Care of the Newborn Immediately After Calving
Larry Howard, UNL Extension, Cuming County
The calving season has already started for a few local beef producers, but the main season will be here shortly. It is important to have a basic understanding of the birthing process to have a successful calving season.
Delayed passage through the birth canal in the face of a faltering placenta compromises oxygenation of the calf. Although the calf is able to breathe as soon as its nose passes the lips of the vulva, expansion of the chest is restricted by the narrow birth canal. This situation is seriously aggravated when continuous forced traction is applied. As soon as the calf’s head has passed the lips of the vulva, traction should be interrupted, the nostrils cleared of mucus and cold water applied to the head.
Again, when the calf is completely delivered, primary attention is directed toward establishing respiration. Mucus and fetal fluids should be expressed from the nose and mouth by external pressure of the thumbs along the bridge of the nose and the flat fingers underneath the jaws, sliding from the level of the eyes toward the muzzle. The common practice of suspending the calf by its hind legs to “clear the lungs,” must be questioned. Most of the fluids that drain from the mouth of these calves probably came from the stomach, and the weight of the intestines on the diaphragm makes expansion of the lungs difficult. The most effective way to clear the airway is by suction.
Respiration is stimulated by many factors, but only ventilation of the lungs, allow us to render help immediately. Brisk rubbing of the skin or tickling inside the nostril with a piece of straw also has a favorable effect. The phrenic nerve can be stimulated with a sharp tap on the chest slightly above and behind where the heartbeat can be felt.
UPDATED: Conservation Informational Meetings Offered In Northeast Nebraska
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup. Pheasants Forever, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the USDA, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust will be hosting Landowner Informational Meetings across northeast Nebraska to explain the ins and outs of the program and to talk about ways it can fit economically into present day agricultural operations.
The CRP signup runs March 12th - April 6th. Cassidy Gerdes, Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist states, “CRP has changed over the years from a simple land retirement program into a program that has a suite of options which you can use to tailor to your future goals for your land. Obviously, I’ve got a soft spot for habitat, but the CRP program has components which range from erosion control and conservation compliance to water quality and pollinator production.”
CRP rental rates were updated last year to reflect changes in current county land values, so anyone looking to re-enroll old CRP may have a pleasant surprise. Whether or not that new price competes with cash rent is for the landowner to decide, but according to Gerdes it may be worth finding out what all your options are. Even if enrolling the whole field isn’t the best decision for your farm at this time, new technology is starting to show us that treating every acre in your field as an identical unit could be costing you dollars as well.
There are approximately 6 million acres of CRP land expiring nationally, and while the USDA hopes to maintain the CRP program at current levels, they also intend the signup to be a competitive process. By accepting the acres that provide the most environmental benefit, they maintain the integrity of the program and ensure the taxpayer the most bang for their buck. The informational meeting will point out the decisions landowners can make to ensure he or she is submitting a competitive offer.
For this CRP signup, local biologists are teaming up with the Farm Service agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to make individual site visits and recommendations. The purpose of these site visits is to give the producer some baseline information on what he or she currently has and to provide an idea of the type and the amount of work it would take to upgrade the land to meet program requirements and landowner goals.
Those interested in participating on March 16th should arrive at the USDA Service Center in Walthill at 2:00pm. Cookies and coffee will be provided. There is no charge for participating and there is no need to register. According to Gerdes, space may be limited depending upon interest, so you may want to plan to come early. Other area meetings include March 1, 1st National Bank in Tekamah at 7:00pm; March 6, Lifelong Learning Center in Norfolk at 11:00 am; March 6, The Max in Wayne at 6:00 pm; March 8, The VFW in Hooper at 6:00 pm.
PrairieLand RC&D Meeting Feb. 29
The PrairieLand Resource Conservation & Development Council will hold their monthly meeting on Feb. 29 at the Uptown Brewery in Stanton at 3:30 p.m. The council will continue their discussion regarding the future of the RC&D program, current Shell Creek and No-till projects, upcoming recycling events, Earth Day activities and 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 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Working Dog Results
The 2012 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Working Dog Show, along with the Working Horse Competition, was held Tuesday, February 21st in Kearney, NE. An overflow crowd that filled the arena seats was on hand for the evening sales featuring the working dogs and ranch horses. Four dogs and thirty-two horses were showcased in this year’s trials, competition and sale. Taking the honors of Supreme Working Dog and was Lot 4 , Tyke, sired by Rooster, consigned by Rudy Starke, Alliance, NE, and sold to Andy Albrecht of Thurston, NE, for $1,900.
Averages:
Sale Gross: $6,500
4 Head Averaged $1,625
Ranch Horse Results
Taking top honors for Supreme Ranch Horse was Lot 3, San Hollys Smart Gin sired by San Hollys Tangy Gin, consigned by Justin Finley/Walker Horse Training, Gem, KS, and sold to Steve VanPelt., of Archer, NE, for $6,250. High-Selling Ranch Horse was Lot 15, Cody Bar Hancock “Roanie” sired by Doc Quixote Hancock, consigned by Triple T Quarter Circle Ranch of Otis, KS, and sold to Blake Macy, of Lebanon, NE, for $7,250.
