NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION
For the week ending June 30, 2013, above normal temperatures combined with limited rainfall across the western two-thirds of Nebraska to stress spring planted crops and limit pasture growth, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainfall amounts of up to an inch were common across much of the eastern third of the state. A few southern wheat fields were cut at week’s end with harvest expected to gain momentum in southern counties in the coming days. The start of Panhandle wheat harvest was still at least two weeks away. Hay harvest continued active with brome and wild grasses being cut for hay. Statewide, producers had 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 9 percent very short, 32 short, 58 adequate, and 1 surplus, well above previous year. Statewide, subsoil moisture supplies rated 23 percent very short, 35 short, 42 adequate, and 0 surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 3 poor, 19 fair, 62 good, 16 excellent.
Soybean conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 20 fair, 66 good, and 12 excellent. Soybeans emerged were 97 percent, compared to last year’s 100 and 99 average. Two percent of the crop was blooming, behind 23 last year and 9 average.
Sorghum conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 9 poor, 35 fair, 34 good, and 22 excellent. Sorghum emerged was 93 percent, behind last year’s 100 but near 98 average.
Wheat conditions rated 24 percent very poor, 26 poor, 33 fair, 16 good, and 1 excellent. Wheat turning color was 75 percent, behind 100 last year and 82 average. Wheat ripe was 11 percent, well behind 85 last year and 28 average.
Oat conditions rated 4 percent very poor, 9 poor, 29 fair, 48 good, and 10 excellent. Oats headed were 93 percent, compared to last year’s 100 and 91 average.
Dry bean conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 22 fair, 70 good, and 8 excellent. Dry beans emerged were 98 percent, equal to 98 last year but ahead of 91 average.
Alfalfa conditions were 3 percent very poor, 11 poor, 32 fair, 47 good, and 7 excellent. Alfalfa first cutting was 93 percent complete, behind last year’s 100 but near 95 average. Alfalfa second cutting was 6 percent complete, well behind last year’s 81 and 28 average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Stock water supplies rated 5 percent very short, 13 short, 82 adequate and
0 surplus. Pasture and range condition was 10 percent very poor, 27 poor, 39 fair, 22 good, and 2 excellent. Hay and forage supplies rated 26 percent very short, 33 short, 41 adequate, and 0 surplus.
Access the National publication for Crop Progress and Condition tables at: http://usda01.library.cornell.edu/usda/nass/CropProg//2010s/2013/CropProg-07-01-2013.txt.
Access the High Plains Region Climate Center for Temperature and Precipitation Maps at: http://www.hprcc.unl.edu/maps/current/index.php?action=update_region&state=NE®ion=HPRCC
Access the U.S. Drought Monitor at: http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/DM_state.htm?NE,HP
Iowa Crops & Weather Report: Issued July 1, 2013
Warmer and mostly drier conditions during the week ending June 30, 2013 allowed Iowa farmers to near completion of corn and soybeans planting, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there was an average of 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, only the third week of the year with more than 4 days suitable. The 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork in Northwest Iowa were the most in the state, and Northeast Iowa had the least amount with 2.9 days suitable.
Moisture levels for both topsoil and subsoil saw movement from the surplus rating into the adequate rating. Topsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 1 percent short, 66 percent adequate and 33 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 2 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 31 percent surplus.
With 99 percent of the corn crop in the ground, Iowa farmers have virtually wrapped up planting. Ninety-six percent of the corn crop has emerged, about 3 weeks behind normal. The warmer weather helped the condition of corn and the good to excellent rating increased 3 percentage points from last week. Corn condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 11 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 44 percent good and 13 percent excellent.
Ninety-six percent of the soybean crop has been planted, about two weeks later than it normally takes soybeans to reach that mark. Eighty-nine percent of the soybean crop has emerged; 8 percentage points behind the five-year average. Soybeans also benefitted from the warmer weather, with condition ratings improving slightly, to 3 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 32 percent fair, 45 percent good and 11 percent excellent.
Eighty-four percent of the oat crop was headed, only 3 percentage points behind the normal 87 percent headed. Seven percent of the oat crop has turned color, well behind last year’s 63 percent and the five-year average of 28 percent. The oat condition rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 55 percent good and 12 percent excellent.
Farmers continued to make good progress harvesting alfalfa, and the 1st cutting of alfalfa now stands at 89 percent complete, 2 percentage points ahead of normal. Hay condition was rated at 1 percent very poor, 3 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 54 percent good and 16 percent excellent. Pasture and range conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 24 percent fair, 48 percent good and 24 percent excellent.
IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
Provided by Harry Hillaker, State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship
Rainfall amounts were highly variable across Iowa for the past reporting week. The bulk of the precipitation came early in the period. Light to moderate rain fell over much of the state on Sunday (23rd) and statewide on Monday (24th) with heavy rain over parts of eastern Iowa. There was scattered light to moderate rain on Tuesday (25th) with scattered rain over the west and moderate to heavy rain over the east on Wednesday (26th). Light rain fell across the southwest one-third of the state on Thursday (27th) while Friday (28th) was dry in most areas. Some rain fell over far northeast Iowa Friday night with showers and thunderstorms over much of the state on Saturday (29th), with greatest amount again in the east. Dry weather returned statewide on Sunday (30th). Weekly rain totals varied from only 0.03 inches at Sibley in northwest Iowa to 8.59 inches at Lowden in Cedar County. The statewide average precipitation was 1.72 inches while normal for the week is 1.16 inches. Meanwhile temperatures were a little below normal on Monday thanks to widespread cloud cover while warm and humid air prevailed from Tuesday through Thursday. Lower temperatures and humidity prevailed over the weekend. Temperature extremes for the week ranged from a Wednesday afternoon high of 93 degrees at Des Moines to Sunday (30th) morning lows of 52 degrees at Mason City, Sheldon and Grundy Center. Temperatures for the week as a whole averaged 0.9 degrees above normal.
Corn Silking - Selected States
[These 18 States planted 92% of the 2012 corn acreage]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: Week ending :
:-----------------------------------:
State : June 30, : June 23, : June 30, : 2008-2012
: 2012 : 2013 : 2013 : Average
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Colorado ........: 4 (NA) 1 2
Illinois ............: 42 (NA) 1 16
Indiana ...........: 27 (NA) - 9
Iowa ..............: 14 (NA) - 3
Kansas ..........: 42 (NA) 3 20
Kentucky .......: 45 (NA) 5 21
Michigan ........: 1 (NA) - -
Minnesota ......: 4 (NA) - 1
Missouri .........: 53 (NA) 7 23
Nebraska ........: 22 (NA) - 5
North Carolina .: 81 (NA) 77 75
North Dakota ..: 3 (NA) - 1
Ohio ..............: 6 (NA) 1 3
Pennsylvania ..: 8 (NA) 1 3
South Dakota .: 3 (NA) - 1
Tennessee .....: 84 (NA) 35 54
Texas ............: 66 (NA) 66 60
Wisconsin .....: 1 (NA) - -
18 States ......: 22 (NA) 3 9
-----------------------------------------------------------------
- Represents zero.
(NA) Not available.
Corn Condition - Selected States: Week Ending June 30, 2013
[National crop conditions for selected States are weighted based on 2012 planted acreage]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
State : Very poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Colorado .......: 12 10 34 38 6
Illinois ...........: 2 5 24 52 17
Indiana ..........: 1 3 17 54 25
Iowa ..............: 3 11 29 44 13
Kansas ..........: 2 7 32 50 9
Kentucky .......: 1 2 15 57 25
Michigan ........: 2 4 18 55 21
Minnesota ......: 3 7 32 50 8
Missouri .........: 2 7 32 49 10
Nebraska ........: - 3 19 62 16
North Carolina .: 1 4 22 55 18
North Dakota ..: 1 3 22 59 15
Ohio ..............: 1 1 13 55 30
Pennsylvania ..: - 1 12 72 15
South Dakota .: 1 2 27 57 13
Tennessee .....: - 5 16 56 23
Texas ............: 2 9 38 37 14
Wisconsin .....: 3 7 30 42 18
18 States ......: 2 6 25 51 16
Previous week .: 2 6 27 51 14
Previous year ..: 7 15 30 40 8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Represents zero.
Soybeans Planted - Selected States
[These 18 States planted 95% of the 2012 soybean acreage]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: Week ending :
:-----------------------------------:
State : June 30, : June 23, : June 30, : 2008-2012
: 2012 : 2013 : 2013 : Average
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Arkansas .......: 100 88 93 96
Illinois ............: 100 96 97 96
Indiana ...........: 100 96 98 97
Iowa ...............: 100 90 96 99
Kansas ...........: 100 88 95 95
Kentucky ........: 100 77 88 95
Louisiana ........: 100 98 99 99
Michigan .........: 100 100 100 100
Minnesota .......: 100 94 96 100
Mississippi ......: 100 98 100 100
Missouri ..........: 100 84 93 91
Nebraska .........: 100 100 100 100
North Carolina ..: 90 68 75 91
North Dakota ...: 100 92 95 100
Ohio ...............: 100 100 100 100
South Dakota ..: 100 98 100 99
Tennessee ......: 100 73 85 95
Wisconsin ......: 100 85 93 100
18 States .......: 100 92 96 98
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Soybeans Emerged - Selected States
[These 18 States planted 95% of the 2012 soybean acreage]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: Week ending :
:-----------------------------------:
State : June 30, : June 23, : June 30, : 2008-2012
: 2012 : 2013 : 2013 : Average
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Arkansas .......: 99 78 86 90
Illinois ............: 99 87 93 92
Indiana ...........: 100 90 96 93
Iowa ...............: 100 75 89 97
Kansas ...........: 97 78 89 90
Kentucky ........: 100 60 71 89
Louisiana ........: 100 94 95 98
Michigan .........: 100 95 100 98
Minnesota .......: 100 81 93 100
Mississippi ......: 100 93 100 99
Missouri ..........: 96 67 80 82
Nebraska .........: 100 95 97 99
North Carolina ..: 87 57 66 83
North Dakota ...: 100 76 88 99
Ohio ...............: 100 96 100 97
South Dakota ..: 100 84 96 97
Tennessee ......: 97 54 67 85
