Tuesday January 10 Ag News

Land Application Training Field Day Offered in February

In February, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension workshop at extension offices across the state will provide livestock and crop farmers with the latest information on how to turn manure nutrients into better crop yields while protecting the environment.

Land Application Training will be available, Feb. 2. Initial training is from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Central Time and re-certification is from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Central Time.

Livestock producers with livestock waste control facility permits received or renewed since April 1998 must be certified. A farm must complete an approved training every five years, and farm personnel responsible for land application of manure also are encouraged to attend.

The workshops will help livestock producers put to use the nutrient management planning requirements of Nebraska's Department of Environmental Quality regulations and increase the economic value of manure, said Leslie Johnson, UNL AMM coordinator. Participants who attend the day-long event will receive NDEQ Land Application Training Certification.

This in-depth, one-day class targets newly permitted livestock operations. Operations that have already attended this initial training, but will need re-certification, may attend the afternoon portion of the training.

Attendance at the afternoon portion of one of the Land Application Training workshops will fulfill NDEQ requirements for re-certification of producers who have completed the initial land application training five or more years ago.

This portion of the workshops will consist of a two-hour program including updates on changing regulations and emerging manure management topics, such as #manuremonday, climate change impacts, and the 2011 Nebraska P-Index. It also will be available via distance learning technology at several county extension offices across the state. Those that have access to high-speed Internet can take this re-certification training at any location, including the home or office. Farm staff responsible for implementing the farm's nutrient plan also are encouraged to attend.

For additional information, including the location closest to you, contact Johnson, AMM coordinator, at 402-584-3818, email ljohnson13@unl.edu or visit http://manure.unl.edu.

Host Locations and Contacts:
Cuming County (recertification only) - Larry Howard - 402-372-6006
Madison County - Leslie Johnson - 402-584-3818
Hall County - Mark Hinze - 308-385-5088
York County - Gary Zoubek or Gerald Peterson - 402-362-5508
Dawson County - Bruce Treffer - 308-324-5501
Scottsbluff County - Tom Holman - 308-632-1480

Pre-registration is required for all workshops. A $50 fee per farm (includes one farm representative) will be charged for the day-long Land Application Training workshops plus a $10 fee for each additional participant to cover local costs including lunch.

The Land Application Training Re-certification portion of the workshop is free if viewing online; if attending at an extension office the registration fee is $10.

These workshops are sponsored by the UNL Extension AMM Team which is dedicated to helping livestock and crop producers better utilize the state's manure resources for agronomic and environmental benefits.

For additional information on these workshops and other resources for managing manure nutrients, visit http://manure.unl.edu. 



Prairieland RC&D Meeting Jan. 18

The PrairieLand Resource Conservation & Development Council will hold their monthly meeting on Jan. 18 at the Frontier Bank meeting room in Madison at 4:00 pm.

The council will continue their discussion regarding the future of the RC&D program, current Shell Creek and No-till projects, upcoming electronics/tire recycling grant applications and promotion of the new tree program project.

The public is always invited and encouraged to attend all PrairieLand RC&D meetings. PrairieLand RC&D is a non-profit organization helping concerned citizens complete vital rural development projects in Nance, Boone, Colfax, Madison, Stanton and Platte Counties.

Everyone is encouraged to participate in active projects, propose new projects and attend meetings. Please join us to find out what you can do to get involved in helping your rural community. Contact the RC&D office at 402-454-2026 for more information.



2012 Leopold Conservation Award Applications Available

Nebraska Cattlemen, in partnering with Sand County Foundation and Cargill, is seeking nominations for the 2012 Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska. The winner of the award will receive an Aldo Leopold crystal and a check for 10,000. The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes Nebraska landowners who demonstrate outstanding stewardship and use sustainable management when working with the natural resources that are in their care.

The Leopold Conservation Award is presented in honor of famed conservationist and author Aldo Leopold who called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“The health of Nebraska’s landscape is dependent on hard-working farmers and ranchers across the state who dedicate themselves to ensuring that Nebraska’s land, water and wildlife are in better shape than when they found them,” said Dr. Brent Haglund, Sand County Foundation President. “Year after year, the quality of award nominations for the Leopold Conservation Award proves that Nebraska’s natural resources are being cared for by innovative landowners who want to see them flourish for future generations.”

The Leopold Conservation Award in Nebraska is made possible through the generous support of: Burlington Northern Santa Fe, Cargill, Ducks Unlimited, Nebraska Beef Industry Foundation, Nebraska Cattlemen Research & Education Foundation, Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Land Trust, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Sandhills Task Force, Nature Conservancy, Union Pacific Railroad, Farm Credit Services of America, Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, and Rain Water Basin Joint Venture.

