AGRONOMY NEWS A research-based publication from the University of Maryland Extension Agronomy Team

extension.umd.edu

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Resources are Now Available

Paul Goeringer, Agriculture Legal Specialist University of Maryland

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

2

Critical Time to Manage Palmer, Ragweed, & other Resistant Weeds

3

Early Summer Insect Scouting

4

MDA Pesticide Container Recycling

5

2020 Wheat Disease Observations

6

Corn & Soybean Fungicide Recommendations

8

Eliminating Mosquitos on the Farm

9

Crop Talk Webinar 9

Dicamba Registration Update

10

Webinar: Fundamentals of Nutrient Management

10

PPE During COVID: EPA Guidance

11

May Grain Marketing Report

12

Weather Outlook 13

Regional Crop Reports 15

The University of Maryland is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Offers Equal Access Programs

JUNE 2020

Reposted from the Ag Risk Management Blog

USDA has recently announced a new program to provide assistance to growers and livestock producers who aced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. The new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will begin to signup on May 26 and close on August 28th. See https://www.farmers.gov/cfap from USDA.

CFAP will provide support to eligible livestock, wool, dairy, non-specialty crop, and specialty crop producers. The Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the University of Maryland Extension has developed resources to assist growers to better understand CFAP. The following resources have been developed:

Beef Producers Infographic from UME is available here.

Dairy and Beef Producers: Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP): What Dairy and Beef Producers Need to Know, Sarah B. Potts, University of Maryland Extension, 2020.

Dairy Producers Infographic from UME is available here.

General overview: New Coronavirus Food Assistance Program May Provide Relief to Maryland Growers Due to COVID-19 Losses, Paul Goeringer, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, 2020.

Grain Infographic from UME is available here.

Make sure you schedule an appointment with your county FSA office or fill out the online application before the end of the signup period.

CFAP Guide

Click to download

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 3 AGRONOMY NEWS: JUNE 2020

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Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Sign-Up USDA Farm Service Agency press release

Agricultural producers can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. The application and a payment calculator are now available online, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers complete applications. The agency set up a call center in order to simplify how they serve new customers across the nation.

"We know Maryland producers are facing a tough time now, and we are making every effort to provide much needed support as quickly as possible," said Jim Eichhorst, state executive director for FSA in Maryland. "FSA is available over the phone and virtually to walk you through the application process, whether it’s the first time you’ve worked with FSA, or if you know us quite well."

Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion for vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

"We also want to remind producers that the program is structured to ensure the availability of funding for all eligible producers who apply," Jim Eichhorst said.

In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available.

Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov/cfap. Also, on that webpage, producers can find a payment calculator to help identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.

Additionally, producers in search of one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call (877) 508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. This is a good first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

Applying for Assistance

Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office. Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print off a pre-filled CFAP application, sign, and submit to your local FSA office either electronically or via hand delivery. Please contact your local office to determine the preferred method. Find contact information for your local office at farmers.gov/cfap.

Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested after the application is filed. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.

Additional Commodities

USDA is also establishing a process for the public to identify additional commodities for potential inclusion in CFAP. Specifically, USDA is looking for data on agricultural commodities, that are not currently eligible for CFAP, that the public believes to have either:

1. suffered a five percent-or-greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,

2. shipped but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channel, or

3. not left the farm or remained unharvested as mature crops.

More information about this process is available on farmers.gov/cfap. To find the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/cfap or call (877) 508-8364.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 3 AGRONOMY NEWS: JUNE 2020

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Critical Time for Managing Palmer Amaranth, Ragweed and other Herbicide Resistant Weeds

Ben Beale, Principal Agriculture Agent, St. Mary’s County & Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Extension Specialist University of Maryland

Palmer amaranth is now germinating in fields in Southern Maryland (Fig. 1), with the largest plants around 3 inches tall. The cool spring has slowed germination and plant growth this year. At the same time last year, Palmer amaranth plants were over 10 inches tall. Hot weather is returning this week so we can expect to see plants jump in size. In soybeans, now is the critical time to control Palmer amaranth plants before the crop emerges. The optimal size for effective control of this species is 3 to 4 inches. In fields that received a burndown herbicide application in May, expect to see additional plants emerging, often before the soybean crop is planted. Paraquat (Gramoxone® or generic alternatives) is an effective burndown treatment for smaller plants provided it is applied with adequate water to achieve good spray coverage. Other options include products like 2,4-D, saflufenacil (Sharpen®), or dicamba. Each of these products have plant-back restrictions. Glyphosate, while not effective on Palmer amaranth, can still be added to control other weeds. Our recommendation for controlling Palmer amaranth continues to be starting clean, using a residual herbicide with two modes of action at planting, and using a timely postemergence application around 24 days after planting. In our trials, products with flumioxazin (Valor®) including premixes of Fierce® or Fierce XLT® or products with sulfentrazone (Authority®) including premixes

