Monday August 26 Ag News

Kaup Seed and Fertilizer Field Day

You are invited to the annual Kaup Seed and Fertilizer Agronomy Field Day on Wednesday August 4th.  The Field Plots are located at the junction of Highway 32 and 15th Road one mile west of West Point.  Jeff Wilmes says there will be quite a few new and interesting things to see at the plot tour, including a new interactive trailer from Specialty Fertilizer Products.  They will showcase several products including Avail and Nutrisphere, the chemistry behind the products, how they work, why they work, and how they can benefit your operation. There will also be discussion on fertilizer distribution, herbicide resistant weeds, and new corn hybrids and soybean varieties.  The field day will start at 12-noon followed by the field tours.  If you'd like more information, call Jeff Wilmes, Jeff Pribnow, or Greg Freudenberg at Kaups @ 402-372-5588.  



Norfolk Beef Expo

The 2013 Norfolk Beef  Expo is slated for Sunday, Sept. 8. Site of  the 64th annual event is the Northeast Community College Chuck M. Pohlman Ag Complex.

Any member of  a Nebraska 4-H club or FFA chapter — who is at least 8 years of  age and not older than 19 years of  age on Jan. 1, 2013 — is eligible for the 64th expo. Each showman may exhibit two market cattle, with a $25 entry fee per head.Entry forms must be signed by a University of  Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educator or FFA adviser and sent to the Norfolk Area Chamber of  Commerce offce. Entries must be postmarked by Saturday, Aug. 31.  

Steer and heifer entries will be received only from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 7. Judging of  the classes, divided by hip height, begins at 9 a.m. on Sept. 8, with the public welcome to attend. The junior, intermediate and senior showmanship classes will follow.

Selection of  the grand and reserve champion market heifers and steers begins at approximately 5 p.m., immediately followed by the premium auction. The premium will be on a per-head basis. Each exhibitor is limited to one entry in the premium auction. As an added educational component for the youths, this year’s expo will also include a carcass contest with the entries to be evaluated on both quality grade and yield grade.

The grand and reserve champion steers and heifers are required to be sold and slaughtered. Based on its popularity last year, this year’s expo will include a ftting competition.

For more information, contact a local extension educator, FFA adviser or Mandi Flood with the Norfolk Area Chamber of  Commerce at 371-4862 ormfood@norfolkareachamber.com, or visit www.norfolkareachamber.com/expo. 

Norfolk Beef  Expo’s scholarship program is now in its seventh year. This year’s applicants must exhibit at the 64th annual expo on Sept. 8, be at least a current high school sophomore or planning to attend college during the next school year.

Applicants must be majoring or planning to major in agribusiness or a related feld. The application deadline for this year’s $500 scholarship,  is Oct. 15. Applications will be available at the expo, as well as through the chamber’s website at www.norfolkareachamber.com/expo.



ICON Urges Cattlemen To Participate in Hearings Next Month

The Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska (ICON) group encourages ranchers and farmers to attend scheduled hearings for brand and brand service areas to make comments in support or opposition of the two resolutions.

Hearings to consider expanding the brand area statewide in Nebraska have been set for two rural communities. Senator Al Davis is asking for comments about his resolution, LR271, for statewide expansion of the brand area and also for Senator Ken Schilz’s resolution, LR290, which will take a look at brand inspection service areas.

“Cattle are a valuable asset, an asset with a brain and the ability to travel many miles,” said ICON president Dave Wright. “Brand inspection helps to insure that your assets are not sold in someone else’s name.”

The first hearing date is Thursday, September 12, 2013, in Ainsworth, Nebraska, at the Ainsworth Conference Center, 606 E. 4th Street. The public hearing will begin at 5:30 p.m.

The next public hearing will be Friday, September 13, 2013, in West Point, Nebraska, at the Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Avenue, at 2:30 p.m.

At both hearings comments will be heard pertaining to the benefits and costs associated with expanding the brand inspection area to include the entire State of Nebraska. Comments on the second resolution concerning designating counties as mandatory brand inspection areas will also be heard.

“It has always been a hassle crossing the brand inspection line that splits our state but Senator Davis’ bill will fix that and still protect our livestock,” said ICON and R-CALF member Joe Pongratz. “This is something that needs to done. Having part of the state in the brand area and part out creates confusion for producers and loopholes for thieves.” Pongratz added the bill will not require anyone to brand but make the entire state brand inspected.

For ranchers in the brand inspection area of Nebraska, branding has been a way of life for over 100 years and still works for tracking stolen cattle. ICON believes and strongly supports the use of branding as an excellent system for traceability of disease in livestock as opposed to the spendy animal ID system touted by the USDA.

