Long Season Corn Silage Variety Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
Long Season Corn Silage Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2013, the University of Vermont Northwest Extension Crops and Soils Team evaluated yield and quality of long season corn silage varieties at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. Long season corn can be difficult to grow in Vermont, due to the climate’s restricted Growing Degree Days (GDDs). In addition, wet springs are becoming more common, delaying corn planting later into the season. However, on many farms, long season corn can produce higher yields and quality than many short-season varieties. The test site was at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT, which has what is considered one of the longest …
Minimum Tillage Corn Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
Minimum Tillage Corn Trial, Heather Darby, Jeff Sanders, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Minimum tillage practices have tremendous potential to reduce expenses and potential negative environmental effects caused by intensive cropping operations. Conventional tillage practices require heavy machinery to work and groom the soil surface in preparation for the planter. The immediate advantage of reduced tillage for the farm operator is less fuel expense, equipment, time, and labor required. It’s also clear that intensive tillage potentially increases nutrient and soil losses to our surface waterways. By turning the soil and burying surface residue, more soil particles are likely to detach from the soil surface and run off from agricultural fields. Reducing the amount …
Vermont Organic Silage Corn Performance Trial Results,
2013
University of Vermont
Vermont Organic Silage Corn Performance Trial Results, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2013, the University of Vermont Extension conducted an organic silage corn variety trial. The purpose of the study was to provide unbiased performance comparisons of commercially available organic silage corn varieties. It is important to remember, however, that the data presented are from a replicated research trial from only one location in Vermont and represent only one season. The 2013 growing season was a challenging season for corn production and hence the results were less than favorable. However varieties that were able to thrive in these adverse conditions would likely be varieties that could produce well in a variety …
Spring Barley Variety Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
Spring Barley Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler Ziegler, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
With the revival of the small grains industry in the Northeast and the strength of the localvore movement, craft breweries and distilleries have expressed an interest in sourcing local barley for malting. Malting barley must meet specific quality characteristics such as low protein content and high germination. Many farmers are also interested in barley as a concentrated, high-energy feed source for livestock. Depending on the variety, barley can be planted in either the spring or fall, and both two- and six-row barley can be used for malting. In 2012-2013, UVM Extension conducted a spring barley trial to evaluate the yield …
The Effects Of Topdressing Nitrogen On Hard Red Winter Wheat,
2013
University of Vermont
The Effects Of Topdressing Nitrogen On Hard Red Winter Wheat, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
The demand for local organic food is steadily increasing throughout Vermont and New England. Consumers are asking for bread baked with locally grown wheat; however, bakers have been slow to incorporate local wheat flour because of the challenges associated with obtaining grains that consistently meet bread-baking standards. Addressing the quality issue is essential for expanding the bread flour market in the northeast. One of the major quality factors facing Vermont grain producers is protein content. Much of the winter wheat currently produced in Vermont has protein levels below what most commercial mills would consider suitable for flour production. Commercial mills …
Winter Barley Variety Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
Winter Barley Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
With the revival of the small grains industry in the Northeast and the strength of the localvore movement, craft breweries and distilleries have expressed an interest in sourcing local barley for malting. Malting barley must meet specific quality characteristics such as low protein content and high germination. Many farmers are also interested in barley as a concentrated, high-energy feed source for livestock. Depending on the variety, barley can be planted in either the spring or fall, and both two- and six-row barley can be used for malting. In 2012-2013, UVM Extension conducted a winter barley trial to evaluate the yield …
Flax Planting Date Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
Flax Planting Date Trial, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Early seeding of flax generally produces the best yields and quality. Moderate temperatures and sufficient soil moisture during flowering and seed development are important for high yield and quality, and these conditions are more likely to occur with early seeding. There is little risk of frost damage with flax. Newly emerged flax can withstand temperatures down to 27O F, while plants past the two leaf stage can withstand temperatures as low as 18O F. Early planted flax will also establish before the majority of summer weed species. This could potentially help reduce weed competition. This trial was initiated to determine …
Flax Variety Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
Flax Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multi-purpose crop grown for its fiber, oil (linseed oil), and meal. The importance of flax as a major crop in the United States dropped drastically in the 1980’s when latex paints replaced linseed oil based paint. Recently there has been renewed interest in flax, both for human consumption and for animal feed, for its high levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This variety trial was established to determine what flax varieties can grow and thrive in Vermont’s climatic conditions.
Flax Weed Control Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
Flax Weed Control Trial, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Flax is a spring annual that is usually planted as early as the ground can be worked. One of the main challenges to successfully growing flax is weed control. Flax plants compete poorly with fast growing weeds due to its relatively short height (between 12 and 36 inches when mature) and tiny leaves. This trial was initiated to see if management, including different row spacing and cultivation, would affect weed densities in flax.