Broadaxe®, Authority Elite®, and Authority MTZ® provided the most consistent control. In 2020 trials, we evaluated 15 different herbicide programs in high-pressure sites. Bottom line—preemergence products containing either sulfentrazone or flumioxazin in combination with either metribuzin, pyroxasulfone, or S-metolachlor* provided excellent control for the first three weeks. When used in combination with an effective postemergent product such as Xtendimax® or Reflex® applied 24 days after planting, Palmer amaranth was effectively controlled with 0 plants present 60 days after planting. *S-metolachlor (Dual Magnum®) or dimethenamid (Frontier® or Outlook®) cannot be tank-mixed with Valor® within 14 days of planting soybeans, unless soybeans are planted under no-till or minimum-till on wheat stubble or no-till field corn stubble.

Integrating several strategies into your weed management plan will help avoid resistance and increase control. Effective strategies include crop rotation, tillage, seed bank management, preventing seed movement, use of cover crops, narrow rows (15 inches or less) and managing the crop to promote competitive growth and quick canopy closure.

Common Ragweed and Marestail:

We have already started to receive calls about controlling ALS- and glyphosate-resistant ragweed and marestail in emerged soybeans. Unfortunately, we don’t have any of good options for control once beans are up. The only option for ALS- and glyphosate-resistant ragweed in conventional or Roundup Ready® soybean is fomesafen (Reflex® or Flexstar®).

Marestail plants are beginning to bolt in Southern Maryland (Fig. 2). Most marestail is resistant to glyphosate and ALS products. As with ragweed and Palmer, it is critical to control marestail before planting.

Unfortunately, post emergent PPO products,

Figure 1. Palmer amaranth seedlings emerging on June 1st in St. Mary’s County.

B. Beale, University of Maryland

Figure 2. Marestail plants that survived the initial herbicide burndown treatment.

B. Beale, University of Maryland

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Early Summer Insect Scouting Emily Zobel, Agriculture Agent Associate

University of Maryland Extension, Dorchester County

such as Reflex® or Cobra®, do not control marestail. In ALS- resistant populations, there are few options once beans emerge. Burndown options include glyphosate plus 2,4-D (1 qt/A), glyphosate plus dicamba or glyphosate plus Sharpen®, will effectively control glyphosate- and ALS-resistant populations when they are less than 4 inches tall. Plant back restrictions apply. Liberty® or Gramoxone® are also options for small marestail and do not have any plant back restrictions.

If you planted one of the tolerant herbicide platforms like RR2 Xtend® (dicamba, glyphosate); LibertyLink® (glufosinate); LibertyLink GT27® (glufosinate, glyphosate, HPPD); or Enlist E3® beans (2,4-D, glyphosate, glufosinate) you have an additional option for early control. With the increase in availability of different herbicide tolerance platforms, it is important that producers carefully record where each variety is planted to avoid application mistakes. Glufosinate will kill Xtend® soybeans, and dicamba will

kill Enlist, LibertyLink® and Liberty Link GT® beans. A couple of reminders to increase control. Contact products such as Liberty®, Reflex® and Cobra® require good spray coverage to achieve control so use at least 15 gallons of water per acre. Liberty works best when applied in full sunlight. All POST products including Liberty®, dicamba, 2,4-D, Reflex®, Cobra®, and Ultra Blazer® are most effective when weeds are 4 inches tall or less.

More information on management of Palmer amaranth is available here: https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/publications/Palmer%20Amaranth%20in%20MD%20FS-1086%20%281%29.pdf

More information on management of Common Ragweed is available here: https://extension.umd.edu/learn/publications/managing-herbicide-resistant-common-ragweed

Overwintering bean leaf beetles are emerging and starting to feed. Soybean seedlings can recover, with no yield loss, from 40% defoliation. Many small caterpillars, such as the green clover worms will also defoliate plants. However, once soybean plants start to bloom, you want to control defoliating insects when you have greater than 15% defoliation.

