Corn Rootworm Root Rating Field Day
Nebraska farmers, agronomists, and crop consultants are invited to participate in a Corn Rootworm Field Day on Monday, August 12 at the Dinklage Center, Cuming County Fairgrounds, West Point, NE according to UNL Extension Educator, Larry Howard. Attendees are asked to bring their own or customer corn samples with them. Between 1:30 and 4:30, UNL Extension personnel will be on hand to perform tissue testing for Bt traits and do a rootworm injury assessment on samples. This is an excellent opportunity for one-on-one training on using the corn rootworm injury rating scale, as well as discussing management options with UNL Extension.
There is no fee to attend this program. Registration will be done on-site upon arrival. Corn rootworm is a major pest of corn in the United States. In the last decade, Nebraska farmers have seen many changes for managing corn rootworm. With the commercial release of transgenic Bt-rootworm corn in 2003, many farmers reduced or eliminated soil-applied insecticides to manage larvae. Western corn rootworm is adapting to transgenic technologies throughout the Corn Belt. Some continuous cornfields have larvae that can now survive at high numbers and cause severe root injury to Bt corn.
Sampling instructions
1. Collect samples one day prior to the field day
2. Record the legal description and township or GPS location of the field and the corn hybrid and traits planted.
3. Walk beyond the end rows and dig up a corn plant.
4. Shake off excess soil and cut the stalk off about 24 inches from the base.
5. Walk at least 6 rows in a different direction and collect another plant
6. Repeat until you have collected a total of 10 plants for that field.
7. Soak roots overnight in 5-gallon buckets filled with water.
8. Bring collected roots to the field day for your FREE corn rootworm injury evaluation.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact the following Extension personnel:
- Tom Hunt, UNL Extension Entomology Specialist, 402-584-3863, thunt2@unl.edu
- Keith Jarvi, UNL Extension Educator, 402-584-3819, kjarvi1@unl.edu
- Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator, 402-372-6006, lhoward1@unl.edu
Nebraska Soybean Management Field Days Aug. 13-16 at Four Locations
The 15th annual Soybean Management Field Days Aug. 13-16 focuses on staying competitive in a global marketplace, increasing profits and meeting the world's growing food and energy needs starting right here in Nebraska.
The field days are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board in partnership with University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and are funded through soybean checkoff dollars. The efforts of the checkoff are directed by the United Soybean Board promoting progress powered by U.S. farmers.
The field days will offer producers unbiased and research-based information to improve their soybean profitability.
The event consists of four stops across the state, each with replicated research/ demonstration plots, lunch and time for questions. Producers can obtain ideas and insight about the challenges they face in producing a quality crop at a profitable price in today's global economy.
Topics include: adjuvants and water quality; fungicide and insecticide inputs - yield effects and risks; soybean nutrients – high nitrogen study – micronutrients; row spacing; irrigation management; the golden triangle – Nebraska's livestock production past – present – future; and your Nebraska soybean checkoff investment.
"The field days feature integrated studies that combine several potential yield enhancing practices in pest management and agronomy," said Greg Greving, chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Board of Directors. "And producers also won't want to miss out on the biodiesel giveaway at each site."
As part of the biodiesel giveaway, two drawings will be held at each field site for 300 gallons of a biodiesel blend. Official rules are online at: ardc.unl.edu/soydays.
By participating in the Soybean Management Field Days, producers will see their checkoff dollars at work bringing leading technology and ideas to producers.
Presenters include university specialists, educators and industry consultants.
Agronomists, plant disease and insect specialists will be available to address production-related questions. Participants can bring unknown crop problems for complimentary identification.
The field days begin with 9 a.m. registration and conclude at 2:30 p.m. Free registration is available the day of the event.
Dates, locations and directions are:
– Aug. 13 – Minden – David and Jake Olsen – Olsen Cattle Co. farm: West of Minden 5 miles on Highway 6/34 to 27th Road. Go 1.75 miles north. Field site is just north of M Road and 27th Road intersection on west side.
– Aug. 14 –York – Jerry Stahr farm: North of York, go east where E. 25th Street meets Delaware Avenue. Field site is just east of the railroad tracks on south side.
– Aug. 15 – Pierce – Mike Krueger farm: Southeast of Pierce, just east of intersection of Highway 13 and 852nd Road on south side.
– Aug. 16 – Waterloo – Walvoord and Sons farm: From West Center Road and 240th Street, one-half mile east on West Center, then take right on Wright Street. Field is directly south of Wright Street.
The field days are sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board in partnership with UNL Extension in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and are funded through checkoff dollars. The United Soybean Board, through soybean checkoff investments, is committed to making your checkoff pay off.
For more information about the field days and maps to sites, visit the Soybean Management Field Days Web site at http://ardc.unl.edu/soydays. Or contact the Nebraska Soybean Board at 800-852-BEAN or UNL Extension at 1-800-529-8030.
Low Stress Cattle Handling & BQA Free Training Event
Nebraska Cattlemen and the Beef Checkoff are sponsoring three Low Stress Cattle Handling Presentations and BQA Trainings. The live cattle presentation will be given by Curt Pate, who has a great understanding of the impact improved handling practices can have on the cattle industry. The BQA Training begins at 4:00 p.m. for all locations, followed by a meal and live cattle presentation. All events and the meal are free. If you choose to become certifed it will cost $20, which the BQA certifcation is good for two years. All are encouraged to attend this free event!