“Brand Inspection simply provides "proof of ownership" of cattle at the point of sale,” said ICON president Dave Wright. “The real question is why would anyone be afraid of proving ownership of the cattle they are trying to sell?  If the entire state were a brand inspection area, the only time you would need it would be at the point of sale and crossing the state line.”

Wright also said brand inspection helps to prevent someone from selling cattle which are not theirs, even if the cattle are strays or stolen. 

“Brand Inspection helps to keep people honest,” said Wright.



Local and Industrial Emergency Planners Recognized for Chemical Emergency Planning Achievements throughout EPA Region 7

Awards were presented to local emergency planning committees and industries for their outstanding achievements in planning for chemical emergencies at an Emergency Planning and Preparedness Conference July 25-27, 2013, in Overland Park, Kan. The conference was hosted by EPA Region 7, FEMA Region 7 and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

The purpose of the conference was to help prevent accidental chemical releases and minimize community risks when they occur.  Representatives from fire departments, law enforcement, emergency medical service agencies, private industry, city and county emergency management groups, tribal nations, and state and federal agencies attended.

“EPA Region 7 is proud to recognize local emergency planning committees and industry for protecting the public from chemical risks,” said Karl Brooks, regional administrator. “Our obligation to our children, families and communities is to handle, store and transport chemicals responsibly.”

Awards recognizing achievements in chemical emergency planning were presented to:
    Iowa – Marshall County; Lennox Industries; and Polk County
    Kansas – Anderson County; Cowley County; and Shawnee County
    Missouri – Audrain County; Boone County; Clinton County; Knox County; Missouri Agribusiness Association; and Rosecrans Memorial Airport
    Nebraska - Antelope County; Burt County; Dodge County, Douglas County; Hamilton County; Madison County; Pierce County; Stanton County; Washington County; Wayne County; and Winnebago Tribe

Karl Brooks, EPA regional administrator; Beth Freeman, FEMA regional administrator; and Timothy Butters, deputy administrator, U.S. Dept. of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, delivered remarks at the conference.

Steve Taylor, executive director of the Missouri Agribusiness Association served on a panel about fertilizer safety with EPA Region 7 staff.  His main focus was the role of agricultural retailers and local emergency responders in preventing and reducing the risk from chemical accidents such as anhydrous ammonia releases.



Free Workshop on Livestock Certification Options Aug. 27

Nebraska farmers have a great opportunity to explore new markets and other benefits that certifications can provide when they attend a free workshop on "Alternative Market Certification Options" Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Isles Reception Hall, 6232 Havelock Ave., Lincoln. This will also give farmers an opportunity to ask the experts from these organizations specific questions and learn about the fastest growing segment in the livestock industry.

Farmers will learn how to add value to their product during these presentations:
  -- 10:30 a.m. -- American Grassfed Association
  -- 11:15 a.m. -- Certified Humane
  -- 12:30 p.m. -- Global Animal Partnership 5-Step Program
  -- 1:15 p.m. -- USDA Organic

For more information, contact Jocelyn at jnickerson@humanesociety.org or (402) 541-7077



Hassebrook departs, Depew tapped as new CFRA Exec. Dir.

The Center for Rural Affairs announced today a leadership transition within the organization. Assistant Executive Director Brian Depew has been named the new Executive Director, effective September 1, 2013. Chuck Hassebrook, who shaped the Center’s vision and direction for seventeen years as Director and dedicated 36 years of hard work and personal commitment to serving on the Center for Rural Affairs staff, will depart to pursue new challenges.

“Chuck’s vision and leadership has been the heartbeat, the soul of the Center for Rural Affairs for nearly two decades, and as a vital member of the staff for nearly that many years before that,” said Jim Knopik, a Fullerton, Nebraska farmer and Center for Rural Affairs Board President. “While we cannot truly replace Chuck, we believe that Brian Depew brings the same level of talent, leadership, intelligence and dedication to the Center’s mission and to rural America. We are truly lucky to have someone of Brian’s caliber to step in and lead the Center into the future.”

According to Knopik, this transition follows a thorough and rigorous process the Center for Rural Affairs Board of Directors established some time ago to meet this eventuality.

“We cannot thank Chuck enough for his dedication and selflessness in serving the mission of the Center,” continued Knopik. “However, we are excited and confident in the abilities and leadership that Brian honed during his time as Acting Executive Director in 2012. Speaking for the board and staff, we are fortunate to have his talent and dedication. We have great expectations for the Center’s future.”

In a letter to Center supporters Knopik wrote, “On September 5, 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs was incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Now, almost 40 years later to the day, we’ll head into a new future. I know it is one where you, our supporters, will be at the heart of every decision we make. Here’s to another 40 years of representing the best in rural America, with you by our side.”



