Alabama Crops Report
July 6, 2021
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Center pivot irrigation (CPI) is steadily becoming the most popular irrigation technology throughout Alabama and the Southeast. A CPI system is comprised of a pump, a series of lateral pipes that are supported by ground structures called towers, and sprinklers that are installed along the pipeline. The sections of pipeline between the towers are referred to as spans. As more growers have adopted this method of irrigation, many have run into problems with their center pivot systems. Read More
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Regional Roundup with the REA's
Here at the Alabama Crops Report, we know how growing conditions and pest populations can vary across our diverse state. Therefore, our Regional Extension Agents (REA’s) will be providing updates during the growing season so we can stay informed no matter what county we’re in.
Southwest Alabama
The tropical storm brought a lot of rain to the southwest region. Some places received up to 14 inches in 5 days (see image above). A lot of fields had flooding problems. Southern corn rust was detected in Baldwin county one week before the storm. After the storm, more southern rust was found in the fields. Farmers should pay close attention to the disease, especially those with young corn stages (see image below).
Most farmers started the side dressing fertilization for cotton in fields where the conditions allowed the tractor to get inside.
On July 8th, we will have a Weed Management Tour at the Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center in Fairhope from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. We will demonstrate different herbicides and strategies to control pigweed on peanuts. We will also have some research plots to show herbicide injury management in cotton.
Contact Guilherme Morata for more information.
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West Central Alabama
West Central Alabama saw scattered showers over the past week, making for some challenging days to get field work accomplished. Some herbicide and fertilizer applications were delayed due to wet conditions. However, corn is looking good and benefitting from the timely rains. There were some additional fungicide applications on corn in fields.
Plant bugs continue to be the focus in cotton. Where producers were able to get in fields, some side-dress applications occurred. Overall cotton was in good shape throughout the region with many fields squaring and some setting bolls.
Peanuts and soybeans are looking good in the region. The first round of fungicide went out on peanuts in many fields. Many of the soybeans planted behind wheat have emerged and are off to a good start.
Rain chances increase again later in the week, with temperatures in the mid 80’s which is a little lower than average for July in West Central Alabama.
Contact John Vanderford for more information.
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Acreage Report, Cotton Price, and Crop Progress
The June 30 USDA planting estimates report indicated 410,000 acres of cotton in Alabama for 2021. The number for the prior two seasons was 450,000 acres, so the reduction is about 9 percent. Nationwide, cotton acres are estimated to be 11.7 million acres, down 3 percent from last year.
December ’21 cotton futures closed at 86.97 on Friday, July 2. For months, the new crop futures market has traded between 82 and 88 cents per lb. This compares to an average closing price for the 2020 crop of 64.28 cents. Hopefully, growers have booked some of their expected 2021 production.
Much of our cotton is late, but favorable rainfall and moderate temperatures have pushed the crop along, perhaps making up for some of the delays brought on by harsh conditions and late planting.
One observation is that thrips injury was more prevalent and consequential than normal, or at least than initially perceived. Stated differently, if we had opportunity to do it again, we would have, should have been more aggressive with our thrips management, spraying a lot of cotton in the 1-leaf stage.
In many fields, it’s time to complete sidedress N applications and initiate PGR treatments. Knowledge / experience of field history, fertility, variety aggressiveness, and weather trends guide adjustments for both N rates and PGR management. Near-term weather forecasts suggest moderate temperatures and above average rainfall. Both encourage strong cotton growth and nudge the crop towards above average yields. Obviously, we still have a long way to go.
A couple of general tweaks in management compared to a standard, normal program:
- With a late crop, be a little more conservative with N and more aggressive with PGRs
- With sustained, favorable weather, be more aggressive with PGRs
Contact Steve Brown for more information.
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Boron Fertility
Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth, and B deficiency can cause quality and yield reductions in major row crops. Boron deficiency symptoms often include abnormalities in the fruit—like hollow heart in peanut.
Boron is mobile in the soil, and boron deficiencies are most likely to occur on sandy soils with low soil organic matter. An application of 0.3 to 0.5 lbs of boron (B) per acre is recommended for peanut and cotton production in Alabama. Since broiler litter contains approximately 0.3 lbs B per ton, boron applications are not necessary for fields that have received litter applications. Research has shown that boron is unlikely to increase yield of corn and soybean, but if a boron deficiency is suspected, a tissue sample can be collected to confirm deficiency.
Boron can be applied as a soil or foliar treatment in single- or split- applications. All boron applications should be made by mid-bloom for both cotton and peanut. Unfortunately, many B products on the market today do NOT supply adequate B when applied at product recommended rates. Even though B applications do not always improve yield, they are often considered a cheap “insurance” to prevent deficiencies from occurring in cotton and peanut. Always compare products based on cost per unit of boron and ensure the at least 0.3 lb of B is applied over the course of the growing season.
Image above courtesy of Ethan Carter, UF-IFAS. Boron deficiency can result in split stems in peanut. Deficiency should be confirmed with a tissue test since symptoms are similar to those of zinc toxicity.
