Thursday January 3 Ag News

Johanns Announces Committee Assignments for 113th Congress

U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today announced his committee assignments for the 113th Congress.

“I’m honored to serve on these committees, not only for their importance to our nation but also to Nebraska,” Johanns said. “Reining in spending, seeing a reform-minded farm bill signed into law and providing our military and veterans with the services they need have been some of my top priorities since being elected to the Senate. My committee assignments for the next Congress will allow me to continue those efforts, as well as influence other important legislation moving through the Senate.”

Below is a list of Johanns’ committee assignments:
·         Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
·         Appropriations
·         Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
·         Veterans Affairs



Night Time Feeding Influences Time of Calving
Steve Tonn, UNL Extension Educator, Washington County

Calving season has started for some and will begin earnest in February for most Washington County cow herds.  That means many long days and short nights checking cows to see if there are any cows having problems delivering a calf.  It is recommended that mature cows be checked every four hours and first calf heifer every 2 hours. It is generally accepted that adequate supervision at calving has a significant impact on reducing calf mortality.  Adequate supervision has been of increasing importance with the use of larger beef breeds and cattle with larger birth weights. On most cow herd operations, supervision of the first calf heifers will be best accomplished in daylight hours and the poorest observation takes place in the middle of the night. 

Getting more cows to calve during the daytime would make calving season a lot easier and less stressful for producers.  The easiest and most practical method of inhibiting nighttime calving at present is by feeding cows at night; the physiological mechanism is unknown, but some hormonal effect may be involved.  Although some cows will still give birth in the middle of the night, the percentage of cows calving in the daylight will increase if the feeding activity is done late in the day.  Research has shown that cows fed at, or after dusk will have a 2 or 3 to 1 ratio of calves born in daylight versus those born at night.  Whether cows were started on the night feeding the week before calving started in the herd or 2 to 3 weeks earlier made no apparent difference in calving time.

What about the situation where large round bales of hay are being fed to the cows and heifers?  If the cows have unrestricted access to the hay around the clock, then the best method of influencing the time of calving is via the time of day that the supplement is being fed.  At Oklahoma State University, the switch from supplement feeding in daytime to late afternoon/early evening feeding encouraged 72% of the cows to calve between 6 AM and 6 PM.  These cows had 24/7 access to large round bales of grass hay.  Before the change was made, when supplement was fed during the morning hours, the ratio of night time versus day time calving was nearly even, with half of the calves born at night and half during the day. 

Another idea would be to control access to the large round bales.  The hay is fed within a small enclosed pasture or lot near a larger pasture where the cows graze during the day.  In the evening, the gate to the area where the hay is placed is opened and the cows are allowed to enter and consume hay during the night.  The next morning, they are moved back to the daytime pasture to graze until the following evening.  In this manner, the nighttime feeding is accomplished with hay or silage only. 

Whatever method fits your operation should be utilized.  The advantage of heifers/cows being observed with daylight during calving is obvious.  Also during winter months, baby calves born in the warmer part of the day with radiant heat from the sun to reduce cold stress, have a better chance for early colostrum consumption and therefore survival.



UNL Extension Mid-Plains BEEF Session Jan. 31 Focuses on Drought
            University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension's Mid-Plains BEEF Educational Series will conduct a special Jan. 31 session on pasture and forage drought management tips for cow herds at the UNL Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead.

            The 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. session will draw on the expertise of Rick Rasby, UNL extension beef specialist, Bruce Anderson, UNL extension forage specialist, and Monte Vandeveer, Lindsay Chichester, Jessica Jones, Darci Pesek, Monte Stauffer and Steve Tonn, UNL extension educators, to share their farm management and beef cattle expertise with participants.

            The program is designed for producers, veterinarians or others involved in the beef industry.

            This special session will deal with how to manage pastures and forages through the drought, management options for cow herds in dealing with the drought and the use of pasture insurance as a risk management tool.

            Participants will learn more about managing drought stressed cool and warm season grass pastures, pasture weed management strategies, fertilizing pastures, pasture insurance as a risk management tool, culling cows, early weaning calves and pregnancy checking cows.

            Time will also be allotted to visit with the speakers on an individual or small group basis.