Wisconsin ......: 100 69 85 99
18 States ........: 99 81 91 94
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Soybean Condition - Selected States: Week Ending June 30, 2013
[National crop conditions for selected States are weighted based on 2012 planted acreage]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
State : Very poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Arkansas ......: 6 6 32 43 13
Illinois ...........: 1 4 23 58 14
Indiana ..........: 1 4 21 56 18
Iowa ..............: 3 9 32 45 11
Kansas ..........: 1 2 30 63 4
Kentucky .......: 1 2 16 65 16
Louisiana .......: - 3 24 52 21
Michigan ........: 2 8 26 48 16
Minnesota ......: 2 6 33 53 6
Mississippi .....: 2 8 23 51 16
Missouri .........: 2 6 33 53 6
Nebraska ........: - 2 20 66 12
North Carolina .: - 6 31 53 10
North Dakota ..: 1 3 24 60 12
Ohio ..............: 1 2 17 64 16
South Dakota .: 1 3 29 54 13
Tennessee .....: - 3 15 61 21
Wisconsin .....: 1 7 30 47 15
18 States .......: 2 5 26 55 12
Previous week .: 2 5 28 54 11
Previous year ..: 7 15 33 39 6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winter Wheat Harvested - Selected States
[These 18 States harvested 88% of the 2012 winter wheat acreage]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: Week ending :
:-----------------------------------:
State : June 30, : June 23, : June 30, : 2008-2012
: 2012 : 2013 : 2013 : Average
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Arkansas .......: 100 73 93 98
California .......: 78 80 85 73
Colorado ........: 81 2 7 25
Idaho .............: - - - -
Illinois ............: 94 12 45 64
Indiana ...........: 88 7 27 47
Kansas ..........: 99 8 57 67
Michigan ........: 17 - - 4
Missouri ........ : 99 23 51 72
Montana .........: - - - -
Nebraska ........: 64 - - 15
North Carolina .: 98 48 69 96
Ohio ...............: 59 1 3 20
Oklahoma .......: 100 55 84 94
Oregon ...........: - - - -
South Dakota ..: 10 - - 2
Texas .............: 96 55 73 83
Washington ....: - - - -
18 States .......: 73 20 43 52
-----------------------------------------------------------------
- Represents zero.
Winter Wheat Condition - Selected States: Week Ending June 30, 2013 [National crop conditions for selected States are weighted based on 2012 planted acreage]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
State : Very poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Arkansas ......: 4 4 32 39 21
California ......: - - 10 25 65
Colorado .......: 47 25 19 8 1
Idaho ............: - 1 20 68 11
Illinois ...........: 1 4 22 42 31
Indiana ..........: 1 4 19 51 25
Kansas ..........: 25 18 24 25 8
Michigan ........: 4 6 27 46 17
Missouri .........: 1 5 25 53 16
Montana .........: 2 5 25 47 21
Nebraska ........: 24 26 33 16 1
North Carolina .: - 9 36 45 10
Ohio ...............: 1 2 26 58 13
Oklahoma .......: 24 29 26 19 2
Oregon ...........: 9 16 38 35 2
South Dakota ..: 28 27 30 14 1
Texas .............: 50 25 17 7 1
Washington ....: 5 8 31 49 7
18 States ........: 24 18 24 26 8
Previous week .: 24 19 25 25 7
Previous year ..: (NA) (NA) (NA) (NA) (NA)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pasture and Range Condition - Selected States: Week Ending June 30, 2013 [National pasture and range conditions for selected States are weighted based on pasture acreage and/or livestock inventories]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
State : Very poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Alabama .......: - 3 20 63 14
Arizona .........: 63 23 13 1 -
Arkansas ......: - 4 36 50 10
California .......: 30 68 2 - -
Colorado ........: 43 28 19 10 -
Connecticut ...: - - 33 67 -
Delaware .......: 1 3 28 59 9
Florida ..........: - 1 24 65 10
Georgia ........: - 1 17 60 22
Idaho ............: 6 23 41 29 1
Illinois ...........: 1 1 10 57 31
Indiana ..........: 1 2 18 60 19
Iowa ..............: - 4 24 48 24
Kansas ..........: 25 18 22 30 5
Kentucky .......: 1 2 20 57 20
Louisiana .......: 2 5 36 53 4
Maine ............: - 5 16 48 31
Maryland ........: - 1 9 67 23
Massachusetts: - - - 100 -
Michigan ........: 1 6 22 44 27
Minnesota ......: 1 3 20 56 20
Mississippi .....: - 2 25 65 8
Missouri .........: 1 2 21 61 15
Montana ........: 3 10 27 46 14
Nebraska .......: 10 27 39 22 2
Nevada ..........: 35 25 27 10 3
New Hampshire: - 2 17 69 12
New Jersey .....: - 2 26 42 30
New Mexico ....: 70 26 4 - -
New York ........: - 3 21 60 16
North Carolina .: - 2 24 62 12
North Dakota ..: 1 1 8 53 37
Ohio ...............: - 6 21 56 17
Oklahoma .......: 10 10 31 44 5
Oregon ...........: 2 14 46 32 6
Pennsylvania ..: - 4 37 54 5
Rhode Island ..: - - 25 50 25
South Carolina.: - - 18 70 12
South Dakota .: 1 6 24 55 14
Tennessee .....: - 2 18 67 13
Texas ............: 15 26 33 22 4
Utah ..............: 7 19 38 36 -
Vermont ........: - - 31 63 6
Virginia ..........: 1 1 10 61 27
Washington ...: 4 14 27 53 2
West Virginia .: - 3 16 72 9
Wisconsin .....: - 2 11 61 26
Wyoming ......: 12 27 35 25 1
48 States ......: 10 15 24 41 10
Previous week.: 8 15 24 42 11
Previous year .: 17 26 32 22 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Watch For Armyworms in Eastern Nebraska
Bob Wright, UNL Extension Entomologist
High numbers of true armyworm moths were reported from the black light trap at the Haskell Ag Laboratory near Concord earlier this week. Numbers declined over the past week at the South Central Ag Lab black light trap near Clay Center. None have been reported yet from the North Platte light trap. To monitor these traps go to http://entomology.unl.edu/fldcrops/lightrap.shtml.
