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Grain Sorghum As Alternative In 2015

By Angela McClure, Extension Corn and Soybean Specialist 
 
I have had a number of calls about grain sorghum this week as lower production costs compared to corn and the latest increased premium offered for Memphis delivery have driven up interest in this crop.  Check out our newest regional sorghum production guide at utcrops.com.  Some pre-plant reminders are included about sorghum for those who have not grown sorghum lately (or ever):
 
  • Do not use Leadoff in burndown where you plan to plant sorghum. Sorghum is very sensitive to the rimsulfuron component of Leadoff and also high doses of fomesafen from Reflex/Prefix/Flexstar carryover.  Also, consider applying any atrazine POST to reduce possibility of injury from pre-plant atrazine.
  • Plant varieties with a good yield record. Table 1 is a 2 year summary of irrigated and dryland variety results from Arkansas courtesy of their sorghum specialist, Dr. Jason Kelley. Keiser is a clay soil and Marianna is a silt loam soil.  Check seed company ratings for stalk rot resistance where Anthracnose and Fusarium have been problems in past years.
  • Uniform emergence is key. Plant into moist, warm soils 1” deep and close planter slot well. We can plant sorghum as early as mid- April in 60 degree plus ground but delay planting if soils are cool and weather is not favorable for rapid emergence. Uniform emergence means heading/bloom/maturity are uniform and the crop is MUCH easier to manage for insects and desiccation.
  • Don’t overplant. A final stand of 60,000 to 70,000 plants per acre is adequate for good yields regardless of row spacing. Table 2 lists seeds/ft of row for desired stands.  Assume about 85% of seed will germinate and increase seed drop amount slightly if planting into less than optimal emergence conditions. (Example: drop 90K in cool no-till soils where 70K is desired).
  • Apply all N by V6 stage sorghum.  Earlier is best.  UT recommends 60 to 90 lbs N/acre for dryland sorghum.  Producers who irrigate have used up to 120 lbs N on high yielding ground.  Most producers apply a small amount at planting and follow with a urea topdress or UAN behind a coulter.  Do not topdress with ammonium nitrate as leaf burn is much greater compared to urea.  Add Agrotain stabilizer to surface-applied urea if rain is not likely.

 

Table 1. Two Year Average Yields of Grain Sorghum Hybrids in The Arkansas Performance Trials, 2013-2014
 Keiser IrrigatedKeiserNonIrrig.MariannaIrrigatedIrrigatedAverage
Brand/Hybrid—————————–bu/acre———————–
BH 3822138.0139.1143.9141.0
DEKALB DKS51-01145.5126.6155.2150.4
Dyna-Gro 765B133.8124.6143.8139.0
Dyna-Gro M75GB39120.7127.4132.9126.8
Dyna-Gro M77GB52116.3119.6143.0129.7
Dyna-Gro M77GR61122.0106.9137.9130.0
Pioneer 83P99139.0127.0146.7142.9
Pioneer 84P80136.1134.0154.8145.9
REV® RV 9562™124.4125.9142.2133.3
REV® RV 9782™129.4126.3134.9132.2
REV® RV 9883™125.9127.9141.6133.8
REV® RV 9924™129.6130.5141.1135.4
Trial Mean130.1126.3143.2136.7

 

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Agricultural Market Update: Grain Prices, Crop Conditions, and Weather Impacts

Welcome back to our channel where we provide comprehensive updates on the latest trends and changes in the agricultural sector. This week, we're looking at significant movements in grain prices, crop conditions, and the effects of weather patterns. Let's dive into the details:

Grain Price Decline Grain prices have fallen to their lowest levels since 2020, with December corn down 4.3% and November soybeans losing 3.1%. This decline is partly due to the beneficial moisture brought by Hurricane Beryl to the Midwest, which has improved crop conditions significantly. The USDA reported that corn and soybean crops are in their best condition in four years, contributing to the downward pressure on prices.

Record Short Positions and Market Sentiment Fund traders have increased their net short positions in the corn market to a record level, with a net short of 347,000 contracts of corn. This reflects a bearish sentiment in the market, further influencing grain price dynamics. Similar selling trends were observed in soybeans and SRW wheat, indicating broad market caution.

Weather Impact and Forecast Hurricane Beryl has brought significant rainfall across Arkansas, Missouri, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois, with more expected over Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana in the coming days. Despite this, the market is currently more focused on the moisture benefits rather than potential heat risks forecasted in the 6-10 and 8-14 day periods.

US Crop Conditions Corn and soybean conditions have shown slight improvements last week, with corn rated 68% good to excellent and soybeans at 68%. These are among the best ratings for this time of year since 2020, suggesting robust crop health that could continue to influence grain prices.

Winter Wheat Harvest and Spring Wheat Conditions The US winter wheat harvest is progressing well, ahead of schedule with significant portions already harvested in Kansas and Texas. Spring wheat conditions are also favorable, with 75% rated good to excellent, although there have been some declines in states like Idaho, South Dakota, and Washington. Brazil's Corn Harvest and US Exports Brazil's second corn crop harvest is advancing rapidly due to favorable hot and dry conditions, with 63% of the crop already harvested. Meanwhile, US corn shipments saw a substantial increase last week, indicating strong export demand, which contrasts with the recent drop in domestic grain prices.

Ongoing Developments Lastly, the USDA reported a flash sale of corn, with significant quantities sold to unknown destinations, scheduled for delivery over the next two marketing years. This could signal ongoing international demand for US corn despite lower prices.

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