NEWARK, Del. Lima beans have been an iiriportant crop for Delaware farmers since the turn of the century. The smaller seeded baby lima, as opposed to the larger seeded Fordhook, has been the main type grown. Delaware still produces more baby limas than any other state except California. Acreage m recent years has leveled off at the 10,000 acre mark, but got as high as 24,500 in 1949. Yields per acre have fluctuated, too, but don’t seem to have im proved over the years, like peas. Compared to lima beans, the historic yield per acre of Delaware grown peas shows a general trend upward from 1,000 pounds of Computer program slated FLEMINGTON, N.J. - A one morning program on farm and home computers is being planned by Hunterdon County, N.J. Ex tension on Friday. This will be an opportunity to see how computers apply to present day farm operations. ' Topics include “Do I Need a Farm Computer?”; “Crop Management by Computer; ” and a discussion panel and actual demonstrations to round out the program. Bunk Feeding ACTION WITH TRADITION odd /jaus^ o; Feed-Way 155 TOTAL See just how easy bunk feeding can be... COME IN TODAY FOR A DEMONSTRATION AREA REPRESENTATIVE DAVID D. DIETRICH PHONE Rte 5, Box 758 (703) 667-3787 Winchester, VA 22601 (703) 667-0363 Hi stands Farm Centers 717-744-2371 SHIPPENSBURG, PA Witmer Impl 717 532-6139 HAMBURG, PA FREDERICK, MD RISING SUN, MD LEBANON, PA Shartlesville Farm Knott and Geisbert Ben Haines Evergreen Tractor Co Service 215-488-1025 shelled peas per acre in Delaware in the IGlO's t>< between 2,(500 and 3,000 pounds in the eighties. This is primarily the result of better varieties and improved irrigation practices, says University of Delaware extension vegetable specialist Ed Kee. Lime bean yields, on the other hand, have hovered between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds an acre over the same 30-year period, except for some occasional dips down to 1,000 pounds. What’s the problem with limas? “Why aren’t we seeing the kind of improvement peas have shown?,” Kee asks. “Some very good varieties have been introduced. Speakers will be David Lee, Salem County Agent, and Ray Samulis, Burlington County Agent. Both have had extensive ex perience in working with crop growers in computerizing their operations. Lee is a dairy and field crop agent and Samulis works principally with vegetable and fruit growers. Supporting the program is the First National State Bank of West Jersey. David Buchholz of its staff will be on the panel and will also MIXED RATIONS GREENWOOD, DE Delndge Supply, Inc 302-349-4327 301-662-3800 301-658-5359 Stress affects lima yields YORK, PA Neuhaus'es 717-428-1953 WAYNESBORO, PA B Equipment, Inc 717-762-3193 Inc 717-272-4641 Most have resistance to several strains of downey mildew disease, making it possible to reduce or even eliminate spraying some years.” Advances in irrigation technology have been applied to lima bean acreage, just as they have to peas. Why haven’t these improvements boosted yield averages? “The fact is,” says Kee, “lima beans are simply more sensitive to the extreme summer growing conditions on Delmarva. Flowers and newly set pods, called ‘pins,’ will drop off under moisture or temperature stress. And we get a lot of both.” provide a computer and a few programs for demonstration. Frank Wright, Rutgers’ Dairy Specialist, and Bill Bachenberg, farmer and computer systems consultant, will also participate in the panel discussions and demonstrations. AIL PURPOSE CART * 2 Sizes In Stock * 8 Cu. Ft. Assembled w/Solid Front w/20” wheels pneumatic, $120.00 * 15 Cu. Ft. Assembled w/Removable Front w/26” wheels pneumatic, $162.00 OR WILL MAKE THE SIZE YOU ORDER • Made of W' Exterior Plywood • Edges Protected w/Galvanized Sheet • Finished w/Treated Redwood Stain "GREAT FOR LAWN, GARDEN AND FARM USE" Elam M. Jol TT. r . w Ebersol * / ' T 558GibbonsRd. // , Rd 1, Bird-in-Hand, s f PA 17505 J s IVi Mile N. of //J f V Bird-in-Hand, PA *7 r / ( B(xTs Rfl \ p ■MTROPWCIMC Call or Write For ijfi PERMA WEB For years, area scientists have studied the effects of these stresses, measuring the relationships between rainfall, temperature, humidity and yield. They have found that vegetative growth of the lima bean plant is adversely affected during any period with temperatures above 94 degrees, or when temperatures above 90 degrees are combined with high humidity Pollination, on the other hand, suffers whenever temperatures reach 90 degrees under low relative humidity. Lack of rainfall or irrigation for seven days negatively affects both general plant growth and pollination. When researchers at the University of Delaware Agricultural Experiment Station plotted actual weather conditions over past growing seasons, and compared these with lima bean yields, they found a definite correlation between the frequency of stress periods and average we’ve got: it steel buildings statewide yield. In 1966, for example, the average Delaware yield was 1,000 pounds an acre. “That year, there was an extended drought,” Kee says, “with no 7-day period between June 30 to September 19 receiving more than one inch of rain. As you would Expect, there were also periods of high temperature throughout the season.” The following year both rainfall and temperatures were more moderate and in response, Delaware’s average lima bean yield rose to 1,740 pounds per acre. “Understanding the climatic factors which affect lima bean yield has clear implications for irrigation management,” Kee says. “Not only is soil moisture important, but higher humidity levels will also encourage pod set. We also use this information about the lima bean plant’s response to stress when we test new lima varieties for ther adaptability to this region.” All-Plant LIQUID PLANT FOOD 9-18-9 PLUS OTHERS' • Contains 100% white ortho phosphoric acid Made in USA • Non-corrosive Won't settle •Top quality Excellent service • Newest equipment • Financially sound and growing l Big Demand Requires More Distributors! I i I sell to farmers. How do I become your distributor 7 f ! I'm a farmer. 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