Damaging populations of armyworms were reported earlier this growing season in the eastern Corn Belt.
Armyworm moths often lay eggs in small grain fields, grass pastures, or corn fields with grassy weeds. Armyworm larvae may move out of small grain fields as they mature and damage nearby corn fields.
Be alert to the occurrence of armyworm larvae in small grains or corn. Armyworm larvae are most active at night, and hide in the soil during the day. When abundant, they may totally consume the leaves from their grassy host plants, leaving only the leaf blades. In corn a threshold suggested by Purdue University is “more than 50% of plants with armyworm feeding damage, and live armyworms less than 1.25 inches long are numerous.”
Scouting for Corn Rootworm Larvae and Treating Postemergence
Rootworm egg hatch was first detected at Clay Center and Ithaca on June 10. Continuous corn fields should be scouted for corn rootworm larvae and damage. This will help determine whether an insecticide is needed in non-Bt rootworm corn hybrids, if one was not used at planting, and provide a check of the effectiveness of your management practices. In case of poor control, this will allow you to apply a rescue treatment before too much damage occurs.
Scouting
To check for the presence of larvae in a field, dig a 7-inch cube of soil centered on the corn plant. Sample a minimum of two plants at each of five sites in a field. Carefully search through the soil and plant roots for larvae. Placing the soil and roots on a sheet of black plastic may make it easier to find the small white worms. An alternative method is to place the soil and roots in a bucket of water. Stir the water and soil to break up the soil. Rootworm larvae will float to the surface. Salt or sugar may be added to the water to increase larval recovery. There are three larval instars (stages). The greatest amount of damage is done in the last stage. The first instars are about 1/16 inch long and difficult to find without magnification.
Often the first detected rootworms are second instars. Corn rootworm larvae are slender, cream-colored and have brown heads and a dark plate on the top side of the tail, giving them a double-headed appearance. Mature larvae are 1/2 inch long. There is no established economic threshold for corn rootworm larvae, but some consultants advise treating if there are two or three rootworms per plant. The usefulness of this guideline depends on your ability to find rootworm larvae in the soil.
Treatment
If needed, cultivation time treatments should be applied soon after egg hatch begins. Cultivation-time, insecticide applications can effectively reduce corn rootworm feeding damage. Some granular soil insecticides for corn rootworms (for example, Counter 15G and Force 3G) are labeled for application at cultivation. Incorporate granules with 1-2 inches of soil after application; effectiveness may be decreased unless the insecticide is incorporated. Counter 15G, 20G and Force 3G can be applied only once per season; if used at planting time, they cannot be used post-emergence.
Other options include the use of chemigated insecticide treatments. A variety of products can be applied through chemigation, including Brigade 2EC (and other bifenthrin products) and Lorsban 4E (and other chlorpyrifos products).
Heat Stress – What you should know to make livestock shows a success
UNL Extension Educators Lindsay M. Chichester and Terry L. Mader
Heat stress is hard on livestock, especially if it is in combination with high humidity and low wind speed. The degree of heat stress is dependent on the animal’s activity, body condition, coat cover and color, and disposition.
Signs of heat stress (depends on specie) may include animals bunching, seeking shade, panting, slobbering or excessive salvation, foam around the mouth, open mouth breathing, lack of coordination, and trembling. If these symptoms are observed, assume the animal has a heat load. Immediately try to minimize the stress to the animal, especially handling or movement of the animal. Previous health of individual animals is an important risk factor; animals that have had past health problems will be more affected by heat stress than animals with no prior health problems. These animals will generally be the first to exhibit signs of heat stress and be the most severely affected.
Effects of heat stress
Hot weather and high humidity can reduce feed intake, weight gain, reproductive efficiency, milk production; while increasing susceptibility to disease. Changes in behavior and even death can also occur.
The comfort zone for animals varies depending on age. Young animals generally have a narrow comfort zone between 45 degrees F and 80 degrees F; while the range in temperatures of the comfort zone of mature animals can be wider. For example, feedlot animals and mature cows the comfort zone can range from below zero in the winter to about 75 degrees F in the summer. Bos indicus cattle do have better heat coping capabilities and can easily tolerate temperatures above 90 degrees F.
