NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION - July 8, 2013
For the week ending July 7, 2013, clear skies and sunshine boosted row crop development and allowed wheat harvest to progress uninterrupted in southern counties, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Much of the state saw little or no rainfall with topsoil moisture supplies declining as seasonally hot temperatures returned later in the week. Spring-planted, dryland crops in much of the western two-thirds of the state were showing signs of stress. Hay harvest progressed with alfalfa second cutting and wild hay harvests active. Statewide, producers had 6.8 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 14 percent very short, 39 short, 46 adequate, and 1 surplus, well above previous year. Statewide, subsoil moisture supplies rated 25 percent very short, 35 short, 40 adequate, and 0 surplus.
Field Crops Report:
All corn conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 19 fair, 56 good, 20 excellent. Irrigated corn conditions rated 83 percent good or excellent, compared to 77 average. Dryland corn conditions rated 66 percent good or excellent, compared to 71 average. Corn silking was 1 percent complete, behind 46 last year and 16 average.
Soybean conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 19 fair, 63 good, and 13 excellent. Twenty percent of the crop was blooming, behind 35 last year but near 21 average.
Sorghum conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 10 poor, 38 fair, 31 good, and 20 excellent.
Wheat conditions rated 24 percent very poor, 26 poor, 31 fair, 18 good, and 1 excellent. Wheat turning color was 92 percent, behind 100 last year but near 95 average. Wheat ripe was 30 percent, well behind 97 last year and 48 average. Twelve percent of the crop was harvested, well behind 90 last year and 27 average.
Oat conditions rated 4 percent very poor, 12 poor, 31 fair, 43 good, and 10 excellent. Oats headed were 96 percent, compared to last year’s 100 and 97 average.
Dry bean conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 18 fair, 76 good, and 6 excellent. Dry beans blooming were 1 percent, compared to 3 last year and 2 average.
Alfalfa conditions were 3 percent very poor, 9 poor, 31 fair, 51 good, and 6 excellent. Alfalfa first cutting was 99 percent complete, compared to last year’s 100 and 98 average. Alfalfa second cutting was 19 percent complete, well behind last year’s 86 and 43 average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Stock water supplies rated 6 percent very short, 13 short, 81 adequate and 0 surplus. Pasture and range condition was 11 percent very poor, 27 poor, 39 fair, 21 good, and 2 excellent. Hay and forage supplies rated 24 percent very short, 34 short, 42 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-07-08-2013.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 CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION REPORT - July 8, 2013
The warmest and driest extended period of weather this year was seen across Iowa during the week ending July 7, 2013. The weather allowed field crops to develop, although some areas reported crops were beginning to need moisture. Statewide there was an average of 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, the most of any week this year. Northeast Iowa had only 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork and was the only district with less than six days suitable. Farmers were finishing side dressing fields.
The drier weather led to a decrease in both topsoil and subsoil moisture levels. Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 0 percent very short, 4 percent short, 80 percent adequate and 16 percent surplus.
With reports of corn beginning to tassel in scattered fields across the state, the amount of the crop in good to excellent condition increased to 58 percent, a 1 percentage point increase from the previous week. Corn condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 9 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 44 percent good and 14 percent excellent.
Ninety-five percent of the soybean crop has emerged; 3 percentage points behind the five-year average. Soybeans condition was rated 3 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 33 percent fair, 44 percent good and 12 percent excellent.
Ninety-four percent of the oat crop was headed, 1 percentage point behind the normal. Twenty-three percent of the oat crop has turned color, behind last year’s 89 percent and the five-year average of 51 percent. The oat condition rated 0 percent very poor, 5 percent poor, 30 percent fair, 52 percent good and 13 percent excellent.
Farmers were close to wrapping up the 1st cutting of alfalfa and beginning to harvest the second cutting. The 1st cutting now stands at 97 percent complete, 1 percentage point ahead of normal, while the 2nd cutting is 8 percent complete, 30 percentage points behind the 5-year average. Hay condition was rated at 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 26 percent fair, 53 percent good and 16 percent excellent.
Pasture and range conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 6 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 48 percent good and 20 percent excellent. Heat and insects were putting stress on livestock.
IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
Provided by Harry Hillaker, State Climatologist, Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship
Iowa recorded its driest week in 13 weeks (early April) with most locations receiving no measurable rainfall. Most of the week’s rain came on Tuesday (2nd) when showers and thunderstorms were scattered over the southwest two-thirds of the state. The greatest reported rainfall amount was 1.57 inches from a location a few miles north of Grinnell. Some of the stronger storms on Tuesday brought brief heavy rain and in some cases plentiful hail over small parts of central and south central Iowa. The statewide average precipitation was just 0.04 inches while normal for the week is 1.08 inches. The reporting week began with unseasonably mild conditions as temperatures averaged below normal from Sunday (30th) through Thursday (4th). Heat and humidity gradually returned over the weekend with scattered thunderstorms on Sunday (7th) afternoon and night (which will be included in next week’s report). Temperature extremes for the week varied from Monday (1st) morning lows of 48 degrees at Atlantic and Chariton to afternoon highs of 93 degrees at Spencer on Saturday (6th) and Des Moines and Newton on Sunday (7th). Temperatures for the week as a whole averaged from two to three degrees below normal over the southeast to one to two degrees above normal over the northwest with a statewide average of 0.9 degrees below normal.
Corn Silking - Selected States
[These 18 States planted 92% of the 2012 corn acreage]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: Week ending :
:-----------------------------------:
State : July 7, : June 30, : July 7, : 2008-2012
: 2012 : 2013 : 2013 : Average
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Colorado .......: 8 1 3 6
Illinois ...........: 73 1 8 32
Indiana ..........: 56 - - 22
Iowa ..............: 43 - - 11
Kansas ..........: 59 3 12 37
Kentucky .......: 63 5 16 38
Michigan ........: 7 - 2 4
Minnesota ......: 36 - - 9
Missouri .........: 72 7 15 42
Nebraska ........: 46 - 1 16
North Carolina .: 93 77 88 89
North Dakota ..: 12 - - 4
Ohio ..............: 36 1 4 14
Pennsylvania ..: 33 1 4 13
South Dakota .: 21 - - 4
Tennessee .....: 92 35 60 74
Texas ............: 77 66 67 67
Wisconsin .....: 10 - - 3
18 States ......: 46 3 6 20
-----------------------------------------------------------------
- Represents zero.
Corn Condition - Selected States: Week Ending July 7, 2013
[National crop conditions for selected States are weighted based on 2012 planted acreage]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
State : Very poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
:
Colorado .......: 10 10 31 45 4
Illinois ...........: 2 6 24 51 17
Indiana ..........: 1 3 15 57 24
Iowa ..............: 3 9 30 44 14
Kansas ..........: 3 11 37 43 6
Kentucky .......: 1 2 13 52 32
Michigan ........: 2 3 18 55 22
Minnesota ......: 2 5 30 54 9
Missouri .........: 2 8 31 49 10
Nebraska ........: 1 4 19 56 20
North Carolina .: 1 5 18 54 22
North Dakota ..: 2 4 18 61 15
Ohio ..............: - 2 15 52 31
Pennsylvania ..: - 2 16 58 24
South Dakota .: 1 5 18 59 17
Tennessee .....: - 4 14 57 25
Texas ............: 1 7 31 47 14
Wisconsin .....: 2 8 27 43 20
18 States .......: 2 6 24 51 17
Previous week : 2 6 25 51 16
Previous year .: 12 18 30 34 6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Soybeans Blooming - Selected States
[These 18 States planted 95% of the 2012 soybean acreage]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: Week ending :
:-----------------------------------:
State : July 7, : June 30, : July 7, : 2008-2012
: 2012 : 2013 : 2013 : Average
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Arkansas ......: 69 (NA) 25 39
Illinois ...........: 40 (NA) 9 20
Indiana ..........: 42 (NA) 9 20
Iowa ..............: 48 (NA) 4 31
Kansas ..........: 29 (NA) 4 17
Kentucky .......: 35 (NA) 4 21
Louisiana .......: 73 (NA) 51 69
Michigan ........: 25 (NA) 21 18
Minnesota ......: 53 (NA) 5 21
Mississippi .....: 88 (NA) 59 78
Missouri .........: 27 (NA) 2 12
Nebraska ........: 35 (NA) 20 21
North Carolina .: 10 (NA) 2 8
North Dakota ..: 40 (NA) - 20
Ohio ..............: 34 (NA) 7 19
South Dakota .: 43 (NA) 8 21
Tennessee .....: 41 (NA) 5 30
Wisconsin .....: 14 (NA) - 10
18 States ......: 42 (NA) 10 24
-----------------------------------------------------------------
- Represents zero.
