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The Wingham Advance-Times, 1974-03-28, Page 15Crow* :the W0014y l! el 000Wer, WINOS* vaasce• TWOS and Mem Yarellt Conte, deride le r+ a ky . the, " rtlas of Mid iestertiski. ('Based On 3,4 readers eeeh cif 8400 homes.) w.. R +u1a'Lis� *ivory ok in;1`he Listowel Banner, The Wingham Advance Times arKET MountForest Confederate by Weter BIOS.'tillit04 rOaa -^wl t 1.074'"+' Phctos ,ornd feat*,;!-. by - Farm planping and manege- ment are more imp4 rtant this year than ever before if fanners hope. to contend with expected agricultural shortages and high- er prices for seed, fertilizer, gas, • machinery and repairs. In search of advice on how one can win out. over this year's al- most impossible situation creat- ed by the shortages and higher prices, Crossroads palled agri- cultural representatives in Perth, Bruce, Huron and Wellington Counties. Some of the suggestions they offered may have already been in your plans., but, if not, they may be worth your .con- sideration this summer. W. N. T. Ashton, agricultural representative for Perth County, says that most farmers have, in the past, purchased certified or registered seed for planting each year or .every second or third year and, therefore, have grain relatively pure to variety. "Hopefully, a farmer who has more feed grain than he may re- quire will have already taken a quantity of grain to a cleaning 4 mill in order to make use of his own grain for seed, rather than buy seed this year," says Mr. Ashton. He advises, "Be' sure you in- struct your cleaning mill opera- tor to save only the plump, heavy kernels for your seed and let you take home the lighter .material that is taken out of the better sample. it "This will require- a large quantity of grain to go through the mill but only the best seed is oodenou.. ".H:e adds "RI* already`led after, doitnow .'i Mr. Ashton suggests that per- haps the e*pected shortage of commercial fertilizer will be a blessing in disguise. "When .com- mercial fertilizer was plentiful and a reasonable price, many farmers did not make the best use of the livestock manure that was on hand." He says if it is realized that "every ` ton of good mixed manure, without excessive straw, carried 10 lbs. of nitrogen, 5 lbs, of phosphorus and 12 lbs. of potash,o with one-half of,this amount being available tthe • plants in the first year of applica- tion to the field, it 'is easily seen that this material should be care- fully used." Besides the 50 per cent of the nutrients available the first year, he says, "A lesser quantity re- mains for the,second and even the third year after application plus the valuable organic matter that is a part of manure." Mr. Ashton suggests that manure could be used in less quantity per acre than has often been the practice. He adds, however, that it should be spread over more . acres and then balanced with extra phosphorus because of the lower content of this nutrient. He concludes, "There are many acres of land that would require little or no commercial. fertilizer for a number of years by using manure more intern-. gently in the future." USE OF THE TRACTOR: Gas for the tractor will be more expensive; so somehow more ntlr vp e Must take place, says Mr: Aston. "How many times is the tractor used to get the cows, to transport someone to another location on the farm, or some other job that Could be done with less cost?" he asks. "Walking," he says, "used to be the method of transportation about the. farm and people did as Much work then as now." He also suggests. a little less speed on the tractor and perhaps a second machine attached to do two jobs in one, for more efficien- cy. As for farm machinery, he Asks, "Hw many machines sit out all ye r and deteriorate in the snow an rain and sun? Far too much machinery is put of service years before its time," says Mr. Ashton, "because we neglect proper storage, proper oiling and early repair. " Evety farm machine should have been gone over for replace- ment of, worn or cracked parts before spring work starts and time may still permit it, if it has not already been done." Parts are hard to, get at short notice, so the Perth County agri- cultural representative advises, "Order now those parts that show excessive wear or those parts that one invariably finds are needed each year in the normal course of events." For those planning to buy ma- chinery this season, Mr. Ashton warns, "A new machine may not be available," and he suggests that, even if it is, "compare the need of a few parts to a complete machine before you go into further debt on :a new machine. "Remember," he. cautions, "the prestige of having the big- gest and best, if it can't be paid 11 SHORT SU PPLY: M.- P. Miller, associate agricultural representative for Huron County, says Targe crop production machinery, in general, is in "short supply". This includes larger tractors, big discs and ploughs, planters and other machinery. for on the job it will do, is no pres- tige when you go to your .banker for that high interest loan, or when . the machinery company tries to collect for late payments, on an even higher interest loan,''' Since the high protein feed ppm. chase has been the bane of many farmers for the last couple of years, Mr. Ashton suggests, "Plan to provide more of your own protein. feed." He says, "Cut that hay earlier the first time and get a second cut of high protein feed instead of waiting for a heavy yield of low quality material." He says farmers should grow a few acres of early variety soy- beans, if they .are in a suitable heat unit area for the variety available, but "secure that seed soon or you may not get any." ° Faba Or horse beans should still be tried another year or two in the lower heat unit areas since they do better . under cooler conditions than with too many heat units, . he says. "The acreage," he a adds,' "should not be great until you know how well they do on your farm or your area." In summarizing any advice he has to offer the farmer