March 1997
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Prairie Grains is the
official publication of
the Minnesota
Association of
Wheat Growers,
North Dakota Grain
Growers Association,
South Dakota Wheat,
Inc., and the
Minnesota Barley
Growers Association.
Phil McLain of Statesville, North Carolina has been elected president of the National Association of Wheat Growers for 1997. Bill Flory of Idaho was elected vice president, and Jim Stonebrink, Oregon, secretary-treasurer.
SOME WHEAT VARIETIES LESS AFFECTED BY SCAB
Head scab evaluations of wheat and durum varieties in northeast ND indicate that Gunner, Russ, Verde and 2375 had the highest yields and lowest average scab severity scores in 1996, ranging from 2.4 to 5.8 percent. Durum was more easily damaged than the hard red spring wheats, with scores ranging from 17.1 to 36.5 percent. Of the durum varieties, Rugby, Ben, Renville and Munich had the lowest scab severities and highest yields. In north central ND, the same varieties of durum came out on top, while 2375, Russ, Oxen, Sharp and Gunner had the highest yields and lowest average scab severities. More information is available in the 1997 NDSU Crop Production Guide or variety trial bulletins.
Robin Bosch joins NDGGA staff
The NDGGA has named Robin Bosch as communications coordinator. Bosch will write and edit the Gleanings newsletter sent to NDGGA members, coordinate public relations and communications for the NDGGA, assist in legislative education, and be involved in membership services and recruitment. She is a former education specialist with Pride, Inc, a Bismarck-based organization that works with the developmentally-disabled.
USW names new officers
Dan Gerdes, Nebraska, has been named 1997/98 chair of U.S. Wheat Associates. Jerry Kress, Idaho, will serve as vice-chair; and Chris Shaeffer, Washington, as secretary-treasurer. They will take office following the July USW board of directors meeting.
Don’t mix malting barley varieties
The Minnesota Barley Council reminds growers, elevators, and other grain handlers not to mix Stander and Robust barley, or other varieties. Each barley variety malts differently, and mixtures will not malt properly.
NDSU: slightly higher input costs
Expect farm input costs this year to be slightly higher in 1997 compared to 1996, according to the NDSU Extension Service. Seed costs will be similar to last year’s, except for spring wheat, durum and barley, which will follow commodity prices lower. There will be few deals on fertilizer; costs should be stable, but last year’s costs were historically high. Chemical prices in general should track the inflation rate, up about 2%. The input with the greatest projected price increase is fuel, which could be up as much as 25% from last year.
NDSU prepares ‘97 crop budgets
An increase in some input costs and projected lower commodity prices suggest a tighter bottom-line in the next growing season, according to crop budget estimates prepared by NDSU. The crop budgets for eight regions of ND can help farmers decide which mix of crops will maximize income. Contact a county office of the NDSU Extension Service for a copy of the budget nearest your area. For budgets available on diskette, write: Ag Communication Computer Services, PO Box 5655, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105. Include $10 check and specify the county you live in and whether you require a 5.25-inch or 3.5-inch disk.