Date and locations of events:
August 20th - West Point, Cuming Co. Fairgrounds, Watson Pavilion
August 21st - Lexington, Dawson Co. Fairgrounds, Steven’s Arena
August 22nd - Bridgeport, Morrill Co. Fairgrounds, Arena
Landlord/Tenant Lease Workshop – August 20 in Columbus
The Landlord/Tenant Cash Lease workshop offered August 20 will help landlords and tenants put together a lease that is right for them and help maintain positive farm leasing relations.
The workshop will be at Pinnacle Bank (east), 210 E. 23rd St., in Columbus, starting at 1:00 p.m. and concluding about 4:00 p.m.
Topics for discussion include:
-- Latest information about land values and cash rental rates for the area and state;
-- Expectations from the lease, including goal setting for the rental property;
-- Lease termination, including terminating handshake or verbal leases;
-- Lease communication, determining appropriate information sharing for both the tenant and landlord;
-- Alternative cash lease arrangements, flexible provision considerations for your situation; and
-- Other topics, like irrigation systems, hay rent, pasture rental agreements, and grain bin rental will be covered as time allows.
UNL Extension educators Allan Vyhnalek and Tim Lemmons, will present on these topics and provide common sense tips during the presentation. It is very helpful if both the tenant and landlord can attend together.
This free workshop is sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board and the North Central Risk Management Agency. Refreshments and handouts are provided. Participation is limited. Registrations are requested by August 16 to insure adequate supplies for the participants. To register, contact the Platte County Office at 402-563-4901.
For more information or assistance, contact Allan Vyhnalek, extension educator, UNL Extension, Platte County, at 402-563-4901, e-mail anyhnalek2@unl.edu.
UNL Extension Provides Soil and Water In-Field Training
Improving and maintaining soil quality is essential to the productivity of land for current and future use. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension's physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil and water clinic will provide hands-on training.
The Aug. 28 workshop will be conducted at the UNL's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead. This training session is conveniently located a short driving distance from Omaha, Lincoln and Wahoo.
UNL Extension educator Keith Glewen says the in-field training is ideal for agribusiness professionals and those who work with soil and water management.
"The training provides 7.5 total Certified Crop Advisor credits in nutrient management and soil and water management. It can be challenging to find that many credits focusing on these topics. We have a well-versed line up of speakers addressing soil and water topics which, of course, are the cornerstones of our food production system."
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The training begins at 8 a.m.
Pre-registration required. All registrants will be sent a confirmation letter, receipt and finalized schedule. Space is limited and registration is not guaranteed unless payment is received. Cancellations received one week before the clinic will receive a full refund.
In the event of program cancellation by UNL, pre-registered participants will be contacted and will receive a full refund. UNL is not responsible for any expenses incurred by registrants.
Registration before Aug. 21 is $160; $210 after. Fees include training, lunch and reference materials.
For more information or to register, contact the ARDC CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033, call (800) 529-8030, fax (402) 624-8010, e-mail cdunbar2@unl.edu or visit the Web at http://ardc.unl.edu/2013CMDCSoils.
Topics include: Physical, Chemical and Biological Properties of Soil and Water: The Cornerstone of the Human Race; Cover Crops for Improving the Soil; Infiltration Test and Organic Matter; Soil Temp., Electrical Conductivity, pH, N and P tests; Irrigation and Soil Water; Using Solvita Respiration Tests and N Flush; Soil Profile and Positioning of Landscape; and Management Considerations to Improve the Physical, Chemical and Biological Properties of Soil.
Certified Crop Adviser credits of 7.5 (2 in nutrient management and 5.5 water management) have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic.
Symposium to Address Ways to Increase Cattle Herd
Calf numbers in 2012 were at a 64-year low, in part due to drought, rising feed costs and increased land values. Scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and other universities are exploring how to increase those numbers in a sustainable way.
These issues will be addressed Sept. 12-13 at UNL's first Cow-Calf Efficiency Symposium. The symposium will be at the Embassy Suites, 1040 P St., Lincoln, just a block from the UNL's City Campus.
The symposium is sponsored by the Dr. Kenneth and Caroline Eng Foundation. To honor his late wife, Caroline, who died about three years ago, Kenneth Eng has donated a total of about $2 million to three universities to fund research on how to increase cow efficiency in times of limited feed resources.
Along with UNL, the foundation has granted money to Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University.
The 2012 calf crop was estimated at 34.3 million head, down 3 percent from 2011. This is the smallest calf crop since the 33.7 million born during 1949, the National Agricultural Statistics Service of the Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture published in a release in February.
UNL research focuses on increasing the cattle herd by expanding use of corn residues as feedstuff.
Nebraska currently uses about 10 percent of available corn residues.
"If we could use another 10 or 15 percent, that would have a dramatic impact on the amount of cows that we could produce in Nebraska," said Larry Berger, the head of the animal science department at UNL.
Increasing the nation's herd size is not without its challenges.
"Part of the challenge is that the feed resources that have traditionally been used to support the cow industry are going more toward grain production," Berger said. "A portion of the land that was used to raise forages is being used for corn or soybean production rather than hay or forage production."
Berger said that the choice to raise grain instead of forages in an economic one, as grain prices have been high. The result is that hay and grazed forage prices have increased dramatically.
At the symposium, UNL experts will present research on the nutritional effects of feeding cattle corn residue.
"What we're trying to figure out is "can we utilize corn residue when we would normally use hay?'," Berger said. "Can we supplement the nutrient deficiencies in corn residue?"
