Ag Opportunities Volume 20, Number 3 March 2009 Consider Integrated Pest Management (IPM) On Your Farm By Jay Chism, Agronomy Extension Specialist Barton County IPM is a systematic approach to solving pest problems. All categories of pests (insects, diseases, and weeds, etc) can be controlled using IPM. Putting a successful IPM program into action on your farm involves the following five steps: 1. Identify key pests and the damage they cause. 2. Monitor pest populations on a regular basis. 3. Determine the potential for economic loss or significant reduction of aesthetic value. 4. Choose the proper management tactic or combination of tactics. 5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the management plan. Pest ID Proper identification of a pest is important for several reasons. The pest may not be at an economic level that requires control. Not all insects are pests, some are beneficial. Proper selection of a pesticide depends on correct pest identification. Several MU Guides are available to help identify various crop pests available through your local extension office or go to the MU Plant Protection Program website at http://ppp.missouri.edu/ to find images of crop pests in Missouri. Monitor Pest Populations Rather than calendar-based treatments, IPM stresses scouting practices to detect pests and determine if action is necessary. If damage can be detected before a serious pest population becomes established, crop loss may be avoided. In Missouri, black cutworm is an IPM success story where MU Extension pest managers can forecast the arrival of this migratory pest before damages occur. Using insect trap count data from insect trappers and degree-day modeling to calculate the predicted date of the damaging larval stage of this pest, corn producers and crop professionals are notified to scout fields. The program avoids needless insecticide applications, producing both economical and environmental benefits. If you would like to be notified about pest alerts in Missouri go to http://ppp.missouri.edu/pestmonitoring/subscribe.htm to get up to-date information about seasonal pests in your area. When using Integrated Pest Management practices, control measures are based on an economic threshold. To justify treatment, pest populations or pest damage has to exceed this threshold. For many of Missouri’s common agronomic insect pest, thresholds have been developed as a result of many years of research. For more information about pest control on agronomic crops request the 2009 Missouri Pest Management Guide M171 from your local MU Extension office. There is a $20 fee for the guide. Pest Management Tactics Producers that practice IPM use multiple tactics to control crop pests. Integrated pest management tactics include; Biological, Cultural, Physical, Genetic, and Chemical. Contact an MU Agronomy Specialist in your region to find out the latest information on specific pests and control measures on crops you are growing. Evaluation The success of an integrated pest management program depends on evaluation of its results. What worked well, which aspects need improvement, and which should be eliminated? What are the benefits of the program in financial return and environmental or social value? Growers and consultants are increasingly aware that their ability to continue producing depends on favorable public perception of their practices. Part of the solution is to adopt IPM. It is important to consider that as knowledge and technology evolve, so will IPM programs. ********************************************************************** Don't Ignore the Market By Marilyn Odneal Horticulture Advisor Missouri State University The Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service sponsored a Specialty Cut Flower Workshop on November 18, 2008 in Little Rock. The theme was "Don’t Ignore the Market " and I was fortunate to be able to attend with our two visiting scientists from China, Mrs. Wang and Ya Li Wang. The entire program was excellent, but I will focus on the interesting panel of specialty cut flower market representatives posed with the question "What does the market want/need? " Tiffany Dotson of Whole Foods represented the grocery store market, Chris Norwood of Tipton Hurst represented the retail floral market and Peter Brave of Brave New Restaurant represented the restaurant market. Brave New Restaurant (http://www.bravenewrestaurant.com/main.html) is dedicated to using the freshest and highest quality ingredients for their dishes. Diners can view the open kitchen to see the food prepared or eat out on the deck that overlooks the Arkansas River in Little Rock. Peter Brave buys fresh local produce in season. When dealing with a flower producer, Peter is primarily concerned with cost, since flowers are an "extra " in