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CORN
Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

For Week of October 19 - November 2, 1998
C.O.R.N. 98-30

In This Issue:

A) Identity Preserved Soybeans
B) Winter Annual Weeds in Corn and Soybean Fields
C) Should I Take a Late Cutting of Alfalfa?
D) Hay Situation & Hay Marketing
 

A) Identity Preserved Soybeans - Clark Hutson    CORN Questions

With wider acceptance of the use of Roundup Ready soybeans, the use of transgenic or genetically modified soybeans has become a common practice in the United States. But Roundup Ready is only the tip of the iceberg for Bio-tech soy products.  Many of these new Identity Preserved products have the potential to greatly improve the profitability of soybeans. Already on
the market are three types of soybeans with traits that improve the quality of the oil and make them healthier for human consumption.

LOW SATURATE SOYBEANS produce oil that has 50 percent less saturated fat than traditional soybean oil. A 14-gram serving has just one gram of saturated fat making it similar to canola oil.

LOW LINOLENIC SOYBEANS produce an oil that has a reduced need for hydrogenation, contains reduced trans-fatty acids, and is more stable than traditional soybean oil. In some applications, low linolenic soybean oil has replaced hydrogenated oils. Use of low linolenic soybean oil can result in healthy, new oil products. Products made from LoSat Soy oil can make claims of zero saturated fat for many formulations when used in place of traditional soy oil.

HIGH OLEIC SOYBEANS produce an oil that has an oleic acid content of 80 percent or more, compared to 24 percent from traditional soybeans. This oil is naturally 1/3 lower in saturated fat, contains no trans-fatty acids, and
remains in a user-friendly liquid form. Oils made from High Oleic acid soybeans are more heat resistant when used in cooking or as high value spray oil, and give longer shelf lives to products such a nuts.

HIGH PROTEIN SOYBEANS are one of two new products that alter the protein and sugar level of soybeans. They have been specifically selected and developed for the soy-food market, especially soy-milk and tofu. These soybeans provide high protein and isoflavone content. The health benefits of this type of product are well documented.

HIGH SUCROSE SOYBEANS contain significantly more sucrose and less indigestible carbohydrates than traditional soybeans. High sucrose soybeans have decreased amounts of indigestible sugars, which reduces the abdominal
discomfort often associated with other soy products. Both of these soybeans products lack the lipoxygenase-2 enzyme (lox null), thereby greatly reducing the 'beany' taste and improving soy-food flavor for consumers. The improved
flavor profile and functionality of these soybeans makes it possible to increase the percentage of soy in beverages, bakery products, pasta and other processed foods.

Research on soybeans for animal feeds has not been overlooked. Excess phosphorus in animal manure is a limiting factor in how much manure can be applied to each acre of ground.  Researchers are working on this problem from two angles.  The phosphorus in seeds is mostly found in the form of phytic acid compounds called phytates. High levels of phytates reduce the
utilization of phosphorus, other minerals, and dietary proteins by animals.

Conversely, LOW-PHYTATE SOYBEANS will increase uptake of phosphorus by the animal and reduce the amount of phosphorus that passes through to the manure. Another way to reduce phosphorus in manure is to use HIGH-PHYTASE
SOYBEANS. Phosphorus in the form of phytase is readily available for metabolism. High levels of phytase also increase the availability of a number of other minerals such as calcium, zinc and copper. Both of these
products should be available in the next few years. As environmental concerns increase, both high-phytase and low-phytate soybeans will become important in reducing phosphorus in manure.

Lysine is an essential amino acid that is deficient in most grains. Increasing the lysine content in soybeans will be beneficial for both the swine and poultry industries.  HIGH LYSINE SOYBEANS could be available as early as the year 2000. These beans could easily double or triple the content of lysine in soybean meal.

Scientist are also working on producing soybeans that contain antibodies. Feeding animals these soybeans could prevent the development of E. coli, salmonella, and other bacteria. Preventing these meat borne diseases at the source could have a great impact on the animal industry by improving human health.

All of these specialty soybeans may have a limited market. However, growers who can successfully link with the livestock producers, manufacturers, or end users of these identity preserved products will add value to their product and improve their bottom line

B) Winter Annual Weeds in Corn and Soybean Fields - Jeff Stachler   CORN Questions

Due to the early harvest of corn and soybeans, warm temperatures, and adequate moisture, winter annual weeds are off to a great start and are present in large numbers in most fields.  Common chickweed and purple dead-nettle appear to have the best start, but field pennycress, shepherd's-purse, henbit, horseweed (marestail) and small flower buttercup are also in fields at this time.  These weeds provide excellent ground cover for the winter, but they can get in the way of planting next spring.
An additional concern is that based on greenhouse studies the soybean cyst nematode can infect the roots of purple dead-nettle, henbit, field pennycress, and shepherd's-purse which can increase the cyst nematode population.  The above normal temperatures this fall may have allowed the cyst nematode to infect these weeds.

