Monday August 5 Ag News

Low Stress Cattle Presentations coming to rural Nebraska towns

Nebraska Cattlemen is excited to announce, Curt Pate will be presenting three Low Stress Cattle Handling demonstrations in August.

For more than a decade, Curt has improved handling practices and strives to create sustainability for the cattle industry by doing cattle handling presentations. Low stress handling provides a direct benefit to the producer. Improved handling alleviates unnecessary stress to the animal and allows the producer to move cattle more efficiently and effectively. His abilities conducting both horsemanship and stockmanship demonstrations along with his ability as an effective communicator have made him a sought after clinician both on the national and international scene.

The presentation dates and locations include:
-    August 20th : Cuming County Fairgrounds, Watson Pavilion – West Point NE
-    August 21st : Dawson County Fairgrounds, Steven’s Arena – Lexington NE
-    August 22nd : Morrill County Fairgrounds, Arena – Bridgeport NE

All producers are invited to attend this free educational event. There will also be a Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) training at each location. The BQA training begins at 4:00 p.m. with the meal and live cattle presentation to follow. It is only $20 if you wish to become BQA certified, which is good for a two year time period.

For more information contact Bonita Lederer, Nebraska Cattlemen Director of Producer Education at 402.450.0223 or blederer@necattlemen.org.

“We are very excited to have Curt meet with cattle producers to share with them the benefits of low stress handling,” said Bonita Lederer, Director of Producer Education for Nebraska Cattlemen.

For more information about Curt Pate visit http://curtpatestockmanship.com/.



Southern Rust in Corn Confirmed in 11 Nebraska Counties So Far

            Nebraska corn growers should be scouting their fields for southern rust, especially those fields planted later this spring and in southern Nebraska counties.

            Southern rust was confirmed in samples submitted to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and private laboratories from 11 counties in south central and southeastern Nebraska with more expected, said Tamra Jackson-Ziems, UNL Extension plant pathologist.

            "These samples were from fields that had low incidence of disease at this time," she said. "Warm temperatures and high humidity may promote development and spread of the disease."

            Rust diseases produce large amounts of spores that can be easily moved by wind for long distances. Having a history of southern rust in corn does not have any impact on disease development now, because this pathogen does not overwinter in infected residue, Jackson-Ziems said.

            "The spores must be carried into the area from southern or western locations by winds from diseased areas," she said. "At this time, southern rust has not been confirmed in either Kansas or Missouri corn fields. If the disease continues to spread and worsen in Nebraska, those fields planted later are especially at higher risk for disease and potentially severe yield impacts."

           Jackson-Ziems said the best way to keep track of southern rust is to monitor reports from local university plant pathologists, diagnostic laboratories and county Extension offices. Crop disease information in Nebraska is updated on CropWatch, UNL Extension's crop production newsletter at cropwatch.unl.edu.

            The characteristics used for differentiating between common rust and southern rust are described and illustrated in the NebGuide, Rust Diseases of Corn in Nebraska, available from local UNL Extension offices and online at http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/sendIt/g1680.pdf.

            The simplest and most reliable way to differentiate the diseases without a microscope is to examine both leaf surfaces for spore production. Southern rust spore production is mostly limited to the upper leaf surface and tends to be tan/orange in color.

            The most reliable method for identifying corn rust diseases is based on examination of microscopic spore characteristics. Anyone needing assistance identifying diseases or other plant problems can submit samples to the UNL Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic, 448 Plant Science Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0722. For more information on how to submit a sample or for the submission form, call 402-472-2559 or visit http://pdc.unl.edu/diagnosticclinics/plantandpest.

Other diseases that have been identified across Nebraska include:
            – Common rust – This rust has been evident across Nebraska for several weeks. Common rust spores are usually brick-red to brown in color; however, the color difference is not a reliable method for identification when both are not available for comparison and because the spore type can change and turn black later in the season for both diseases.

