The Citizen, 1997-09-24, Page 16PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24,1997.
A Look at Agriculture
Wheat Opportunities
Ralph deVries, Crop Consultant with Howson & Howson Ltd.
It has been a frustrating season for wheat producers;
some were affected a second year in a row by a major
disease that rarely shows up; Dwarf Bunt and
Fusarium are diseases you can not control. The
severity of these diseases is primarily determined by
some environmental condition sometime during the
growing of the crop.
Why was it then, that some fields did so well with
yields in the 90 bushel or more per acre and others
often in the 50 to 60 bushel per acre? Obviously there
are some things such as an environmental misfortune
that you as a grower can do nothing about. On the
other hand, there are other things that you can
manage.
I have come across several factors that resulted in
some of the highest yields this year. You may agree
with each factor as being important or you may
believe that none of them are important. Either way
you have consider each factor and pencil the benefits.
Some of these items need a sharp pencil while others
can easily be figured with a dull one.
The first important factor is the planting date.
Generally, the research in Ontario shows that planting
beyond the first of October will result in a loss of one
bushel per acre yield per day. Obviously high yields
can be obtained if you plant late but, if you do,
REALIZE, you have a strike against you. Does your
supplier ever tell you to plant his variety first? He
usually does this so that his variety will have a better
opportunity for a higher yield.
The second factor is using high quality, treated and
certified seed from the best varieties available. It
seems that the best soft white varieties are Marilee and
OAC Ariss. The most consistent and highest yielding
soft red variety is Freedom. If you do not plan to grow
most of your acres in one of these varieties, you have
to at least, consider them for part of your acres.
A third factor is planting your variety at seeds per
acre not just pounds per acre. You require
approximately 400 plants per metre squared to have a
successful stand. Varieties differ in seed seize so the
seeding rate will vary from one variety to another.
A fourth factor is rotational benefits. Researchers
from Guelph say there is a 14 per cent yield increase
to com following wheat, especially if red clover is
used as well as on clay loam soils. It is also important
to consider that wheat should not be grown just for
rotational benefits but should be managed as a
profitable crop on its own.
The fifth factor is to use weed control. This means
possibly doing preharvest Roundup in the crop
previous to the wheat and using weed control in the
spring if it is needed.
The sixth factor is to use starter fertilizers placed
with the seed. Research shows that there is a seven
bushel per acre advantage over wheat planted without
starter fertilizer.
The last factor is to consider the use of fungicides to
control diseases. Even this year, in a low disease
pressure year, side by side comparisons resulted in a
six to 12 per cent yield increase in the fields treated
with a fungicide over fields not treated -with Tilt.
Most of those seven factors contributed to some of
the highest yielding fields in this area. Again, you
may be convinced that each one is important or you
may believe that only one is important. Either way,
each factor has to be evaluated for your operation and
management.
Financial planning office opens
Farm Mutual Financial Services
Inc. opened a new office in Exeter
on Sept. 15.
Company Manager John Hanson
said the new organization will
focus on the special needs of farm
and rural communities. Hanson
stated that he believes the needs of
the farming and rural communities
are currently under serviced and
that Farm Mutual Financial Service
Inc. is offering products and
services that will meet the needs of
> the clients.
Farm Mutual Financial Services
Inc. is locally operated by Farm &
Town Financial Services Inc.
which is a partnership of three well
respected farm mutuals; Usbome &
Hibbert Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, West Wawanosh Mutual
Insurance Company, and McKillop
Mutual Insurance Company.
The new company is offering a
wide range of products and services
including, financial planning, estate
planning, RRSPs, RRIFs, mutual
funds, GICs, life insurance,
disability insurance, and group
health insurance.
Farm & Town Financial Services
is located at 497 Main Street South
Exeter, and will service Huron and
a portion of Perth County.
Hanson invites visitors to stop by
anytime or call 235-4000 for a
personal appointment.
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