coping with high prices and expected shortages, Mr. Ashton says, "Farm management planning is the key to how well you do. To a great degree you are your own master. "I#;you and your plans and your tools are not ready for each and every emergency as it comes along, you will get lost in the shuffle, blot, if well prepared, you will weather the storm and come out smiling when the sun shines." IN SHORT SUPPLY: M. P. Miller, associate agricul- tural representative for Huron County, says large crop produc- tion machinery, in general, is in "short supply This includes larger tractors, big discs and ploughs, planters and ,other ma- chinery. "There are various reasons for this," he says, "but, generally, American and foreign demand has exceeded the capacity of plants to produce items." Castings and forgings are in particularly short supply, says Mr. Miller, "because many small American plants have been closed by•health and safety regu- lations" He adds, "The English three- day work week has hurt produc- tion of tractors, engines and components imported from the United Kingdom." Mr: Miller suggests that farm- ers who have ordered equipment should plan on keeping the older equipment in good repair as "in- surance", should the new pur- GAS MORE EXPENSIVE—W. N. T. Ashton, agricultural 'representative for Perth County, says gas for the tractor will be "more expensive" this season, so "somehow, more control over wastage must take place." He says, "Walking used to be the method of transportation about the farm and people did as much work then as they do now." SECOND ATTACHMENT—Agricultural representative for Perth County, W. N. T. Ashton, says a little less speed on the tractor and, perhaps, a "second attachment or machine chase suffer delays in delivery time. Growers should also anticipate needs in advance, he says, "and he prepared to order now for 1975 equipment needs." tBeplacement parts are in short supply as well, adds Mr. Miller, because of the aforementioned :factors.. "Wherever possible, owners should have overhauls d repairs done ewell in adv ancne .. �there9uired periodprevent. `e delays;" .ae adv. Some sizes of rear tractor tires are also taking some time for de- livery so if the old set on the back is looking poor, "you had better order a new set before something rips," he says. Mr. Miller said that generally, seed supplies for all crops are good, although small forage seeds are "quite costly". Certain varieties, however, are in short supply and you should order early to assure a supply of the more popular varieties. ,Seed oats are generally scarce and may not be sufficient to supply requirements. Mr. Miller says a quantity of Canada Common Seed may have to be cleaned up when Certified and Registered 'seed supplies dwin- dle. He warns growers that they should note variety names will not be on Canada No: 1 seed this year, so there is no guarantee of variety or of a mixture of variety when they buy Canada No. 1 seed. HERBICIDE CHEMICALS: Herbicide chemicals will gen- erally be adequate for all needs, although popular liquid or granu- lar formulations may be in some- what short supply, forcing grow- ers to use the same product in the wettable powder formulation. Due to tremendous demand in the United States, granular in- secticides for corn root worm may be at a shortage, while tile will definitely be expensive and in short supply for 197.4. Plastic plants have experi- enced some raw. material supply problems. As well, buyers have been taking orders as produced from both clay and plastic plants,. with the result that there is "very little stock piled for the spring and summer rush," says Mr. Miller. The fertilizer shortage is "well-known" Mr. Miller claims, "and an early spring could make it worse." He said growers should attempt to "get some commit- ment from their suppliers and be prepared to accept alternate forms and analysis. "If you end up short," he adds, "try to spread available fertilizer over all the acreage, rather than using recommended rates on two-thirds of the crop and nothing tin the remaining one-third." PHOSPHATE MINERALS: Phosphate minerals are scarce and may necessitate reworking your feeding program with your feed `'company's nutritionist or a livestock specialist front the county agricultural office. You may have to take alterna- tive minerals, • but, , says Mr. Miller,"try to keep the ration as balanced as possible." The agricultural representa- tive cautions that many scarce agricultural products are priced "net cash" and farmers who for- merly bought on account should endeavour to work out arrange- ments with their bank for operat- ing credit, so they will be able to "comliete with cash buyers for supplies available." -. Mir. : ilrer • Says,'"r . i Gene ally, farmers should be'planning more in advance to obtain required items. Indeed, July may not be too soon to be thinking of 1975's machinery, fertilizer and parts." YOUR FISCAL YEAR: M. R. Bolton, agricultural rep- resentative for Bruce County, points out that "a lot of farmers spent a lot of money last fall to avoid income tax.b' He suggests that `pit would be cheaper to let averaging reduce the overall tax paid rather than using extra expenses. Mr. Bolton said there.are some farmers who could change their fiscal year to some time -other than January ist, to a .great advantage. This would help stabilize the market around Christmas and Mr. Bolton provides 'the address to write to if you wish to change the fiscal date of your business: Department of National Reve- nue, Taxation Division, 166 Frederick Street, Kitchener. Mr. Bolton says many commo- dities are scarce because "oil and gas became, scarce". He also denotes some of the scarcity to "panic buying", explaining, "One fellow bought twice as much fertilizer as he needed be- cause it was scarce, and a normal two week supply of toilet paper was bought out of a supermarket in one day because it was report- ed that toilet paper was scarce. "Farming is more difficult in 1974," he " says, "because