Monday June 4 Ag News

May Stats Show Continuation of Warm Temperature Trend
Al Dutcher, UNL Extension State Climatologist

As spring planting winds down and we enter the heart of the growing season, unusual early season weather patterns have created some uncertainty about the coming production season. Hopefully the next three months will bring an abundance of moisture to temper the persistent warm trend that has dominated our weather the past seven months.

State Update
Northeast Nebraska had been persistently dry since last October and was at risk of drought prior to the severe weather and heavy rainfall that occurred Memorial Day weekend. A broad swath of 2- to 4-inch rain was reported from Columbus northeast toward the Nebraska-South Dakota-Iowa border. Isolated spots received almost as much moisture during this period as they had in the previous seven months. The area still carries soil moisture deficits as crops enter early growing stages.

In the Panhandle persistent dryness during the past 90 days has led to a rapid expansion of moderate drought conditions. This trend has intensified during the past 30 days, but it’s too early in the season to predict any long-term yield impact.

A rather disturbing trend has developed across most of northern Kansas during the past 30 days and is extending northward. Precipitation in this area through May 30 was less than 25% of normal and now most of the southern tier of Nebraska border counties are considered to be abnormally dry.

Unless major moisture arrives before Tuesday morning, the U.S. Drought Monitor is likely to extend these abnormally dry conditions northward to include most of the Sandhills. An eastward expansion of the Panhandle drought area also is possible, along with the introduction of drought designations in pockets along the Kansas-Nebraska border.

Southern Nebraska experienced a relatively wet two-week period at the end of April, only to see that surplus moisture disappear in three weeks with precipitation averaging less than 25% of normal. This is why repeated events are critical for the northeast, as a short dry stretch will undo recent precipitation gains.

Looking to the Summer
The Climate Prediction Center is indicating normal temperatures for the western half of Nebraska in June, a change from what we’ve seen this year. Nebraska has had above normal temperatures for the past seven months and 10 of the last 11. At this point, I would venture to say the current trend is like to persist and there is no indication from the behavior of the jet stream that this pattern is about to shift to a sustained cool pattern. During the past couple months, brief periods of cooler temperatures were just enough to bring us back to normal or slightly below normal temperatures.

Lincoln climate records since January 1 show just how unusual these warm temperatures have been. As of May 30, 2012 there had been
-    59 days with a maximum temperature of at least 70°F,
-    31 days when the temperature reached 80°F, and
-    11 days when the temperature reached 90°F.

The next closest record for 70°F days was in 1910 with 56 days. The average for this period is 35 days. The number of 80°F days this year is second behind 1939 with 32, while the long-term average is 13. For 90-degree days this year is second behind 1934, which had 12 days. Compare this to the long-term average for 90°F days of 2.6 days.

What does all this temperature data mean? If this trend continues, crop water use demands will be well above normal and irrigators will likely face considerable higher water applications than the past few growing seasons. For dryland producers, timely and generous moisture will be necessary to meet trendline yields. We can ill afford to go over two weeks at any time without.

Finally, statewide monthly average temperatures have consistently been 4-8°F above normal during 2012. Normal July maximum temperatures across northern Nebraska average 88-89°F, while southern Nebraska averages 90-92°F. If average temperatures during July continue the recent trend, expected average highs across northern Nebraska would be 92-97°F, and those across southern Nebraska would be 94-100°F.



Sprayer Nozzle Guide Aids Compliance with Pesticide Labels

Many pesticide labels now list recommended spray particle size (or sizes) for application. Following the label guides can increase pesticide efficacy and help manage spray drift.

While not currently required, it’s expected that the EPA may soon be suggesting (or requiring) the use of validated drift reduction technologies (DRT) to further reduce spray drift. This can include selection of the appropriate nozzle and adjuvant for the intended application as well as consideration of wind speed, application height, droplet size, and providing a buffer zone.

Bob Klein, UNL Extension Crops Specialist, has developed charts list suggested nozzle tips, pressure and speeds (lower speeds are preferred for application) for the various spray droplet sizes. To simplify the charts, only Spraying Systems nozzles were included. Most nozzle manufacturers will have nozzle tips similar to the ones listed. Always check the pesticide label for the required or suggested application information.  See the charts by clicking the link...  http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/cropwatch/archive?articleID=4845475.



Managing Alfalfa Irrigation to Reduce Weed Competition
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

Hot, windy days can quickly dry up alfalfa fields.  Irrigation helps, but it can stimulate weeds and actually weaken alfalfa stands if not done properly.

