Pine & Isanti County Ag. Update
Agriculture, Horticulture, & Natural Resources
Your Ag, Hort, & Natural Resource Extension Educator - Katie Hagen
This had me thinking of agricultural practices in particular. Many organizations and scientists want to blame agriculture for all the damage that has been done, but producers, farmers, and ranchers need to start telling about the ways we are environmental stewards. We can show that we are using our resources responsibly by incorporating sustainable practices into our operations. Such practices would include cover cropping, rotational grazing, reducing tillage, rotating crops, analyzing soil health, etc.
Because of what agriculture does not only do we feed the world, but we have been lowering carbon emissions. This was displayed in the highlighted article that gives hope for mother earth. The scientists took samples from the Antarctica ice sheet. When water freezes, it captures tiny air particles. The scientists melted the ice in geologic time (layer by layer) dating back to the 1600s and when the gas particles were released, they could be analyzed. They definitely found an abundance of methane gas, but as they kept getting closer to present day, they concluded that the amount of methane gas has become less and carbon emissions have decreased too.
There's still a lot of work to be done to get to where we need to be, but I challenge you to make a change today. Just find one thing that you can do better (as a human, not just an ag producer) to help climate change. If agricultural producers speak up about all the good things we are doing for the environment, then perhaps we won't always be at the center of the blame game.
University Resources Made For You
Pesticide Smart
The University of Minnesota Extension Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education team recently launched a new resource for the public about pesticide safety. If you want to use the resource, then go to this website.
This new resource discusses how to read a pesticide label, what to do in an emergency for pesticide injury or illness, how to use pesticides, and health and safety resources.
It is important to know that each pesticide is controlling or targeting something different (house-hold germs, insects, rodents, plants, fungi, etc.). Figure out what you need controlled before buying a pesticide. Next, learn about how to stay safe while using the product(s). Make sure to consider children, pets, and livestock too.
Upcoming Events
Get ready for more opportunities and events. Here is what you can look forward to in Pine and Isanti Counties this fall.
October 4-6, 2022 (Tuesday-Thursday) - All Extension Conference - PINE COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE CLOSED
Where & When: Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center
Connect with extension staff across the state
Consult with agricultural extension staff on new and upcoming ag topics
Meet other organizations within extension (SNAP Ed, 4-H, Agricultural, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, etc.)
October 11, 2022 (Tuesday) - Sheep/Goat-Livestock Investment Grant, NRCS, Water Quality
Where & When: Online webinar @ 6:30-8:30 PM
Previous session: sheep & goat housing considerations
This session, learn about the livestock investment grant and other programs that help farmers with livestock considerations
October 13, 2022 (Thursday) - Master Gardener Educational Monthly Meeting
Where & When: Cedar Creek & Ecosystem Reserve in East Bethel, MN @ 7-8 PM
Hosts: Dr. Sam Porter
Climate change & gardening
How climate change will affect gardening, agriculture, and ecosystems
October 15, 2022 (Saturday) - Cambridge Community Garden Plot Holder Work Day
Where & When: City Community Garden, Cambridge, MN @ 9 AM-12 PM
Winterizing beds
Composting leftover plant materials
Cleaning beds
Harvesting leftover produce
October 18, 2022 (Tuesday) - PICK'M Potluck Dinner
Where & When: Rock Creek City Center @ 5:30 PM-8:00 PM
Natalie Hoidal speaks about gardening with a changing climate and landscape
Potluck dinner for Master Gardeners (each county has designated potluck item)
Discuss county highlights
Door prizes offered
October 18-19, 2022 (Tuesday-Wednesday) - NE Forage & Grassland Bus Tour
- Contact Troy Salzer if interested in attending @ salze003@umn.edu
- Tour different operations pertaining to growing forages and pasture systems
Ag. Topic of the Month
Corn Tar Spot
According to Purdue Extension, "Tar spot is caused by the fungus known as Phyllachora maydis and can be identified by small, raised black and circular spots present on corn leaves, stalks, and husks. These black and circular spots are known as fungal fruiting structures called stromata, each of which can produce thousands of spores. Overall, tar spot infection and severity can vary based on environmental conditions, the total amount of the pathogen present in the field, and corn hybrid chosen." The easiest way to differentiate tar spot from insect frass or other diseases is to wet the area and then rub vigorously with your fingers. Tar spot should not rub off, whereas other diseases that mimic tar spot should come off onto your hand.
What Causes Corn Tar Spot?
Corn tar spot is triggered by the weather. It is most abundant with the following conditions: cool temperatures (60-70 degrees F), humid conditions (>75% relative humidity), and prolonged leaf wetness (>7 hours). Landscapes play a role in the prevalence of the disease. Areas close to water (lakes, rivers, wetlands, etc.), low land, and even irrigated corn acres are examples of these landscapes.
Corn Tar Spot History
Corn tar spot has been a devastating foliar disease in Latin American countries since 1904. was first recorded in the U.S. in 2015 with the first significant yield-reducing event of the disease observed in 2018. The disease has lead to significant yield loss of approximately 4.5 million tons!
Can Fungicide Be Used?
Currently there are few fungicide options developed to help control tar spot in corn. See the Fungicide Efficacy for Control of Corn Diseases Table available through the Crop Protection Network. Remember that timing of fungicide application is critical (between the VT growth stage (tassel emergence) and R2 growth stage (blister) is the most effective). Also, a mixed-mode-of-action fungicide product is often more effective than a single-mode-of-action product, especially in severe tar spot situations.
When Should I Check For Corn Tar Spot?
Although corn tar spot has only been recorded in southern Minnesota, everyone who grows corn across the state should keep and eye out for it. Check for corn tar spot now! In the next few weeks you will begin to see the development of the disease. If you don't see anything in the next few weeks, you are probably in the clear.
What To Do If You Suspect Corn Tar Spot?
If you suspect you have a field with tar spot, please contact your local County Extension office or Dean Malvick at dmalvick@umn.edu. If possible, please take and send detailed photos of suspected disease. Your samples and observations will help us track spread and development of tar spot in Minnesota.
Connect With Us
Contact Me
Katie Hagen
Extension Educator, Agriculture Production, Horticulture & Natural Resources
Email: hagen@umn.edu
UM Ext Isanti County
555 18th Ave. SW
Cambridge, MN 55008
763-689-8254
UM Ext Pine County, County Courthouse
635 Northridge Dr NW #280
Pine City, MN 55063
320-591-1650
Farm Family of the Year Nominations!
If you have a candidate in mind, please fill out the Google Form. We are looking for candidates that have a strong and positive presence in the agricultural community, use sustainable agricultural practices, and have a high level of community involvement!
Listen live on the radio Friday of every other week @ 100.9 WCMP & Nice 95.5 KBEK