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Organic Barley Resources

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  1. Organic Barley Production: Nutrient Efficiency and Market Opportunities
  2. Advantages of Growing Organic Barley as Grain
  3. Advantages of Growing Organic Barley for Grazing
  4. Advantages of Growing Organic Barley for Silage
  5. Overall Benefits
  6. Barley Seed Count and Weight
  7. Planting Rate
  8. Planting Depth
  9. Additional Considerations
  10. Seed Companies
  11. Organic Small Grain (wheat, oats, triticale, barley, and rye) Traders
  12. Other Resources

Organic Barley Production: Nutrient Efficiency and Market Opportunities

Organic barley is known for its versatility and nutrient efficiency, performing well under organic management without the need for synthetic inputs. Barley’s ability to improve soil nitrogen levels and its relatively short growing season make it an excellent rotation crop that enhances soil fertility and breaks disease cycles. In organic systems, barley is cultivated for food, feed, and brewing, with organic malt barley commanding a premium price in the craft beer industry. Growing organic barley not only supports sustainable agriculture but also meets the increasing consumer demand for organic beverages and whole grains, providing farmers with profitable market opportunities.

  • Food Use: Barley is used in soups, stews, and health foods like barley water and malt products. It is rich in soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucans, which have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Barley can also be used in the production of malt for brewing beer and distilling spirits.
  • Animal Feed: Barley is a major grain in animal feed, especially for cattle and horses. It provides energy and moderate protein content, with a favorable balance of fiber that supports digestive health in ruminants. Barley’s high fiber content makes it less ideal for swine and poultry unless processed appropriately.

Advantages of Growing Organic Barley as Grain

  1. High Nutritional Value: Barley grain is rich in carbohydrates, moderate in protein, and high in dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucans, which have health benefits such as lowering cholesterol levels. It is used in human foods like soups, stews, and health cereals, and is also a key ingredient in the malting industry for brewing beer.
  2. Versatile Market Demand: Barley has a diverse market, including human food, animal feed, and malt production for brewing and distilling. Its versatility makes it a valuable crop with multiple potential income streams.
  3. Adaptability to Various Climates: Barley is adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions, including cooler and drier climates where other grains might not perform well. This makes it a suitable choice for areas with variable weather patterns.
  4. Short Growing Season: Barley has a relatively short growing season compared to other cereal crops, allowing for earlier harvests and the possibility of double-cropping. This can be advantageous in regions with shorter growing periods.
  5. Soil Improvement: Barley’s extensive root system helps improve soil structure, enhances water infiltration, and reduces soil erosion. It can also be an effective crop in rotation systems to manage pests and diseases.

Advantages of Growing Organic Barley for Grazing

  1. High-Quality Forage: Barley provides high-quality forage with good levels of protein and energy, making it suitable for grazing livestock, particularly in the early vegetative stages when the foliage is tender and nutrient-rich.
  2. Early Grazing Option: Barley can be planted in the fall or early spring and used for grazing earlier than many other forage crops, helping to extend the grazing season and reduce feed costs.
  3. Rapid Growth and Regrowth: Barley’s rapid growth rate allows for multiple grazing cycles when managed properly, supporting continuous forage availability for livestock. It can be an excellent part of rotational grazing systems.
  4. Tolerance to Salinity: Barley is relatively tolerant to saline soils, which can make it a preferred option for grazing in areas where soil salinity might limit other forage choices.

Advantages of Growing Organic Barley for Silage

  1. Balanced Nutritional Profile: Barley silage offers a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers, making it a valuable feed for dairy cattle, beef cattle, and other ruminants. Its high energy content supports milk production and animal growth.
  2. High Biomass Yield: Barley produces significant biomass, making it a productive silage crop. The high yield per acre helps meet the forage needs of livestock operations efficiently.
  3. Improved Digestibility: Barley silage is highly digestible, which enhances nutrient uptake and feed efficiency in livestock. This makes it particularly valuable for high-performance animals such as dairy cows.
  4. Early Harvest and Flexibility: Harvesting barley for silage can occur earlier in the growing season, freeing up fields for subsequent planting or cover cropping. This flexibility supports diverse cropping systems and maximizes land use.

