#AskTheAgronomist: Long-Term Effects of Heat Stress in Corn
While heat stress is common in late summer for the upper Midwest, this has been a June for the record books. Precision Agronomist Phil Long discusses the implications these patterns are having on developing corn plants and an outlook for late-season results.
What do you do when company unexpectedly arrives? Scott and Cindy Rasmussen of Burt, Iowa, keep food on hand that can be fixed quickly, which makes entertaining fun and easy. Now that their three children have families of their own, their freezer and pantry are filled with treats and snacks their grandkids also will enjoy.
“Our approach is to keep it simple. We prep food ahead of time, so we can enjoy more time with our friends and family when they arrive,” says Cindy, who works part-time off the farm for an attorney and also helps with field work during the spring and fall.
Scott, the other half of this husband-wife team, shares one of their entertaining secrets. Ziploc® freezer bags filled with Rye Bread Appetizers and Party Pretzels are a quick fix when company arrives. It’s a trick they used as their kids were growing up, and it’s still their secret weapon now that they have eight grandchildren.
“All of our kids were very active in high school with sports and extracurricular activities like 4-H,” says Scott, who served as 4-H club leader for 11 years and coached their AAU basketball teams. Cindy was a Sunday School teacher and Scott served as a trustee. They both served as T-ball coaches when their kids were young.
Adds Cindy, “It took some planning, especially during spring and fall, but we really wanted our kids to experience life outside of farming, choose their own paths, and earn a four-year degree. Now our kids help us farm during the busy seasons.”
The Rasmussen’s oldest son, Noah, graduated from Algona High School in 2000. Upon earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University (ISU), he began working for John Deere in Urbandale. He and his wife, Rachel, live with their three daughters near Cambridge. Noah helps his parents stay informed about advanced technology and has been known to pull an all-nighter to help on the farm in the fall. Rachel graduated from ISU with a master’s in public administration and works in human relations.
The Rasmussen’s second son, Drew, graduated from high school in 2005. He earned a degree in Industrial Systems Technology (Ag Systems Technology) with a minor in safety from ISU and works for AGP as a compliance officer. Drew farms with his parents and looks forward to farming on his own someday. Drew and his wife, Sierra, built a home on the farm place where Scott was raised. Scott’s parents also live on the homeplace, so Drew and Sierra help them as needed. The couple has twins (a boy and a girl), and Sierra also works for the Farm Service Agency.
The Rasmussen’s daughter, Chelsie, graduated from high school in 2007. She earned a degree in psychology from the University of Iowa. She and her husband, Tom, purchased an acreage that was homesteaded in 1877 by Scott’s family. Their acreage is located between Drew and Sierra’s home and Scott and Cindy’s home, so they all live within three miles of each other. Chelsie works as a physical therapist assistant in Algona, and the couple has two daughters and a son.
“There is so much family history here, and we feel blessed that our children are committed to preserving it,” says Cindy. “It is wonderful to have everyone close by. It makes it easier for them to help on the farm as their schedules allow. Tom is not only our insurance agent, but he has taken over many tasks. Like Drew, Tom helps us work ground, pick up rocks, and runs the grain cart in the fall. Their help has allowed me to spend more time with grandchildren.”
When their children were growing up, the Rasmussens had a farrow-to-finish operation in addition to their cropping operation. When hog prices went to $8 in 2000, Scott was determined to find a way to make up for lost income. He worked at Aluma Trailers in Bancroft around his farming schedule. After a year of working at Aluma, Scott’s dad retired from farming. Scott continued working part-time and farmed additional acres. Then in 2008, he converted the barn into a heated shop where he enjoys maintaining his line of farm equipment and woodworking especially during the winter months.
Surround Yourself with Good People
“I really enjoyed working at Aluma and my boss was really good to me,” says Scott. “He was one person who really helped make a difference. Cindy and I have really been blessed by the people who have helped us along the way.”
Other people who made a difference for Scott and Cindy are the farm manager of the Stockwell Memorial Farm, who helped them start farming on their own; an elderly neighbor who chose Scott to farm his land when he decided to retire; and Bill and Linda Latham who chose Scott to farm their land near Burt, Iowa.
“As we have gotten older, we reflect on the people who made a difference in our life. Bill and Linda Latham are two of those people. We could feel Bill’s passion for his work, his family and the seed industry. Of course, behind every good man is a great woman!” says Scott.
“I would also like to express my total appreciation for all the little things that Latham Seeds does for its customers and dealers,” adds Scott. “Latham goes above and beyond, that is what sets this company apart from the others. I always get an answer from a real person, so I’m not caught in a telephone nightmare or waiting on hold. To all the Latham family and employees, thank you!”
