PB—Lancaster Farming, Saturday, April 28,1984 DE KALB, 11. - Forage producers who base alfalfa variety selection on initial cost per pound of seed could be making a mistake they’ll have to live with for years. Merlin Eichstadt, regional agronomist for Dekalb-Pfizer Genetics, says basing a long-term decision on the relatively low input cost of seed could result in economic losses of several hun dred dollars over a typical four year lifespan of an alfalfa crop. Eichstadt points to a study showing that although seed of one proprietary alfalfa variety cost nearly |3 per pound vs. $1.92 per pound for a public variety, net economic return was nearly 20 tunes higher per acre than the initial difference in seed cost. Other studies from several states have shown that high quality alfalfa yields of more than 10 tons per acre per year are within NOW! The ONLY 50,000 mile * radial that’s never out of season... “Under Dunlop's Limited Tread Wear Warranty new Dunlop Elite Seventy Radial Tires are warranted to deliver to the first retail purchaser in normal use a tread life of 50,000 miles when properly fitted to one passenger car If your tire wears evenly to the tread wear indicators before delivering 50,000 miles Dunlop will, on presentation of the Dunlop mileage certificate to any participat mg Dunlop dealer and in exchange tor the worn tire, give credit toward a com parable new Dunlop tire based on Dunlop's Mileage Unit Price and tire mileage not received The Mileage Unit Charge reasonably reflects current retail prices You pay local taxes and mounting and balancing charges For complete details see your Dunlop dealer " ALL SIZES & TYPES AVAILABLE AT DISCOUNT PRICES LEOLA TIRE SERVICE, INC. 717-656-2574 sa reach for producers who manage the crop with as much intensity as they do for other segments of their fanning. Eichstadt suggests producers consider the following factors when choosing an alfalfa variety: Fast start: Selecting a variety that establishes a strong foothold early, thereby decreasing yield reducing weed competition is important, Eichstadt notes, i Research shows the difference in yields after first-year seeding could be as much as 50 percent. Winterhardiness: Once established, it’s important for the variety to withstand extreme temperature variations ex perienced throughout much of the country’s major alfalfa-producing regions. Tests reveal that plant death loss during the winter can amount to up to 90 percent of the stand. That • Exclusive all-season tread compound • Two shoulder-to-shoulder steel belts • Radial body plies • Low, wide 70 series profile 50,000 Mile Limited Warranty 258 W. MAIN ST.. LEOLA, PA Alfalfa selection involves more than cost Dunlop ELITE SEVENTY FARM TIRE SALE SUPER SPECIAL REAR RADIAL TRACTOR TIRES • MOUNTING FREE means lower yields per acre and decreased longevity. One test conducted over four seasons in Minnesota indicated a four-ton-per-acre yield difference, due in part to different win derhardiness among varieties. Longevity: Wmterhardiness and disease resistance help to deter mine the life of the stand. These factors must be bred into a variety. Eichstadt says varieties differ in their ability to maintain high yields over the years. In tests conducted in Pennsylvania, some varieties showed up to 50 percent yield reduction over four years. A few lost very little yield. Irngation/dryland per formance: During the life of an alfalfa stand, growing conditions may vary from ample rainfall to drought. Producers should review alfalfa variety performance under variable moisture conditions like • 12 Tractor Spreaders • 4 Spreader Trucks • 2 Bulk Nurse Trucks • 2 Crop Spraying Trucks WE DON'T SELL SERVICE... IT COMES FREE WITH THE SALE CHEMGEO FERTILIZER CO. Box 218 East Petersburg, PA 17520 Phone; (717) 569-3296 A BALING BREA Krone Round Balers A totally NEW concep baling machinery, the Krone line of round balers features an endless chain conveyor without belts. Closed chamber reduces problems associated with conventional belt type balers. Less horsepower required for the Krone Round Baler’s fewer moving parts means great energy savings. Produces weather resistant bales with hard outer wrap and medium density core for better curing. Available in two models for bale diameters of five or six feet. CONTACT YOUR DEALER FOR MORE INFORMATION Distributed By: CUMMINGS & BRICKER, INC. the University of Nebraska irrigated and dryland studies. Some* varieties do well under dryland or ample moisture con ditions, but not both. A few of the best varieties like Dekalb Brand 120 do well in all growing con ditions. Fast regrowth: Many varieties produce high yields from the first cutting but show marked decreased as the season wears on. They cannot recover from an aggressive management schedule says the Dekalb-Pfizer agronomist. Producers should look for a variety with the potential to quickly develop a good, leafy canopy which turns the sun’s energy into forage while battling weed pressure. Producers should he able to harvest more cuttings 100 Stover Drive Carlisle, PA 17013 717-249-6720 and tonnage from varieties with fast regrowth. Crude protein content: Eichstadt says producers must ultimately consider a variety’s potential as a protein source for livestock. Research in Wisconsin has shown the difference in crude protein levels produced by several alfalfa varieties to be worth as much as $l5O per acre per year. One variety, Dekalb Brand 120, offered $461 worth of protein per acre over three cuttings. These selection factors must be combined with ihtensive management to produce top yields of high-quality forage, Eichstadt emphasizes. But, he adds, the plant genetic potential exists for those producers who are willing to do so. COMPLETE FARM PAINTING INDUsTRlAi|j^g^ COMMERCIAL We Use Quality Paint AERIAL LADDER EQUIPMENT • Modern and Bnish-ln Method • Sandblasting if Necessary For Free Estimates Write c Call Efficient Method • Reasonable Prices ESH SPRAY PAINTING 717-687-7007 or 687-8262 SPRAY-ON AND BRUSH-IN PAINTER 637 Georgetown Rd. Ronks, PA 17572 & RESIDENTIAL • Spray-On and
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers