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8/4/2019 CQ Perspectives Nov 2007
1/4C r o p Q u e s t P e r s p e c t i v e s
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF CROP QUEST AGRONOMIC SERVICES, INC
Volume 17 Issue 6 November 200
Continued on Page 2
AYea
rOfExt
reme
sFor
CropProductio
n
2007
Ina year
marked
by extremes
in the weather
patterns of the
geographic regions
served by Crop Questagronomists, there seemed
to be at least one constant:
commodity prices were good. In
many cases, however, the higher pric-
es producers locked in merely softened
the blow from damaging freezes, oods,
drought and a devastating tornado. It was the
most variable weather year I can remember, says
Jason Reichart who works in Crop Quests northeast
Kansas and Missouri territory.
Prices were good, but farmers had higher expenses,
Reichart explains, pointing out that his clients had to
spend more on fungicides, for example, to protect their
crops from the diseases that built up with excess mois-
ture. They were spraying for wheat disease and the
yields just didnt pan out, he goes on to say; and
the margins suffered as a result. Crop Quests
John Heimerman, who also consults with farmers in
east central Kansas, agrees, saying the constant moisture
brought disease pressure to his clients farms, and the
farmers also lost a lot of wheat because of the late Easter
freeze. High prices didnt help the wheat farmers in my
territory, he concludes. He notes that some producers
had to plant corn elds three times due to excess rain, and
that lateness was responsible for corn yields that were
below average.
In terms of farm economics it could have been worse.
According to John Reh, who manages Crop Quests Pratt
Division, farmers complained about the yields in east
central Kansas. But markets have been in their favor,
he says, implying that higher prices helped mitigate
some losses.
For farmers raising crops in and around Greensburg,
Kan., and the surrounding counties, things couldnt
have been worse. Not only did the tornado of May
4 completely destroy the town of Greensburg, but it
also damaged almost 400 center pivots within this
large territory affecting 50,000 acres of irrigated
crops.
Wheat producers in western Kansas, however,
enjoyed a banner year. The Topeka Capital Journal
reported in late summer that farmers in western
Kansas harvested 172 million bushels this year
compared to 77 million in 2006. We had the best wheatcrop since 2005 and that was a bumper year, exclaims
John Marquardt, a Crop Quest Agronomist working with
growers in western Kansas.
In the Texas panhandle, Crop Quests Doug Moyer
describes the areas corn harvest as excellent, and claims
that it was better than most of his farmers had anticipated.
After dealing with drought for several years, we had
an above average year, notes Jason Henry, Crop Quest
Agronomist, about the harvest just completed in his Du-
mas, Texas territory that got a boost from mild summer
temperatures and six inches of rain in mid-summer.
John Reh
John Heimerm
John Marqua
Jason Reichart
8/4/2019 CQ Perspectives Nov 2007
2/4C r o p Q u e s t P e r s p e c t i v e s w w w . c r o p q u e s t . c o
2007: Year of Extremes ... Continued from Page 1
Crop Quest con-
sultants in Colorado
and western Kansas
also report that their clients
werent complaining either.
Josh Sauer, Crop Quest agrono-
mist in the Front Range Division,
says theres a lot of corn still standing in
Colorado, and he expects the harvest to be
considerably better than last year. Moisture has
not been a problem. In fact it wasnt an issue at
all, according to Sauer who says the good snow pack
from last winter is one of the reasons. Farmers also had
access to free water as authorities released excess accu-
mulation from the reservoirs to farmers at no cost, he states.
Kyle Haggerty, Crop Quest agronomist also in the Front Range
Division of Colorado, points to the warm Au-
gust nights this year and less than normal hail
damage as additional reasons Colorado farmers
are having a good year. Corn yields will be
average, he claims, but barley is looking good
and sugar beet tonnage is good even though
beets prefer cooler nights to control sugar build up.
When the Rains Came
Although 2006 was ofcially the driest
in the recent eight-year stretch of drought, its
late autumn snow and precipitation was an
indicator that conditions might be changing.
The rain and snow that fell in January and
February established conditions that hinted
at the potential for bumper crops. All of
Crop Quests Western Kansas, Texas, and
Colorado consultants agree that the in-
creased moisture was the number one factor
in the overall improvement of the harvest.
We had a six-foot soil moisture prole
and no extended hot weather, Marquardt
says of the soil saturated from the surface to
a depth of six feet, and that contributed to the
strong production in western Kansas.
Wheat planted on fallow ground in Mar-
quardts territory yielded 60 to 100 bushels per
acre. For the most part the wheat crop, unlike
that in central and eastern Kansas, has been
disease free, with the exception of common
rust. Marquardt adds, This year we saw a 4-
lb. to 10-lb. difference in wheat test weight.
The longed-for precipitation of winter and
early spring, however, wasnt distributed even-
ly, and it didnt come without a price. Eastern and central Kansa
and parts of Oklahoma endured the residual effects of the 2006 d
spell, and then experienced a period of excessive rain followed b
an April freeze and ice storms in some areas.
We had more rain than we needed, says John Reh, and ther
were a lot of drowned-out elds. In Rehs
Great Bend region, rainfall was recorded at 41
inches through mid October, almost twice the
amount the area usually receives in a year.