Logger Bruce Vincent to speak at Ag Matters series
Bruce Vincent, a third generation logger from Libby, Montana, will be the featured speaker at the second annual Ag Matters series, presented by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA). Vincent will share his powerful message on Monday, March 12, in Storm Lake; on Tuesday, March 13, in Ames; and on Wednesday, March 14, in Williamsburg.
Vincent shares the story of how, twenty years ago, before activists thought about agricultural issues like livestock production, they focused on the logging industry, and it was forever changed.
During the past twenty years, Vincent has given motivational speeches throughout the United States and the world, has testified on natural resource issues before Congress and has appeared on news programs such as “60 Minutes.” Words that have been used to describe Vincent and his message are “compelling,” “inspiring,” “passionate,” and “powerful.”
Activists are a business, he says. “They can sell one product – fear – and make billions.”
Drawing comparisons between his logging town of Libby, Montana, and rural America, Vincent says democracy works, but it is not a spectator sport. He urges his audience to get involved in building bridges of communication to get the correct information to those who do not know agriculture.
“Soybean growers take pride in constantly improving and providing wholesome food for everyone,” says ISA President Dean Coleman. “Our continued success, however, depends on connecting with consumers and correcting misinformation. Our Ag Matters series will motivate attendees to be ambassadors for agriculture to the benefit of our farms, families and communities.”
All Iowa soybean growers and their families, along with college students and local FFA groups, are encouraged to attend these events.
The March 12 presentation will be at Siebens Forum, Buena Vista University Campus, 610 West 4th St, Storm Lake. On March 13, Vincent will be at Iowa State University Alumni Center, 420 Beach Ave., Ames. On March 14, he will speak at Kinze Manufacturing, 2172 M. Avenue, Williamsburg.
All sessions are free and will begin with registration at 5:30 p.m. and a meal at 6:00, followed by the presentation. Make a reservation by March 7 by contacting the ISA office at 515-251-8640 or kholtz@iasoybeans.com
Statement from NCBA President J.D. Alexander Regarding Implementation of KORUS FTA
United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced Tues., Feb. 21, 2012, that the free trade agreement between the United States and South Korea (KORUS FTA) will be implemented on March 15, 2012. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) President J.D. Alexander praised the announcement.
“NCBA was a key player in working vigorously to ensure passage of the trade pact with South Korea. We are pleased to see a smooth implementation process taking place and commend Ambassador Kirk for his steadfast commitment to expanding trade opportunities for farm and ranch families like mine.
“When the KORUS FTA is implemented, our competitive advantage will be secured. The KORUS pact will phase out tariffs on U.S. beef over the next 15 years and will make U.S. beef a more affordable and appealing choice for our valued Korean customers. This may very well be the most monumental bilateral trade pact our industry has ever witnessed.
“With increasing demand and tightening supplies, movement of the KORUS FTA should encourage cattlemen and women to think beyond the current prices for live cattle and think long term. Think about where demand is heading and look beyond the borders of the United States. Now is the time to retain heifers and rebuild what has now become the smallest U.S. cowherd more than five decades. In order to meet increasing demand, we have to have the beef. Now is the time.
“Ten percent, or approximately 12 million American jobs, depend on exports. With 96 percent of the world’s consumers living outside U.S. borders, it’s critical that we expand our opportunities to sell beef in the international marketplace if we want to keep American family farms in business.”
ASA Cheers Upcoming Implementation of Korea Free Trade Agreement
The American Soybean Association (ASA) congratulates President Barack Obama and the administration for completing its review of the free trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea, which will take effect on March 15. On that date, nearly two-thirds of U.S. agricultural exports to Korea will become duty-free, including U.S. soybeans for crushing and U.S. soybean meal. Additionally, U.S. food-grade soybean producers will have access to the South Korean market for the first time outside of the import monopoly created by the Korean State Trading Enterprise. The implementation of the agreement will also trigger the gradual elimination of tariffs on refined soybean oil over five years, and the elimination of tariffs on crude soybean oil over 10 years.
“This free trade agreement creates landmark opportunities for soybeans and other U.S. agricultural exports, including meat and poultry,” said ASA President Steve Wellman, a soybean farmer from Syracuse, Neb. "Trade agreements that significantly improve access to foreign markets for these products are a main focus of ASA’s efforts in Washington, and we appreciate the efforts of the administration, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and USDA in seeing the free trade agreement with South Korea enacted next month.”
Soybeans and soybean products are the largest U.S. export commodity, totaling nearly 1.5 billion bushels in 2011, with a value of more than $22 billion. In that same year, South Korea imported $362 million worth of soybeans and soy products from the United States, making it the eighth largest U.S. soybean export market. South Korea also purchased $1.2 billion in meat products from the United States in 2011, making it a large and growing market for U.S. meat producers.
NCGA Pleased Korea FTA Will Take Effect March 15
The U.S. Trade Representative announced today that the free trade agreement with Korea will go into effect on March 15, five months after approval by Congress. The move was greeted with praise by the National Corn Growers Association, which remains committed to the development and maintenance of fair and open global trade policies.
"We are very pleased to see the USTR announce movement on the U.S.-Korea FTA," said Chad Blindauer, Chair of NCGA's Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team. "Full implementation of all three free trade agreements that were passed by Congress last October will help support thousands of jobs throughout America. Developing new markets for our country's agricultural products is vital to producer income and also helps our sector lead the nation in economic growth and international competitiveness."