Rural Futures Conference Nov. 3-5 About Stepping Beyond Boundaries
            The 2013 Rural Futures Conference, set for Nov. 3-5, aims to build on last year's inaugural conference by getting rural communities more engaged through a variety of activities that seek to build and strengthen partnerships between them and University of Nebraska faculty.

            Registration opens Sept. 1 at ruralfutures.nebraska.edu/conference for the conference that is hosted by the University of Nebraska's Rural Futures Institute. The conference will take place at The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel, in Lincoln.

            The conference theme, Beyond Boundaries, is meant to encourage participants to step beyond typical boundaries and work together to create positive rural futures. The conference will bring together people from all walks of life to celebrate the importance of rural and create energy and enthusiasm for new and innovative ways to address complex opportunities and challenges that affect rural people and places.

            Last year's conference drew about 475 participants to begin a conversation about how to create knowledge and action resulting in resilient and sustainable communities. Many of those participants were faculty from NU and other universities; this year, organizers hope to get more community representatives and non-university partners to attend as RFI's vision emphasizes partnerships among community leaders, business and industry and the university.

            The conference will begin Sunday evening, Nov. 3, with Clay Jenkinson, who portrays Thomas Jefferson and who will offer Jefferson's thoughts about boundaries and the new world. Registered participants may take a spouse or other guest at no charge to the evening's performance.

            The conference's Nov. 4 schedule includes a welcome from NU President James B. Milliken, an update on the RFI's activities and a keynote presentation titled "Innovating Beyond Boundaries" by Tom Koulopoulos, author and founder of Delphi Group, a Boston-based think tank.

            The Nov. 5 schedule will include a panel discussion by young leaders from rural communities, followed by concurrent tracks that focus on land use, civic engagement, young leader attraction and retention, extension and innovative approaches to rural health. There also will be an open space track to allow conference participants to propose and lead discussions about topics not specifically addressed on the conference agenda.

            Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has been invited to speak on strengthening rural partnerships at the close of the conference.

            Also, a number of new opportunities are planned to engage participants, with submission deadlines fast approaching:

            – Community Questions: Communities of place or interest are invited to pose questions that stimulate collaboration or potential research opportunities. These could come from traditional communities or regions, as well as groups with a common interest, such as ranch families, young professionals, or rural firefighters. Questions will be reviewed, with selected questions featured at the conference. Communities whose questions are selected will get three free registrations to the conference. Submission deadline: Sept. 25.

            – Quick Pitch Spotlight: Conference participants will "rapid fire" their "big ideas" about rural people and places. Those ideas could serve as the foundation for an RFI grant or project. Judges will choose the top two pitches, and the winners will receive a prize and free registration to the next Rural Futures Conference. Deadline for a description is Oct. 1 and concepts to be presented at the conference will be chosen by Oct. 18.

            – Faculty and Partner Poster Session: Participants display current work or research relevant to the rural future. Abstracts due Sept. 27. (A division for graduate and undergraduate students will also be held. Check the website for competition details.)

            Complete details on these activities and the entire conference agenda are available at ruralfutures.nebraska.edu/conference. Registration costs $150, but a discounted rate of $40 will be offered to high school and college students.



Beef Cow Management Updates at 3 Iowa Locations

As interest increases in managing beef cows in dry lot or under roof management systems, local producers and veterinarians are asking Iowa State University for information comparing different systems. To address this interest and provide timely information and expertise, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has planned three cow facilities and management update sessions in southern Iowa.

Joe Sellers, extension beef specialist, said the sessions will be held Wednesday, Sept. 4, in Corydon; Monday, Sept. 9, in Anita; and Monday, Sept. 16, in Oskaloosa. All sessions run from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and include a meal provided by Farm Credit Services of America, the Iowa Beef Center at Iowa State and local sponsors.

"We're bringing Iowa State faculty and staff to present a variety of informational beef cow operation topics, from feeder calf market outlook to health management concerns and recommendations," Sellers said. "Each location will cover the same topics by the same presenters."

Sellers and fellow extension beef specialist Christopher Clark will present comparisons of three cow management systems, including pros and cons of each. Sellers also will talk with attendees about whether they can justify building a facility for wintering and calving cows. Clark will offer cattle health management recommendations. Lee Schulz, Iowa State University ag economist, will present information on feeder calf market outlook and cow-calf business prospects.

All three sessions are offered at no charge, but preregistrations must be made by the Friday prior to the session to be attended. Session dates, specific locations and preregistration information are as follows.
  -- Sept. 4, Corydon, Event Center southwest corner of the square. Call Wayne County Extension office 641-872-1755 by Friday, Aug. 30.
  -- Sept. 9, Anita, Anita Veterinary Clinic. Call Stuart-Anita Veterinary Clinics 515-523-1755 or 712-752-4193 by Friday, Sept. 6.
  -- Sept. 16, Oskaloosa, Mahaska County Extension Office. Call Mahaska County Extension Office 641-673-5841 by Friday, Sept. 13.

