cereals & oilseeds

PRODUCTION GUIDE 2012

CEREALS & OILSEEDS

To see more detail on many of the agronomic topics in this booklet please visit our website at UFA.com.

UFA CROP PRODUCTION REPRESENTATIVE ADVANTAGEUFA’s Crop Production Representatives scout fields for customers all over their area. They are knowledgeable about pests in your local area, and what to keep an eye on throughout the entire growing season.

Talk to your UFA Crop Production Representative today about how they can help you.

1UFA Cereal & Oilseeds Production Guide 2012

2 Fertility

4 Carbon Credits

5 Crop Rotation Importance

6 Seed Treatments

9 Weeds

11 Diseases

13 Insects

14 Economic Thresholds

16 Crop Loss Calculators

18 Field Records

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 UFA Cereal & Oilseeds Production Guide 2012

FERTILITy

Crop nutrition is a key factor in growing a healthy, productive crop. Each crop removes different amounts of nutrients from the soil, so proper soil sampling is an important first step.

For maximum profitability, proper amounts of nutrients must be added to the soil based on: the type of crop, the desired crop yield, the nutrient removal rate, the existing nutrient levels in the soil and in the method that provides the best fertilizer use efficiency. A complete fertility package can help the crop withstand pests, diseases, and adverse growing conditions.

Micro-nutrientsWe all know how important macro-nutrients are to crops. Micro-nutrients often get lost in nutrition programs, but play an equally important role in growing a healthy crop. Micros also have a larger window of opportunity for growers, as many products are available for foliar application.

This allows growers to watch their crop, take tissue samples if needed, observe what micro-nutrients are lacking, and still apply the proper fertility to their crop in a timely fashion. For example, adding copper fertilizer can substantially reduce ergot in wheat fields with a copper deficiency.

17One Source Harvest Guide 2010

The one thing you need to know about crop nutrition:

Maximum yield potential is directly related to the balance of nutrients in your soil and can be determined

by the one essential nutrient that is lacking.

See how you can get the most out of your fertilizer investment. Talk to one of our

knowledgeable experts today!

TALK TO US TODAY. Now serving four locations:

La Crete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .780.928.3886 Stettler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .403.742.4360 Vulcan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .403.485.6550 Lethbridge Inland Terminal . . . .403.327.0350


FERTILITy

Lost yield potential

See how you can get the most out of your fertilizer investment. Talk to one of our

knowledgeable experts today.

TALK TO US TODAY.Now serving four locations:

La Crete ................................... 780.928.3088Stettler ..................................... 403.742.4360Vulcan ...................................... 403.485.6550Lethbridge Inland Terminal ...... 403.327.0350


CARBON CREDITS

Practices such as minimum tillage, composting and seeding cropland to perennial forages are worth money.

The Most Important PartWrite down everything that happens on the farm – from seeding and fertilizing through to harvest and fall field work.

Under the tillage protocol, producers will need to document: equipment details, number of passes, cropping information, acreage information, and ownership information. Under NERP, producers will need evidence of: nitrogen application, a crop plan, seeding information, and yield information.

Tillage System Cropped Land Period

No Till (NT) Up to two passes with low-disturbance openers (up to 38%) or one pass with a slightly higher disturbance opener (up to 46%) to apply seed, fertilizer or manure, discretionary tillage of up to 10%, no cultivation.

Reduced Till (RT) Soil disturbance to apply seed, fertilizer, or manure exceeds no till definition and/or one cultivation in fall or spring.

Full Till (FT) More than one cultivation between harvest and subsequent seeding if no fallow in that period, or, more than three cultivations between harvest to subsequent seeding if fallow.


CROP ROTATION IMPORTANCE

Crop rotation is the foundation of good agronomy. Rotations should include a variety of cereal crops, oilseeds, pulses, etc. Continually growing only one type of crop, i.e., a cereal after a cereal, causes many long-term problems such as increased disease, insect, and weed pressures.

Benefits of Crop RotationThe reduction in the build-up of pests & diseases, improved yields, improvement or maintenance of soil fertility, reduction in risks of weather damage, reduction in soil erosion, and varying the chemical options (modes of action) for weed control.

Weed ResistanceCrop rotation is also crucial to maintaining control of weeds – especially since weeds are developing resistance to various herbicides. For example, there are strains of kochia resistance to group 2 herbicides, as well as glyphosate-resistant kochia. This practice assists producers in utilizing chemistries with different modes of action to fight resistance issues.


SEED TREATMENTS

Seedling DiseasesSeed treatments are key to establishing a healthy, productive crop even in cool, wet weather. There are many options for seed treatments available, so it is important to discuss this with your UFA Crop Production Representative.

Healthy seedling on top; two diseased seedlings on bottom


SEED TREATMENTS

WirewormsWireworms can cause significant damage to crops. Once the damage is found, it is often too late to reseed, and the loss of yield does not always justify the cost of reseeding. If you suspect wireworms, or have found wireworms in a field, the best practice is to treat your seed.