            – Goss's bacterial wilt and blight – Goss's wilt continues to be confirmed in samples submitted from across the state. Be sure the disease has be identified before making a fungicide application since Goss's wilt and other diseases also are present right now and can't be directly managed with foliar fungicide applications. Goss's wilt will likely increase after the recent severe storms that have damaged crops.

            – Physoderma brown spot – Another disease that has begun to develop in Nebraska corn fields is physoderma brown spot. This disease is normally not a concern, except in rare cases, such as on susceptible hybrids exposed to wet conditions, but the lesions are sometimes mistaken for southern rust.

            For more information about these diseases, visit CropWatch, UNL Extension's crop production newsletter, at http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/cropwatch/archive?articleID=5356355.



UNL Professor Kathryn Christensen will present on Trends in Media Reporting

Kathryn Christensen, a Professor of Practice at the University of Nebraska/Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications, will discuss trends in media reporting at the Nebraska Ethanol Board meeting on August 7th in Lincoln. 

Kathryn Christensen has extensive experience in the field of journalism and mass communications. A few of her previous professional positions include serving as vice president of television at The Wall Street Journal and executive producer of “Weekend News” at ABC News.  

Ms. Christensen will deliver her presentation to the Nebraska Ethanol Board on August 7th at 3:00 p.m. The board meeting will commence at 2:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Lincoln.

Other items on the agenda include...
--  Ethanol Marketing Programs update
--  Presentation: Mark Riley, UNL Professor and Dep. Head Biological Systems Engineering
--  Special Presentation: UN-L Husker Motorsports Team
--  State and Federal Legislation update

The meeting is open to the public. 



USDA Announces Ongoing Efforts to Assist Ranchers Impacted by Drought

As severe drought conditions persist in certain regions throughout the country, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Juan M. Garcia today announced temporary assistance to livestock producers through FSA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Under limited conditions, farmers and ranchers affected by drought will be allowed to use certain additional CRP acres for haying or grazing under emergency conditions while maintaining safeguards to the conservation and wildlife benefits provided by CRP. In addition, USDA announced that the reduction to CRP annual rental payments related to emergency haying or grazing will be reduced from 25 percent to 10 percent. Further, the sale of hay will be allowed under certain conditions. These measures take into consideration the quality losses of the hay and will provide needed assistance to livestock producers.

"Beginning today, state FSA offices are authorized, under limited conditions, to expand opportunities for haying and grazing on certain additional lands enrolled in CRP," said Garcia. "This local approach provides both the appropriate flexibility and ability to tailor safeguards specific to regional conditions. States must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure that additional haying and grazing still maintains the important environmental and wildlife benefits of CRP. These safeguards will be determined through consultation with the state conservationist, state fish and wildlife agency and stakeholders that comprise the state technical committee."

CRP is a voluntary program that provides producers annual rental payments on their land in exchange for planting resource-conserving vegetation on cropland to help prevent erosion, provide wildlife habitat and improve the environment. CRP acres enrolled under certain practices can already be used for emergency haying and grazing during natural disasters to provide much-needed feed to livestock. FSA state offices have already opened haying, grazing or both in 432 counties in response to natural disaster this year.

Given the continued multi-year drought in some regions, forage for livestock is already substantially reduced. The action today will allow lands that are not typically eligible for emergency haying and grazing to be used with appropriate protections to maintain the CRP environmental and wildlife benefits. The expanded haying and grazing will only be allowed following the local primary nesting season, which already has passed in many areas. Especially sensitive lands such as stream buffers are generally not eligible.

FSA also has taken action under the Emergency Conservation Program to authorize additional expenditures related to drought response to be eligible for cost share, including connection to rural water systems and installation of permanent pipelines. In addition, given the limited budgetary resources and better long term benefits, FSA has increased the maximum cost share rates for permanent practices relative to temporary measures.

FSA encourages all farmers and ranchers to contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency Service Center to report damage to crops or livestock loss. In addition, USDA reminds livestock producers to keep thorough records of losses, including additional expenses for such things as feed purchased due to lost supplies.

