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 IN THIS ISSUE...  May 2002

Increasing Soybean Profits in 2002
Two ways to significantly increase soybean profits in 2002 are to improve the crop's health and to reduce seed cost. Using fungicide treated seed on five well drained, highly productive test sites in a corn-soy rotation increased profit by $6.00 to $15.00 per acre in 2001. A seeding rate study at the same sites which used two varieties and six seeding rates indicated that maximum yields were produced with seeding rates of 150,000 to 175,000 seeds per acre and harvest populations of only 125,000 plants per acre. Reducing the seeding rate by 50,000 seeds per acre and harvest populations of only 125,000 plants per acre. Reducing the seeding rate by 50,000 seeds per acre can save up to $10.00 per acre which is equal to about two bushels of yield. Often stand loss can be reduced by 50,000 plants by using an appropriate combination of seed fungicide treatments which is only half the cost of 50,000 seeds. Therefore, the net benefit of reducing seeding rates and adding fungicides is an extra bushel profit per acre. An additional benefit is a healthier root system that may add even more bushels when fungicides are used.

Root rot diseases are by far the biggest yield reducers in Ohio and Phytophthora is the most important of the root rot diseases. A two-pronged attack can increase plant stands and improve root health. 
1) Select varieties with high levels of partial resistance that will give a good level of protection against all strains of Phytophthora and then 2) treat the seed with Allegiance or Apron XL to protect it until the partial resistance kicks in just after emergence. Low rates of Apron XL (0.16 fl oz/cwt) or Allegiance (0.2 to 0.75 fl oz per cwt) have no effect on Phytophthora. Fields which have been replanted and those where stem rot has developed are priority fields for seed treatments. Rates of seed treatments effective for Phytophthora are Allegiance (1.5 fl oz/cwt) and Apron XL (0.64 fl oz/cwt).

- Corn Newsletter 2002-7

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Is Your Bull Ready for the Breeding Season?
Two ways to significantly increase soybean profits in 2002 are to improve the crop's health and to reduce seed cost. Using fungicide treated seed on five well drained, highly productive test sites in a corn-soy rotation increased profit by $6.00 to $15.00 per acre in 2001. A seeding rate study at the same sites which used two varieties and six seeding rates indicated that maximum yields were produced with seeding rates of 150,000 to 175,000 seeds per acre and harvest populations of only 125,000 plants per acre. Reducing the seeding rate by 50,000 seeds per acre and harvest populations of only 125,000 plants per acre. Reducing the seeding rate by 50,000 seeds per acre can save up to $10.00 per acre which is equal to about two bushels of yield. Often stand loss can be reduced by 50,000 plants by using an appropriate combination of seed fungicide treatments which is only half the cost of 50,000 seeds. Therefore, the net benefit of reducing seeding rates and adding fungicides is an extra bushel profit per acre. An additional benefit is a healthier root system that may add even more bushels when fungicides are used.

Root rot diseases are by far the biggest yield reducers in Ohio and Phytophthora is the most important of the root rot diseases. A two-pronged attack can increase plant stands and improve root health. 
1) Select varieties with high levels of partial resistance that will give a good level of protection against all strains of Phytophthora and then 2) treat the seed with Allegiance or Apron XL to protect it until the partial resistance kicks in just after emergence. Low rates of Apron XL (0.16 fl oz/cwt) or Allegiance (0.2 to 0.75 fl oz per cwt) have no effect on Phytophthora. Fields which have been replanted and those where stem rot has developed are priority fields for seed treatments. Rates of seed treatments effective for Phytophthora are Allegiance (1.5 fl oz/cwt) and Apron XL (0.64 fl oz/cwt).

- Corn Newsletter 2002-7

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Cooperative Mineral Purchasing Program
Be sure to check out the order form in this newsletter for the Cooperative Beef Cow Mineral Purchasing Program being organized by the Carroll County Cattlemen's Association. The program is open to beef producers from Carroll, Harrison, and Jefferson Counties, and offers a significant savings on two different mineral mixes for the brood cow herd.

You must be a member of the Carroll County Cattlemen's Association to participate, and you can pay your dues on the mineral order form.

