Recent rains in the Red River Valley that have been torrential at times are creating concerns about drowning crops, and disease. Hans Kandel, Red Lake County extension educator, reports that after four inches of rain last Tuesday, some crops are turning yellow and dying. Ray Thompson, Marshall County extension educator, says that while most crops in his area came through all right, those in low-lying areas will be lost. Deciding whether to add nitrogen depends on the general health of the crop following flooding. In some crops, such as dry bean, flooding for 24 hours usually means death.
Corn can sometimes survive for four to five days.
The most important management tool a producer has after heavy rains, says Franzen, is to try to enhance surface drainage as much as possible by making sure culverts are not plugged, as well as clearing field openings, fences and other passageways to prevent ponding in fields. Registration for the 18-hole scramble will begin at 9 am, with a shotgun start at 11 am. Prizes will be given to first, second, and third-place teams for low handicap and low scratch scores. Many door prizes will be given away to those present at the 6 pm barbecue, also at the Thief River Falls Golf Club. Cost covers green fees, cart, morning rolls and coffee, lunch, and evening barbecue.