The Leopold Conservation Award recipient will be announced April 20th and presented at the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Annual Convention in Kearney in December.

Landowners may nominate themselves or others and nominations are also welcome from groups or organizations. The nomination deadline is March 26, 2012. For the application/ nomination form visit www.nebraskacattlemen.org or contact Kristen Hassebrook, 402.475.2333.



Farmers Gather in St. Louis for NCGA Priority and Policy Conference

The National Corn Growers Association's annual Priority and Policy Conference takes place this week in St. Louis, bringing farmer leaders from many corn states to begin the discussion of state and national priorities for 2013 and NCGA's policies on such subjects as trade, ethanol and biotechnology.

"This meeting is an important opportunity for us to learn from leaders in our state organizations about their concerns and work together on a consensus for moving forward in the months ahead," said NCGA President Garry Niemeyer, a grower from Auburn, Ill. "It comes at an important time for our industry, with a new round of farm bill discussions on the horizon and presidential campaign underway. There's much to discuss and much to take action on this week."

The meeting is for chairs, presidents and executive directors of NCGA's state organizations, as well chairs and vice chairs of the organization's action teams and committees. It starts Tuesday evening with a visioning session during which the leaders will begin the process of creating a new strategic plan for the association.

This year, as part of a collaborative initiative with the U.S. Grains Council, the Priority and Policy Conference also includes leadership from that organization for a discussion of USGC priorities and trade issues.



Climate Change Not Likely to Harm Ag

Record yields for staple crops in the United States and globally in recent years seem to contradict fears that agriculture will be negatively affected by increasing climate temperatures, according to James Taylor, senior fellow for the Heartland Institute and managing editor of Environment and Climate News. Taylor spoke at an issues conference at the American Farm Bureau Federation's 93rd Annual Meeting.

Beyond debating the issue of whether global climate change is actually taking place and whom is to blame, Taylor addressed the issue of any potential impacts on agriculture and what effect any legislation or regulation could have.

"Since 2007 we've seen record yields in production per acre in edible beans, cotton, alfalfa, sweet potatoes, canola, corn, hops, rice, wheat and more," said Taylor. "This is a long-term trend, and it applies globally, too, as global grain harvests have nearly tripled since 1961. Climate is not the only factor, but even if we accept global warming as a problem, it's clearly not inhibiting crop production."

According to data presented by Taylor, computer models have incorrectly accounted for certain climate patterns over recent decades, and data has shown fewer and less severe periods of drought and less severe flooding on a global scale. Taylor conceded that there would certainly be regional exceptions, but on a larger scale, climate patterns could prove to be quite suitable for agriculture.

Referencing research done by the International Journal of Climatology, Taylor explained that increases in precipitation would occur more frequently during the hotter and drier seasons of the year – rather than during the spring – thus avoiding the time of year more prone to flooding.

While potential increases in temperature were not believed to be detrimental to crops, Taylor suggested that the greater threat to agriculture could come in the form of federal or state regulations regarding livestock production.



Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces Blueprint for Stronger Service to Increase Efficiency in USDA Operations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must be built to meet the evolving needs of a 21st century agricultural economy, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Monday in presenting USDA’s Blueprint for Stronger Service, a plan that helps producers continue to drive America’s economy by streamlining operations and cutting costs.

“The USDA, like families and businesses across the country, cannot continue to operate like we did 50 years ago,” said Vilsack. “We must innovate, modernize, and be better stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars. We must build on the record accomplishments of farm communities in 2011 with a stronger, more effective USDA in 2012 and beyond.”

The Blueprint for Stronger Service is based on a Department-wide review of operations conducted as part of the Administration’s Campaign to Cut Waste, launched by President Obama and Vice President Biden to make government work better and more efficiently for the American people. The agency took a hard look at all USDA operations, from headquarters to field offices. The end result is a plan that will create optimal use of USDA’s employees, better results for USDA customers, and greater efficiencies for American taxpayers.

“As part of the Campaign to Cut Waste, the President and I asked all Cabinet Secretaries to make tough choices within their departments to save taxpayer money, eliminate government waste, and allow us to invest in the programs and services the American people need. This announcement by Secretary Vilsack is another example of how this can be done,” said Vice President Biden. “By undertaking a thorough and thoughtful review of his Department, Secretary Vilsack has saved taxpayers millions in travel and printing costs and is consolidating more than 700 different cell phone contracts into about 10. What’s more, the Department is finding significant savings by consolidating more than 200 offices across the country while ensuring that the vital services they provide are not cut.”

