Soybean Fungicides 

Yield Benefit or an Extra Expense?

Measuring the Economic and Agronomic Benefits of Timed, Preventative Fungicide Applications to Soybeans

Preventative soybean fungicides Headline and Quadris were applied to soybeans at the R3 growth stage at two farm scale research sites in Seneca County, NY.  Results of this research indicate that the amount of disease present did not justify fungicide application for disease control, and fungicides did not reduce disease incidence or severity of Septoria brown spot or downy mildew.  Partial budget analysis indicates a net loss in profit per acre when fungicides are applied in the absence of Asian Soybean Rust, and at non-economic levels of other common foliar disease, as a preventative tactic.  Results show that wheel damage from application equipment traffic can constitute a significant loss in yield.  This study was done for one season only and needs to be repeated to further evaluate the use of foliar fungicides for a growth enhancement effect under another set of environmental conditions.  Having the means and/or equipment to apply fungicides in the event of occurrence of Asian Soybean Rust must remain a consideration for soybean producers.  To read the complete report, click here.

Agricultural Assessments Are Up This Year

Nelson Bills Applied Economics and Management Cornell University

In early January, the New York State Office of Real Property Tax Services (ORPS) released their annual agricultural assessment values (available here). These per acre values will be used by local assessors when processing applications for agricultural assessment for computing agricultural assessments for city and town assessment rolls completed in 2007 and for village assessment rolls completed in 2008. The per acre assessment values are up a rather startling 34% this year, with the base agricultural assessment value moving from last year's $513 to $685 per acre. The $685 figure tops any values calculated since 1990 (see a useful summary of agricultural assessment values here)

Such an abrupt increase will undoubtedly generate new interest in the New York State agricultural district program and its provisions for property tax reductions. More...

Seneca County Farm Statistics

Seneca County is located in the Finger Lakes region, bordering both Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. In 2003, there were 127,000 acres in farms, 61 percent of the county's total 207,944 acres. There were 465 farms in the county averaging 273 acres per farm. Seneca county ranks 44th in the state for number of farms and 29th for land in farms.

In 2002, according to the Census of Agriculture, the market value of all agricultural products sold from county farms was $45.2 million. Total sales averaged $97,089 per farm. The leading products sold were: dairy products, grains & dry beans, cattle & calves, fruits & nuts, and hogs & pigs.

The average value of land and buildings per farm in 2002 was $423,149. Machinery and equipment were valued at $163,660 per farm. Total production expenses in 2002 were $43.7 million for an average of $94,405 per farm. The Census showed 65 percent of the farm operators reported farming as their principal occupation. The average age of the operator was 50.9 years. The Department of Commerce showed the median household income in 1999 was $37,140.