“We’ve learned to surround ourselves with good people, and that’s one of the reasons we enjoy working with Latham Seeds,” says Scott. “The company is filled with good people. I know that I can call the office and be connected to someone who has the answer to my question. I really enjoy Latham’s personal service, plus Latham® products really perform well.”
During the growing season, the Rasmussens enjoy making time for fishing, boating and attending their grandchildren’s activities. The couple also enjoys antiquing, refinishing and repurposing furniture in their leisure. They turned a cabinet into a buffet to camouflage a dorm-sized refrigerator. They also put locking wheels on an island in their kitchen, which readily extends their kitchen counter space if they want to set up a buffet line. Both items make entertaining easy.
Today the Rasmussens are sharing a family-favorite Taco Dip recipe to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time socializing with friends and family. Or freeze Party Pretzels, so you can grab a bag to take in the tractor cab or the fishing boat.
#AskTheAgronomist: Evaluating Frost Damage in Corn and Soybeans
Parts of the upper Midwest experienced below-freezing temperatures during the last few days of May. In this week’s #AskTheAgronomist, Latham Precision Agronomist Phil Long covers how to evaluate frost damage in corn and soybeans.
Jon Suntken and Tami Pralle’s shared passion for 4-H brought them together in 1979 when they were selected to serve on the Franklin County 4-H Council. They have made their home on the Suntken’s Iowa Century Farm for 36 years.
“All of our children began showing bucket calves at the Franklin County Fair when they turned five, and someone from our family showed bucket calves for 17 consecutive years,” says Tami. “This helped our kids develop a passion for showing and judging livestock.”
The 2021 Franklin County Fair will mark the first time in 27 years that the Suntken family will not be showing cattle at the fair. However, their years showing cattle provided them with life-long memories and taught them important life lessons.
“4-H has taught our children lessons and provided them with many experiences that are important in life: work ethic, responsibility, how to start and finish projects, character development, meeting new people, public speaking, helping others and developing new friendships.”
The Suntken’s oldest daughter, Katelyn, served as both Franklin County beef princess in 2007 and beef queen in 2008. She and her husband, Ryan Borcherding, live in Reading, Pennsylvania, with their four-year-old daughter. Katelyn is a stay-at-home mom, and Ryan works for Deere & Company as a regional manager. The Suntken’s oldest son, Kellen, interned with Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds in the early years of our precision ag program. Kellen graduated from Iowa State University. He serves as Plant Operations Lead for Syngenta Seeds in Lone Tree, Iowa. He also remains active in the family’s farming operation. Their son Kendrick played linebacker for the University of Northern Iowa and now farms with his dad. Kenrick also is a chemical rep for Innvictis Crop Care and Biodyne USA. Kirsten just finished her freshman year at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ankeny where she is majoring in Ag Business. This summer is serving as a precision ag intern with Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds.
The Sunkten’s diversified farming operation includes corn and soybeans plus a cow-calf herd and a custom hog finishing operation. Jon started farming full-time in 1979 and also worked 12 winters at Latham Seeds. He has been a contract Latham® soybean grower for 42 years. Tami works full time as a program technician at the Wright County Farm Service Agency.
Today Tami is sharing a recipe for grape salad with an Irish twist. Kirsten is promoting Iowa beef during Beef Month by sharing with us one of her favorite recipes for pot roast in a crock pot.
Grape Salad with an Irish Twist
Ingredients
8-ounces of Philadelphia® cream cheese (softened)
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
2 to 3 pounds of large, red, seedless grapes
Directions
Wash grapes.
Cream cheese and sugars, then add other ingredients and mix all together.
Phil Long compares this growing season to a hand of blackjack. We started with an early king face up, but the cards have fallen a little slower for farmers across the Midwest since then. What should our next move be? The answer in this week’s episode of #AskTheAgronomist.
Precision Agronomist Phil Long answers common questions related to uneven corn emergence, scouting tips and thoughts on changes to the planting plan at this stage of #Plant21.
Vince Lombardi had many attributes that built his winning record, but I suspect it started with a vision of reaching the end zone. He then built and executed a plan. He kept it simple, often using the same play many times in a row. The power sweep was successful because the focus was on executing it flawlessly.
The same steps can be applied in your pursuit of leaving no yield in the field. Keep the vision clear. Build the plan. Master the basics, and you’ll hit the proverbial end zone of success.
Below are six basic steps to achieve success with alfalfa this growing season:
Check emergence. Alfalfa is a survival of the fittest plant. Some research suggests 60% of seeds won’t become seedlings. Depending on your seeding rate, seeding bed, and weather, you should see 50 live plants per square foot within four weeks of spring seeding. AlfaShield™ improves survival chances.
