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Full-Text Articles in Agriculture
Short Season Corn Silage Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Short Season Corn Silage Variety 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 Team evaluated yield and quality of short season corn silage varieties at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. While short season corn is an obvious choice in areas that accumulate fewer Growing Degree Days (GDDs), it also has a place in longer season areas. Past UVM Extension variety trials have shown that many shorter season corn varieties can have comparable yield and quality to longer season corn. Growing a shorter season variety can also provide other benefits such as an earlier harvest allowing for more time in the fall …
Organic Spring Wheat Seeding Rate Trial Report, Heather Darby, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Organic Spring Wheat Seeding Rate Trial Report, Heather Darby, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Throughout Vermont and the Northeast, the demand for local organically grown wheat continues to rise. Due to this demand, there has been a renewed interest by producers to add wheat into their crop rotations. Several producers have asked questions about the best agronomic practices for cultivating organic spring wheat. As a result, University of Vermont Extension has been developing best agronomic practices for wheat production in the Northeast. Seeding rates can influence weed populations as well as overall yield and quality. The purpose of this trial was to determine optimum seeding rates for organic spring wheat in Vermont.
Brown Mid-Rib Corn Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood, Erica Cummings, Rosalie Madden, Susan Monahan
Brown Mid-Rib Corn Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood, Erica Cummings, Rosalie Madden, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Brown mid-rib (BMR) corn has a lower lignin content than other silage corn varieties. The lower lignin content increases the fiber digestibility (NDF digestibility) of the corn silage. Increases in NDF digestibility lead to increased in dry matter intake, milk production, milk protein content, and better body condition. Several studies have reported that for every one percentage point increase in NDF digestibility fed to dairy cattle there will be a 0.50 lb per day increase in milk production. Feeding BMR corn silage is a means to increase NDF digestibility and milk production. Since 2010, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest …
Summer Annual Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Summer Annual Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Warm season grasses, such as sorghums, sudangrass, crosses, and millets are high-yielding summer annuals that can provide quality forage in the hot summer months, when cool season grasses are not as productive. The addition of summer annuals into a rotation can provide a harvest of high-quality forage for stored feed or grazing. Generally, summer annuals germinate quickly, grow rapidly, are drought resistant, and have high productivity and flexibility in utilization. However, it is important to know the challenges of growing summer annuals, including the high cost of annual establishment, increased risk of stand failure due to variable weather, and the …
Heirloom Winter Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Heirloom Winter Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Many consumers are interested in heirloom wheat for flavor, perceived health benefits or its history, while many farmers are interested in heirloom wheat because it may have superior genetics better adapted to the challenging growing conditions in the Northeast. Production of heirloom wheat may also provide a farmer with a value added market with increased returns. This variety trial was established to determine heirloom winter wheat varieties that are suitable for production in Vermont’s growing conditions. This was the second year that this trial was conducted in Vermont.
Organic Spring Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Organic Spring Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In April of 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 spring wheat in order to determine which varieties thrive in our northern climate. The trials were established at the Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, Vermont and at Cornell University’s Willsboro Research Farm in Willsboro, New York. Several varieties that did not perform well in previous trial years were eliminated from the 2013 variety trials. This trial is one of several in a USDA Organic Research Education Initiative grant focused on the production …
Forage Brassica Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Laura Madden, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Forage Brassica Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Laura Madden, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Forage brassica can provide a near-concentrate type diet late in the grazing season. This allows for an extra grazing opportunity after annual row crops are harvested, and establishes forage to fill a gap in feed quality and supply. These crops can provide a high-quality feed in a short period of time, fitting well into rotations of other crops, extending the grazing season, and reducing reliance on expensive commercial feed inputs. In 2013, the University of Vermont’s Northwest Crops & Soils Program conducted a forage brassica variety trial to evaluate yield and quality of this annual crop.
Brown Mid-Rib Corn Population Trial, Heather Darby, Laura Madden, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Brown Mid-Rib Corn Population Trial, Heather Darby, Laura Madden, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Brown mid-rib (BMR) corn hybrids are of interest to many growers in the Northeast who would like to maximize milk production on homegrown forage. BMR corn has a naturally-occurring genetic mutation that leads to less lignin in the stalk and makes corn silage more digestible. Corn yields can be highly dependent on population, and it is generally recommended to plant BMR corn at lower populations than conventional silage corn. BMR corn has always been considered to be more prone to lodging due to its lower lignin content, and lower populations allow for less stress on each individual plant. However, optimal …
Danish Barley Variety Trial, Heather Darby
Danish Barley Variety Trial, Heather Darby
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 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 feed source for livestock. Barley is a high energy and protein source, similar to corn and wheat. The Northwest Crops and Soils Team have been growing out spring barley varieties that were originally obtained from a colleague in Denmark. Over the last three years, the …
Impact Of High Glucosinolate Mustard Biomass And Meal On Black Bean Yield, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan
Impact Of High Glucosinolate Mustard Biomass And Meal On Black Bean Yield, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Brassicae crops (mustard family) contain chemicals called glucosinolates. These compounds are present in the leaves, stem, roots, and seed of the plants. When the plant biomass is incorporated into the soil these glucosinolates are broken down into a number of secondary compounds. The primary compound is isothiocyanate which can be biocidal to germinating seeds, insects, nematodes, and other microbes (fungi, bacteria, etc). In recent years, plant breeders have worked to develop high glucosinolate varieties of mustard to be used as biofumigants in crop production. These high glucosinolate mustards (HGM) are being used as cover crops and the entire plant biomass …
Brown Mid-Rib Corn Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Laura Madden, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Brown Mid-Rib Corn Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Laura Madden, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Brown mid-rib (BMR) corn has a lower lignin content than other silage corn varieties, which makes it more digestible to dairy cows, potentially increasing milk production. Growers interested in BMR corn look for high-yielding varieties with favorable chemical composition and quality. Since 2010, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops & Soils program has conducted research trials to evaluate BMR corn silage varieties. In 2013, the trial included 10 varieties from three different seed companies. While the information presented can begin to describe the yield and quality performance of these BMR corn varieties in this region, it is important to …
Corn Interseeding Trial, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan
Corn Interseeding Trial, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Growing a cover crop can enhance nutrient cycling and soil health while reducing soil erosion. However, getting cover crops established in corn silage systems has historically been problematic for Northeast growers due to the length of the growing season. Commonly, corn silage is harvested mid-September through mid-October. This leaves little time to get a cover crop planted and adequately established before going into the winter. This late planting also limits the number of species of cover crops that can be grown. Interseeding cover crops into the corn crop just prior to canopy would allow for earlier establishment and potentially a …
Long Season Corn Silage Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan
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, Heather Darby, Jeff Sanders, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
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, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
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, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler Ziegler, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
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, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
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, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
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, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
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, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
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, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
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, Heather Darby, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
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, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
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, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
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, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
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, Heather Darby, Susan Monahan, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood
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, Heather Darby, Laura Madden, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
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, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Conner Burke, Hannah Harwood, Susan Monahan
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, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan
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, Heather Darby, Hannah Harwood Harwood, Conner Burke, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan
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.