Another group mineral purchase will be offered this fall, so consider ordering enough mineral mix to last for six months. The mineral mix will come in 50 lb. plastic-lined bags, so "shelf-life" should be at least six months if stored in a dry location.

If you have questions about this new program, contact Mike in the Carroll County office.

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Pasture Rental Considerations
.With the arrival of spring and the greening of pastures, considerable interest is generated in the renting of pastures. The following article is a discussion of information for landowners and livestock owners pertinent to leasing pasture.

Determining rental rates:  Questions often arise as to what constitutes a fair rental price. Since there is not a commercial market for pasture, determining the price often becomes a matter of bargaining. Supply and demand are probably the most important factors in determining the price. If there is a large quantity of pasture available in a given area and very few farmers needing extra pasture, the charge will be low. Likewise, if there is little pasture acreage for rent but many farmers needing extra pasture, the price would be a bit higher.

Pasture rental prices are also influenced by alternative uses of the land. If the same acreage could be planted to corn or soybeans, the price for the pasture would have to be competitive with the going rate for corn and bean land. If the land is not suited for row crops but could be cut for hay, the return to pasture would also have to be competitive with the return to hay ground.

The productivity or carrying capacity of the pasture, availability of water, size of the tract, the number of open acres and the condition of perimeter and cross fences all have a positive impact on the rental rate of pasture. A high-quality, productive pasture that is well-watered, has good boundary and interior fences is worth more than pasture that has a poor stand of grass and fences that need a lot of repairs.

Likewise, available livestock facilities that are in good condition also have a positive effect on pasture rent. Handling, sorting, and loading facilities make a parcel worth more. No facilities and poor fences limit the price that can be charged for pasture ground.

Division of responsibilities between the landowner and livestock owner needs to be considered in determining price. In most cases, the renter is responsible for checking livestock, providing fly control, salt and minerals, checking water supply, etc. Land-related activities, e.g., repairing fence, weed and brush control, and fertilizing and reseeding would be negotiable; however, in most cases, it is the responsibility of the renter to repair fences with the landowner providing the necessary materials.

Types of rental payment: Rent is often charged using either a per head per month basis or a per acre per season basis. A typical range is $4-$8 per month per adult cow equivalent. A livestock owner can estimate pasture rent per unit of livestock on a monthly basis using the following data: A) Average animal weight expressed in 1000 pounds, B) Hay price per ton, C) Pasture quality factor – .12 = unimproved, poor condition, .15= fair to good permanent pasture; .18= very good permanent, .20= excellent meadow (grass and legume), .22= lush legume pasture. A X B X C = estimated pasture charge per livestock unit per month. See Table 1.

On a per acre basis, a typical charge might be $20-$40 per open acre for a high quality, improved, permanent pasture that has been limed and fertilized and seeded to fescue, orchard grass, timothy, red clover, etc. For unimproved permanent pasture, a typical charge might be $10-$20 per open acre for unfertilized blue grass. Excessive weeds and/or a healthy stand of broom sedge would suggest the rent might be adjusted down from the $10-$20 per acre figure.

Costs to cover: The landowner should cover the real estate taxes, cost of fence repairs and interest on his investment. However, since pastureland sells for a higher price than its earnings can support, the landowner may be only able to cover his out-of-pocket expenses.

The renter should calculate what he can afford to pay for rent. All the guidelines and estimates are just that – guidelines and estimates. The livestock owner needs to know what price he can profitably pay. He also needs to consider what additional responsibilities he may need to incur, e.g., fixing fences, fertilizing, mowing, etc., and adjust the rate accordingly.
 

In summary: 
Many factors affect pasture rents, supply and demand being the most important. Pasture quality, condition of fences, and availability of water and facilities are important also. The livestock owner needs to calculate what he can profitably pay the landowner to know his costs. At that point, hopefully a price can be negotiated that will benefit both.

-Dave Miller
 District Farm Management Specialist

Editor's Note - Farmland rental rate data for Carroll, Harrison, and Jefferson Counties is available by contacting your local Extension office. The data is based on farmland rental rate information collected from farm operators and landowners in the three counties in 1999.

