UVM Extension -
Champlain Valley Crop, Soil & Pasture Newsletter

APRIL 2013
 

 

News and Events
Ask ELSIE?
FARM NEWS
SWAT
ACAP
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Contact a Member of the TEAM!!
Jeff Carter
UVM Extension Agronomist
(802) 388-4969 ext.332
[email protected]

Rico Balzano
Agronomy Outreach Professional
ACAP Program
(802) 388-4969 ext.338
[email protected]

Kirsten Workman
Agronomy Outreach Professional
SWAT Program
(802) 388-4969 ext.347
[email protected]
Grazing Outreach Professional 
SWAT Program
(802) 388-4969 ext. 346 

Agronomy Outreach Professional
ACAP Program
(802) 558-6470
CV Crop, Soil & Pasture Team
UVM Extension helps individuals and communities put research-based knowledge to work.

ELSIEAsk ELSIE 
?  ?  ?  ?  ?  ?  ?  ?  ?

 
Q: ELSIE...

Should I spread lime this spring or wait till fall?


Ask ELSIE

A:  YES, YES, YES


Lime is so good for the soil that if you need it to sweeten your soil, don't wait.

It does take some time for the lime material (Calcium Carbonate or wood ash) to react with the soil to increase the pH, and the finer the grind, the quicker the pH change. Wood ashes are also very quick to change soil pH, sometimes too fast if you put too much on at a time! But the wood ash coming out of Burlington Electric or RMI is also a great source of Potash, 60 to 80 lb/ton that corn, alfalfa and clovers need.

The best time to lime is when you can mix it with the soil before planting, but topdress  on hay before manure is a great way to improve the crop. The only way to tell if you need Lime is to take a soil test. A low pH reading shows that lime is needed, the Reactive Aluminum in the soil tells us how much lime to add.

Lime can be your best buy for good crops this year.  Unlock soil nutrients that are not available at low pH.  Don't mess up your field if it is too wet, and you will be helping yourself to better feed for years to come.
 

spreading lime

For questions about soil testing for farm fields and gardens, contact us at the UVM Extension Office.
(802) 388-4969

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If you would like to Ask ELSIE? a question, please email her by clicking  HERE.
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

Funding for the Champlain Valley Crop, Soil & Pasture Team and the programs and resources we offer is provided by the following organizations:

  • UVM Extension
  • Lake Champlain Basin Program
  • Great Lakes Fishery Commission  
  • USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
  • VT Agency of Natural Resources
  • VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
  • USDA-Risk Management Agency 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. 
 
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newsletter masthead
Greetings!    

Spring is here, and you are ready to grow crops. Manure is the topic of the day and BOY does it get a lot of attention. Everyone who applies manure to fields is required to have a current soil test for that field according to the Vermont Accepted Agriculture Practices Law. If you also use your manure test, then getting the right amount of manure and fertilizer on is much easier. If you don't have either soil or manure tests, now is the time to get that sampling done. Call us if you need help getting samples in. Manure that is spread just to get rid of it after winter doesn't make much sense, and that really puts teeth behind the idea of additional regulations on farmers to make sure that water pollution is not happening.

YES, it is good fertilizer for corn or hay crops. YES, manure improves the soil for future food production. Tell your neighbors that manure is good for the soil and is a valuable resource. Make sure you account for the fertilizer value correctly. Liquid manure at 3,000 gal/acre provides about 30 pounds of available of N per acre, so probably it will not make grass respond as much as 125 lbs of Urea that provides nearly 60 lbs of N. Compare apples to apples when you are making these decisions. Of course soil compaction is a big issue with tankers in the spring, but with dragline manure applications more common, hooked with  a Gen-Till or Aerway machine, it makes more and more sense to use manure when the crop is about to start growing, rather than always loading it on to fields in the fall when a lot of that valuable Nitrogen gets lost during winter. 