What is a heat index?
Environmental stress is dependent on temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation; which is best determined by an index. The index that is most commonly used is called the Heat Index, which is commonly reported by many media outlets during the summer. This index, which is used for humans, has a threshold that is very close to the livestock temperature-humidity index.
The following guidelines should be followed for show animals:
Heat index above 100: still stressful for the animal, but they will be able to tolerate it if shade is available and/or wind speed is at least 10 mph. Thus show animals should be provided shade and/or moving air via fans.
Heat index above 110: stressful for the animal regardless of wind speed. Show animals should be in the shade with fans, especially market ready animals, and have plenty of access to water. If a heat index above 110 is predicted, livestock shows should be completed by noon. In addition, livestock that need to be moved or transported should be out of the facilities by early morning but certainly by noon, if possible.
Heat index above 115: Avoid moving or handling market ready animals. Livestock show rings should be shaded with fans and misters; the show staff should consider postponing the show due to excessive heat.
Heat index above 120: no activity should occur for animals or humans. May cause serious health risks or even death.
Keep in mind that using the heat index value does not account for night time cooling, which can be a good indicator of overall heat stress. When animals do not cool down at night, they become compromised and are less capable of handling a heat load.
Management options
Management options include providing: shade; ventilation and air flow; clean and cool water; wetting; cool water drench; and sprinklers or hoses. Shade can be provided by trees, buildings, or other sunshades. In addition, the temperature can be lowered by spraying cool water on the roof and walls of buildings where the animals are being housed. Improved ventilation can be provided by fans or opening windows on a breezy day. Sunshades should be high enough off the ground (10 feet or more) to allow for adequate air movement. Clean and cool drinking water is essential to keeping the animal’s internal body temperature within normal limits. Providing cool drinking water will help cool the animal’s core. If water space is limited, provide additional portable water troughs. Wetting is a good way to cool an animal suffering from heat stress. The animal should be gradually wetted with cool water. Use of excessive cold water for this purpose should be avoided. This process may need to be repeated until the heat stress symptoms have dissipated. A cool water drench (administer orally) may help quickly decrease the animal’s core temperature. This very effective method should be performed by someone who has experience in drenching an animal. Sprinklers or hoses can provide some relief to heat stressed animals. The water droplet size should be large; misting (small droplets) may only add humidity and moisture to the air. Keep in mind, if animals are not acclimated to sprinklers they may become frightened, which will add to their stress level.
Water requirements
At 90 degrees F, water consumption can be almost twice that at 70 degrees F. For example, on days where the temperature exceeds 80 degrees F, cattle may need more than two gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight. Also, water requirements vary from species to species and on metabolic and physiological needs. For instance, water needs will vary depending on the weight of the animal, lactation, and moisture of the feeds being consumed. Water not only prevents dehydration, but also allows heat to dissipate through sweating and urination. The amount of water an animal drinks will be largely dependent on the amount of water lost through evaporation from the skin or lungs, as well as through urination. If the environmental temperature and/or physical activity increase, then it is safe to assume that water losses through evaporation and sweating will also increase.
Avoid overworking the animals
Body temperatures of livestock exposed to high daytime temperatures tends to peak in the early evening, decline during the night, to reach a low point in the hours just before sunrise, and rising again slowly throughout the day. It is recommended to work/process livestock in the morning. Avoid working them in the late afternoon/early evening when their body temperature is already high. Processing cattle can elevate their body temperatures ½ to 3 ½ degrees F.
Confinement
Animals in confinement will usually have higher heat loads than animals grazing pasture. This is due to possibly less air movement and less shade availability in a confined area. Also, there is more exposure to radiant heat associated with concrete or dark, bare soils.
Animal weight and body condition
Livestock that are heavier in weight or that have a higher body condition score are generally more susceptible to higher heat loads than livestock that are lighter in weight or with a smaller body condition score.
Hide/pelt color
Usually, animals that are dark hided or dark pelted are more susceptible to heat stress than their light hided/pelted counter parts. It is best to assume that all animals are susceptible to heat stress, regardless of hide/pelt color.
Transportation
If possible, avoid transporting livestock during heat stress periods. If transportation cannot be delayed, it should be done in the evening or early morning when temperatures are cooler. The transportation of heat stressed livestock to a harvest facility may have a negative effect on carcass quality, such as dark cutters in cattle, or PSE (Pale, Soft, and Exudative) in pork.
In conclusion, it is important to take precautions during the summer months to ensure that animals are suffering as little as possible from heat stress. Remember to provide livestock with shade (if possible) and plenty of clean, cool water. Also, try to limit other activities which may increase their stress, including movement and/or hauling. If your animal is showing severe heat stress symptoms you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
WSA DONATES $2,500 TO FOOD BANK
We Support Agriculture (WSA), a group formed two years ago to defend and promote Nebraska’s livestock industry, announced Monday it is donating $2,500 to the Food Bank of Lincoln’s veterans mobile food pantry program. WSA members are the Nebraska Cattlemen, Nebraska State Dairy Association, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation, Nebraska Pork Producers and the Nebraska Poultry Industry.