For more information, see the update sessions flyer on the Iowa Beef Center website at www.iowabeefcenter.org or contact Sellers at 641-203-1270 or sellers@iastate.edu.



Iowa Water Conference 2014 Theme Announced

The Iowa Water Center announces the theme for their eighth annual Iowa Water Conference, Making Connections – Solving Problems: Water strategies for success in a changing world. The conference will be held March 3 and 4, 2014, at the Scheman Building in Ames, Iowa.

Through plenary and breakout sessions, conference goers will explore current trends across water resource management in both urban and rural landscapes, with a particular emphasis on the interconnected nature of our water resources, and the opportunities this offers for collaboration.

Attendees can anticipate sessions in stormwater and floodplain management and the intersection of agriculture and the environment, with each track incorporating technical presentations, education and outreach information, and problem-solving workshops. The conference will also offer sessions for poster and oral presentations from water professionals, as well as a poster competition for students.

The Iowa Water Conference is an annual gathering of water professionals, researchers, educators and students from across Iowa and surrounding states. The current conference structure was created to bring together the various professional conferences that were already occurring independently of each other. Bringing all of these conferences under one roof encourages collaboration between disciplines, shared resources and costs, and united efforts for clean, abundant Iowa water.

The conference partners include Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Flood Center, Iowa Floodplain and Stormwater Management Association, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Storm Water Education Program, Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Luther College and the U.S. Geological Survey – Iowa Water Science Center.

For more information regarding the Iowa Water Conference, or to submit a proposal for a presentation, please contact Melissa Miller at (515) 294-7467 or millerms@iastate.edu.



Advanced RUSLE2 Workshop Sept. 26

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) have scheduled an Advanced RUSLE2 workshop for Sept.26 at the Polk County Extension Office in Altoona, Iowa. The workshop starts at 8 a.m. at 1625 Adventureland Drive.

This advanced workshop will enable participants to explore implementation of practice based changes designed to reduce erosion. Workshop instructors are Barb Stewart, USDA - NRCS, and Kapil Arora and Angela Rieck-Hinz, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists. They will focus on RUSLE2 principles, conservation practices both in RUSLE2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index, dominant critical area determinations, and setting up different managements in RUSLE2.

They will place a special emphasis on combination tillage tools, strip cropping, use of cover crops and terraced fields. There will be time during the workshop to explore the use of different template options in the software for use in watershed planning and the use of shortcut keys.

Registration is currently open only to those who have previously attended the Introductory RUSLE2 and Iowa Phosphorus Index workshop. Registration is required, there will be no walk-ins allowed. Registration cost is $200 prior to Sept. 23; $225 after Sept. 23. The workshop is limited to 30 people.

Participants are required to bring a laptop computer pre-loaded with the most current version of the RUSLE2 and Iowa P-Index software. A total of six credits have been applied for in the Certified Crop Adviser Program and three professional development hours will be available for engineers. Workshop registration and agenda, workshop requirements and driving directions are available online. For more information or a print version of the registration go to http://www.extension.iastate.edu/registration/events/conferences/rusle2/.

Contact Kapil Arora at (515) 382-6551, or pbtiger@iastate.edu; or Angie Rieck-Hinz at (515) 294-9590, or amrieck@iastate.edu to have questions about the workshop answered.



PED Virus Confirmations Nears 500

The total number of swine accessions and diagnostic case submissions testing positive for the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea (PED) virus is now 497, according the latest figures from the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.

By farm class, this figure breaks down as follows since the week of 15 April: suckling, 64; nursery, 46; grower/finisher, 214; sows/boars, 95 and 70 unknown. The total is up 36 from a week ago.

Although there was one positive result from an unknown location, no new states reported a positive result in the last week and so the total affrected remains at 17. Those states with 10 or more positive tests are: Iowa, 167; Oklahoma, 114; Kansas, 54; Minnesota, 40; North Carolina, 25; Colorado and Indiana, 21 and Ohio, 12. Of these states, Kansas reported the highest number of new cases at 13.

In mid-June, the reporting system was adjusted. For the weeks prior to 16 June, laboratories were able to provide diagnostic case submissions and number of premises testing positive for PEDv.

Since the week of 16 June, the total number of swine samples testing positive is 1,157, up from 994 the previous week. The most-affected states are: Oklahoma, 380; Kansas, 319; North Carolina, 146; Iowa, 126; Ohio, 50; Minnesota, 47 and Colorado, 42. Other states, where positive, reported 20 positives or fewer.