(NA) Not available.
Soybean Condition - Selected States: Week Ending July 7, 2013
[National crop conditions for selected States are weighted based on 2012 planted acreage]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
State : Very poor : Poor : Fair : Good : Excellent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Arkansas .....: 6 7 34 38 15
Illinois ..........: 2 5 20 61 12
Indiana .........: 1 4 20 58 17
Iowa .............: 3 8 33 44 12
Kansas .........: 1 3 37 56 3
Kentucky ......: 1 2 14 60 23
Louisiana ......: - 3 23 57 17
Michigan .......: 2 7 23 55 13
Minnesota .....: 1 5 31 56 7
Mississippi ....: 1 5 18 64 12
Missouri ........: 2 7 35 49 7
Nebraska .......: 1 4 19 63 13
North Carolina : 1 7 33 54 5
North Dakota .: 1 3 22 64 10
Ohio .............: 1 3 22 55 19
South Dakota : 1 3 19 60 17
Tennessee ....: - 4 16 59 21
Wisconsin ....: 1 6 29 46 18
18 States .....: 2 5 26 55 12
Previous week : 2 5 26 55 12
Previous year .: 9 18 33 35 5
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Winter Wheat Harvested - Selected States
[These 18 States harvested 88% of the 2012 winter wheat acreage]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: Week ending :
:-----------------------------------:
State : July 7, : June 30, : July 7, : 2008-2012
: 2012 : 2013 : 2013 : Average
-----------------------------------------------------------------
: percent
Arkansas .......: 100 93 99 100
California .......: 93 85 90 87
Colorado ........: 96 7 16 37
Idaho .............: - - - -
Illinois ............: 99 45 68 79
Indiana ...........: 98 27 32 69
Kansas ..........: 100 57 87 89
Michigan ........: 59 - - 17
Missouri .........: 100 51 86 89
Montana .........: - - - -
Nebraska ........: 90 - 12 27
North Carolina .: 100 69 74 99
Ohio ...............: 84 3 9 48
Oklahoma .......: 100 84 94 98
Oregon ...........: - - - 1
South Dakota ..: 37 - - 8
Texas .............: 99 73 84 93
Washington ....: - - - -
18 States .......: 78 43 57 64
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Stress in Livestock
Larry Howard, Extension Educator, Cuming County
Heat stress is difficult 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.
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 feedlot animals and mature cows the comfort zone can range from below zero in the winter to about 75 degrees F in the summer.
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 animals that will be at livestock shows:
Heat index above 100: 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.
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.
Crop Water Use - Cuming County
Estimated Crop Water use (inch/day - as of July 7th)
Corn: Emerge Date 4/29, Prior 3 Days 0.23, Next 3 Days 0.21
Soybean: Emerge Date 5/15, Prior 3 Days 0.20, Next 3 Days 0.19
Alfalfa: Emerge Date 4/15, Prior 3 Days 0.31, Next 3 Days 0.26
Grass: Emerge Date 4/15, Prior 3 Days 0.21, Next 3 Days 0.18
Producers should note that immediately after cutting, water use for alfalfa will be 50% of the figure given; after ten days, water use will be 75%; and at 20 days after cutting, water use is the figure given. These crop figures are provided by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Cuming County. They are based on West Point weather factors and are good for 50-mile radius. Check the Cuming County web site (http://www.cuming.unl.edu/) daily for the current report under Crop Water Use & Growing Degree Days.
Purdue's Nielsen Headlines Midsummer Crop Diagnostic Clinics July 17-18 at ARDC
National corn expert Bob Nieslen will be the featured speaker at two crop clinics to be held at UNL's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead this July. At the UNL midsummer Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics July 17-18 producers and agribusiness professionals will take a close-up look at field conditions, research findings, and recommended practices. Nielsen, professor of agronomy and extension corn specialist at Purdue University (and a Nebraska native), writes for and publishes King Corn - the Corn Growers' Guidebook and the Chat 'n Chew Cafe, a Purdue University crop production website.
