By Richard Purdin-
This is Richard Purdin, OSU Extension, Ag and Natural resource Educator for Adams County. I hope to better inform local producers and the general public of the latest news in the world of Agriculture.
Labor Day weekend has come and gone, what is officially known as the last blast of summer and the unofficial beginning of fall. But summer doesn’t want to give up just yet with the next few days forecasted to be in the upper 80’s and lower 90;s. This could be a good thing due to our later planting season this year.
Late planted corn can capture more growing degree days and the warmth should help the soybeans mature and fill out properly. Some producers might think about squeezing another cutting of hay in before cooler temperatures creep into the weather forecast.
With that said, when is it time to clean up the baler and put away the mower for the year? Even though it might feel like the first of August my calendar still says it is the second week of September. This means our days are getting shorter and eventually cooler weather will be here. Cool season grasses like fescue, orchard grass, bluegrass, timothy, and perennial ryegrass, have broken their summer dormancy and are now preparing for winter.
Cool season grasses prepare for winter by storing nutrients and carbohydrates in their root system and growing points. When harvesting takes place during this time of growth, plants will have to use stored nutrients and carbohydrates for regrowth. It is recommended to avoid harvesting forages after Sept. 15. This allows plants to have 200-500 growing degree days to recover and avoid winter injury or death. Remember- Grazng is harvesting!
Grazing heights should not go below four inches. This is especially true for forages like orchard grass and Alfalfa due to the higher growing points and risk of frost heaving during the wintertime. If harvest is taking place during this time here are some steps to avoid winter injury of forage crops.
• Raise the mower up to a minimum 4inch cutting height.
• Evaluate stand for nutrient deficiency and problematic weed growth
• Take soil samples to evaluate needed nutrients such as Phosphorus and Potassium. These two nutrients help make roots stronger and healthier for winter.
• Is the Hay worth mowing mechanically (break down cost of inputs and return)?
Some other details to think about are:
• Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) sign up Deadline is Friday Sept. 11, contact West Union FSA at (937) 544-2033.
• The Highland county Soil and water District is taking pre orders for their fish sale and annual Meeting that is going to be held Sept. 19. The fish will be handed out the day of the meeting from 10 am. – 1p.m. Check out our web site (adams.osu.edu) and Facebook page for details, you can also call the Highland county soil and water conservation district at (937) 393-1922.
• Ask the Expert Sessions for the farm science review have been released. Check our web page or go to https://u.osu.edu/ohioagmanager/2020/09/08/ask-the-expert-sessions-to-be-held-live-during-2020-farm-science-review/ to see the topics up for discussion.
From the Field
In scouting field conditions for Adams County, the following is things I have noticed.
• Brown Stink bug population is growing in soybean fields. (pictures on our Facebook)
• Tobacco harvest is in full swing! After recent rains quality is degrading rapidly
• Tobacco hornworms and Tobacco flea beetle population on the rise.
• Silage harvest has Started.
• Noticed a few soybeans with 50% or more of leaves dropped and maturing rapidly.
• Cattle horn flies are becoming more of an issue after the resent rainfall. Treatment should be considered to prevent diseases spread such as anaplasmosis.
• Downy mildew in cucumber and other cucurbit crops.