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CROP PEST UPDATE FROM THE MDA
Soybeans
Soybean development this week ranged from pre-pod to full seed, most fields were in beginning
seed. Two-spotted spider mites are being found in soybeans along the western edge of Norman and Polk Counties.
So far, this is the only area where we have found spider mites. In these fields spider mites are at trace (mites detectable but rare) to light (mites found on upper canopy, mites on lower canopy greater than 20/leaflet) abundances. So far very little leaf stippling has been observed. However this situation can change quickly as spider mites have a tremendous potential for rapid population increase.
Normally, two-spotted spider mite is only found in the grassy margins along crop fields.
However, when we have sustained hot and dry weather the mite population begins to build and encroach into the field. If the weather pattern continues the mite population continues to expand and will increase in density as well as disperse throughout the field.
One possible reason for spider mite increase under hot and dry conditions is the absence of a fungus that under normal conditions keeps the mites in
check. To scout for spider mites you need to look closely - the mites are about the size of the period at the end of this sentence. Look on the undersides of the leaves (or tap them over a piece of white
paper) for small, black specks-these are the adults (see enlarged image). Color may range from yellow to orange, larvae have faint black spots or none at all.
Eggs are small, white and round- they are laid individually rather than in a cluster.
Often if there are a significant number of mites on the leaf there will be observable webbing as well. Mites will be found on the edges of the field first as they move in from the margin. The lower canopy leaves are also the first to be colonized. Damage to the plants occurs in a progression:
- Minor stippling, no yellowing
- Stippling common, some lower leaves yellowing
- Heavy stippling, lower leaf yellowing common, some lower leaves lost
- Lower leaf loss common, some plants show more than lower leaf loss
- Leaf loss common, severe yellowing
The threshold for treatment depends on how much damage is occurring and the stage of the crop.
Once seeds are filled there is little need for treatment, however during the time that plants are filling seeds even a loss as small as 15% of effective leaf tissue can severely affect yields. While soybeans are of primary concern, two-spotted spider mites may also attack other crops including alfalfa and corn. Recent reports from Manitoba Agriculture indicate that mites have been causing damage to alfalfa north of Winnipeg. Fields should be monitored closely as mite populations can grow very quickly.
Corn
European corn borers continue to be found in greatest abundance in the NW District. Four fields were found this week with > 100
borers/100 plants-all were in the Northwest.
The highest count this week was in Red Lake County where 50% of the plants were infested and 156 borers/100 plants were found. These values are near the treatment threshold of 50% plants infested and 200 borers/100 plants. The developmental stage of corn also needs to be factored in when considering a treatment.
FARMERS, FARM SUPPLIERS TURN IN MORE THAN 260,000 POUNDS OF UNUSABLE PESTICIDES
Farmers and farm suppliers in North Dakota and
Minnesota have turned in more than 260,000 pounds of unusable pesticides for safe disposal this year. Read more from the Forum at http://www.in-forum.com/pub/08102000/33946.shtml.
JOHN DEERE PUBLISHES PHOTO HISTORY
A photo history of John Deere depicts the importance of strong, basic values in the long-term
success of Deere & Co.
The 286-page hardcover book, "Genuine Value," The John Deere Journey, is a collection of historic photos and descriptive statements organized by four fundamental values in the John Deere legacy: quality, innovation, integrity and commitment. "We hope this book, not only highlights the John Deere history, but also initiates a continuing dialogue on the importance of values at a time when basic values, or the lack thereof, are often the focal point of events on the world scene," said Hans Becherer, chairman of Deere & Co.
"Genuine Value" was designed by Michael McMillan, internationally recognized for award-winning designs including Michael Jordan's photographic
autobiography "Rare Air." The book tells the story of John Deere through high quality, dramatic photography and thought-provoking short text. For instance, a vintage John Deere Model A tractor is
pictured working a field during the Great Depression with the powerful message: "Persevere, Persevere, Persevere." Another photograph shows a high technology, computer-controlled, manufacturing line and
includes the text: "Everything looks difficult to the unwilling."
There are plenty of historical images to satisfy the most involved history buff, yet the images also reflect the technological advancement of the equipment sold
today worldwide by John Deere. Becherer said he hopes the book will serve as a source of inspiration to all people who are touched by John Deere.