Overall Benefits

  • Weed Suppression and Soil Health: Barley’s vigorous growth can suppress weeds effectively, reducing the need for herbicides. Its role in crop rotations helps manage soil health by breaking pest cycles and improving organic matter content.
  • Disease and Pest Management: Barley is generally less susceptible to certain diseases and pests compared to wheat, reducing reliance on chemical controls and supporting integrated pest management strategies.
  • Cost-Effective Production: Barley typically requires fewer inputs like fertilizers and water compared to some other grains, particularly in drought-prone or low-fertility soils. This can make it a more economical choice for growers.

Barley Seed Count and Weight

  • Seeds per Pound: Barley typically has between 12,000 to 15,000 seeds per pound, with a common average around 13,500 seeds per pound. This can vary based on the variety and seed size.

Planting Rate

  • Typical Planting Rate: The standard seeding rate for barley is generally 80 to 100 pounds per acre. This equates to approximately 1.0 to 1.5 million seeds per acre, depending on the specific seed count and germination rates.
  • Range of Planting Rates:
    • For Grain Production: Seeding rates typically range from 70 to 90 pounds per acre.
    • For Forage or Cover Crop Use: Higher seeding rates, ranging from 100 to 120 pounds per acre, are often used to ensure dense forage stands or effective ground cover for soil protection.
    • Under Dryland Conditions: Lower seeding rates of around 60 to 80 pounds per acre may be used to reduce competition for moisture.

Planting Depth

  • Optimal Depth: Barley should be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Depth considerations include:
    • 1 to 1.5 inches is typical in most conditions, providing a balance of good emergence and root establishment.
    • 2 inches may be necessary in dry conditions to ensure seeds are placed in moist soil.
  • Depth Considerations: Shallow planting (less than 1 inch) can lead to poor root anchorage and exposure to environmental stress, while planting too deep (greater than 2 inches) can result in delayed emergence and weaker seedlings.

Additional Considerations

  • Soil Temperature: Barley can be planted in cool soils, with optimal germination temperatures ranging from 45°F to 86°F (7°C to 30°C). Barley is relatively tolerant of cooler soil temperatures, making it suitable for early spring planting.
  • Row Spacing: Typical row spacing for barley ranges from 6 to 8 inches. Narrower row spacing helps improve canopy closure, which can aid in weed suppression and optimize water use efficiency.
  • Uses: Barley is used for grain (human consumption, malting, and animal feed), forage, and as a cover crop. As a cover crop, barley helps improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and capture residual soil nutrients.

Seed Companies

Organic farmers are required to purchase organic seed when it is available, but for many crops, organic seed options are limited or unavailable. Many seed companies offer both organic and non-organic seed, and it’s essential for farmers to understand that non-organic seed can be used on certified organic farms as long as it is non-GMO and untreated. Farmers should always verify seed sourcing requirements with their organic certifier to ensure compliance while balancing the need for high-quality planting seed.

Turner Seed Company

Albert Lea Seeds (Organic Varieties)

Limagrain Cereal Seeds

Trical Superior Forage

Organic Small Grain (wheat, oats, triticale, barley, and rye) Traders

Here is a list of potential organic commodity buyers (based on organic certification) who have historically engaged in the organic grain market. While these companies have shown interest in organic commodities, it’s important to note that their purchasing activities can vary based on market conditions, demand, and availability. I encourage you to contact them directly to inquire about their current buying needs and contract opportunities, as their purchasing intentions may change over time.

Barton Springs Mill, Inc.

Pink Rose Organix

Caprock Enterprises LLC

  • Beau Brown
  • 1301 E 5th
  • Plainview, Texas 79072
  • PO Box 53538, Lubbock, Texas 79453
  • 806-798-8900
  • beau@lonestarcom.org

Commodity Brokerage Services LLC

Coyote Creek Organic Feed Mill & Farm

Deaf Smith County Grain

Enger Farms, LLC

Lone Star Commodities, Ltd.

McDowell Feed Source

Muleshoe Specialty Grain, LLC

New Deal Grain Inc

TIERRA MANNA TRADING

Triple Nickel, Inc.

  • Kayla Nickels
  • 808 W 19th St
  • Muleshoe, Texas 79347
  • Triple Nickel East
  • 413 East American Blvd.
  • Muleshoe, TX 79347
  • (806) 272-7500
  • Triple Nickel West
  • 1680 CR 1044
  • Muleshoe, Texas 79347
  • (806) 272-5589
  • kayla@cknickels.com
  • https://cknickels.com/

Other Resources

Organic Wheat Resources

Click a link below to scroll down!