Pre-registration is $100 and it costs $125 at the door. Current animal science students from UNL, OSU and Texas A&M can attend the symposium for $25.
Several hotels are within walking distance of the event. To register, go to http://go.unl.edu/cowcalfsymposium.
NCTA to host Third Annual “Aggie Fest” Sept. 14
Livestock judging students studying at the University of Nebraska-Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) will host the Third Annual “Aggie Fest” Livestock Judging Clinic and Contest on Saturday, September 14th, at the NCTA Campus.
“We will have several classes of livestock to evaluate as well as instructions on how to answer contest questions and give oral reasons before a judge,” said Dr. Douglas Smith, livestock judging coach and chairman of NCTA’s Agricultural Production Systems (APS) division.
The morning clinic is open to all 4-H and FFA members, and those interested in joining these youth organizations, Smith said. NCTA Aggie students enrolled in animal science and livestock evaluation classes will assist youth in evaluating beef cattle, sheep and swine.
Participants can then compete in an afternoon evaluation contest for scoring and awards.
A $15 per person registration fee includes lunch. Individuals or teams should register by September 6, 2013 to (308) 367-5293, or contact Dr. Smith at doug.smith@unl.edu.
Judging activities will be conducted in the Livestock Teaching Center, located at the east side of NCTA Campus.
NCTA is a two-year technical college with practical, hands-on application. For more information or to schedule a campus visit, see ncta.unl.edu or call 1-800-3CURTIS.
Southern Rust Confirmed in Nebraska
Southern rust has now been confirmed in corn in 11 counties in Nebraska: Adams, Boone, Clay, Fillmore, Gage, Kearney, Platte, Polk, Thayer, Nuckolls, and York. These samples were from fields that had low incidence of disease at this time. Warm temperatures and high humidity may promote development and spread of the disease. UNL Plant Pathologist Tamra Jackson-Ziems recommends scouting for it as well as other developing corn diseases to assess potential threat and need for treatment. See CropWatch at http://cropwatch.unl.edu/web/cropwatch/archive?articleID=5356355 for information on southern rust, other corn diseases, and how to differentiate them to determine the most appropriate treatment option, if necessary, for your field. For more information, also see the Extension NebGuide, Rust Diseases of Corn in Nebraska at http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/live/g1680/build/g1680.pdf.
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. The spores must be carried into the area from southern or western locations by winds from diseased areas. 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 at higher risk for disease and potentially severe yield impacts. We recommend scouting fields, especially those at higher risk, such as later planted fields, in southern Nebraska counties.
A number of people have pointed out the lack of activity on the southern corn rust ipmPIPE monitoring website, a site that historically has been used to track observations of southern rust across the country. Federal funding for this website and its affiliated southern rust monitoring projects was eliminated and so activity there by state pathologists has greatly declined during the last two years. Thus, the maps on the website may not be complete or current and should not be strictly relied upon. Refer to reports from local university plant pathologists, diagnostic laboratories, and county Extension offices for the most recent information regarding southern rust distribution.
The characteristics used for differentiating between common rust and southern rust are described and illustrated in the NebGuide, Rust Diseases of Corn in Nebraska. 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 usually limited to the upper leaf surface and tends to be tan/orange in color.
Fungicides
Timely fungicide applications can be effective at controlling rust diseases in corn. Keep in mind that systemic fungicides can provide protection from disease spread for about 21 days, so application timing is very important to make the best use of the product’s protective and curative properties. Applications made several weeks ago likely are no longer providing protection from fungal foliar diseases. Pay close attention to the label restrictions on the most recent version of the product’s label as changes have been made for pre-harvest intervals and other use parameters.
Soybean Aphids Multiply Quickly in Late July
Late July is the time for soybean growers to watch for the arrival of soybean aphids, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln extension educator said.
Keith Jarvi, UNL extension educator for Dixon, Dakota and Thurston counties, said that numbers of aphids in northeast Nebraska are normal, compared to 2012 when numbers were low due to the drought, but there is a good chance of seeing aphid numbers increase in the next few weeks.
Soybean aphids grow to about 1/16 of an inch in size and multiply quickly. They are found on the underside of soybean leaves on the upper part of the plant. Aphids feed on the soybean leaves, causing curling and stunting of leaves and twigs.
"However, once they start to reproduce and get heavier numbers, they can go anywhere around the plant," Jarvi said.
Aphids have natural predators, including the Asian lady beetle and green lacewings. When these predators are not enough to control the aphids, treatment may be necessary.
"If you have 250 aphids per plant and at least 80 percent of the plants have some aphids, that's when you might want to think about treating," Jarvi said. "Now's the time to stay ahead of them."
Jarvi said that the best pesticides to treat aphids are high in volume and come out at high pressures. Some pesticides may be mixed with fungicides, but it is important to read the label carefully before mixing chemicals.
For more information on soybean aphids, visit the UNL entomology website at http://entomology.unl.edu/.
To download UNL's aphid speed scout app, go to: http://real.unl.edu/iOS/AphidSpeedScout/.
NEBRASKA FARM REAL ESTATE VALUE AND CROPLAND RENT HIGHER
Nebraska’s farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, increased from 2012, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service Farm real estate value for 2013 averaged $3,050 per acre. This is up $460 per acre or 18 percent higher than last year’s level.
Cropland value increased 19 percent from last year to $5,330 per acre. Dryland cropland value averaged $4,060 per acre, up $560 from last year. Irrigated cropland value averaged $7,300 per acre, up $1,300 from a year ago. Pastureland, at $700 per acre, increased $40 from a year ago.
