Cropping Questions and Answers in January
• Do you have any estimates on cost of production for winter wheat and spring wheat? MSU Extension Economists are currently working on some numbers. In the meantime, NDSU has a document called Projected 2016 Crop Budgets for North West North Dakota. Copies of the document are available at the Chouteau County Extension Office, or can be found online at: https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/farmmanagement/documents/northwest-2015-budget.
• Can I kill stored grain insect pests by running my fans in cold weather? David Weaver (MSU Entomologist) states that the most likely approach for success would be to try to keep the grain at around 20° F for a three month period. The grower needs to run the fans only when the temperature outside is at least 5° cooler than the temperature at the center of the grain bin. 14° for 2 months is a lot harder, 5° for 1 month is even more difficult and I don’t think you can really trust the -4° for 1 week (my suggestion would be at least -10° degrees for 2 weeks).
• What winter wheat varieties are the best yielders near Loma? The Northern Agricultural Research center site at Loma ranked the highest yielder as Northern (64.8 bushels/acre), followed by Yellowstone (59.9 bushels/acre) and SY Clearstone 2 CL (59.1 bushels/acre).
• What spring wheat varieties are the best yielders near Loma? The Northern Agricultural Research center site at Loma ranked the highest yielder as Vida (48.6 bushels/acre), followed by Corbin (42.9 bushels /acre) and O’Neal (42.9 bushels/acre).
• How do I determine seeding rate for peas and lentils? Peggy Lamb (MSU NARC researcher) stated that the seeding rate for peas and lentils is 435,600 seed/acre. Seed needs to be tested for germination, counted and weighed. Seed weight is multiplied by target seeds per acre and divided by 454 grams (1 pound= 454 grams). For example, 53.43 grams /200 seeds x 435,600 seed per acre / 454 grams = 256 #/acre.
Montana State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Montana Counties Cooperating. MSU Extension is an equal opportunity/affirmative action provider of educational outreach.
