Fowler Agronomic Education Director Early Planting Pays Corn planting delays were common in the Spring of 1978 and again in 1979. Yet new national yield records were set each year. Does that mean all the "plant early" advice corn farmers have been subjected to over the years was wrong? We're not backing off at all on the yield $nd per formance benefits of planting early. We'll get to that in a moment. First, some comment about the past two seasons. Although many areas were unable to start planting as early as intended, most made rapid progress later and finished planting at a normal time. Big equipment and long hours made it possible to finish planting on time so that the "late planting" season wasn't all that late. A big factor had to be the growing seasons, which turned out to be unusually favorable both years. Higher-than-normal late summer temperatures pushed the 1978 crop to maturity, overcoming concern about large amounts of wet corn. Relatively mild tem peratures and adequate mositure prevailed during the critical pollination period both years. In all, growing conditions were more favorable than would generally be expected. All too often, we are in clined to consider only the last growing season when planning for the next. There is no way that one season will duplicate the previous one. There is no way, even wi th sophis t ica ted technology, to predict weather conditions a season ahead. So this leaves us with "average" or "normal" as the best to use for planning. We won't always be right, but over the years we won't be far off, either, if our plans are developed in anticipation of a normal season. So our evaluation of planting dates needs to continue over several seasons. Long-term date-of- planting trials, both university and agri-industry, favor early planting of corn. For instance, a 12-year study in central Iowa gave solid evidence of maximum corn yields from April 24 plan tings. Yields tapered off for planting dates between April 24 and May 10 and started to decline sharply after that. After five years of testing at a leading research center in southwest Georgia, March 7 plantings were averaging 10 bushels per acre better than the next-best date, March 17. Consequently, they initiated a Feb. 26 planting date and now, after four years, it is averaging eight bushels per acre better than the March 7 plantings. A 9-year Ohio State university test shows yield from April 8 plantings averaging above that from earlier or later planting dates. This was supported by four years of data from DeKalb plots at Greenville, Ohio, where yields from plantings during the first week of April were six bushels per acre better than mid-April plantings and beat mid-May by more than 30 bushels. The thing about the data, regardless of source, is that there are heavy yield and performance penal t ies associated with late plan ting. The key really isn't "plant early," it is "avoid late planting." The only way to keep from planting late is to start early and finish on time. There are other, often over looked, benef i t s associated with early corn planting. It's the cheapest way a grower can achieve higher corn yields and lower grain _ moisture. At DeKalb" we have measured 5 to 8 percent drier grain on a given Fall day with the same hybrid as a result of planting in mid-April instead of mid- May. Later planted corn usually has more problems with diseases, second brood European corn borers, and pollination during hot, dry weather. Early-planted corn is more efficient in water, nutrient, and energy use - producing more grain with essentially the same inputs. Grain from early-planted corn tends to be higher in test weight, too. Can corn be planted too early? Sure. You have to adjust, for the season. Calendar dates are not the final determinant. Neither are soil temperatures or the size of oak leaves unerring guides. Corn can generally be planted as soon as soil and weather conditions permit in the spring. Stay off wet soils until they are ready to work but be ready to go when the soil is ready. ^American Viewpoints Bible Church Will Feature Two Choirs We have always known that heedless self-interest was bad morals; we know now that it is bad economies. Franklin Delano Roosevelt The Wonder Lake Bible church, 7500 Howe road, Wonder Lake, will host the West Suburban hospital student nurses' choir, under the direction . of John F.' Wilson, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, If the mythical man from another planet came to visit the earth he would probably go back at the first opportunity. • • • • Once in a while we cling to the idea that men will, some day, be able to live with each other* peacefully. April 4. The singers will present a one-hour program concluding with song arrangements in the theme of Calvary. On Sunday at 10:50 a.m. there will be an Easter morning worship service. Sunday at 6 p.m. the senior choir will present its annual Easter cantata ^entitled "This Same Jesus", arranged by Paul Mickelson. .This cantata is an excellent series of hymns and gospel songs fully illustrating the hope and promise of the Lord's resurrection. PAGE 7-PLAINDEALEB. FREDA Y.APRIL 4. U» Legislative Results These are final figures on the 33rd district Legislature race for the three top vote getters in five counties. The winners were Jill Zwick and Richard Ktemm. Although there has been no official announcement, the initial word was that Richard Burnidge, who now holds the office of representative in the 33rd district on an appointment, would ask for a recount because of the closeness of the vote. Republican leaders in McHenry county have no indication that he will do so. Klemm Winnebago 157.5 DeKalb 186 Kane 1,216.5 Boone ; 336 McHenry 12,441 Totals V !' 