Cash rent paid to landlords in 2013 for cropland also increased from last year. Irrigated cropland rent averaged $260 per acre, an increase of $35 from last year. Dryland cropland rent averaged $147 per acre, up $16 from a year earlier. Pasture rented for cash, which averaged $20.00 per acre, is up $2.50 from the previous year.
County level averages of 2013 cash rents paid to landlords will be released on September 6 and will be available through NASS Quick Stats. Quick Stats is located at http://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/.
Iowa
Iowa’s average cropland value increased to $8,600 per acre, up 17.8 percent from 2012, and the average pasture value rose to $3,400 per acre, a 13.3 percent increase from 2012. Farm real estate value in Iowa averaged $8,400 per acre in 2013, up 20 percent from 2012. The farm real estate value of farmland and buildings increased to $215 billion in 2012, a 22.8 percent increase from 2011.
United States
The United States farm real estate value, a measurement of the value of all land and buildings on farms, averaged $2,900 per acre for 2013, up 9.4 percent from revised 2012 values. Regional changes in the average value of farm real estate ranged from a 23.1 percent increase in the Northern Plains region to no change in the Southeast region. The highest farm real estate values were in the Cornbelt region at $6,400 per acre. The Mountain region had the lowest farm real estate value at $1,020 per acre.
The United States cropland value increased by $460 per acre (13.0 percent) to $4,000 per acre. In the Northern Plains and Corn Belt regions, the average cropland value increased 25.0 and 16.1 percent, respectively, from the previous year. However, in the Southeast region, cropland values decreased by 2.8 percent.
The United States pasture value increased to $1,200 per acre, or 4.3 percent above 2012. The Southeast region had the largest percentage decrease in pasture value, 1.5 percent below 2012. The Northern Plains had the highest increase at 18.4 percent.
2012 NEBRASKA FARM PRODUCTION EXPENDITURES
Farm and Ranch Production Expenditures for Nebraska totaled $21.95 billion in 2012, up 27 percent from a year earlier, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Livestock expenses, the largest expenditure category, at $5.3 billion, increased 48 percent from 2011. Feed, the next largest total expense category at $2.95 billion, increased 67 percent from 2011. Rent, the third largest expense category, at $2.46 billion, increased 18 percent from 2011.
Livestock expenses accounted for 24 percent of Nebraska’s total production expenditures. Feed accounted for 13, Rent 11, and Farm Services 8 percent.
The total expenditures per farm or ranch in Nebraska averaged $470,021 in 2012, up from $370,085, an increase of 27 percent. The Livestock expense category was the leading expenditure, at $113,490 per operation, more than 7 times the national average. Feed expenditures, at $63,169 per operation, were over 2 times the national average. The average Rent expenditure, at $52,677, was nearly 4 times the national average. Farm Services expenditures per operation, at $39,186, were over 2 times the national average.
These results are based on data from Nebraska farmers and ranchers who participated in the Agricultural Resource Management Study conducted by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Producers were contacted in February through April to collect 2012 farm and ranch expenses. This is the ninth year of state level information published for Nebraska from the Agricultural Resource Management Study.
Iowa:
According to the latest USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Farm Production Expenditures Annual Summary report, Iowa farm production expenditures totaled $26.8 billion in 2012. This is 10.9 percent above the 2011 total expenditures. Feed expenses, which rose 12.4 percent to $4.43 billion, represented the highest single production expense for Iowa farmers in 2012, accounting for 16.5 percent of the total. Rent payments were the second largest expense, totaling $3.74 billion and 13.9 percent of the total. This is up 8.4 percent from 2011. The largest percentage increases were for Miscellaneous Capital expenses (up 100%), Tractors and Self-Propelled Machinery (up 72.7%), and Other Farm Machinery (up 43.8%).
United States:
Farm Production Expenditures in the United States is estimated at $351.8 billion for 2012, up from $318.7 billion in 2011. The 2012 Total farm production expenditures were up 10.4 percent compared with 2011 Total farm production expenditures. All expenditure items, except Interest, increased from the previous year.
The four largest expenditures at the United States level totaled $161.8 billion and accounted for 46.0 percent of Total expenditures in 2012. These include Feed, 16.8 percent, Farm services, 11.3 percent, Livestock, poultry and related expenses, 9.1 percent, and Labor, 8.8 percent.
NE AG PRICES
Preliminary prices received by farmers for winter wheat for July 2013 averaged $6.90 per bushel, a decrease of 82 cents from the June price according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service.
The preliminary July corn price, at $6.90 per bushel, decreased 12 cents from the previous month.
The preliminary July sorghum price averaged $11.80 per cwt, a decrease of 60 cents from June.
The preliminary July soybean price, at $15.30 per bushel, increased 30 cents from last month.
The preliminary July dry edible bean price, at $40.50 per cwt, was up $2.40 from last month.
The July alfalfa hay price, at $213.00 per ton, was down $11.00 from last month. The other hay price, at $161.00 per ton, was down $2.00 from last month.
Iowa Ag Prices
The preliminary July 2013 average price received by farmers for corn in Iowa was $7.00 per bushel according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Agricultural Prices report. This is a $0.17 decrease from the July 2012 final average price.
The preliminary July Iowa average soybean price, at $15.50 per bushel is $.50 higher than the July 2012 final average price.
The preliminary July oat price is $4.10 per bushel, an increase of $0.32 from one year ago.