Contact Audrey Gamble for more information.
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2021 Alabama Soybean Yield Contest
Alabama averages planting 350,000 acres of soybeans annually. The legume plays an important role in our crop rotation. The purpose of the 2021 Alabama Soybean Yield Contest sponsored by the Alabama Soybean Producers is to recognize the importance of soybeans in the state and honor the top growers. The contest will also help determine the common production practices that increase yield and profitability among the top producers. The 2020 first place winners were Wootten Farms (irrigated)-82.1 bushels per acre and Wilson Mann (non-irrigated)-78.03 bushels per acre.
There will be four yield categories:
1) Early Planted (before May 25) Irrigated
2) Early Planted (before May 25) Non-irrigated
3) Late Planted (May 25 and after) Irrigated
4) Late Planted (May 25 and after) Non-irrigated.
However, a single producer will only be awarded his/her highest placing in one yield category. A fifth category will be the efficient grower (highest profit per acre). Contestants are eligible to win one yield category and most efficient grower. Plaques will be presented to first, second, and third place winners in each category at the annual state Corn and Soybean Association meeting’s luncheon in January 2022 in Huntsville.
Applications must be submitted or e-mailed to Eddie McGriff, 402 Arnold Street NE Suite G-1, Cullman, AL 35055 (dem0029@auburn.edu) before harvest and October 1, 2021 (whichever comes first).
See below for application and full contest rules.
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2021 Alabama Soybean Yield Contest Rules
Categories (5):
Early Planted (before May 25) Irrigated______ Dry Land________
Late Planted (May 25 and after) Irrigated______ Dry Land________
Most Efficient Grower (Highest Profit per Acre)
First, Second and Third Place will be awarded statewide in each of the five categories at annual Alabama Soybean & Corn Association meeting in January 2022 in Huntsville.
Eligibility:
Each contestant must be at least 18 years of age on or before January 1, 2021 and must also be actively engaged in soybean production.
Contest field must be located within the land boundaries of the State of Alabama.
Contest is limited to one producer or entity per categories. It is possible for the same producer to have an entry in each category, however a single producer will only be awarded his highest placing in one the four yield categories. It is possible for grower to win a yield category and most efficient grower award.
Contest field must be owned or operated by contestant.
Entry field must be at least five continuous acres with 2.5 acres continuous acres being measure for yield.
Application for entry must be send before harvest or October 1, 2021 to:
Eddie McGriff, REA
402 Arnold Street NE, Suite G-1
Cullman, Alabama 35055
dem0029@auburn.edu
Harvest must take place and entry send in on or before December 1, 2021 (post marked).
Weighing:
Weigh as soon as possible after harvesting. All soybean must be weighed on a state inspected scale by overseeing supervisor. Grain carts cannot be used. Original weight ticket (no copies) must be attached.
Moisture Testing:
An experienced person must make a moisture determination of a representative sample of the soybeans. Moisture percent must be listed on weigh ticket or attached as a moisture ticket.
Yield Contest Supervisors:
Growers should contact their Alabama Regional Extension Agent for Agronomic Crops or Alabama Extension Crop Specialist as soybean yield contest supervisor. In the event that they are not available, they can certified a supervisor. Supervisors can include Alabama County Extension Agents and Extension specialists; Vocational Agriculture Instructors; FFA Advisors; NRCS employees; FSA (Farm Service Agency CED or officers); or anyone who is retired from one of these position and does not have a financial or business tie to the grower. Supervisors cannot be following: anyone that has a financial or business tie to a company that sells agribusiness supplies or services and/or has a financial or business tie with the grower (seed or chemical reps; farm equipment salespersons; consultants or scouts; ag lending officers, etc.); an employee or relative of the contest entrant; or the contest entrant.
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There are a lot of new names and faces on the ACES Agronomic Crops Team and we are here to help! Each newsletter, we will introduce a couple members of the team so they all become familiar faces around the state. Our Regional Extension Agents (REAs) and Specialists are looking forward to connecting with Alabama growers this season and providing the most up to date information. Don't hesitate to reach out!
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Dr. Wendiam Sawadgo is as an assistant professor and extension economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. He joined Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System in August of 2020, shortly after completing his PhD in economics at Iowa State University. His graduate work focused on evaluating the profitability of cover crops and other soil conservation practices. Wendiam is originally from Pullman, WA and received a bachelors in economic sciences from Washington State University.
His research and extension program lies in agricultural marketing, risk management, and technology adoption and includes 1) providing timely updates and outlooks on agricultural commodity markets, 2) providing education on the marketing tools available to producers, and 3) analyzing the economics of soil conservation practices such as cover crops and conservation tillage. In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, going on walks, or trying out new recipes. For updates, follow him on Twitter @WendiamEcon!
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Commodity prices will be updated each week. You can read more at Profit Profiles, a weekly market report for common Alabama agricultural commodities.
Contact Max Runge for more information.
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