Alfalfa uses a lot of water — up to 40 inches a year and sometimes over 0.4 inch in one day.  No wonder irrigators find it difficult to keep up with these water demands.  As a result, we often irrigate as soon as hay is removed from the field until we start the next cutting.

Constant watering has its costs besides fuel, labor, and depreciation.  It encourages grassy weeds like foxtail and perennial grasses like bluegrass to invade alfalfa.  Constant watering also can weaken alfalfa plants by encouraging root diseases and reducing the oxygen content of the soil.

How can you avoid weakening your alfalfa and strengthening weeds with irrigation?  You do it by modifying irrigation management to encourage deep rooting of alfalfa and dry surface soils during harvest.

Stop irrigating a couple days before harvest so the soil surface will dry out and become firm.  Then, don’t irrigate after harvest until regrowth is three to four inches tall.  Shallow rooted weeds like foxtail and bluegrass won’t be able to grow until alfalfa has a head start.  Alfalfa will regrow more rapidly because the roots will find more of the oxygen they need in soil that has not been saturated with water.  Of course, this assumes you have been deep watering when you do irrigate so there is water deep in the profile that alfalfa roots can reach, but not weeds.

By putting on a little more water a little less frequently, your alfalfa can be cleaner, healthier, and more productive.



USDA to Collect Crop Acreage Data Across Nebraska

USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will spend the first two weeks of June surveying thousands of farmers across Nebraska to get a clear indication of the acreage and supply of major commodities for 2012.

Through two major mid-year surveys, the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey, NASS will gather data on what crops have been planted and are in storage. This information will provide a comprehensive picture of how things are shaping up in 2012 for the U.S. agriculture industry.

"The agriculture survey is done online, by mail or by phone, but for the area survey, we visit randomly selected tracts of land and interview the operators of any farm or ranch on that land. We collect information on crop acreage . including biotech crops.as well as grain stocks, livestock inventory, cash rents, land values, and value of sales," said Dean Groskurth, director of the NASS Nebraska Field Office.

"This information is a critical component of several key national reports, including the annual Acreage report and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on June 29. Survey data also contribute to the USDA?fs World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates," Groskurth said.

As with all NASS surveys, information provided by respondents is confidential by law. "NASS safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes only state and national level data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified," stated Groskurth.



TWO BULLS IN SOUTHWEST IOWA TEST POSITIVE FOR TRICHOMONIASIS

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today said that two bulls in southwest Iowa have tested positive for trichomoniasis, a venereal disease in cattle.  Bovine trichomoniasis is a reportable disease in Iowa.  There are no clinical signs of illness in the bulls, but it can be spread to cows and causes infertility.

The Department will issue an order of quarantine for the facility where the disease was found.  The quarantine will remain in place until further testing confirms the disease is no longer present in the herd.

This is the first known case of the disease in Iowa but there have been more than 200 cases in Missouri.

Farmers buying bulls are encouraged to make sure the animals are tested for the disease before being introduced into the herd or to purchase virgin bulls.



R-CALF, Cattle Groups Urge Support for Grassley Amendment

R-CALF USA and 12 state cattle groups were among 108 signatories to a joint letter sent to U.S. senators to urge their support of the anticipated 2012 Farm Bill amendment by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to ban packer ownership of livestock. The U.S. Senate is expected to debate the 2012 Farm Bill this week.

The joint letter states in part:
"Mega-meatpackers such as Tyson, Cargill, JBS and Smithfield Foods use packer-owned livestock as a major tool for exerting unfair market power over farmers and ranchers. This practice fosters industrial livestock production and freezes independent farmers out of the markets. Packer ownership of livestock has been proven to artificially lower farmgate prices to farmers and ranchers while consumer food prices continue to rise.

"By prohibiting direct ownership of livestock by major meatpackers, a ban on packer ownership would reduce the anticompetitive effects of captive supplies, which packers use to manipulate markets, and would help increase market access for America's independent producers who currently experience significant market-access restrictions due in large part to packer ownership of livestock.

"We urge you to join Senators Grassley, Conrad, Harkin and Johnson in championing strong, competitive markets in the Farm Bill by supporting the Packer Ban amendment when it comes to the Senate Floor."

In a factsheet prepared by R-CALF USA titled "Why Congress Must Support a Ban on Packer Ownership of Livestock" the group explains that there is nothing inherently wrong with packers owning and feeding livestock unless the packers that own and feed livestock are large enough to also control access to the marketplace.

"That's the situation our industry faces today," said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard adding, "There are four large packers that control over 80 percent of our cattle market and those packers do control access to the marketplace and they do use packer owned cattle to depress cattle prices."