Keith Glewen, UNL extension educator, said having Nielsen share his experience and knowledge of corn production live in a cornfield will be a once in lifetime educational experience for many producers. Other speakers will include UNL researchers and extension specialists. Glewen says, "The benefits of the crop management and diagnostic clinics include one-on-one attention, on-site plot demonstrations, interaction with other participants, discussions about cutting edge research and an opportunity to earn continuing education credits through Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program."
Each day the clinics will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m. at the ARDC's August N. Christenson Research and Education Building followed by the program at 8 a.m. Participants can attend one or both of the clinics as subject matter will be different each day.
July 17 clinic topics include:
- Corn Crop Canopy, Light Interception, and Grain Yield
- Corn Silage, An Efficient and Economical Use of Corn Residue
- Update on Nematodes of Corn and Soybean
- Crop Water Use
- Making the Most of a Herbicide Application
- Feeding a Growing Population in a Shrinking World: A Plant Biosecurity-Food Security Challenge
Six Certified Crop Adviser credits have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic. They are in crop management – 1.5, pest management – 3.0, soil and water management – 1.0, and nutrient management – .5.
July 18 clinic topics include:
- Sex in the Corn Field: What Really Goes On Out There?
- Evaluating Efficacy of Tank Mixing Herbicides for Hard-to-Control Weeds in Corn
- Feedlot Manure and Holding Pond Effluent: N Availability and Environmental Issues
- Understanding the Benefits and Limitations of Current Pesticide Application Field Equipment
- Crop Scene Investigation (CSI)
- Atrazine in Surface Water and Groundwater
Six Certified Crop Adviser credits have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic. They are in crop management – 1.5, pest management – 3.5, and nutrient management – 1.0.
Reservations
Early registration is recommended to reserve a seat and resource materials. Cost for one clinic is $160 for those registering one week in advance and $210 after that date. Cost for both clinics is $280 one week in advance and $320 after that date. For more information or to register, view the program website, call 800-529-8030, fax 402-624-8010, or email cdunbar2@unl.edu. Registrations can be mailed to ARDC CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033.
Seeding Forages into Wheat Stubble
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist
Wheat stubble can be an excellent seedbed to plant forages into using no-till. To be successful, though, may take some advance preparation.
No-till planting of alfalfa, turnips, summer annual grasses, or other cover crops into wheat stubble has many advantages. Soil moisture is conserved, erosion is reduced, weed seeds remain buried, and tillage expenses are eliminated. But despite these advantages, many growers still experience spotty stands.
To help ensure success when planting into wheat stubble, take a few extra steps. One of the biggest challenges is heavy residue, residue that might limit proper drill operation and seed placement or even might partly smother new seedlings. Residue can be especially troublesome right behind the combine even when using a good straw chopper. The best way to minimize this problem is to bale the straw and remove excess residue. And be sure to have a well-functioning drill.
Another challenge is weeds, either annual weeds that develop after wheat is combined or volunteer wheat that sprouts later in the summer. Control weeds prior to planting with herbicides like glyphosate. And be ready with post-emerge herbicides like Select or Poast Plus when appropriate for latter emerging weeds or volunteer wheat.
Finally, consider cross- or double-drilling. Plant one-half of the seed while driving one direction, then plant the other half driving in a different direction. This helps fill in gaps, develops canopy and improves weed control earlier, and may help you plant the right amount of seed if you commonly end up running out or have much seed left over.
Wheat stubble makes a good seedbed. Make it even better with a few management adjustments.
New Cover Crop Survey Shows Improved Corn And Soybean Yields Following Cover Crops During The Drought Of 2012
A report has just been released with detailed results from a farmer survey on cover crops. The survey was carried out in partnership between the USDA North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program and the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC). More than 750 farmers were surveyed during the winter of 2012-13, primarily from the Upper Mississippi River watershed. Questions on cover crop adoption, benefits, challenges, and yield impacts were included in the survey. Key findings included the following:
• During the fall of 2012, corn planted after cover crops had a 9.6% increase in yield compared to side-by-side fields with no cover crops. Likewise, soybean yields were improved 11.6% following cover crops.