To control these winter annual weeds, apply Roundup Ultra at 1.0 pint per acre or Touchdown at 0.75 pint per acre plus 2,4-D ester at 1.0 pint per acre.  Add Ammonium Sulfate (AMS) at 17 pounds per 100 gallon of water and Surfactant at 0.25 percent volume to volume if using Touchdown.  Apply when daytime temperatures are above 50 degrees and night-time temperatures are above 40 degrees for the day before and after the application.  Roundup Ultra and Touchdown will control all of these species and 2,4-D ester will control all species except common chickweed.  In corn stubble that will be planted to no-tillage soybeans next spring, an application of Canopy at 3 to 6 ounces plus 2,4-D ester at 1.0 pint per acre may be used this fall to control winter annual weeds and control weeds next spring.  Add crop oil concentrate at 1.0 percent volume to volume.  Canopy should be applied to soils with a sustained temperature of less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit to a depth of 1.0 inch and before soils are frozen.  Fall applied Canopy at 5.0 to 6.0 ounces can provide season-long broadleaf weed control next season in fields with light to moderate weed pressure, with the exception of giant ragweed.

Quackgrass and Canada thistle in corn and soybeans may still be possible. The above normal temperatures has allowed quackgrass and Canada thistle to regrow after harvest.  If these weeds are greater than 8 inches in height, then an application of Roundup Ultra or Touchdown may provide good control of the above and below ground plant parts.  Apply today or wait to see what happens to the weather.  If temperatures drop below 28 degrees at night for more than 4 hours then these plants may die and a herbicide application may not be effective.  Quackgrass can handle colder temperatures than Canada thistle.  If warm temperatures (greater than 65 degrees) return for several days and the plants appear to be growing then a herbicide treatment may still be effective.
 

C) Should I Take a Late Cutting of Alfalfa? - Mark Sulc   CORN Questions

I have recently had numerous questions about taking a late fall cutting of alfalfa. Cutting alfalfa again this fall is indeed very tempting with the nice weather and the substantial growth that some stands have made since late summer.
 
SHORT ANSWER: Whether or not you should take a late fall cutting is somewhat analogous to choosing stocks -- what is your risk comfort level? There is always a risk of winter damage with fall cutting. The risk is greater on soils lacking excellent drainage (heaving risk increases dramatically with late cutting). The risk of injury is also greater on older stands, where fertility is not up to par, and where the stand was cut four times already this year. I have never seen substantial fall growth harm winter survival of alfalfa. And finally, DO NOT CUT STANDS NEWLY-SEEDED THIS PAST SUMMER.
 
LONG ANSWER: As you read this, uncut alfalfa plants are accumulating carbohydrate and protein reserves which will be used for winter survival and regrowth next spring. Cutting alfalfa at this time interrupts that process. If alfalfa is cut before a killing frost, it will use some of those precious root reserves as it attempts to regrow -- leaving less energy for winter survival and spring regrowth. Cutting AFTER a killing frost eliminates this problem, thus reducing the risk of winter injury. A killing frost for alfalfa is 25 to 24 degrees F for several hours, and it usually takes two consecutive nights of those temperatures to shut down alfalfa topgrowth. In some years, this doesn't happen until we are well into November, depending on the region of the state. Forage quality will decline rapidly after a killing frost, but keep in mind that cutting well ahead of that time will increase the risk of root reserve depletion through late fall root metabolism as the plant tries to regrow.
 
The number of cuttings taken during the summer will affect the level of root reserves this fall. Root reserves will be lower for stands that were cut four rather than three times this summer. So taking a fifth cutting now is more risky than taking a fourth or third cutting now.
 
I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUBSTANTIAL FALL GROWTH HARM WINTER SURVIVAL OF ALFALFA. Rather, I have seen the lack of cover result in disastrous heaving events. Removal of the insulating plant cover will greatly increase the opportunity for freezing and thawing of the soil and INCREASE HEAVING RISK. In Ohio, we know that we cannot depend on the presence of snow cover, so plant cover is very important. If your soil is prone to heaving, late fall cutting will substantially increase stand loss if heaving conditions develop later this winter. If the soil is not prone to heave, then cutting near to or after a killing frost can be a viable option, IF a winter hardy variety is planted, fertility is optimal, and the stand was under little or no stress this summer. Late fall cutting should ONLY be considered for stands growing on soils with excellent drainage.
 
Finally, stands that were seeded this summer SHOULD NOT BE CUT. Doing so will dramatically increase the risk of winter injury and stand loss. Remember the large input costs you just paid out for establishment -- and refrain from the temptation to cut that new stand this fall.
 