“As Americans think about celebrating our independence on July 4th, we want to remember those heroes who have fought to protect that independence and our freedom,” said Larry Sitzman, Vice Chairman of the WSA Board of Directors. “Nebraska’s livestock growers and ranchers appreciate our freedom to responsibly raise our livestock and provide Americans – and people around the world – with healthy and affordable food. We were told that hunger is one of the biggest challenges for many of our veterans and we wanted to help them out with a $2,500 contribution and show them our gratitude for our independence,” Sitzman said.
RC&D and Partners Focus on Wildlife Habitat
The July 11th Habitat Management Tour in northern Cedar County will take an up-close look at techniques used in managing grassland habitat for wildlife. Biologists will pick apart what’s been learned in attempts to re-invigorate old Conservation Reserve Program lands to make them the most productive wildlife habitat possible, talk about long-term management and maintenance of the those acres, and share the expectations, challenges and surprises of habitat work. Other points of interest will include prairie plant ID, tree planting for wildlife, and long-term woodland management.
This tour will be of interest to those who want to know more about the life cycle needs of local wildlife populations, have management activity requirements in their own CRP contracts, have a general interest in plant identification, or have questions about managing trees and woodlands for wildlife.
The Northeast Nebraska Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council in cooperation with Pheasants Forever and Nebraska Game & Parks Commission is hosting this Habitat Management Tour. It will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 11th at 88592 Hwy 15 (8 miles east of Hartington on Hwy 84 & 3 ½ north on Hwy 15) at the George and Gretchen Hirschbach’s property. There is no fee to attend and no need to pre-register. Transportation will be provided on-site for the actual tour itself. The workshop will conclude no later than 5 p.m.
Aurora Cooperative Announces Aurora Agronomy® Expansion in Multiple National Locations
The Aurora Cooperative, a leading grain marketer and agricultural supplier based in Nebraska and serving America’s farmers in multiple states, today announced finalization of its Aurora Agronomy® expansions in Texas, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
The Texas expansion involves a seven-location acquisition of Plains Aerial Co., previously owned by Lance Ollinger and headquartered at Olton, TX. Other sites include Cotton Center, Slaton, Tahoka, Lamesa, Groom, and Levelland, TX. The sites will continue to operate under the Plains Aerial brand, with Ollinger to lead operations at the facilities and assist in the consolidation of these sites with the existing Aurora Ag Aviation, a sub-division of Aurora Agronomy®.
The South Dakota expansion involves a three-location acquisition in Mitchell, SD (Big Green Agronomy), Letcher, SD (MJ Aviation), and Elk Point, SD (MJ Aviation). John and Marci O’Connell, previous owners, have agreed to continue leading the management of these sites. The sites will continue to operate under the Big Green and MJ Aviation brands, with the Aurora Ag Aviation and Aurora Agronomy® teams providing service and oversight.
Finally, the company has completed the construction of its newest, greenfield Aurora Agronomy® retail site in David City, NE. The facility is now fully functional, serving area farmer-owners from the 31-acre site along NE-Hwy 15, north of David City.
“The vision of the Aurora Cooperative is to be financially strong, innovative, independent and a farmer-owned agri-business…now, and for the next generation. We are committed to delivering the finest products, service, and expertise to all farmer-owners in our expanding market area,” said George Hohwieler, President and CEO of the Aurora Cooperative.
“In each of these expansions, Aurora’s ground and aerial agronomy capabilities are further enhanced. Equally important is selecting businesses that share Aurora’s culture and vision,” Hohwieler said. “John, Marci, Lance, and the David City team share our approach of building long-term relationships with our farmer-owners. Aurora’s continued growth will be built upon these time-honored principles.”
USW Installs New Officers at Summer Board Meeting
The U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Board of Directors installed new officers at its annual meeting July 1, 2013, in Rapid City, SD. Dan Hughes (Venango, NE) was installed as Chairman, while last year’s chairman Darrell Davis (Ipswich, SD) transitioned to Past Chairman and Chairman of the USW Budget Committee. Other officers installed included Roy Motter (Brawley, CA) as Vice Chairman and Brian O’Toole (Crystal, ND) as Secretary-Treasurer. USW officers were elected to these one-year positions at the January 2013 Winter Wheat Conference.
Committees met on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, including the Joint Biotech and Joint International Trade Policy committees that operate in conjunction with the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG). Official business was called to order on Sunday, June 30, and continued through Monday, July 1.
Reports from the meeting included a welcome from South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Lucas Lentsch, an update export market development activities in South Korea from USW Country Director Dr. Won Bang Koh, a report from NAWG President Bing Von Bergen, a market update from USW Market Analyst Casey Chumrau and reports from wheat producers who participated in an intensive industry tour to Asia. This year’s meeting also featured industry speakers, including:
§ Greg Guthrie, director of ag products, BNSF Railway
§ Norm Dreger, head of North America cereals, Syngenta
§ Dr. Kevin Kephart, vice president of research, South Dakota State University
USW's next Board meeting will be held jointly with NAWG in Portland, OR, November 4 to 6, 2013.