• In the hardest hit drought areas of the Corn Belt, yield differences were even larger, with an 11.0% yield increase for corn and a 14.3% increase for soybeans.
• Surveyed farmers are rapidly increasing acreage of cover crops used, with an average of 303 acres of cover crops per farm planted in 2012 and farmers intending to plant an average of 421 acres of cover crops in 2013. Total acreage of cover crops among farmers surveyed increased 350% from 2008 to 2012.
• Farmers identified improved soil health as a key overall benefit from cover crops. Reduction in soil compaction, improved nutrient management, and reduced soil erosion were other key benefits cited for cover crops. As one of the surveyed farmers commented, “Cover crops are just part of a systems approach that builds a healthy soil, higher yields, and cleaner water.”
• Farmers are willing to pay an average (median) amount of $25 per acre for cover crop seed and an additional $15 per acre for establishment costs (either for their own cost of planting or to hire a contractor to do the seeding of the cover crop).
“It is especially noteworthy how significant the yield benefits for cover crops were in an extremely dry year,” Dr. Rob Myers, a University of Missouri agronomist and regional director of extension programs for North Central Region SARE, stated. “The yield improvements provided from cover crops in 2012 were likely a combination of factors, such as better rooting of the cash crop along with the residue blanket provided by the cover crop reducing soil moisture loss. Also, where cover crops have been used for several years, we know that organic matter typically increases, which improves rainfall infiltration and soil water holding capacity.”
Full results of the survey are available online at: http://www.northcentralsare.org/CoverCropsSurvey.
Trees for Nebraska Towns Funding Available
Communities and organizations wanting to plant shade trees can apply for Trees for Nebraska Towns grant funds by Oct. 1.
The program, which focuses on plant diversity and sustainable landscapes, provides grant funding and technical assistance to public-oriented projects that emphasize the planting of large-maturing trees in Nebraska communities. About $250,000 of TNT grant funds are available this year.
Grant coordinator Kendall Weyers said, "Over the last few decades, community forests in Nebraska have lost 30-50 percent of their tree canopy to disease, insects, extreme weather, old age, development and human neglect."
TNT funds aim to replace these lost trees and the many benefits they provide.
"The positive impacts of trees go far beyond shade to a wide range of economic, environmental, aesthetic and social benefits," Weyers added.
TNT funding, provided by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, a beneficiary of the Nebraska Lottery, is coordinated by the Nebraska Forest Service and is part of ReTree Nebraska's 10-year effort to plant 1 million trees by 2017.
To be eligible, projects must provide clear public benefit and be located within or near the incorporated limits of a Nebraska community. Typical planting sites include but are not limited to street trees, parks, schools, college campuses, libraries, courthouses, fairgrounds and cemeteries. Funds are not available for private individuals or homeowners. For individuals interested in coordinating a neighborhood-wide tree planting project, Weyers suggests working through a neighborhood association or other local organization to apply for a TNT grant.
The application, due Oct. 1, requires some advance planning and consideration so applicants are encouraged to begin the process early. The application is available online at retreenebraska@unl.edu. For more information, contact Kendall Weyers at 402-472-6693 or kweyers2@unl.edu.
NW IA Woman Honored for Helping a Young Female Farmer Get Started
Helen Gunderson of Ames, Iowa, has been selected to receive the first Farmland Owner Award from Practical Farmers of Iowa, co-sponsored by WFAN and the Drake Agricultural Law Center.
The award recognizes non-operator landowners who manage their land to achieve sustainable farm businesses, improve soil quality and productivity, and foster rural communities and new farmers.
Gunderson owns 500 acres near Rolfe in northwest Iowa, and has committed to placing her land into the Conservation Reserve Program. In 2009, Gunderson chose to rent her farmland to local beginning farmer Betsy Dahl, who is transitioning the land to organic production with a longer rotation of row crops and small grains.
