Resources for Wheat Producers
Robert Bellm, crop systems educator

Primarily due to adverse weather conditions during flowering, the 2009 wheat crop is projected to average 59 bushels per acre, seven bushels lower than last year’s crop. Grain quality and test weight were disappointing as well.

In spite of this, wheat remains a viable and profitable crop, and it adds diversification to cropping systems that focus primarily on corn and soybean. In fact, based on projected net returns of different cropping systems, wheat-doublecrop soybeans may be more profitable than soybeans alone this coming year. As an added benefit, diversified crop rotations can minimize the negative impact of adverse weather, disease, or insect outbreaks compared to a mono-crop rotation.

For growers planning to include wheat in the rotation next year, variety information and yield results from University of Illinois’ 2009 Wheat Performance Trials is now available online at http://vt.cropsci.uiuc.edu/.

You can also visit the SI Agriculture website for results from the Ewing Demonstration Center in Southern Illinois, http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/regions/ag

Hay: Quality is Crucial
Teresa Steckler, beef specialist

Why should you care about the quality of the forages you are feeding your cattle? The bottom line is greater net profit. Knowing the quality of forages when selling or buying them has also proven to be economically smart. In addition, understanding the quality of forages will improve animal nutrition and thus animal production.

Not knowing the quality of harvested forage can be a double-edged sword. On one side is underestimating the crude protein content. This results in feeding more supplemental protein than is necessary, increasing daily feed costs. On the other side is overestimating forage quality. Guessing that forage crude protein is greater than what it actually is results in adding too little supplemental protein to the ration and saving in feed costs. However, too little crude protein may negatively impact milk production, especially colostrum, at calving. Cow colostrum contains about 22 percent solids (versus 12 percent in normal whole milk) and is also a rich source of milk protein, fat (energy source), sugars, and vitamins (especially vitamins A and E).

A chemical analysis is valid only to the extent that the sample truly represents the stack or lot of hay. As with any testing method, the key is to obtain a representative sample of your hay.

The following are guidelines for collecting a representative sample of hay. First, use a good, sharp probe; dull probes will not obtain a representative sample. Second, sample several bales at random (do not choose bales based on appearance). Third, take a sufficient number of samples; too few samples will not be representative of your hay. A minimum of 20 core samples are recommended for a lot of 10 tons or more. Fourth, proper technique will help ensure that a representative sample has been taken; a cross-section sample of the bale will obtain the best representation of stems and leaves.

Rectangular bales (all sizes) should be probed 12 to 18 inches deep and at right angles into the center of the ends of the bales, while round bales should be probed at right angles to the outer circumference to the bale. Lastly, handle the samples correctly. Pool all core samples and store in a plastic freezer bag, protect the samples from excess heat and direct sunlight, and immediately send for analysis. You can locate hay/forage testing labs by calling your county Extension office. Or, check this website for a list of certified labs: www.foragetesting.org/files/2009/2009_Certified_Labs.pdf.

Knowing the quality of forages fed can result in other benefits that affect profit. Animal health, including resistance to parasites and diseases, is favored by a high plane of nutrition. In addition, the reproductive efficiency of animals is often higher when nutritive intake is high. High-quality forage also often reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental feeds, which usually are more expensive than non-forage sources of nutrition.

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