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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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.

Corn And Soybean Profitability 2010, Gregory S. Halich

Agricultural Economics Presentations

No abstract provided.

Price, Yield And Net Income Variability For Selected Field Crops And Counties In Nebraska, Boris E. Bravo-Ureta, Glenn A. Helmers

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

The primary objective of this study was to establish an empirical estimate of the riskiness of various crops in different regions of Nebraska. For this purpose the variate difference method was used to estimate random variability indexes of prices, yields, and net returns for six Nebraska crops (wheat, soybeans, alfalfa, oats, grain sorghum, corn). The period of analysis included 1957-1976 and one county in each of the eight crop reporting districts was analyzed. Where relevant, both dryland and irrigated alternatives were examined. Most business decision-makers accept more risk only under the conditions that the probability of higher returns accompany risky …

Evaluating Economic Efficiency By Relative Price Analysis (Feed, Livestock And Product Sectors), J. Y. Chen, J. B. Hassler

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

The specific objective of this research is to delineate efficient and inefficient economic performance areas and thereby locate the more significant problem aspects for research and program attention. Specific price analyses will be used to evaluate the price interrelationships for functional efficiency in the dimensions of space, form and time. Not only the efficient aspects of production and marketing will be indicated by the analyses but the inefficient aspects of economic performance will be stressed also. This research will provide some foundational information for making decisions, both public and private. Moreover, it will direct the attention of researchers or program …

The Influence Of Acreage And Yield Changes On Crop Production In Nebraska, Robert M. Finley

Historical Research Bulletins of the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station

The general purpose of the study is to assess the impact of acreage and yield changes on total production of important Nebraska crops. A secondary purpose is to examine two different methods of imputing the influence of changes of yield and acreage on production changes.

The Outlook For Waxy Sorghum In Nebraska, R. L. Cushing

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

This circular reports on the present situation regarding the use of waxy sorghum grain for the manufacture of special starches. In the spring of 1942, a publication from this Station (Experiment Station Circular 69) suggested the possibility of a market for the waxy grain of Nebraska-grown Leoti sorgo. Since then there have been many developments which may interest those who have grown or who may contemplate growing Leoti in Nebraska.

Annual Fodder And Silage Crops For Nebraska, W. E. Lyness, T. A. Kiesselbach

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

The present shortage in the seed supply of all standard varieties of annual forage crops has created a special demand for information concerning their relative productivity and the possible use of substitute crops. This circular reports the yields secured from such crops at the Experiment Station, in an effort to help farmers reach a decision as to which crops should be grown this year for roughage, and which ones especially should have their seed supply increased for use in future years. Feed value and production costs as well as yields should be taken into consideration by the grower.

Better Rations - More Eggs, F. E. Mussehl

Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station: Historical Circulars

Well-bred and well-fed hens are conceded to be economical producers of a very wholesome food product, eggs, but our hens are not miracle workers and they insist on the right kind of raw material for building the egg. Nebraska poultry growers fortunately have all the natural feeds - corn, wheat, oats, barley, and dairy and packing house by-products - readily available at lower cash prices than prevail in most other states, and so our special problem is that of combining them so that eggs may be produced at the lowest cost per dozen.