“I had yearned for years to have my land farmed more sustainably,” said Helen. “Through a documentary project I began in the early 1990s, I observed Betsy and her family farming in a way that I valued. It finally dawned on me that there was an option – to go with the Dahls. And Betsy was the one in the family best positioned to lease my land.”
She added, “An undercurrent is that throughout my life, I have been angry about rural patriarchy and the limited roles women could have in agriculture. There is a spiritual element that has brought Betsy and me together, and it is heart-warming to have her farming my land.”
Gunderson also donated 60 acres of remnant native and restored prairie along Beaver Creek in Pocahontas County to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation in 2011.
“Women own 50 percent of the farmland in Iowa, and more all the time are sole owners,” said Leigh Adcock, executive director of WFAN. “Helen is a great example of a women with strong conservation values who’s taking steps to translate those values into action.”
WFAN supports women landowners who want to improve conservation on the farmland they own through its Women Caring for the LandSM program, which provides meetings, publications and resources for women landowners around the upper Midwest.
New 'Hours of Service' Rule Waived for Livestock Agriculture
In what is being called a major victory for America's hog, cattle and poultry farmers, the U.S. Department of Transportation has indicated that it will grant a 90-day waiver of a new hours-of-service rule for drivers transporting livestock and poultry.
Effective July 1, the rule from DOT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires truck drivers to take a 30-minute rest break for every 8 consecutive hours of service. For drivers hauling livestock, the hours of service would include time loading and unloading animals.
Fourteen livestock, poultry and food organizations petitioned the FMCSA in June for the 90-day waiver and exemption from complying with the new rule. The groups said the regulation would cause livestock producers and their drivers irreparable harm, will place the health and welfare of the livestock in their care at risk and will provide no apparent increased benefit to public safety and will likely decrease public safety while forcing the livestock industry and its drivers to choose between the humane handling of animals or complying with a FMCSA regulation requiring a 30-minute rest break.
The organizations also pointed out that the livestock and poultry industries have programs--developed and offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture--that educate drivers on transportation safety and animal welfare.
"This decision will help ensure the continued humane treatment and welfare of livestock while traveling on the nation's highways," said National Pork Producer Council President Randy Spronk, a pork producer from Edgerton, Minn. "By granting the 90-day waiver, the FMCSA will ensure that during hot summer months livestock won't be sitting in the sun for extended periods, with drivers unable to care for them because they’re required to take a 30-minute break."
Official notice of the decision is expected to be published in the Federal Register. Additionally, the agency indicated it will develop a permanent exemption from the rule for drivers transporting livestock and poultry.
Beef Exports Up; Pork Down Slightly as Russian Impact Felt
Exports of U.S. beef moved 3 percent higher in volume in May, and a healthy 9 percent in value, while pork exports dipped 3 percent in volume and 3.6 percent in value, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
The inability of the United States to ship beef and pork to Russia continues to put a damper on U.S. red meat exports this year. Excluding Russia, beef export volume for May increased 12 percent and export volume for the first five months of 2013 rose 3.5 percent instead of falling 3 percent.
Similarly, May pork exports increased 3.5 percent in volume over last year’s totals if Russia is excluded. For January through May 2013, export volume would be down 5.8 percent instead of 9 percent if Russia is not included. An oversupply of domestic pork in many major export markets continues to pose a challenge to U.S. exports.
“The loss of a key market like Russia ripples through the red meat industry,” said U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Philip Seng. “The absence of one of the largest meat purchasers in the world affects the volume of product sold and, more importantly, the price that other customers need to pay for it in a competitive marketplace.”
Summary of May beef results
In May, total U.S. beef (muscle cut and variety meat) exports rose 3 percent over last year’s levels to 97,820 metric tons valued at $513.6 million, a 9 percent increase. They accounted for 10 percent of beef muscle cut production and 12.7 percent of beef and variety meat production, similar levels to last year.
For January through May, export volumes dipped 3 percent to 440,840 metric tons valued at $2.26 billion, a 3 percent increase over last year’s record-setting pace.
The value of beef exports in May equated to $231.67 per head of fed slaughter, up from $207.09 last year. The year-to-date export value averaged $220.59 per head, up more than $10 from last year’s total of $209.97.
Markets where access for U.S. beef has improved this year led the way in May. Japan jumped 74 percent to 28,122 metric tons, just 8 percent shy of totals posted in May 2003.