SEED TREATMENTSEED TREATMENTS

Grain can be downgraded or even rejected due to a smut infestation. The only prevention is seed treatment. The chart below is based on 60 bu./ac. barley at $4.75/bu., and shows how quickly losses can add up.

Seed Treatment Cost vs. Potential yield Loss (Barley)

$30

$25

$20

$15

$10

$5

Price Seed Treatment (per acre)

5% smut =2.6 bu./ac. loss


$-

$60

$50

$40

$30

$20

$10

$70

Cost of Foliar Fungicide

Yield loss %15 (9 bu.)

Yield loss %22.5 (13.5 bu.)

$-

Source: Marcia P. McMullen and H. Arthur Lamey, Extension Plant Pathologists, NDSU, “Seed Treatment for Disease Control”.


WEEDS

Proper weed control is crucial to obtaining the highest yields possible. Threshold levels of weeds vary relative to the crop stage, weed type and infestation levels.

yield Losses (Percent) in Wheat Caused by Wild Oats

Weed Density (Plants/Square Metre)

1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Wild Oats are 1 leaf

stage ahead of the crop

1 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 15 17 19 22 26 29 32 34 37

Wild Oats are the same leaf stage as

the crop

1 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 14 16 18 20 22 24

Wild Oats are 1 leaf

stage behind the crop

0 1 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 10 11 13 14 15

Source: O’Donovan, Alberta Environmental Centre, Vegreville, AB

For example: 8 wild oats per m2 at the same leaf stage as the crop means 5% yield loss.

To see how these yield losses could affect your bottom line, refer to the “Crop Loss Calculator” on pages 16 & 17.


WEEDS

Based on recommended seeding rates and the crop and weed species emerging at the same time. If the weed species emerge prior to crop emergence, yield losses will be greater than indicated in the chart.

yield Losses (%) in Wheat Caused by Broadleaf Weeds

Weed Density (Plants/Square Metre)

10 20 30 40 50 60 100 160 240

Hempnettle 5 10 14 18 21 23 31 39 45

Lamb’s Quarters

5 10 14 18 21 23 31 39 45

Wild Buckwheat

3 6 8 10 12 14 21 29 36

To see how these yield losses could affect your bottom line, refer to the “Crop Loss Calculator” on pages 16 & 17.

Source: John O’Donovan, Research Scientist, Alberta Research Council, Vegreville, AB

For example: 30 hempnettle plants per m2 at the same stage as the crop will likely result in a 14% yield loss.


DISEASES

Each crop variety has a different level of tolerance and susceptibility to diseases. It is important to consider the diseases more prevalent in your area and the weather patterns that promote disease infestations. Early detection through proactive scouting will allow for early fungicide application which contributes to more effective disease prevention .

On cereals, the flag leaf, or the flag leaf and the second last leaf, drive grain filling. Perhaps as much as 50% or more of grain yield is due to the sugars and starches produced by these leaves. If this leaf area is lost, kernels will not fill properly causing yield and quality losses.

A = 2/3 of the area of the flag leaf infected (%)B = 1/2 of the area of the second last leaf infected (%)

Estimated yield Lost (%) due to Leaf Diseases Equals = A+B 2


DISEASES

Cost of Foliar Fungicide vs. yield Loss Per Acre from Leaf Diseases

Sources: Government of Alberta, Agriculture and Rural Development, “Cereal Leaf Diseases”; cost of foliar fungicide data - prices averaged from various fungicides listed in the MB Guide to Crop Protection.

Calculated for 60 bu. barley crop at $4.75/bu.Use the “Crop Loss Calculators” on pages 16 & 17 for other variables.

$30

$25

$20

$15

$10

$5

Price Seed Treatment (per acre)



$-

$60

$50

$40

$30

$20

$10

$70

Cost of Foliar Fungicide

Yield loss %15 (9 bu.)

Yield loss %22.5 (13.5 bu.)

$-


INSECTS

Photo credit: Courtesy of Canadian Canola Council

Insects can be another major yield loss contributor. Since there are likely many beneficial insects in the crop as well, it is important to spray only when pest insect levels are affecting the yield.

It is crucial to inspect a crop throughout the entire growing season, especially in early plant development. Regular scouting will provide the grower with important information such as what pests are currently problematic, which ones are around but still in insignificant numbers, and when, if at all, control measures are required.

Insect populations can fluctuate significantly, and quickly, with changes in environmental conditions. As crops grow, they can become more or less tolerant to various insects. This is why it is important to monitor the crop throughout the season.

Since insects can be mobile, and infestations can develop quickly, be sure to keep in touch with your local UFA Crop Production Representative who can keep you apprised of issues in your local area.


ECONOMIC THRESHOLDS

An economic threshold is determined by the pest’s population in a defined area. This could be the number of weeds in a certain perimeter within the field or the number of insects on a leaf or stem. The cost of controlling that pest is then compared to the potential loss caused by the pest.

When the yield loss times the market value of the commodity is equal to the cost of controlling the pest, then the economic threshold has been reached. Insect levels above this threshold will cause more dollars lost from reduced yields than it costs to control the pest.