All hay prices in Iowa averaged $213.00 per ton in July, $68.00 per ton higher than July 2012. Alfalfa hay prices increased $78.00 per ton to $240.00 and other hay prices increased $47.00 per ton to $155.00.
Iowa dairy farmers received an average of $19.80 per cwt for milk sold in July, $2.40 per cwt more than one year ago.
Bee Kill Reaffirms Need to Follow Pesticide Label Warnings
Robert Wright, UNL Extension Entomologist
Last month there was a large bumble bee kill in Oregon involving a landscaper using a pesticide to control aphids in linden trees at a Target parking lot.
"This event indicates a need to remind users of pesticides about the absolute importance of reading and following the label – and to pay particular attention to WARNINGS," cautioned an entomologist in the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy in a letter to fellow entomologists.
"While this was not a result of an agricultural application and was an urban use," wrote David Epstein, USDA entomologist, agricultural applications are in full swing across the country and could have similar impacts if applications aren't made according to the label.
Epstein shared the following reminders for ensuring safe pesticide use to protect the applicator and avoid any unnecessary consequences.
What You Can Do to Ensure Safe Pesticide Applications
Use of any pesticide in any way that is not consistent with label directions and precautions is illegal. It may also be ineffective and dangerous. The basic steps in reducing pesticide risks are:
Choose the form of pesticide best suited to your target site and the pest you want to control:
— First, identify the problem correctly and then, choose the least-toxic pesticide that will achieve the results you want and be the least toxic to you and the environment.
— When the words “broad-spectrum” appear on the label, this means the product is effective against a broad range of pests. If the label says “selective,” the product is effective against one or a few pests.
— Read the label before buying the pesticide, read the label before mixing or using the pesticide each time, and read the label before storing or disposing of the pesticide.
Determine the right amount to purchase and use: do not assume that using more pesticide than the label recommends will do a better job. It won’t.
Find the signal word—either Danger, Warning, or Caution on the pesticide label. The signal word tells you how poisonous the product is to humans.
Choose the form of pesticide (aerosol, dust, bait, or other) best suited to your target site and the pest you want to control. Certain formulations work better for some pests and/or some target areas than others.
Use the product safely and correctly:
— Never apply pesticides outdoors on a windy day (winds higher than 10 mph)
— Wear protective clothing, don’t smoke or eat
— Mix and apply only the amount you need
Watch for negative effects on wildlife (birds, butterflies, and bees) in and near treated areas. If you see any unusual behavior, stop using that pesticide, and contact EPA’s Pesticide Incident Response Officer.
Store and dispose of pesticides properly.
— Follow all storage instructions on the pesticide label.
— Always store pesticides in their original containers, complete with labels that list ingredients, directions for use, and first aid steps in case of accidental poisoning.
State and local laws regarding pesticide disposal may be stricter than the federal requirements on the label. Be sure to check with your state or local solid waste agency before disposing of your pesticide containers.
Green Plains Reports Second Quarter 2013 Financial Results
Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq:GPRE) announced today its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013. Net income for the quarter was $6.0 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($7.6) million, or ($0.25) per diluted share, for the same period in 2012. Revenues were $804.7 million for the second quarter of 2013 compared to $870.4 million for the same period in 2012.
"We are pleased to report another quarter of profitability with each of our business segments providing a positive contribution," stated Todd Becker, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Our ethanol production segment capitalized on an improved margin environment while each of our non-ethanol businesses delivered a solid performance as well. As a result, operating income improved nearly $20 million over last year's second quarter."
Green Plains' ethanol production segment produced and sold approximately 172 million gallons of ethanol, or approximately 93 percent of the Company's production capacity. Non-ethanol operating income, from the corn oil production, agribusiness, and marketing and distribution segments, was $17.3 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to $14.6 million for the same period in 2012. For the first six months of 2013, non-ethanol operating income totaled $38.4 million.
"While ethanol margins have been steadily improving, the third quarter remains heavily dependent on the spot market. We anticipate a better second half in comparison to the first half of 2013 based on the current market structure," commented Becker.
"Our balance sheet remains strong with $227 million in cash, even after we paid off $23 million of our term debt in the second quarter and closed on the purchase of an ethanol plant in Atkinson, Nebraska. We continue to pay down debt which we believe will further position us to grow long-term shareholder value," said Becker.
Revenues were $1.6 billion for each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2013 and 2012. Net income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2013 was $8.5 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of ($20.2) million, or ($0.65) per diluted share, for the same period in 2012.
Second quarter 2013 EBITDA, which is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, noncontrolling interests, depreciation and amortization, was $30.5 million compared to $11.4 million for the same period in 2012. Green Plains had $226.6 million in total cash and equivalents and $220.2 million available under committed loan agreements at subsidiaries (subject to satisfaction of specified lending conditions and covenants) at June 30, 2013. For reconciliations of EBITDA to net income attributable to Green Plains, see "EBITDA" below.
Current Business Highlights
In June 2013, the Company acquired an ethanol plant located in Atkinson, Nebraska with the capacity to produce approximately 50 million gallons of ethanol per year. The plant began ethanol production on July 25, 2013. This addition increases the annual production capacity of Green Plains to approximately 790 million gallons.
In June 2013, Green Plains Grain acquired a grain elevator in Archer, Nebraska with current storage capacity of 0.2 million bushels. The Company has begun construction of flat storage to add 1.0 million bushels of grain storage capacity at this location before the 2013 fall harvest.