            Registration of $60 which covers educational materials, noon meal and breaks is requested by Jan. 24

            The Mid-Plains BEEF Educational Series is an effort by a team of southeastern Nebraska Extension educators. To register or obtain more information, contact them at: Lindsay Chichester, Richardson County, 402-245-4324; Jessica Jones, Johnson County, 402-335-3669; Darci Pesek, Nuckolls/Thayer counties, 402-768-7212 or 402-225-2381; Monte Stauffer, Douglas/Sarpy counties, 402-444-7804; or Steve Tonn, Washington County, 402-426-9455.



Farmers and Ranchers Cow/Calf College at USMARC Jan. 22

            The annual Farmers and Ranchers Cow/Calf College "Partners in Progress – Beef Seminar" will be Jan. 22 at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center and Great Plains Veterinary Education Center near Clay Center.

            Registration will be from 9-9:50 a.m. with coffee and donuts. The program will start at 9:50 a.m. and conclude around 3:45 p.m.

            This year's theme will center on recovering from the 2012 drought and preparing for the potential of a 2013 drought.

            This program is sponsored by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension's Farmers and Ranchers College and will feature several outstanding speakers discussing issues and management strategies that can affect the profitability of all beef producers, said Dewey Lienemann, UNL Extension educator in Webster County.

            "The seminar is packed with experts in climate, forages, animal nutrition and reproduction and will provide information that should help in planning for the upcoming year," Lienemann said.

            There is no cost for the event and the public is invited. Preregistration is required by Jan. 18 to ensure a seat, lunch and proceedings for the day.

            The Cow/Calf College will kick off with a 9:50 a.m. welcome by John Pollak, director of the USMARC. He also will give a short overview of research at the center.

            Other morning speakers and their presentations include: Allan Vyhnalek, UNL Extension educator, "Hay, Stalks, & Pastures: Costs & Considerations for 2013," which will give information on values, rental rates and considerations for coming out of a drought and possibly going into another, and Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension forage specialist, who will give producers information on "Forage Planning for the Possible 2013 Drought." This could be critical as beef producers faced a shortage of pasture and now hay and other forages in 2012 and prepare for 2013.

            Lunch will be provided and will be handled with a rotation system during two noon sessions featuring Aaron Stalker, UNL beef range systems specialist, who will provide two concurrent presentations on "Corn Stalk Grazing: Values to Cattle Producers and Corn Farmers," and a presentation on the "New UNL Beef Body Condition Scoring App."

            Rick Funston, UNL beef reproductive physiology specialist, will start off the afternoon. In light of current feed costs, many producers are looking at options and strategies for replacement heifer development in the months ahead. Participants can learn more about his research during "Cost Effective Replacement Heifer Development."

            Al Dutcher, UNL state climatologist, will give his take on the "Potential for 2013 Drought: Weather Update." There is no doubt that most producers and especially beef producers are worried about what may be ahead for climate that will affect grass and forage production. This session will inform producers about upcoming weather conditions.

            Concluding the college, all presenters will join on stage to pull everything together, give their final thoughts and considerations and then participate in a coffee-shop style panel discussion during which cattlemen can ask questions and get answers on topic questions that came to them during the day's sessions.

            A chance for door prizes will be awarded to those who stay for the entire event.

            For more information or to register, contact the UNL Extension Office at 621 N. Cedar, Red Cloud, Neb. 68930, call 402-746-3417 or email Lienemann at dlienemann2@unl.edu.

            Additional information may be found at the Webster County UNL Extension website at http://www.webster.unl.edu.



Comment Period Extended on Iowa Nutrient Strategy

The public comment period for the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy has been extended by two weeks until Jan. 18, 2013. The original 45-day comment period was scheduled to close on Jan. 4.

It has been the goal all along to have broad public input on the strategy and we hope the two additional weeks will allow more Iowans to review the strategy and provide comment. We have had some requests for an extension of the comment period and hope those interested will take advantage of the additional time to participate in the comment period, said DNR Director Chuck Gipp and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey.

The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is a science and technology-based approach to assess and reduce nutrients delivered to Iowa waterways and the Gulf of Mexico. The strategy outlines voluntary efforts to reduce nutrients in surface water from both point sources, such as wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities, and nonpoint sources, including farm fields and urban areas, in a scientific, reasonable and cost effective manner.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) worked with Iowa State University over a two-year period to develop the strategy. The resulting strategy is the first time such a comprehensive and integrated approach addressing both point and nonpoint sources of nutrients has been completed.