the restaurant business. He is also interested in durability, colors, the reliability and consistency of the product (he would like to see the flowers available all season), and is not interested in fragrance for table top bouquets as that may interfere with food and wine aromas. He advised flower producers who are interested in the restaurant market to find a key person at the business in order to get their foot in the door – so research the restaurant first. Once a meeting is arranged, bring catalogs and samples, be open to custom orders, and for Brave New Restaurant, keep in mind that they are interested in a local aspect or connection. Pam and Frank Arnosky, respected and successful flower producers from Blanco, Texas, also participated in the conference as presenters. Pam mentioned that they maintained two sets of table vases when working with a restaurant. They would pick up the old vases and replace them with new vases with arrangements for the table on a weekly basis. Their children prepared the vases for a per vase wage. The restaurant would also want to order more produce for special events and private party rooms. Tipton Hurst (http://www.tiptonhurst.com/) is an upscale retail florist in Little Rock with four stores. Representative Chris Norwood stressed that florists have very busy schedules and growers need to schedule an appointment to see them. He usually pre-books orders (and guarantees to buy the product if it is good quality). He is especially interested in purchasing flowers locally that do not travel well when shipped, like zinnias and dahlias. He is also interested in herbs and grasses. Important characteristics of the product Chris is interested in include durability, long shelf life (or vase life) and uniqueness (higher mark up). He likes "very tall things " for party work and unusual features like ryegrass runners for spring parties and special events. Tipton Hurst has been in business since 1886 and Chris commented that the "florist business is one of the few that is recession proof’. He stressed, however, the importance of having unique designs in your offerings. "Five huge amaryllis in a pot are beautiful and unique. You can’t find that at a grocery store! " He says it is important to have a niche outside of the "common " flower – to be opulent. "We are interested in OMG (Oh my God!) items that attract attention. " Whole Foods (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/) is a grocery chain that specializes in locally produced foods. Floral Specialist, Tiffany Dotson looks for cut flower vendors that can consistently supply a high quality product. Tiffany stressed that freshness is key (and related to freshness - longevity of vase life). The product should be well packed, with the invoice right in the pack (or bucket) to make it easier for the store to keep accounts straight. Along with flowers, Tiffany noted that organic herbs are a big seller and may complement a cut flower operation. Tiffany stressed that growers interested in the grocery store market need to come into the store with information about themselves and their product mix and quantities. "You need to come in and tell us about yourself! We are all busy and we need you to let us know what you are producing. " The take home message from the panel is that consistent, high quality, local production was the key to a successful relationship between grower and buyer. Consumers are demanding local products. This is a great time for local growers of quality specialty cut flowers and other products to forge positive and lasting relationships with buyers. Don’t ignore the market! ********************************************************************** Tree Farmer Conference By Curt Wohleber Senior Information Specialist University of Missouri Cooperative Media Group A conference for Missouri tree farmers and private woodland owners is set for April 3 and 4 at the Stoney Creek Inn in Columbia. This year’s theme is "Your Family Forest Heritage: Passion, Preparation and Planning. " Sessions will address the interpersonal, financial and legal issues owners of forest land must face to ensure a smooth transfer of property from one generation to the next, said Hank Stelzer, University of Missouri Extension forester. On Friday, participants can choose between two workshops: The indoor workshop, led by financial consultants Kirk Fine, CFP, and David Watson, CLU, is based on "Ties to the Land, " an educational program on succession planning for woodland owners developed at Oregon State University. A concurrent outdoor workshop will take participants on a tour of the McLaughlin Tree Farm in Callaway County. The McLaughlin family worked with consulting foresters on a management plan that includes timber stand improvement, planting hardwood seedlings