Check existing stands. The crown is fully developed after one full year, so we transition to stem count. Strive for more than 55 stems per square foot. If a field is not looking good and the stand is young enough, you should be able to no-till some supplemental alfalfa seed.
Control weeds. Be the boss! Mortality rates are often high due to competition from aggressive weeds. Scout early and spray when label advises. The younger the weeds, the more vulnerable they are to herbicides. New seeding can be cut after about 60 days or so, which also can help manage certain weed populations.
Be vigilant against pests. New seedings are vulnerable to leafhoppers, especially when they come from established fields nearby. Temperatures of 70+ degrees Fahrenheit also increase leafhopper reproduction. Eggs hatch in seven to 10 days and become adults in about 14 days. The damage to yield potential is often irreversible, so it’s important to be vigilant.
Cut it short for best quality. A tremendous amount of research has shown a cutting height of two inches is the most economical and provides the best forage quality (See graphs below.) That is, as long as you don’t have rocks and gopher mounds!
Feed the plants. Potash equals plant performance. Every dry matter ton of alfalfa removes about 50 to 60 pounds of potassium per acre. Consider adding sulfur, boron and zinc. Testing soil and tissue help you develop the best fertility program. Most growers apply supplemental fertilizer after first cutting and third cutting for best results.
Scout Early for Below-Ground Insects That Damage Corn
Numerous below-ground insects can damage your corn stand. We will focus on four pests, including where you will likely find them and what management tips could help prevent damage.
Seedcorn Maggots destroy seeds before germination. This can occur when soils are cold and germination conditions are less than ideal. Most damage occurs in high organic regions of fields, especially areas with heavy manure applications. The best time to scout is from planting to VE. Dig up seed in areas with damage to check for insect feeding. Note problem areas, and consider additional soil-applied insecticides in those areas in the future.
Scout for White Grubs prior to planting. High-risk fields include those that have been in pasture one or two years previously or where willow or cottonwood trees are growing adjacent to the field. Most of Latham’s seed treatments control this insect unless infestations are high enough to overwhelm the seed treatment. In areas with that potential, consider soil-applied insecticides.
Shortly after eggs hatch in May and June, Northern Corn Rootworm and Western Corn Rootworm larvae begin feeding on root hairs and tunnel inside roots. As they develop, larvae begin feeding on larger root tips. Extensive feeding can eliminate entire nodes of roots. In fields with known beetle history, use Latham® hybrids that contain SmartStax® or Agrisure Duracade® technology. In fields with heavy pressure, use a soil-applied insecticide in addition to a traited hybrid.
Black Cutworm most commonly occur in low or poorly drained areas of fields. Latham brand SmartStax hybrids contain the Cry1F Bt protein that can control most problems of cutworm infestations. Our new hybrids for 2022 planting with the Trecepta® and 5222 Duracade traits contain the Vip3A Bt protein that also offers great control.
Your Latham Dealer has the tools you need to effectively control these pests. As you scout fields and find pests, note those areas. Then ask your local seed dealer to help you build a plan that incorporates the Latham hybrids that can offer you the best protection.
Soybean stands can suffer from a wide variety of problems that will reduce population. Hail, diseases, insects, cold soil temperatures at planting, compaction, and planter failures can all affect the stand individually and in combination.
Stand reductions almost never occur evenly across the field. Here are some basic steps to help evaluate soybean stands and decide if re-planting is necessary.
Take 10 stand counts in the area with the worst damage and 10 counts in the part of the field that was not affected or affected just slightly. At each point, measure off 10 feet of row and count the number of live, viable plants. Then calculate the average of your 10 points and compare them to the table below to see how many plants per acre you have remaining.
A stand of 100,000 evenly distributed plants generally gives you optimum yield. As the growing season progresses, however, it is much more difficult to establish a good stand. A stand of 75,000 on May 15 is inadequate, but you might be better off leaving a stand of 75,000 plants if it is July 1.
Planting soybeans on or before June 1 averages 95% of expected yield. In a five-year Latham Seeds’ study, there was no significant yield difference in soybeans planted before May 15. Planting dates included late April, early May and mid-May. We did not see yields drop to 85% or lower until after June 15.
Our results are similar to studies done by university researchers. If you farm below the line from Watertown, SD through the Twin Cities and over toward Green Bay, Wisc., I recommend staying with soybeans in your normal maturity until mid-June. After June 15, consider the precipitation expected in late June and early July because the biggest threat to establishing a late soybean crop is lack of rainfall. If you are north of that line, you may need to switch to an earlier variety a week or so sooner.