Korea is currently the United States' third largest corn market and is a potentially important market for distillers grains. Imports of U.S. corn for feed, as well as distillers grains, will now be guaranteed to enter duty free immediately. The United States exported 241 million bushels of corn to Korea in marketing year 2010-11.
Passage last year of the free trade agreements with Korea, Colombia and Panama represented the largest trade package since Congress passed the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1993. Statistics show full implementation of the agreements will result in an estimated $2.3 billion in additional agricultural trade in 2012 and beyond. In addition, nearly 20,000 domestic jobs will be supported.
Iowa Beef Producers Explore Trade with Central America
Iowa beef producers Dan Cook, New Providence, and Kent Pruismann, Rock Valley, participated in an Iowa Meat Trade Mission to Guatemala and Panama in early February. Cook, past chairman of the Iowa Beef Industry Council, explained that the mission was exploratory in nature to determine if there is a market for U.S. quality beef in Central America.
"Price is the biggest issue in Guatemala, as 70% of their population lives in poverty. Importers have discovered that high quality grain-fed beef is more tender and flavorful than their domestic beef, and as their economy improves, there will be potential to increase their imports of U.S. beef," said Cook.
The most desired cuts in Guatemala include rounds, skirt steaks, and top sirloin caps, the Iowa trade team learned as they met with meat processors, government agencies, and importers in Guatemala City and Panama City. The group toured foodservice operations and retail supermarkets.
"Panama is a country with a population similar to Iowa, but I am impressed with the economic activity going on in the country with the expansion of the canal and the increase in tourism," added Kent Pruismann, who is a Cattlemen's Beef Board director. "The Free Trade Zone draws business executives and travelers from around the world. Restaurants and high-end retail stores are selling U.S. beef to people who want quality food.
"U.S. brands are well received in both countries, and their citizens include beef in their diets. As the upper middle class grows they want to improve their food choices," Pruismann said.
"I was also impressed with the market development activities of the U.S. Meat Export Federation," he said. "They not only develop joint U.S. meat promotions but are committed to education and training programs in meat cutting, product safety, handling and preparation to help the companies be successful in selling U.S. beef and pork long term. I'm pleased to see my checkoff at work in this way."
The Meat Trade Mission was coordinated by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Other attendees included members of the Iowa Pork Producers Association and a private Iowa meat business. Partial funding for the mission was provided by the beef checkoff.
USDA Cold Storage Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers were up 13 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 5 percent from the previous month and up 4 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 21 percent from the previous month and up 8 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 29 percent from last month and up 5 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on January 31, 2012 were up 8 percent from the previous month but down 11 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 21 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 41 percent from last month and up 17 percent from January 31, 2011.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on January 31, 2012 were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 7 percent from January 31, 2011. Butter stocks were up 60 percent from last month and up 44 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks were down 9 percent from last month but up 2 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 8 percent from last month and down slightly from a year ago.
United States and Canadian Cattle Inventory Down 2 Percent
All cattle and calves in the United States and Canada combined totaled 103.3 million head on January 1, 2012, down 2 percent from the 105.1 million on January 1, 2011. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 44.3 million head, were down 2 percent from a year ago.
All cattle and calves in the United States as of January 1, 2012, totaled 90.8 million head, 2 percent below the 92.7 million on January 1, 2011. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 39.1 million head, were down 2 percent from a year ago.
All cattle and calves in Canada as of January 1, 2012, totaled 12.5 million head, up 0.5 percent from the 12.5 million on January 1, 2011. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 5.21 million, were down 1 percent from a year ago.
United States and Canadian Hog Inventory up 1 Percent
United States and Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs for December 2011 was 78.0 million head. This was up 1 percent from December 2010, and up 2 percent from December 2009. The breeding inventory, at 7.11 million head, was up slightly from last year and up slightly from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 70.8 million head, was up 2 percent from last year but down 1 percent from last quarter. The pig crop, at 36.4 million head, was up 2 percent from 2010 and up 3 percent from 2009. Sows farrowed during this period totaled 3.61 million head, up 1 percent from last year but down 1 percent from 2009.
United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2011 was 65.9 million head. This was up 2 percent from December 1, 2010, but down 1 percent from September 1, 2011. The breeding inventory, at 5.80 million head, was up slightly from last year but down slightly from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 60.1 million head, was up 2 percent from last year, but down 1 percent from last quarter. The pig crop, at 29.0 million head, was up 2 percent from 2010 and up 3 percent from 2009. Sows farrowed during this period totaled 2.89 million head, up slightly from 2010 but down 1 percent from 2009.
Canadian inventory of all hogs and pigs on January 1, 2012 was 12.0 million head. This was up 1 percent from January 1, 2011 and up 2 percent from January 1, 2010. The breeding inventory, at 1.31 million head, was unchanged from last year and up slightly from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 10.7 million head, was up 1 percent from last year and up slightly from last quarter. The pig crop, at 7.4 million head, was up 4 percent from 2011 and up 3 percent from 2010. Sows farrowed during this period totaled 720,000 head, up 1 percent from 2011 but down 1 percent from 2010.
United States and Canadian Sheep Inventory Down 1 Percent
All sheep and lambs in the United States and Canada combined totaled 6.17 million head on January 1, 2012, down 2 percent from the 6.29 million on January 1, 2011. Breeding sheep, at 4.61 million head, were down 2 percent from a year ago and market sheep and lambs, at 1.57 million head, were down 1 percent from last year.