Check for cutworm and armyworms leaf feeding on young corn plants. The threshold for cutworms is when 10% of the field has feeding damage at 1-2 leaf, and 5% damage at 3-4 leaf or 4 larvae found per 100 ft. For armyworms, the treatment threshold is when 25% of the plants are infested and larvae are under a 0.75 inch long. Armyworms that are 1.25 inches are late instars and have likely completed their feeding.

No-till fields of both corn and soybean are at an increased risk of slug damage. Slugs feed at night, so you will likely not find them during daytime scouting.

Their feeding damage will be found on the lower leaves of plants. The leaf will have narrow, irregular, linear tracks or scars of various lengths that may be eaten partly or entirely through the leaf. Peter Coffey wrote a great article about slug management, which can be found here (http://blog.umd.edu/agronomynews/2018/05/03/what-should-i-do-about-slugs/) .

As wheat gets harvested during the month, stink bugs may move into nearby cornfields. Their feeding could affect the developing ear and kernels. Populations will be highest around the edge of the field, and full-field control may not be needed. Field corn treatment threshold are when 25% of plants are infested with stink bugs before pollination, and 50% of plants are infested with stink bugs are after pollination up to early dough stage. Counts should be done on 10 plants in 10 different locations in the field. Do not count beneficial stinkbugs, such as the spined soldier bug.

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MDA Announces Dates for Pesticide Container Recycling Program Maryland Department of Agriculture press release

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Regulation Section has announced 2020 dates and locations for its pesticide container recycling program. Each regional location will offer multiple recycling dates from June through September. This free program allows farmers, certified applicators, and other pesticide users to recycle used plastic containers at no cost.

“In addition to providing an alternative option for disposal of pesticide containers, this program helps prevent pesticide residues from reaching soil and local waterways while diverting material away from landfills,” said Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “I want to thank the Agricultural Container Recycling Council for its continued support as we enter the program’s twenty-seventh year. I encourage anyone with empty pesticide containers to take full advantage of this free, convenient program.”

Maryland’s pesticide container recycling program is

a partnership between federal, state and local agencies and private industries. The program is free and open to all agricultural producers and pesticide applicators. The Agricultural Container Recycling Council provides a chipper to grind the used plastic containers into flakes, which are then transported to a contractor for recycling. The containers collected in Maryland have yielded nearly 1 million tons of recyclable plastic flakes.

A schedule of collection dates and locations is available on the department’s website (and pictured below). All recycling events will be subject to requirements of emergency orders related to COVID-19. All patrons and staff should wear cloth face coverings and follow best practices established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Maryland Department of Health.

For additional information, or to schedule a chipping date at your site, contact the department’s Pesticide Regulation Section at (410) 841-5710.

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Nidhi Rawat, Small Grains Pathologist University of Maryland, College Park

Wheat Leaf Diseases Observed in 2020 Season in Maryland

With low temperatures and intermittent showers, this wheat season has been unusual in Maryland. The cool wet season was conducive to the growth of several foliar fungal pathogens. At the same time, several physiological issues caused by the unusual weather conditions manifested themselves on leaves of the plants. The conditions were not too supportive for extensive symptom development for Fusarium Head Blight so far, although DON contents should be analyzed before declaring it a FHB-free year. The major diseases/ physiological disorders observed in the state this year so far are described below to help in identification of the underlying factors.

Leaf Diseases

Tan Spot

The fungal pathogen, Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, produces host-selective toxins that causes yellowing and death of leaf tissue. Symptoms of tan spot early in the season include diamond-shaped or oval spots with a yellow halo mostly on the lower leaves. These spots turn brown and progressively enlarge and coalesce damaging large areas of leaf tissue. These tan colored spots have a small dark brown center resembling an “eye-spot” that is particularly distinctive when holding the leaf up to the sunlight (Fig 1). Tan spot may develop any time during the growing season, but well-developed lesions are frequently observed later in the season. After the season is over, the fungus overwinters in straw and stubble as black fruiting bodies called pseudothecia.

