Traditionally, beef cattle in the west have been fed with one or a combination of grain, silage or grazing. In the winter months, many beef cattle are grazed on intensively managed winter swath barley or oats. However, the movement of corn to the west has resulted in many producers transitioning to grazing corn as a primary feed for their animals, and reaping the benefits. One big reason is that corn produces high amounts of starch, which is an important nutrient in the diet of beef and dairy cattle.

Corn often makes the most economic sense for growers. It is more nutrient dense, higher energy and is palatable to cattle — resulting in an increase in production in the animal. Corn yields are higher than barley and it can also produce two to three times more starch. On top of those benefits, corn produces more feed on the same amount of acres. This results in fewer acres needed for the same crop production, freeing up acres for other crops.

Grazing corn also has additional benefits in terms of field management. While swath grazing generally promotes uneven manure spread due to the rows, corn grazing encourages animals to spread manure more evenly. Growers can also monitor fields to ensure the appropriate amount of residue is left on the field, removing cattle when needed.

Corn is an excellent feed choice for livestock farmers. New corn hybrids now available in the west are better adapted to growing conditions, allowing consistent grain and silage products to be grown every year.

Nicole Rasmussen, CCA, is an agronomist with DuPont Pioneer.

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1. Seed transmission system

Sprockets and chains should be in good condition. Sprockets should have no missing teeth and chains should be the correct tightness.

2. Opening disc

The opening disc should not be overly worn, and should be a minimum of 14.5″ in diameter to ensure the correct amount of contact at the bottom. Bottom contact depends on the make of the planter, but is generally in the 1.5 to 2.5″ range.

3. Bar height

Bar height should be equal to make sure the machine is level. Measurements should be taken from a number of points on the planter to ensure the planter is level. It is very important to level your planter in the field in motion and not in your shop.

4. Seed tubes

Any worn components of the seed tube should be replaced. A worn seed tube can affect how the seed drops which in turn affects the crop growth and emergence.

Consistent depth and spacing when planting is crucial to a successful season. If any component of the planter is out of order, it could affect how deep seeds are placed and spacing between plants, as well as overall yields of the crop. Even if you have purchased a new planter from an equipment dealer you need to be aware that they are not field ready, you still need to spend time setting the planter and checking all the above components.

Watch the environment too

In addition to well-tuned equipment, environmental factors impact planting. When planting takes place, it’s important that soil conditions are correct. Ideally, soil should not be too wet or dry. Corn should be planted 1.5 to 2.0″ deep; shallow planting will impede proper root development.

Soil temperature should be at least 10 C to prevent hormone problems in the seed, also known as imbibitional chill.

When the dry seed imbibes cold water as a result of a cold rain or melting snow, imbibitional chilling injury may result. The cell membranes of the seed lack fluidity at low temperatures, and under these conditions, the hydration process can result in rupture of the membranes. If the cell tissues of the kernel are too cold, they become less elastic and may rupture during the swelling process. Instances of chilling injury following germination during the emergence process can also occur, often causing stunting or death of the seminal root system, deformed elongation of the mesocotyl and either delayed emergence or complete failure of emergence.

This results in incorrect development of the plant and a decreased stand. Watch the weather forecast two to four days after planting to watch for cool temperatures.

Weed management is also an important consideration when planting corn. Growers need to be aware of what weeds they have in their fields and then develop a plan to manage those weeds. In corn, the yield opportunity is maximized if the corn is weed-free from spike/emergence to the V6 stage (approximately eight-leaf).

Well-maintained, properly tuned equipment and a strategy for planting can go a long way in reducing stress during a busy time. Take the time before planting to prepare and maintain controllable factors during a frenzied time and reap the rewards.

Nicole Rasmussen is an area agronomist with DuPont Pioneer

The post Getting ready for corn planting appeared first on Grainews.