In the most recent week reported, the following states reported one or more positive results: Colorado (12), Iowa (10), Kansas (89), North Carolina (12) and Oklahoma (39).



Four Groups Petition Court for Permission to Defend COOL

Four groups representing, farmers and ranchers, rural communities and consumers filed court papers on Friday, Aug. 23, to defend mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) from a spurious lawsuit filed by the meatpacking industry. R-CALF USA, Food & Water Watch, the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and the Western Organization of Resource Councils petitioned the court to allow them to intervene and defend COOL. Country of Origin Labeling was included in the 2002 and 2008 Farm Bills, but it has been under constant attack from domestic and foreign meatpackers that do not want consumers to know where their food is from and do not want to pay American farmers and ranchers a fair price for their livestock.

 “Our interest is in preserving COOL for generations to come,” said South Dakota Stockgrowers Association (SDSGA) Executive Director Silvia Christen adding, “The COOL regulation that requires the meat labels to list each country where livestock was born, raised and harvested benefits U.S. cattle and sheep producers who can differentiate and promote American born and raised livestock in an increasingly international supermarket meat case.”

 The meatpackers allege in their lawsuit that the final 2013 COOL rules violate their constitutionally protected rights to freedom of speech, that the labels were not specifically authorized by the Farm Bill and that COOL labels provide no benefit to consumers.

 “The meatpackers are demanding a first amendment right to deceive consumers by insisting on vague and misleading labels that do not let consumers choose all-American beef, pork and lamb products,” said Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter. “Consumers overwhelmingly support, use and deserve Country of Origin Labeling because they want to know the source of the food they are feeding their families.”

The meatpackers’ filed their lawsuit to prevent the USDA from implementing the final 2013 COOL rules, which requires muscle cuts of beef, pork, lamb and goat meat to display where the animal was born, raised, and slaughtered and prohibits the confusing “commingled” mixed-origin label that has allowed meat from all-American born and raised livestock to be labeled as if it were a product of multiple countries, like “Product of USA, Canada” or “Product of Mexico, USA.

 “Retaining the USDA’s 2013 rules as law of the land will ensure that a U.S. label stands for family tradition, quality, pride and a safe and wholesome product by allowing consumers to truly know when a product is born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States,” said Wilma Tope, a rancher for 30 years near Aladdin, Wyoming, who submitted an affidavit in the suit and is a member of the WORC affiliate, the Powder River Basin Resource Council.

 The meatpacker alliance that filed the suit against USDA’s 2013 COOL rules included nine trade associations, including one Mexican and two Canadian livestock-producer groups as well as six domestic meatpacker or meatpacker-producer groups. Tomorrow, the meatpackers will argue for a preliminary injunction to immediately prohibit the new COOL rules from going into effect.

 “Marketplace competition can no longer occur without COOL,” said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard adding, “In this global market, more imports from more countries are entering the U.S. each year and foreign meatpackers are trying to capture market share away from U.S. family farmers and ranchers. COOL allows U.S. cattle farmers and ranchers to highlight their product to U.S. consumers whom we believe will choose our exclusively U.S. produced product if they can identify it in the market. That’s what this fight is all about: farmer and ranchers want competition while the meatpackers and their allies want to control the market.”



Trace minerals and early detection:  Key components to decreasing sow lameness

Decreasing sow lameness helps improve herd productivity and profitability through improved reproductive performance and longevity. Sows that are better able to move through the facility on a structurally-sound set of feet and legs have a greater opportunity to reach their full potential. Producers can help prevent sow lameness by monitoring and treating lame sows and preventing problems before they occur.

Sow lameness is a prevalent issue in the U.S. swine industry. In fact, lameness and its effect on swine reproduction are responsible for the culling of more gilts and first-parity sows – up to 50 percent of the sow herd according to some estimates – than all other production factors combined.

In addition to higher culling rates, lameness can affect joint, muscle and skeletal development and its stress on the sow is shown to influence reproduction through longer wean-to-estrus intervals, more non-productive sow days, smaller litter size, fewer pigs weaned and poor fertility.  Decreased feed consumption caused by lameness can also lead to issues due to decreased body condition scores.1

“Recognizing and understanding the factors contributing to sow lameness is the first step to deal with this growing problem,” says Mark Wilson, Ph.D., reproductive physiologist at Zinpro Corporation. “Sow lameness affects all aspects of swine production, including gilt-development schemes, parity distribution and nutritional requirements.”

Early cases of lameness may be illustrated through: shortened stride, uneven steps and stiff joints; obvious head bobbing while walking; swaggering of the hindquarters; arched back while walking; reduced weight bearing on affected limbs and/or reluctance to move.

