Tuesday March 5 Ag News

UNL Feedlot Roundtable rescheduled in West Point
Larry F Howard, Extension Educator, Cuming County

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has rescheduled the Feedlot Roundtable meeting that was originally set on February 21st at West Point and cancelled due to the winter storm.  We are offering another chance for producers to join us on Thursday, March 21 starting at 6:00 pm. at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point.  The program will be an abbreviated version and will include UNL Beef Specialist, Galen Erickson discussing 2 timely topics: Offsetting High Priced Grain and Cow Confinement.  We will also show the archived presentation by Dr Steve Koontz of CSU that discusses Key Issues Related to Formula Pricing.  The evening will conclude with Erickson giving a UNL Feedlot Research Update.  This program is sponsored by UNL Extension.  The Nebraska Beef Council and the Cuming County Feeders Association will be sponsoring dinner.  Cost for this event is $10 and payment will be accepted at the door.  For more information or to register for please contact Deidra McCarthy (dmccarthy2@unl.edu) at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center ph. #308-632-1260 or the Cuming County Extension office (cuming-county@unl.edu) 402-372-6006.

Drylotting Cows Alternative Practice this Spring
Coming off of a drought season, most grazing experts are recommending delayed turnout on pasture this spring. That means feeding cows and potentially their calves much longer into spring in a sacrifice paddock or in the feedlot.  Drylotting cows and calves can work well, but there are important management strategies that need to be considered.

Confinement feeding cows is not what we want to do, but we might have to do it. During the 2012 drought, over 60% of the nation’s cowherd was impacted.  In 2011, it was 35% of the nation’s cowherd. Drought on the southern Plains in 2011 sent cows north to Nebraska and other northern Plains states where moisture was adequate. But last season, many Nebraska producers were forced to sell some of their cows.

Cows and calves can be successfully fed in drylot, but special management strategies must be followed to save on expenses and maintain animal health.   Drylotting cows could be an alternative to having to sell off the herd.  Don’t overfeed them if cows are confined.  Feed to a target condition score. Objectives for drylotting cows include keeping the cows and calves healthy and containing costs as much as possible. Feeds in drylot might include crop residues, grains and co-products. Producers don’t have to finely grind feedstuffs. It works to feed grains whole or uncracked.

Cows can be limit fed successfully, but they might act hungry. You must meet their requirements, but you don’t need to give them all they can eat. If cows are lactating, producers need to remember that the calf will eat 1.5% to 2.5% of its body weight on a dry matter basis so the amount fed needs to be adjusted. In designing pens for drylotting cow-calf pairs, it’s important to set aside an area for the calf only, so they have their own creep feeding area if necessary and a water source away from the cows. The drylot could be a sacrifice area in a pasture that can be easily renovated.

For limit-feeding cows, each animal will need between 24 and 36 inches in bunk space and an area of about 500 to 800 square feet per cow.  It’s best to sort young cows from the older cows in that situation.

It takes extra equipment to feed cows and calves in drylot, because it is best to have feed delivery equipment that can weigh ingredients, so the rations are correct. Producers can feed once a day, but could feed twice a day for the first week. The time of feed delivery and the amount fed should remain consistent for the best results. The real challenge in drylotting cows and limit feeding is keeping up with energy needs of the animals.



Madison County Farm Bureau to Sponsor Estate Transfer Planning Workshop in Norfolk

The Madison County Farm Bureau is sponsoring an informational workshop entitled:  Keeping It In the Family - Wealth Transfer and Business Succession Workshop Wednesday, March 20th, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Lifelong Learning Center on the Northeast Community College campus. 

Featured speaker will be estate planning specialist Eryka Morehead.  Ms. Morehead teaches farmers, ranchers and small business owners how to keep their business intact for the next generation.   She will discuss some step-by step processes for various business scenario’s to help ensure business succession.

There is no cost or obligation to attend however, seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

This is a new date for the meeting that was postponed due to a snow storm last month.

The median age of the Nebraska farmer/rancher is about 60 years. Of course, many are much older and we are seeing a shift in wealth due to death of those who have farm and ranch estates.

