Check bins for grain pests
Manitoba producers may face an infestation of insects in farm-stored grain if bins are not checked for the presence of grain pests, and treated if necessary.
Rusty grain beetles were a problem in 1994 and according to Manitoba Agriculture’s soils and crops branch, may be a problem again this year.
Soil and crops specialist Lynn Manaigre says there are two principle types of pests found in farm stored grain – fungus feeding and grain feeding.
“Fungus-feeding pests include fungus beetles, grain mites and psocids. They do not live in sound, dry grain. Their appearance is a sign that grain is going out of condition,” says Manaigre. “Grain feeding pests include the rusty grain beetle, the saw-toothed grain beetle and the red flour beetle. These pests live in sound, dry grain.”
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Manaigre says there are a number of preventive measures that producers can follow to make sure their bins are pest free.
- Clean and burn or bury any grain spilled when bins are filled or emptied.
- Destroy grain residues left after grain has been removed from piles or temporary storage.
- Initiate a granary clean-up program that includes repairs and weatherproofing, cleaning and burning, or burying sweepings to prevent insect breeding.
- Thoroughly spray the granary with a malathion mixture.
- Clean and spray the area below perforated floors in bins with air drying systems.
- Examine stored grain for signs of crusting or spoiling and break any crusted areas.
- Place metal rods in bulk grain and inspect every three to four weeks for signs of heating.
Chemical control of fungus-feeding pests is not necessary since they cannot survive in sound, dry grain. However, Manaigre says if chemical control is needed for grain- feeding pests, certain practices should be followed.
Before fumigating or applying a grain protectant, he recommends removing crusted areas and hot spots, burning or burying discarded grain and drying grain if necessary.
– Manitoba Agriculture
Manure is lower-cost fertilizer
Manure could be the answer in the search for an excellent low-cost fertilizer, says an Alberta Agriculture soil fertility specialist.
“Many farmers are looking for alternatives because commercial fertilizer prices have increased dramatically over the past two years,” says Ross McKenzie.
“If you live within hauling distance of a feedlot or other intensive livestock operation, manure is that alternative.”
Nitrogen, phosphate and potassium are available from feedlot manure. So are other plant nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron and zinc.
But McKenzie cautioned nutrient levels can vary dramatically depending on the type of animal manure as well as environmental conditions during storage and handling.
Delivering and spreading manure costs in the range of $3.30 to $5.50 per tonne depending on hauling distance. At a 10-tonne- per-acre application rate, manure’s total cost per acre would be $33 to $55.
McKenzie said the equivalent 10-tonne rate of commercial fertilizer, taking into account the value of nitrogen, phosphate and potassium in feedlot manure, is nearly $200 per acre.
Nutrients and cost aren’t the only benefits of manure. It also increases the organic matter content of the soil. The result is a number of physical improvements in soil quality including increased water-holding capacity, improved soil structure and tilth, increased water infiltration rates reducing water runoff, reduced soil crusting problems and less susceptibility to wind and water erosion. As well, soil will increase its buffering capacity against changes in pH.
Occasionally intensive livestock farmers are faced with the problem and cost of manure disposal. “So there’s a double benefit. Your neighbor disposes of extra manure and you get an excellent source of fertilizer by paying transportation costs,”McKenzie said.
– Alberta Agriculture