The Iowa strategy has been developed in response to the 2008 Gulf Hypoxia Action Plan that calls for the 12 states along the Mississippi River to develop strategies to reduce nutrient loading to the Gulf of Mexico. The Iowa strategy follows the recommended framework provided by EPA in 2011 and is only the second state to complete a statewide nutrient reduction strategy.

The full report, additional information and place for comments can be found at www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa DNR and Iowa State University have hosted two public meetings and hosted a webinar to educate Iowans about the strategy and answer questions. The webinar has been archived and can be viewed on the nutrient strategy website at www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu. In addition, presentations will be made to farmers, certified crop advisors and others in the agriculture industry as part of ISU Extension and Outreach’s ongoing educational meetings.

As of Jan. 2, more than 350 comments had been received on the plan.



Biodiesel champion Sen. Byron Dorgan to give keynote address at National Biodiesel Conference & Expo

Senator Byron Dorgan may have retired from public office, but his passion for domestically produced renewable energy is stronger than ever.  He's also well-positioned to continue shaping energy policy.

The National Biodiesel Board announced today that the former U.S. Senator, widely recognized as a national leader and expert in energy and agriculture issues, will give the keynote address on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

First elected to Congress in 1980, Dorgan represented his home state of North Dakota for 12 years in the U.S. House followed by 18 years in the U.S. Senate. After retiring, he became a senior fellow at the Bipartisan Policy Center, where he recently joined former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott to launch and chair the center's Strategic Energy Policy Initiative.

As a House member and in the Senate, Dorgan was a champion for biodiesel and other renewable fuels. He repeatedly sponsored legislation to create the Renewable Fuel Standard and strongly advocated the biodiesel tax incentive. He also was an advocate for renewable energy programs in the Farm Bill.

"During his career in public office, Senator Dorgan consistently championed renewable energy and energy independence, promoted the economic needs of rural America, and fought for sound economic policies," said Joe Jobe, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. "Senator Dorgan continues to be a thought leader in Washington D.C. and is highly engaged in energy policy development.  We're thrilled that he will join us to share his insights as we lay a course for America's Advanced Biofuel for the next 20 years."

Recently Dorgan has been discussed in the media and elsewhere as under consideration to become Energy Secretary in President Obama's second term should current Secretary Steven Chu step down.

Dorgan was a senior senator on the Appropriations, Energy, and Commerce Committees in the Senate. He currently serves as serves as co-chairman of the government relations practice Arent Fox. 



USDA Dairy Products Production November 2012 Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 912 million pounds, 1.8 percent above November 2011 but 1.8 percent below October 2012.  Italian type cheese production totaled 383 million pounds, 0.5 percent below November 2011 and 1.2 percent below October 2012.  American type cheese production totaled 362 million pounds, 3.8 percent above November 2011 but 2.1 percent below October 2012.  Butter production was 144 million pounds, 6.0 percent below November 2011 and 0.8 percent below October 2012.

Dry milk powders (comparisons with November 2011)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 116 million pounds, down 3.8 percent.
Skim milk powders - 44.7 million pounds, up 13.0 percent.

Whey products (comparisons with November 2011)
Dry whey, total - 71.5 million pounds, down 7.8 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 80.5 million pounds, down 1.5 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 36.5 million pounds, down 0.8 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons with November 2011)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 54.0 million gallons, up 1.9 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 25.0 million gallons, down 11.0 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 2.57 million gallons, down 1.8 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 3.45 million gallons, down 11.3 percent.



Tax Relief Act Is a Disappointment for Dairy Farmers
John Wilson, DFA Senior Vice President

“After years of work to bring dairy policy reform to fruition, we are extremely disappointed that Congress has turned its back on dairy farmers. Although passing the American Tax Relief Act of 2012 averted a ‘dairy cliff’ that would have devastated the industry, we are increasingly frustrated that legislators have again stalled the Dairy Security Act.

