Agriculture Commons^™

Perennializing Marginal Croplands: Going Back To The Future To Mitigate Climate Change With Resilient Biobased Feedstocks, Salvador Ramirez Ii, Marty R. Schmer, Virginia L. Jin, Robert B. Mitchell, Catherine E. Stewart, Jay Parsons, Daren D. Redfearn, John J. Quinn, Gary E. Varvel, Kenneth P. Vogel, Ronald F. Follett

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Managing annual row crops on marginally productive croplands can be environmentally unsustainable and result in variable economic returns. Incorporating perennial bioenergy feedstocks into marginally productive cropland can engender ecosystem services and enhance climate resiliency while also diversifying farm incomes. We use one of the oldest bioenergy-specific field experiments in North America to evaluate economically and environmentally sustainable management practices for growing perennial grasses on marginal cropland. This long-term field trial called 9804 was established in 1998 in eastern Nebraska and compared the productivity and sustainability of corn (Zea mays L.)—both corn grain and corn stover—and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum …

Supplement Type Influenced The Performance And Resiliency Against Gastrointestinal Parasites Of Nursing Lambs Raised In Woodlands, Santoshi Chaudhary, Uma Karki, Bhuwan Shrestha, Sadikshya Lamsal, Lila B. Karki

Professional Agricultural Workers Journal

Nutrition supplementation can be one of the integrated approaches to reduce gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infestation. The study objective was to evaluate the impact of supplement type on the performance and resiliency against GIP of nursing lambs raised in woodlands. Katahdin-St. Croix cross lambs (23) with their mothers (18) were divided into two groups; they were rotationally stocked in separate sets of woodland plots and provided with ad libitum hay. Group-1 animals were supplemented with corn, and Group-2 with soybean (0.5% of live weight). Live weight, FAMACHA score, and body condition score were measured on Day 1, fortnightly, and at the …

Corn (Zea Mays L.) Production In Living Mulch Systems, Grazing Potential, And Economic Viability, Marcia Peireira Quinby

Doctoral Dissertations

Living mulch (LM) is a practice in which forages are grown simultaneously with the main crop, serving as a living cover throughout the growing season. The LM systems were developed to alleviate concerns of soil depletion and finding ways to reduce tillage negative effects on soil productivity. In addition, when legumes are use can decrease the reliance on N fertilizer. The use of corn in LM have been previously studied due to the crop being a large commodity in the U.S.; In addition, the ability to graze the LM after corn production can increase the land use efficiency. To determine …

Arkansas Corn And Grain Sorghum Research Studies 2021, Victor Ford, Jason Kelley, Nathan Mckinney Ii

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

The 2021 edition of the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Research Studies Series includes research results on topics pertaining to corn and grain sorghum production, including weed, disease, and insect management; economics; sustainability; irrigation; post-harvest drying; soil fertility; mycotoxins; cover crop management; and research verification program results. Our objective is to capture and broadly distribute the results of research projects funded by the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Board. The intended audience includes producers and their advisors, current investigators, and future researchers. The Series serves as a citable archive of research results.

Assessment Of Grain Safety In Developing Nations, Jose R. Mendoza

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Grains are the most widely consumed foods worldwide, with maize (Zea mays) being frequently consumed in developing countries where it feeds approximately 900 million people under the poverty line of 2 USD per day. While grain handling practices are acceptable in most developed nations, many developing nations still face challenges such as inadequate field management, drying, and storage. Faulty grain handling along with unavoidably humid climates result in recurrent fungal growth and spoilage, which compromises both the end-quality and safety of the harvest. This becomes particularly problematic where there is little awareness about health risks associated with poor …

Cover Cropping In Soybean-Corn Rotation System: Economic, Agronomic, And Soil Fertility Impact, Jose Rodolfo Mite

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Planting winter-annual cover crops prevent soil erosion, reduces water runoff, and improves soil structure and soil quality. This research was conducted from 2017 to 2019 to evaluate the nutrient turnover of different species of cover crops in soils under different row crop production systems in Northeast and Central Louisiana. In Northeast Louisiana (Site 1, 2, and 3), treatments (cover crops and no cover crop) were arranged in a strip trial with three replications. At the Ben Hur Research Station, the treatments included three planting dates (September, October, and November) with [7 kg ha^-1 of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)] …