Lately, the days have been filled with meetings about the new CAFO permit for Medium Farm Operations (MFOs) to meet EPA expectations, Tile Drainage for better crop production, Pesticide Applicator training for commercial businesses, The Pond Brook Watershed plan to clean up that watershed from agriculture pollution, the NRCS state meeting about all the assistance programs available to farmers, The Agriculture Work Group discussions about a farmer approved plan to meet the EPA requirement for a new Total Daily Maximum Load (TMDL) Plan for Phosphorus in Lake Champlain, and much more.

The Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition meetings in Richmond, and this week in Shoreham has brought together 50 farmers who are talking about this water quality issue and how to move ahead with pro-active farming practices. This coalition of farmers will certainly lend a positive impact to the future of farm regulations and the public understanding of all the work farmers do to keep nutrients and soil out of the water. Your farm business is so important to the Vermont economy that the CVFC Farmer organization has been formed to make sure you have a voice in the big debates about cleaning up Lake Champlain.
Join the Coalition and Show your support for Vermont Agriculture at

 

Jeff Carter

UVM Extension Agronomy Specialist

News and Events
For Vermont Farmers in the Lake Champlain Watershed
FARM NEWS & EVENTS 

Crop Nutrient Cycling Workshop 

April 9  * Pawlet Library * Pawlet, VT * 10am - 2pm

Come to this workshop to learn about nutrient management planning and how it might benefit your farm. You'll also hear from UVM Extension and Conservation District staff about resources available to farms to help with nutrient management planning and implementation.     

For more information contact:

Jennifer Alexander   (802) 558-6470 or [email protected] 

Rico Balzano          (802) 388-4969 or [email protected]  

 

Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition - Directors Meeting

April 10 * UVM Extension Office * Middlebury, VT   *  10:00 am - 12:00 jpm 

Come join your neighbors to learn more about the Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition, issues that affect farms in your watershed, and how to become a CVFC member.

 

For more information contact:

Kirsten Workman or Jeff Carter  (802) 388-4969 or    

VT Beef Producers Annual Meeting

April 13   *   Capitol Plaza * Montpelier, VT  *  11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Join the Vermont Beef Producers association for their annual meeting, a buffet luncheon and a program presented by  VBPA Board member, Eric Noel.  Eric will discuss the issue of water quality and the need to sustainably manage our pasture riparian areas. 

 

For more information or to RSVP by April 10th contact:
Chip Morgan (802) 758-5000 or [email protected]

St. Albans Co-Op Young Cooperator Meeting

April 16  *  Nea-tocht Farm  *  Ferrisburg, VT  *  11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Join the St. Albans Co-op Creamery and Caring Dairy to learn about the Young Cooperator Program and tour a facility with a robotic milking system.  Special guest is Jane Clifford, Executive Director of the Green Mountain Dairy Farmer Cooperative Federation.  Lunch will be provided.

 

For more information contact:

Rachel Judd  (802) 524-6581 or [email protected] 

 

All About Energy : Farm Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy Options

April 18  * The Abbey       * St. Albans  * 10am - 3pm

April 24  * Middlebury Inn * Middlebury * 10am - 3pm 

Lean how to figure out the best energy use options for your farm. Focus on dairy farm energy issues. A trade show of energy-related proroducts and tools.

Speakers: Jennifer Osgood - Efficiency Vermont, Alex DePillis - Vermont Agency Agriculture, Sid Bosworth - UVM Extension, Kevin Hackett - Native Energy.

 

For more information contact:  

Rachel Gilker  (518) 765-4158  or  [email protected]

Registration $20 at the door, $5 off if you pre-register

 

Farm Safety Workshop

April 23   *   Hannaford Career Center  *  Middlebury, VT  *  8:30 am -3:30 pm

Courses to include: fire extinguisher training, skid steer/loader, safety in your sugaring opeartion, farm electrical safety , general farm safety, dry hydrant, equipment saftey, manure hauler safety, infared technology demo, ATV safety, ROPS (rollover protection), and the option for an all-day CPR/First Aid (english/spanish).     

