Page 39 - 2019 Ag Mag

KMAland 2019 Integrated Pest Management 39

in the 3- and 4-year ro- mental impacts of ex-
tations received band tended rotation systems.
applications of post- “These are valuable tools
emergence herbicides for companies who have
and interrow cultiva- made commitments to
tion. Conventional weed reduce the footprints of
management practices their supply chains,” she
are compatible with ex- said.
tended rotations if care- Bower says PFI is see-
ful attention is paid to ing high demand for
potential problems with themselves. “We do our grains in animal rota- their cost-share program.
herbicide carryover. best to help farmers ‘re- tions.” They are offering $25 per
Reduced disease learn’ the skills needed Bower says small grains acre on up to 100 acres
susceptibility. The 3- to manage a small grain for cover crop seed is an- for diversifying a corn-
and 4-year rotations ex- crop,” she said. other market opportunity soybean rotation with a
hibited reductions in the Bower says PFI offers for growers wanting to year of small grains and
incidence and severity specialized small grains extend their rotations. a summer cover crop.
of soybean sudden death conferences, monthly “We can help connect “With low market prices
syndrome. ‘learning’ conference farmers who want to start on corn and soybeans,
Liebman agrees that calls, and videos featuring these businesses with re- farmers are eager for
the lack of steady, read- advice from other farm- sources on how to do it alternatives,” she says.
ily available markets for ers. “We also offer cost- within the confines of “Farmers are looking at
any crops besides corn share to help defray some seed laws,” she said. “And, lower input crops, like
or soybeans impedes the of the risks as farmers go we can help them con- hay and small grains, to
adoption of extended ro- through the first years of nect with other farmers lower their production
tations. “I also think the honing management and seeking cover crop seed expenses in this tight
decline of mixed crop- establishing their mar- and seeding services.” farm economy.”
livestock farming and a ket,” she said. Finding a market for NRCS can also provide
perceived lack of support PFI received a $1 mil- small grains continues to planning and financial
of alternative crops by lion Conservation In- be a primary barrier for assistance for conserva-
agricultural retailers are novation Grant (CIG) farmers, says Bower. “We tion crop rotations. In
factors,” he said. from NRCS, beginning engage in a number of fiscal year 2019, NRCS
Finding Markets in 2019, to help revive projects to help develop is offering payment rates
Groups like Practical feed and seed markets for markets for these crops,” of $9 to $11 per acre
Farmers of Iowa (PFI) are growing small grains in she said. “We collect pro- for up to three consecu-
working with farmers and Corn Belt states. “We will duction data from farm- tive years to extend the
ag businesses to improve work with animal protein ers who participate in the crop rotation with small
the small grain supply companies to conduct cost-share program.” grains.
chain. Alisha Bower, stra- small grains feeding tri- She mentioned the For more information
tegic initiatives manager als and feasibility studies Fieldprint Calculator, on extended crop ro-
with PFI, says many cur- in their supply chain,” Cool Farm Tool and the tations, visit NRCS at
rent farmers remember said Bower, “as a proof of NRCS Resource Stew- your local USDA Service
their grandparents grow- concept and a method of ardship Evaluation Tool Center.
ing small grains, but they collecting economic out- (RSET) as tools to help
have never grown them comes to include small document the environ-