will be working. Avoid sleep deprivation and exhaustion. Take time to enjoy your harvest. Youve earned it!
Kitchen Fixes
Jewel CD Case: Keep the messy ingredients off your grandmothers famous recipe. Set the jewel case on the counter with the lid standing up, then slide the recipe card inside to protect it from splatters and spills. Bonus! This doubles as a recipe stand. Toothbrush: Find the end of the plastic or cling wrap. Rub the brush around the roll to find the hiding edge. Zippered Plastic Bag: Knead dough without getting sticky fingers. Put the dough in a bag and knead, or slip a bag over your hands like a glove.
Volume 7
Maize Mazes
One of the best parts of fall is getting lost in a corn maze! Grab your family and truly enjoy the crops you love. Start by going to www.CornMazesAmerica.com and click on the Corn Maze Visitors tab. Next click on the Maze Directory option. From there, click on Indiana and a list of Hoosier corn mazes will open. There are several throughout the state - no doubt there is one near you.
The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit, and you reap a character. Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.
Right: Get lost in acres of fun at a corn maze. There are several throughout the state with varying levels of difficulty and some are even haunted!
Volume 7
Location: Lafayette, IN
Who is who at Lafayette? outboard motors.
Dan Troyer, Service Representative: Interests: bow fishing, camping, and working on old David Hayse, Sales Representative: Has been with MM 7 years. He and his wife, Kim,
have 3 children: Olivia (12), Isaiah (8) & Garrett (6). Interests: building furniture, spending time with family, and hunting.
Joel Redmond, Technician: Has been with MM 15 years. He and his wife, Michelle, have 2
daughters, Kyleigh (13) & Josie (9). Interests: bow hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. Has also owned and operated an archery pro shop for 6+ years.
Kenny Kincaid, Parts Specialist: Lives in Lebanon with his wife, Nancy; his children, Katie, Derek, & Jared; daughter-in-law, Abby; and granddaughter, Hadley. Interests: golfing, spending time with his family, and enjoying the farm that has been in his family over 100 years. With his background in Ag, Kenny has developed many relationships that he will always cherish, and he would like to thank MM for helping expand them.
Submissions
Submit your comments, questions, pictures, and ideas to Leo Leighton. We look forward to hearing from you! LeoLeighton@MacAllister.com
Fall 2012
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Volume 7