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Employing Minors on Your Farm
Who is covered?
The employment of minors under age 16 is subject to federal requirements set by the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the agriculture requirements are less restrictive than for many other industries. In 1967, the U.S. Secretary of Labor determined that certain jobs in agriculture are hazardous to children under 16 years of age. However, like many other federal regulations, there are exemptions. These include the employment of children under 16 years of age when employed on farms owned or operated by their parents or guardians and those who have completed an approved tractor and machinery certification course.

In addition to federal hazardous occupations regulations, there are also state regulations. For most Ohio laws, a person under the age of 18 is considered a minor and the Ohio Revised Code prohibits minors from working in certain hazardous jobs related to agriculture. The Ohio list of hazardous occupations is the same as the federal list, but the Ohio code sections and related regulations say the Ohio hazardous occupation list applies to those under 16 years of age. There are many sections of the Ohio Revised Code concerned with the employment of minors that do not apply to minors employed on farms. These include obtaining an age and schooling certificate (unless you employ children of migrant workers); keeping a list of minor employees; and paying the minimum wage.

Hazardous occupations in agriculture: 
Although it would be easier to list the non-hazardous jobs in agriculture, below is a list of those jobs declared hazardous by the U.S. Secretary of Labor. Because of space limitations, the full details of each hazardous occupation can not be provided here. Please see a copy of the "Ohio Farm Labor Handbook" for complete details. Jobs designated as hazardous to youth under 16 years old include:

...Operating a tractor of more than 20 PTO horsepower, or connecting or disconnecting implements from such a tractor.

...Operating any of the following:
 -Corn picker, combine, hay mower, forage harvester, hay baler or potato digger.
 -Feed grinder, grain dryer, forage blower, auger conveyor or the unloading mechanism of a non-gravity type self-unloading wagon or trailer.

...Operating a trencher, earth moving equipment, fork lift, or power-driven circular, band or chain saw. Working in a yard, stall or pen occupied by a bull, boar, or stud horse; or sow with suckling pigs or cow with newborn calf.

...Felling, bucking, skidding, loading, or unloading timber with butt diameter of greater than six inches.

...Working on a ladder at a height of more than 20 feet.

...Driving a bus, truck or automobile or riding on a tractor as a passenger.

...Working in a forage, fruit, or grain storage facility; an upright silo within two weeks after silage has been added or when a top unloading device is operating; a manure pit; or a horizontal silo when operating a tractor for packing purposes.

...Handling or applying pesticides with the words or symbols "Danger", "Poison", "Skull and Crossbones", or "Warning" on the label.

...Handling or using blasting agents.

...Transporting, transferring or applying anhydrous ammonia.

When can minors work? - Under the federal regulations, minors under 16 years of age may not be employed during school hours unless employed by their parent or guardian. Unless provided a special exemption, minors are subject the following restrictions:

1. No person under 16 years of age is to be employed:

a. during school hours
b. before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. from June 1 to September 1 or during any school holiday of five school days or more duration, or after 7:00 p.m. at any other time.
c. for more than three hours any day in any school day.
d. for more than 18 hours in any week while school is in session.
e. for more than eight hours in any day which is not a school day.
f. for more than 40 hours in any week that school is not in session.

What records should I keep? - The federal regulations require employers of minors under 16 years of age to maintain and preserve records with the following information about each minor employee:

1. Name in full.
2. Place where the minor lives while employed.
3. Date of birth.
4. Proof of needed parental or guardian signatures.

The Ohio Revised code exempts agricultural employers from record keeping provisions related to minors. However, the Ohio Revised Code requires an agreement about wages for work to be performed, to be made between the employer and a minor before employment begins. For the protection of the employer, this agreement should be in writing and signed by both parties.

The state agency responsible for enforcement of the Ohio Code as it relates to prohibited jobs for minors is: Division of Minimum Wage, Prevailing Wage and Minors, Department of Industrial Relations. You may contact them at 614-644-2239.

Remember to keep in mind the rules to follow regarding school, minors and farm employment. Kids are often excited about their job and want to work extra hours and do the jobs that only the "adults" are allowed to do. It is your responsibility as the employer to make sure you follow the rules and keep your farm a safe place to work.

(This article was written from materials contained in Ohio State University Extension Bulletin 833, Ohio Farm Labor Handbook, written by Dr. Bernie Erven and Russell Coltman, The Ohio State University. Copies of the Ohio Farm Labor Handbook are available for purchase through your local county Extension office).