All sheep and lambs in the United States as of January 1, 2012, totaled 5.35 million head, 2 percent below the 5.48 million head on January 1, 2011. Breeding sheep, at 3.98 million head, were down 3 percent from a year ago, while market sheep and lambs, at 1.37 million head, were down 2 percent from last year.
All sheep and lambs in Canada as of January 1, 2012, totaled 829 thousand head, up 2 percent from last year's number of 813 thousand. Breeding sheep, at 631 thousand head, were up 1 percent from last year. Market sheep and lambs, at 198 thousand head, were up 5 percent from a year ago.
These reports are a result of a joint effort by Statistics Canada and NASS to release the total hogs, breeding, market hogs, sows farrowed, and pig crop for both countries within one publication, and the number of cattle and calves by class and calf crop for both countries within another publication. . This information was requested by the United States hog industry to provide producers additional information about potential beef, mutton, lamb, and hog supplies. United States hog inventory numbers were previously released on December 23, 2011, and cattle inventory numbers were previously released on January 27, 2012.
USDA Announces New Highly Erodible Cropland Initiative for Conservation Reserve Program
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a new conservation initiative to protect up to 750,000 acres of the nation’s most highly erodible croplands. Vilsack made the announcement via video to attendees of the National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic, held Feb. 17-19 in Kansas City, Mo. The new initiative will assist producers with targeting their most highly erodible cropland (land with an erodibility index of 20 or greater) by enabling them to plant wildlife-friendly, long-term cover through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).
Producers can enroll land on a continuous basis beginning this summer at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office. With the use of soil survey and geographic information system data, local FSA staff can quickly determine a producer’s eligibility for the initiative.
“As we work towards President Obama’s vision for an economy that is built to last, America’s natural resources must play an important role. Lands in CRP help support strong incomes for our farmers and ranchers and are the source of good middle class jobs related to outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing,” said Vilsack. “This announcement will strengthen CRP by focusing on protecting the most environmentally sensitive land. It targets limited resources where they can make the most difference for farmers, ranchers and to drive economic growth. I urge landowners who have highly erodible land to visit their county office to learn more about this program.”
Lands eligible for this program are typically the least productive land on the farm. In many cases the most cost-effective option to reduce erosion is to put the land into a wildlife friendly cover, which will improve habitat and reduce sediment and nutrient runoff and reduce wind erosion. For 25 years, CRP has improved water and air quality, preserved habitat for wildlife, and prevented soil erosion. Programs such as CRP are important conservation safeguards. They prevent the return of the dust storms of the 1930s and the ravages of unmitigated gully erosions of our past.
CRP is a voluntary program designed to help farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers protect their environmentally sensitive land. Through this initiative, eligible landowners receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving covers on eligible farmland. Land can be enrolled on a continuous basis for a period of 10 years. Land currently not enrolled in CRP may be offered in this sign-up provided all eligibility requirements are met. Current CRP participants with eligible land expiring on Sept.30, 2012, may make new contract offers.
CRP has a 25-year legacy of successfully protecting the nation's natural resources through voluntary participation, while providing significant economic and environmental benefits to rural communities across the United States. In addition today’s announcement, USDA will conduct a four-week CRP general signup, beginning on March 12 and ending on April 6. Currently, about 30 million acres are enrolled in CRP.
CRP continues to make major contributions to national efforts to improve water and air quality, prevent soil erosion by protecting the most sensitive areas including those prone to flash flooding and runoff. At the same time, CRP has helped increase populations of pheasants, quail, ducks, and other rare species, like the sage grouse, the lesser prairie chicken, and others. Highlights of CRP include:
- CRP has restored more than two million acres of wetlands and two million acres of riparian buffers;
- Each year, CRP keeps more than 600 million pounds of nitrogen and more than 100 million pounds of phosphorous from flowing into our nation’s streams, rivers, and lakes.
- CRP provides $1.8 billion annually to landowners—dollars that make their way into local economies, supporting small businesses and creating jobs; and
- CRP is the largest private lands carbon sequestration program in the country. By placing vulnerable cropland into conservation, CRP sequesters carbon in plants and soil, and reduces both fuel and fertilizer usage.
- 2010, CRP resulted in carbon sequestration equal to taking almost 10 million cars off the road.
In 2011, USDA enrolled a record number of acres of private working lands in conservation programs, working with more than 500,000 farmers and ranchers to implement conservation practices that clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and prevent soil erosion. Moreover, the Obama Administration, with Agriculture Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, has worked tirelessly to strengthen rural America, implement the Farm Bill, maintain a strong farm safety net, and create opportunities for America’s farmers and ranchers. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its most productive periods in American history thanks to the productivity, resiliency, and resourcefulness of our producers.
Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office or visit FSA’s website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp for additional information regarding CRP.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Report Card: Schools Improve Nutrition and Physical Activity for a Healthier Generation
Fuel Up to Play 60’s first “report card” since launching nationally in 2009 shows that schools are making progress in promoting healthier eating habits and increasing physical activity among students, helping to create a healthier school environment. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by National Dairy Council (NDC) and National Football League (NFL), with additional partnership support from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that encourages youth to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Fuel Up to Play 60 is provided by Midwest Dairy Council, an affiliate of NDC, in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and eastern Oklahoma.