“In the past few decades, U.S. agriculture has become the second most productive sector of the American economy, thanks to farmers adopting technology, reducing debt, and effectively managing risk,” said Vilsack. “These are lessons from which we can all learn. As we continue to invest in rural communities across the country, USDA has heard from producers about reducing red tape and the need to modernize its services. Today, we are answering the challenge by announcing a series of efforts to help us continue to streamline operations, make the best use of taxpayer resources, and provide the best possible service to the American people.”

The USDA will close 259 domestic offices, facilities and labs across the country, as well as seven foreign offices. In some cases, offices are no longer staffed or have a very small staff of one or two people; many are within 20 miles of other USDA offices. In other cases, technology improvements, advanced service centers, and broadband service have reduced some need for brick and mortar facilities.

When fully implemented, these actions along with other recommended changes will provide efficiencies valued at about $150 million annually—and eventually more based on future realignment of the workforce—and will ensure that USDA continues to provide optimal service to the American people within available funding levels. These actions and plans to close or consolidate facility, office and lab operations will impact USDA headquarters in Washington and in 46 states and 1 U.S. territory.

    Farm Service Agency (FSA): Consolidate 131 county offices in 32 states; more than 2,100 FSA offices remain throughout the United States (affects three counties in Iowa:  Centerville in Appanoose County, Leon in Decatur County, and Creston in Union County.  No proposed FSA office closures in Nebraska)
    Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS): Close 2 country offices; more than 95 FAS offices remain throughout the world
    Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS): Close 15 APHIS offices in 11 states and 5 APHIS offices in 5 foreign countries; more than 560 APHIS offices remain throughout the United States and 55 remain throughout the world
    Rural Development (RD): Close 43 area and sub offices in 17 states and U.S. territories; approximately 450 RD offices remain throughout the United States.
    Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Close 24 soil survey offices in 21 states; more than 2,800 NRCS offices remain throughout the United States  (affects one office in Nebraska: Scotts Bluff in Scotts Bluff County.  affects one office in Iowa:  Fairfield in Jefferson County)
    Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS): Close 5 district offices in 5 states; 10 district offices remain throughout the United States
    Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Close 12 programs at 10 locations; more than 240 programs remain throughout the United States
    Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services (FNCS): Close 31 field offices in 28 states; 32 FNCS offices will remain throughout the United States

In addition, USDA is implementing a series of other changes that will save taxpayers’ money while eliminating redundancies and inefficiencies. The Blueprint for Stronger Service details 133 recommendations that affirm processes already in place, as well as 27 initial improvements, and other, longer-term improvements. The initial improvements include the following:
    Consolidate more than 700 cell phone plans into about 10;
    Standardize civil rights training and purchases of cyber security products; and
    Ensure more efficient and effective service to our employees by moving toward more centralized civil rights, human resource, procurement, and property management functions, creating millions of dollars in efficiencies without sacrificing the quality of our work.

The Secretary detailed the changes in a speech today at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 93rd Annual Meeting, where he also highlighted the impressive achievements of American agriculture over the past three years. Currently, U.S. agriculture is experiencing its most productive period in history thanks to the resiliency, resourcefulness, and efficiency of American producers. The Blueprint for Stronger Service will allow USDA to continue the investments that help to make this possible.



Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Highlights U.S. Navy Biofuels Partnership at Pearl Harbor, Obama Administration's Commitment to Renewable Energy

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the Obama Administration's commitment to renewable energy today at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument's Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Pearl Harbor naval base was the first Hawaii military marine fleet to use biodiesel, replacing the Department of Navy-operated tour boats that shuttled visitors to and from the USS Arizona Memorial with five new boats capable of running on 100% biodiesel.

"Advanced biofuels provide landowners, businesses and communities in Hawaii and throughout the country the opportunity to pursue new energy advancements that create jobs and build a stronger economy," said Vilsack. "By joining with partners like the U.S. Navy, USDA is supporting investments in innovative technologies to help our nation develop renewable energy to out-innovate and out-compete the rest of the world."

In April 2009, Pearl Harbor Naval Base replaced its 20-year-old U.S. Navy-operated USS Arizona Memorial tour boats with environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art boats that are currently powered by a blend of 20% biodiesel. The fleet's goal is to eventually transition to using 100% biodiesel. The biodiesel is produced by Hawaii-based Pacific Biodiesel, Inc. which created one of the first biodiesel plants in the United States in 1996.