-Chris Zoller
OSU Extension, Tuscarawas County

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Animals:  Aminal Welfare Complaints
Can the Humane Society inspect a farm property if there are complaints about animal welfare?
Yes. Chapter 1717 of the Ohio Revised Code provides for the organization of County Humane Societies. The law allows a County Humane Society to appoint an agent, whose purpose is to prosecute any person guilty of an act of cruelty to animals. Legally, a Humane Society agent should have a search warrant before entering a private property to inspect for cruelty to animals. If an agent enters the property without a search warrant, the landowner (or possessor of the property) has the right to demand that the agent leave the property. If the landowner allows the agent to enter the property, the law assumes that the landowner granted permission for the search. Where the landowner refuses entry to the property, the agent must obtain a search warrant to inspect the property. If the agent searches a property without either a search warrant or permission, then any evidence obtained from the search could be excluded from the trial as improper evidence.

To obtain a search warrant, a Humane Society agent or a local law enforcement official must prove to a judge that there is "probable cause" for the inspection, that is, that a search of the property would reveal evidence of cruelty to animals. Probable cause may be established by submitting a sworn statement by an eyewitness who can attest to the conditions on the property that suggest that animals are being mistreated. The judge then determines whether the eyewitness testimony indicates that evidence of cruelty to animals would be found if the search 

were to proceed. If so, the court will issue a search warrant. Once the Humane Society agent or law enforcement officials have the search warrant, the landowner cannot legally deny entry to the property.
-See Ohio Revised Code Section 4509.010

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Noxious Weeds:  Investigation Authority
Who has authority to investigate a complaint about noxious weeds?
Ohio law requires that noxious weed complaints be directed to the Board of Township Trustees, unless the complaint pertains to noxious weeds in the fencerow, which follows the procedure explained below. Where the Township Trustees receive a complaint about noxious weeds on a property, the trustees must send notice to the landowner and ask that the landowner either cut or destroy the weeds or show why there is no need for doing so. If the landowner does not respond to the notice within five days, the Township Trustees may cause the weeds to be cut or destroyed and place a lien against the property for the cost of doing so. Note that the noxious weed provisions apply not only to the landowner, but also to the lessee, agent, or tenant having charge of the land.

Where the noxious weeds are in a fencerow, a landowner may demand that a neighbor clear all brush, briers, thistles and other noxious weeds on the neighbor's property that are within four feet of the line fence. If the neighbor refuses to cut the noxious weeds, the landowner may complain to the Township Trustees after providing a ten-day notice period to the neighbor. The trustees must view the property and determine whether the weeds should be removed. If so, the Township Trustees shall cause removal of the weeds and assess removal costs against the offending landowner's tax bill.

Ohio law defines a "noxious weed" as shatter cane (Sorghum bicolor), Russian thistle (Salsola kali var. tenuifolia), or any plant designated a prohibited noxious weed by the Director of Agriculture.
-See Sections 5579.04 to 5579.08 of the Ohio Revised Code for the general noxious weed provisions, and Sections 971.33 to 971.36 for the fencerow provisions. 

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Growing Degree Days Information 
One method to time pest scouting activity and insecticide application is to track growing degree days (GDD) accumulated throughout the season. One place to find GDD accumulation totals, is a website at www.nass.usda.gov/oh/. 

Growing degree day accumulation totals are listed below for some common Christmas tree insects. You should be scouting for these specific pests when we reach the number of growing degree days noted for that specific pest. As of April 28, we reached growing 212   degree days in northeastern Ohio.

Pest                                         GDD
Pine bark adelgid                        58
Oystershell scale                         91
Balsam twig aphid                     120
White pine aphid                       121
Spruce spider mite                    121
European pine shoot moth        121
Pine tortoise scale                     148
Fletcher scale                            148
Cooley spruce gall adelgid       190
Zimmerman pine moth              246
Nantucket pine tip moth            448
Pine needle scale                     448
Gypsy moth                               448
Spruce needle miner                802

Remember that many of these insects will have two or three generations per year. The growing degree day accumulations listed above are for the first generation.