For further information about CRP program benefits and regulations, go online to www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.



Maintaining Beehives on CRP Acreage – Pollinator Habitats

Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director, Dan Steinkruger reminds Nebraska producers and landowners about the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) pollinator habitats and how this may benefit beehive locations and their ability to be placed on CRP acres.

Pollinators are essential to the production of an estimated one-third of the human diet and to the reproduction of at least 80 percent of flowering plants.  Insect-pollinated agricultural commodities result in significant income for agricultural producers and account for over $20 billion in annual U.S. agricultural production.  Honeybees, the predominant animal pollinator for United States agriculture, require an ample and diverse supply of pollen and nectar to thrive.

CRP provides millions of acres of vital habitat for honeybees, and has since 1986.  CRP is viewed by numerous stakeholders in the pollinator community as providing essential habitat in a landscape that has been rapidly changing, often in ways that have depleted habitat well suited for honeybees.

The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, encourages the inclusion of pollinator habitat in all USDA administered conservation programs.  The CRP practice of “Pollinator Habitat” was developed with pollinator partners to meet this goal.  The beehives may be stored on CRP acreage to maintain benefits similar to other benefits brought forth for soil, water and wildlife goals of CRP.

Ensuring the long-term viability of honey beekeeping requires the development of both suitable habitat for foraging bees, and access to this habitat for beekeepers.  “We want to encourage landowners enrolled in the CRP program to provide, as might be negotiated in the conservation planning process, access and space for beekeepers to place their hives,” said Steinkruger.

Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office for more information on CRP pollinator habitat.  Additional information is also available on the web at www.fsa.usda.gov/ne.



ISU Small Beef Feedlot Manure Control Tour Is Aug. 27

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host a feedlot field day at the Greg Galles feedlot near Marcus in northwest Iowa on Tuesday, Aug. 27, beginning at 1 p.m.

By law, small feedlots in Iowa must settle solids from runoff and then discharge effluent in a manner that does not cause a water quality violation. Kris Kohl, ag engineer with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, will present information at the field day on how to install a low-cost pumping system below the settling basin that can be used to move the nutrient-rich effluent to cropland or pasture. The effluent and nutrients are then distributed through a hose or pipe via flood irrigation where both the water and the nutrients can be used for crop growth, reducing the potential impact on water quality.

Feedlot owner Greg Galles will talk about the costs and benefits of this system. ISU Extension and Outreach ag engineer Shawn Shouse will talk about the small feedlot plan to help educate cattle and dairy operators about manure management impacts on water quality and manure systems for small feedlots that can be used to protect water quality. The plan is a cooperative effort of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and the Iowa State Dairy Association.

This field day will be held rain or shine. To get to the field day from the intersection of Hwy 3 and County Road L36 (D Ave.) south of Marcus, travel approximately 4.5 miles south on D Ave. The feedlot is on the west side of the road with the address 5334 D Ave. Watch for signs.

The Iowa Manure Management Action Group website provides a postcard for a quick look at the program. For more information, contact Kohl at kkhohl1@iastate.edu or 712-730-5068, ISU Extension and Outreach beef specialist Beth Doran at doranb@iastate.edu or 712-737-4230, or Angie Rieck-Hinz at amrieck@iastate.edu or 515-294-9590.



Cover Crops and Corn Production Field Day Aug. 30 near Boone

The Iowa State University Agricultural Engineering/Agronomy Research Farm, rural Boone, will hold a cover crop and corn production field day Aug. 30. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to noon and includes a lunch following the program. The public is invited to attend.

John Lawrence, director of Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension and Outreach, will present information about the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. Sarah Carlson, Midwest Cover Crop research coordinator, will discuss establishing cover crops and selecting appropriate plants.

Bob Hartzler, Iowa State agronomy professor and extension weed specialist, will present information on the effects of residual herbicide on cover crop establishment. Mark Licht, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach, will offer tips about cover crop management in a corn-soybean rotation.