and reclaiming abandoned pastures with native warm-season grasses. The McLaughlins and the consulting foresters will be available to answer questions. Saturday’s agenda includes sessions by Fine and Watson looking at the nuts and bolts of succession planning, such as developing a planning team, strategies and tools for an effective and efficient transfer, and the basics of wills, trusts and estate taxes. They also will hold a question-and-answer session. Other events on Saturday include sessions on wildlife management and state and federal incentive programs, presentation of awards, including Tree Farmer of the Year and Logger of the Year, and a silent auction to raise money for an October celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Missouri Tree Farm Program. The Friday and Saturday succession-planning events are complementary, said Fine, who is a tree farmer as well as a financial adviser for Waddell & Reed Financial Services in Kansas City. Before landowners dive into the legal intricacies of estate planning, he said, it’s important for family members to understand one another’s wants and expectations. "The Friday workshop is about how to have that conversation, " Fine said. A hasty or ill-conceived succession plan may saddle the next generation with undue burdens or leave offspring no choice but to sell the property outside the family, he said. The Friday workshop is designed to help landowners discuss succession planning with family members and work with them to develop a plan that takes into account the needs, aspirations and resources of the heirs, he said. Registration is $50 per person and $90 per couple, plus $15 per person for either of the Friday workshops. For more information on registration, see www.moforest.org or call 573-634-3252. For lodging information, contact the Stoney Creek Inn at 1-800-659-2220. Conference attendees qualify for special rate of $89 plus tax. Conference sponsors include MU Extension, the Missouri State Tree Farm Committee and the Missouri Forest Products Association. The major underwriter is the Missouri Department of Conservation. ********************************************************************** Chinese Chestnut Workshops Michelle Hall Senior Information Specialist Center for Agroforestry Chinese chestnuts are a growing industry in Missouri. This specialty crop is sustainable and has potential for both short- and long-term income. The University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry will hold a series of four chestnut-production workshops that will take participants through an entire growing season. Current and prospective growers, extension agents and FFA instructors and students are invited to attend the workshops at the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Center in New Franklin. "Growing chestnuts is an excellent way to diversify your farm income, " said Mike Gold, associate director of the center. "A one-acre orchard of 50 well-managed, grafted Chinese chestnut trees can gross $5,000 to $7,000 wholesale and $10,000 retail within 10-12 years. We feel this crop is part of the future of specialty crop farming in Missouri. " Course dates and topics are as follows: March 24 - Site selection, planting, planning grafts and pruning. May 5 - Grafting. Aug. 18 - Orchard maintenance, weed control, insect scouting, pest management and disease control. Sept. 22 - Harvesting, marketing and sales. Gold recommends participants sign up for all four sessions. Instructors will include Gold; Ken Hunt, research scientist; and Michele Warmund, professor of plant sciences. With financial support from the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the workshops cost only $5 each (waived for FFA instructors and students). Fees cover educational materials and lunch. Space is limited. To reserve your place, contact Julie Rhoads at 573-882-3234 or rhoadsj@missouri.edu by March 17. For workshop details, contact Gold at 573-884-1448 or goldm@missouri.edu. Learn more about the Center for Agroforestry and Chinese chestnuts at www.centerforagroforestry.org. ********************************************************************** Elderberry Workshops in April Production and Potential" workshops will be held in April. The first will take place on Thursday, April 2, at 1:00, at the SW Center, Mt. Vernon; the second will be held the following day, Friday, April 3, at 1:00 at the State Fruit Experiment Station at Mtn. Grove. Anyone interested in elderberries is welcome. We will visit elderberry plantings and discuss the production and potential of elderberries with researchers and growers. Both workshops are free. RSVP not required but it would be helpful to know how many are coming. For Mt. Vernon, contact Andrew Thomas (417-466-2148, ThomasAL@missouri.edu), and