New Videos and FAQ’s available
The ability for legumes to capture nitrogen and then convert it into a usable form for subsequent crops is a remarkable part of creation that we all enjoy, whether we understand it or not. This process, called the nitrogen cycle, has numerous elements beginning with Rhizobium infection and root nodulation. These elements are bit challenging to grasp and sometimes even more difficult to explain to others, but important to understand in order to truly answer the question of why legumes should be coated.
With this in mind, we’ve added two new sections to our NitroCoat.com website. These sections help explain these valuable elements, as well as how our Nitro-Coat® product and process work. These tools help explain why the Nitro-Coat® process focuses on the most important reason we inoculate - high numbers of live Rhizobium.
The Nitro-Coat® Advantage Video Series is a set of 12 short videos where renown plant breeder Dr. Joe Bouton, clearly answers questions such as, “What are Rhizobium” and “What is the nodulation process?” You’ll learn about the underground war that goes on between good and bad Rhizobium. Dr. Bouton also discusses the benefits of Nitro-Coat® seed for cover crops, seeding rates on coated seeds and more.
The Frequently Asked Question section follows the same topics, providing written answers and illustrations. Use these tools to learn answers to such questions as “How does Nitro-Coat® affect protein and feed values?” and “Why do we inoculate?”
Take a look yourself, pass on to your staff, share with customers and local extension agents.
Finally, choose Nitro-Coat® for your legumes!
Market Watch
While we may learn more about fall usage and industry inventory levels over then next month, here’s a few observations:
- Gulf annual movement was below average, causing the market to soften throughout the summer and fall. However, proprietary annual ryegrass usage appears to be up. This may be indicative of more farmers seeing the value of improved varieties. Also , non-forage use of annual may be down.
- Tall fescue movement seems to be similar to last year, with Oregon KY-31 movement better than last year. This is leading to stable turf prices and stronger KY-31 prices for spring.
- Turf-type perennial ryegrass is in much better shape than last year. This should keep prices from climbing.
- Orchardgrass usage appears to have been up this fall. Improved varieties are in tight supply. Public varieties are feeling the pressure and stronger spring prices are expected.
- Crimson clover supply was more than ample, easily exceeding usage and causing prices to tumble all season. It “feels” close to bottom, but only time will tell.
- Bluegrass remains strong with both common and proprietary varieties priced high.
- Canadian grown legumes, including alfalfa, yellow blossom, and alsike will remain pricey.