R-CALF USA's factsheet explains that dominant packers harm competition with packer owned cattle in two ways: It states that dominant packers compete against independent cattle feeders to purchase available feeder cattle and they can overbid the price of feeder cattle, forcing independent feedlots to pay more than fair market value. Then, when the cattle feeders that competed against the dominant packers for available feeder cattle are ready to sell there finished feeder cattle, the dominant packers are the only available market outlet and they restrict the independent feeder's access to that market outlet simply by slaughtering their packer-owned cattle.

"This anticompetitive practice drives down cattle prices and forces independent cattle feeders out of business," Bullard said.

Bullard said that cattle producers around the country should immediately contact their U.S. Senators to urge them to put a stop to the manipulation occurring in our U.S. cattle market by supporting the amendment to the 2012 Farm Bill that will ban packer ownership of cattle.

"If we don't take corrective action immediately, our cattle supply chain will soon be captured by the dominant packers just as they already have captured the poultry and hog supply chains. We can't let that happen." Bullard concluded.



Senators Take Up Fight against Mislabeled Dairy Products

On May 25, 2012, a letter led by Senator Coats (IN) and cosigned by Senator Lugar (IN) and Senator Gillibrand (NY) was sent to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging the agency to enforce labeling regulations on standardized dairy products.

The Senators asked FDA to take immediate action against misbranded and mislabeled non-dairy products that do not meet the federal Standards of Identity for standardized products such as "milk,” "cheese,” "ice cream" and "yogurt.” This was the most recent letter sent in a continued effort by NMPF to have the FDA enforce regulations already in place. NMPF appreciated the leadership demonstrated by Senator Coats, and the support of both Senator Lugar and Senator Gillibrand, on this issue.

For more information, visit NMPF's webpage about imitation dairy products... http://nmpf.org/washington_watch/standardsandsafety/imitation_dairy.  



DAIRY INDUSTRY SUPPORT KEY IN USDA’s 150-YEAR HISTORY

On behalf of Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.’s (DFA) nearly 15,000 dairy farmer members, DFA’s Board of Directors and management team commend the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for its 150 years of service to the nation’s agriculture industries.

In recent years, support from USDA has been critical to the dairy sector. As dairy producers have faced extreme volatility in milk price and input costs, numerous agencies and programs administered by USDA have benefited dairy farmers.

Most notably, USDA used funds for additional dairy product purchases, reactivated export incentive programs and quickly disbursed emergency economic loss funds passed by Congress during the 2009-2010 low margin cycle. These initiatives, combined with others, provided momentum in the recovery of the dairy industry.

Our members also rely on USDA every day to administer conservation, marketing and market development programs, all which go toward strengthening the industry and providing opportunities for growth. USDA officials also have voiced ongoing support of the Capper-Volstead Act, which allows farmers to come together to market, handle and process agriculture products through cooperatives such as DFA.

USDA’s ties to and support of this nation’s farmers are critical to ensure a safe, abundant and affordable food supply. Their advocacy of rural America and focus on fighting hunger and obesity are commendable. 



Streamlined Trade of Organic Products between United States and European Union Begins

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that organic products certified in the United States or European Union may now be sold as organic in either market, as trade opened up on Friday, June 1, under a new U.S.-EU equivalency partnership. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan signed formal letters creating the partnership in February, along with Dacian Cioloş, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, and Ambassador Isi Siddiqui, U.S. Trade Representative Chief Agricultural Negotiator.

"This partnership will open new markets for American farmers and ranchers, create more opportunities for small businesses, and result in good jobs for Americans who grow, package, ship, and market organic products,” said Merrigan. “In the months ahead, USDA will continue to work hard to expand opportunities for all U.S. products, including organics. Equivalency arrangements such as this are critical to growing the U.S. organics industry—they require careful negotiation to ensure that we maintain existing U.S. trade policies while ensuring that U.S. agricultural products will compete on a level playing field in world markets.”

The United States signed a similar partnership with Canada in July 2009, and additional equivalency arrangement conversations have begun with South Korea, Taiwan and Japan.

Previously, producers and companies wanting to trade products on both sides of the Atlantic had to obtain separate certifications to two standards, which resulted in a double set of fees, inspections, and paperwork. The partnership existing now eliminates these significant barriers, which is especially helpful for small and medium-sized organic farmers. During negotiations, both parties conducted thorough on-site audits to ensure that their programs’ regulations, quality control measures, certification requirements, and labeling practices were compatible.

