Consumption of GMO Crops: Examples of Quotes from Position Papers of Scientific Organizations

Paul Vincelli, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Kentucky
Janet Mullins, Extension Specialist in Food & Nutrition, University of Kentucky
Ric Bessin, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky

GMO[1] traits are sometimes used for the purposes of control of weeds, insects, and diseases in crop production.  Questions sometimes arise as to the safety of consuming GMO crops.  Hundreds of studies have been published to address these questions.  The public is certainly welcome to read all of those studies; many of them are listed in an Excel file available online. However, a much quicker way to gauge the present state of scientific findings is to read position papers published by well-recognized scientific societies.

Current Price Risk Management Alternatives for Corn and Soybeans.

Todd Davis, Extension Economist, University of Kentucky

Current Price Risk Management Alternatives for Corn and Soybeans It is not too early to use price risk management tools to protect some of the projected corn and soybean revenue for this year. Risk management alternatives include locking in a cash price using cash-forward contracts (CFC) on a conservative percentage of expected production. A CFC removes price risk but you may feel regret if cash prices at harvest are higher than the CFC price. Another alternative is to buy put options to place a price floor but still benefit from any potential increase in futures price from now until harvest.

2015 IPM Training Rescheduled for March 24

The IPM Training canceled on March 3 has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 24. Program will be held from 9 am till 3 pm CDST at the University of Kentucky Research & Education Center at 1205 Hopkinsville Street in Princeton Kentucky. Program topics include update on weed resistance and new herbicide technology, invasive insect pests, using biosolids, 2015 state apiarist report and UAVs for scouting and monitoring crops.

Program is approved for 5.0 CEUs for CCAs (3.0 Integrated Pest Management, 1.0 Nutrient Management and 1.0 Professional Development) and 3 pesticide education hours (2 general and 1 specific) for pesticide applicators in categories 1A, 4, 10 and 12. For more information email plucas@uky.edu or call (270) 365-7541 ext 218.

RP Crop Insurance Projected Price and Safety-Net for 2015

Todd Davis, Extension Economist, University of Kentucky

The 2014 Farm Bill has made crop insurance the foundation of a crop farm’s safety-net. This safety-net’s projected price, which sets the minimum revenue guarantee for Revenue Protection (RP) insurance, is based on the closing prices for the November soybeans and December corn futures contract during the entire month of February. The 2015 projected price for corn and soybeans are $4.15 and $9.73 per bushel, respectively. The revenue guarantee provided by crop insurance continues to decline from the record price levels of 2011 when the projected prices for corn and soybeans were $6.01 and $13.49 per bushel, respectively.

Focus on These Two Things, Cut Costs Elsewhere

Chad Lee, Extension Agronomist, University of Kentucky

Farmers are looking where to cut production budgets for 2015. Three of my colleagues and I were honored to speak at the National Commodity Classic this year. During our presentation, one of my colleagues closed out our session by saying that the two things farmers need to do is: 1) use appropriate soil-applied fertilizers based on soil tests; and 2) use highly effective weed control, which probably includes a soil residual herbicide. All of us in the room agreed that these are probably the two things many farmers will cut in 2015.

2015 IPM Training Scheduled for Wed. March 4th at the UK-REC is canceled!

***CANCELED***

The 2015 IPM Training Scheduled for Wed. March 4^th at the UK-REC is canceled!

Due to expected dangerous weather conditions the 2015 IPM training program scheduled for Wednesday March 4, 2015 at the UK-REC in Princeton, KY has been canceled. A rescheduling date is being considered for later in March. Please check back for further information. We are sorry for any inconvenience, but we cannot take chances with people’s safety.