Erin Hodgson, entomologist with ISU Extension and Outreach, will share information about corn rootworm resistance and resistance management. Roger Elmore, extension corn agronomist, will update attendees on the state’s corn production status.

Following lunch, the ISU BioCentury Research Farm will offer tours of the facility and Iowa Learning Farms will demonstrate the Conservation Station. Its rainfall simulator shows the effects of rainfall on several different surfaces, including intense tillage, perennial vegetation and permeable pavers for streets and driveways.

The field day is at the ISU Agricultural Engineering/Agronomy Research Farm, 1308 U Ave., Boone, at the intersection of Highway 30 and U Avenue between Boone and Ames. Iowa Learning Farms, Practical Farmers of Iowa, ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and ISU Extension and Outreach are hosts of the field day.



Determining Beef AI Conception Rates

Commercially available blood tests to predict pregnancy are accurate and an inexpensive tool cattle producers can use to determine their AI conception rate, according to new research conducted at South Dakota State University.

"The research showed that these tests are 87 to 93 percent accurate in the ability to correctly identify pregnant animals at 30 days after conception," said George Perry, research lead, SDSU Professor and SDSU Extension beef reproduction specialist.

The blood tests require no training to implement and cost less than $4 a sample.

Perry's research set out to determine the accuracy of commercially available blood pregnancy tests at 30 days after conception - a window of time that would clearly inform cattle producers of their AI conception rates, even after a bull had been turned out with the cows.

"Truly knowing AI conception rates is critical to making improvements to a reproduction program, yet it is challenging for many producers," said Perry, explaining that prior to the blood tests, producers relied on either transrectal ultrasonography, which meant hiring a professional - or labor-intensive heat detection.

"Producers only other option would be calving dates. We know those are not reliable. Cows that conceive within a couple of hours of each other can still calve up to three to four weeks apart," Perry said.

To determine the tests' accuracy, Perry and his team AIed a group of cows. Then for the next 30 days they observed twice-daily for heat detection. Thirty days after conception, the team collected blood samples from each cow. A portion of each blood sample was tested by the three different available blood tests.

"The fact that all three tests were used on the same animals, at the same time made this research conducted at SDSU unique," Perry said.

Tests results were then compared to the results of a transrectal ultrasound which was also conducted on day 30.

"Statistically, all the tests performed similarly," said Perry, of the resulting 87 to 93 percent accuracy rate. "This study gives producers another tool they can use to gain knowledge and better manage their operations. Now, instead of hiring someone to preg check at 30 days and again at the end of breeding season, producers can just pay a professional to visit once."

He added that since several South Dakota-based labs run the tests, cattle producers can receive results within 72 hours or less of mailing them.

Perry's research received national recognition when a board of his peers at the American Society of Animal Science awarded his research with a Presidential Pick.

"Dr. Perry's research is an excellent example of work that has a direct impact on beef cattle producers in South Dakota and has earned the recognition of other scientists. This meets our goal of conducting high quality applied research," said Joseph Cassady, Animal Science Department Head.

The committee reviewed Perry's and more than 2,200 other abstracts and, based on scientific merit and overall interest, the committee selected Perry's as one of only 30 to receive the prestigious award. "I'm honored and excited," Perry said. "As a researcher, we all think our research is interesting, but it's exciting when others think it is valuable and interesting too."



U.S. Beef-Cow Herd Down 2% From 2012 as of Midyear

Recent estimates made by a consortium of analysts, agricultural economists and cattle-industry participants for the size of the U.S. beef cattle herd as of midyear range from down by nearly 1% to more than 2% below a year ago.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's semiannual cattle inventory report July 1 was among several reports that were canceled due to the federal budget cuts and sequester. Since that report was unavailable, the Livestock Marketing Information Center conducted a cattle inventory survey of its Technical Advisory Committee during its recent annual meeting.

A summary of the survey's results was compiled by Derrell Peel, agricultural economist at Oklahoma State University, and LMIC analysts Jim Robb and Katelyn McCullock. The results were released Monday.

