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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2003-04-16, Page 17THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2003. PAGE 17. ______Agriculture Brussels Livestock report 590 steers on offer, avg. $ 108-$ 115, reach $124 Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week- ending April 11 were 2,744 head of cattle, 2052 lambs and goats. On Tuesday fed steers and heifers sold at prices $4 to $5 higher. The cows also traded with prices $2 higher. On Thursday the veal sold on a good strong active trade and the lambs sold at prices $20 to $30 higher. On Friday the calves traded at prices $5 to $10 higher while the yearlings sold on a steady market. There were 590 steers on offer selling from $108 to $115 with sales to $124. Neil Thompson, Atwood, consigned one black steer weighing 1,435 lbs. which sold to Dominion Meats for $124. His overall offering of twenty steers averaged 1,555 lbs. selling for an average price of $114.31. One limousin steer consigned by Stuart Drabble, Holstein, weighed 1,345 lbs. selling to Norwich Packers for $123.50. His overall consignment of twelve steers averaged 1,374 lbs. selling for an average of $117.53. John Chappel, Port Elgin, consigned seven red steers averaging 1,323 lbs. which sold for an average of $118.97 with sales up to $120. Allan Lewis, Ailsa Craig, consigned fifty-seven steers averaging 1,541 lbs. Farmers dicuss nitrate control By Janice Becker Citizen staff Nitrate management was at the top of the agenda when Greg Stewart of OMAF spoke at the Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association crop update meeting in Blyth, April 8 Good nitrate management is about fine tuning applications and determining the optimum quantity, he told the crowd gathered. Focusing on the relationship between the nitrate rate per acre and the bushels per acre yield, generally for com, Stewart said the maximum yield rate often does not correspond with the maximum economic benefit. “It is usually back a bit on the graph. On a test, 30 lbs. more of nitrates only added three more bushels of com.” In determining the efficient use of nitrates, Stewart said the numbers will vary depending on the field, the price of corn and the cost for nitrogen. “Three bushels of com at a price of $3.33 per bushel would ring in an extra $10. But, if the price of nitrogen went to 40 cents, 30 lbs. would cost $12 thereby creating a loss of $2. However, if the price were 30 cents, there would be a $1 gain.” Stewart said the price ratio for which one should aim is five, such as when the nitrogen cost is 30 cents per pound and the com price is six cents per pound. Farmers should be conscious of that ratio because if it rises to seven, the amount of nitrogen applied should be reduced. When deciding where to start with nitrate applications, Stewart suggested looking at general recommendations compiled by OMAF, NMAN ( a nutrient management software program) or the product requirements. According to studies, Huron County could fit which sold for an average price of $118.87 with his top four limousin steers averaging 1,441 lbs. selling to Norwich Packers for $122.50. Five hereford steers consigned by Jason Martin, Chesley, averaged 1,287 lbs. selling to Moyer Packing Co. for $119. His overall offering of twelve steers averaged 1,293 lbs. selling for an average of $118.42. Clare Shantz, Chesley, consigned ten steers averaging 1,457 lbs. which sold for an average price of $116.88 with his top two gold steers averaging 1,463 lbs. selling to Norwich Packers for $119.25. Six black steers consigned by Jim Howatt, Londesboro, averaged 1,428 lbs. which sold for $118.85. His overall consignment of twenty-nine steers averaged 1,477 lbs. for an average of $116.85. Joel Martin, Paisley, consigned eleven steers averaging 1,393 lbs. which sold for an average price of $115.63 with his top black steer weighing 1,215 lbs. selling to Moyer Packing Co. for $119. Two limousin steers consigned by Johnston Farms, Bluevale, averaged 1,418 lbs. selling to Holly Park Meat Packers for $119.25. Their overall