With more than 70,000 schools now enrolled, representing almost three-fourths of all U.S. school districts, the program provides a free playbook of tools, resources, rewards and engagement activities to empower youth to work with adults in their school community to make healthy changes. Specifically in Midwest Dairy Council’s 10-state territory:
- 12, 610 schools, serving 5.5 million students, are enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60
- More than $1.5 million in funds and rewards have been given to help participating schools increase access to nutrient-rich foods and physical activity
- More than 2,700 adults are Fuel Up to Play 60 program advisors
Nationally:
- Nearly two-thirds of enrolled adults say the program is helping students make healthier food choices.
- More than half (56 percent) say the program is helping to increase opportunities for students to be physically active before, during and after school, and 58 percent say it is helping to increase the amount of time students are physically active.
- On average, 7.5 million students nationwide, over 20 percent of those enrolled, are actively involved in the program by helping to plan,, lead, implement or participate in peer-to-peer promotions, events and in-school change strategies.
“These are the kind of results we were hoping for. Our goal from the onset was to help empower schools and students to identify and implement strategies that can help students make healthier choices when it comes to eating and physical activity,” said Jean H. Ragalie, RD, president of NDC. “In this time of economic challenges and time constraints, it’s even more important to create an environment that makes eating healthy and staying active attainable, within any type of budget, in any school district.”
“The NFL is proud to be a partner in Fuel Up to Play 60, which is making a real and lasting impact in schools and communities across the country. The program is an important part of encouraging our youngest fans to stay active and eat healthy,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Extension of MILC Program Being Proposed
Senators Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch, all of Vermont, have introduced legislation to extend a safety net that helps dairy farmers ride out downturns in milk prices. Without action, dairy farmers could face a severe drop in support from the MILC safety net come September 1.
The MILC Continuation Act of 2012 would extend for one year the Milk Income Loss Contract program at current support levels, which helps dairy farmers when the price of milk falls below $16.94 per hundredweight. Once triggered, farmers receive 45 percent of the difference between that price and the current price of milk, which also takes into account feed costs as a factor in triggering program payments.
The Farm Bill, which authorizes many programs under the purview of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is set to expire October 1, 2012. For the last month of the Farm Bill, after August 31, the MILC program support levels for dairy farmers drop significantly. That would leave dairy farmers exposed without a sufficient safety net. Although the delegation is committed to passing a Farm Bill with dairy reforms this year, with prospects for that bill uncertain, this legislation would ensure there is no lapse in the safety net for dairy farmers.
Leahy, the most senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said while many in agriculture are focused only on September 30 when the Farm Bill expires, the people in dairy know that they are in a unique position and the date that really matters is August 31.
"We cannot have our nation's dairy farmers left exposed without a sufficient safety net. The MILC Continuation Act addresses this problem and ensures an extension of the MILC program until we are able to enact the important dairy reforms we are negotiating for the Farm Bill," Leahy said. "We are working to include a Margin Insurance Program and a Dairy Stabilization Program. I remain committed to passing a Farm Bill this year, and I am pleased that Senator Stabenow, who chairs the Agriculture Committee, has announced a hearing schedule that will allow us to continue evaluating policy solutions so we can swiftly and effectively craft the 2012 Farm Bill."
CWT Assists with 2.3 Million Pounds of Butter and Cheese Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 17 requests for export assistance from Bongards, Dairy Farmers of America, Darigold, Michigan Milk Producers Association and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell a total of 581 metric tons (1.281 million pounds) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese and 449 metric tons (0.989 million pounds) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered February through June 2012.
In 2012, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in making export sales of Cheddar, Monterey Jack and Gouda cheese totaling 24.5 million pounds and butter totaling 19.9 million pounds to 16 countries on four continents.
Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by reducing inventories that overhang the market and depress cheese and butter prices. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.
CWT will pay export bonuses to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.
Dairy Situation and Outlook
Bob Cropp, Professor Emeritus University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension University of Wisconsin-Madison
Milk prices set a record high last year but are projected lower this year. USDA’s latest outlook has the average Class III for 2012 between $17.30 to $18.30 compared to $18.37 last year, and the average All Milk Price between $18.70 and $19.70 compared to $20.14 last year. But, existing futures markets have prices lower than this for the year. Class III futures are below $16 March through May and only peak at $16.55 for October. But, the lower Class III futures prices could very well be an over-reaction to current market conditions. However, dairy product prices continue to decline.
Last year CME butter averaged above $2.00 per pound from January through August and ended the year at $1.61, and as of February 17th it is $1.415 per pound. Butter production increased 15.4% last year and December 31st stocks were 28.9% higher. Current butter demand is currently soft. CME cheddar cheese prices are also much lower. Last year, 40-pound cheddar blocks averaged as high as $2.12 per pound in July, were $1.62 in December, $1.55 this January and are now $1.48 per pound. Last year dry whey prices started at $0.41 per pound but strengthened each month ending in December at $0.67. Prices continued increase in January to $0.70. This increased added strength to the Class III price. Only recently has dry whey prices declined slightly. Dry whey stocks have been tight but with increased cheese production now occurring dry whey production and stocks are likely to increase. As a result, dry whey prices are likely to decline further.