of shortages." Mr. Bolton suggests you take delivery as soon as possible rather than depend on the dealer to provide storage until needed. Also, you should be familiar with alternate materials in case your original order can't be filled. The Bruce County agricultural representative advises, "Start repairing your haying machinery now, followed by your grain har- vesting equipment." He warns, "Long delays in getting anew machine and parts seem 'inevitable." INFLATED LAND PRICES: Dave Murray, of the Wellington County Agricultural Office in Ar- thur, says farmers who are now actively farming can "no longer make a reasonable return on their investment when they con- sider the opportunity value of their farfn." He says the inflated land prices are partly due to the "so ailed move to the land, which seems to be the craze during the late 60's and 70's, and the stability and profitability of land investment. "The end result," says Mr. Murray, "will be one of higher attached to it to do two jobs in one, might.rmnakfor`more e ficiency." food prices as more and more .land is taken out of production and fewer and fewer young men get involved, in farming." ' Mr. Murray warns, "If you enjoy living in the country on laid -not being. used for food pro- duc'tion„be prepared to pay more for the food on your tablet" Consumers of beef and other meat products can also.. expect and these price§ are even ,nore .k attractive when. the farmer considers the fact that he ,can market his crop and'.receive the cash in the year of the harvest. This is much more convenient than buying cattle which.are a ' large investment, often with high interest rates, and 'Waiting in ex- tra year for the returns of his • higher: prices "within a matter,. �cp�'&6,S.* a Q , ,, •'�tiert `� of � a tGa n es c Months", rittis. he tors" o says.w .w.. ..,m..- •:ii'cY'+.ca"4w{re'+z••.. t ..•r:.M"AM'f >,r.+.:a�,G.. Present sleek " te� the . armor e "erect,""c umers °:are god 1' f are not meeting production costs to have pay more if they want at the farm level and "more and beef, pork, or lamb on their din - more farmers are selling their nes tables," concludes Mr. grain, forgetting about live- Murray. stock." Although there are a few opti- Mr. Murray said this will cer- mistic outlooks on the coming tainly lessen cattle numbers on season, the overall picture is one • the market in the future, forcing of higher prices, for both the prices up and the consumer will farmer and the consumer, which have to pay more. are quite often the same person, The decision whether to. feed eed gone of numerous shortages livestock has been largely influ- due to increased demand. enced by increased world de- mand for the crops that have tra- ditionally provided a reasonably priced feed for livestock. Farmers now have the oppor- tunity to market these crops at high prices, says Mr. Murray, So, tighten your belts, roll up your sleeves, take at least a few of the aforementioned tips to heart and let's turn 1974 into a good, prosperous year with pro- gressive results for the farm and the home! Quality in silage corn - and how to get it Elwood Hatley Ontari Agricultural College The acreage of corn for silage in Ontario has been increasing at an average rate of 35,000 acres per year during the past decade. There are many reasons for this continued growth. Corn silage makes an excellent feed. It is a high producer of feed nutrients per acre and it lends itself to 'mechanization. However, ap- proximately one-third of the nutrients produced by the corn crop are left in the field when only the grain is harvested. Livestock producers want the maximum amount of feed nutrients per acre. In addition, they wa t silage intake to be high. A ilage which satisfies these req 'rements is a quality product. What can we do to as- sure a high yield of nutrients and a high intake of these nutrients by livestock? In order to obtain high yield of corn silage all aspects of good crop 'management must be followed, including soil testing, proper fertilization, weed control and timely planting. Hybrids which will be between 60 and 70 ' percent moisture at harvest should be selected. Generally, it is suggested that a good silage hybrid is also a good, grain -pro- ducing hybrid. This means that the same hybrids are used for silage and grain production, However, hybrids which are slightly later can be used for, silage (i.e., 100 heat units) because the extra time to com- plete grain filling is not needed. Some interest has been shown in growing very late hybrids for silage, because they tend to grow taller and fill a silage wagon in a hurry. Research shows that the extra weight obtained from these late Hybrids comes from extra water and not extra feed nutrients. This extra water can result in poor fermentation, seepage from the silo, and lower dry matter intake by livestock. Plant populations for Silage can be higher than for grain. If corn for grain is planted at too high a population,, stalk quality at harvest may be low. AS a result, excessive lodging may occur. However, with corn for silage harvest is earlier, when stalk quality tends to be high. Research indicates that plant populations for silage production can be 3,000 to, 4,000 plants more per acre than the population used for grain production. The moisture content at har- vest will affect dry matter pro- duction, storage losses, fer- mentation, acceptance by live- stock, dry matter intake and live- stock production. If storage losses are to be minimized and dry matter production and intake are to be maximized, silage should be harvested when the whole plant is between 60 and 70 percent moisture. MASSEY MAY SPEND $100 MILLION Capital expenditures by Massey -Ferguson Ltd., in the fiscal year ending October 31, 1974 may reach $100 million, up sharply from $59.9 million last year, President A. A. Thorn- brough says in the firm's annual report. The outlook this year is for supply difficulties in meeting buoyant demand for farm machinery and products, he said. 4