Many times, a son has been working with Dad on the farm for several years and when Mom & Dad pass away, his siblings desire their portion of the estate. Because his share of the land will not sustain a family, he must get a job in town as the estate is sold off.  This is one of the reasons we are seeing our smaller operations disappear.

If these farmers and ranchers would have done some preliminary planning, there would have been funding set up in the estate to pay off the siblings and the son would continue to operate with a hitch.

Most older farmers and ranchers understand that they should put their affairs in order to achieve the above outcome, but they put it off until they suddenly pass away and it's too late. I believe one of the reasons they fail to prepare is they really have no idea of how to begin the preparation process.  They don't know what to do or whom to trust.

This Business Secession workshop is designed to give them some ideas of what their options are and what steps to take to ensure their operation remains in tact for the next generation to continue to farm or ranch.



Sen. Johanns Awarded Farm Bureau ‘Golden Plow’

American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman presented Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) with AFBF’s “Golden Plow” award Monday evening during an event at the AFBF office. The Golden Plow is the highest recognition the organization grants members of Congress.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau nominated Johanns for the award because of his dedicated work as a member of Congress on issues important to Farm Bureau members. Soon after being elected to the Senate in 2008, Sen. Johanns immediately began working to seek collaborative solutions to the challenges facing farmers and ranchers, such as tax reform, trade expansion and regulatory oversight, Stallman said. Johanns also serves as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

While the award is based on Johanns’ congressional achievements, Stallman said his commitment to agriculture can be traced throughout a career of political service—first as governor of Nebraska and then as secretary of agriculture under President George W. Bush.

“Regardless of whether he has served as governor, secretary or senator, one thing that is never in doubt is Mike Johanns’ commitment to agriculture,” Stallman said. “Sen. Johanns is a very deserving leader with a long and distinguished career of serving farmers and ranchers and I am pleased to say he was approved unanimously to receive this award by the AFBF board of directors.”

AFBF’s Golden Plow award recognizes members of Congress for distinguished agricultural leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies. Recipients are chosen based on having a philosophy or record that demonstrates a commitment to: the private enterprise system; sound agricultural policies supported by Farm Bureau; fiscal conservatism; and reduced federal regulations on businesses and individuals.



Nebraska Soybean Board Research Advisory Committee Meeting and March Board of Directors Meeting

The Nebraska Soybean Board will meet March 18 & 19, 2013, at the Embassy  Suites, 1040 P Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. The Research Advisory Committee meeting will begin March 18, at 8:30 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m.   The Board of Directors regular business meeting will then come to order Monday, at 2:00 p.m. On Tuesday, March 19th the meeting will resume at 7:30 a.m. and adjourn at 12:00 p.m.  

A complete agenda for the public meeting is available for inspection on the Nebraska Soybean Board website at www.nebraskasoybeans.org. 

April 15th is the Deadline for Filing a Candidacy Petition For the NSB District Elections
April 15 is the deadline for filing a candidacy petition to run for a seat on the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB).  Soybean producers in Districts 2, 4 and 8 are invited to run for election by filing a candidacy petition by the April 15, 2013 deadline. The election of board members will be conducted via direct-mail ballots and candidate information will be provided to all producers residing within the district in which an election is to be held.

NSB Board Members receive no salary but are reimbursed for expenses incurred while carrying out Board business and will serve a three-year term that begins October 1, 2013.
District seats open are:
District 2:    Counties Burt, Cuming, Dakota, Dixon, Stanton, Thurston and Wayne.
District 4:    Counties of Boone, Hamilton, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk and York.
District 8:    Counties of Arthur, Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Brown, Chase, Cherry, Cheyenne, Custer, Dawes, Dawson, Deuel, Dundy,  Frontier, Furnas, Garden, Garfield, Gosper, Grant, Greeley, Harlan, Hayes, Hitchcock, Hooker, Howard, Keith, Keya Paha, Kimball, Lincoln, Logan, Loup, McPherson, Morrill, Perkins, Phelps, Red Willow, Rock, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Thomas, Valley and Wheeler.
Candidates for the NSB seats must be:
• A Resident of Nebraska
• 21 years of age or older
• Soybean producer in Nebraska for at least five previous years

Prospective candidates must collect the signatures of 50 soybean producers in their district using an official Nebraska Soybean Board Candidacy Petition and return such petition to the Nebraska Soybean Board office on or before April 15, 2013, to be eligible for placement on the ballot. To obtain a candidacy petition, contact Victor Bohuslavsky at the Nebraska Soybean Board by calling 402-432-5720.