Septoria/Stagonospora nodorum Blotch (SNB)

The causal agent of SNB is the fungus Parastagonospora nodorum. Symptoms usually appear after head emergence and are mostly found on the upper leaves, although all leaves are susceptible. SNB starts as small, water soaked dark brown flecks, which later expand to make larger irregular dark brown lesions (Fig 2). As the disease progresses, the lesions develop an ash gray-brown center containing brown-black pepper grains (pycnidia), which are sometimes difficult to see in brown lesions. Glume blotch, which refers to the SNB on glumes of wheat heads, is caused by the same pathogen (Fig 2). Pycnidia, which are brownish-black pepper grain-like dots, are the asexual reproductive structure of the fungus and are diagnostic of this disease.

Septoria tritici blotch (STB)

STB is caused by fungus Zymoseptoria tritici (previously named Septoria tritici). Symptoms of STB are usually detected on lower leaves in the fall and early spring as yellowish or chlorotic flecks on leaves. Symptoms start as yellowish flecks, especially on the lower leaves, which are in contact with the soil. These flecks enlarge and develop into brown to reddish brown lesions, which are initially restricted to the leaf veins, giving the appearance of parallel sides. More importantly, lesions are associated with the presence of visible pycnidia that are sphere or ball-shaped, gelatinous and gray-brown. These small black pycnidia in lesions are the most reliable in-field characteristic for identifying SNB. Differentiating STB from SNB can be

Figure 1. Typical symptoms of tan spot on a wheat leaf (A) and wheat plants (B). Images: N. Rawat, University of Maryland.

Figure 2. Stagonospora nodorum blotch on a leaf (A) and glume blotch (B).

Ohio State Extension N. Rawat, Univ of Maryland

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difficult and often requires microscopic observations.

Barley Yellow Dwarf (BYDV)

BYDV is a viral disease caused by a Luteovirus transmitted by aphids. The typical symptom of BYDV, as the name suggests, is yellowing of leaves that starts from the tip and progresses towards the base (Fig 4). The yellow color changes to purple and red as disease develops. Severe infection leads to stunting of plants. Oftentimes the flag leaves of infected plant stand out prominently as a reddish flags. The symptoms of BYDV may often be confused with nutrient deficiency or leaf streak mosaic virus. The disease occurs in patches in the field indicating the area of infestation by aphids, as compared to mineral deficiency, which is present more or less uniformly in the field. Aphid vectors may be visible on the plants infected with BYDV. Unlike leaf streak mosaic virus, BYDV does not have a distinct mosaic pattern on the leaves. Definitive confirmation of BYDV can be done by lab tests.

Physiological Disorders

Leaf Tip Necrosis

Leaf tip necrosis (LTN) is a physiological disorder and can be caused by several factors namely: hot dry air, contact fungicides, foliar fertilizer burn, soil salinity, cool evening temperatures. Even some genetic factors such as leaf rust resistance gene Lr34 or stripe rust resistance gene Yr18 are known to cause leaf tip necrosis. LTN normally progresses from the margins of the flag leaf tip and lower leaves should show some signs of it as well (Fig 5). The severity of the leaf tip necrosis is dependent on both the variety and the growing conditions during flag leaf emergence and early grain-fill and thus some varieties have a tendency to show a lot more leaf tip necrosis than others.

Physiological Leaf Spotting (PLS)

Physiological leaf spotting (PLS) is another issue that we observed this season. There are majorly two factors/ triggers that may cause PLS, namely: chloride deficiency and tissue oxidation due to sun damage. PLS is bit of a black box when it comes to diagnosing or predicting when it will appear. Chloride is an essential micronutrient for plants, and is generally not tested for in tissues or soils. In case of sun damage, spotting occurs after a period of prolonged cloudy weather that is then followed by sunny weather. Such symptoms appear first, and more uniformly, on upper leaves exposed to direct sunlight and little is seen further down in the

Figure 3. Septoria Tritici Blotch on a wheat leaf (A). Notice the brown lesions restricted by the leaf veins (A). Black dots (pynidia) in the lesions in the enlarged section (B). Images: N. Rawat, University of Maryland

Figure 4. Symptoms of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus on wheat leaves (A). Notice the pattern of disease distribution (B). Images: N. Rawat, University of Maryland.

Figure 5. Leaf tip necrosis on a leaf (A) and in a field (B). Picture Credit: B. Beale, University of Maryland.