Record dairy exports were a major contributor to record milk prices last year. Exports of nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder increased 13%, cheese 29%, butterfat 12% and lactose 13% with total whey proteins even. On a total milk solids basis exports were equivalent to 13.3% of U.S. milk production compared to 12.8% for 2010. The level of exports will also be a major factor for 2012 milk prices. USDA now forecasts exports a little lower for 2012. On a fat basis exports are forecasted down 9.5% and on a skim-solid basis down 5.3%.
Domestic sales may do better in 2012. Beverage milk sales fell 1.5% last year. Retail prices may be a little more favorable for beverage milk sales in 2012. The monthly Restaurant Performance Index for last December was 102.2, the highest in nearly six years. An index above 100 shows growth in business and this is positive for butter and cheese sales this year.
Much of the recent decline in dairy product prices and milk prices may be due to an increase in milk production. Milk production picked up for the last quarter of last year. For the first three quarters milk production was just 1.6% higher than a year before but increased to 2.4% for the last quarter. Milk cow numbers increased month-to-month all of last year. January 1st cattle inventory had milk cow numbers 0.9% higher than a year ago with dairy replacements 0.9% lower. But, there were still 49 replacements per 100 milk cows, many more that what is needed to maintain the number of U.S. milk cows. Slaughter cow prices are favorable and with higher feed prices coupled with lower milk prices more milk cows may head to slaughter. USDA predicts the number of milk cows to start to decline later in the year. High feed prices could well hold down increases in milk per cow. USDA forecasts total milk production to be up 1.4% for the year compared to a 1.8% increase in 2011. If the increase in milk production is no more than 1.5%, this would be positive for milk prices.
However, USDA’s milk production report for the month of January does not indicate any slowdown in milk production is occurring yet. Compared to a year ago, January milk production was 3.7% higher for the 23 reporting states and estimated 3.4% higher for the U.S. This is not good news for milk prices. Milk cow numbers continued to increase month-to-month with January numbers 13,000 more than last December. Of the 23 reporting states 14 had more milk cows than a year ago. Milk per cow also has improved being 2.5% higher than a year ago.
Milk production continues to show strong growth in the West/Southwest with increase of 7.0% for Arizona, 6.6% for California, 7.8% for Colorado, 4.7% for Idaho, 3.8% for Texas, 8.6% for Utah and 5.4% for Washington. In the Northeast increases were just 0.3% and 0.6% respectively for New York and Pennsylvania while production was up 2.8% in Michigan and 2.5% in Ohio. In the Upper Midwest production was up 3.7% in Wisconsin, 2.1% in Iowa, but just 0.5% in Minnesota.
For the short run, milk prices will be lower. The February Class III price may be around $16.10 compare to $17.05 for January. The March Class III price could well fall below $16.00. But, if by April or May indications are that increases in milk production will slow, domestic sales are positive and dairy exports are holding up, we could see considerable improvement in milk prices for the second half of the year. While not certain, at this time the probability of that happening is fairly high, that is if milk production does in fact slow down. Milk prices could then turn out considerably better than what Class III futures currently show.
Jobs, economic opportunity, energy security define America’s ethanol industry in 2011
In a turbulent year for America’s economy, domestic ethanol production was a shining light of hope for hundreds of thousands of American families all across the nation in 2011. According to analysis commissioned by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the production of an estimated 13.9 billion gallons of ethanol directly employed 90,200 Americans. An additional 311,400 Americans found work in industries indirectly affiliated with ethanol production. These 401,600 jobs helped create nearly $30 billion in household income and, as a result of record ethanol production, contributed $42.4 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The record ethanol production also helped displace a record 485 million barrels of imported oil worth $49.7 billion.
“Our nation’s ethanol industry is a perfect example of a domestic, homegrown industry that is harnessing American innovation to create jobs, improve the environment, and help secure our energy future for generations to come,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “Many of the states with significant ethanol production have weathered the economic storm of recent years far better than other states. It is not a coincidence that these states have generally lower unemployment, strong economies, and more economic opportunity – it is a direct result of thoughtful, forward-looking investment in ethanol and renewable fuel technology. As new technologies emerge and greater efficiencies are gained, the contribution of ethanol to the economy of the United States will only continue to grow.”
The report, entitled “CONTRIBUTION OF THE ETHANOL INDUSTRY TO THE ECONOMY OF THE UNITED STATES,” was completed by CARDNO Entrix. Key findings of the report include:
• 90,200 direct jobs
• 311,400 indirect and induced jobs
• $42.4 billion contribution to GDP
• $29.9 billion in household income
• 485 million barrels of imported oil displaced, valued at $49.7 billion
• $8.2 billion paid in federal, state and local taxes helping support local roads, schools, first responders
Rural Population Growth Slowing in the U.S.
Population growth in rural America slowed in the first 10 years of the 21st century, with rural areas growing by just 2.2 million--barely half the growth during the 1990s. During the same period, the diversity of the rural population accelerated, according to new research from the Carsey Institute at the University of New Hampshire.
"Rural population growth slowed primarily because of fewer people moving to rural areas after 2000. During the 1990s, migration accounted for nearly two-thirds of the entire rural population gain. After 2000, it accounted for less than one-half of the gain. Rural counties gained 2.7 million residents from migration during the 1990s, but only about 1.0 million between 2000 and 2010," says Kenneth Johnson, senior demographer at the Carsey Institute and professor of sociology at UNH.
