|
| | ||
| ||||
| ||||
| ||||
| HOME | ABOUT US | CONTACT US | SUBSCRIBE | NEWSSTAND LOCATIONS | ||||
| ||||
|
|
| | |
Midwest news and notes Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Glycerin is being researched for rations
The biodiesel industry is producing a byproduct called glycerin and it is being researched to see if larger quantities of the byproduct can be fed as a replacement for starch in dairy cattle diets, reports Jim Linn, University of Minnesota Extension dairy specialist and Mary Raeth-Knight, a U of M researcher.
There is potential for glycerin -- also known as glycerol or glycerine -- as a replacement for corn in dairy diets. However, the purity and quality of glycerin will have to be monitored closely. Pure glycerol will be best for feeding, but is likely to the highest in cost.
Based on lactation studies, the energy value of glycerol is about equal to corn on a pound-for-pound basis.
SDS found in 20 Minnesota counties
Soybean sudden death syndrome has been a significant disease in several Midwest states for two decades, but it wasn't known in Minnesota until 2002, says David Nicolai, regional Extension educator for crops based in Hutchinson, Minn.
SDS has now been confirmed in 20 counties in southern Minnesota.
Look for symptoms of SDS on leaves, lower stems and soybean roots. The most obvious symptoms are on leaves where diffuse, yellow spots/blotches and brown dead areas develop between veins, Nicolai said. Leaves become cupped, wilt and fall off as the disease progresses.
SDS is strongly influenced by weather conditions, and tends to develop most readily where adequate to excess rainfall has occurred from May through July.
Pork prices may stay at breakeven level
Pork producer profits for the next 12 months appear to be at breakeven with continuing uncertainties with feed prices and export markets, says Chris Hurt, Purdue University Extension marketing specialist.
The potential for additional Chinese purchases of U.S. pork because of production-reducing diseases there only adds to the uncertainty.
"Somewhat surprisingly, the pork industry hasn't made supply adjustments in the face of higher feed prices,'' Hurt said. "In fact, pork producers have been modestly increasing the breeding herd and seem content to continue to do so.''
Corn smut problems expected in drought
Corn smut problems are common in fields hurt by drought and hail.
The black and gray smut isn't a health issue for livestock, says Dan Martens, Extension educator based in Foley, Minn. However, it takes nutrients from the corn and lowers feed value.
Gray and black molds are noticeable on some of the dead brown leaf material caused by drought stress. Gray and black molds don't cause health problems, but may affect taste and smell and reduce feed intake.
After hail hit last Labor Day, University of Minnesota Extension dairy specialist Jim Linn recommended was to chop damaged corn as soon as possible for silage.
Illinois farmland values up 92 percent
Illinois farmland values continue to increase, going 92 percent higher since 2000, says Dale Lattz, University of Illinois Extension farm management specialist.
"The average farm real estate value for Illinois in 2007 was $4,330 per acre, the highest on record,'' he said. "This includes the value of all land and buildings.'' |
| | |
| |
Copyright 2008 Agri News
All Rights Reserved
