In this issue
·         Newsletter survey
·         Publications
·         Seed Selection
·         GMO Plantings
·         Important Dates

The warm sunny days the last couple of weeks makes me think spring is just around the corner, then I remember that it is still only mid-January.  That is OK, because there is much to be done before spring arrives.  We’ve had several very useful publications come to the extension office over the last few weeks; I’ve listed just a few in this newsletter.  Please stop by your local extension office or visit ISU Extension on the web http://extension.iastate.edu/pubs/ to see other publications that are available. Winter is also the time for meetings, please plan to attend the Carroll or one of the other ISU Extension Crop Advantage Series conferences around the state.  Dates and locations can be found at this web site http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/advantage/   Private Pesticide Applicator training sessions are occurring around the state now, check with your local extension office to find out where and when. 

If you haven’t visited my web site recently, please do so.  I’ve changed the layout and I think you may find the information useful to your business.    http://www.extension.iastate.edu/carroll/crops/

About a week ago you should have received a survey concerning my newsletter that you receive.  For those that have taken the time to fill it out and return it, I thank you for your time.  For everyone else, please take a few minutes to let me know how useful the newsletter is to you and your business.  It is through your comments and suggestions that I will be able to improve the newsletter for the upcoming crop season.  If you did not receive a survey, please contact me and I will get one to you.

Last week I just received a new publication from the University of MN, developed through the North Central Multistate committee.  The report addresses the difficult questions on grid vs. zone soil sampling when utilizing variable rate fertilizer application technologies.  If you would like a copy, contact your local Extension office.  The title of the publication is Soil Sampling for Variable Rate Fertilizer and Lime Application.  North Central Multistate Report (NCMR) 348.  Expect a small charge for the report.

The latest information on IA State University Weed control trials, herbicides, herbicide mixtures and other weed control issues can be obtained from the 2002 herbicide manual.  Contact your local Extension office if you would like a copy.  Reference WC-92 and expect a small charge.  You can also find the publication on the web at http://www.weeds.iastate.edu/reference/wc92/default.htm

The 2001 Iowa Crop Improvement Association yield trial data is now available on the web and in hard copy at your local Extension Office.  Reports for 2001 Soybean, Corn, Alfalfa, Oats & Barley, and Winter Wheat are available.  Here's where you can access them all

 http://www.agron.iastate.edu/icia/

 If you would like to save some time, I’ve already downloaded the files into an easy to access and sort excel file.  You can access these files for download to your computer at my web site.

 http://www.extension.iastate.edu/carroll/crops/yield_trials.htm

The performance of corn hybrids and soybean varieties are key to the profitability of crop production, therefore seed selection is very important.  Dr. Dale Hick of the University of MN suggests that producers select planting material which was in the top twenty percent of the yield average of all locations in the planting zone.  Dr. Hicks states that consistency between trial locations and testing years is very important.   Furthermore, spread risk by selecting several hybrids/varieties with differing characteristics and maturities.

I’ve graphed the rainfall (daily and accumulated), high and low temperatures, and accumulated Growing degree days for Carroll, Crawford, Monona, Ida, Sac, Calhoun and Pocahontas counties.  The information can be access at my web page:

 http://www.extension.iastate.edu/carroll/crops/weather_data.htm

 Or you can contact your local extension office and they can print the information for you.

A recent report by ISAAA stated the global planting of GMO crops in 2001 rose 20% over 2000 plantings and expects another 10% increase in 2002.  For the complete article, visit ISAAA’s homepage at http://www.isaaa.org/

 Crop Advantage Series Conference at the Carrollton, Carroll, AI.  January 28, 2002
Featured speakers will be Dr. Mike Duffy, ISU Extension Economist, on “The New Farm Bill and the Changing Structure of Agriculture,” and Dr. Elwynn Taylor, ISU Extension Climatologist, on “Managing Weather Risk for Production and Marketing.”  Topics covered in the afternoon workshops will include local concerns with Agro-Terrorism, Manure Nutrient Management, Water Quality issues, Alfalfa production, Crop and Pest Management and Tree Management for CRP and Riparian buffer strips.  Participants can attend 3 different workshops throughout the day.  The cost of the program is $25.  An additional $25 fee is charged for Certified Crop Advisors attending the conference for credit. To obtain a program brochure or for further information contact Todd Vagts at the Carroll County Extension office at 712-792-2364

 Western Research and Demonstration Farm Ag. Day, Castana, IA.  February 22, 2002
In the morning session, ISU Extension Specialists will address topics including ethanol byproducts, alfalfa production, bio-security, and innovative research in disposal of dead swine.  The afternoon session will be the continuing instruction course for private manure applicators.  For more information, contact the Monona county extension office at 712-423-2175

 CCA Continuing Education Opportunity In Nutrient and Soil & Water Management offered by ISU Extension at the Western Research and Demonstration Farm, Castana, IA  March 7, 2002.  9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
3.5 CCA CEU’s (applied for) in Nutrient Management (2) and Soil and Water Management (1.5) will be offered during this instructional course.  Please contact Todd Vagts at the Carroll Extension office for more information.

Todd Vagts
Iowa State University Extension
Field Crops Specialist
1240 D. Heires Avenue 
Carroll, IA 51401 
Office: 712-792-2364; Cell: 712-249-6025;  Fax: 712-792-2366
Email: vagts@iastate.edu  

For questions or comments please respond to vagts@iastate.edu