At today's event, Vilsack highlighted the partnership between the U.S. Navy and USDA to promote biofuels. In January 2010, USDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to encourage development of advanced biofuels and other renewable energy systems. Last summer, President Obama announced an investment in the private sector of up to $510 million during the next three years to produce advanced drop-in aviation and marine biofuels to power military and commercial transportation. The initiative responds to a directive from President Obama issued in March 2010 as part of his Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future, the Administration's framework for reducing dependence on foreign oil. Last month, USDA and the U.S. Navy announced that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) signed a contract to purchase 450,000 gallons of advanced drop-in biofuel, the single largest purchase of biofuel in government history. In addition, USDA recently announced five major research projects aimed at developing biofuels.

The advancement of renewable energy is particularly important to Hawaii, which currently relies on imported fossil fuels for over 90% of its energy needs. Ongoing research and commitment to the development of renewable energy will help lessen this dependence and enable Hawaii to become a model for the production of drop-in fuels for automobiles, jets, tactical vehicles and electrical generators. Through the utilization of Hawaii-grown algae, eucalyptus, sweet sorghum, banana grass, jatropha and energy cane, drop-in biofuels can serve as direct replacements or supplements to existing gasoline, diesel and jet fuels, without any changes to existing fuel distribution networks or engines.



Lower Fertilizer Prices Roll into New Year

Retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of the New Year continue to show what has been present for more than a month now -- lower retail prices.  For the first time during this price decline, all eight major fertilizers are showing lower prices.

Two fertilizers, urea and DAP, registered significant price declines. Urea was down 7% compared to the first week of December while DAP was down 5%. Urea had an average price of $556 per ton and DAP was at $672/ton.  The remaining six fertilizers are showing slight price drops compared to one month earlier. MAP had an average price of $721/ton, potash $659/ton, 10-34-0 $826/ton, anhydrous $800/ton, UAN28 $392/ton and UAN32 $444/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.49/lb.N, UAN28 $0.70/lb.N and UAN32 $0.69/lb.N.

Six of the eight major fertilizers are continuing to show double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Leading the way higher is 10-34-0. The starter fertilizer has skyrocketed early last year but has fallen back some in recent months and is now 33% higher compared to the first week of January 2011.  Potash has jumped 16%, urea 14%, UAN28 13%, UAN32 12% and anhydrous 10% higher compared to year earlier.  The two phosphorus fertilizers continue to bring up the rear. MAP is 4% more expensive while DAP is just 1% higher compared to January of 2011.



Jersey Cattle Breed Has Record Setting Year in 2011

The American Jersey Cattle Association announced that new records for production by Registered Jersey cows were established in 2011. The official Jersey lactation average increased to 18,633 lbs. milk, 889 lbs. fat, and 676 lbs. protein. On a Cheddar cheese equivalent basis, average yield was 2,294 pounds. All are new category records.

"If a dairy can produce a given amount of protein, butterfat and other solids while using less feed, water and fossil fuels, and producing less waste, the cost of producing that amount of milk solids is reduced and yet the revenue realized from the pounds of milk solids produced is the same," said Erick Metzger, general manager of National All-Jersey Inc. "The bottom line is more net profit."

Metzger says a record 91,028 lactations were processed by the AJCA, an increase of 51.4% in 10 years. The lactation average is calculated on a standardized 305-day, twice daily, mature equivalent (m.e.) basis.

These records for Jersey production come on the heels of a study published in the January, 2012 issue of Journal of Dairy Science that documents lower production inputs and reduced environmental impacts of Jersey milk production because of higher component levels and small body mass to be maintained.

Using Jersey and Holstein data from the Dairy Records Management System (DRMS) database in 2009, researchers Jude Capper and Roger Cady determined that Jersey cows required 20% less total feedstuffs by weight and 32% less water to produce the same amount of milkfat and protein as Holstein cows.

Their analysis also documented substantial reductions in land usage, fuel consumption, waste output and greenhouse gas emissions. Per unit of cheese produced, the Jersey carbon footprint (total CO2-equivalents) was 20% less than that of Holstein.



Some Areas of S. America Get Rain

Rain finally started to hit Argentina's grain belt on Tuesday and farmers in the major agricultural exporter hoped the showers would last long enough to revive soy and corn fields dried out by a drought that raised global supply worries.  A long drought has shrunk the corn crop in Argentina, which the world has been counting on to replenish international stocks after a disappointing U.S. harvest.