“We were confident that the market for U.S. beef in Japan would rebound when our access expanded,” said Seng. “Our team in Japan is working aggressively to explore untapped niches to maintain the growth momentum for beef.”
Beef exports also rose to Hong Kong (56 percent to 7,182 metric tons) while Taiwan’s totals increased from 282 metric tons last year to 2,720 metric tons this May.
Exports were also steady to higher for: Canada (13,975 metric tons, +1 percent), Egypt (11,364 metric tons, steady), Central/South America (3,979 metric tons, +15 percent driven by larger volumes to Chile) and the Caribbean (1,678 metric tons, +2 percent on larger volumes to Jamaica).
Beef exports to Russia in May fell from 7,906 metric tons last year to 4 metric tons this year. For the year, exports to Russia are down 99 percent in volume (from 30,547 metric tons to 35 metric tons) and 99 percent in value (from $133.77 million).
Besides Russia, countries where beef exports remain challenged include Mexico (15,140 metric tons, -4.5 percent), South Korea (7,367 metric tons, -33 percent), and ASEAN (1,372 metric tons, -59 percent on smaller volumes to Vietnam and the Philippines).
Mexico is buying less beef as consumers turn to more affordable proteins like poultry and pork. U.S. poultry exports to Mexico were up 19 percent through May to 356,253 metric tons. At the same time, South Korea’s increased domestic beef production, combined with lower-priced Australian product, has dampened demand for high-quality U.S. beef.
Through May, Japan was the leading destination for U.S. beef with exports up 56 percent. They accounted for 20 percent of all U.S. beef exports by volume and 24 percent of export value. Mexico was No. 2 in volume but Canada was second in value. South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Egypt rounded out the top seven in value. The volume ranking was: Japan, Mexico, Canada, Egypt, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Summary of May pork results
Total pork exports in May improved over 2013 trends but still dipped 3.3 percent to 180,637 metric tons valued at $505.4 million, a 3.6 percent decline from last year. They accounted for 23 percent of muscle cut production and 26.4 percent of muscle cuts plus variety meat, similar to last May.
For the first five months of the year, exports were down 9 percent to 882,905 metric tons valued at $2.47 billion, down 8 percent.
The value of pork exports in May equated to $54.85 per head of fed slaughter, down from $56.47 last year. The year-to-date export value averaged $53.14 per head, down from $58.36 last year.
May pork exports were led by another strong month for Mexico (52,295 metric tons, +11 percent) and steady year-over-year volumes to Japan (37,108 metric tons). Exports also were larger for Central/South America (10,008 metric tons, +58 percent, led by growth to Colombia, Chile and Honduras), ASEAN (5,313 metric tons, +61 percent on larger volumes to the Philippines), Caribbean (4,210 metric tons, +85 percent with larger exports to the Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Trinidad and Tobago) and Taiwan (2,688 metric tons, +142 percent).
“The volume of U.S. pork that Mexico consumes is essential for our industry, and that is why we have focused resources on driving up per-capita pork consumption there,” Seng explained. “On the other hand, Japan is the leading value market for pork exports, and there we are concentrated on higher value branded and chilled products.”
Pork exports to Russia in May fell from 12,250 metric tons last year to zero this year. For the year, exports to Russia are down 84 percent in volume and value (from 37,075 metric tons to 5,770 metric tons and from $109.5 million to $17.9 million).
May pork exports to Canada were down 3 percent to 19,093 metric tons but remained up 3 percent for January through May. Exports to the China/Hong Kong region dipped 9 percent in May to 34,543 metric tons, but were larger than the previous two months. South Korea (8,645 metric tons, -19 percent) and Australia/New Zealand (4,251 metric tons, -28 percent) also were down in May.
Through May, Mexico was the largest volume destination for U.S. pork but Japan was No. 1 in value. China, Canada, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia and the Philippines rounded out the top eight countries in volume, with the same markets leading for value: Japan, Mexico, Canada, China, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Canada and the Philippines were the only top markets that saw export growth in the first five months of the year, but exports were robust to many of the smaller markets. Larger domestic supplies and market access issues have created a challenging atmosphere for U.S. pork exports thus far this year but exports showed positive signs of growth in May.