Claw lesions are commonly found on 15 to 40 percent of developing gilts. Inflammatory lesions cause pain and stress, directly impacting the animal’s performance. To determine the claw lesion that is impacting a sow or gilt, refer to the Feet First® Claw Lesion Scoring Guide available for viewing at http://bit.ly/1aX1wY8 or by request from Zinpro Corporation by visiting http://bit.ly/1dpzNBB. Then work with your veterinarian on treatment options.

Though there are treatment options, preventing sow lameness before it occurs is a producer’s best bet. Wilson says that gilt and sow nutrition plays a large role in a lameness prevention program.

“Research has demonstrated that feeding amino acid complexes helps to improve horn quality, decrease claw lesions and prevent a decline in reproductive response among young sows,” he says. “Feeding the combination of zinc, manganese and copper as amino acid complexes helps  optimize the foot health and reproductive performance of gilts and sows.”

Wilson explains that the trace minerals zinc, manganese and copper each play a role in keeping sows’ feet healthy. Zinc is responsible for corium health, wound healing and sole, heel and wall horn strength and elasticity. Manganese strengthens density of joints, tendons and bones. Copper is important for connective tissue, white line health and sole, heel and wall horn strength and elasticity.

“Growth and reproduction are physiological processes that are innately intertwined with the immune system,” says Wilson. “Adding zinc, manganese and copper as amino acid complexes to the diet decreases the duration of damaging inflammatory responses, and the result is a positive change in herd feed conversion and improved piglet growth and performance.”

For more information on improving sow performance through trace mineral nutrition and sow lameness prevention, visit http://www.zinpro.com/species/swine/sows. 



Dairy Forage Seminar Schedule Announced

Dairy forage growers are invited to attend the World Forage Analysis Superbowl Dairy Forage Seminars October 2 through October 5 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wis. Industry experts will present a series of educational programs geared towards assisting farmers with improved forage growing, storage and feeding techniques. These seminars are included with World Dairy Expo admission and will take place on the Dairy Forage Stage, in the Arena Building, near the World Analysis Forage Superbowl displays.

Wednesday, Oct. 2
10 a.m.         Differences in Making Alfalfa and Grass Silage
Dan Undersander, Research and Extension Agronomist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wis.
When high-quality grass silage is the goal, it’s important to remember that there are differences between making grass silage versus alfalfa silage. Forage Extension specialist Dan Undersander will discuss a number of these differences and make recommendations for good grass silage in tubes, bunkers, and wrapped bales.
1:30 p.m.      Reducing Heat Damage in Hay and Haylage
Dan Undersander, Research and Extension Agronomist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Wis.
Much hay is put up too wet, which results in heating and a loss in total digestible nutrients (TDN). Minimizing these losses will improve feed quality and reduce the amount of concentrate needed. Forage Extension specialist Dan Undersander gives some pointers on how to reduce heat damage.

Thursday, Oct. 3
10 a.m.         Using Forage Fiber Analyses to get the Most from Your Cows
Rick Grant, President, William H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, Chazy, N.Y.
Are you analyzing forages for physically effective fiber and fiber digestibility? Both are important for creating high-forage, low-grain diets that support high milk production. Rick Grant will discuss methods of fiber analysis and the desired nutrient and digestibility profiles to improve the response of your cows to forage in the diet.
1:30 p.m.      Have You Kept Pace with Improved Forage Testing Options?
Neal Martin, retired Center Director, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, Madison, Wis.
Forage testing options are continually evolving as the industry strives to provide tests that are more accurate and capable of ensuring that rations are supporting the nutritional needs of today’s high-producing dairy cows. Neal Martin, recently retired director of the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, will explain this evolution and also address current efforts to meet new challenges such as diets with excessive crude protein; diets with unknown starch concentration, starch availability and starch digestion; and silage fermentation profile analyses.

Friday, Oct. 4
10 a.m.         Plastic Covers and Silage Density: What’s New and Basic in Making Good Silage?
Richard Muck, Agricultural Engineer, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, Madison, WI
Packing and covering are key steps to keeping losses low in bunker and pile silos. That's not news, but there are new products to improve either covering or packing. Are they worth it? Richard Muck, an agricultural engineer specializing in silage management at the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, will share how some of these products have fared in recent research.
1:30 p.m.      Using Propionic Acid to Preserve More Hay
Wayne Coblentz, Research Dairy Scientist/Agronomist, U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, Marshfield, WI
Historically, propionic acid-based preservatives for hay have demonstrated effectiveness within research studies, but these studies mostly have relied on small rectangular bales to test various product formulations. Recent studies with large round bales have been disappointing, but other studies utilizing propionic acid-based preservatives on large rectangular bales have produced excellent results. Wayne Coblentz, a dairy scientist with the U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, will review research results obtained with a variety of bale types and offer practical advice on when and how to use propionic acid to preserve hay.