"The majority of the group indicated that the beef cow herd was likely down between one and two percent as of July 1," the release said. The survey showed the number of beef cows in the U.S. as of July was projected to be down 2.1% from the same date a year ago. Dairy cow numbers, meanwhile, were estimated at up 0.5%. Overall, no beef heifer retention was seen, but some regions of the country likely had some retention that was offset by further liquidation in others where pasture conditions and hay supplies remain poor.

"Heifer retention may well pick up in the last half of the year. Still, the combined effects of higher beef cow slaughter and decreased heifers entering the herd likely means that the beef cow herd will be down year-over-year on January 1, 2014," the survey results showed.

Estimates made for the number of feeder cattle as of July 1 showed a decline of 2%, factoring in a smaller 2013 calf crop and reduced cattle imports this year. "Renewed heifer retention interest in the last half of this year could squeeze feeder supplies dramatically in 2014," the release said.



ASA Congratulates Harden on Confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

The American Soybean Association (ASA) offered its congratulations Monday to Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Krysta Harden. Deputy Secretary Harden was confirmed by the Senate late Thursday night on a bipartisan vote. Prior to her tenure at USDA, Ms. Harden served on ASA's staff as a Washington representative. ASA President Danny Murphy, a soybean farmer from Canton, Miss., released the following statement:

"ASA sends its warmest congratulations to Deputy Secretary Harden on her confirmation. Ms. Harden was a treasured member of the soy family for many years and took the same work ethic and persistence she showed here at ASA to champion all farmers and USDA stakeholders as Chief of Staff to Secretary Tom Vilsack.

"Ms. Harden is a consensus builder, and exactly what is needed to connect the department's diverse group of stakeholders. As Americans become further removed from the sources of their food, fiber and fuel, USDA faces a daunting challenge, as does all of agriculture. We have no doubt that the Deputy Secretary will meet this challenge with the same balanced, pragmatic approach she has always used to tackle each issue.

"ASA commends the Senate for its speedy and bipartisan work to confirm Ms. Harden, and look forward to working with her in her new role."



Judge Stalls Horse-Slaughter Plant Opening

A federal judge ruled Friday that two horse-slaughter plants pose a threat to the environment and they cannot open this week. Chief U.S. District Judge M. Christine Armijo said opponents of horse slaughter had met their burden in establishing that a temporary restraining order against the plants was justified.

Armijo said a hearing before a federal magistrate would allow the companies to seek a bond from their legal opponents so that they would be compensated for lost business if they ultimately prevail in the case. But Armijo's ruling means that Valley Meat Co. of Roswell, N.M., and Responsible Transportation of Sigourney, Iowa, are barred from starting business for at least 30 days.

Both companies hope to slaughter horses and sell the meat to grocers and restaurants in foreign markets. They wanted to be the first plants to open since Congress shut down the horse-slaughter business by eliminating money for inspectors six years ago.

Armijo based a large part of her ruling on a directive for inspection procedures by a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. She said the directive amounted to government policy, as was so significant that it should have triggered a review through the National Environmental Policy Act.



Informa Pegs Corn Above 14 BB

Private analytical firm Informa Economics anticipates that USDA will forecast 2013 corn production at 14.14 billion bushels in its Aug. 12 Crop Production report.

The national average yield is forecast at 158.6 bushels per acre, 35.2 bpa higher than last year. Although corn development has been running behind average, condition ratings have largely been above average, Informa noted. As of July 28's crop progress report, 63% of the corn crop was rated in good-to-excellent condition.

For soybeans, USDA will incorporate its resurvey of planted acreage in 14 states that it conducted due to wet weather planting delays. Informa projects harvested acreage to be trimmed by 500,000 acres largely from Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri and North Dakota. Informa estimates farmers will harvest 76.4 million acres of soybeans.  Informa anticipates USDA will project soybean production at 3.266 billion bushels, which is 251 million bushels higher than last season. In July, USDA forecast soybean production at 3.42 mb. Informa expects yields to average 42.7 bpa, 3.1 bpa more than last year.