 Sponsored by: Bourdeau Brothers, Ben & Jerry's Caring Dairy, Co-operative Insurance Co., Milton CAT, UVM Extension, VT DPS & VT Agency of Ag 

 

For more information and to RSVP by April 16 contact:

Renee Porter (802) 388-0061 x3399 or [email protected]

   

Fencing Workshop

May 4 or 5 (two opportunities to attend) *  8:30 am to 3:30 pm  *  Chesham, NH 

Come hear about all things related to agricultural fencing! From choosing the right energizer, proper grounding, fence training, monitoring voltage, types of fence, and more. There will be demonstrations of all fence systems and how they work. There will also be hands on opportunity to learn the basics of fence building. Free of charge.

 

For more information contact:

Wellscroft Fence

(603) 827-2999   *   www.wellscroft.com  

 

  

Key Crop Insurance Dates 

Corn & Soybeans have limits on earliest planting dates to qualify for crop insurance.    

  • Corn: April 11th earliest planting date
  • Soybeans: April 30th earliest planting date 
 
A list of crop insurance agents can be found at
 http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/.    
 

For more information contact:   

Pam Smith at 802-349-2966 or [email protected] .

  

  

Conservation District Tree Sale 

  The Otter Creek NRCD is once again sponsoring its Annual Tree/Seedling Program.  They have chosen lots of species that will thrive in our heavy Addison County soils, including conifers, broadleaf, fruit, berries, and even asparagus.  Whether you are looking to plant for windbreak, Christmas trees,  home orchard, wildlife habitat or just to beautify your property, this is a great opportunity to do this affordably.  Sale proceeds help support scholarships to the Green Mountain Conservation Camp, Conservation Field Das, workshops and streamside plantings. 

Orders are welcome throughout April, but those received by April 10th
will get priority.  Pick up orders in Middlebury on the morning of April 27th.
 
For more information and an order form contact:
Pamela Stefanek at 802-388-6746 x26 or

[email protected]
   
STRATEGIC WATERSHED ACTION TEAM
 
Manure = Fertilizer:  Know the Value of Your Manure $$
by Kirsten Workman, SWAT Agronomy Outreach

Thanks to a grant from the Lake Champlain Basin Program the Champlain Valley Crop, Soil & Pasture Team is looking for farmers interested in getting the most out of their manure.  If you are a livestock producer who does not currently have a Nutrient Management Plan, but are interested in knowing more about balancing your nutrient and manure applications with good crop growth...we want you!!  As a participant in this program you will receive the following:
  • Soil Tests for five of your farm fields that receive manure
  • Two manure tests
    Our new Agros Meter for measuring nitrogen & phosphorus in your manure. 
  • On-farm quick tests for manure (nitrogen + phosphorus)
  • Field by field nutrient recommendations for your farm
  • Assistance in implementing nutrient management practices and other practices to ensure you are meeting the state's Accepted Agricultural Practice requirements  
  • A large, laminated map of your farm...great for keeping records by field and communicating field operations to your employees and custom operators.     

We can also help you identify ways to make your manure nutrients go further.    

 

Do you need additional fertilizer?  

How much manure should you spread at one time? 

Should you incorporate your manure and will it save you time and money?   

How far is too far to haul manure?   

What's your manure worth? 

Can you utilize your manure more efficiently to better your bottom line?

 

Let us help you answer these questions and MORE!! 

 

If you are interested in participating in this new program,  

contact Kirsten Workman at (802) 388-4969 x347 or [email protected] 

 


Spring Pasture Health    

by Cheryl Cesario, SWAT Grazing Outreach Specialist

 

It seems we've reached the point in the year where many producers are either very low on feed, or are completely out and having to buy it in. Everyone is counting the days until the cows can go back out on pasture. Spring is a critical management time for pasture health because what is done now will shape productivity for the rest of the season. Turning cows out too early and overgrazing early in the spring can reduce pasture productivity

Spring Grazing

up to 40%.