  1. Organic Wheat Production: Building Soil Health and Meeting Consumer Demand
  2. Advantages of Growing Organic Wheat as Grain
  3. Advantages of Growing Organic Wheat for Grazing
  4. Advantages of Growing Organic Wheat for Silage
  5. Wheat Seed Count and Weight
  6. Planting Rate
  7. Planting Depth
  8. 2025-26 Texas A&M Wheat Picks List
  9. Additional Considerations
  10. Seed Companies
  11. Organic Small Grain (wheat, oats, triticale, barley, and rye) Traders
  12. Other Resources

Organic Wheat Production: Building Soil Health and Meeting Consumer Demand

Organic wheat production is foundational in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing soil health, biodiversity, and reduced environmental impact. Organic wheat is grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, relying instead on crop rotations, cover crops, and organic amendments to enhance soil fertility and structure. These practices not only improve soil health but also support beneficial insects and microorganisms, creating a more resilient farming system. The demand for organic wheat continues to rise as consumers seek healthier, pesticide-free options in their breads, pastas, and baked goods. Growing organic wheat allows farmers to capture premium market prices while contributing to a sustainable food system that prioritizes environmental stewardship and human health.

  • Food Use: Wheat is a staple food globally, used primarily in bread, pasta, noodles, and baked goods. It is rich in carbohydrates and provides a source of energy, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, and magnesium. The two main types are hard wheat (used for bread) and soft wheat (used for cakes and pastries).
  • Animal Feed: Wheat is also used in animal feed, especially for poultry and swine. It is high in energy but lower in protein compared to other grains. It is often used in a balanced diet due to its palatability and digestibility.

Advantages of Growing Organic Wheat as Grain

  1. High Yield Potential: Wheat has a high yield potential compared to many other cereal grains, making it a reliable crop for grain production.
  2. Market Demand and Versatility: Wheat is a staple food worldwide, with a strong and stable market demand. It can be processed into a variety of food products such as flour for bread, pasta, and other baked goods.
  3. Nutritional Value: Wheat provides a rich source of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals like iron and magnesium. This makes it valuable not only for human consumption but also in feed formulations.
  4. Crop Rotation Benefits: Wheat fits well into crop rotations, helping to break pest and disease cycles and improve soil health. Its deep roots can improve soil structure and reduce erosion.
  5. Climate Adaptability: Wheat can be grown in a wide range of climates, from temperate to semi-arid regions, with varieties adapted to specific growing conditions such as winter wheat and spring wheat.

Advantages of Growing Organic Wheat for Grazing

  1. Dual-Purpose Use: Wheat can be grown as a dual-purpose crop, providing both grazing for organic livestock production and grain harvest later in the season. This flexibility allows farmers to optimize the use of their land based on market conditions and livestock needs. If utilized for dual-purpose then cattle must be removed prior to jointing to ensure that the grain head is not damaged due to grazing.
  2. Nutritional Forage: Wheat offers high-quality forage that is rich in protein and energy, making it an excellent choice for grazing livestock, especially in the early growing stages when the foliage is tender and nutritious. Texas has many acres of “stocker cattle” grazing wheat every year in winter months.
  3. Extended Grazing Season: Planting winter wheat extends the grazing season into the cooler months, providing forage when other pasture options are limited.
  4. Soil Protection and Improvement: Grazing wheat helps cover the soil, reducing erosion and improving soil organic matter through trampling and residue decomposition.

Advantages of Growing Organic Wheat for Silage

  1. High Nutritional Value: Wheat silage provides a good balance of energy, fiber, and protein, making it suitable for feeding dairy cattle, beef cattle, and other ruminants. It supports milk production and growth rates when included in the diet.
  2. Early Harvest Option: Harvesting wheat for silage allows for an earlier harvest, freeing up the field for planting a subsequent crop or cover crop. This can be particularly advantageous in double-cropping systems.
  3. Disease Management: Silage production can help manage diseases like rust or head scab that might affect wheat if grown to full maturity for grain.
  4. Flexibility in Use: Wheat silage can be used during periods of feed shortage or when forage quality from other sources is low, providing flexibility in feeding strategies.
  5. Drought Tolerance: While wheat does require moisture, it is relatively drought-tolerant compared to some other silage crops. This makes it a viable option in areas where water availability might limit other forage options.