All-wheat production is expected to total 2.125 million bushels, 144 mb lower than year.



NCGA Membership Now Tops 40,000

Membership in the National Corn Growers Association now surpasses the 40,000 mark, the organization announced today, signaling deep and continued support for the 56-year-old national agriculture association. As of July 31, membership in NCGA stands at 40,157.

“We’re thrilled at what this new milestone means and we salute the hard work of our membership recruiters, state and national staff, and all who have helped build this into such a respected and strong grassroots association,” said NCGA President Pam Johnson, a farmer in Floyd, Iowa. “At a time when many associations struggle to maintain strong member numbers and there are so many pressing issues on the table, our growing membership means a louder voice in our nation’s capital, standing up for corn farmers throughout our nation.”

Johnson credits the rise to the importance of some seriously debated issues in Washington, especially the delayed farm bill and attacks on the Renewable Fuel Standard for ethanol, which represents an important market for corn farmers. At the same time it fights for ethanol, with programs like American Ethanol Racing and Fuels America, NCGA involvement in other ag programs, such as the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, CommonGround and the new GMO Answers, help drive home how important feed-and-food issues are to its grower membership.

“Our members see what we’re doing and recognize the importance of our work, while at the same time enjoying a wide array of benefits that make membership really worthwhile,” Johnson said. “Just one example: Our National Corn Yield Contest continues to grow in popularity after nearly a half-century of existence. And new programs we’ve helped start and run, like the National Agricultural Genotyping Center, will help ensure we’re growing markets as well as membership interest.”



Historic Agricultural Data Now Online

In early July, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) simplified access to historic data by putting 77 years’ worth of agricultural statistics online. In the past, this information, published in the annual bulletin Agricultural Statistics, was available in print form only.

The volumes are now available at www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/Ag_Statistics/index.asp. 

“U.S. agriculture continues to progress by learning from our past, which is why it is imperative to have historic data easily available,” said Dr. Cynthia Clark, NASS Administrator. “By publishing this information online we are simplifying the research process and further enhancing access to this important and interesting information.”

NASS and its predecessors at USDA have published Agricultural Statistics since 1936. The bulletins are a compilation of data produced by multiple agencies within USDA. Each volume is a one-stop location for annual production, consumption, trade, and price data for all sorts of crops and livestock, as well as farm economics, spending for government programs, and lots of other statistics important to our country’s agricultural system. These volumes detail U.S. farming for much of the 20th century, including the Dust Bowl and World War II.

While digitizing these past data, NASS statisticians uncovered some fascinating historical facts, including:
-    U.S. egg exports skyrocketed from 5 million dozen in 1940 to 153 million dozen in 1941, the same year the Lend-Lease policy was enacted to provide food aid to Britain and other allies during World War II. By 1944, that number was nearly 700 million dozen.
-    In 1933, hybrid corn seeds made up only one-tenth of 1 percent of the national crop. Within ten years, that proportion reached 50 percent, and by 1956, more than 90 percent of the national corn crop was from hybrid seeds.
-    Iowa harvested 2.36 billion bushels of corn in 2011, more than the entire U.S. corn harvest of 1935.
-    Once staples of American farms, horse and mule populations fell from 18.7 million in 1930 to 3.1 million in 1960, after which the statistic was discontinued.

“Whether you need them for research or are just curious about our country’s farming history, these historic volumes are a valuable addition to the official statistical literature available to the public,” added Clark.



CWT Assists with 2.4 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted seven requests for export assistance from Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) and United Dairymen of Arizona to sell 1.376 million pounds (624 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese and 992,080 pounds (450 metric tons) of butter to customers in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered August 2013 through October 2013.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 77.054 million pounds of cheese, 62.264 million pounds of butter, 44,092 pounds of anhydrous milk fat and 218,258 pounds of whole milk powder to 34 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 2.113 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. The product is scheduled to be shipped in 2013.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program positively impacts producer milk prices in the short-term by helping to maintain inventories of cheese and butter at desirable levels. In the long-term, CWT’s Export Assistance program helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the farm milk that produces them.