Relief started to arrive on Tuesday when showers fell on the agricultural area of Junin, in the northern part of grains-growing powerhouse province Buenos Aires. The National Meteorological Service also called for rain in neighboring Cordoba province, another farming hub.  The showers will be crucial to Argentina's chances of producing a 2011/12 corn crop in the estimated range of 23 million to 27 million tonnes, which would match or exceed the previous season's record harvest of 23 million tonnes.

The South American country provides about 20 percent of the world's corn exports, 12 percent of soybean exports and nearly half the exports of soyoil, used for cooking and biofuels. But an unforgiving southern hemisphere summer sun has baked Argentina's corn and soy plants this month and last, just as they entered their key flowering stage.



Brazilian Ethanol Production Fails to Meet Expectations

Brazilian-based Petrobras reported Monday that fuel ethanol production at its distilling units fell 13.8% below its original forecast for the 2011-12 season. Production was 769 million liters, 13.8% below the original forecast of 892 million liters.  The group reported the results were influenced by the loss of harvest in the sector. Petrobras Biofuel and its partners forecast ethanol production of 5.6 billion liters in 2015, which is around 12% of the Brazilian market share.



Americans for Choice and Competition in Agriculture Launched to Address Choice, Competition, Innovation in the Agriculture Marketplace

Americans for Choice and Competition in Agriculture, a coalition dedicated to increased choice and competition in the multi-trait seed marketplace, was launched today in Des Moines, Iowa. Former Iowa State Senator and U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Charles “Chuck” Larson will serve as the Coalition’s executive director.

“Today, agriculture is a high-innovation business,” said Larson. “Even though agriculture starts with seed there isn’t a clear pathway for innovation and agricultural improvements for traits that come off patent, sometimes called generics, as a component for new, yet-to-be developed, multi-trait seeds for farmers. Americans for Choice and Competition in Agriculture is an additional and distinctive voice on a critical issue to agriculture and will begin a dialogue about the best ways to deliver increased competition and innovation for farmers to help boost U.S. economic growth, grow exports, and solve the looming global food crisis.”

Americans for Choice and Competition in Agriculture will promote three principles with regard to the seed marketplace: respect for intellectual property; robust opportunities for seed companies to include generic traits in new combinations of multi-trait seeds for the benefit of farmers and post-patent competition; and the removal of unintended or artificial barriers to the creation of multi-trait seeds that contain generic traits once a patent has expired.

“For American farmers to meet increasing global food demands, we need comprehensive and timely solutions to the problems that threaten the future of agriculture,” said Larson. “Americans for Choice and Competition in Agriculture stands for choice, competition, and Innovation. Choice that allows farmers to determine what seeds work best for them; vigorous competition among agricultural businesses that brings beneficial products and increased value to the multi-trait seed marketplace; and innovations to ensure American farmers will succeed in feeding the world, both now and in the future.”

Americans for Choice and Competition in Agriculture will promote solutions that will benefit consumers, farmers, and the entire agricultural industry. Bringing expansive knowledge in the agricultural field are former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and former six-term Minnesota U.S. Representative Vin Weber, who will serve as advisors to the Coalition.

For more information or to join the Coalition, visit www.agchoice.org.



Unique chemistry in Armezon herbicide from BASF is tough on weeds, safe on corn

The continued spread of resistant weeds and strong commodity prices have high-yielding corn growers seeking more complete, comprehensive weed management solutions to protect their crops. That’s why BASF Crop Protection today announced the addition of Armezon™ herbicide to its innovative herbicide portfolio. Armezon helps growers maximize their yields by controlling tough, yield-robbing weeds while being safe to all corn types.

A post-emerge herbicide solution for corn, Armezon controls problematic grasses and broadleaf weeds such as common lambsquarters, waterhemp, giant foxtail and crabgrass – including those with resistance to glyphosate, triazines, PPOs, and ALS inhibitors.

“Armezon is definitely tough on weeds,” said John Sabatka, Post Corn Herbicides Product Manager with BASF. “At the same time, it’s also safe to use on all field and specialty corn, regardless of trait – including the most sensitive varieties.”

Armezon also has a wider window of application when compared to most other post-emerge corn herbicides on the market. It is an excellent cross-spectrum tank-mix partner, which makes it particularly helpful for growers who rely on post applications of atrazine or glyphosate to manage tough weeds.

With innovative solutions, technical support and educational tools, BASF is a grower’s No. 1 partner for managing weed resistance by providing more corn and soybean herbicide sites of action than any other crop protection company. The launch of OpTill® PRO and Armezon herbicides demonstrates the commitment of BASF to provide growers with new chemistries and products to help maximize their yield potential and proactively manage resistant weeds.