consignment of twelve steers averaged 1,530 lbs. for an average price of $112.95. Twenty-three steers into two categories which could dramatically alter the rates. Some would categorize the region as southwest, any region west of Toronto which has more than 2,800 heat units, and compare cropping results to those done in Ridgetown. Others would use Elora numbers, west-central, which has less than 2,800 heat units, but also requires considerably less nitrogen, said Stewart. To achieve a 128 bushel per acre yield in the southwest, 167 lbs of nitrogen was utilized while only 108 were needed in the west-central. The Ridgetown site also showed a distinct advantage with side-dressing rather than pre-plant, he said. These trials were all in com-after- com situations and there were no considerations given to no-till. Stewart said the regional recommendations used can also impact the amount of nitrogen allowable as the Southwest starts with higher levels and credits for manure and/or previous crops are deducted. If the recommendation is 165 lbs, of nitrates with a 40 lb. credit for red clover and 30 for solid manure, the farmer would still be allowed to apply 95 lbs. However, lower starting levels for the West-Central region would reduce the rate to almost no addition applications. Farmers must also take into consideration residual nitrates in the soil and ask if the credits are correct, said Stewart. The best way to evaluate is with a soil test at the appropriate time of year. These test would then override the general recommendations. Testing can also help farmers better manage nitrates as the soils’ requirements can also vary yearly depending on inputs from previous crops and manure, weather and with location in each field. Nitrate levels increase with heating consigned by Moore Acre Farms Ltd., Goderich, averaged 1,523 lbs. selling for an average of $113.14 with their top two gold steers averaging 1,488 lbs. selling to Holly Park Meat Packers for $119.25. There were 239 heifers on offer selling from $108 to $115 with sales to $125.75. Lewington Farms Inc., Brussels, consigned one limousin heifer weighing 1,150 lbs. which sold to Norwich Packers for $125.75. Their overall offering of thirteen heifers averaged 1,166 lbs. selling for an average of $115.71. One red wf heifer consigned by Keith Kerslake, Kincardine, weighed 1,300 lbs. selling to Dominion Meats for $124. John Martin, Lucknow, consigned two limousin heifers averaging 1,295 lbs. which sold to Norwich Packers for $121.75. His overall consignment of four heifers averaged 1,288 lbs. selling for an average of $120.26. Eleven heifers consigned by Chad Fischer, Brussels, averaged 1,257 lbs. selling for an average of $ 118.45 with his top two red steers averaging 1,338 lbs. selling for $119.75. Larry Gardiner, Staffa, consigned one gold heifer weighing 1,190 lbs. which sold to Norwich Packers for $122.50. His overall offering of ten heifers averaged 1,269 lbs. selling for an so a cool summer would result in a slower release and lower overall total. A warm, dry spring would leave high residual levels in the soil on June 1 (the optimum testing date) because there had been more released and little leaching. “You can only find this with testing,” said Stewart. Though admitting imperfections in soil testing, he said, in his opinion, it will give “pretty good direction 70 per cent of the time. It gives guidance to move up or back-” Stewart included a few tips to improve the accuracy of testing. A 12-inch core sample, done in one strip, should be taken pre-side­ dressing and not in a starter fertilizer band if pre-plant applied. The sample should not be stored on the vehicle dashboard as nitrates increase with heat. The tum-around time on samples is usually a couple days. Questioned on the validity of putting so much emphasis on nitrates when other factors could effect yield, Stewart noted that this would eliminate nitrogen as a limiting factor though it would not stop other nutrients from having an impact. In response to an inquiry about applying all the nitrogen either in pre­ plant or during planting, Stewart said