Brazil Soy Could Top US by 2015

Brazil could consistently grow more soybeans than the U.S. as soon as 2015, the head of soy growers' association Aprosoja said Monday.

Brazil is expected to produce 85 million metric tons of soybeans in the 2013-14 growing season, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, compared with 93.1 million tons for the U.S. In the 2012-13 season, the U.S. produced 82.1 million tons, compared with 82 million for Brazil.

"We're near a balance point right now," said Carlos Favaro, president of Aprosoja, which represents growers in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. "And we have the capacity to double the area planted with soy in Mato Grosso from 8 million hectares (19.8 million acres) to 16 million without cutting down a single tree."

Farmers from Mato Grosso state grow about 30% of Brazil's soybeans, Mr. Favaro said.

Brazil's inadequate transportation infrastructure is slowing the pace of growth in production because farmers face high costs to get their harvests to export markets, he said. Even with the soy harvest growing more slowly than in recent years, Brazil should overtake the U.S. by 2020 at the latest, he added.

It costs U.S. farmers $10 to $18 per ton to ship soybeans about 2000 kilometers (1200 miles) down the Mississippi and other rivers, compared with $150 to $170 per ton for Brazilian farmers to move soy beans the same distance, mostly by road, Mr. Favaro said.



GPRE to Shut 9 Ethanol Plants Aug.-Sept. for Maintenance

Omaha-based Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. will temporarily shut down nine of its 10 ethanol plants towards the end of August through the end of September for maintenance, company spokesman Jim Stark said Monday, Aug. 5.  He said the maintenance program has been brought forward this year because the "corn basis is tight," and they want to make sure the turnaround at the plants occurs in time for the new harvest. The "new crop won't [be supplied to plants] till October," said Stark. 

The nine plants have a combined quarterly capacity of 185 million gallons, so the downtime would reduce production by 13 million barrels, or 10%, for the quarter, Stark said.



Zoetis introduces BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT

Zoetis Inc., formerly the animal health business unit of Pfizer Inc., announces the licensure of BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT™. With BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT, producers get upgraded protection for their cattle against major respiratory viruses and Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica in one convenient dose.

BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT offers the longest demonstrated protection of the combination respiratory vaccines on the market. It helps protect cattle for at least 279 days against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) Types 1 and 2 viruses — at least 30% longer than Vista® Once SQ and longer demonstrated protection than Pyramid® 5 + Presponse® SQ vaccine, which has no duration of immunity label claims.

The extended protection of BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT helps producers protect their cattle against IBR virus and BVD Types 1 and 2 viruses that cause bovine respiratory disease (BRD), which can result in losses as high as $240 per head.1,2

“BRD is a major health concern for cattle producers, and it’s the leading cause of economic losses,” said Jon Seeger, DVM, managing veterinarian with Zoetis Cattle and Equine Technical Services. “Having at least 279 days of respiratory immunity against IBR virus and BVD Types 1 and 2 viruses with BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT is especially advantageous because cattle are protected through the stresses that can result in BRD outbreaks — leaving the herd at weaning, processing, shipping, commingling and arrival at another operation.”

BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT helps protect cattle from respiratory disease caused by IBR virus; BVD Types 1 and 2 viruses; bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV); parainfluenza 3 (PI3) virus; and M. haemolytica. It is the only combination respiratory vaccine that is labeled to prevent IBR, prevent BVD viremia and aid in the prevention of M. haemolytica, the No. 1 calf killer.3,4

“BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT incorporates components from two trusted products in one convenient dose, so animals receive superior protection from the major BRD-causing viruses and unmatched M. haemolytica protection,” Dr. Seeger explained. “Healthy calves have the best opportunity to gain weight quickly and efficiently.”

BOVI-SHIELD GOLD ONE SHOT is available in 5-, 10- or 50-dose vials and can be purchased through veterinarians or animal health retailers.