Figure 6. Physiological flecking on wheat leaves.

A. Kness, University of Maryland

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2020 Corn and Soybean Fungicide Recommendations Andrew Kness, Agriculture Agent

University of Maryland Extension, Harford County

canopy; but in severe cases lower canopy leaves can express symptoms as well. PLS may be mistaken for spotting caused by the previously described diseases. However, the pattern of distribution of symptoms is more uniform and spread over to a larger geographical area than the diseases. Unfortunately, there is no ‘test’ that can be done to confirm this type of PLS; only the elimination of all other possible causes.

Management of Wheat Foliar Fungal Diseases

It is important to diagnose the correct underlying disease/physiological factor of a disorder in order to make productive management decisions. Following are some of the management strategies that are helpful in the cases of the diseases described above.

1. Disease prevention by growing resistant varieties is the most economical method of control of fungal foliar diseases. Varieties with a good resistance level may be available for some of these diseases, for others a moderate to low level of resistance may be available.

2. Good-quality and pathogen-free seed should be used for planting. Planting seed infested with these fungal leaf spot pathogens can result in reduced germination and poor seedling vigor.

3. Seed treatment fungicides can reduce the risk of seedling infections.

4. Crop rotations can reduce the initial inoculum load of fungal leaf spots.

5. Management of volunteer weeds that serve as green-bridge for these diseases from one year to the next is helpful.

6. Several fungicides are labeled for the management of tan spot and the Septoria complex. Early season fungicide application is not recommended in the absence of disease or in an unfavorable environment. A good source of information is the fungicide efficacy table organized by the North Central Regional Committee on Management of Small Grain Diseases (NCERA-184) and can be found on the UMD Plant Sciences/Extension website.

As we get into the swing of the 2020 growing season, it can be helpful to have access to a quick reference for fungicide recommendations for if/when diseases become a problem on your farm. As you are aware, there are several products available for disease management and it can be difficult and confusing to select the appropriate product. Also remember that just because a pesticide is labeled for use on a particular crop to manage a specific pest, does not necessarily mean or guarantee that the pesticide will work to manage it. Pest populations are constantly evolving and therefore develop resistance to products over time. A good example of this is the fungicide, propiconazole; once very effective for managing head scab of wheat, is now ineffective against the pathogen.

To help aid your fungicide selections, the Crop Protection Network has some great resources on

fungicide efficacy that they update each year (and soon to come, insecticides and herbicides). The Crop Protection Network is a multi-state and international partnership of university and provincial Extension specialists and public and private professionals that provides unbiased, research-based information.

These publications list the relative fungicide efficacy for the major diseases of corn, soybeans, and small grains and are linked below. If you have trouble accessing or interpreting the information, feel free to contact me.

2020 Corn Fungicide Efficacy Table

2020 Soybean Fungicide Efficacy Table for foliar diseases

2020 Soybean Fungicide Efficacy Table for seedling diseases

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Getting Rid of Mosquitoes on the Farm Kelly Nichols, Agriculture Agent Associate

University of Maryland Extension, Frederick County

Warmer temperatures and higher humidity are slowly making their appearance. Unfortunately, this means mosquitoes will soon make their appearance as well. Mosquitoes not only are pesky as they fly around you, but are a health risk for humans and livestock, as they carry diseases such as West Nile Virus and Zika Virus. Female mosquitoes need stagnant, nutrient-rich water in order to lay their eggs. After the mosquito eggs hatch, the larvae and pupae will live in the water before becoming an adult. The easiest solution to get rid of mosquitoes is to remove places where this water can accumulate.

Items such as water troughs, buckets, wheelbarrows, and bird baths should be stored inside or upside down when not in use. If stagnant water does accumulate while these items are in use, dump the water and replace it regularly. Loader buckets should be tilted downwards when stored to prevent water accumulation. Get rid of unused tires, and do not pile tires outside. If tires are outside, including those on top

of bunk silos, cut them in half to reduce water accumulation. Tarps that cover bales or equipment should be placed so that water can drain. Gutters should be cleaned regularly.