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White Pine Weevil
White pine weevils seem to be on the increase the past few years in both white pines and especially in spruces. If you noticed damage from this pest last year, then you may want to treat for this pest this year. If you didn't get problem areas treated with Dursban or Lindane by the end of April, you may want to consider a treatment of dimethoate (Cygon). These applications should be made before the middle of May.

If you notice damage from this pest later on this spring and summer (wilted leaders), the best option is to prune out the affected leader, dispose of it, and train a side branch of the first whorl as a new leader.
 
 

Income Opportunities from Field and Forest
If you'd like to learn how to grow mushrooms, cultivate ginseng, grow medicinal herbs, or other speciality field or forest crops, than plan on being in Hocking County on June 8 & 9 for Income Opportunities from Field & Forest, the 4th Annual Landowners Conference. Sponsored by Rural Action, the two-day conference will be held at Camp Oty-Okwa in the Hocking Hills. Registration for the conference is $85. For a brochure which contains a complete conference agenda and registration information, contact your local Extension office.

New Resources for Pond Management
Fact sheets on several new pond management topics are now available at your local Extension office. New fact sheets include the following: Cattail Management (A11) free, Planktonic Algae in Ponds (A9) free, Fish Species for Pond Restocking (A10) free. Additional publications on pond topics available include: Pond Construction (AEX303) free, Pond Measurements (A2) free, Controlling Filamentous Algae in Ponds (A3) free, Chemical Control of Aquatic Weeds (A4) free, and Pond Safety (AEX390) free.

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Slug Management
Slug population densities were moderate to heavy in many fields in the fall of 2001. These numbers suggest that spring populations might be high. Corn and soybean growers who have had problems with slugs in the past should plan on monitoring their fields closely for slug populations and injury. Growers should realize that tillage continues to be an option for management of slugs in both corn and soybean fields. Tillage lowers the potential for damage because it removes the residue that provides a favorable slug habitat. However, the use of tillage should be weighed against the benefits of no-tillage production practices.

Because slug damage in soybeans often occurs at germination and emergence resulting in significant stand loss, growers with higher slug populations and a history of poor soybean stands due to slugs might want to consider an at-planting time application of molluscicide bait. Growers are advised to determine if slugs are present and active at the time of soybean planting in order to make the appropriate decision. This is best done by searching at the soil level underneath the crop residue for the presence of slugs and/or slug eggs. If slugs have hatched and are active at planting, treatment might be warranted.

When treating, the most commonly used molluscicide is Deadline MPs, which should be broadcast at 10 lbs per acre. If past history suggests that only certain areas of a field have had a problem, only those areas need to be treated. There is a new molluscicide that should be available this spring, Trail's End LG. This material should also be applied at 10 lbs per acre. Check areas, approximately 100 by 100 ft, should be left to determine the treatment's efficacy. We will continue to update the slug situation this spring in the CORN newsletter.

-Corn Newsletter #220-9

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...For livestock producers, managed grazing can help improve profitability, animal health, environmental quality, and even quality of life for the farm family!

Implementing to a managed-grazing system on your livestock farm can be a relatively simple way to make your operation economically competitive.

One method to learn how you can develop a managed grazing system for your farm is to learn from other farm families who are already practicing managed grazing. There will be several Pasture Twilight Tours held on farms in the area. These tours are scheduled as follows:

May 14 - Liggett Farm, Tuscarawas County 
               Fencing options for grazing

June 12 - Jake & Susan Sutton Farm, Jefferson County
               Grazing for dairy cattle

July 15 - Earl & Dan McKarns Farm,  Carroll County
               Water systems for grazing

Consider participating in these Pasture Twilight Tours to see how managed grazing is helping area farmers adapt their operations for the future.
 

Sincerely,
 

Mike Hogan Extension Agent Agriculture & Natural Resources  Community Development

Ken Simeral Extension Agent Agriculture & Natural Resources Community Development

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Trade names are supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University is implied.

All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.

OSU Extension will provide accommodations to handicapped persons needing assistance to participate in Extension programs. If you require some type of assistance/accommodations to attend programs, utilize written materials or visit the Carroll, Harrison, or Jefferson County Extension Offices, please contact that office or TTD#1-800-589-8292.

Visit Ohio State University Extension’s WWW site “Ohioline” at: hhtp:/www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/
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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.
TDD # 1 (800) 589-8292 (Ohio only) or (614) 292-1868