Wheat Seed Count and Weight

  • Seeds per Pound: The number of wheat seeds in a pound can vary depending on the variety and seed size, but typically ranges from 12,000 to 18,000 seeds per pound. A common average is around 15,000 seeds per pound.

Planting Rate

  • Typical Planting Rate: The standard seeding rate for wheat is around 60 pounds per acre, which equates to approximately 900,000 seeds per acre, based on the average seed count.
  • Range of Planting Rates: The actual seeding rate can vary based on factors like seed size, soil fertility, moisture availability, planting date, and the purpose of the crop (e.g., grain, forage, or dual-purpose). Common ranges are:
    • Dryland Production: 45 to 60 pounds per acre.
    • Irrigated or High-Rainfall Areas: 60 to 90 pounds per acre.
    • In some high-input systems or late planting situations, rates can go up to 100 pounds per acre or more.

Planting Depth

  • Optimal Depth: Wheat should be planted at a depth of 1 to 2 inches. The ideal depth depends on soil moisture:
    • 1 inch deep is typical in well-moisturized soils.
    • 2 inches or slightly deeper may be necessary in drier conditions to reach moisture.
  • Depth Considerations: Planting too shallow (less than 1 inch) can lead to poor root development and exposure to environmental stresses. Planting too deep (greater than 2.5 inches) can delay emergence and reduce stand establishment, especially in heavy or compacted soils.

2025-26 Texas A&M Wheat Picks List

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, in collaboration with our wheat breeding program colleagues in Texas A&M AgriLife Research, highlights these wheat varieties to producers. Wheat Picks are based on a minimum of three years of data (and at least two years for a ‘Watch List’ designation) over multiple regional locations. These wheat varieties are not strictly a list of recommended wheat grain varieties. But given the data, these are varieties we would choose to include on our farm. If you are plan ng other varieties, and you like them, continue to plant them. But consider trying one of these regional varieties on some of your acres, especially a variety that complements your other wheat variety’s maturity and insect/disease resistances. Just click the button!

2025-26 Wheat Picks List

Possible Organic Varieties and Traits

Additional Considerations

  • Soil Temperature: Wheat germinates best in soil temperatures between 54°F and 77°F (12°C to 25°C). Planting in cooler or warmer conditions may affect germination rates and initial growth.
  • Row Spacing: Common row spacing for wheat is 6 to 8 inches. Narrower rows can help with weed suppression and optimize light interception.

Seed Companies

Organic farmers are required to purchase organic seed when it is available, but for many crops, organic seed options are limited or unavailable. Many seed companies offer both organic and non-organic seed, and it’s essential for farmers to understand that non-organic seed can be used on certified organic farms as long as it is non-GMO and untreated. Farmers should always verify seed sourcing requirements with their organic certifier to ensure compliance while balancing the need for high-quality planting seed.

Warner Seeds, Inc.

Justin Seed Co.

  • Tracy Tally
  • 524 South Hwy 156
  • Justin, TX 76247
  • 940-648-2751
  • Website: www.JustinSeed.com

Turner Seed Company

Albert Lea Seeds (Organic Varieties)

AgriPro

Croplan

Dynagro Seed

Limagrain Cereal Seeds

Trical Superior Forage

Westbred (Bayer)

Organic Small Grain (wheat, oats, triticale, barley, and rye) Traders

Here is a list of potential organic commodity buyers (based on organic certification) who have historically engaged in the organic grain market. While these companies have shown interest in organic commodities, it’s important to note that their purchasing activities can vary based on market conditions, demand, and availability. I encourage you to contact them directly to inquire about their current buying needs and contract opportunities, as their purchasing intentions may change over time.

Barton Springs Mill, Inc.

Pink Rose Organix

Caprock Enterprises LLC

  • Beau Brown
  • 1301 E 5th
  • Plainview, Texas 79072
  • PO Box 53538, Lubbock, Texas 79453
  • 806-798-8900
  • beau@lonestarcom.org

Commodity Brokerage Services LLC

Coyote Creek Organic Feed Mill & Farm

Deaf Smith County Grain

Enger Farms, LLC

Lone Star Commodities, Ltd.