On the other hand, all that rain accounted
for positive results in other farming opera-
tions. Reh indicates dryland corn was some of
the best his region has produced; adding that
dryland corn, soybean and milo yields had
increased by 15% to 20%. Irrigated corn yield,
though, was down 10% to 15%.
Moisture and Money
In Texas, farmers received more moisture than they expected,
wanted, as ooding occurred in many locations. But they started
the year off, according to Moyer, with moist subsoil that enticed
many of them to use more acres for corn and milo instead of cot
ton. They were hoping to cash in on the demand for corn from th
ethanol industry and they most likely did.
This year price and yield aligned almost perfectly, Moyer
says, explaining that its not often commodity prices are high wh
the yields are, too. Farmers were taking advantage of the situa-
tion.
Besides the ooding in and around the various areas within C
Quests realm of operations, moisture presented some additional
drawbacks. Moyer says he had to treat a lot of corn diseases wit
fungicides. He is quick to mention he had no trouble convincing
farmers to buy into the fungicide and pesticide programs, when
appeared the harvest could be very protable with minimal addi
tional expense. He found the same attitude in his clients regard
ing fertilizer increases. The farmers I deal with realize that whe
yields look good and prices are higher, thats precisely the time
bump up fertility rates, Moyer emphasizes. They understand t
more they invest, the better their return will be.
Several Crop Quest consultants, including John Marquardt,
mentioned the clients who enjoyed the most success were those
who complied with their agronomists recommendations. Thes
farm operators seemed to see the value of our services, Marqua
concludes. For them, he adds, cutting back on our programs
when things are going well just isnt an issue or a consideration
Things could be even better in 2008 for these farmers. Doug
Moyer wont be surprised if the next 12 months turns out to be
another banner year. The commodity prices for 2008 are shapin
up to be just as good as 2007.
Kyle Hagge
Jason Henry
Doug Moyer
Josh Sauer
8/4/2019 CQ Perspectives Nov 2007
3/4C r o p Q u e s t P e r s p e c t i v e s
The Ag Economy is experiencing a bull
market in grain commodities at levels never
before seen. For those of us in agriculturethat have yearned for prices like this, it is a
refreshing change, and a change that may not
come around again for a long time. The last
time we saw anything close to this was in the
early to mid 70s. But this time, the demand appears to be at levels
hat may help sustain this rally for awhile. This rally is also being
driven by a weak dollar. The value of U.S. currency is at historic
ows. This makes our grain reasonably cheap across the world.
What we also know all too well about markets is What goes up,
must come down, so we need to take advantage of these dynamic
markets while we can.
Higher commodity prices give producers more incentive to make
decisions that will produce higher yields, even if it means increas-
ng input costs. Input suppliers are aware of that as well, and it is
not uncommon to see price hikes in inputs due to higher commod-
ty prices. Some of that cost is justied, since costs are going up
or suppliers as well. It is quite obvious that the countrys demand
or foreign oil, and the weak dollar also lead to higher energy costs.
Higher energy costs lead to higher fertilizer costs, higher freight
costs, higher production costs, and so on.
Crop insurance rates have been based on some historical price
data. Higher commodity prices are going to force insurance
companies to adjust their equations for guring claim payouts, and
nsurance premiums. So, dont get caught thinking that you can
automatically double, or quadruple your prots, just because grain
prices have doubled, tripled, or quadrupled.
But, there is a gain to be made, and there is opportunity to greatly
improve the balance sheet, upgrade equipment, and put your opera-
tion in a position where it can weather tough times when they come
around. It is important that producers diversify their operation
by not planting just one crop. This fall, the wheat pit has done a
ne job of buying wheat acres. Last winter, we saw the corn pit
do the same thing. Soybeans couldnt get left behind, and this is
one reason we have watched bean prices advance. This trend of
buying acres will continue, and producers can take advantage of
this by planting more than one crop, and marketing that crop for aprot when the commodity pits give us this opportunity. It is also
important that producers continue to justify their
inputs. Even though it is easier to pay for a
mistake when the income is good, it is not
good business to waste money. I believe
it is true that more people get in trouble
nancially in good times than in
bad times.
Lets defy the odds and con-
tinue to make prudent decisions
that will not only maximize
production, but also maximize
the bottom line. This is an ex-
citing time in agriculture, and
we can all be thankful at this
time of year for all the
blessings that we have
been granted. I want to
wish you all a Happy
Thanksgiving, and a
prosperous new
year as well.
By: Ron OHanPresident
Member, National Allia
of Independent Crop
Consultants, CPCC-I
Certied
This is a hot, political statement and I run the risk of offending some-
ne. But, until reasonable people start speaking up and demanding ac-
on, our Congress and government will continue to let this issue slide.
You will notice that I did not say anything about illegal immigrants
n the heading.) We are all aware there are many illegals within our
orders. Most are working hard at jobs and trying to make a living asmany of our own ancestors did when they entered this country legally.
Because of the failure of our government to correct this problem and
ur policies that have encouraged illegal immigration, this issue must
e addressed without sending the millions upon millions of immigrants
ack to their own countries - even if it means issuing work permits.