Corn Cropping Systems To Improve Economic And Environmental Health, Heather Darby, Lindsey Ruhl, Rory Malone, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In 2020, UVM Extension’s Northwest Crops & Soils Program continued a multi-year trial at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT to assess the impact of corn cropping systems on overall health and productivity of the crop and soil. Management choices involving crop rotation, tillage, nutrient management, and cover crops also make differences in the long term. Yields are important and they affect the bottom line immediately and obviously. Growing corn with practices that enhance soil quality and crop yields improves farm resiliency to both economics and the environment. This project evaluated yield and soil health effects of five different corn …

Sare Interseeding Cover Crops In Corn Silage Cropping Systems, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, John Bruce, Lindsey Ruhl

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

With increasing focus on minimizing environmental impacts from agriculture, farmers are looking for strategies that are good for farm and environmental viability. Cover cropping is one strategy that has been promoted to help farms improve soil health and minimize soil and nutrient losses to the environment. However, with a short growing season it is often difficult to get an adequate cover cropping following corn silage harvest. Therefore, farmers are interested in using interseeding techniques to establish cover crops into an actively growing corn crop. Being successful with this practice will likely require changes to other aspects of the cropping system …

Vermont Organic Silage Corn Performance Trial, Heather Darby, Ivy Krezinski, Rory Malone, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

The University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program conducted an organic silage corn variety trial in 2020 to provide unbiased performance comparisons of commercially available varieties. To determine varieties that are best suited to this production system and our region’s climate, we evaluated 9 commercially available organic corn silage varieties. It is important to remember that the data presented are from a replicated research trial from only one location in Vermont and represent only one season. Crop performance data from additional tests in different locations and over several years should be compared before making varietal selections.

Integrating Cover Crops And Manure Into Corn Silage Cropping Systems, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, John Bruce, Ivy Krezinski, Rory Malone, Lindsey Ruhl

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

With increasing focus on managing environmental impacts from agriculture, farmers are looking for ways to manage nutrients efficiently on their farms without sacrificing crop productivity. Cover cropping and no-till crop production are strategies that have been promoted as methods that help retain nutrients on farms and minimize losses to the environment. However, integrating these practices into the cropping system requires changes to other aspects of the system. For instance, manure management becomes more difficult when using no-till production methods as the timing or method of application may need to be altered to fit appropriately into the new production system. Farmers …

Vermont Non-Gmo Corn Silage Performance Trial, Heather Darby, Ivy Luke, Rory Malone, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In 2020, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated yield and quality of six non-GMO corn silage varieties at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. To successfully transition to growing non-GMO corn, farmers are looking for more information on non-GMO varieties that are available and perform well in our region. While the information presented can begin to describe the yield and quality performance of these non-GMO corn silage varieties in this region, it is important to note that the data represent results from only one season and one location.

Closing The Nutrient Loop Through An Innovative Organic Fertilizer Technology Field Tested For Corn, Heather Darby

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Excess nutrients from agricultural, industrial, and wastewater runoff result in harmful algae blooms in rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous can fuel the rapid growth of algae, which deprives the aquatic environment of oxygen and sunlight. This process, eutrophication, results in anoxic “dead zones” and threatens ecosystems and access to clean water.

In agriculture, this nutrient pollution can be controlled by implementing and improving practices that reduce runoff, such as building good soil structure and not over-fertilizing nitrogen and phosphorus using slow release fertilizers.

Divergence Of Usda Trade Payments For Corn, Soybean, And Wheat Producers And ‘Nowcasts’ Of Tariff Impacts, Matthew Elliott, Lisa Elliott

Matthew Elliott

No abstract provided.