for Mtn. Grove, contact John Avery (417-547-7539, JohnAvery@missouristate.edu) or Pam Mayer (417-547-7533, PMayer@missouristate.edu). ********************************************************************** Farm Service Agency News... NAP Application Deadline The deadline to signup for Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, or NAP coverage is March 16, 2009. Producers are reminded about the need for insurance coverage on crops in order to remain eligible for the agency’s Disaster Assistance Programs such as Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments Program (SURE), Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), Tree Assistance Program (TAP), and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP).  Producers must purchase at least catastrophic (CAT) level of insurance for all insurable crops. NAP is a federally-funded program that provides coverage to producers for non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occurs due to natural disasters.  Crops eligible for NAP coverage are those for which FCIC crop insurance is not available, including  fruits and vegetables, aquaculture, pecans, turf grass and forage crops, just to name a few. Producers must apply for coverage before a disaster strikes.  NAP applications for coverage must be filed using Form CCC-471 and pay the applicable service fees by the closing date. Application closing dates vary by crop. Visit your local FSA County Service Center to learn more about the NAP program, or to purchase NAP coverage. More information about NAP may be found on the FSA web site located at http://www.fsa.usda.gov ********************************************************************** Stimulus Funding for FLP Loans As part of the recently approved economic stimulus package, FSA’s Farm Loan Programs (FLP) is scheduled to receive an extra $173 million in funding for the direct operating loan (OL) program.  Many states have a current backlog of approved OL loans waiting for funding.  As of February 23, the backlog stood at 1,039 loans valued at more than $72 million.  Producers’ financial needs have increased significantly with the elevated costs of production inputs and the downturn in the agricultural economy.  This growing need, coupled with FLP’s successful marketing efforts, has generated increased demand for FSA OL loans as well as farm ownership loans. ********************************************************************** Dairy Prices Trigger MILC Payments Due to low milk prices FSA will be making payments in April to producers through the FSA’s Milk Income Loss Contract, or MILC, program.  The 2008 Farm Bill made changes to the MILC program, most notably the addition of a dairy feed ration cost adjustment in addition to changes to the payment rate and modifications to the per-operation poundage limit, depending on when the milk is produced. FSA makes MILC payments on a monthly basis when the Boston Class I milk price falls below $16.94 per hundredweight (cwt) as adjusted for feed costs.  The monthly Boston price is posted online at: http://www.fmmone.com/Northeast_Order_Prices/NE_Prices_mainnew.htm#Adv ance.  FSA determines the per hundredweight payment rate for the applicable month by subtracting the Boston Class I price for that month from the $16.94 MILC payment trigger price, and multiplying the difference by 45 percent.  The payment factor of 45 percent will decline to 34 percent on September 1, 2012. FSA issues payments no later than 60 calendar days after FSA receives production evidence for the applicable month or the entire month's National Average Dairy Feed Ration Cost is posted for the applicable month, whichever is later. FSA makes payments on up to the maximum eligible pounds of milk produced and marketed by each operation per fiscal year.  The annual maximum eligible pound limit per dairy operation is 2.985 million pounds per fiscal year.  The amount drops to 2.4 million pounds per fiscal year on September 1, 2012. MILC participants must select a month for which FSA will begin issuing payments for each fiscal year.  Starting with the dairy operation's selected month, FSA will issue MILC payments based on that month's milk production and the milk production for each consecutive month thereafter with the effective payment rate until the operation reaches the production cap or the fiscal year ends.  The 2008 Farm Bill also excludes producers whose non-farm average adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $500,000 from receiving MILC payments.  Producers will have to sign an AGI statement when signing up for the program.  More information about the MILC program can be found on the FSA website http://www.fsa.usda.gov.   ********************************************************************** IN PRINT/ON-LINE *Private Land Care DVD* from The Missouri Department of Conservation’s is now available on YouTube. There are ten different management practices displayed from covey headquarter planting to edge feathering. Go to www.youtube.com and type in private landcare series in the search box. If you would like a copy of this DVD please send an e-mail to travis.dinsdale@mdc.mo.gov *Organic Whole Farm Planning Workbook* This new workbook supports the transition process by guiding the user through developing a holistic transition plan and producing a completed organic farm plan as required by certifying agencies. Available for $20 from OFFER, 201 Thorne Hall, OSU/OARDC, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691. Make checks payable to OSU/OFFER. For more info call 330-202-3528. (Currently on backorder: call first, or check http://estore.osu-extension.org/productdetails.cfm?sku=owf1) *Taste the Change: How to Go Organic on Campus* is a free download from The Organic Institute. It is a 35-page pdf at http://www.theorganicinstitute.org/ *Edible Wild Mushrooms* Several thousand kinds of species of wild mushrooms exist. Some are poisonous, many cannot be eaten because of poor flavor or texture or small size, and a few are edible and delicious. Some mushrooms are easy to identify, and others are difficult. This booklet helps you identify various kinds of mushrooms. The publication contains one drawing and 13 color photographs, including the cover photograph. To order 573-882-7216, 1-800-292-0969, or e-mail extpubs@missouri.edu. *Midwest Home Fruit Production Handbook* 148 pages long with 269 color photos/b&w illustrations. We have consulted many of the Extension Specialists in the Midwestern States, and incorporated their recommended fruit varieties in this bulletin. We are sure that it will make a very helpful tool for you, especially when you get questions about pruning fruit plants and diagnosing insects and diseases in both tree fruits and small fruits. To order 573-882-7216, 1-800-292-0969, or e-mail extpubs@missouri.edu. *From Conventional to Organic Cropping: What to Expect During the Transition Years* A fact sheet from Montana State University Extension explains that knowledge and access to appropriate technology are key factors in the conversion to organic agriculture, and provides some guidelines and references that may ease the pathway. "From conventional to organic cropping: what to expect during the transition years" is available free in hard copy in Montana or may be downloaded http://www.ipm.montana.edu/CropWeeds/montguides/Montguide%20-%20from%2 0converional%20to%20organic-%20mt200901AG.pdf *The Greenhorns’ Guide for Beginning Farmers* is a unique resource for young, beginning farmers.  The goal of the publication is to help young people make the transition into a career of farming. It is a clearly organized compilation of references about farming, providing information about anything from where to find an apprenticeship to how to preserve food and how to repair a tractor. One important aspect of the guide is that it seeks to forge a connection between young farmers and older farmers who are more experienced and can act as mentors. Part of the Greenhorns’ project is to make people aware of the growing movement of young farmers.  In order to do this they have begun filming a documentary, following the lives of several young farmers around the world. This documentary is still in production, but once it is available it will be an alternative type of resource and an essential form of publicity for the small farm movement as a whole. Download a free copy of the guide at: www.thegreenhorns.net *Managing Cover Crops Profitably* includes a new chapter on brassicas and mustards, 16 farm profiles, and a comprehensive chapter on the use of cover crops in conservation tillage systems. Updates throughout are based on more than 100 new literature citations and consultations with cover crop researchers and practitioners around the country. Appendices include seed sources and a listing of cover crop experts. Download Managing Cover Crops Profitably for free at http://www.sare.org/publications/covercrops.htm. To order print copies ($19 plus $5.95 s/h) visit SARE's Webstore at http://www.sare.org/WebStore, call 301/374-9696 or send check or money order to Sustainable Agriculture Publications, PO Box 753, Waldorf, Maryland 20604-0753. (Please specify title requested when ordering by mail.) Discounts are available on orders of 10 or more. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. Call 301/374-9696 for more information on bulk, rush or international shipments. *Agriculture, Climate Change and Carbon Sequestration* Carbon sequestration and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can occur through a variety of agriculture practices. This publication provides an overview of the relationship between agriculture, climate change and carbon sequestration. It also investigates possible options for farmers and ranchers to have a positive impact on the changing climate and presents opportunities for becoming involved in the emerging carbon market.  To download the publication, visit: http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/summaries/carbonsequestration.html *Small-Scale Grain Raising* offers an entirely new generation of readers a wide range of both common and lesser-known specialty grains and related field crops, from corn, wheat, and rye to buckwheat, millet, rice, spelt, flax, and even beans and sunflowers. 256 page paperback, $29.95, Free-Shipping. Available from Back40Books http://www.back40books.com/get_item_9781603580779_small-scale-grain-ra i\sing-rev.htm ********************************************************************** IN THE NEWS The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has shrubs available for purchase at the following website from mid-November to April 30th - http://mdc.mo.gov/forest/nursery/seedling/ You can also obtain an order form from your local MDC office. Shrubs are sold in bundles of 25 and they have several species to choose from. eXtension Website Launches Organic Agriculture Resource Area The eXtension website, hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension, has devoted a new portion of the site to organic agriculture. This resource is designed for farmers, ranchers, agricultural professionals, certifiers, researchers and educators seeking reliable information about organic agriculture.  It includes published research results, stories of farmer experiences, and information about organic certification. Currently, the site’s content is focused on general organic agriculture, dairy production, and vegetable production. The content is collaboratively authored and reviewed by a community of University researchers and Extension personnel, agricultural professionals, farmers, and certifiers with experience and expertise in organic agriculture. The site includes many great features such as an event calendar, an email question and answer section, access to publications, and relevant news updates.  Visit the new section at: http://www.extension.org/organic%20production The following guides have been updated for 2009 and are now available on the web. *Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers 2009 (ID-56)* http://www.btny.purdue.edu/Pubs/ID/ID-56/ *Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide 2009* http://www.hort.purdue.edu/hort/ext/sfg/sfg_sprayguide.html *2009 Midwest Tree Fruit Spray Guide* http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1282.pdf ********************************************************************** ON THE CALENDAR March 12 - High Tunnel Workshop, Mountain Grove, MO. Contact Pamela Mayer PMayer@MissouriState.edu 417-547-7533. March 14 - Prescribed Burn Workshop, Moberly, MO. Call 660-385-2616 ext. 118 to register. March 18 - How to Raise Turkeys on Pasture Workshop: Select the Best for Breeding Workshop, Wheatland, MO. For more info go to www.albc-usa.org/2009turkeyworkshops.html March 20-21 - Women in Boots and Blue Jeans: An Ag Risk Management Conference, Tan-Tar-A, MO. Call 660-397-2179. March 21 - Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop, Westin, MO. Call 816-561-1061, ext. 110 or treemail@bridgingthegap.org March 25 - Southeast Missouri Energy Conference, Portageville, MO. Call 573-568-3344, or stoddardco@missouri.edu March 26 - Farmers’ Market workshop, Memphis, MO. Call 660-457-3469 March 27-28 - Goat and Sheep Conference and 4-H and Adult Camp, Jefferson City, MO. Call 573-681-5540. March 28 - Grape Production Workshop, Camden Point, MO. Call 816-270-2141 or platteco@missouri.edu March 28 - Prescribed Burn Workshop, Macon, MO.  Call 660-385-2616 ext. 118. April 3 - Prescribed Burn Workshop, Fayette, MO. Call 660-886-7447 ext. 112, or Steven Noll, 660-248-3358 ext. 119. April 3-4 - Annual Tree Farm Conference, Columbia MO. Call 573-882-4444 or http://www.moforest.org/education/treefarm.html April 22-23 - MU Energy Summit, Columbia, MO. April 30-May 1 - 2009 Ozarks New Energy Conference: Solutions for Energy Independence, Springfield, MO. Call 417-581-4018. May 31-June 3 - North American Agroforestry Conference, Columbia, MO. http://www.centerforagroforestry.org/events/afta/index.asp June 18 - Dung Beetle Field Day, Linn, MO. Call 573-694-1682. July 24-25 - Missouri Christmas Tree Association Meeting, Washington, MO. Call 573-243-5501. August 13-23 - 2009 Missouri State Fair, Sedalia, MO. www.mostatefair.com Dec 4-5 - Missouri Livestock Symposium, Kirksville, MO. Call 660-665-9866, www.missourilivestock.com