However, for the security of our own nation, we must restrict our
orders and know who is coming and going. Even as a nation that
welcomes immigrants, we have the right to know who is coming
board whether to work at a job or to seek citizenship.
Many farmers continuously seek help on their farms and ranches. If
werent for the immigrants willing to do the work, much of our farm
production would come to
a halt. It is not a matter of
wages, as these workers
are paid fair and competi-
tive wages along with other
benets such as housing.Many American citizens are offered the same, but they refuse to wo
the long hours and do the tasks that are part of agricultural work. It
is not a matter of the immigrants taking jobs away from our fellow
citizens.
I know there are many other issues when it comes to immigrant l
within the meat packing industry, landscaping business, house or m
cleaning business and the temporary migrant labor used for fruit an
vegetable picking and packing. But, if we do not speak up and let o
voices be heard, we will all be in a labor crisis much worse than the
current situation.
IMMIGRANTS NEEDEDIN AGRICULTURE
Adjusting To HigherCommodity Prices
By: Dwight KoopsRegional Vice President
Ulysses, Kan.
8/4/2019 CQ Perspectives Nov 2007
4/4
Mission StatementCrop Quest is an employee-owned company dedicated to providing the highest quality agricultural services for each customer. The quest of our network
professionals is to practice integrity and innovation to ensure our services are economically and environmentally sound.
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
DODGE CITY K
PERMIT NO. 43
Employee-Owned & Customer DrivenCrop Quest Agronomic Services, Inc.
Main Ofce: Phone 620.225.2233
Fax 620.225.3199
Internet: www.cropquest.com
Crop Quest Board of Directors President: Ron OHanlon
Director: Jim Gleason
Director: Dwight Koops
Director: Cort Minor
Director: Chris McInteer
Director: Rob Benyshek
HEALTHY CORN IS BEST SHIELD AGAINST FUNWith corn harvest ending and the start of u season beginning,
John Hechts goal is to stay healthy. If I am not feeling well and
there is the possibility that a room is harboring harmful bacteria,
fungi and viruses, I have to ask myself, am I healthy enough to
be here? says Hecht, Crop Quests Special Projects Managerworking in the companys New Mexico territory. Otherwise, he
reasons, if Im not as healthy as I should be, Im more vulnerable
to getting sick from the germs that are present. Hecht relates this
theory to keeping corn healthy since fungi in corn elds operate in
much the same manner.
This same logic is applied to corn elds when talking about aa -
toxins and vomitoxins (naturally occurring mycotoxins)
caused by various fungi that are produced by molds
such as aspergillus favus which is present in corn
when subjected to stressful conditions. Toxins
are a constant issue because the soil naturally
contains bacteria and molds, he explains,
adding that fusarium ear rot comes fromthe mold fusarium monoliformeand can
proliferate in dry years. There is no
real treatment, says Hecht who also
points out that he and his farm clients
have worked with various fungicide applications to no real avail.
Instead, Hecht counsels growers to minimize the opportunity
toxins have to take hold of a crop and inict serious plant and
economic damage by keeping their corn as healthy as possible.
Aatoxins and vomitoxins present in corn can be health threats
to humans, livestock and pets consuming products made from the
affected corn. These toxins are detected in kernels of corn when
brought to market by inspection services and can subject the
whole shipment to rejection.Fungus becomes a real problem after the green silk stage,
claims Hecht, especially if the husk cant protect the ear. The
struggle is on-going since fungi is always present. Stressful condi-
tions during the growing season may increase aatoxins, while
brown silk stage is when vomitoxins may affect the plant.
He further warns, Insects often clear the path for fungi to
enter and infect the ear of the corn; if the weather is cool and w
when silking occurs, everything youve done to ward off fungucan go down the drain, especially when it comes to vomitoxin.
As an agronomist, Hecht customizes various strategies for co
growers to implement in order to minimize the effect of vomito
and aatoxins on a corn crop.
He works with corn growers to reduce moisture and fertilize
stress. Placing pivot nozzles lower into the crop, he points ou
keeps the water off the ears and can possibly reduce infection
potential and in some cases can reduce vomitoxin.
Another strategy, already producing positive results in some
gions, is to shorten the growing season. Hecht believes this mea
has strong potential, and he has been consulting with a number
high altitude farms in New Mexico and Colorado who are utiliz
this method. The idea is to reduce the dry-down time for harvthereby reducing the time the fungi and insects have to infect t
ears and damage the corn, he says.
The tradeoff with doing this is lower yield potential, but giv
the right seasonal conditions, Hecht says, this may be an acc
able risk.
Another concern that producers and crop specialist have is w
the sampling methods used to determine if toxins are present in
the grain loads. When you gure the percent of corn that is be
checked out of a 1,000-bushel load, it is really not a true repre-
sentation of what is in the truck, Hecht explains. Its the best
sampling method out there, but the potential ramications of t
results of those tests are high.
The bottom line is to be aware of conditions that exist that mcause toxins to be present in your corn crop, Hecht concludes
and have a Plan B in place in case the situation arises.
Veteran Crop Consultant Stresses...
John Hecht