Ramsey County

 Howdy!!!!

 Well it sure is nice to be back home.  I started my community travels Wednesday, focusing on part of the northwest part of the county.  Don’t be alarmed if I have not been to your farm or ranch, as I will get to your place sometime in the future.  My thoughts are to travel to different parts of the county each week but focusing on a section in that area.  In the meantime if you would like me stop by please call 701-662-7027. 

Each week I will include information in my article pertaining to all sectors of Agriculture, which can include gardening.  I will also answer a question that has been brought to my attention.

Weekly Question????? 
Is it all right to feed Oats to my spring calves or should I feed commercial feeds?

This question has many answers and also has many other questions involved with it. 

The first question we need to ask ourselves is the availability of Oats.  Generally producers contemplating feeding oats grew oats.  On my drive of Ramsey County yesterday I found several fields of oats, which surprised me.  This would lead me to believe that oats may be found in your local elevator this fall.

Oats is lower in energy and more bulky than other common feed grains since it threshes with the hull intact.  The hull commonly accounts for 24-30 percent of the weight of the oat kernel.  Energy content of oats varies directly according to bushel test weight, which is dependant upon size of the groat (whole seed minus the hull).

Oats is an ideal grain for starting cattle on feed because of its high hull and fiber content.  The greater bulk and lower energy level of oats compared to other grains is particularly valuable for helping calves learn to eat and getting older cattle stated o grain safely.   Calf performance and creep feed intake may not quite compare to that of more elaborately formulated commercial preparations, but oats requires no processing, is available on many farms and gives satisfactory results.

 For more information on oats or other feed grains contact the Extension office at 701-662-7027.

Should we treat our Winter Wheat Seed?????????
An area farmer inquired about the merits of treating winter wheat seed, with particular interest in reducing common root rot. The following information was provided by Greg Endres (Area Extension Agonomist, Carrington Research Center). 

The basic reasons to treat winter wheat seed would be similar to spring wheat. Seed treatment for common root rot (CRR) would not be expected to have residual fungicide present next spring with plant regrowth. However, seed treatment may aid in fall seedling establishment and promote a healthier root system including less CRR infection. Very little work has been done on HRW seed treatment in ND. However in Kansas, seed treatment has provided HRW yield increase averaging 1.7 bu/A and up to 6 bu/A.

In addition, data from Marty Draper, SDSU extension plant pathologist, on 11 seed treatment trials with winter wheat during 1998-2002. Of the 11 site/years, only 2 resulted in yield increase with seed treatments vs. untreated checks. In 1998 at Dakota Lakes, the 9 seed treatments averaged 64.0 bu/A vs. 60.1 with the untreated check (highest treatment response was 69.0 bu/A). In 2000 at Winner, 13 seed treatments averaged 54.0 bu/A vs. 53.0 with the untreated check (greatest response was 57.4 bu/A).

Full research reports can be found at www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/dickinso/research/tocreports.htm

Marketing!!!!!!!
Throughout the year, Livestock and grain producers have many opportunities to forward price their product for future delivery.  This past year was a good example of that opportunity with corn and soybeans in particular. 

If you were one of those producers that had done a pricing contract and are wondering how you might be filling your obligation, contact your local elevator or person you have been in contact with.  These folks might be able to help you our or give you suggestions on a solution.  I do know that in some cases elevators have bought back contracts for a minimal fee.

The cattle market is another market producers should be keeping a watchful eye as well.  Feeder prices are very good right now and with the seasonal onslaught of feeders coming to market during the seasonal pattern might lend producers in pricing for future delivery.  I hear the story very often “I plan on feeding my calves until March 1 like I always have”.  Back grounding calves is a very good avenue for many producers but does not always fit every producers needs.  Producers have a tendency to forget the costs of feeding their own feed sources and might realize a higher Net Profit by using a different marketing strategy.

Trying something new is always a very frightful venture for most all folks.  If you are considering some different marketing strategies always visit closely with your lender and tax accountant.  These folks will help you determine what is the financial strategy for your business.  If I can be of assistance in anyway in the marketing process please give me a call and I will assist you in finding the information you may need but I will not advise anyone with his or her marketing needs.

“Have a great Day”

Bill Hodous

Ramsey County Extension Agent

524 4th Ave #5, 2nd Floor Ramsey County Courthouse
Devils Lake  ND  58301
701-662-7027
email - ramsey@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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