the farmer would then miss the opportunity to adjust the rate afforded by side-dressing after testing on June 1. “A guess on May 1 would be too high while a June test could show that no side-dressing is needed.” While encouraging farmers to cut their nitrogen applications, Stewart stressed that this brings with it a need for more accuracy and efficiency as there is less room for error. It is hoped work will be done this season to look at the impact of other criteria such as organic matter, to adjust the general i ccommendatiuns currently in use. average price of $ 118.31. Three heifers consigned by Ross Baird, Wingham, averaged 1,413 lbs. selling for an average of $ 118.16 with his top two charolais heifers averaging 1,408 lbs. selling to Norwich Packers for $118.75. Darren Johnston, Bluevale, consigned two red heifers averaging 1,180 lbs. which sold to Highland Packers Ltd. for $120.25. His overall offering of five heifers averaged 1,255 lbs. selling for an average of $ 117.04. Four heifers consigned by Paul Buttar, Londesboro, averaged 1,118 lbs. selling for an average of $115.45 with his top charolais heifer weighing 1,175 lbs. selling to Moyer Packing Co. for $119.50. Hugh Love, Atwood, consigned one gold heifer weighing 1,230 lbs. which sold for $ 123.50. His overall consignment of ten heifers averaged 1,253 lbs. selling for an average $115.21. Carter Farms, Lucan, consigned ten heifers averaging 1,325 lbs. which sold for an average of $113.50 with their top limousin heifer weighing 1,450 lbs. selling to Dominion Meats for $122. There were 241 cows on offer. DI and D2 cows sold $60 to $64 with sales to $75; D3, $55 to $60; D4, $48 to $53. Terpstra Drying Inc., Brussels, consigned two black cows averaging 1,408 lbs. which sold to Aylmer Meat Packers for $75. One holstein cow consigned by Los Dairy Farms Ltd., Listowel, weighed 1,400 lbs. which sold to Packerland Packing Co. for $73. Dennis Dolmage, Londesboro, consigned one limousin cow weighing 1,360 lbs. which sold to Aylmer Meat Packers for $72. His overall consignment of four limousin and black cows averaged 1,428 lbs. selling for an average of $69.35. There were 10 bulls on offer selling from $56 to $74.50 with sales to $77.50. Ross Baird, Wingham, CONSTRUCTION LTD. R.R. 2 Bluevale • Licensed Septic Installations • Screened & Field Topsoil • Bark Mulch • Sand • Gravel • Fill • Backhoeing • Bulldozing • Excavating • Loading & Hauling Give us a call 887-9061 Fax 887-9999 TUESDAYS THURSDAYS FRIDAYS 10:0 consigned one blue bull weighing 2,015 lbs. which sold to Aylmer Meat Packers for $77.50. One limousin bull consigned by Graham Bowman, Gowanstown, weighed 1,905 lbs. selling for $74.50. There were 145 head of veal on offer. Holstein sold $80 to $95 with sales to $99; Plain Holstein, $70 to $80. Frank Meulensteen, Atwood, consigned one blonde veal heifer weighing 690 lbs. which sold to Newmarket Meats for $104. One red bf veal steer consigned by Greg Luyten and Sandra Dodd, weighed 730 lbs. which sold to Norval Meat Packers for $101. Their overall offering of four beef veal calves averaged 738 lbs. selling for an average of $97.57. Mark Pfeffer, Clifford, consigned one holstein veal steer weighing 670 lbs. which sold to Newmarket Meats for $99. His overall offering of six holstein veal steers averaged 656 lbs. for an average of $95.68. Lambs, under 50 lbs., sold $157 to $215; 50 - 64 lbs., $172 to $216; 65 - 79 lbs., $168 to $186; 80 - 94 lbs., $172 to $177.50; 95 -109 lbs., $169 to $179; 110 lbs. and over, $87.50 to $135. Goats sold $30 to $140. Sheep sold $25 to $55. Stocker steers, under 400 lbs., sold $126 to $155; 400-499 lbs., $131 to $146; 500 - 599 lbs.. $118 to $150.50; 600 - 699 lbs., $120 to $143; 700 - 799 lbs., $109.50 to $130.25; 800 - 899 lbs., $108.75 to $119; 900 - 999 lbs., $105 to $130; 1,000 lbs. and over, $105.75 to $119. Heifers, 300 - 399 lbs , sold $111 to $145; 400 - 499 lbs., $108 to $133; 500 - 599 lbs., $116 to $136; 600 699 lbs., $104 to $133; 700 - 799 lbs., $102.50 to $117.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $104 to $118, 900 lbs. and over, $99 to $114.50.