NUBeef-Anatomy App Educates Across Professions
A new app from NUBeef takes the user inside the carcasses of beef cattle.

NUBeef-Anatomy allows users to navigate through the anatomy of beef cattle and learn more about bones and muscles found in the carcass. The app functions as a digital beef anatomy textbook, said Steven Jones, professor of animal science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, who developed the media with EdMedia's instructional multimedia designer Vishal Singh.

"It is helpful for students to understand where each muscle is located in the beef carcass, its composition and eating quality," Jones said.

The information offered in the app could be used by animal science and veterinary students, 4-H and FFA members, meat processors, chefs, consumers and others.

As a user views each cross-section, they can view a picture of a selected muscle and learn about the anatomical and physical features of each muscle.

Anatomical information for each muscle includes action, origin, insertion, blood supply and innervation. Meat related information about the muscle includes composition and the eating qualities of tenderness, aroma, flavor and juiciness.

"This makes the app relevant to chefs and consumers as they determine proper methods of preparation," Jones said.

The NUBeef-Anatomy app is available in the Apple iTunes app store for iPhone and iPad for $4.99. For more information, visit the store at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nubeef-anatomy/id597656234?mt=8 or the IANR website at http://ianrhome.unl.edu/mobileapps/beefanatomy.



Nebraska Dairy Princess to be Crowned March 12
The Nebraska State Dairy Convention will feature the coronation of a new Nebraska Dairy Princess Tuesday, March 12, at Divots Convention Center. The event is part of the evening banquet beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Two candidates are vying for the title.  They are:
-    Lisa Temme, 21, daughter of Doug and Mary Temme of Temme Agribusiness near Wayne, and a junior in textile science at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln; and
-    Jessica Yoesel, 19, daughter of Richard and Diana Yoesel of Yoesel Brothers Dairy near Falls City, and a freshman in elementary education at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Selection of the new princess is based on an interview and presentation.  The outgoing Nebraska Dairy Princess is Emma Lammers, daughter of Joe and Kathy Lammers of Hartington.

The Nebraska Dairy Princess reaches out to consumers to help them understand the important role dairy products play in a healthful diet, and provides information about how dairy farmers care for their cows and the resources used to produce milk.  Her appearances include meetings, demonstrations, promotions, presentations, radio and television interviews, passing out trophies and ribbons, school visits and parades.  Midwest Dairy Association’s Nebraska Division sponsors the program.

In addition to the princess coronation, the banquet features speaker Dave Hansen, a South Dakota dairy farmer who was featured in a recent Midwest Dairy Association video emphasizing how dairy plays an important role in feeding the world.

Judging for the new princess takes place during convention activities that include a trade show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and informational sessions throughout the day.  The Nebraska Holstein Association meets at 11 a.m. and the Nebraska State Dairy Association Annual Meeting takes place at 12:30 p.m.

The 2012 Nebraska Dairy Convention is free to all Nebraska dairy producers, families and guests.  Questions about the convention can be directed to Rod Johnson, Nebraska State Dairy Association, at 402-261-5482 or rod@nebraskamilk.org.



Soybean Farmers Chart ASA Policy Course During 2013 Commodity Classic

Members of the voting delegates of the American Soybean Association (ASA) reaffirmed the association’s commitment to a comprehensive long-term farm bill, as well as additional critical soybean industry priorities, including exports and trade, transportation and biotechnology, among many others during its annual meeting Saturday during the final day of the 2013 Commodity Classic in Kissimmee, Fla.

"The resolutions process is a great reminder that ASA’s policies come directly from the ground up," said ASA President Danny Murphy, a soybean farmer from Canton, Miss. "The policies are raised, voted on and established as ASA priorities through an entirely farmer-driven process. It keeps farmers involved and it keeps ASA firmly tied to the everyday concerns of soybean farmers."

Farm Bill
Within the farm bill resolution language, ASA maintained that any new farm bill must not distort planting decisions, and it should protect and strengthen crop insurance as a viable risk management tool for soybean producers. While ASA supported the revenue-based Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program in previous farm bill negotiations, ASA noted that it recognizes funding may be insufficient to cover the cost of this type of program, in which case, ASA also expressed its openness to consider strengthening the current crop insurance program with a Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) program similar to that which was included in both the Senate and House versions of the bill.

Given that ASA recognizes some commodities also are interested in a program that protects against long-term price declines, the voting delegates affirmed ASA’s openness to including a program based on target prices and price losses in a new farm bill, provided that payments are decoupled from planting decisions. ASA will continue to oppose a target price program that would interfere with the ability of producers to respond to the market by distorting planting decisions.

Also in the farm bill discussion, delegates noted that in order to pay for the costs of improvements to crop insurance, SCO, and a decoupled target price program and to meet part of any deficit reduction targets, Direct Payments may have to be reduced or eliminated. As has been ASA’s position throughout the negotiations, ASA encourages agriculture to accept its fair share of spending reductions, provided they are proportionate with cuts to other federal programs and do not weaken the federal crop insurance program.

The farm bill resolution approved by the delegates also contained language encouraging Congress to protect valuable programs streamlining conservation programs, reauthorizing and funding biodiesel and biobased education programs, agricultural research, trade development and food aid programs.

Trade
ASA’s delegates formalized the association’s support of a comprehensive Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Agreement with the European Union that would provide meaningful market access for exports of U.S. soybean products and address trade barriers, including current EU biotechnology policies, and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED).

Transportation
ASA continues support of funding for waterways infrastructure including additional and alternative financing measures that provide a steadier and more reliable funding stream to reduce project costs and timeframes for completion.

Biotechnology
Biotechnology was also a key topic of discussion, as delegates voted to encourage the swift approval and deregulation of high-oleic soybeans. The delegates also established the association’s opposition to state food labeling requirements that go beyond those implemented by the federal government.

Regulation
On regulatory matters, ASA’s delegates supported raising the quantity of on-farm fuel storage that would be subject to the EPA’s new regulations requiring containment plans and practices to 10,000 gallons or greater. Delegates also expressed support for voluntary conservation and water-quality programs that are farmer led.

Sustainability
Finally, delegates endorsed the work undertaken by the soybean industry to develop a "U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol" that documents and promotes to buyers worldwide that U.S. soybeans are the world’s most sustainably-produced soybeans.

The resolutions passed by the delegates on Friday will be available in full on the ASA website,www.soygrowers.com, in the coming weeks.



CME Group Announces Reduced Grain and Oilseed Trading Hours in Response to Customer Outreach
CME Globex and floor hours to be amended for both CBOT grain and oilseed and KCBT markets

CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, today announced it will reduce grain and oilseed trading hours following comprehensive outreach to producers, commercial customers, traders and other industry participants who manage their risk in its markets. Pending CFTC review, trading in CBOT grain and oilseed and KCBT markets will be amended from the current 21 hours, both on the floor and via its CME Globex electronic trading platform, for the Monday, April 8, 2013, trade date.

"Over the past several months, we have received significant customer feedback about the current CBOT grain trading hours," said Tim Andriesen, Managing Director, Agricultural Commodities and Alternative Investments, CME Group. "As a result, we engaged our customers more formally through one-on-one conversations, focus groups and an online survey, which attracted more than 4,000 responses, to determine what hours best meet their needs. While there were varying opinions about what the modifications to hours should be, we believe these changes balance the needs of our diverse global customers based on their feedback."

Beginning April 8, electronic and floor trading hours for CBOT Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Soybean Meal, Soybean Oil, Rough Rice, Oats, and KCBT Wheat futures and options, plus all related CBOT and KCBT calendar spread options and inter-commodity spread options, will be amended as follows:
-    Sunday to Friday, electronic trading from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 a.m. CT
-    Monday to Friday, break in electronic trading from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. CT
-    Monday to Friday, floor and CME Globex trading from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. CT

Daily settlements for CME Globex and floor trading of these products will be based on market activity at or around 1:15 p.m. CT each day. Mini-Sized Corn, Mini-Sized Soybeans and Mini-Sized Wheat will continue to trade on CME Globex and on the floor until 1:45 p.m. CT.