McDowell Feed Source

Muleshoe Specialty Grain, LLC

New Deal Grain Inc

TIERRA MANNA TRADING

Triple Nickel, Inc.

  • Kayla Nickels
  • 808 W 19th St
  • Muleshoe, Texas 79347
  • Triple Nickel East
  • 413 East American Blvd.
  • Muleshoe, TX 79347
  • (806) 272-7500
  • Triple Nickel West
  • 1680 CR 1044
  • Muleshoe, Texas 79347
  • (806) 272-5589
  • kayla@cknickels.com
  • https://cknickels.com/

Other Resources

OMDG funds helping grow another Texas organic business!

Spicy Organic, LLC

info@spicyorganic.com
866-256-6772
104 Business Park Way, Suite 4
McKinney, Texas 75071

It’s always exciting to see local businesses making strides in the organic world, and to be able to share that Spicy Organic, a family-owned company based in Frisco, Texas, has just received a grant through the USDA’s Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) program. This funding is set to help them expand their processing capacity for organic spices, herbs, and grains—a huge win for everyone who values high-quality, organic ingredients in their cooking especially if they are from Texas.

Spicy Organic isn’t just another spice company; it’s a passion project that grew from a love for cooking and healthy living. They’re all about providing the very best organic spices, hand-selected and sourced from small, family-owned farms around the world. They’ve made it their mission to ensure their products are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides and are grown in a way that’s good for both people and the planet – all as a certified organic company.

This new grant will enable Spicy Organic to purchase equipment that streamlines their processing, reduces manual labor, and boosts productivity. This will allow them to open up new market opportunities and meet the growing demand for premium organic spices – one of the fastest growing segments of organic in the US.

Tank Mixing with Biologicals

I am not promoting one company over any other companies, but I think the YouTube video of Rob Gibson’s talk at the Bio Controls Conference is excellent and worth a watch as we get into organic spray season.

As Rob talks about in the video, there can be issues with water pH, physical or chemical incompatibility or a host of other issues that can crop up with tank mixes. It is an 18-minute presentation, not much time compared to cleaning out a gunky mess in your lines or maybe a final spray that doesn’t even work because of an issue with your solution. Sometimes our organic products get negative reviews when the real issue is how we mixed the spray solution and not the products in the spray solution!

Here is an outline of his talk:

Introduction

Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Rob Gibson, and I am the Global Portfolio Manager for Certis. I have an extensive background in biological solutions, starting in wastewater, then moving into animal health and nutrition, and aquaculture. Since 2016, I’ve been focused on bio-ag in commercial roles.

Overview of the Presentation

Today, I’ll be discussing the do’s and don’ts of tank mixing biologicals. I’ll touch on the full cycle of product development and the critical questions involved in taking a product from an idea to a market-ready innovation. I’ll explore what goes into tank mixing, the importance of formulations, and how scientists ensure stability and efficacy while maintaining compatibility in tank mixes.

Product Development and Innovation

When we think about developing a new product, several key considerations arise:

  • Importance and Relevance: What gap does the product fill? Is it addressing resistance issues, or is it a completely new solution that could transform the industry?
  • Road to Success: The path to success varies with each product. It involves numerous trials to convince regulatory bodies, investors, and internal management of the product’s viability. However, the grower is the ultimate decision-maker on whether a product succeeds.

Understanding the Grower’s Perspective

For a product to be successful, it must fit into the grower’s budget and daily regimen. This is where innovation and rapid development are crucial. While chemistries and biologicals often find themselves at a crossroads, the latter has more specific conditions, especially in the tank. The formulation scientist’s role is critical in ensuring the stability and efficacy of the product while ensuring compatibility in tank mixes.

General Mixing 101: Why and What

Let’s consider the primary benefits of tank mixing:

  • Pest Control: Growers need to control as many pests as possible with a single solution.
  • Efficiency: Mixing reduces time, water, energy, and labor, which translates into cost savings.
  • Diverse Solutions: A broader pest control spectrum allows growers to protect their crops from multiple angles, reducing the risk of resistance.

Water’s Impact on Tank Mixing

Water is the primary input in tank mixing, and understanding its properties is crucial:

  • pH: Acts as a gatekeeper for product dissolution and can affect the efficacy of bio-controls.
  • Mineral Content: Hard water can lead to mineral bonding, compromising the tank mix.
  • Temperature: Impacts the time it takes for products to dissolve and become active.

