Grain Growers,
I’m excited to say that registration is now online for the 2018 small grains conference! The line-up looks pretty stellar – I know it’ll be difficult to choose which sessions I want to moderate. Read on below for a detailed conference schedule and instructions on how to register!
Be sure to scout your small grains fields even though most field operations are done. The quick transition from cool to very hot temperatures this spring moved small grains through the growth stages faster than usual which can lead to weaker shoots and less tillering. That combined with the excessive amount of rain and severe weather we've had, means small grains are at risk for lodging. Besides being a nuisance for harvest, if you have an underseeding of clover or alfalfa, a mat of small grains could be fatal, so keep a close eye on the field and start formulating a Plan B in case you see patches starting to go down.
Cheers,
Alisha
|
|
2018 Small Grains Conference Registration Online
|
This year’s conference will be held in Mankato, MN from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on July 30. After kicking things off, we’ll have three breakout sessions, lunch, a plenary and a buyers’ and sellers’ reception to conclude the day. The breakout sessions have three track options: small grains agronomy; integrating small grains and livestock; and small grains markets. Choose to attend all three breakouts in a track you’re interested in or mix and match the three tracks! You can check out the full list of topics for the breakout sessions on our
small grains conference webpage
.
Registration is free for Practical Farmers members and $40 for non-members. Remember, if you’re in the small grains cost share, you’ll need to attend at least one learning event this year. You can fulfill that requirement with this event, or check out our other
upcoming small grains events
. To register for the small grains conference, visit our
registration page
.
|
|
July Call Will Focus on Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling
|
|
How do you maintain the quality of small grains while harvesting? On July 6, Earl Canfield will answer this question by walking us through his specialized equipment and swathing technique for oats for his on-farm animal feed business. He’ll also discuss post-harvest handling and storage in order to maintain (or event improve!) grain quality from what is taken out of the field.
July’s call will take place Noon – 1 p.m. on Friday July 6. To join the call dial 641-715-3620 and enter passcode 357330# when prompted.
|
|
Blog and Notes from June Call Now Online
|
|
Did you miss the “Cover Crop Guy’s” talk on June 1? Then be sure to catch up on all the information shared in
this blog recap
. Dave Robison walked through five goals and five challenges to consider to make the most of your cover crop planted after early small grains harvest. He also identified good cover crop species and mixes to use when grazing, breaking up compaction or producing nitrogen. Read all about it on
our blog
or you can access my notes from the call
here
.
|
|
Shared Learning Call:
Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling
July 6, Noon – 1 p.m. | Dial
641-715-3620 and enter passcode 357330#
June 27, 10 a.m. - Noon | Titan Machinery
June 28, 5 - 8 p.m. | Rick and Pam Sprague of Sprague Bees and Beef
United Christian-Presbyterian Church, 1500 Industrial Ave., Bedford, IA 50833
July 12, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | The Hughes Family of Hughes Farms
4031 South US 51, Janesville, WI 53546
July 17, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Kellie and A.J. Blair
3531 Paragon Ave., Dayton, IA 50530
July 30, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | PFI Annual Small Grains Conference
Centennial Student Union Minnesota State University-Mankato Campus
September 10, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Mark and Melanie Peterson of Bent Gate Farm
2311 N Ave., Stanton, IA 51573
|
|
How do you know when to spray fungicides and what to spray? Check out these resources:
|
Adjust Side Dress Application for Corn Following Legume Cover Crop
It's not too late to take a late spring nitrate test or pre-sidedress nitrate test if you grew a legume cover crop like clover last year. Decreasing fertilizer inputs in the corn year is a key aspect to increasing profitability of extended rotations. Check out these research reports and other resources on how much nitrogen you can generate with a legume cover crop after small grains.
|
Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling
|
It’s not too soon to start adjusting the combine and making sure everything is in working order so you’re ready to go when your small grains are at peak quality.
- The Harvest episode of our Rotationally Raised Video Series.
- The Post-Harvest: Handling and Storage episode of our Rotationally Raised Video Series.
- Tune in to our July 6 shared learning call to learn more about swathing.
- Attend the June 27 combine clinic to learn more about combining small grains.
|
|
|
Looking for more? Contact us today!
|
|
Alisha Bower
Strategic Initiatives Manager
(515) 232-5661
|
|
Sarah Carlson
Strategic Initiatives Director
(515) 232-5661
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