ISU Extension Research and Demonstration Farms to Host Crops Field Day
Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms and Wallace Foundation for Rural Research and Development will host the 19th annual Crops Field Day on Thursday, Aug. 1 at 5 p.m. The event will be held at the ISU Armstrong Research Farm in Lewis, Iowa.
Crops Field Day is free and open to the public. The agenda includes a free supper, courtesy of the Wallace Foundation for Rural Research and Development, and three different educational stations focused on results from recent field research projects. Elwynn Taylor, ISU agronomy professor, will address the statewide weather stations system at the first educational station. Mark Hanna, ISU Extension agricultural engineer, will discuss the Farm Energy Project at the second station and at the third station, Aaron Saeugling, ISU Extension field agronomist, will explain corn development during various corn planting dates. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with the researchers in an informal setting.
“We are looking forward to sharing some preliminary results from our field trials at the field day,” said Dana Petersen, program coordinator for Hanna’s ISU Farm Energy Project. “Folks will also be able to meet our summer research assistant, Anthony Battazi, and hear a bit about his work on the project during recent months.”
Bernie Havlovic, manager of the ISU Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm, said the annual Crops Field Day is one of the best parts of his job. “It’s a great opportunity for folks to learn about our different research projects, see field demonstrations first hand and to ask specific questions that are relevant to their own farming operations,” said Havlovic.
The Armstrong Farm contains livestock and those visiting it are asked to take a few precautions: change clothing and footwear after being at another livestock operation; and refrain from bringing any food items to the farm. Those who have recently returned from a trip abroad are asked to wait five days before visiting the farm.
For more information, call the Research and Demonstration Farms office at 515-294-5054.
New US Grains Council Chairman Elected
U.S. Grains Council members last week and voted to elect a new slate of board of directors, selecting Julius Schaaf as chairman during the Council's 53rd Annual Board of Delegates Meeting in Ottawa, Canada.
"The world is always changing. Markets are always changing. Today competition is growing, and so are the opportunities. Our job is to figure out how to stay ahead of the changes,” Schaaf told attendees of the conference.
"We know that the global middle class is growing. We know where the growth in global food demand will be. We also understand that our competitors are just as eager to serve these markets as we are. Our goal is to regain market share for U.S. grains and expand that share into the future.”
Schaaf is a fifth generation farmer from Randolph, Iowa, with more than 33 years of experience in production agriculture with other family members. He farms a corn, soybean rotation.
He has been a member delegate of the Council and a member of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board since 2003. He is a past chairman of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board and has also served on the research and biotech committees for the Iowa Corn Promotion Board.
The 2013/2014 USGC Board of Directors includes :
• Julius Schaaf, Chairman, Iowa Corn Promotion Board
• Ron Gray, Vice Chairman, Illinois Corn Marketing Board
• Alan Tiemann, Secretary/Treasurer, Nebraska Corn Board
• Don Fast, Past Chairman, Montana Wheat and Barley Committee
• Thomas Sleight, President, U.S. Grains Council
• Dave Lyons, Agribusiness Sector Director, Louis Dreyfus Commodities
• Mark Seastrand, Barley Sector Director, North Dakota Barley Council
• Chip Councell, Corn Sector Director, Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board
• Bill Kubecka, Sorghum Sector Director, United Sorghum Checkoff Program
• Kim Falcon, State Checkoff Sector Director, Montana Wheat & Barley Committee
• Jim Tobin, At-Large Director, Monsanto
• David Howell, At-Large Director, Indiana Corn Marketing Council
• Charles Ring, At-Large Director, Corn Producers Association of Texas
• Deb Keller, At-Large Director, Iowa Corn Promotion Board
Governor’s Charity Steer Show celebrates 31st year at Iowa State Fair
Families of seriously ill children will be supported by the 25 steers that will be shown in the 2013 Governor's Charity Steer Show at the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, Aug. 10. This is the 31st consecutive year the Iowa beef cattle industry has raised funds to help families who use the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa located in Sioux City, Des Moines and Iowa City.
The show ring competition will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Aug. 10 in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion. Celebrities will lead the steers around the ring, vying for the championship designation, as well as appealing to the crowd for a showmanship award. Immediately following the competition, the steers will be sold at auction in the Cattle Barn’s Penningroth Sales Arena. Proceeds from the sales go to all three of the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa.
The show ring event and the auction are open to the general public.
Since the Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association began the Governor’s Charity Steer Show in 1983, the effort has raised more than $2 million for the Ronald McDonald Houses, which provide a "home away from home" for families of children being treated in near-by hospitals.
Governor Terry Branstad will again host the charity steer show, and will lead one of the steers around the ring. Jason Lekin of Tama will serve as the official steer show judge for this year’s event. The Showmanship Judge will be Byron Leu of Ottumwa. Leu recently retired after 28 years with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach as the southeast Iowa Beef Extension Specialist.
Any individual or business interested in participating in this year's event or in future shows, can contact Doug Bear at IBIC, 515‑296-2305.
USTR, USDA Announce Continued EU Market Access for American Producers of High-Quality Beef
United States Trade Representative Michael Froman and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that the European Union (EU) will continue to provide U.S. beef producers with significant access, at zero duty, to the EU market for high-quality beef produced from non-hormone-treated cattle. The United States and the European Union are planning to extend for two years Phase 2 of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2009 in connection with the United States' long-running dispute with the European Union over its ban on beef from cattle treated with certain growth-promoting hormones.
