November 2012

Tobacco Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Training– Beginning in 2013, most tobacco companies are requiring GAP training. From what we understand, eachperson that is named on a contract to sell tobacco must attend a GAP training session. NCSU faculty and NC Cooperative Extension will lead a series of meetings throughout the state offering this training and tobacco production updates. A certificate of attendance will be provided for each participant. The nearest location for Craven County producers will be at the Jones County Civic Center, Trenton, NC on Friday, December 14th. A sign-in period will begin at 9:15 am and the meeting will begin at 10 am. The meeting will last approximately four hours with a meal served at noon. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Deadline for registration is Friday, December 7th. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND UNLESS YOU REGISTER IN ADVANCE. To register contact our office at 633-1477 and provide: 1) The name of each person that will contracttobacco in 2013 as that name appears on the contract; 2) home and mobile phone number; and, 3) email address. Due to the potential of a very large crowd and limited seating, we ask that agribusiness persons respect the right of growers to attend as a priority and simply join us at lunch for the tobacco production updates rather than the morning GAP portion of the program. Registration for the meal is requested. However, agribusiness is indeed welcome to attend the entire portion of the program provided adequate seating is available. Simply contact our office a day before the meeting to confirm.

65th Annual Crop Protection School –The Hilton North Raleigh Midtown will host the Crop Protection School on Wednesday, December 5th from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Topics presented will include insect, disease and weed management; international trade; NC Global Transpark update; and, agricultural advocacy. Register online at cropprotectionschool.evenbrite.com or call (919) 622-3785. Cost of the event is $110 if registered by November 22nd and $130 afterward.

2012 Tobacco Day -Registration is now open for Tobacco Day to be held at the Johnston County Extension Center, Smithfield, NC. Register online at Starting time, program and other information will be provided via this website.

Peanut Production Meeting – On Monday, February 6th at the Pitt County Extension Center, NCSU and industry leaders will present production updates for peanut growers. More information will follow.

Area Cotton Production Meeting – Tuesday, February 7th beginning at noon at the Jones County Cotton Gin, NCSU faculty will present updates and information for cotton growers. More information will follow.

Area Corn & Soybean Production Meeting – Tuesday, February 19th beginning at 10am at the Craven County Agricultural Building. More details will follow.

Excessive and frequent rainfall experienced this past growing season may greatly influence soil fertility. It is strongly advised to sample each field and submit a sample to the NCDA & CS Agronomic Division for lime and fertility recommendations. Furthermore, examination of 2012 soil sample results reveals that improvements in management of pH, avoiding excessive fertilization and greater attention to micronutrients may improve yield as well as avoid excessive cost that do not add profit. First, consider soil pH. The soil pH is critical for root growth, is an indicator of potential aluminum toxicity, dictates availability of nutrients and provides for optimum microbial community. According to the 2012 soil sample summaries, the following crops could be improved simply by following liming recommendations.

  • 54% of tobacco fields sampled were not at the desired soil pH target level with 19% of these critically low and 35% with a high soil pH between 6.0-6.5.
  • 69% of the corn fields sampled were not at the desired soil pH target level with 20% of these either critically low or excessively high.
  • 78% of the soybeans fields sampled were not at the desired soil pH target level with 20% of these either critically low or excessively high.
  • 19% of the peanut fields sampled were not within the desired soil pH target level with 14% of these critically low.
  • 71% of the cotton fields sampled were not within the desired soil pH target level with 20% of these either critically low or excessively high.

Examining soil phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) index levels 50 or higher reveals that a majority of soils will not respond with higher yield from the addition of P or K (Table 1). Fields with soil sample results that fall into this category can be cheaply produced with lime and a starter fertilizer. Producers that follow this recommendation relay to Extension no decrease in yield but much added profit. These statements simply emphasize what decades of research data has shown us.