Saturday, Oct. 5
10 a.m.         Corn Silage Yield Drivers and Profit Robbers
Joe Lauer, Extension Agronomist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

World Dairy Expo is recognized as the largest dairy event in the world for producers and industry professionals. Center of the Dairy Universe is the 2013 theme and 70,000 dairy enthusiasts are anticipated to attend Expo which will be held October 1 through October 5 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Schedule details are available at worlddairyexpo.com.



Calcium Products, Inc. Names New CEO

Calcium Products, Inc. announced that it has named Mike Hogan as the next CEO of Calcium Products, Inc. Hogan succeeds Larry Moore, who founded and grew the business into one of the largest producers of pelletized limestone and gypsum in the world. 

Hogan joins Calcium Products following a 24 year career with John Deere, where he was most recently the business director and factory manager for one of Deere's tractor divisions in Augusta, Georgia. Previously he was the general manager for Deere's sprayer business in the Netherlands and also managed certain tractor operations for Deere in Waterloo, Iowa. Hogan is an Iowa native and attended Iowa State University with a degree in mechanical engineering. He also has an MBA from the University of Chicago.

"Larry Moore has done an outstanding job of building a strong team and establishing Calcium Products as the market leader in pelletized limestone and gypsum," Hogan said. "These innovative products improve crop yield and I'm excited to have the opportunity to lead the company into the future."

Calcium Products recently opened a second plant in Fort Dodge, Iowa to meet increasing customer demand. The new plant complements the company's existing operations in Fort Dodge as well as its pelletized limestone plant in Gilmore City, Iowa.

"Our main goals this year were to expand the operations and recruit a new CEO to take advantage of the growth opportunities facing the company," said founder Larry Moore. "Mike is a talented leader with great Midwestern values; his past achievements will ensure Calcium Products continues as the industry leader in pelletized products." Moore plans to stay on with the company in a consulting capacity.



Mycogen Seeds Adds 37 New Grain Corn Hybrids for 2014

Mycogen Seeds is introducing 37 new grain corn hybrids for the 2014 growing season, including 15 featuring REFUGE ADVANCED® powered by SmartStax®.

“We are excited to offer growers new hybrids that contain our proprietary genetics and industry-leading technologies,” says Hank King, U.S. corn marketing leader for Mycogen Seeds. “We continue to invest heavily in research and development and extensive testing to select the very best corn hybrids with competitive performance and agronomic characteristics that our customers demand.”

Featured new grain corn hybrids
2V357 is a 93-day SmartStax REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid with strong early season emergence for cool, wet soil conditions. It has consistent semi-flex ears, which support variable plant destinies and consistent yield performance. 2V357 is a good choice for either continuous corn or corn-soybean rotations.

2K395 has very good drought tolerance and yield stability. This 94-day SmartStax REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid has excellent root strength for poorly drained or compacted soil conditions. 2K395 has good late-season health and semi-flexible ears.

2Y479 has good agronomic versatility that handles variable soil types and tillage practices. 2Y479 is a 98-day SmartStax REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid with consistently high yields and strong early season growth. This hybrid is a good choice for corn-on-corn and corn-soybean rotations at medium to high plant populations.

2A509 is a top-performing hybrid that offers outstanding yields, superior staygreen and excellent standability. This 101-day SmartStax REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid is an attractive plant with very good tolerance to gray leaf spot.

2D599 is a 106-day SmartStax® REFUGE ADVANCED® hybrid with excellent early season characteristics, making it a good choice for reduced tillage and no-till systems. 2D599 is consistently high-yielding and a widely adapted hybrid for a wide range of soil types and environments.

2C649 is a 108-day SmartStax REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid featuring excellent late-season intactness, good tolerance to gray leaf spot and strong yield potential in high-yield environments. 2C649 offers excellent standability and highly competitive yield.

2V779 has excellent drought-stress tolerance and great standability. This 113-day SmartStax REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid offers outstanding staygreen and high yield potential across a variety of environments.

2C788 is a 114-day SmartStax REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid that offers good late-season intactness, strong ear retention and very good leaf blight tolerance. 2C788 is a high-yielding hybrid that performs best at medium to high plant densities.

2C799 has consistent, semi-flexible ears that generate very strong yield performance. This 114-day SmartStax REFUGE ADVANCED hybrid is widely adapted east to west across the central Corn Belt and offers good tolerance to gray leaf spot.

2Y767 is a 114-day SmartStax® REFUGE ADVANCED® hybrid with very good tolerance to Goss’s wilt, northern corn leaf blight and southern corn leaf blight. 2Y767 is a good choice for conventional and no-till systems.