“In a vote earlier last year, the Senate gave a nod to the dairy policy reform outlined in the Dairy Security Act. The House Agriculture Committee did the same. But with the clock ticking and pressure on, Congress was never even given the opportunity to vote the Dairy Security Act into law.

“In a business climate that is so uncertain, inaction on real reform as part of a greater Farm Bill makes it more difficult for farmers to plan, operate and make business decisions in a competitive marketplace. Our nation’s dairy producers deserve better.

“Current domestic dairy programs, as we have witnessed during the last few years, do not provide farmers with the tools they need to manage risk and weather the extremely volatile global marketplace. The Dairy Security Act, developed by dairy farmers for dairy farmers, is the best alternative to current programs and is supported by farmers across the nation.

“During the 113th Congress, we will continue to work with the agricultural leaders in Washington, D.C., to push forward the meaningful reform that the Dairy Security Act brings. The continued support of Representatives Lucas and Peterson and Senators Stabenow and Roberts will be more important than ever as we continue the effort to bring long overdue change to the dairy industry.”



Argentina Corn Planting Jumps Ahead

Clear skies over Argentina's key corn growing areas in Buenos Aires and Cordoba provinces are expected to allow farmers to make a big push toward wrapping up corn planting within the 10 days left in the prime planting window, the Buenos Aries Cereals Exchange said in its weekly crop report Thursday.

"The weather is expected to be favorable in the areas affected by excess rainfall [and] the remaining area is expected to be planted in time," the exchange said.

Corn planting is 82% done, with the pace just 1.5 percentage points behind that of a year earlier.

The exchange held its commercial corn area forecast at 3.4 million hectares, down 12% on the year. The crop is in very good shape after being soaked by heavy rainfall so far this season, the exchange said.

Argentina, the world's no. 2 corn exporter behind the U.S., is expecting a corn crop of between 26 million and 27 million metric tons this season, topping the previous corn record of 24 million tons during the 2010-11 season, according to the corn chamber Maizar, and up sharply from the 21 million tons harvested during the drought-ravaged 2011-12 season.

Meanwhile, Argentina's soybean planting is 85% done with conditions also very good except for some spotty fields with wind or hail damage, according to the exchange. The exchange held its forecast for 2012-13 soybean area at 19.7 million hectares.

High prices and wet weather are expected to bring a bumper soy crop this season.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects Argentina to grow a record 55 million metric tons of soybeans, up from the previous record of 52.7 million tons set during the 2009-10 season.



Mosaic’s Nutrient Removal App Recognized

The Mosaic Company’s Nutrient Removal App was selected by AgProfessional editors as one of the 10 best and most innovative products introduced by the industry in 2012.

Since its debut in January 2012, the Nutrient Removal App has been downloaded over 6,500 times by farmers and retailers. Utilizing many years of agronomic research, the app creates a new way to access the data in the Mosaic “Balanced Crop Nutrition” guide at the touch of a button. Results can be stored as a profile, and emailed to advisors to aid decision-making in input planning.

To support the need for farmers to boost yields to feed a growing world population, the app provides nutrient removal data by yield for 36 different crops, informing farmers so they can make better input decisions and push past today’s yield barriers.

“When crop yields increase, if fertilizer is not increased to meet the crop’s nutrient needs, plants turn to the soil’s nutrient bank,” says Kyle Freeman, Ph.D., manager of new-product development at The Mosaic Company. “Keeping that soil nutrient bank healthy is crucial for not just the crop in the ground, but the crops to come in following years.”

The International Plant Nutrition Institute notes that up to 60 percent of yield can be attributed to the 4R’s: using the right source of fertilizer, at the right rate, in the right place and at the right time. Staying ahead of the curve on soil fertility can make the difference between a good growing year and a great growing year for farmers, and the Nutrient Removal App helps farmers stay on track.

AgProfessional editors chose the top 10 new products of 2012 based on their innovative support for the industry and how useful they are for agricultural retailers, crop consultants and farm managers in their businesses and as they advise clients.

“The data that the Nutrient Removal App provides can be the foundation and the starting point for fertilizer recommendations,” says Dr. Freeman. “Mosaic is also studying the interaction between macro and micronuturients as they support a high-yield cropping system.”

The Nutrient Removal App is free and available on Apple and Android operating platforms. Once downloaded, the app can be used without Internet service.