THE BOTTOM LINE: If you really don't need the extra alfalfa hay, then leave it out there to provide insulating cover this winter. If you do need the hay, consider buying it from a neighbor instead...prices are reasonable again this year! You'll be glad you did.
 

D) Hay Situation & Hay Marketing - Mark Sulc   CORN Questions

A quick survey of Extension agents around the state has confirmed the following regarding the hay situation in Ohio: 1) hay inventories are well above average in most areas, 2) although hay quality varies, it is generally good in most areas, 3) the demand for hay purchases is generally below average, and 4) the amount of hay available for sale is above average. This situation has left many hay producers who depend exclusively on local markets to now find themselves with barns full of hay and little or no market. But there is a demand for high quality hay in some regions of Ohio. Below I will identify those regions, and will also point out some resources that may help hay producers identify potential markets. In many cases, hay producers will probably have to look beyond their local markets in order to move hay this year.
 
Based on my survey, the extreme southeastern region of Ohio is deficient in good quality hay. There is a demand for dairy quality hay, especially in Washington county. Because of the current farm economic situation, the market for good quality hay by beef cattlemen in the south is limited. The inventory of medium quality hay is relatively large in the south. But because of the dry conditions in late summer and fall over much of southern and eastern Ohio, hay feeding will likely start earlier this year and the current hay surplus may be gone by spring -- leading to a need for medium quality hay in that region later this winter. There is some demand for dairy quality hay, and especially good quality alfalfa-grass or timothy hay for horses in northeastern Ohio (especially Geauga county area). Good quality alfalfa and alfalfa-grass hay for horses is also in demand in west central and southern Ohio.
 
So how can hay producers identify potential markets beyond their local region? The internet can now be used in this process. There are several websites which serve to list both hay sellers and buyers. A good example is the Internet Hay Exchange (http://www.hayexchange.com). This site lists buyers and sellers of hay and straw from across the country, and a few truckers are listed under network support. To find the buyer listing, be sure to scroll to the bottom of the front web page. For producers who do not have access to the internet, the OSU Extension Agricultural Business Enhancement (ABE) Center is willing to help. Just contact the ABE Center at 419-354-6916 or 1-800-358-4678 (FAX 419-354-6416) to get help with making a listing (either to sell or buy hay).
 
Another good website is the Purdue hay locator service (http://www.ces.purdue.edu/lcgi-bin/hay/welcome). The actual hay locator service operates over a telnet link from this website. Few buyers are currently listed on this site. The Purdue site also provides links to several other forage and hay sites, such as Morgan's Forage Site (http://www.forage.com) which provides economic information of the US forage industry, including national hay supply and demand, and prices.
 
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently launched a Hay Net which will serve as a national clearinghouse for producers with shortages or surpluses of hay. Producers in need of hay will be provided with lists of the closest producers with hay to spare, and vice versa, allowing them to contact each other and make arrangements. Each FSA Service Center office will maintain a
hay register for the next 6 months. To register on the FSA Hay Net, contact a local FSA Service Center office.
 
Many cash hay producers have found it worthwhile to contact or visit local hay auctions in the region where they are hoping to establish a market. Advertisements in regional farm publications can also be very useful in identifying new markets. Others attend various conventions where potential customers will be (for example, the horse industry conventions). Some hay brokers are also available to service within-state hay purchases, although most deal primarily with hay marketing across state lines.
 
Whatever the methods used, identifying hay markets requires homework and perseverance. But the rewards are well worth the effort, especially if producers intend on establishing and maintaining long-standing relationships with buyers.
 

Note: The next C.O.R.N. Newsletter will be published the week of November 2nd.

Readers can subscribe electronically to this newsletter bysending an e-mail message to: listserv@agvax2.ag.ohio-state.edu with the message: subscribe corn-out. A successful subscription message will receive a reply from listserv. Contact your local Ohio State University Extension Office or e-mail labarge.1@osu.edu if you have problems subscribing.

Past versions of C.O.R.N. can be found on the World Wide Web at: http:/www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~corn/archive/

C.O.R.N. is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio Crop Producers and Industry. C.O.R.N. is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, State Specialists at The Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. C.O.R.N. Questions are directed to State Specialists, Extension Associates, and Agents associated with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at The Ohio State University.

Contributors to C.O.R.N. this week include:
STATE SPECIALISTS: Anne Dorrance (Plant Pathology), Mark Sulc (Hort. and Crop Science) and Jeff Stachler (Weed Science)  EXTENSION AGENTS: Roger Bender (Shelby), Larry Lotz (Fayette), Clark Hutson (Seneca), Greg La Barge (Fulton), Dave Jones (Paulding) and Steve Prochaska (Crawford)

Editor: Steve Prochaska        Web Editor: Steve Lichtensteiger

Information presented above and where tradenames are used, they are supplied with the understanding that nodiscrimination is intended and no endorsement by Ohio State University Extension is implied. Although every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

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

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.

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