Table 1. Percent of Craven County 2012 NCDA & CS Soil Sample Results with Soil Index Levels Exceeding Levels That Require Additional Phosphorous or Potassium Fertilization

CROP / PERCENT OF SAMPLES WITH HIGH P INDEX VALUES / PERCENT OF SAMPLES WITH HIGH K INDEX VALUES
Tobacco / 93% / 64%
Corn / 81% / 79%
Soybean / 86% / 65%
Cotton / 87% / 65%
Peanut / 97% / 67%

Micronutrient management likewise can be improved. Generally field sampled for corn, cotton and soybean production showed that 11-15% of the fields were low in manganese (Mn). For peanuts, 61% were low in Mn. Conversely, many field have index levels above 50. Such fields will not respond from the addition of more micronutrients. In fact, some plants and under certain circumstances, high soil micronutrient levels can be toxic to plants. The main point is to add micronutrients when the soil sample recommends the addition of these nutrients but avoid excessive cost of micronutrients when not needed. For additional information on this report, visit our webpage under the “Field Crop” section and scroll down to “Links” or go directly to the article at

By far, the largest preventable problem Extension examined in field crop production this past growing season involved nematodes. Considering that growers requested assistance with problems arising from nutrient deficiencies, insects, diseases and soil compaction, etc., it is a significant statement that over half revealed nematode levels high enough to cause crop damage. Between this fact, and the NCDA & CS data, it reflects reluctance of growers to take nematode samples.

In 2012, over 5,000 samples were submitted for soil testing for crop production. In contrast, only 1,107 nematode samples were submitted. Specifically, approximately 1700 acres, 3,000 acres, 2900 acres and 250 acres were submitted for nematode recommendations for corn, soybean, cotton and tobacco production respectively (assumes an average soil sampling size between 7-8 acres). Equally as disturbing, 12% of the sample results showed nematodes at high enough levels to warrant utilization of resistant varieties and almost 9% required more extensive measures such as a nematicide or fumigation.

Consider taking a nematode sample to prevent unnecessary problems in 2013. Managing nematodes is possible before planting a crop but discovery of a problem after planting only leads to loss of profit. The $3 fee per sample is a wise investment. Too, if fields follow the pattern of the limited number of samples taken in 2012, then as much as 20% of fields are at risk for reduced yield due to nematode problems.

When taking nematode samples remember several key points. First, the results are only as good as the sample. Thus, taking samples greater than 7 acres in size is not recommended. Doing so decreases the chance of discovering problems and essentially depresses (dilutes the sample) the number of nematodes found. Additionally, you are working with living organisms. As such, avoid leaving the sample in direct sunlight or in vehicles where heat can kill the organisms. Likewise, mail the samples as quickly as possible. Lastly, include payment with the sample or contact the NCDA & CS directly to set up an account for payment.

For more information on sampling procedure, forms, interpretation of results and other information at

NCSU faculty is comparing soybean sample results for oil and protein content at the new NCDACS lab in Elizabeth City and at the University of Minnesota for a national soybean quality survey. Some of you participated in this last year. Once again we are seeking one-gallon samples of soybeans for testing. If you are willing to participate by contributing samples, we simply need a one-gallon bag of soybeans with your name and address, the nearest town where the field was harvested and the variety of soybean. Samples can be dropped off at our office or we will gladly arrange to pick them up if you will simply call us at 633-1477.

In a similar type of cooperation, the West Craven High School (WCHS) is seeking donations of a few five-gallon buckets of soybeans to be used by students for the biofuels project. WCHS has a biofuels project that involves growing, crushing, creating and then utilizing biofuels of various types in a school bus. This traveling educational bus is used in exhibits throughout the county and as part of the school curriculum. If you are willing to donate soybeans for these students to use, please contact WCHS directly by contacting William Shaw at 244-3204 or email him at:

According to an article written by Drs. Blake Brown and Will Snell (NCSU and UK, respectively), US cigarette consumption declined in 2011 by 2.6%. In part, declining cigarette usage is related to increase in taxation. The federal cigarette excise tax rate of $1.01 per pack federal cigarette tax revenues in 2011 generated $15.1 billion. The median state cigarette excise tax was $1.25. In 2011 states collected $17.3 billion in revenues from state cigarette taxes. Additionally, the bans on smoking in public places have increased significantly over the last decade and resulted in a decline of cigarette usage. Only 10 states have not enacted any general statewide bans on smoking. Lastly, the FDA continued with progress in implementing the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This Act will, in part, ban use of any flavorings in cigarettes except menthol and require cigarette manufactures to report an established list of harmful and potentially harmful constituents in cigarettes.

