Broadcaster Press 7 July 16, 2019 www.broadcasteronline.com Cover Crops 2019 - What to Plant When BROOKINGS, S.D. - As many Midwest producers look to cover crops to build soil health and/or provide supplemental forage after a soggy spring, many questions are arising regarding management decisions, specifically species selection and planting timing. There is no ‘hard and fast’ blanketed mix that can be recommended to all producers, as each grower is in a unique circumstance with different production environments, soil types and management techniques. Rather than seeking the ‘go-to’ mix of your neighbor’s choosing, ask yourself a few fundamental questions before planting a cover crop. Below are some of the critical questions producers should consider before planting cover crops on prevent plant acres this season. Herbicide history. Consider your crop rotation as well as haying/chopping and grazing restrictions of herbicides previously applied; this includes herbicides applied before planting cover crops this season, as well as those applied in the previous season. This is a key component to having a successful cover crop. For more considerations regarding herbicide carryover click here. Insurance and Farm Service Agency (FSA) Guidelines. Be sure to check with your insurance agent and FSA representative on all details regarding the seeding of your cover crop. The prevent plant harvest date for mechanical forage harvest and/or grazing has been changed to September 1 for 2019. Frequently asked questions and answers regarding insurance can be found on the Risk Management Agency (RMA) website. Purpose. Always begin with the end in mind. Soil health, weed suppression, nutrient capture, soil moisture management, additional harvested forage and grazing may all be common reasons to plant a cover crop. Try focusing on your own objectives when creating a planting plan. The SD Cover Crop Poster lists most common South Dakota cover crops and their purpose ratings, seeding rates and seeding depths. Seed availability and price. As cover crop seed is in high demand this year, the seed of some popular forage cover crop species could be in scarce supply and may have risen in price, which are important factors to consider before choosing a mix. Although most producers want to keep costs low, it should be kept in mind that forage crops and/or improved soil health does come at a price and some investment will be necessary. Crop rotation. Keep your previous crop and intended crop for 2020 in mind; it is generally recommended to plant cover crops of diverse growth habit to the subsequent cash crops, i.e., primarily broadleaves prior to grass cash crops and vice versa. Termination. In most cases, many cover crops will winter kill. However, some species may over-winter such as cereal rye, winter wheat, triticale, etc. Additionally, some seed, such as some ryegrass and vetch, can stay dormant for a prolonged period (hard seed). This does not eliminate these crops as an option; it simply requires prompt Buying or Selling Oats for a Cover Crop? BROOKINGS, S.D. - As a challenging row crop planting season finally wraps up for 2019 in South Dakota, many producers are looking to plant cover crops on unplanted acres to provide forage, control weeds, reduce erosion and improve soil health. One popular cool-season grass cover crop is oats. Most oats in South Dakota are grown as certified varieties and it is important to be aware of the legal ramifications behind purchasing oat seed for use as a cover crop. The South Dakota Crop Improvement Association (SDCIA) focuses on the “delivery of research through the release of public crop varieties;” this includes support of the South Dakota State University small grain breeding programs. Specifically, the SDSU Oat Breeding Program has released many successful commercially available varieties over the last several years including: Goliath, Hayden, Horsepower, Shelby 427 and Natty. In order to continue the development of locally adapted varieties of oats and other small grains for years to come, royalties must be associated with variety releases. Royalties provide funding for equipment, research and land usage/rental. When a variety is released from SDSU through the SDCIA, it is protected by ‘Plant Variety Protection with Title V’ (PVP). This requires that the variety be sold as seed by the official variety name as a class of certified seed. Put simply, this means it is not legally permissible for private farmers or elevators/ coops to sell protected varieties as grain for seeding purposes (including cover crops) unless said variety was grown or purchased as a protected, named variety. Therefore, farmers cannot sell ‘bin-run’ (SDSU bred) oats to one another legally, as this is technically grain, not a protected, named seed variety. However, it is legally permissible for a grower to plant their own bin-run grain as seed as long as it was grown on their farm. In addition to following PVP regulations, purchasing quality seed is an important part of protecting South Dakota growers from the introduction of new weed and pest issues. When purchasing any seed, it is important to check seed tags for weed seed levels; this is especially true when working with cover crops. Growers should always check to be sure seed has been cleaned and tested for weed seed, disease, and inert matter. Palmer amaranth is an example of a weed that was inadvertently introduced into South Dakota by producers purchasing and growing lowquality seed. As of late, variety