Another key section of the book is a 42-page timeline that describes decade-by-decade the significant financial and corporate events in the company's history and a pictorial review of the products of each era.
A unique part of Genuine Value is a special section that includes the names of every living retiree and employee as of January 1, 2000. Becherer said the book
is dedicated to these 63,676 people because they are the ones who sustain the values of the company founder.
The book costs $69.95, but can only be ordered over the Internet at www.genuinevalue.com or by calling (800) 455-1174. A special sleeved edition of the book will be sold at the antique tractor auction at the new John Deere Collectors Center in downtown Moline, Ill., on Friday and Saturday.
NASA NOTES GREATLY REDUCED SNOWPACK
Satellite photos reveal large snow-free areas extending from the Pacific Northwest and New
York, to Saskatchewan and Manitoba, according to a report in Global Warming Today. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) researchers say a lack of snowfall can lead to dry soil, decreased crop yield,
large wildfires and increased drought. The photos showed that snow coverage throughout the US was far below average, following the warmest winter ever recorded in North America. Scientists have yet to agree on
whether the recent snowmelts are due to global warming or natural weather cycles.
GERMAN AND FRENCH WHEAT QUALITY MAY CONTINUE TO SLIDE INTO FEED CATEGORIES
Newswire sources report various German flour mills
have such short supplies of bread quality wheat that some have started buying new crop supplies directly from the farmers. Rains are continuing to disrupt Germany's wheat harvest and are causing increasing
concern that new-crop quality will continue to slide.
Moreover, sources also suggest these same rains are adversely affecting France's domestic wheat crop too. Industry sources anticipate large volumes of wheat in both Germany and France will not reach minimum EU intervention standards and be forced into domestic feed channels instead.
USDA RELEASES WORLD AG SUPPLY & DEMAND ESTIMATES 08/11/00
Text Format: http://www.usda.gov/oce/waob/wasde/latest
Adobe PDF format: http://www.usda.gov/agency/oce/waob/wasde/wasde.htm
USDA SUPPLY AND DEMAND REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
http://www.agweb.com/news/news.cfm?id=10055&breakingnews =1
USDA RELEASES EXPORT SALES REPORT 08/10/00
http://www.fas.usda.gov/export-sales/
USDA RELEASES WEEKLY WEATHER AND CROP BULLETIN 08/08/00
http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/reports/nassr/field/weather/2000/weth3300.
txt
NAWG NEWSLETTER
NAWG joins oppositioin to citrus limits
This week NAWG joined other national agriculture groups in
opposing language included in the Senate version of the FY2001 Agriculture Appropriations bill that would delay the importing of lemons from Argentina. In keeping with established sanitary/photosanitary agreements,
officials from USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) cleared the lemons for importation in June. The Senate language would delay the APHIS decision for one year.
The bill, which cleared the House on July 11 and the Senate on July 20, currently awaits action by a conference committee that will hammer out differences
between the House and Senate versions of the bill when Congress returns to work next month.
In a letter to conferees, agriculture groups point out that, "For U.S. agriculture, the potential ramifications arising from the provision included in the
Agriculture Appropriations bill are sobering. First, Argentina could challenge these actions and easily win a case before the World Trade Organization (WTO). The exhaustive USDA record plainly shows the scientific
basis for the export of Argentine citrus to the United States. After the inevitable WTO decision, if the United States did not drop its ban, Argentine retaliation would certainly be focused on U.S. farm
exports."
The letter goes on to state, "[I]f the United States uses the political process to stop the export of Argentine lemons to the United States, Argentina can
be expected to delay, if not derail, its review of U.S. agricultural products." Argentina is currently reviewing applications for the importation of U.S. citrus, pork and other commodities.
While not directly related to wheat trade, the dispute and possible WTO reaction would negatively impact wheat producers by politicizing the
sanitary/photosanitary process here in the United States. NAWG has long supported basing all such international standards on sound science and fears that the Senate approved language would severely undermine this
effort - an effort that the U.S. has, in the past, lead around the world.