Steps for Tank Mixing

Here are the steps to ensure a successful tank mix:

  1. Read the Labels: Thoroughly understand what and when to add products to the tank.
  2. Shake Inputs: Ensure there’s no settling or collection at the bottom of your containers.
  3. Add Water First: Never add biologicals to an empty tank. Always add water to neutralize pH and temperature.
  4. Agitate: Start agitating the water before adding inputs, and add chemistries before bios.
  5. Mix Thoroughly: Allow time for proper mixing. Smaller tanks need about three minutes, while larger tanks may require five to ten minutes.
  6. Final Water Addition: After mixing, add the remaining water to complete the tank’s volume.
  7. pH Check: Conduct a final pH test before application to ensure safety and readiness.

Considerations for Physical and Chemical Incompatibilities

It’s essential to be aware of physical and chemical incompatibilities in tank mixes:

  • Suspension Issues: Products not suspending properly can lead to uneven distribution.
  • Clumping: Can disrupt mixing and reduce the effectiveness of your bio-controls.
  • Layering: If layering occurs, your bios may not be properly dispersed.
  • Foaming: Excessive foaming, usually addressed in the formulation process, can indicate a problem with your mix.

Specific Watch-Outs in Formulation Types

  • Emulsified Concentrates: Watch for phytotoxicity risks. Adding an emulsifying agent or organic solvent can help.
  • Soluble Liquids and Suspended Concentrates: These water-based solutions are typically easier to mix and have a lower risk of challenges.
  • Dry Flowables and Wettable Powders: These can be tricky, with wettable powders being the most challenging due to the risk of clumping.

Addressing Common Concerns

There are some common concerns related to tank mixing that need to be addressed:

  1. Mixing with Antimicrobials: Products like oxidate or biocides containing peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide can wipe out your bios if mixed together. To mitigate this, alternate your sprays and wait 30 minutes to an hour before applying bios after sanitizing.
  2. Copper and Low pH: Copper, being a bacteriocide, can reduce your bio-controls’ efficacy if mixed at a low pH. Avoid mixing these to prevent reduced CFU counts and phytotoxicity.
  3. Calcium Chloride: This can cause an exothermic reaction, raising the tank’s temperature and potentially harming non-spore-forming bios. Keep an eye on calcium chloride concentrations and consider rotational spraying.
  4. High pH with Viruses and BTs: A pH above 9 can destabilize proteins in your bios, deactivating their modes of action. To mitigate this, avoid letting the bios sit in the tank too long at high pH levels.

SWOT Analysis Review

Let’s quickly review the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of tank mixing biologicals:

Strengths:

  • Less exposure and handling
  • Lower costs
  • Reduced water usage and increased field efficiency

Weaknesses:

  • Few publications, though improving
  • Changing regulatory landscape
  • Fear of incorrect mixing

Opportunities:

  • Improved formulation technologies designed for tank mixing
  • Better mixing tools
  • Real-time guidance from manufacturers

Threats:

  • Compatibility issues
  • Environmental impact
  • Shifts in raw materials and evolving regulations

Final Recommendations

  1. Check Pesticide Labels: Always refer to the label for tank mix recommendations and potential inhibitory effects.
  2. Perform a Jar Test: When trying a new mix, perform a jar test to ensure compatibility.
  3. Mix According to Labels: Add chemistries first, followed by bios.
  4. Double Check Equipment Filters: Ensure that your equipment is clean and ready to avoid any issues during application.
  5. Consult with Experts: If you have questions, reach out to the product manufacturer or another specialist for guidance.

Conclusion

One last tip—avoid mixing antimicrobials with microbial products in your tank. This is a common mistake that can compromise your entire application.

Thank you for your time and attention today. I’ve kept it brief so you can enjoy the rest of your day. I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and thank you for sticking with me until the end.

Bermudagrass Stem Maggot

 I sure don’t want to sound all doom and gloom, but we do need to make sure all our organic pasture and hay growers are aware of a severe problem that is only getting worse.  Organic bermudagrass hay or grazing producers should know this insect and unfortunately bermudagrass stem maggot (BSM) is here, and it doesn’t seem to be going away!

