The Cutting Edge in Precision Farming Technology

source: Farm and Food Report

The Indian Head Agricultural Research Foundation will be sharing new developments in precision farming with producers on January 19, 2005, as it holds its Winter Seminar and Annual Meeting at Indian Head Memorial Hall.

"Since 1994, The Foundation has sought to bring producers research findings that would not otherwise make their way to them," according to IHARF Executive Manager Judy McKell, "and we are particularly looking forward to this year's program."

McKell adds that, among other topics, local Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research scientist Guy Lafond will provide an agronomy research update on winter wheat, as well as on new mapping and fertilizer technologies.

"Optical sensor-based systems that can be mounted on sprayers, such as Greenseeker™, allow the measurement of crop biomass through the amount of light reflected from the crop. We are still developing the technology necessary to provide accurate snapshots of the plants' nitrogen needs, but the systems provide a diagnostic tool that might not otherwise be available, and give producers the opportunity to add nitrogen when the plant needs it."

In addition, Ron Palmer of Regina-based Accutrak Systems Ltd. will bring participants an update on equipment guidance systems for agriculture.

"GPS-based guidance systems are playing an increasingly important role in improving efficiencies in agricultural production. They can have a real impact on fuel costs; seed input and herbicide costs; and labour. Plus, the units available now can easily be moved from one piece of equipment to another," explains McKell.

Other presenters include: researcher Bill May, who will discuss the issues surrounding oilseed, oat and canaryseed agronomy; SAFRR's livestock development specialist Lorne Klein will compare and recommend crops for swath grazing; and finally, market analyst Larry Weber will provide an information session on issues to consider before signing a contract to sell your crop.

Feeding Frost-Damaged and Sprouted Grain to Livestock

source: Farm and Food Report

Frost damaged and sprouted grain can be a valuable resource as livestock feed. Bryan Doig is a Livestock Development Specialist with Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization:

"Because of the cold wet weather in July, the early frost in August and the late harvest in the fall, there were many thousands of acres of affected crops across the province in 2004 that represent a real opportunity as a livestock food source now."

To encourage producers to take advantage of this opportunity, SAFRR has just produced an information sheet that gives clear directives and helps evaluate the relative feed values of damaged cereal grains.

"Frozen or sprouted grain, for instance, will often comparatively higher protein levels than normal, unaffected grain, but contains less carbohydrates or energy. Producers might want to take advantage of this inexpensive feed for backgrounding rations and wintering cows. The trick is to measure feed by the pound rather than by the bushel, or by weight rather than volume."

According to Doig, livestock fed frost-damaged and sprouted grain perform similarly to livestock fed undamaged grain. It just requires a 5 to 10% increase in the amount fed to compensate for the slightly lower energy content.

In the case of canola, frost damage generates a lower feed value than undamaged canola, but it can still be incorporated into many livestock rations.

When unsure about the feed value of damaged grain, the best and most accurate method to find out is to have the feed analyzed at a feed testing laboratory.

Doig points out that other limitations may apply to the use of frost-damaged or sprouted grain:

"The difference in kernel size, shape and hardness should be taken into account and adjustments to milling equipment might be necessary. It might also be advisable to test mouldy grain for mould type and toxins.

For more information, you can access the Feeding Frost-Damaged and Sprouted Grain to Livestock online document.

Re-Establishing Alfalfa Can Be Dfficult

source: Farm and Food Report

Producers concerned with old alfalfa stands dying out after several years of production should avoid reseeding directly back to alfalfa. Mature alfalfa plants produce toxins that result in a form of autoxicity in the soil, which prevents the establishment of new seedlings.

Trevor Lennox is a Forage Industry Development Specialist with SAFRR. "The specific toxin produced is called medicarpin. It is present mostly in the leaves and stems, rather than in the root system itself. The toxin leaches into the ground surrounding old alfalfa plants up to a radius of 16 inches."

Lennox points out that this autoxicity will affect seed germination and decrease plant density over time. "As forage resource-people, we are often asked if reseeding directly into an old alfalfa stand is an option. It is not a recommended practice."

According to Trevor Lennox, "the most effective way to deal with autotoxicity is to rotate to another crop for a year or two. It is recommended that producers seed an annual cereal crop for a minimum of 1 year to give the soil a chance to cleanse itself and to take advantage of the nitrogen-rich soil nutrients the broad-leafed legume has synthesized over the years."

While there is no real consensus on how long it takes for the toxicity to disappear, there are variables that can affect the return of conditions more conducive to seedling vigour.

"The toxin is water soluble, which means that heavier soils with reduced drainage ability will exhibit the problem longer than lighter soils which are more permeable. Tillage can help reduce the autoxicity effect. In fact, producers are advised to remove top growth before tillage to help reduce leaching risks," says Lennox.

Producers should also be aware that higher temperatures are known to break down the toxic compound more rapidly and that heavier rains can move them away from the root zone faster.

An important point to note is that toxins are not produced in the first year of new seedlings. Therefore, seeding failures or new seedlings that were winterkilled can be reseeded without any autotoxicity affect.