 
Adding to that, last year's drought put extra stress on pasture plants. With limited regrowth last summer, some producers were not able to provide as much rest between grazings as they may have liked. Plants that were grazed extra short had more stress put on their roots and had less reserve going into winter, as short plants have an equally shallow root system. When a plant is cut or grazed short, energy for regrowth initially comes from the roots. Once there are a few leaves present, photosynthesis kicks in to fuel growth. Leaving 3-4 inches post-grazing means energy for growth will come from photosynthesis in the leaves, taking the pressure off the roots. It will be important this year to restore good root reserves that may have been strained last year. .  

 

While typical pre-grazing heights range from 6-10 inches, in early spring initial grazing may occur when plants are shorter in order to try and keep up with the rapid growth to come. It may be tempting, but it is not beneficial to turn cows into pastures that are less than 4 inches tall. However, with careful management, grazing in the 4-6 inch window can be done well without setting plants back. Depending on the plant, post-grazing heights of 2-4 inches can promote tillering of grasses and open the stand a bit to give legumes a chance to fill in.

 

Because growth is so rapid early on, grazing the first few paddocks at this shorter height can result in paddocks later down the line in the rotation being grazed at just the right height, with the remaining acreage cut for hay or haylage. However, when turning animals into shorter than average spring pastures, it is critical that animals are kept in paddocks for short durations and moved frequently in order to prevent overgrazing damage. It may be necessary to re-calculate paddock sizes depending on the amount of dry matter actually available in the pasture and factoring in how much the animals are consuming in the barn as they transition off their winter feed ration.  

 

Are you looking to create a grazing plan for 2013?  

Contact Cheryl Cesario at the UVM Extension office, 802-388-4969 x 346 or  [email protected]. 

 

 

Agronomy & Conservation Assistance Program

 

Will No-Till Corn Be Successful in Vermont? 

by Rico Balzano, Agronomy Outreach

   

With planting season right around the corner, no-till techniques have been a hot topic recently among farmers here in the Champlain Valley. Yes, the UVM

Extension no-till drills are just about

No-Tiill Corn at Fairmont Farm
www.fairmontfarminc.com

ready and waiting for the ground to dry out, but also we have been getting a lot of questions about no-till corn. If you are thinking about no-till corn, here is some good information from experienced no-tillers to get started.  

 

Because no-till soils, especially poorly drained soils, tend to warm slower in the spring, it is important to select a hybrid that will do well under cool and wet conditions. Cold germination and emergence and/or early vigor are important traits to pay attention to when planning to no-till. Also, selecting a hybrid that is 5 days less in relative maturity (RM) than your conventional plantings will compensate for potentially later planting in cooler soils.

 

Don't Plant into Live Vegetation. Corn is most easily no-tilled after fall-killed hay. Spring killed hay should be killed as soon as possible. Corn no-tilled after first cut faces the challenge of hard, dry ground after the hay harvest which will make seed placement less consistent, germination and early growth slow, and the small amount of forage after first cut may result in inadequate herbicide absorption.  

 

Wait for Soils to Dry to Plant. Because no-till takes far fewer passes in the spring, some may be impatient to get the planting done. But planting must be done when soil is suitably dry. If the seed slot is not closing properly ort the sidewalls of the furrow are smearing, the soil is too wet for planting. A well designed drainage system can increase the amount of time for field work

 

Use the Right Planter. Seed to soil contact and uniform seed depth are critical for no-till corn. To accomplish this in most no-till situations, more weight is needed to penetrate the residue or sod. Other possible additions are fluted coulters, trash wheels, seed firmers, and heavy or spiked closing wheels. There are many options available and talking to experienced no-tillers will be very valuable in this area.  

 

Use Starter Fertilizer. Studies from across the country have shown that nitrogen is the one nutrient in starter fertilizer that shows a response in no-till corn trials. Recommendations range from 20-50lbs. per acre with the balance applied as sidedress or topdress. With nutrient stratification in no-till soils, potassium is the next most likely limiting nutrient. Shallow (1-2") coupled with deep (6-8") soil sampling will help assess any stratification in your soil.

 

A Good Positive Attitude.  If you think no-till corn is a dumb idea and won't work, don't try it. Half-hearted attempts with the wrong planter at the wrong time without the right hybrid and fertilizer will rarely work. Time spent in the off season putting together a plan is critical. Putting in a good planning effort and being willing to work through some challenges will go a long way to successful no-till farming.

