Dairy 2009 – Newsbites
Cut Fertilizer Costs In 2009
Many growers are looking at 2009 input costs and finding it might be their most expensive crop year ever. That's why soil testing for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium has never been more important.
"We're hearing record numbers of soil tests being taken this fall," says John Camberato, Purdue University agronomist. "A&L Labs says they are receiving an unprecedented number of soil samples, which is very encouraging."
Ways to cut costs. Aside from switching to soybeans, growers can possibly reduce corn fertilizer costs in at least two areas. One is to apply fertilizer for this year's crop only, and the second is to reduce or eliminate phosphorus and potassium based on soil tests.
"Some growers (in a corn-soybean rotation) who normally apply fertilizer on corn for two crops are skipping next year's soybean fertilizer amounts and just applying the phosphorus and potassium needed for the corn crop," says John Sawyer, Iowa State University agronomist. "The same could be said for fertilizing for the 2009 soybean crop and waiting to apply fertilizer for the 2010 corn crop.
"The second method to cut costs without losing yield is either to eliminate or reduce the amount of phosphorus and potassium applied to corn. Scrutinize your soil tests, and simply apply phosphorus and potassium only where needed," he says. "Or, if you have high soil tests, you have the option of using existing phosphorus and potassium in the soil—choosing to withhold all phosphorus and potassium or make a partial application based on crop removal."
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MMI International Develops Vertical Beater Capabilities for New and Existing XHD and HSXHD Manure Spreaders
MMI International (MMI) announces the soon-to-be-released Vertical Beater attachment for its line of High Speed Extra Heavy Duty Commercial Manure Spreaders. This attachment can be installed on both MMI and Mohrlang XHD and HSXHD spreaders and will deliver a spread pattern of up to 32 feet.
The new vertical beater capability increases the width of discharge thus reducing the number of trips through the field. Fewer passes equate to lower fuel consumption, less field intrusion, and overall increased efficiency. Additionally, the design of the beaters ensures an even, consistent spread pattern reducing variations in crop vigor.
Jade Lammers, President of MMI, explains, “Our customers have asked for a wider spread pattern but stressed the need for a consistent spread that results in a uniformly productive field. Our goal is to maximize yield and minimize costs for our customers with new, innovative products. We believe this new design delivers.”
New AccuBoomTM Remote Section Control
Raven Industries introduces a new AccuBoom Remote Control add-on that saves time and money by allowing the user to turn each boom section on and off from outside the cab. No more jumping in and out of the cab while the sprayer is dumping costly chemicals. The new remote is fast and simple for on-the-spot savings
and convenience.
AccuBoom Features:
• Automatic individual boom section control
• Set up non-spray zones and field boundaries
• Eliminate wasteful overlaps
• Compatible with most self-propelled and pull-type sprayers
Remote Section Control Features:
• Extended option for AccuBoom section control systems
• Terrific for checking and maintaining spray tips and nozzles
• Saves time, energy, and chemicals
• Simplifies pre-spray inspections and winterizing
• Ensures optimum spray coverage and performance
• Eliminates the need for a second person on the ground or in the cab
• Powerful wireless RF Transmitter
• Package includes:
• Remote
• Batteries
• Holster to mount in the cab
• Instruction sheet
Taking the 'ICK' Out of Picky Eaters
GOT MILK? Teams Up With Children Culinary Schools to Share Tasty, Nutritious Eats
They wrinkle their nose in distaste. Shake their head. Clench their mouth shut. Push away the food. This is the progression of a picky eater at the dinner table. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that looked at the eating habits of twins between 8 and 11 years old, researchers found that 78 percent of food preferences are hereditary. And while this "finicky eater syndrome" may be genetic, cooking experts say parents shouldn't despair. This crisis can be averted by slipping in nutritious foods children don't get enough of, like milk and green veggies, into savory dishes that will tickle the taste buds. That's why the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB), the creator of GOT MILK?, has joined forces with children's culinary schools statewide to uncover the delicious possibilities of nutritious foods like milk and vegetables -- foods essential for healthy growth and development.
The partnerships with Piccolo Chef in Culver City, Captain Cook's Culinary for Kids in San Diego and Sacramento Culinary Center & Showroom yielded palate-pleasing, nutrient-rich recipes, like melt-in-your-mouth meatballs and creamy Nutty McButternut Squash Soup.
"Nutrition is a priority for parents," says Steve James, the executive director of the CMPB. "By creating this partnership with children's culinary schools, we're offering parents recipes that go beyond hot dogs and pizzas. By instilling an appreciation of milk and nutritious foods at a young age, we can ensure that young people will have the nutrients necessary to grow strong and healthy."
Chefs from throughout the Golden State agree that children can grow to like foods like spinach, broccoli and low-fat milk if they are incorporated into tasty dishes, sauces, and soups. Another tip: Get kids in the kitchen where they will experience the colors and aromas of food. Some studies show that involving kids in meal preparation makes them more likely to try new foods.
"We don't believe in hiding the vegetables," says Tina Fanelli Moraccini, of children's culinary school Piccolo Chef. "But you do have to be creative. Children should be involved in the cooking process that way they feel it with their hands, see it with their eyes, smell it with their nose, cook it and eat it."
The recipes developed by the children's culinary schools have been outlined exclusively at www.gotmilk.com.
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