Soybean Storage and Drying Tips

With the high price of soybeans and good yields this past fall there are a lot of stored beans in NJ that will need attension during the winter and spring to maintain good quality. The following is information on a webinar by one of the nation's top drying and storage experts who also will be a presenter at the February 13 statewide soybean producers meeting. Viewing this webinar in advance of the meeting will give you an opportunity to get important questions answered.
Zane R. Helsel

Statewide Soybean Producers Meeting February 13

The NJ Soybean Board (check-off program) is again sponsoring a Statewide Soybean Producers meeting at the Rutgers Ecocomplex from 9-3pm on February 13. Topics will include marketing, drying and storage, pest control updates (pesticide credits are being applied for) and other important topics. You can register free by calling 609--585-6871 which will also entitle you to a free breakfast and lunch.
Zane R. Helsel

Winter Water needs for Livestock

- Mike Westendorf

With winter now upon us along with the erratic weather patterns which have affected New Jersey and parts of the rest of the country, it is wise to act now to guarantee winter water supplies. In January and February, when weather gets the coldest, water availability for domestic livestock animals can become a concern.

Water is the most abundant, cheapest, and least understood of all nutrients required for livestock production. We become concerned with water only when it is in short supply or contamination is suspected. If subfreezing temperatures turn water into a frozen nutrient, it will mean trouble for domestic livestock. Livestock will suffer more quickly from the lack of water than any other nutrient. The stresses on an animal caused by cold, wet winter weather require an animal's digestive system and metabolic processes to function at peak efficiency to convert feedstuffs to energy so they can remain warm, healthy, and productive.

Winter Manure Management

With approaching winter, there are several things to remember related to manure management.

1. Make sure that you have enough winter manure storage.  It is probably not too late to spread manure, but soon we will have frozen ground and you will not be able to spread.
2. If spreading at this late date, avoid spreading in any sensitive areas such as near water or wetlands, or on sloping or highly erodible soil.   It may be too late to incorporate by disking, chisel plowing etc.   Manure remaining on the soil over the winter will be a runoff risk during storms.

Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School

Date: November 13‐15, 2012
Location: Princess Royale Hotel and Conference Center, Ocean City, MD

The Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School offers a 2 ½‐day format with a variety of breakout sessions. Individuals needing training in soil and water, nutrient, crop, and pest management can create their own schedule by choosing from 5 session options. Emphasis is placed on new and advanced information with group discussion and interaction encouraged.

This school is designed for anyone interested in crop management issues, including: agronomists; crop consultants; extension educators; farmers and farm managers; pesticide dealers, distributors, and applicators; seed and agrichemical company representatives; soil conservationists; and state department of agriculture personnel.
- Jack Rabin