For water sources that can’t be removed, there are insecticides and products that create a film on top of the water. Be sure to read the label before use. Note that the pupae do not actually eat during this stage, and therefore cannot ingest an insecticide, so it is important to use the right product for the correct stage. Creating a film on top of the water’s surface prevents the pupae from being able to access air to survive. Crusts on manure pits can act as a film; however, keep in mind that if using an insecticide, the crust will prevent it from reaching the larvae. Reduce weeds around the pit to deter mosquito habitat. If ponding is occurring in fields and around the barnyard, determine the cause and take the necessary actions. These actions may include alleviating compaction, fixing gutters, or fixing drainage pipes.

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Dicamba Registration Update Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Extension Specialist

University of Maryland

Fundamentals of Nutrient Management Webinar Series June 15-18, 2020

This training course provides participants with a basic overview of knowledge areas covered by the Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Examination. Topics include state nutrient management regulations, nutrient management principles, basic soil science, and soil fertility recommendations. Instructors are university and government experts.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone planning to take the Maryland Nutrient Management Certification Examination, consultants and farmers interested in refreshing their nutrient management knowledge, and natural resource personnel. The Certification Examination will be held on Friday, August 7, 2020.

Webinar Dates:

Monday June 15 through June 18, 2020 Webinars will be held for two sessions per day from 9:30am – 11:30am and 1:00pm – 3:00pm except for June 18 will only be the morning session.

Cost for manuals (optional):

$100.00 - Includes 2 binders, Maryland Nutrient Management Manual (on MDA Website) and Consultant Resource Manual

Cost for Exam: $50

Register no later than Wednesday June 10. Email registration to nminfo.mda@maryland.gov. See the attached registration form for more information or call (410) 841-5959.

On June 3, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision vacating the registration of three dicamba herbicides, Xtendimax® (Bayer), Engenia® (BASF), and FeXapan (Corteva). However, this ruling does not seem to include Tavium® (Syngenta). This ruling is a result of a lawsuit filed against the EPA’s 2018 registration decision (https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/epa-announces-changes-dicamba-registration) requesting that U.S. registrations of certain low-volatility dicamba formulations be vacated. If the label remains vacated, growers who have planted dicamba tolerant soybeans will not be able to use dicamba-containing products in their weed control program. That is unwelcome news to those who plan to use it to control glyphosate and ALS-resistant common ragweed and Palmer amaranth. As a result, PPO-inhibiting herbicides (Group 14) such as (Cobra®, Reflex®, Ultra Blazer®) are the only labeled products that will provide POST control of these weeds in dicamba tolerant soybeans. Further information and updates on this issue can be found by going to https://www.roundupreadyxtend.com/Pages/xtendimax-updates.aspx?utm_source=Various_Collateral.

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EPA Releases Temporary Guidance on Respiratory Protection During COVID-19

EPA press release via National Pesticide Safety Education Center

Want to stay up to date throughout the year and between Agronomy News postings?

Check out the Maryland Agronomy Blog. It is a searchable site that includes past and present articles. You can also subscribe to get emails when new information is posted.

http://blog.umd.edu/agronomynews/

This original announcement was published by the EPA on June 1, 2020. Click here for more.

There is no higher priority for EPA than protecting the health and safety of Americans, especially during the COVID-19 public health emergency. EPA has heard from states and stakeholders about Personal Protective Equipment shortages in the agricultural sector. To respond to these reports and to help ensure the health and safety of America’s farmers, EPA is providing temporary guidance regarding respiratory protection requirements for agricultural pesticide handlers. Our guidance aligns with recent OSHA memos on respirators while addressing EPA’s responsibilities under FIFRA and the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS).

Additional Information

The temporary guidance outlines approaches to address the unavailability of required respiratory protection and respiratory fit testing that should first be exhausted before considering any alternative options. Options include:

Use alternative NIOSH-approved respirators offering equivalent or greater respiratory protection than those required on the pesticide label;

Hire commercial applicator services with enough respirators and respiratory protection capabilities;

Opt to use agricultural pesticide products that do not require respirators; or

Delay pesticide applications until another compliant option is available.

If the above options are exhausted, EPA’s guidance provides additional options with strict terms, conditions, and exhaustion requirements to minimize potential incremental risks to workers:

Reuse and extended use of disposable N95 filter facepiece respirator;

Use of “expired” respirators;

Use of respirators certified in certain other countries or jurisdictions meeting protective conditions outlined; or

Delay the annual respirator “fit test.”

This is a temporary policy. EPA will assess the continued need for and scope of this temporary guidance on a regular basis. To read the guidance in full and to learn more about EPA’s Worker Protection Standard, visit this webpage.