Healthy Students Are Better Students: New Report Illustrates “The Wellness Impact” of Nutrition and Physical Activity on Improving Academic Achievement

As schools prepare for standardized testing this spring, school leaders, teachers and parents are focused on ensuring students are prepared to do their best. However, research shows that regular access to better nutrition — starting with breakfast — coupled with increased opportunities for physical activity may help students reach their potential throughout the school year, which may lead to better performance at testing time and beyond. Nutrient-rich foods and physical activity are not only good for child health, but also learning. Finding a balance between academic rigor and health and wellness efforts in the school environment has become an increasing priority.

A report issued yesterday, The Wellness Impact: Enhancing Academic Success through Healthy School Environments1, reinforces the “learning connection” — the crucial link between quality nutrition, physical activity and academic performance. The report was released by the GENYOUth Foundation, National Dairy Council (NDC), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the American School Health Association (ASHA).

Findings from The Wellness Impact: Enhancing Academic Success through Healthy School Environments suggest:
-    More than half (62%) of all teens say they do not eat breakfast every day of the week.2
-    Breakfast eaters have better attention and memory than breakfast skippers.3
-    Three-in-four high school students aren’t active for the recommended 60 minutes each day.2
-    Students who were more active during school performed better on standardized tests for reading, math and spelling.4

However, despite the report’s findings, U.S. schools face tremendous challenges to meet economic, health and academic demands.  Many schools lack the funds to execute school wellness policies or to start breakfast programs.  And as pressures mount to improve standardized test scores, many districts are shortening or eliminating opportunities for physical activity, such as recess and physical education (PE) classes.

To help overcome these challenges, Midwest Dairy Council, an affiliate of NDC, supports schools in their effort to set up healthy learning environments for students.  Specifically, within the last two school years, Midwest Dairy has worked with schools on 42 projects among schools in 10 states to improve school breakfast programs. This represents works in 42 school buildings in 11 different school districts and amounts to an investment of more than $168,000 made by Midwest dairy farmers.

Proven school wellness programs such as Fuel Up to Play 60 — a program founded by NDC and the National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) — encourages students to take charge in making small, everyday changes toward a healthy lifestyle at school. In partnership with GENYOUth Foundation, Fuel Up to Play 60 has provided schools with more than $10 million in grants to help develop healthy in-school initiatives ranging from breakfast programs to walking clubs. Administrators and teachers have shared success stories indicating improved attention spans and increased attendance as a result of participating in Fuel Up to Play 60.

“The challenges of addressing student health in schools are many, and the obstacles are abundant,” says Dr. John Skretta, school district superintendent for the Norris District in Firth, Neb. “Fuel Up to Play 60 and the additional program resources available from Midwest Dairy Council should bolster the confidence and the can-do spirit of school wellness councils everywhere.”

To read how Fuel Up to Play 60 has made a positive impact in schools in the Midwest, visit:  http://www.midwestdairy.com/0t181p190/fuel-up-to-play-60/.

While schools are the focal point in the movement to improve childhood health and wellness, they cannot act alone. The broader community, including business leaders, food and beverage companies, health professionals, community organizers, parents and students can help tackle the status quo by creating and sustaining opportunities for good nutrition and physical activity in schools.

Everyone from community leaders to parents can work together to champion for improved child health and wellness in schools. To read the full report visit www.GENYOUthFoundation.org and to get involved visit http://www.midwestdairy.com.



CWT Assists with 15.2 Million Pounds of Cheese, Butter and Whole Milk Powder Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 12 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold), Foremost Farms USA, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Michigan Milk Producers Association, United Dairymen of Arizona and Upstate Niagara Cooperative (O-AT-KA) to sell 6.360 million pounds (2,885 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, 8.794 million pounds (3,989 metric tons) of butter and 85,980 pounds (39 metric tons) of whole milk powder (WMP) to customers in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Oceania and South America. The product will be delivered March through August 2013.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 30.095 million pounds of cheese, 21.618 million pounds of butter and 218,258 pounds of whole milk powder to 24 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 749.1 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis, or the annual milk output of 35,670 cows. It is also more than 10 times the amount that the January 2013 U.S. milk production was above January 2012.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by helping to maintain inventories of cheese and butter at desirable levels. 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.