NASS to Collect Additional Soybean Acreage Data
In July, USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will collect updated information on 2013 acres planted to soybean in fourteen states. NASS previously collected planted acreage information during the first two weeks of June, with the results published in the June 28 Acreage report. At the time of the survey, a large percentage of acres remained to be planted in fourteen states: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. To better assess planted acreage, NASS will resurvey the growers in these states in July. If the newly collected data justifies any changes, NASS will publish updated estimates in the Crop Production report, to be released on Aug. 12.
Soil Sustainability Webinar July 17
Michael Castellano, assistant agronomy professor at Iowa State University, will share his research on nitrogen and soil organic matter during the Iowa Learning Farms’ monthly webinar Wednesday, July 17. The 11:30 a.m. webinar is part of a free series, hosted by ILF, through Adobe Connect. The series is on the third Wednesday of each month. A computer with Internet access is all that is needed to participate.
Castellano will discuss the status and management of soil organic matter stocks in Iowa soils. “Soil organic matter, rather than fertilizer, is the largest direct source of crop nitrogen uptake – regardless of the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied,” Castellano said. “Soil organic matter is also typically the largest sink for nitrogen fertilizer. Due to the effects of soil organic matter on nutrient availability as well as water holding capacity, soil organic matter is positively correlated with the amount and stability of crop yields.”
Castellano received his Ph.D. in soil science from The Pennsylvania State University in 2009. He has worked in agricultural systems in Arizona, Texas and Maryland. His research focuses on the use, transport and transformation of nitrogen.
To connect to the webinars, go to: https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/ at 11:30 a.m. on the morning of the webinar and log in as a guest. Castellano will be able to answer questions from webinar attendees via the Adobe Connect chat box. The ILF website contains links for archived webinars from all previous sessions: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/Webinars/. The webinar archive will also be available in a podcast through iTunes.
Iowa Soybean Association to bring nationally-known futurist and economist to Iowa
From discussing soy’s use in biodiesel to how biotechnology plays a vital role in global agriculture, nationally-known economist and futurist Dr. Jay Lehr works to help Americans feel good about modern farming.
The Iowa Food & Family Project and Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) are bringing Lehr’s outspoken opinions and science-based outlooks to Iowa Wednesday, July 10, when he addresses the Iowa Grocery Industry Association’s (IGIA) annual meeting in Dubuque and speaks to soybean farmers at the farm of Tom Wall near Iowa City.
Lehr says there is a place for all sizes of farms and that many different production methods will help protect the environment and feed a growing world population. Lehr combines five decades of expertise and experience in agricultural economics, business administration, environmental science and agronomy. His enthusiasm for the future is contagious and he provides a positive and forward-thinking perspective
“It’s important to gain perspective on all of the issues that affect farming, from regulations to planting concerns to price worries to growing enough food to feed a growing population,” says Wall. “Farmers work hard to protect their farms, their families, their land. We work to tell our stories to a growing non-farm audience, but we also need to listen and understand the needs of those people. They are our customers and our neighbors. Lehr has a unique approach to breaking down barriers which helps us connect even better.”
Michelle Hurd, IGIA president, says Lehr’s message is important to her association’s mission and members.
“Today, people have many questions about their food and, ultimately, where it comes from,” explains Hurd. “That’s why it makes sense for the Iowa Grocery Industry Association to partner with the Iowa Food & Family Project to help people make stronger connections to our members and Iowa’s farmers. We’re looking forward to listening to Dr. Lehr and learning from his perspectives.”
Farmers and community leaders are invited to attend the machine shed meeting at the Wall farm. It begins with dinner served at 6 p.m. and program at 6:30 p.m. Reservations can be made by contacting Kayla Reiter, ISA member outreach coordinator, at kreiter@iasoybeans.com or 515-669-9035.
Pork Checkoff Update on Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV)
Welcome to the first of a series of updates from the Pork Checkoff on Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus. PEDV was confirmed for the first time in U.S. swine herds in mid-May. While PEDV is not a new swine disease globally, it is new to the United States (see most recent states/cases here by scrolling down to the Disease Updates section and clicking the link titled: Number of New Cases Reported). Because PEDV is a new disease threat affecting multiple states, the Pork Checkoff has taken a series of steps in communications, education and research coordination to find solutions.
Key Points about PEDV
- It is widespread in many countries.
- It is not a trade-restricting disease.
- It may appear clinically to be the same as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus with acute diarrhea.
- Producers who suspect that their herd may be infected should work with their herd veterinarian immediately.
- As always, strict biosecurity protocols should be maintained.
How to Protect Your Farm from PEDV
- Current research says the virus is spread by the fecal-oral route. The most common sources of infected feces coming onto a farm are pigs, trucks, boots, clothing, or other things that can physically move it.
- Field reports suggest in some instances virus is being spread by ineffective washing and disinfecting of trucks used to transport pigs to/from farms or markets. Pay particular attention to biosecurity during transportation.
- Resources pertaining to biosecurity and livestock production can be found online on pork.org in the Transport Quality Assurance Handbook, and at the National Biosecurity Resource Center. Transporters can find guidance on boot disinfection, actively search for disinfectants by manufacturer, disinfectant class or by disease, or locate truck washes by state. Additional information on biosecurity can be found online at Iowa State University's Center for Food Security and Public Health.