Oat Variety Trial Report,
2013
University of Vermont
Oat Variety Trial Report, Heather Darby, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Oats (Avena sativa L.) have a long history of production in the Northeast. Although most oats are planted for a cover crop or hay, grain oats are a potential revenue source for farmers. According to the 2007 census, about 200 acres of land in Vermont is cultivated for oat grain production, with an average yield of 1747 lbs per acre. With the exception of hull-less varieties, oats need to be de-hulled before being used for human consumption and further processing is required to make oatmeal, steel cut oats or oat flour. Since 2009, the University of Vermont Extension has conducted …
Heirloom Spring Wheat Variety Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
Heirloom Spring Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
University of Vermont Extension began its heirloom spring wheat project in 2007 to determine whether heirloom varieties developed before 1950 could thrive in Vermont’s climate. Many consumers are interested in heirloom wheat as they feel it has better flavor, while many farmers are also interested in heirloom wheat varieties as they may have superior genetics that are better adapted to the challenging growing conditions in the Northeast. This variety trial was established to determine which heirloom spring wheat varieties are viable in Vermont’s growing conditions. Three Vermont heirloom varieties have been re-introduced through this project. Defiance, Champlain and Surprise were …
Small Grain Forage Trial: Species X Harvest Date,
2013
University of Vermont
Small Grain Forage Trial: Species X Harvest Date, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Spring cereal grains such as oats, barley, triticale and wheat have the potential to provide high yield and quality feed for livestock. These cool season annuals can provide early season grazing, as well as high quality stored feed. Spring grains are generally planted in mid to late April and can be harvested at various stages of development. The objective of this project was to evaluate yield and quality of various spring grain species harvested in the vegetative, boot, milk, or soft dough stage. The overall goal of this project is to help organic dairy producers reduce their reliance on expensive …
Small Grain Forage Trial: Nitrogen Fertility X Harvest Date,
2013
University of Vermont
Small Grain Forage Trial: Nitrogen Fertility X Harvest Date, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Cool season annual forages, such as cereal grains, can provide early season grazing as well as high quality stored feed. However, it is unclear if quality and yield of these forages could be improved through better nitrogen (N) management. Improved quality of homegrown forages can help to reduce expensive grain purchases. The goal of this project was to determine yield and quality of an annual cool season forage harvested at various stages of maturity and under different organic N fertility regimes. The data presented here is from one replicated research trial in Vermont. Crop performance data from additional tests in …
Vermont On-Farm Spring Wheat Breeding Trials,
2013
University of Vermont
Vermont On-Farm Spring Wheat Breeding Trials, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
On-farm wheat breeding began in Vermont, in cooperation with UVM Extension, in 2007 with a USDA SARE grant to build farmer knowledge in plant breeding. The goal of this on-farm breeding trial is to develop spring wheat varieties that are suited for organic management in Vermont soils and climactic conditions. Most commercially available varieties are developed in regions with climates, soils and management techniques that are very different from our own. In addition, those varieties are genetically homogenous and inbred for uniformity. This has often led to rapid breakdown of genetic resistance to local diseases. To address this situation, farmers …
Organic Spring Wheat Planting Date Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
Organic Spring Wheat Planting Date Trial, Heather Darby, Laura Madden, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
The local food movement has revived otherwise historical crops in Vermont including small-scale grains. As the demand for local organic wheat has risen over the last few years, University of Vermont Extension has been developing best agronomic practices for wheat production. In an organic system, weed management can be one of the biggest challenges. One strategy to manage weeds is to modify planting dates. Early planting dates can establish a crop prior to weed flushes, while a late-planted crop can avoid some weed species. Planting date can also have an overall impact on both grain yield and quality. Certain wheat …
Organic Winter Wheat Planting Date Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
Organic Winter Wheat Planting Date Trial, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2013, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program conducted a winter wheat planting date trial. As the demand for local organic wheat has risen over the last few years, UVM Extension has been trying to determine the best agronomic practices for wheat production in the problematic Northeastern climate. Traditionally, producers have planted winter wheat after the Hessian fly free date, 15-Sep. Producers are interested in knowing how late they can plant their wheat in order to plan rotations and maximize yield.
High Glucosinolate Mustard And Potato Trial,
2013
University of Vermont
High Glucosinolate Mustard And Potato Trial, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
High glucosinolate mustard (HGM) can be planted as a cover crop to suppress weeds and disease. Studies have shown a reduction in soil-borne diseases, as well as advantages in mitigating weed pressure, after planting HGM cover crops. Mustards, and many other cruciferous plants, contain glucosinolates, which are allelopathic, meaning they produce biochemicals that affect the growth and survival of other organisms. High glucosinolate mustard varieties have high levels of glucosinolates and have been shown to suppress the growth of weed seedlings, as well as helping to reduce soil-borne disease. The glucosinolates in HGM plants hydrolyze into molecules called volatile isothiocyanates, …
Oilseed Meal As A Fertility Amendment In Sweet Corn,
2013
University of Vermont
Oilseed Meal As A Fertility Amendment In Sweet Corn, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood Harwood, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Many Northeast growers are integrating oilseed crops such as canola, soybeans, and sunflower into their operation, in hopes of on-farm fuel production, value-added products, and/or livestock feed. Many producers are using small-scale presses to mechanically separate oil from the seed. Oilseed meal, the high-protein byproduct left after the extrusion of oil, can be milled and used as a soil amendment to increase fertility and organic matter. This material has the potential to replace high-cost imported fertilizers, especially for organic growers.
Organic Winter Wheat Variety Trial Report,
2013
University of Vermont
Organic Winter Wheat Variety Trial Report, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2013, the University of Vermont Extension, in collaboration with the University of Maine, began the fourth year of extensive organic variety trials evaluating hard red winter wheat in order to determine which varieties thrive in the Northeast. The trials were established at the Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, Vermont and at Cornell University’s Willsboro Research Farm in Willsboro, New York. This trial is one of several in a USDA Organic Research Education Initiative grant focused on the production of high quality organic bread wheat in New England.
National Sunflower Survey,
2013
University of Vermont
National Sunflower Survey, Hannah Harwood, Heather Darby
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2013, UVM Extension participated in the National Sunflower Survey for the fourth consecutive year. The goal of survey is to monitor regional sunflower production as well as to contribute to the national database. The survey is organized by the National Sunflower Association, which seeks to gain an understanding of yields, agronomic practices, and production constraints across a broad range of environments. Adding the region’s data to this archive helps quantify our regional systems as well as putting New England’s expanding oilseed production on the map.
