In This Issue

Homework

Many local dairy producers have attended the Environmental Stewardship Short Course, but some have not done their homework. The homework includes sizing pond storage capacity to meet needs for barn and wash pen flush water and rainstorm runoff. The farm advisor office has computer programs to help in these estimations. Phone 733-6488 to make an appointment. Producers having already obtained the Environmental Short Course Certificate are encouraged to have the 3rd party evaluation and certification of their dairy. Again, getting your homework together is required to save time, and the farm advisor office can help with the mentioned software.

Homework information also includes the risk assessment worksheets, square footage of corral areas, square footage of all roof areas with rain possibly running off into ponds, same for paved areas, all storage pond dimensions and volume of all waters draining into the ponds. Don't forget to complete the site prevention and emergency plans and any or all pond water and solid manure analyses available. This homework information is very handy to have if you are planning expansion and want to remain compliant with environmental regulations and the inspectors that will enforce them.

Recently, short course classes were offered in Visalia, Hanford, and Fresno. Another set of the three classes will possibly be offered in the spring after dates are coordinated. For persons wishing to attend the short course sooner or make up missing classes, here is a list of other places in January. If more details are needed, call the following contacts mentioned.

UCCE Bldg., 1031 South Mt. Vernon Ave., Bakersfield. Contact Ralph Phillips, 661-868-6219. Class #1, January 3rd,1-3 p.m.; Class #2, January 10th, 1-3 p.m.; Class #3, January 17th, 1-3 p.m.

Centro Basco, 13432 Central Ave., Chino. Contact Abraham Wubishet, 909-387-8875. Class #1, January 5th, 10-12 p.m.; Class #2, January 12th, 10-12 p.m.; Class #3, January 19th, 10-12 p.m.

Bootsman Dairy, 32190 Ramona Expressway, Lakeview. Contact Abraham Wubishet. Class #1, January 5th, 2-4 p.m.; Class #2, January 12th, 2-4 p.m.; Class #3, January 19th, 2-4 p.m.

Sacramento County Farm Bureau, 8970 Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove. Contact Marit Arana, 209-468-9492. Class #1, January 6th, 4-6 p.m.; Class #2, January 13th, 4-6 p.m.; Class #3, January 20th, 4-6 p.m.

An allied industry short course will be offered at the Chino address from 12:30 to 5 p.m., and a $125 fee is required a week in advance per person or $200 at the door. Checks only, payable to UC Regents, and no credit cards accepted.

Winter Forage

Planting season is here and some handy reminders are listed here from Carol Collar, Kings County dairy advisor. Table 1 shows suggested seeding rate for small grains in the San Joaquin Valley. Lower seeding rates are for drilling into well-prepared beds, while higher rates are for broadcasting or late season planting. The goal is to have an average 25 to 30 seedlings/square foot. Consider replanting if less than 13 plants are seen at the 2 to 3 leaf stage. Planting depth for wheat and triticale is to 1½ inches, while barley and oats can be to 2 inches.

Table 1. Suggested seeding rates for small grains in the San Joaquin Valley.

Nitrogen and sometimes phosphorous can be yield limiting nutrients and needed in fertilizer. Potassium and zinc deficiencies are not considered common in the valley. Suggested seasonal nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates are shown in Table 2 and are for the entire season. Phosphorous (P) should only be applied if a soil test shows a deficiency. Soil levels of phosphate P less than 10 ppm usually respond to P fertilizer and 40 to 80 lbs/acre of phosphate is advised.

Table 2. Suggested seasonal rates of nitrogen fertilizer for small grains.

Dairy manure solids and liquid manure water from lagoons can supply part or all of fertilizer needs. Levels of N vary widely and testing prior to application is needed for accuracy and to avoid overusage of commercial fertilizers. Information on estimating manure application rates can be obtained from the farm advisor office. Nitrogen is needed mainly in the rapid growth stage that can be from mid-February through April, depending on planting date.

Applying all N as preplant is not recommended, especially on sandy soils. Only enough N at planting to cover expected plant growth is advised. A good rule of thumb is 16 lbs. of N per ton of growth. For example, 4 tons expected wheat growth during mid-winter would need 4 x 16 = 64 lbs. N preplant. The remaining N should be applied in at least 2 equal applications in late January for vegetative growth and mid-March for grain heading. Consequently, 64 lbs. N preplant and 50 lbs. N in January and 50 lbs.N in March for a total 164 lbs. would be sufficient. P is important for germination and seedling vigor but not of concern after crop has past jointing stages of growth.

Survey

In March 1999, Drs. Thurmond and Bates, of the School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD, conducted a survey of contacts between dairy facilities by direct cattle movement or indirect vehicle and personnel activities, and potential disease transmission from dairy to dairy. The number of direct animal contacts for dairies by reported animal movement ranged from 1.6 to 2.6 animal shipments monthly and indirect contacts increased from 234 to 419/month as herd size increased from less than 1,000 up to 2,000 head.

Information from frequent dairy visitors as indirect contact sources varied by distance traveled in a 3-day period. The following were the more common: AI technicians = 18 miles; hoof trimmers = 26 miles; veterinarians = 18 miles; feed trucks = 65 miles; rendering trucks = 32 miles. On the average, milk trucks visited 9.4 dairies/day and 1.8 dairies before returning to the creamery (min=1 and max=5), with a 3-day travel range of 130 miles.