The key research findings show that the rural population grew by just 2.2 million between 2000 and 2010; a gain barely half as great as that during the 1990s. Rural growth diminished because migration slowed; rural counties only gained 1 million net migrants from 2000 to 2010 compared with 2.7 million in the 1990s.
The study also found that rural population gains were largest in high-amenity counties, as well just beyond the metropolitan fringe. Population growth was particularly slow in farming and mining counties and sharply reduced in rural manufacturing counties.
Johnson says any analysis of recent demographic trends in rural America must recognize the growing impact of minority populations.
Between 2000 and 2010, the minority population, which included everyone other than non-Hispanic whites, accounted for 82.7 percent of rural population gain, even though minorities represented just 21 percent of the rural population. The minority population grew by 1.8 million (21.3 percent) during the decade compared with a gain of just 382,000 (.95 percent) among the much more numerous non-Hispanic white population. Hispanics accounted for most of the growth in the minority population.
Fertilizer Prices Remain Constant
For a fifth week in a row, retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN show the market in a holding pattern. In the latest weekly survey, all eight major fertilizers were lower compared to a month earlier, although these drops were fairly diminutive. DAP had an average price of $655 per ton, MAP $707/ton, potash $656/ton and urea was at $552/ton. Starter fertilizer, 10-34-0, had an average price of $812/ton, anhydrous $779/ton, UAN28 $385/ton and UAN32 $434/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.60/lb.N, anhydrous $0.47/lb.N, UAN28 $0.69/lb.N and UAN32 $0.68/lb.N.
Just three of the eight major fertilizers are still showing double-digit increases in price compared to one year earlier. Leading the way higher is 10-34-0. The starter fertilizer skyrocketed in price last year but has fallen back some in recent months. It is now is 22% higher compared to the second week of February 2011. Potash has jumped 14% while urea has increased 12% from a year ago. Four fertilizers have seen just slight price increases compared to a year earlier. UAN28 is 8% higher, both UAN32 and anhydrous are up 6% and MAP has risen 1% compared to last year. The remaining fertilizer, DAP, is actually 3% lower compared to one year ago.
Mosaic Settles Suit Over FL Mine
Mosaic Co said it has settled a lawsuit filed by environmental groups including the Sierra Club that will now allow the fertilizer producer to expand a major phosphate mine in South Fort Meade, Florida.
As part of the deal, Mosaic will donate 4,171 recently purchased acres the environmental groups want to be turned into a state park.
A U.S. District Court judge is expected to approve the agreement in a hearing next month, Mosaic said on Tuesday. Production at the South Fort Meade mine, which supplies 20 percent of North America's phosphate reserves and employs 200, should resume shortly thereafter.
Phosphate is the second-most important fertilizer for farmers to apply to fields, after nitrogen. Mosaic's shares have suffered during the dispute over the mine and are down more than 30 percent in the past year.
"Our supply of phosphate rock in Florida is secure for the next 10 years," Mosaic Chief Executive Jim Prokopanko told Reuters. "The settlement should remove a question that investors have had."
In July 2010, a judge approved a restraining order that effectively suspended a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit that Mosaic was using to expand the South Fort Meade phosphate mine.
The case wound through several courts before a federal appeals court ruled in Mosaic's favor last April, sending the case back to a lower court. That lower court dealt Mosaic a blow last year when it essentially reaffirmed its initial finding and blocked the permit.
The settlement, in the works for a year, ends the legal wrangling and allows Mosaic to mine. The Sierra Club gets some land preserved.
"It came down to the realization that it was unsure on either side," Prokopanko said. "We were confident that we were going to win, but it wasn't certain. They were confident, but they mustn't have been certain."
Mosaic Touts Specialized Fertilizer
Mosaic Co plans to aggressively boost international sales of a proprietary fertilizer that infuses plants with minor but crucial nutrients, a key pillar of a five-year plan to differentiate the company in the competitive fertilizer market.
The company is aiming to increase sales of its MicroEssential product by 67 percent to 2.5 million tonnes in the next few years, Chief Executive Jim Prokopanko told Reuters on Wednesday.
The product can boost crop output by at least 2.2 times by supplying a blend of zinc, phosphate, sulfur, nitrogen and other nutrients in tiny capsules, he said in an interview ahead of Mosaic's first analyst day.
MicroEssential accounts for just a sliver of company profits at present, but offers richer margins than the other commoditized fertilizers on which Mosaic currently depends for the bulk of earnings.
Mosaic is also considering boosting its dividend and building an ammonia plant on the U.S. Gulf Coast, according to Prokopanko.
The commoditization of the fertilizer industry has forced producers like Mosaic to find niche products that can be sold at a premium and help establish brand-name recognition.
Historically, it has not mattered much from whom farmers bought fertilizers. After all, potash is potash, regardless of the seller. Mosaic is aiming to change that by hooking customers on a product they can buy from only one source.
"As farming becomes more intense around the world, we're seeing micronutrient deficiencies," Prokopanko said. "MicroEssentials is better for the farmer, it's better for the dealer, and it's better for Mosaic because it's a differentiating product. No one has a similar product yet."
USDA to Seek More Comments on New Dow Biotech Corn
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will extend by two months its public comment period for a new genetically modified corn by Dow Chemical Co. (DOW) that is opposed by environmental groups.
Officials with the Center for Food Safety, one of the groups opposing the new corn trait that would give plants tolerance to the herbicide 2,4-D, said the USDA planned to file the extension Wednesday.