14,337 Burnidge 159 831 8,395.5 772 4,711.5 14,267 Zwick 717 520 3,792 2,359 13,410 20,798 2 year term Carol DOMBROWSKI 2 Oulifjed cariidatas for School Board Dist 15 2 CaaiiSates who will NOT VOIE to raise YOM tauws 3 year term Kathy CICHONSKI 2 Candidates willing to OPEN LINES it coeeiiicatioi 2 Candidates willing to wort for the BEST SCHOOLS possible 2 Candidates free different areas of McHenry afforts wider representation 2 Candidates witti a willingness to wort with All BOARD MEMBERS * REMEMBER TO VOTE 2 year term Carol DOMBROWSKI APRIL 12 (Adv. paid for by candidate) 3 year term Kathy CICHONSKI $>'0i EEDQG j TIRE VALUE IN1980 g;J|S + ***.6 S WHATEVER YOU DRIVE. MICHEUN HI WHATEVER YOU DRIVE, MICHEUN WAKES AN AFFORDABLE RADIALl W0H YOUR CAR!| COME PRICE THEM TODAY! 155X13XZX W TOYOTA mazDa Jepsen Tire Service 3331 Elm St. 385-0424 McHenry HOURS: 8:30-6:00, SAT. 8:00-4:00 KIDS INTO REELS \wm wm .•v.VX/...w- t L i V * " * Unless, of course, they ^already are. If not, you can make them Squirrels by giving them memberships unique qtfirreis Club® Our Squirrels Club is an ideal way to get your children started on a very ' sound savings pro- ' gram. And it's fun, too. There are membership cards and certificates, funny club buttons, squirrelly balloons, stick-on-decals, and lots of other nutty things. And that's just for starters. The Squirrels Club is an educational club that keeps kids involved. They are remembered on their birth days and receive special notices of contests and activities. Members also receive a free subscription to "The Nutty News',' a colorful sixteen-page quarterly newsmagazine filled with all kinds of fun things to do. v So if you have children under 13 and want to help them learn how to save and have a good time doing it, why not give them mem berships in our Squirrels Club. It's that kind of nice gift that the kids in your life will never forget --the gift of thrift. For further information on llHMgLU our Squirrels Club, drop by our office or send in the A A 92 ~^ coupon. NaTKMMaL BaMKOF IVTHeiMRY 3814 W. Elm St., McHonry W-S400 Serving the Bonk Ne«ds of the McHenry Area m interested in your Squirrels Club. Please tend me further information » SUNNYSIDE DODGE THE DODGE LONG RANGE RAM VAN IS NOW MORE THAN... *1100 LfSS THAN FORDI *900 USS THAN CHEVYI * Standard Equipped With: ' 36-gallon fuel tank ' Dual quad rectangular headlamps • Halogen high beam lights > Chromed bumpers, front and rear > Bright wheel covers • Bright windshield molding > 5350-lb. GVW package > Trip odometer (WITH TEST DRIVE)' Already more than Cfinn less than a comparably vOUU equipped Ford/** PLUS $500 Chrysler offer* Now more than tlinn less than a comparably IUU equipped Ford! 1980 Dodge Long Range B100 Van (©E 21 EST HWY 576 RANGE 756 HWY RANGE Use EPA est for comparison. I tj Remember your mileage and range may differ depending on speed weather and trip length Actual highway mileage and range will probably be lower. Range computed on mpg estimates multiplied by tank capacity. Already more than <tAnn lass than a comparably %,rtuu equipped Chevy.*** PLUS $500 Chrysler offer* Now more than CQQQ less than a comparably equipped Chevy! •"Based on a comparably equipped sticker price comparison with Dodge Long Range Ram Van B100 with 109 6' w b and 5350-lb GVW, excluding taxes and destination charges The Chrysler offer* $50 if you buy theirs. Test drive one of our new 1980 Dodge Long Range Ram Vans at a participating dealer Then test drive the competition if you buy or lease a qualifying van from one of our competitors within 30 days the $50 is yours. Just bring back the test drive certificate with proof of purchase or lease. One test drive payment per customer 4 $500 if you buy ours. Buy or lease a Ram Tough new 1980 Dodge Long Range Ram Van for personal use The New Chrysler Corporation jives you a check that turns $50 into a total of $500 Hurry Offer expires April 10 1980 Get a test Get a van Get $500 PLUS: The Chrysler Guarantees 1. The only 30-day 1.000-mile money-back suarantee. Buy one of our new 1980 cars or trucks Drive it u| to 30 days or 1 000 miles whichever comes first If you're not completely satisfied you'll get your money back But not the finance and insurance charges All you do is bring your vehicle back to us in good condition without metal damage When we receive clear title we return your money Refund on traded vehicle may be lower than the trade-in allowance Rebates do not apply to vehicles returned 2. The lint guarantee of no-cost scheduled maintenance. When you buy or lease a new 1980 car or truck we II provide oil changes oil filters and other scheduled maintenance required tor each vehicle For 2 years or 24 000 miles whichever comes first For 1 year or 12 000 miles on our Imports At no charge 3. The first guarantee of no-cost motor club membership with emergency road service. The New Chrysler Corporation provides a two year membership in the Amoco Motor Club at no cost to you when you buy or lease a new 1980 car or truek Benefits include emergency road service emergency towing car theft reward And a lot more subiect to the conditions of membership See your participating dealeT for full details (These New Chrysler Corporation commitments apply to new 1980 vehicles for personal use only ) HURRY, OFFER ENDS APRIL 10th s WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD BANK FINANCING AT REASONABLE RATES AND LOW DOWN PAYMENTS WE SERVICE WHAt WE SELL" SUNNYSIDE DODGEM ^ OPEN DAILY 9-9. SATURDAY 9 5. SUNDAY 10 4 J W. RTE. 120 NcHEHBY («1S) 3*5-7220