In contrast to declining use in the US, cigarette production continues to increase in the Peoples’ Republic of China accounting for 39 percent of global tobacco consumption in 2011. This growth is anticipated to continue through 2016. However, the European Union and other developed countries continue to show decline. Furthermore, the EU is ready to ban all flavorings in tobacco products. This precedes the 2012 Conference of the Parties on theWorld Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) set for October 2012. Over 170 countries have signed a tobacco control treaty under the FCTC.

In terms of supply and demand, the US production of tobacco increased in 2011. The October USDA crop report estimates 2012 U.S. flue-cured production to be 494.6 million pounds. This is up from 344.6 million pounds in 2011. Higher prices were reported across all grades, in part, due to increased quality. However, it should be noted that flavor style flue-cured tobacco is grown mainly in the U.S, Brazil and Zimbabwe. Global supplies of this tobacco have been low due to weather related circumstances between 2009-2011. If this is the only factor influencing higher prices, and the 2013 Brazilian crop is of good, U.S. prices could fall in 2013. However, it does not seem feasible that companies continue to seek ways to maintain current growers as well as seek new growers. This suggests that a greater number of flavor-type tobacco is required due to banning of flavoring. If so,demand must be met by US and Zimbabwe production since Brazil has essentially reached peaked production. Thus, the 2013 market prices should be watched. A weak price support will reveal that global production has exceeded demand but a strong or level price suggest greater demand for flavor style flue-cured tobacco.

An article in the Corn & Soybean Digest (November 2012) mentioned some items worthy of note. It mentioned that for the past few years, US farmers have been somewhat buffered from the global financial crisis due to short commodity production. Three important economic players should be watched carefully. The three include the US, accounting for 22% of the world’s GDP, China accounting for 11.6% of the world’s GDP and the European Union (EU) accounting for 23% of the world’s GDP. Collectively, these three economies account for 57% of the world’s GDP. If a weakness occurs in any of these three, it could have a dramatic impact upon commodity prices. Furthermore, most major economies other than China have debt that is 103-212% of its GDP.

Essentially, higher prices we currently are experiencing result inincreasing worldwide production. Continued weather related failures such as the drought in the Midwest might continue to pressure prices even higher. This begs a question as to whether these failing economies can afford to pay such higher prices? In contrast, if agriculture cycles as it usually does, over-production will decrease prices. This can happen within a year if worldwide production is average. While this type of cycle is normal for agricultural commodities, the sensitive trigger that could devastate prices downward are the failing economies. China is likely to slightly increase or keep some commodities steady, but we cannot count on this one economy to sustain continued high commodity prices.

The main point is to monitor global markets and economies. A failing economy coupled with average or slightly above average commodity production could result in dramatically lower prices in 2013.

Check the table below to determine how close to the target seeding rate you planted. If planting was a bit low and the desired number of tillers do not develop between now and late December, considertissue testing for potential split nitrogen applications. Generally, the target rate of seeding for wheat is 1.3-1.5 million seeds per acre. This assumes a 90% seeding germination and a timely planting date (for most, planted by the 2nd week in November). Generally, it is advised to increase the seeding rate 4-5% for each week past this date. (For more information, visit the NCSU Small Grain Production website at

Note that NCSU recommendations are not provided in pounds of wheat per acre. Seeds vary from 10,000 – 18,000 seeds per pound. With this much variance, planting should not be based upon a pounds per acre basis. Additionally, low seed germination can greatly alter the seeding rates. Our office has a few calculators provided by the NC Small Grain Growers Association that can easily provide seeding rate recommendations based upon germination, seed size and planting dates (Wheat Seed Planting Calculator). These are free. Simply visit our office and request one or email me directly to request one ().

Table 2. Pounds of Wheat Seed Needed to Obtain the Target Wheat Seeding Rates of 1.3 -1.5 Million Seeds Per Acre (Assume 90% Seed Germination and Normal Planting Date)

Seeds per PoundPounds Seeds per Acre

10,000130-150

12,000109-125

14,000 93 -104

16,000 81- 94

If we an offer any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office!

Mike Carroll

Extension Agent

Agriculture

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities or special needs: Individuals with disabilities or special needs desiring accommodations to participate in these activities should contact Tom Glasgow at 633-1477 at least two weeks prior the event. NC Cooperative Extension takes seriously its obligation to accommodate the known disabilities of its faculty, staff and guests

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