In the year since Phase 2 began, U.S. beef shipments under the quota were an estimated $200 million, up 300 percent from the value of exports in the year before the MOU entered into force. Under the extension, the EU would maintain until August 2, 2015 its duty-free tariff rate quota for high-quality beef, established pursuant to the MOU between the United States of America and the European Commission Regarding the Importation of Beef from Animals not Treated with Certain Growth Promoting Hormones, at the Phase 2 quantity of 45,000 metric tons per year.
"I am very pleased that American ranchers and meat processors will be allowed to ship substantial quantities of high-quality U.S. beef into a market worth millions of dollars to their bottom lines," said Ambassador Froman. "Before the memorandum of understanding was signed, the EU's beef market had been largely closed for far too long. The substantial market access that we have achieved since 2009 shows what we can accomplish with practical, problem-solving approaches to trade barriers."
"Since 2009, this agreement has greatly expanded opportunities for U.S. beef producers to export high-quality products to the European Union," said Vilsack. "By working together with our EU partners to extend this agreement, we have maintained access to a key market for beef products, and set the stage for further progress. USTR and USDA will continue working closely with our trading partners around the world, including the EU, to further expand trade access for U.S. agricultural products."
U.S. Wins Trade Enforcement Case for American Farmers, Proves Export-Blocking Chinese Duties Unjustified Under WTO Rules
United States Trade Representative Michael Froman, Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced today that the United States won a major case at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on behalf of American chicken producers, proving that China's imposition of higher duties on chicken "broiler products" – which was followed by an 80-percent drop in American exports of those products to China – is unjustified under international trade rules. A WTO dispute settlement panel agreed with the United States, finding that China violated numerous WTO obligations in conducting its investigations and imposing anti-dumping (AD) duties and countervailing duties (CVD) on chicken imports from the United States.
The Monitoring and Enforcement unit of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and other USTR staff worked closely with the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in preparing and litigating this case. Personnel from the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC), created by President Obama to enhance U.S. trade enforcement capabilities, also provided support for the dispute.
"This decision sends a clear message that the Obama Administration can fight and win for American farmers, businesses, and workers in the global trading system, ensuring that America gets the benefit of the rules and market access we have negotiated in our international trade agreements," said Ambassador Froman."WTO Members must use trade remedies strictly in accordance with their commitments, and we hope that this win will discourage further violations that hurt American exporters."
"When U.S. producers or exporters face antidumping or countervailing duty investigations abroad, the Department of Commerce stands ready to help them understand their rights and secure a fair process," said Secretary Pritzker. "My Department was proud to work with USTR in addressing this misuse of trade remedies by China. In the U.S., we work hard to ensure that our investigations into unfair trade actions are transparent, procedurally fair to all parties, and consistent with our WTO obligations. We expect nothing less for the U.S. industry in foreign trade remedy investigations. We are committed to ensuring that other countries play by the rules and will continue to work with USTR to achieve that goal."
"Agricultural exports continue to be a strong and growing component of U.S. exports. Farm exports in fiscal year 2012 reached $135.8 billion and supported 1 million jobs here at home. More than $23 billion worth of those agricultural products went to China alone. But China's prohibitive duties on broiler products were followed by a steep decline in exports to China – and now we look forward to seeing China's market for broiler products restored," said Secretary Vilsack. "This is an important victory today for the U.S. poultry industry, and for American farmers and ranchers."
This is the second of three recent WTO disputes in which the United States has challenged important flaws in China's administration of its antidumping and countervailing duty measures. The United States has prevailed in the first two disputes, on a specialty steel product and now on chicken broiler products, and is actively litigating a third regarding automobiles.
Transport Trailers Can Promote Spread of PEDV
When it comes to preventing the spread of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV), strict biosecurity must extend beyond the farm gate—and go all the way to the packing plant. Some new data from research funded by the Pork Checkoff, the National Pork Producers Council and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, makes this clear as it shows that PEDV can be spread by contamination during transport of pigs to markets.
The objective of the study was to assess the risk that pig-collection points such as packing plants have in promoting an initial outbreak of a novel disease organism such as PEDV in the United States. To do this, researchers estimated the rate of contamination of trailers with PEDV during the unloading process. They collected samples pre- and post-delivery from 669 livestock trailers at seven packing plants.
Specifically, the study found that:
- 17% of trailers were contaminated with PEDV before unloading the pigs
- 11% of trailers that were not contaminated with PEDV on arrival were subsequently contaminated during unloading
Don't Take Any Chances on Herd Exposure to PEDV: Practice Strict Biosecurity On and Off the Farm
Having strict transportation biosecurity is one of the best ways to help stop the spread of PEDV. Talking with your veterinarian about developing transport biosecurity recommendations specifically for your operation is always the best course of action. Here are some general transportation biosecurity points to consider:
- When going to another site or packing plant, wear coveralls and boots when outside of the truck to prevent contamination in the cab of the trailer
- Establish a clean and dirty zone for farm and transport workers to follow during load-in and load-out
- Completely clean, disinfect and dry trailers after use; this is especially important when going to commingled sites like cull depots, packing plants or buying stations
- Cleaning and disinfection involves:
- Removal of dirty shavings, manure and other debris from the trailer
- The use of a detergent soap can help to break down dried manure and speed up the wash process
- After cleaning the trailer, use a disinfectant according to label directions to kill the virus
- Make sure to wash and clean coveralls, boots and other equipment after transporting pigs and before contact with other pigs
- Clean and disinfect the interior of the tractor cab before contact with other pigs
- Once the tractor and trailer is clean, park in a secure, clean location to dry away from other vehicle traffic
Positive Beef Demand Developments
Glynn T. Tonsor, Associate Professor, Ag Econ, Kansas State University
Beef demand strength continues to be a critical aspect driving current prices throughout the entire beef-cattle complex as well as driving speculation on price levels for upcoming time periods. Given this importance of beef demand I want to highlight recently released estimates of how strong beef demand was in quarter 2 (April-June). The quarterly All Fresh Beef Demand Index increased 4.5% last quarter compared to prior year levels. Underlying this calculation is data indicating both per capita beef consumption and all-fresh beef demand prices increased compared to the second quarter of 2012. When both consumption volumes and prices increase we know demand has improved which is certainly a positive thing for industry-wide economic well-being.