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May Grain Market WASDE Report Dale Johnson, Farm Management Specialist

University of Maryland Extension

Information from USDA WASDE report

Attached is the summary for the May 11 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE). May is the first month for estimates of the new crop year (2020/21). To put these 2020/21 estimates into historical perspective, I have included the past 16 years in this summary spreadsheet.

Corn Acres harvested, yield, and associated production are estimated to be at an all time high. Total use is estimated to be above the five year average. However, it is not the same magnitude as increased production so ending stocks are estimated to be an all time high of 3.3 billion bushel with an associated historically high stocks-to-use ratio of 22.4%. The next highest stocks-to-use ratio was the 2004/05 pre-ethanol year at 19.8%. This very bearish WASDE report did not move the futures market since it was anticipated and lower prices were already built into the market. December corn settled at $3.35 per bushel on report day.

Soybeans Acres harvested, yield, and associated production are estimated to be at a five year average. Total use is estimated to be 250 million bushel above the five year average bringing ending stocks down to 405 million bushel, 80 million bushel below the five year average with a stocks-to-use ratio of 9.4% which is not bearish.

However, worries about world soybean supply/demand, COVID-19, and the economy continue to suppress soybean prices and November soybeans settled at $8.55 on report day.

Wheat Wheat production is estimated to be more than 100 million bushel below the five year average. Use is estimated to be slightly above the five year average bringing the ending stocks down to 909 million bushel, 154 million bushel below the five year average. The associated stocks-to-use ratio is estimated at 43.8%, lower than any of the past five years. However these improved numbers had little impact on futures prices and July/21 wheat settled at $5.36 per bushel on report day.

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Currently, 0% of the state is under any drought condition. There is a 33-50% chance of above normal temperatures for the month of June with 33-40% chances of below-normal precipitation.

WEATHER OUTLOOK

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 3 AGRONOMY NEWS: JUNE 2020

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The University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs are open to all and will not discriminate against anyone because of race, age, sex, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry, or national origin, marital status, genetic

information, or political affiliation, or gender identity and expression.

University of Maryland Agronomy Faculty Directory Darren Jarboe | jarboe@umd.edu | (301) 405-6935

University of Maryland Extension Agriculture and Food Systems Program Leader

County Agriculture Agents

Allegany Sherry Frick

sfrick@umd.edu | (301) 724-3320

Cecil Doris Behnke

dbehnke@umd.edu | (410) 996-5280

Queen Anne’s Jenny Rhodes

jrhodes@umd.edu | (410) 758-0166

Anne Arundel R. David Myers

myersrd@umd.edu | (410) 887-8090

Charles Alan Leslie

aleslie@umd.edu | (301) 539-3055

St. Mary's Ben Beale

bbeale@umd.edu | (301) 475-4484

Baltimore Erika Crowl

ecrowl@umd.edu | (410) 887-8090

Dorchester Emily Zobel

ezobel@umd.edu | (410) 228-8800

Somerset Sarah Hirsh

shirsh@umd.edu | (410) 651-1350

Baltimore City Neith Little

nglittle@umd.edu | (410) 856-1850

Frederick Kelly Nichols

kellyn@umd.edu | (301) 600-3578

Talbot Shannon Dill

sdill@umd.edu | (410) 822-1244

Caroline Jim Lewis

jlewis2@umd.edu | (410) 479-4030

Garrett Willie Lantz

wlantz@umd.edu | (301) 334-6960

Washington Jeff Semler

jsemler@umd.edu | (301) 791-1304

Carroll Bryan Butler

bbutlers@umd.edu | (410) 386-2760

Harford Andrew Kness

akness@umd.edu | (410) 638-3255

Wicomico Ginny Rozenkranz

rosnkrnz@umd.edu | (410) 749-6141

Carroll Peter Coffey

plcoffey@umd.edu | (410) 386-2760

Kent Nate Richards

nrichard@umd.edu | (410) 778-1661

Worcester Maegan Perdue

mperdue@umd.edu | (410) 651-1350

University of Maryland Extension Specialists

Nicole Fiorellino | nfiorell@umd.edu | (301) 405-6241 University of Maryland Agronomist

Amanda Grev | agrev@umd.edu | (301) 432-2767 University of Maryland Extension Pasture & Forage Specialist

