Once again for 2014 Mycogen will be offering bare soybean seed to those farmers concerned about the effect of neonicotinoids on bee populations and will also be offering all corn hybrids with a fungicide only option for the first time. Mycogen continues to monitor the issue and will provide updates direct to dealers for circulation. To discuss your seed insecticide treatment options, please do not hesitate to call.
Fall CQM gearing up!
Fall means it’s time to start tackling your CQM requirements again! The first classroom session of the season will be Saturday, September 28th. If you’re interested in joining this month, please call to book your spot.
Also- be advised that there has been a change of guard at the DFO this summer and Alphonse Poitras may no longer be your validator. Check your account at www.canadianqualitymilk.org to confirm for yourself.
Fall Management Critical for Oat Cover Crops
Because oats tolerate cool, wet weather so well, they’re a cover crop darling this year. But tips for fall management will cause fewer spring headaches.Peter Johnson, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Cereal Specialist, says oats that are planted August 1st and left until November 1st, will become stemmy and difficult for soil microbes to effectively breakdown but offer organic matter levels comparable to a 100 bu/ac wheat crop. To get 80-90% of that organic matter, without the accompanying cold and wet soils in the spring, consider chopping the oats when they’re knee high. Burn down the regrowth in the fall to encourage rapid breakdown further. Johnson also adds that, even as a cover crop, oats still need at least 30 lbs of nitrogen but not extra seed (70 lbs per acre seems to be lots) for best results.