Dow's subsidiary, Dow AgroSciences, has touted the trait as part of its Enlist weed-control system. It has developed the system as seed producers and farmers seek alternatives to glyphosate, a herbicide that is losing its effectiveness against weeds in the southern U.S. and, increasingly, the Midwest. Weed resistance to glyphosate has been a growing issue for Monsanto Co. (MON), which developed a genetically modified corn that withstands glyphosate and markets it under the Roundup Ready brand.
But environmental groups have argued that 2,4-D, an older herbicide more widely used before glyphosate became popular, is much more toxic. The resurgence of 2,4-D might be a temporary solution to weed resistance, but it causes more environmental damage, said Bill Freese, science policy analyst for the Center for Food Safety. He noted that researchers have also found weeds already developing resistance to 2,4-D.
"It's really not a solution," he said. "It's going to exacerbate the problem."
The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will extend the comment period on the trait, which was scheduled to end Monday, until April 27.
WESTERN GREAT PLAINS GROWERS GEARING UP TO PLANT MONSANTO’S NEW DROUGHT-GARD HYBRIDS
U.S. farmers across the Western Great Plains this spring will be the first to plant Monsanto’s newest drought-tolerant corn system as part of on-farm trials. The hybrids, made available to growers under the new DroughtGard™ Hybrids name, are designed to help farmers mitigate the risk of yield loss when experiencing drought stress.
DroughtGard Hybrids are the newest offering from the Genuity® corn family. These hybrids combine germplasm selected for its drought-tolerant characteristics and the biotechnology drought-tolerant trait with agronomic recommendations. For the 2012 trials, Monsanto plans to have Genuity® VT Triple PRO®, Genuity® VT Double PRO® and Roundup Ready® Corn 2 technologies serve as the agronomic trait platforms for DroughtGard Hybrids.
“DroughtGard Hybrids have shown strong performance in our trials and demonstrated an advantage over competitor products,” said Mark Edge, DroughtGard Hybrids marketing lead. “Our on-farm trials this season are focused on giving farmers a chance to see the performance of these hybrids and to give us feedback to help us make commercial decisions.”
The 2012 large-scale, on-farm trials, will be taking place with approximately 250 growers on up to 10,000 acres across the Western Great Plains, the product’s target launch area.
“As a grower, I look to test new tools and technologies that strengthen risk management on my farm,” said Clay Scott, a Southwest Kansas grower. “Water is a constant focus, so the opportunity to plant DroughtGard Hybrids this growing season will demonstrate the benefits that drought-tolerant corn can deliver in my fields.”
For several years, Monsanto’s drought breeding and testing program has specifically targeted the Western Great Plains. “By focusing our testing where our customers are located, we can maximize the opportunity to deliver integrated breeding and biotechnology for drought,” Edge said. “We also plan to work closely with growers to assist with agronomic recommendations.”
In December 2011, Monsanto achieved a key milestone toward U.S. commercialization when the company received full deregulation of the drought trait from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Import approvals in key corn import markets with functioning regulatory systems are in progress.
The drought-tolerant trait is part of Monsanto's Yield and Stress collaboration in plant biotechnology with Germany-based BASF. The collaboration is aimed at developing higher-yielding crops and crops more tolerant to adverse environmental conditions, such as drought.
Pioneer Hi-Bred Named Title Sponsor for NASCAR Nationwide Race at Iowa Speedway
Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, and the Iowa Speedway today announced Pioneer as the title sponsor for the May NASCAR Nationwide Series race at the Iowa Speedway. The Pioneer Hi-Bred 250 will be held Sunday, May 20, at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa.
"This is a great event for the state of Iowa," said Todd Frazier, Pioneer business director for Iowa and Missouri. "The race shines a spotlight on the state and helps showcase how Iowa agriculture is stepping up to the challenge to help meet the food and fuel needs of the world."
Last year marked the first time Iowa Speedway hosted two NASCAR Nationwide Series events in the same season. The May 2011 Nationwide Series race at Iowa Speedway was a standing-room-only event, and the race was one of the highest attended events in speedway history with more than 37,000 people.
Pioneer has helped sponsor NASCAR Nationwide and IndyCar events at Iowa Speedway for several years. This marks its first event as a title sponsor. In addition, Pioneer will be the pole sponsor of the second NASCAR Nationwide Series race of the season at the Iowa Speedway in August.
Iowa Speedway's vice president of Sales and Marketing Chuck Spicer spoke about Pioneer Hi-Bred's involvement and how race fans will benefit because of it.
"Given that a majority of our fan base is tied into and around agriculture, it is a natural fit that Pioneer Hi-Bred has come on as the title sponsor for our first NASCAR Nationwide Series race of the season," Spicer said. "Pioneer's presence at Iowa Speedway will enhance a race fan's experience while out here on race weekend. From pre-race week promotions to at-track activation, fans will be the forefront of what we do."
Iowa Speedway is a state-of-the-art 7/8 mile asphalt paved tri-oval race track and motorsports facility located just 30 miles east of Des Moines at I-80 Exit 168 in Newton, Iowa. The track is owned and operated by U.S. Motorsport Corporation and designed by former NASCAR Champion Rusty Wallace, now an anchor and analyst for ABC-TV/ESPN. Iowa Speedway is designed for year-round use and includes 30,000 permanent grandstand seats.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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