It is important to realize that economic thresholds always vary due to factors such as: type of crop, crop growth stage, growing conditions, stage of the insect, cost of control and market value of the crop.


ECONOMIC THRESHOLDS

Examples of Insects and the Resulting Crop Loss

Crop Insect Economic Threshold

Wheat/Barley/Oats

Aphids 10 or more aphids at boot stage = 16% or more yield loss.

Wheat/Barley/Oats

Grasshoppers 8-12 grasshoppers/m2 (at today’s prices the threshold would be on the low side of 8).

Wheat Orange Wheat Blossom Midge

1 adult per 4-5 wheat heads (in heading to flowering stage) = yield loss of 15%.Grade consideration – 1 adult per 8 to 10 heads for obtaining grade 1 quality.

Canola Bertha Armyworm

For each larva per square metre, expect a yield loss of 0.058 bu./ac.

Canola Lygus Bug At the end of flowering or beginning of podding – 0.12 bu./ac. loss per plant bug in 10 sweeps.Pod ripening (seeds in lower pods are green) – 0.088 bu./ac. loss per plant bug in 10 sweeps.

These thresholds are estimates only, and show the importance of getting qualified assistance from your UFA Crop Production Representative who will take into account factors such as your individual crop’s potential, environmental conditions, crop prices, cost of control, and the insect population forecast.

Use the “Crop Loss Calculators” on pages 16 & 17 for other variables.


CROP LOSS CALCULATORS

% of yield Loss

yield (bu./ac.) 3% 4% 5% 6% 7% 8% 9%

60 bu./ac. 1.8 2.4 3 3.6 4.2 4.8 5.4

55 bu./ac. 1.65 2.2 2.75 3.3 3.85 4.4 4.95

50 bu./ac. 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5

45 bu./ac. 1.35 1.8 2.25 2.7 3.15 3.6 4.05

40 bu./ac. 1.2 1.6 2 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6

35 bu./ac. 1.05 1.4 1.75 2.1 2.45 2.8 3.15

30 bu./ac. 0.9 1.2 1.5 1.8 2.1 2.4 2.7

Shows Estimated bu./ac. Loss

The information presented in this booklet contains approximations. A qualified UFA Crop Production Representative is the best way to accurately determine the products and practices best suited for your operation.


CROP LOSS CALCULATORS

Bushels Lost Per Acre

$ / bu. 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50 5.00

$6.00/bu. $12.00 $15.00 $18.00 $21.00 $24.00 $27.00 $30.00

$5.50/bu. $11.00 $13.75 $16.50 $19.25 $22.00 $24.75 $27.50

$5.00/bu. $10.00 $12.50 $15.00 $17.50 $20.00 $22.50 $25.00

$4.50/bu. $9.00 $11.25 $13.50 $15.75 $18.00 $20.25 $22.50

$4.00/bu. $8.00 $10.00 $12.00 $14.00 $16.00 $18.00 $20.00

$3.50/bu. $7.00 $8.75 $10.50 $12.25 $14.00 $15.75 $17.50

$3.00/bu. $6.00 $7.50 $9.00 $10.50 $12.00 $13.50 $15.00

Shows Estimated $/ac. Loss

The information presented in this booklet contains approximations. A qualified UFA Crop Production Representative is the best way to accurately determine the products and practices best suited for your operation.


FIELD RECORDS

Field Name: _____________________ Acres: ____________________

Crop / Variety: ______________________________________________

Previous Crop: ______________________________________________

Fertility

Soil Test Levels: _____________________________________________

Target Yield: _________________ Actual Yield: __________________

Blend Used: __________________________ Application Rate: ______

Method Fertilizer Application: ___________________________________

Tillage Information

Date: _______________ Equipment: __________________________

Notes: ___________________________________________________

Date: _______________ Equipment: __________________________

Notes: ___________________________________________________

Seeding Information

Seed Depth: _____________ Seed Density: _____________________

Speed: _________________ Field Condition (wet, dry): _____________

Notes: ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________


FIELD RECORDS

Scouting Information

Issues Identified: _______________________ Date: _______________





NOTE: Issues include weeds, diseases, insects, and weather factors.

Spraying Information

Spray Date 1: _______________ Product: _______________________

Rate: _______________ Target pest: ___________________________

Conditions: _________________ Result: ________________________


Rate: _______________ Target pest: ___________________________



Rate: _______________ Target pest: ___________________________


Notes: ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

NOTE: Pests include weeds, diseases and insects


FIELD RECORDS

Field Name: _____________________ Acres: ____________________

Crop / Variety: ______________________________________________

Previous Crop: ______________________________________________

Fertility

Soil Test Levels: _____________________________________________




Tillage Information

Date: _______________ Equipment: __________________________

Notes: ___________________________________________________

Date: _______________ Equipment: __________________________

Notes: ___________________________________________________

Seeding Information



Notes: ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________


FIELD RECORDS










Rate: _______________ Target pest: ___________________________



Rate: _______________ Target pest: ___________________________



Rate: _______________ Target pest: ___________________________


Notes: ___________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________