Kelly Hamby | kahamby@umd.edu | (301) 314-1068 University of Maryland Entomologist

Kurt Vollmer | kvollmer@umd.edu | (410) 827-8056 University of Maryland Extension Weed Management Specialist

Dale Johnson | dmj@umd.edu | (301) 432-2767 University of Maryland Extension Farm Management Specialist

Paul Goeringer | lgoering@umd.edu | (301) 405-3541 University of Maryland Extension Legal Specialist

David Ruppert | druppert@umd.edu | (301) 405-1319 University of Maryland Nutrient Management Program Coordinator

Gurpal Toor | gstoor@umd.edu | (301) 405-1306 University of Maryland Nutrient Management Specialist

If you have any requests or suggestions for future articles, contact Andy Kness at: akness@umd.edu or (410) 638-3255.

Maryland Grain

Agronomy News Blog

Nutrient Management

Ag Law Initiative

Women in Ag

Plant Diagnostic Lab

Extension Website

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 3 AGRONOMY NEWS: JUNE 2020

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Corn planting is winding down and much of what has been planted is up.

Soybean planting is going fast and furious. Wheat is flowering and barley is turning. First cutting alfalfa is finished. Grass hay has been challenging to get dry with intermittent rains but much of it is in the barn. First cutting has been down this year due mainly to the cooler temperatures.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

A majority of the corn and soybeans were planted over the last week and a half as the

weather turned warmer. Rain at the end of last week paused planting, but I would expect the rest to be finished this week. May was certainly a drier month compared to the last couple of years, but so far this year, the county is slightly above normal rainfall for the year. In my walks around my neighborhood, I have noticed marestail that is a couple inches tall. Be sure to scout your fields, as marestail is best controlled when it is 4 inches or less!–Kelly Nichols, Frederick Co.

Corn is 95% planted and soybean is 40% planted. Winter wheat is drying down. Herbicide-resistant weeds are starting to be apparent in burnt-down fields.–Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

With a slow start to the 2020 planting season,

conditions have dried and warmed nicely, allowing for nearly all of the corn and full season soybeans to be planted in short-order. Much of what is planted has emerged and is doing well, although there is some slug damage in some fields. Earliest planted corn is approaching V6. Wheat is finished flowering and the cool spring will make for reduced head blight symptoms, but DON levels could still be high; we will see as we get closer to harvest. Dry weather has made for a good first cutting of grass hay. Soil moisture is decent as the region has received some timely showers.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Most of the corn and full season beans are planted and emerged. Some of both suffered some slug damage during the week of cool rain. They were able to feed 24 hrs/day with very little sunshine and wind. Side-dress nitrogen applications and post emergent herbicide applications on corn are in full swing. Compared to past years' crop stages, we are about 2 weeks behind average crop growth. Barley is mature and drying down. Good quality and quantity hay has been made in the last week.—Jim Lewis, Caroline Co.

Intermittent rains have provided good growing conditions. Temperatures

remained below average for the latter part of May but are warming up now with temperatures hitting 90°F this week. Additional rains will be needed to maintain topsoil moisture. Corn growth is behind most years. Early fields are approaching 12 inches tall and will be ready for side dress N applications this week. We are seeing more variability across fields with differences in soil type combined with cool wet conditions exaggerating emergence and growth across the field. Most corn grew out of frost damage without any noticeable effect. We had some slug damage and issues with soil crusting in some fields. Most folks are finishing up full season soybean planting and emergence has been very good. Barley and wheat is also behind. Barley should be ready to harvest in a few days and wheat is drying down now. The wheat and barley crop look good in the field. Annual ryegrass continues to be a problem across the region in small grain fields. There was a lot of nice dry hay made in the last three weeks. Cool season grass stands have responded well given the cooler temperatures and second cutting is shaping up to be a good one. Tobacco planting is also behind with growers playing catch up this week. —Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

CENTRAL MARYLAND

WESTERN MARYLAND

NORTHERN MARYLAND

UPPER & MID SHORE

LOWER SHORE

SOUTHERN MARYLAND

CROP REPORTS Regional

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 3 AGRONOMY NEWS: JUNE 2020

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Agronomy News is published by the University of Maryland Extension, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agronomy Impact Team.

Andrew Kness, Editor Agriculture Extension Agent

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