“Our experienced agronomists and sales representatives are committed to help our growers with technical support and placement to get the most from their cropping acres,” King says.

Mycogen Seeds Adds 10 New Soybean Varieties for 2014
Mycogen Seeds is introducing 10 new soybean varieties with the Roundup Ready 2 Yield® trait for the 2014 growing season, providing growers with top-performing, dependable products.

“These new soybean lines give growers strong yield potential and defensive characteristics to maximize on that potential,” says John Kalthoff, Mycogen Seeds portfolio marketing leader. “Mycogen Seeds’ continued commitment to research allows us to offer growers outstanding new products.”

Featured new soybean lines
5N511R2 is a tall plant with excellent emergence. This Group 5 variety works well in all row widths and is best suited for clay soils, especially where frogeye leaf spot is a problem.

5N479R2 is a broadly adapted STS® (Sulfonylurea Tolerant Soybean) variety that performs well in the Midwest, Midsouth and East Coast. This Group 4 line has excellent emergence and standability, and works well in all planting practices.

5N404R2 offers strong performance from west to east. This tall, bushy plant can handle variable soils and has very good tolerance to sudden death syndrome. 5N404R2 is a Group 4 variety and a great choice for tough, stressful ground.

5N373R2 is a Group 3 line and a great choice for lighter soils. 5N373R2 is a medium/tall plant and offers good tolerance to sudden death syndrome, Phytophthora and frogeye leaf spot.

5N361R2 offers excellent yield potential and stress tolerance. This Group 3 line is a medium/tall plant and works well in all planting practices. 5N361R2 is a good choice for soils with high salt content.

5N312R2 is a broadly adapted variety with excellent emergence, height and standability. As an early maturity Group 3 variety, 5N312R2 is a versatile performer from west to east and works well in all row widths with good branching and standability.

5N275R2 is a Group 2 variety with good performance north to south, especially where sudden death syndrome is a problem. This variety works well across all soil types, has good standability and is a great choice for all row widths.

5N263R2 is an attractive plant with strong yield performance east to west. This Group 2 variety offers good tolerance to sudden death syndrome, brown stem rot and frogeye leaf spot. 5N263R2 has excellent emergence and standability, and works well in all planting practices.

5N223R2 is a Group 2 variety that performs well both west to east and north to south. This plant has strong agronomics and great yield potential and works well in all soil types.

5N091R2 offers superior Phytophthora protection with Rps3a and excellent field tolerance. This late-maturing Group 0 variety has excellent emergence and great soybean cyst nematode protection.

Promise for advanced technology
The dependable portfolio of MYCOGEN® brand soybeans gives growers options by offering products with a wide range of agronomic qualities and maturities. Mycogen Seeds is committed to providing customers with new technology. Growers will continue to see the future of soybeans come through Mycogen Seeds.

“Every year, our soybean lineup grows with the addition of dependable products that meet the needs of farmers,” Kalthoff says. “We will continue developing soybeans with innovative technology and strong genetic performance.”



Multiple crop registrations for Vibrance® seed treatment fungicide enhance Syngenta Seedcare portfolio

Syngenta announced today it has received federal registration for Vibrance® seed treatment fungicide for more than 30 additional crops, including corn.

Vibrance contains sedaxane, which is from the SDHI class of fungicides and is the company’s first active ingredient developed specifically for use as a seed treatment. The revolutionary chemistry unlocks the power of root health by providing ideal soil mobility and enhancing biotic/abiotic stress management. This RootingPower results in stronger, healthier roots, which help build a powerful foundation for robust yield.

In field corn, Vibrance will be sold in combination with the market-leading Maxim® Quattro seed treatment fungicide. Maxim Quattro currently combines the active ingredients mefenoxam, fludioxonil, azoxystrobin and thiabendazole. With the addition of sedaxane, the Vibrance/Maxim Quattro combination will provide best-in-class Rhizoctonia activity.

“Vibrance demonstrates the continued commitment to seed treatment innovation at Syngenta,” said David Winston, Seedcare product lead. “This addition to our diverse portfolio further strengthens our ability to protect seeds and seedlings against disease, which otherwise may impact yield potential negatively.”

In addition to field corn, Vibrance received EPA approval for sweet corn, popcorn and forage corn, as well as sorghum and dry beans. The EPA previously approved Vibrance for use on cereals, soybeans and canola. It is already available as part of the following solutions: Avicta® Complete Beans applied with Vibrance, and CruiserMaxx® Beans applied with Vibrance in soybeans, CruiserMaxx Vibrance Cereals and Vibrance Extreme in cereals, and Helix Xtra® applied with Vibrance in canola.