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Mike
Malone, President and CEO of Agriliance-AFC, LLC, has asked me to
introduce myself. I am Brad Meyer and I will be working as an agronomist
for Agri-AFC. This position is not new to the Co-op system, but the
focus has changed from that of the agronomists previously employed by
Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
Over
the past two years, agriculture in Alabama has begun some dramatic
changes. With the emergence of bio-fuels in the nation’s economy and
politics, the mixture of crops planted in the state have followed
changing commodity prices. Growers now have the opportunity to
capitalize on higher grain prices and diversify their operations. This
strengthens crops both agronomically and economically, but brings new
challenges to farmers. My job will be to assist the Co-ops by helping
growers meet these challenges.
Changes
in the crops planted in the state, changes in technologies available and
the increasing emphasis on the use of seed as a vehicle for the delivery
of technology all place a premium on seed variety information. Planting
intentions for wheat are high in many counties and last year’s late
freeze demonstrated the need to manage for the maturity of the varieties
planted. The options available in corn hybrids in both germplasm and
technology are overwhelming and the EPA extension of the Bollgard™
license in cotton will expire in 2009 leaving cotton growers with tough
decisions on varieties and technology.
All
of this, plus the many choices of insecticides, nematicides and
fungicides available as seed treatments, make seed selection one of the
major challenges growers will face in the next three years. Agri-AFC
recognized this emerging need, so much of my effort over the next three
years will be devoted to generating practical information on seed to
help growers doing business with Quality Co-ops throughout the state.
I
was an agronomist with Delta & Pine Land Company for nine years
testing cotton and soybean varieties in North Alabama. I plan to add
wheat and corn to the established testing program and extend it
throughout the state.
Though
seed testing will be the main part of my job initially, I hope to be a
resource for all the Co-ops and provide demonstrations of many products
sold through Agri-AFC. If I can be of assistance to your operation,
please contact me at bradm@agri-afc.com.
Wheat
Considerations
Historically,
wheat has been grown in Alabama mainly as a secondary crop. With the
rise of prices and the yield potential present in many counties, wheat
has found its way into the role of primary crop and should be managed
accordingly. Careful consideration should be given to pre-plant
decisions as much of the yield potential of the crop is set through
management in the fall.
Supply
of planting seed was cut short by the late freeze last spring in many of
the production areas. When choosing a wheat variety, pay close attention
to the maturity ratings provided by seed companies and adjust planting
dates accordingly. In the northern part of the state where the risk of a
late freeze is present each year, manage to avoid freeze damage by
planting later maturing varieties first and earlier maturing varieties
last.
The
extended drought in much of the state over the past three years has left
soil moisture at historic lows. As the harvest of summer crops begins to
wind down, many growers are waiting for the opportunity to plant their
wheat crop after a much needed rain. Don’t plant until enough rain has
fallen to provide seedlings with sufficient moisture for an extended
period. A small rain event may provide enough water to establish a
stand, but will leave seedlings with superficial moisture only.
When
deciding on planting method, consider maximum wheat yields start with
even emergence. Staggered emergence results in plants that serve as
weeds. Yield potential drops dramatically when emergence occurs over a
seven-day period. The best way to assure even emergence is to drill into
a firm seedbed at a uniform depth. Many of the management practices in
wheat that maximize yields are similar to those Alabama growers practice
in other crops. The only hurdle is to decide to use them.
Micronaire
Deductions
As
classing data begins to come in following a quick cotton harvest, insult
is added to injury with deductions for short staple, low strength and
micronaire. Given the drought and extreme heat in August, the short
staple and low strength were no surprise, but the deduction for
micronaire came on the low side. Typically, a hot, dry year results in
deductions for high micronaire.
The
growing season was a roller coaster ride for cotton in most of the
state. It began with drought in May and June, then showed promise in
July with good moisture in many places only to be hit hard in August.
The reason for the low micronaire can be found in the hot, dry days of
August and the crop stage at the time of the extremes.
Micronaire
readings correlate to the thickness of cotton fibers. Staple length is
set in the first 21 days following bloom, then |