 

For more information about no-till corn contact  

Rico Balzano at (802) 388-4969 x338 or [email protected] 

 

Things to Think About 

by Jennifer Alexander, Agronomy Outreach   

 

Now that the long term forecast does not include temps in the 20's and the winter spreading ban has passed, thoughts are turning to field work.      

 

Here are some spring reminders:
A) Don't rush to get on fields as early as possible. Driving on wet land will increase compaction. Compaction will reduce yields, reduce water infiltration, increase runoff risk and increase fuel consumption when plowing.
    
B) Plowing wet fields will use up the soil organic matter at a more rapid rate than waiting until the field is at proper moisture to plow. Remember organic matter has 2 important functions: 1) It improves soil structure, maintains tilth and minimizes erosion. 2) Since it is derived mainly from plant residues, it contains all the essential plant nutrients therefore when it decays, nutrients are released in a plant available form.
    
C) Keep track of how many loads of manure you are putting where! It is as simple as a "Post It" stuck to the windshield of the tractor with the date, field name and a hash mark for each load. It's good record keeping and nutrient management. If you have a current manure analysis, you can calculate the amount of N, P and K you are applying to the field. Remember....if you apply enough manure to meet a crop's nitrogen need,you are over applying for the phosphorous need. Over time this can come back to haunt you especially if you don't rotate your crops!   

 

D) Planting crops too early can lead to an increase in disease and insect problems not to mention decreased yields and crop failure. With prices what they are who can afford to plant twice.
 
E) Remember that the AAP regulations have a minimum 10ft setback from the top of bank for annual crops. MFO's have a minimum 25ft set back. If you are required to have a nutrient management plan, see your plan for setback minimums. Common sense should says to be careful of river banks because of under cutting which leads to bank collapse.

 

F) Have you checked the recommended population rates on that new corn variety?
 
G) If planting soybean for the first time in a field, the amount of inoculate is typically doubled to establish a healthy colony of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, for atmospheric nitrogen utilization.
 
H) If beans are planted for multiple years, inoculate may not be needed unless the field
has conditions that so not support long term bacteria survival, such as extreme pH,sandy soils, fields flooded for more than 4 days, or fields that experience sever water stress. It is best to do a side byside trial on your field to determine if additional inoculate is needed.
 
 And here is a little spring ditty... 

 

Spring, Spring,here it comes,
man its timeto get things done,
The sun's in the sky,mud's on the ground,
there is work enough to go around.
The seeds been ordered, the planters been greased,
the fields are wet and full of geese.
Its time to stop dubbing and get to work
And always remember things could be worse.
  
You can contact Jennifer at
802-558-6470 or [email protected] 

  

 

AERATION TILLAGE EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE

Don't forget there are plenty of AerWay and GenTill Machines available for farmers to rent.  A great way to relieve compaction on hay fields and pastures while incorporating manure to retain more nutrients.  All machines are rented for $3 per acre.  Often the use of these tools in conjunction with spreading manure can qualify for cost-share programs.  Call the numbers listed below to arrange the use of one of these machines:

 

Addison County

25-foot AerWay 

20-foot AerWayaerway close

Call Rico Balzano, UVM Extension (802) 388-4969 x338

 

Chittenden County

25-foot AerWay 

Call Kirsten  Workman, UVM Extension (802) 388-4969 x347

 

Winooski Watershed (Chittenden, Washington Co.)

10-foot GenTill

Call Meghan Gilbart, Winooski NRCD (802) 288-8155 x104

 

Rutland County

8-foot GenTill

15-foot GenTill

Call Jennifer Alexander, Poultney-Mettowee NRCD (802) 558-6470 

 

Franklin & Grand Isle Counties

multiple AerWay machines

Call the Farmers Watershed Alliance (802) 796-3292  

 

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Sincerely,

 


Jeff Carter,
Extension Agronomist
UVM Extension- Champlain Valley Crop, Soil & Pasture Team