Beyond this past quarter, it should also be noted the All Fresh Beef Demand Index has now increased year-over-year in four consecutive quarters and in 12 of the last 13 quarters. In several of these cases per capita consumption fell while prices increased more than would have occurred if beef demand has been stagnant. Ultimately this implies that beef and cattle prices throughout the industry would have been lower over the past three years had it not been for ongoing improvements in beef demand. While much work certainly remains in maintaining and building beef demand, understanding demand concepts is a critical initial step for all industry stakeholders to invest time and energy towards. With that in mind, I encourage readers to utilize the host of resources available online to help industry stakeholders appreciate demand concepts and associated economic implications.
USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for August 2013
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announced interest rates for August 2013. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for August 2013 is 0.125 percent, unchanged from 0.125 percent in July 2013. The interest rate for commodity and marketing assistance loans disbursed during August 2013 is 1.125 percent, unchanged from 1.125 percent in July 2013.
Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for August 2013 are as follows, 2.000 percent with seven-year loan terms, up from 1.500 percent in July 2013; 2.625 percent with 10-year loan terms, up from 2.125 percent in July 2013 and; 2.750 percent with 12-year loan terms, up from 2.375 percent in July 2013.
MAIZALL Announces Board, Officers and Website
The International Maize Alliance (MAIZALL) today announced the election of its initial Board of Directors and officers. Elected as officers of MAIZALL are Julius Schaaf (United States), President; Sérgio Luis Bortolozzo (Brazil), 1st Vice President; Alberto Morelli (Argentina), 2nd Vice President.
MAIZALL is composed of MAIZAR, representing Argentina producers and the maize supply chain; ABRAMILHO (Brazilian Association of Corn Producers); the National Corn Growers Association, and the U.S. Grains Council. The organizations recently signed a memorandum of understanding to form an alliance of North and South American corn growers to collaborate on a global basis to address key issues concerning food security, biotechnology, stewardship, trade and producer image.
Ratified by the four organizations, the MAIZALL board of directors is composed of three directors each from Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. For Argentina the directors are: Alberto Morelli, President, MAIZAR; Gastón Fernández Palma, Vice President, MAIZAR; Alfredo Paseyro, President, Argentine Seed Association. For Brazil the directors are Sérgio Luis Bortolozzo, Vice-President, ABRAMILHO; Cesário Ramalho, 1st Secretary, ABRAMILHO; João Carlos Werlang, President, ABRAMILHO. For the United States the directors are Julius Schaaf, Vice-Chairman, U.S. Grains Council; Pam Johnson, President, National Corn Growers Association; and Ron Gray, Secretary-Treasurer, U.S. Grains Council.
MAIZALL also installed three additional designees representing each country. For Argentina the designees are Juan R. E. Gear, President, GEAR SA; Santiago del Solar, CREA Representative; Martin Fraguio, Executive Director, MAIZAR. For Brazil, the designees are Paulo Bertolini, 1st Treasurer, ABRAMILHO; Cláudio de Jesus, Supervisory Board, ABRAMILHO; Otávio Canesin, Supervisory Board, ABRAMILHO. For the United States the designees are Martin Barbre, First Vice President, National Corn Growers Association; Thomas Sleight, President and CEO, U.S. Grains Council; Floyd Gaibler, Director, Trade Policy & Biotechnology, U.S. Grains Council.
MAIZALL also announced its public website at www.maizall.org. The website will provide background information on MAIZALL, including the memorandum of understanding between the organizations; its Board of Directors and the major objectives. It will also provide news releases on various activities of MAIZALL, including presentations and articles, studies, etc. on biotechnology and modern farming practices. Separately, the website provides access to various resources on; food security; global biotech adoption; FAQs; links to government and non-government organizations. In the near future, the website will provide information on the initial activities of the alliance as well additional resources of information.
USW Welcomes Resumption of All Japanese Wheat Purchases
U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are pleased that Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) will resume tenders this week for new purchases of U.S. Western White and soft white wheat. MAFF had suspended new purchases of Western White following the announcement in late May by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) that volunteer wheat plants with an unapproved genetically modified (GM) trait had been discovered in a single field in Oregon.
The announcement from Japan comes as a result of a thorough, science-based review by MAFF of the ongoing APHIS investigation, as well as a sustained effort by the wheat industry, USDA and many others to provide the information MAFF needed to buy U.S. Western White and soft white wheat again. APHIS and MAFF have now tested hundreds of samples of U.S. wheat and found no evidence of any GM material in commercial supplies, which reaffirms the USDA conclusion that this was a limited, isolated incident.
Wheat farmers and their representatives at USW, NAWG and other organizations strongly value the positive relationships we have with our customers at home and around the world. For our organizations and those wheat farmers, the grower leaders of USW and NAWG express our appreciation to MAFF and all our customers for their reasoned response to this situation and for their continued steadfast support.
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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