Lamb exports up sharply
Lamb exports reached three consecutive months above the 1,200 metric tons per month mark with 1,472 metric tons exported in May, an increase of 70 percent over last year. This put January through May totals up 14 percent to 5,840 metric tons with value over $13 million, up 30 percent. Export growth has been led by top markets Mexico and Canada, but also to Bermuda and Saudi Arabia.
Sorghum Checkoff, USDA-ARS Team Up to Enhance Sorghum Genetics
The Sorghum Checkoff will fund a five-year, $1.21 million project with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) station in Lubbock, Texas, that will continue and expand research ARS has conducted on sorghum cold and drought tolerance and the identification of unique sorghum genetics.
The project will seek to continue drought and cold tolerance research, while also working to develop and mark key genes in sorghum, such as Tri-Seed. The effort will be led by Lubbock USDA-ARS Laboratory Director, John Burke, Ph. D.
“Dr. Burke and his team have become leaders in public sorghum research, working intimately with private industry and other public institutions to release game changing genetics to the sorghum industry,” said Stewart Weaver, Sorghum Checkoff chairman and sorghum grower from Edmondson, Ark. “This is another great example of how producer dollars are being used to enhance sorghum genetics.”
New online tool makes in-season plant stresses more manageable
With so many stresses at work in fields this season, it is important to understand the solutions that can minimize their toll. For this reason, Syngenta is introducing an online training module to teach corn, soybean and cereal growers how to manage plant stresses with Quilt Xcel® fungicide. The first 500 participants who complete the module will receive a $25 gift card to Bass Pro Shops.
The tutorial features a 15-minute interactive presentation that demonstrates the benefits Quilt Xcel provides corn, soybean and cereal crops. A short quiz follows to test participants’ knowledge on the content.
“It’s important for growers to recognize what is happening in their fields and to understand how applications of Quilt Xcel can help shield plants against in-season stresses,” said Andrew Fisher, commercial product lead, fungicides, Syngenta. “This online tutorial goes beyond simply telling growers about these benefits to actually showing how they work.”
The training module shows how Quilt Xcel helps plants better manage water use during times of too little and too much water. It also explains the increase in grain and pod fill for plants treated with the fungicide. Additionally, the tutorial explores the fungicide’s dual modes of action for disease control, as well as the convenience and application flexibility benefits that corn, soybean and cereal growers can experience when using Quilt Xcel.
Climate Corp. Approved to Provide Federal Crop Insurance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency authorized the Climate Corporation to administer Federal crop insurance policies for the 2014 crop year. "We are excited to expand our offerings to include the solutions provided under the Federal crop insurance program," said David Friedberg, CEO of The Climate Corporation. "Over the last seven years we have invested over $100 million in developing technology that helps U.S. farmers protect and improve their farming profits, and helps crop insurance agents operate more efficiently, increase their income potential and become trusted advisors to their clients. We are excited to extend our industry-leading technology to support Federal crop insurance, enhancing our value to farmers and crop insurance agents alike."
The Climate Corporation will be offering the Federal crop insurance program enhanced by unique technology that allows agents and growers to assess risk and make optimal coverage decisions and to track crop and policy performance in near real-time during the growing season, using simplified reporting and proactive claims management tools. Additional unique technology-enhanced features will be released to authorized agents in the coming months.
OneBeacon Insurance Group, an A.M. Best "A" rated carrier with $1 billion of surplus, through its wholly-owned Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, has partnered with The Climate Corporation on its offering, ensuring the policies carry the financial strength that farmers have come to expect. The Climate Corporation's crop insurance operations are run from its Kansas City office and supported by field personnel covering 30 states: AL, AR, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, WA, WI.
The Climate Corporation is in the process of finalizing its agent authorization for the 2014 crop year. "Agents have told us that we already bring the best technology to crop insurance, as evidenced by our climate.com and our Total Weather Insurance product offerings," said Jeff Mize, SVP of sales and business development. "We are now delivering technology that can substantially improve our crop insurance agents' operations, and provides every farmer with our unique full-stack risk management solution." Agents interested in learning more can visit www.climate.com.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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