The Colquitt County Extension office will be closed for the holidays from December 25, 2023, to January 1, 2024, and reopen on January 2nd.
Up Coming Meetings
The links to register for the 2024 Corn Short Course and the 2024 Georgia Cotton Commission Annual Meeting/UGA Cotton Production Workshop are available at the following website.
2024 Corn Short Course, Tifton – Tuesday January 23
Georgia Cotton Commission’s Annual Meeting & UGA Cotton Production Workshop January 31, 2024 UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center
https://ugatiftonconference.caes.uga.edu/events.html
UGA Ag Forcast is set to take place on January 26, 2024 in Tifton, GA. If you would like more information please go here.
The 2024 Peanut Farm Show will be held on January 18, 2024 at the University of Georgia Tifton Conference Center. If you would like more information it can be obtained here.
Current Situation
The rainfall over the last couple of weeks have improved conditions in Colquitt County according to the latest US Drought Monitor. Locally, rainfall amounts over the last couple weeks have ranged from 3-6 inches. Pam Knox mentioned in a blog post recently that NOAA announced that the earth as a whole had its warmest November in recorded history based on data since 1880. This is especially due to the unusually warm Atlantic, the Arctic, and the wide area of warmer than normal ocean temperatures in the Eastern Pacific due to the current strong El Nino. When added to the string of other exceptionally warm months of 2023, this means that most of the earth is much above normal in temperature and 2023 is likely to be the warmest year on record, especially since December is also running well above normal in temperature. You can read more at https://www.noaa.gov/news/earth-had-its-warmest-november-on-record or see more statistics at https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/global/202311.
According to the NWS Climate Prediction Center, there is a 60-70% chance of above normal rainfall and near normal temperatures for south Georgia in the next three months.
2023 Colquitt County Peanut Variety Trial
This past year, two peanut variety trials were conducted in Colquitt County. The first irrigated demonstration was planted on May 8th and harvested on October 3, 2023. Plots were 6 rows wide, averaged 500 feet long, and replicated four times. Peanut yields, TSWV, leaf spot, and SMK are highlighted in the table below. The results of the peanut variety demonstration conducted in Colquitt County last year showed no significant differences in yield, TSWV, or leaf spot ratings. However, differences were observed in total SMK, as indicated in the table below.
How about if I plant peanuts in June, Mr. Kichler? Well, to help answer this question, another irrigated peanut variety demonstration containing six varieties was planted at the Sunbelt Ag Expo on June 7, 2023. This demonstration was harvested on November 7, 2023. Plots were 6 rows wide, averaged 250 to 500 feet long, and replicated four times. Yields and % TSWV from this variety trial are reported below.
Baleage: When should it be tested for proper fermentation?
I had this question a time or two over the last few weeks. The UGA Beef Team asked Dr. Lisa Baxter, UGA Forage Specialist, for information on this subject. Her answer is very timely and may help save your breeding season or prevent lethal toxicity issues.
Typically, we only ask producers to submit the basic F2 test to determine the forage’s quality and to test for nitrates. However, there are several instances where we will ask for a fermentation analysis. These include relatively low quality (usually energy), moisture outside the typical range (40-60%), or if there are reports of an off-putting smell or some visual sign of mold or yeast. Molds, bacteria, fungi, and yeasts require four things to decompose the baleage: carbon (energy), oxygen, moisture, and non-acidic pH. These instances are usually not exclusive, and one usually leads to another.
While the fermentation analysis does cost money, it is far cheaper than the price of replacing an animal. The UGA FEW lab can conduct these tests (select options F3B and F20). If you are using another lab, please request tests for lactic acid, acetic acid, and pH. Ideally the lactic acid will be the dominant acid present at 4-7% DM. The acetic acid should only be 2-3% of the DM. Ideally, the pH of the material will be as low as possible but should at least be acidic (below 5).
Samples need to be collected with hay corers and placed in an freezer bag. The samples should be shipped early in the week to avoid delays in the delivery.
https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/B%201532_3.PDF
Colquitt County Corn Variety Information
I had a question or two about corn varieties. This past year two variety trials were conducted in Colquitt County. The results are in the tables.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Jeremy M. Kichler
Colquitt County Agent
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension does not endorse or guarantee the performance of any products mentioned in this update.