Producers Should Analyze Com Test Plots (Continued from Pago 12) w h a t results can (height), ear length, cob diame- description of the com trial plot nificant difference between the be expected. ter, kernel maturity, husk deve- should be entered at the top for center valley farmland and the in order to evaluate a test lopment, root development, cas y reference, side-valley farm fields. plot, the producer should main- soil texture, soil consistency. Allow enough depth in the Craig said that after assess- tain a checklist on different var- location in the field, apparent cross-columns to allow for ing the range of growing condi- ieties offered, and for each field hardiness to competition, appa- notes, lions available on a farm’s visited. rent insect and pest resistance, Even if it takes three pages to fields, the farmer has a better That checklist may contain and row consistency. list the standards of compari idea of what to seek in a com as many variables as a producer One way of making a com- son, once the notes are taken variety. deems necessary to use for a parison chart is to use a legal- back home, the paper can be It is after the farmer develops meaningful comparison sized tablet and create columns laid out into one large chart for a solid idea of what he needs between varieties. by draw dividing lines length easier comparison, that he should review the sour- There are some standards wise. Also, any additional notes of ces of data available on varict- which Craig said should be On the left border column, interest, such as disease prob ies. And then, that review must considered: planting date, seed- each of the standards for com- lems in the area, etc., can be be done with an understanding ing rate, amount of starter fertil- parison can be listed. At the top entered at the end of the chart., of what the information means, izer, plant height, leafiness, of the columns a variety’s name Once in the field, Craig said ■ A producer should then visit stalk thickness, stalk hardness, can be entered. that growers should compare a local demonstration plot to car numbers and location The date, location and a brief end-row plants for potential [ FOR HLL TYPES OF UEHICLES AND POWER TOOLS ] Positive Insurance Against Mechanical Failure • More miles per gallon • Reduced maintenance costs • Longer life • Increased performance Paul W. Hlatand, Inc. 697 N. 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Inspect the ears for apparent husk protection from worm and bird damage. Check the stripped ears at the end of the row and back in the row to get an idea of ear development potential and what it is like under real field stress. Check for apparent pollination problems. Really look at the soil conditions where the plants are located in the field —if pos sible check for how well the variety has performed in the low lying areas, on side hills and on ridges. According to Craig, there are many considerations that must be made by a producer in order for him to grow the most efficient crop for a specific market. Those who seek silage potential will naturally prefer certain characteristics, while a grain cash crop producer may have other aspects which are higher in priority. When creating the checklist, don’t worry about setting them in prioritized manner. That can be done in review of the data collected. Those seeking additional help in learn ing how to better analyze com trial plots or design them should contact their local county extension agent Farm Safety CARGILL, INC. of Marietta would like to alert all farm families to the poten tial dangers of farming in the 1993 crop year. Promote farm safety aware ness to your children and whole family!!! Farm safety 4 Just Kids is being spon sored by Cargill and other agricultural companies to prevent farm-related childhood injuries, health risks, and fatalities. Anyone interested in learn ing more or Joining this movement should contact the Marietta Office at 1-800-822-0769. e CARGILL CARfS 213
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