“This agreement provides economic opportunities for certified organic farmers as well as additional incentives for prospective farmers,” said Miles McEvoy, National Organic Program Deputy Administrator. “We look forward to working with our European Union counterparts to support organic agriculture.”

Although there are slight differences between the United States and European Union organic standards, both parties individually determined that their programs were equivalent, thereby allowing the agreement that opened up trade today. The exception has to do with prohibition on the use of antibiotics. USDA organic regulations prohibit the use of antibiotics except to control invasive bacterial infections (fire blight) in organic apple and pear orchards. The European Union organic regulations allow antibiotics only to treat infected animals. For all products traded under this partnership, certifying agents must verify that antibiotics are not used for any reason.

The United States and the European Union will continue to have regular discussions and review each other's programs periodically to verify that the terms of the partnership are being met. Later this year, representatives from both markets will compare the USDA organic wine standards to the recently published European Union wine standards and determine how wine can fit into the trade partnership. In the interim, traded wine must meet the production and labeling requirements of the destination market.

The arrangement covers products exported from and certified in the United States or the European Union only. All products traded under the partnership must be shipped with an organic import certificate, which shows the location where production occurred, identifies the organization that certified the organic product, and verifies that growers and handlers did not use prohibited substances and methods. In addition to certifying that the terms of the partnership were met, the certificates also allow traded products to be tracked. Both parties are committed to ensuring that products traded under the agreement retain their organic integrity from farm to market. The European Commission's Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development and the USDA National Organic Program—which oversees all U.S. organic products—will take on key oversight roles.

Estimates show the market for U.S. organics sales to the EU could grow substantially within the first few years of this arrangement. Today, more than two-thirds of U.S. consumers buy organic products at least occasionally, and 28 percent buy organic products weekly.



Argentine Farmer Blockade Enters Third Day

A farmer blockade across the country's largest agricultural province entered its third day Monday with little grain moving to port.  Producers have created roadblocks along strategic routes in Buenos Aires province to protest a hike in land valuations by the provincial government.  According to local reports, the roadside pickets did not attract large numbers on Saturday and Sunday, but grain transport was more or less restricted to transfers from farm to elevator.

Exporters have enough soybeans and corn to meet shipments, even if the blockade lasts the promised nine days. But the disruption to trade is great and farm unions are discussing the extension of the protest across the whole country.

The protest was triggered by Buenos Aires State Governor Daniel Scioli's plan to reappraise land prices as a means of increasing land tax revenues.



INSTINCT® Nitrogen Stabilizer From Dow AgroSciences Obtains Section 3 Federal Supplemental Label

Dow AgroSciences announces INSTINCT® nitrogen stabilizer has received Section 3 Federal Supplemental Label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The additional registration allows corn growers to stabilize a postplant nitrogen application, which includes the addition of sidedress application — up to V6 growth stage. INSTINCT protects nitrogen at the root zone and optimizes the yield potential of corn when used with nitrogen.

“This new application window provides growers with an additional opportunity to protect even more of their nitrogen applications, all the way up through sidedress,” says John Demerly, Portfolio Marketing Leader, Dow AgroSciences. “Growers can make more nitrogen available longer, reducing the chances of nitrogen deficiency late into the season, which can impact yield. And with our current corn prices, every bushel protected can add to the bottom line.”

Many growers apply nitrogen as a sidedress application with UAN, urea and liquid manure, he says. This extended application time for INSTINCT gives growers the ability to inhibit nitrification, which occurs through leaching or denitrification. When incorporated with the nitrogen application, INSTINCT treats the soil within the root zone to ensure nitrogen is available during key stages of corn growth, thus optimizing yield potential.

Last year, INSTINCT obtained section 24(C) Special Local Needs Registration in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, permitting sidedress applications in those states. Growers in other states expressed interest to Dow AgroSciences for the increased flexibility to sidedress with INSTINCT® nitrogen stabilizer.

“We experienced great success last year in the 24(C) timing application windows and look forward to the opportunities the sidedress label brings for growers across the country,” Demerly says.

Since its introduction in August 2009, INSTINCT has been used by growers to protect nitrogen at the root zone. University studies have shown that nitrapyrin, the active ingredient in INSTINCT, makes more nitrogen available longer, which increases grain protein, improves standability and enables faster crop drydown.

According to data from the 2011 Purdue University Crop Cost & Return Guide, almost 35 percent of growing expenses are related to fertilizer. Using INSTINCT helps enable the applied nitrogen to be more efficient and cost-effective by reducing nitrification. It also is an example of how growers can employ environmentally beneficial farming practices by reducing leaching of nitrogen into groundwater and reducing denitrification, the escape of nitrogen into the atmosphere.