- Be especially diligent about the cleanliness of feed, service and other personnel and visitors who enter your farm. Restrict access unless necessary.
Additional biosecurity recommendations should include:
- Restricting traffic (people and equipment) onto the farm
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect anything coming onto the farm
- Maintain strict biosecurity practices at all times, including proper disinfection. (Products such as: Tek-Trol, 1Stroke Environ, Virkon S, Chlorox and Synergize1 may work well.)*
- Enforcing downtime requirements and maintaining a log of visitors
- Taking care when disposing of dead stock, particularly if using a communal disposal method
- Isolating newly arriving animals and continuing vet-to-vet discussions about animal health at the herd of origin
- Showering into the facility where practical and changing into clean boots and coveralls
What to do if You Suspect PEDV is in Your Herd
- Clinical signs range from watery diarrhea and vomiting in nursing pigs and farrowing houses to transient diarrhea and off feed in finishing. Most pigs in any phase of production will become sick and death loss in nursing pigs could approach 100 percent.
- If you see diarrhea in any phase of production, contact your veterinarian immediately to get laboratory confirmation.
- Your veterinarian will take samples from the herd to submit for diagnosis. PED can look much like Transmissible Gastroenteritis (TGE) with laboratory confirmation being the only way to differentiate the two.
- To better help understand how the virus moves between herds, it is important to provide your National Premises Identification Number on the diagnostic lab submission form with the note that you agree that the lab results can be used in a confidential and secure manner for further disease analysis. The laboratory will not do so unless you tell them that they have your permission. It will be extremely helpful to understanding this disease if you will give them that permission. All information will be handled in a strictly confidential and secure manner.
- Follow your veterinarian's advice on how to care for any sick or infected animals.
- Provide a clean, dry, draft-free environment.
- Provide access to high-quality drinking water. Supplementing the water with electrolytes may be beneficial.
Stabenow, Cochran Announce First Hearing on CFTC Reauthorization
Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), chairwoman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, and Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS), the Committee's ranking member, announced that the Committee will hold a hearing in preparation to reauthorize the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, with the first in a series of hearings scheduled for July 17 at 2:30 p.m. ET in room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building. The hearing, "Reauthorization of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission," will feature testimony from market participants and stakeholders who will address issues related to the Commodity Exchange Act and the CFTC generally (witnesses to be announced).
Stabenow and Cochran also announced that recommendations made by the public and stakeholders regarding CFTC reauthorization are now public and available for viewing on the Committee's website here. The letters were submitted following a request made in March by Stabenow and Cochran for the public to weigh in on the process.
"Reauthorizing the CFTC is an opportunity to examine these derivatives markets and weigh policy changes that would help protect markets and the public," Stabenow said. "As Ranking Member Cochran and I said earlier this year, this process will be transparent, bipartisan and consensus-driven. It's important to address concerns with commodity market oversight generally as well as the need for additional customer protections in light of the failures of firms like MF Global and Peregrine Financial. At the end of the day, these markets must be safe for trading and we must ensure that farmers and business owners are able to manage risk without fear."
"As part of the Agriculture Committee's oversight responsibilities, we will conduct hearings to prepare for the reauthorization of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. I look forward to these hearings providing the Committee with information about the Commission's important work and what changes need to be considered to make it function better for consumers and the markets it oversees," Cochran said.
A live webcast of the hearing can be viewed on the Committee's website at http://ag.senate.gov.
Splitting Farm and Nutrition Programs is Recipe to Kill the Bill
Following the recent failure of the 2013 Farm Bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, there have been suggestions by several Congressmen who voted down the bill about splitting farm programs from nutrition programs, creating two separate bills. National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson issued the following statement in opposition of the separation:
“Separating farm programs from nutrition programs and proposing two bills would be a huge mistake. The likely result would be to kill the bill. This will allow Congress to continue to take no action to provide certainty to U.S. family farmers, ranchers, rural residents and those who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“As the providers of the food, feed, fiber and fuel, we have an obligation to educate the public on the importance of farmers and the support we lend to SNAP and other programs. Two bills would continue to perpetuate the public’s misconception on where their food comes from and widen the gap between the farmer and the consumer.
“This would also be a disruption to the historic coalition between urban, rural and conservation groups. The farm bill has historically been a bipartisan effort, and must remain a bipartisan effort. It is a shame that politics are getting in the way of providing for so many people.
“Separating farm and nutrition programs is simply a recipe to kill the bill.”
USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for July 2013
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for July 2013. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for July 2013 is 0.125 percent, unchanged from 0.125 in June 2013. For 1996 and subsequent crop year commodity and marketing assistance loans, the interest rate for loans disbursed during July 2013 is 1.125 percent, unchanged from 1.125 in June 2013.
Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for July 2013 are as follows, 1.500 percent with seven-year loan terms, up from 1.250 in June 2013; 2.125 percent with 10-year loan terms, up from 1.750 in June 2013 and; 2.375 percent with 12-year loan terms, up from 2.000 percent in June 2013.
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
No comments:
Post a Comment