If you are not sure about this insect or the damage it causes, then walk out in your pastures and look at all the dead tips (picture above). I can find it in almost any pasture or hay field I walk out in. This insect has four life stages: the adult is a small fly, the adult lays an egg on the bermudagrass stem, the egg hatches a maggot or small larvae that burrows into the stem and feeds for several days.  The feeding it does cuts through the topmost leaves so that they die.  These leaves that died look just like a killing frost came through without the cold weather.

Alicia, Coastal and Tifton 44 are the most susceptible since they are finer textured bermudagrasses.  Tifton 85, which is a coarser grass, just doesn’t have as much of a problem with BSM as others. 

What can you do as an organic producer? One option for mitigating the damage caused by BSM is through harvest management. If damage is found within 1 week of the normal harvest stage, then harvest the crop as soon as weather conditions allow. Once you see the damage, you are not likely to get much more yield. If damage is within 1 to 3 weeks after the previous harvest, it is also likely that the crop will not add a significant amount of yield. The damaged crop should be cut and (if the yields are enough to bale!) baled and removed from the field as soon as weather conditions allow. Leaving the damaged crop in the field will only compete with any attempts by the plant to regrow and decrease the opportunity that the next cutting will have to accumulate mass.

Can you treat organically? Yes, if you need to treat, then an organic pyrethrin or pyrethrin mix is an option. Pyganic is a natural pyrethrin and is effective but please buffer your water down to a 5.5 pH if possible and it is best not to mix with other products.

Current recommendations are to treat after a cutting if damage levels are high. Best results have come from treating twice—once a few days after baling the previous crop as the grass begins to resprout and again 5 to 7 days later.

Another possibility is the many and varied botanical products (cinnamon, garlic, clove, etc.), but this may be hit or miss! As always check with your certifier before making any treatments. In this dry year we can’t afford to lose any hay to BSM!

Other Resources

Applying Field Bindweed Gall Mites

Wrapping parts of field bindweed plants from the nursery infected with Gall Mites around field bindweed plants in the South Plains. Introducing the beneficial Gall Mite to help control this noxious weed.

Some time back I wrote a blog post about using some biological methods for controlling field bindweed (click here to read). I liked the idea of introducing the Field Bindweed Gall Mite (Aceria malherbae) to areas of field bindweed and hoping they would help to keep this weed from taking over fields. Sounds easy till you try finding the mites!

Most of the information pointed me to the State of Colorado and Nina Louden Biocontrol Specialist with the Colorado Department of Agriculture. The first thing Nina asked me, “Do you have a USDA permit to allow us to ship “biological control agents” across state lines?” At that time, I didn’t even know there was a need for a permit, but I soon found out you can apply for one online. There was much in the application process I didn’t understand but overall, it was simple and easy. I got my “permit” as you can see below

USDA Permit to ship and apply Field Bindweed Gall Mites

I sent Nina the USDA permit by email and her response back was we will ship you the Gall Mites on Monday of the next week to arrive by noon on Tuesday. The mites are harvested in Colorado from growing field bindweed by simply cutting off pieces of field bindweed that are infected with the mites and shipping them in a cooler with cold packs. My next call was to Carl Pepper, South Plains Organic Cotton Farmer to see if he was able to help me put out the mites on one of his fields.

Field bindweed with the Gall Mites on the plant are harvested and sent to us for distribution.

Carl and his family had a perfect location next to an organic cotton field. The area between the county road and the field was infested with field bindweed and the weed was growing out in the cotton rows where Carl could not plow it out. We put the gall mites into two 10′ X 10′ squares well marked and will monitor their “survivability” and ultimately measure their spread out from the 10′ X 10′ area to the field.

Carl Pepper is applying the field bindweed pieces to the existing field bindweed plants in his field. We did this by wrapping the pieces around the existing plants. The mites will move from the old plants to the new looking for fresh food sources.

Will it work? I don’t think any of us know for sure, but we have to try! The field bindweed gall mite is not going to eradicate field bindweed on the South Plains. But our hope is that as the field bindweed comes out each spring the gall mite is also out and feeding on the field bindweed. This will significantly slow the growth of the bindweed and hopefully keep it in check. Something we don’t have now!

Click on the picture above to read this publication about the Gall Mite and how Colorado State Department of Agriculture ships them out. This service was free of charge and very easy to do. I hope to get more to release in other places soon.