Trade news from WETEC
WETEC Message to Growers
- YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED!! Washington, D.C. is about as quiet as it ever gets - not just because of the heat and humidity but because your elected leaders have taken to the hills and valleys of home and the campaign trail. While your Senators and Representatives are home for their summer recess (until September 5) there are several very important issues that remain unresolved. WETEC is urging all producers to call and if possible, meet with their congressional delegations on PNTR for CHINA and SANCTIONS REFORM.
CHINA - The message to your Senators is simple.
1. Please pass the House version of the legislation - without amendments - that would grant
China Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR).
2. Move quickly to finalize debates and vote as soon as possible.
SANCTION REFORM - The message that all Members of Congress need to hear is:
1. Agriculture and medical products must be exempt from existing and
future unilateral trade sanctions, unless approved by the Congress.
2. All countries must be treated equally (no carve out for Cuba). No country should be singled out legislatively for disparate treatment.
3. Oppose all restrictions on commercial (non-government) financing and other commercial business tools such as insurance, related to export sales of agricultural products and medicine.
4. Early in September,
conclude the agricultural appropriations legislation and any other legislation containing sanction reform language. If the Agricultural appropriations legislation is rolled into an omnibus trade bill at the
end of Congress the Leadership can drop any language they do not like - and we know they do not want to ease sanctions on Cuba.
We like the Senate version of sanctions reform but know there is very little chance of getting it through the Conference committee on ag appropriations.
Please take advantage of the long August recess to help get these messages to your Congressional delegation.
Also let WETEC know if you hear of any problems that we can help with on China or Sanctions Reform.
News from USDA /EPA / USTR - CFTC extends comment period
In response to a request for extension by NAWG and other agricultureroups, the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has extended the comment period on its draft rule to restructure how commodities are traded on U.S. exchanges. Public comments will be excepted until Monday, August 21.
NAWG will use the extension to finalize its comments on the rule. Working with other national farm organizations, CFTC commissioners and farmers from across the
nation, NAWG has focused on a handful of key issues encompassed in the rule. Chief among these is keeping agriculture futures markets liquid and secure in a changing trading environment. Since farmers rely on
markets for price discovery, NAWG continues to seek federal regulation that protects open interests and provides the opportunity for farmer input in all aspects of market operation and governance.
NAWG's comments will also address farmer concerns with new electronic exchanges. The development of these new computer based trading systems provides great
potential for farmers to capture more from the marketplace. However, establishing how the CFTC governs these new exchanges will impact their affect on farmers.
A copy of the proposed rule is available on the CFTC homepage at www.cftc.gov.
US donations
Republic of Georgia: The U.S. signed a Food for Progress agreement with the United Methodist Committee on Relief for approximately 4,000
metric tons of wheat and 1,000 metric tons of soybean oil. The wheat and oil will be sold in Georgia with proceeds going to rural health care programs, rural infrastructure projects and technical assistance to small
farmers.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: The U.S. signed a Food for Progress agreement with the Partners for Development for the donation of 16,000 metric tons of wheat. The
wheat will be sold in Bosnia and Herzegovina with profits going to develop and organize small farmer associations for returning refugee farmers.
Russia: The U.S. signed a Food for Progress agreement with theInternationalOrthodox Christian Charities organization for approximately 28,470 metric tons of
wheat flour, rice, buckwheat and vegetable oil. The commodities will be directly distributed to the most needy throughout Russia.
Kazakstan, Turkmenistan and Ubekistan: The U.S. signed a Section 416(b) agreement with the American Red Cross for approximately 7,000 metric tons of wheat
flour, rice, beans and vegetable oil. The donated commodities will be directly distributed to families in the Aral Sea region affected by tuberculosis.
Calender of future events
Next Week at NAWG
Monday - August 14
Tuesday - August 15
Wednesday - August 16 -Virginia Small Grains Association
annual meeting
Thursday - August 17 - Virginia Small Grains Association annual meeting
Friday - August 18
U.S. House and Senate Calendar
September 21, 2000 - Hearing on implementation of crop insurance reform, House Agriculture Committee Washington, DC
NAWG Future Events
October 15-17, 2000
NAWG Board of Directors Fall Meeting
Breckenridge, CO
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