Vermont Organic Silage Corn Performance Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, John Bruce, Ivy Krezinski, Rory Malone

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

The University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program conducted an organic silage corn variety trial in 2019 to provide unbiased performance comparisons of commercially available varieties. With the expansion of the organic dairy industry in our region there is increased interest in organic corn silage production. To determine varieties that are best suited to this production system and our region’s climate, we evaluated 11 commercially available organic corn silage varieties. It is important to remember that the data presented are from a replicated research trial from only one location in Vermont and represent only one season. Crop performance …

Long Season Corn Silage Performance Trials Summary, Heather Darby

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Long season corn (96-110 day relative maturity) silage hybrids in Alburgh, VT

Planting Date: 05-13-19

Harvest Date: 10-02-19

Short Season Corn Silage Performance Trials Summary, Heather Darby

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Short season corn (85-95 day relative maturity) silage hybrids in Alburgh, VT

Planting Date: 05-22-19

Harvest Date: 09-25-19

Vermont Flint And Dent Corn Performance Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, John Bruce, Ivy Krezinski, Rory Malone

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In the northeast there is a strong demand from consumers to have access to a wide range of locally produced food products. This demand creates opportunities for specialty value-added markets and crops to emerge. One market that has been gaining popularity and expanding recently in the northeast is the specialty corn market. Flint corn has very hard starch and can be ground and used in tortillas, tamales, corn meal, grits, and other products. Flint has a high proportion of hard starch in the kernel that produces a coarse meal. This is different than a soft-starch flour corn that, when ground, …

Vermont Non-Gmo Corn Silage Performance Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, John Bruce, Ivy Luke, Rory Malone

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In 2019, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated yield and quality of 10 non-GMO corn silage varieties at Borderview Research Farm, Alburgh, VT. A non-GMO milk market has prompted some dairy farmers to start growing corn silage that has not been genetically modified. Conventional farmers have countless corn silage varieties available supported by performance data and trait information. To successfully transition to growing non-GMO corn, farmers are looking for more information on non-GMO varieties that are available and perform well in our region. While the information presented can begin to describe the yield and quality …

New York And Vermont Corn Silage Hybrid Evaluation Program, Joseph Lawrence, Allison Kerwin, Thomas Overton, Heather Darby

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In 2019, the corn silage hybrid evaluation program received 75 entries from 14 seed brands. Hybrid evaluation at multiple environments helps in decision making and expands the reach of this type of data to more farmers. With this in mind Cornell, UVM, and seed companies collaborate to provide this robust evaluation. Hybrids were either entered into the 80-95 day relative maturity (RM) group (Early-Mid) and were tested at two locations in NY (n = 26; Hu-Lane Farm in Albion and the Willsboro Research Farm in Willsboro) and one location in VT (n = 26; Borderview Farm in Alburgh) …

Syngenta Silage Corn Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Rory Malone, Lindsey Ruhl, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

The University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program conducted a variety trial of silage corn from Syngenta AG (Greensboro, NC) to provide unbiased performance comparison of eight commercially available varieties, and to determine varieties best suited to this production system and local climate. It is important to remember that the data presented are from a replicated research trial from only one location in Vermont and represent only one season. Crop performance data from additional tests in different locations and over several years should be compared before making varietal selections.

Performance Of The Producer Accumulator In Corn And Soybean Commodity Markets, Chad Te Slaa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research quantifies risk reduction and performance of the producer accumulator contract in corn and soybean markets. To quantify performance, we use three alternative theoretical pricing models to estimate historical producer accumulator contract specifications in corn and soybean markets. We then compare the performance of the producer accumulator to eight alternative agricultural marketing strategy portfolios that are also used in new generation grain contracts. The performance measures we compare are: average bushel price that would be received by the producer, daily portfolio risk, and the Sharpe ratio. The period we examine performance was between 2008 and 2017. We investigate performance …

Nitrogen Application Decision-Making Under Climate Risk In The U.S. Corn Belt, Benjamin M. Gramig, Raymond Massey, Seong Do Yun

Department of Agricultural Economics Faculty Publications

Nitrogen fertilizer is one of the most important inputs to corn production and farmers manage their crop by deciding how much to apply, when to apply it and how to apply it to maximize their yields and resulting profit. There is risk inherent in crop fertility manage- ment because once nitrogen is applied to the soil it is no longer immobile and cropland is subject to loss of this costly input under different weather conditions. Days suitable for field work, a farm’s machinery set, and weather conditions determine when field prepara- tion and planting activities are completed each year. This …

From Milpas To The Market: A Study On The Use Of Metal Silos For Safer And Better Storage Of Guatemalan Maize, José Rodrigo Mendoza

