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Serving Princeton, Rosewood, Brogden, E. Johnston Co., W. Wayne Co., North Carolina |
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HeadlinesA record of love, inspiration, and perseverance Princeton downtown in for some changes Princeton's Langdon heads to NCSU Fish introduction often backfires Wayne's 2007-08 Teachers of the Year College made a little more affordable Photos Obituaries Movies Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Local Showtimes
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johnston co ag report18 July 2007 Corn Corn crop conditions across Johnston County range from severely damaged to good. Rainfall volumes have been varied across corn producing areas. As a result, some farmers have corn that is drought and heat damaged. Four days of visible wilting at tasseling and silking will cause corn grain yield reductions exceeding 50 percent. While we estimate that half of our potential yield has been lost, local farmers are expected to still produce a good crop. Managing drought damaged corn is difficult, however growers should not move too quickly in declaring corn to be lost. Short, chest-high tall corn that receives ample rain periodically from tasseling to maturity can still produce decent yields. Producers with fields severely damaged are reminded that ensiling drought-damaged corn is preferable to chopping or grazing because of the potential for nitrate toxicity. The NCDA forage testing service will test silage samples for nitrate. The ensiling/fermentation process greatly reduces the potential for nitrate toxicity. Nitrate testing on the forage should be done after the ensiling process. Risk can be further reduced by diluting the corn silage with grain or legume hay. Also, raising cutter bars to leave 10 to 12 inches of stalk in the field will further reduce nitrate concentrations in the harvested material. Do not forget that ensiling of high nitrate forage can produce dangerous silo gases (nitrous oxides). It follows that silos and other enclosed storage facilities must be well ventilated before they are entered. Drought-stressed corn will be wetter than anticipated. Generally, barren, green stalks vary from 75 to 90 percent moisture. The feed value of drought-stressed corn silage is between 90 and 100 percent of that derived from unstressed corn. Estimating the silage yield of drought-stressed corn is difficult. The best formula to use is to estimate that one ton of 30 percent dry matter silage can be obtained for each 1 foot of plant material excluding the tassel. Mosquitoes Are Becoming Active Again Rainfall last week is causing mosquitoes to become more active. Now is a good time to prepare a plan to reduce populations around the home. There are about 200 different species of mosquitoes in the United States, all of which live in specific habitats, exhibit unique behaviors and bite different types of animals. Despite these differences, all mosquitoes share some common traits, such as a four-stage life cycle and the need for standing water to reproduce. The type of standing water in which the mosquito chooses to lay her eggs depends upon the species. The presence of beneficial predators such as fish and dragonfly nymphs in permanent ponds, lakes and streams usually keep these bodies of water relatively free of mosquito larvae. However, portions of marshes, swamps, clogged ditches and temporary pools and puddles are all prolific mosquito breeding sites. Other sites in which some species lay their eggs include tree holes and containers such as old tires, buckets, toys, potted plant trays and saucers, plastic covers, tarpaulins, and even bird baths. Some of the most annoying and potentially dangerous mosquito species, such as the Asian tiger mosquito, come from these sites. What can you do to help fight mosquitoes? Empty standing water in old tires, cemetery urns, buckets, plastic covers, toys, or any other container where "wrigglers" and "tumblers" live. Empty and change the water in bird baths, fountains, wading pools, rain barrels, and potted plant trays at least once a week if not more often. Drain or fill temporary pools with dirt. Keep swimming pool water treated and circulating. Unclog rain gutters to keep water moving. Use mosquito repellents when necessary and follow label directions and precautions closely. Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as marshes or wooded areas. Make sure window and door screens are "bug tight." Replace your standard outdoor lights with yellow "bug" lights. Mosquito control on home grounds is best achieved by eliminating all man-made containers that may hold water. It may take a thorough search of home grounds to discover all the sources that mosquitoes use. Community mosquito reduction efforts will be more effective than what an individual can achieve. Be sure to read and follow label directions before using any type of pesticide or mosquito repellent. Contact the Johnston County Cooperative Extension Center at 989-5380 for specific pest control recommendations.
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Wayne Wilson News Leader
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