infringement has been more readily enforced in South Dakota in an effort to protect both seed integrity and funding for SDSU breeding programs. Recently a ‘Plant Variety Protection’ case was settled in Iowa for $2.975 million; this lawsuit involved SDSU oat varieties that were being illegally sold as part of a cover crop mixture. This information is being provided as a protection tool for South Dakota growers and businesses, as many may be unaware of regulations surrounding the buying and selling of oats in South Dakota. South Dakota grown seed is a great asset to our agricultural sector and royalties from the sale of protected varieties are a vital part of keeping our breeding programs alive. Please feel free to contact the SDCIA office at 605.688.4606 with any PVP-related questions. spring attention and management, as these crops may be of great value to utilize excess moisture in a potentially wet spring. Weed Control. Often times, if a diverse cover crop mix is planted, it is nearly impossible to chemically control weeds during the growth of the cover crop. If a mix is well-planned and grown under ideal growing conditions, weed control typically is not an issue. However, if a particular weed is of concern, this should be considered before selecting cover crops. Winter rye is known for its inherent allelopathic characteristics, i.e. its ability to suppress weeds by the production of a biological chemical substrate that is harmful to other surrounding species. However, other grasses such as sprawling or more ground covering broadleaf crops (such as vetches, or radish and turnip) can aid in weed suppression by keeping soils covered. Soil Fertility. If a producer intends to use a cover crop as forage, nitrogen application may be required. Consider previous crop credits and current soil test levels if legumes were planted. In many situations, low nitrogen application rates (30-60lbs/a) will provide considerable growth for cover crops. It is important to apply the appropriate rate of nitrogen when planting for forage purposes to avoid nitrate buildup in the plant, which may cause toxicity to animals. Check the South Dakota Fertilizer Recommendations Guide for suggested soil fertility guidelines for major South Dakota crops. Planting time. As most cover crops are grown in blends, it is difficult to establish an exact seeding date based on individual crop species. However, there are suggested planting timing windows for crop types based on the proportion of different cover crops species in the blend. Cool season cover crops such as small grains, peas, clovers, vetch and brassicas should be planted during or near the third week of July, as average daily temperatures tend to decrease due to lower night temperatures, which creates a better growing environment for cool season species. On the other hand, warm season species (forage sorghums, sorghum-sudangrass, buckwheat, sunflower, and teff grass, etc.) can be planted prior to the third week of July, but ideally no later than the first week of August. Typically, these crops are planted in June, but delayed and prevented planting of row crops may have predetermined an early July planting. When planted within these suggested guidelines, cover crops should have ample growth to be harvested for forage after September 1. Due to growth habit, some species in the mix may mature faster than others, which should not inhibit forage harvest. Although there are many factors to take into consideration, cover crops can be an excellent tool to mitigate the challenging planting season. Cover crops not only reduce fallow acres, but also enhance soil health and provide supplemental forage. For more information, contact your nearest SDSU Extension Regional Center or local NRCS office for cover crop recommendations and other assistance. SDSU Extension to Host Conservation Drainage Workshop at Southeast Research Farm BROOKINGS, S.D. - SDSU Extension will be hosting a drainage workshop Wednesday, July 17 and Thursday, July 18 starting at 9:00 a.m. CDT at South Dakota State University’s Southeast Research Farm. The comprehensive workshop will feature speakers from South Dakota State University, the University of Minnesota, North Dakota State University, Iowa Soybean Association, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, ISG, Rinke Noonan, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Topics will include saturated buffers, controlled drainage, drainage water recycling, cover crops for reducing nutrient loss, legal questions related to tiling, the South Dakota Wetland Mitigation Bank and subsurface irrigation with drainage. Additionally, there will be a contractor and producer panel sharing experiences of implementation, wetland delineation and funding sources for conservation drainage practices. Registration cost is $90 and includes workshop materials as well as lunch and refreshments for both Wednesday and Thursday. Seats are limited – to secure a spot, attendees should register online as soon as possible. For more information, please contact John McMaine by email or call 605.688.5610. South Dakota State University’s Southeast Research Farm is located at 29974 University Road, Beresford, SD 57004. ESTATE AUCTION Stories you missed this week because you’re not a Plain Talk subscriber A report about the recommendations of the Clay County Courthouse, Jail & Law Enforcement Facility Planning Committee concerning possible solutions to problems that have arisen within the aging Clay County Courthouse and the newer Public