Department of Food Science and Technology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This project aimed to implement the use of metal silos to improve quality and safety of maize consumed by inhabitants of the highlands of Guatemala. This manuscript includes a literature review of the maize production chain in Guatemala, a survey about agricultural practices used in the region of study, as well as a characterization of the analyzed maize regarding its mycoflora, nutritional composition, and insect infestation. To better understand the current situation regarding agricultural practices and maize consumption, a survey was carried out. Sample consisted of 280 families representing 14 rural communities distributed in the townships of Todos Santos and …

U.S. Drought Monitor, May 26, 2015, Brad Rippey

United States Agricultural Commodities in Drought Archive

Drought map of U.S. for May 26, 2015 (5/26/15) plus: U.S. crop areas experiencing drought (map), Approximate percentage of crop located in drought, by state (bar graph), Percent of crop area located in drought, past 52 weeks (line graph) for: Corn, Soybeans, Hay, Cattle, Winter wheat.

An Evaluation Of The Impact Of The Adoption Of The Onboard Module Building Cotton Harvest System On The Economic Competitiveness Of Cotton Production In Louisiana, Natalia Estefania Latorre

LSU Master's Theses

Planted acreage of cotton in Louisiana has decreased over the past several years due to higher cotton variable production costs, stagnant cotton market prices, and higher grain yields and market prices for corn and soybeans. The general objective was to determine the economic impact of the adoption and use of an onboard module building cotton harvest system on the ability of the cotton enterprise to compete for planted acreage in the mixed crop farming areas of Louisiana. Specific research objectives included the estimated of comparative ownership and operating costs for the module building harvest systems relative to existing basket/module builder …

Risk Return Of Farmer-Elevator Contracts For Soybeans And Corn In Arkansas, Marei Undine Houpert

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In Arkansas the contribution of Agriculture to the states GDP is comparatively high. To help farmer's return risk the grain industry developed several marketing tools to support farmers. Literature in this research field finds different results for different locations, commodities, marketing tools and marketing years. As Agriculture in Arkansas is important for its economy this study focuses on soybeans and corn produced in the fertile north-eastern area of Arkansas that uses Memphis Tennessee as a spot market palace. The examined marketing tools are pre-harvest futures hedges and forward contracts as well as post-harvest storage strategies and minimum price contracts. All …

Stochastic Trends In Crop Yield Density Estimation, David I. Maradiaga

LSU Master's Theses

The search for improved methods of estimating crop yield density functions has been a theme of recurrent research interest in agricultural economics. Crop yield density functions are the statistical instrument that generates probability estimates of yield risk, and risk is an important decision variable in production agriculture. Recent research in crop yield density estimation suggests that yield probability estimates can be sensitive to the way yield data are filtered, and if true, then the search for an “adequate filter” is warranted. Such a quest is pursued in this study. It is proposed that unit-root tests can be used to identify …

Corn And Soybean Profitability 2010, Gregory S. Halich

Agricultural Economics Presentations

No abstract provided.

An Analysis Of Government Policy Impacts In The Ethanol And Sugar Markets, Hassan Marzoughi_Ardakani

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

ABSTRACT This study determines the impact of U.S. government policies on U.S. ethanol market and its consequences for the U.S. corn, sugar, and HFCS markets. Using corn as the primary input in ethanol and HFCS production in the United States, along with the substitutability between sugar and HFCS, has linked the U.S. ethanol market to the U.S. HFCS, sugar, and corn markets. To address the problem, two sets of data, quarterly and annual data, were collected and a simultaneous econometric model was constructed. Estimated results show that the “2007 Energy Independence and Security Act” will increase the domestic corn price …

An Economic Analysis Of Pre-Harvesting Marketing Strategies And Financial Performance, Manuel Duarte Filipe

LSU Master's Theses

Risk is an important concern in the management of a farm business. The rising input prices along with the variability in the farm commodity prices may result in a risk environment. Government programs have generally provided income support to farmers. However, there has been considerable discussion regarding this support in recent years. The farm act of 2002 and farm bill of 1999 are good examples of such discussions. These uncertainties emphasize the need to improve information for farm's income risk management, and make some one ask if there is not out there any alternative way of managing income risk besides …