Safety Center which is attached to the courthouse. A story featuring Lauren Vaske, the Guatemala-based director of Sharing the Dream in Guatemala, who visited South Dakota recently, including a stop at the Sharing the Dream store in downtown Vermillion. Coverage of the Lawrence Brothers Science Camp, held in the Andrew E. Lee Medical Building on the University of South Dakota campus. The theme of this year’s camp, held July 7 through July 12 for students entering seventh, eighth and ninth grade this fall, was “Crime Scene Investigation.” A report of some of the details of the Vermillion School District’s 2019-2020 budget. The Vermillion School Board approved a resolution at its Monday, July 8 meeting calling for the adoption of the annual budget. News concerning the Vermillion School Board’s plans to build an addition onto Vermillion High School that will house administration offices and an alternative school classroom. The board received a rough estimate of the new construction’s cost. It will likely be a little over $2 million. And if you want to see: Photo coverage of the Vermillion Community Theatre production of “Mama Mia!” This musical, featuring several hit tunes of Abba, was staged July 12-15 in the Thomas H. Craig Center for Performing Arts at Vermillion High School. A story about “The Giving Garden” located near the Vermillion Middle School and how the garden’s produce is making a difference in the Vermillion community. Coverage of the July 15 meeting of the Vermillion City Council. Pick up this Friday’s Plain Talk! Local news since 1884! Here for you yesterday, today and tomorrow. Saturday, July 20, 2019 Sacred Heart Parish Hall — Wynot, NE AUCTION Starts @ 9:30 AM Lunch Available AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Join us for this nice Estate Auction in Wynot, Nebraska on Saturday, July 20th. Visit our Website www. CHJAUCTIONEERS.COM for several photos for this Auction. APPLIANCES: Maytag Smooth Top Range, Stainless. Maytag Microwave, Black. Whirlpool Built In dishwasher, Black. GE Refrigerator, 22.5 cu ft. 13’ Gibson Freezer. International Harvester Refrigerator. Whirlpool Washer. Philips TV. Coby Flat Screen TV. Whirlpool Apartment Refrigerator. Kirby Vacuum Cleaner. Fantom Vacuum Cleaner. Westinghouse Electric Roaster. Hotpoint Dorm Refrigerator. Bose Radio. Eden Pure Room Heater. Panasonic TV. Power Rider Exerciser. Schwinn Exercise Bike. FURNITURE: Lighted Curio Cabinet. Dining Room Table w/4 chairs & 4 leaves. Dresser with Mirror (2). Dresser with Mirror and Stool. Queen Bed w/Mattress & Box Spring. Chest of Drawers. 2 Piece Bedroom Set. Drop Leaf Table. Sofa Table. End Tables. Blue Loveseat. 5-Drawer Chest of Drawers. Several Parlor Tables. Queen Bed. 2-Beige Charles Snyder Recliners. Day Bed. Dining Room Table w/6 chairs & 2 leaves. Office Chair. Round Pine Table w/4 stuffed Chairs. Hall Tree (nice). 5 Bar Stools. Burgundy Recliner. Floral Sofa. Teal Recliner. 4 Kitchen Chairs on Rollers. Bed Spring & Mattress. Double Chair Patio Rocker. MISCELLAENOUS: Card Tables & Chairs-round & square. Steel Wardrobe. Luggage. Plant Stand. Clocks and Wall hangings. JD 3010 Toy Tractor. Floor Lamps. Dresser Lamps. Fan. Bookshelf. Sears Electric Typewriter. Leather Purses. Floor Polisher/Sander/Buffer. Pictures. Mirrors. Shelving Units. Night Stand. Centry Safe. Crucifixes. Western Boots Size 10. Tablecloths and Linens. Bedding. Cassette Tapes. Metal Filing Cabinets. Pressure Cookers-new. Brooms. Garden Hose. Lawn Chairs. Lawn Sprinklers & Ornaments. Fishing Poles. Formica CounterTop 63x36. Christmas Decorations. Pots & Pans. Tupperware & Glassware. MOWERS & GARDEN EQUIPMENT: 2016 JD Tractor Mower, D130, 22 HP, 64 hours, 38” w/bagger. Parmi Tiller, 2 HP, Briggs & Stratton Engine. Char Broil Gas Grill. Craftsman Air Compressor. 2 Wooden Step Ladders. Aluminum Extension Ladder. Fiberglass Step Ladder. Plastic Folding Picnic Table. Floor Jacks. Craftsman Socket Set. Craftsman ½” Drill. Hornet Electric Chain Saw. Weed Eater. Oil Pans. Coolers. Air Tank. Gas Cans. Saw Horses. 2-Wheel Cart. Skill Table Saw. Craftsman Tool Box. Black n Decker Miter Saw. Many Hand Tools. ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES: High-Boy Dresser w/Mirror – Serpentine Front. 2 Antique Dressers. Antique Saddle. Veterinary Books from late 1950’s. Centennial Dress and Umbrella. Stuffed Red Chair. 4 Wooden Chairs. Kerosene Lamp. Jewelry Boxes & Jewelry. Belt Buckles, Tokens, Tie Tacs. Teamster Wrist Watch. Singer Sewing Machine. Office Desk. Philco Radio/Record Player. 8 Track Tapes. Wynot Centennial Crock Bowl. Crocheted Rugs. Butcher Block Table. Enamel Coffee Pot. Canners. One Gal. Salt Glazed Crock. 2 Gal. Red Wing Crock. Apple Baskets. Galvanized Milk Buckets. Tapestry. Fruit Jars. Antique Step Stool. Many Western Pictures and Memorabilia. Bachmann EZ Electric Plastic Train Set. Panasonic Radio Entertainment Center. Truck Wall Hanging. Poker Table. Storz Aluminum Cooler. Meat Hooks. Diamond Willow Walking Stick. 3-Burner Cast Iron Skillet. 2 Ornate Windows. Tonka Steel Dune Buggy. Straw & Felt Western Hats, 7 1/8. Western Cowboy Bust. Records. MAURICE & DIANE WUEBBEN ESTATE 201 W. Cherry, Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-2695 SEE www.CHJAUCTIONEERS.COM FOR LISTING & PHOTOS Terms: Cash or Bankable Check. Not Responsible For Accidents or Theft. AUCTION CONDUCTED BY: CREAMER HEIMES JANSSEN AUCTIONEERS & APPRAISERS L.L.C. Hartington, NE — RYAN CREAMER 402.254.9753 ALTON HEIMES 402.254.3315 ROGER JANSSEN: 402.388.4409