Wednesday August 21 Ag News

Ergot Poisoning a Concern in Cattle This Year

            Cattle producers should be on the lookout for ergot, a fungus in grasses that causes circulatory problems in livestock that consume them.

            Ergot has been confirmed in several surrounding states, including Missouri and Iowa, said Richard Randle, a University of Nebraska-Lincoln beef veterinarian. He and colleagues are aware of at least a couple of unconfirmed reports in Nebraska.

            Climatic conditions are key to ergot's presence, and they were ideal in some parts of the state this year. Early moisture followed by heat causes certain grasses – especially rye, but also brome, wheatgrass and others – to grow quickly and develop seed heads faster than cattle can consume them. Ergot then can move in and infect the seed heads.

            Producers should watch their animals for tips of ears and tails falling off as the fungus can shut off the blood flow to extremities, Randle said. As it progresses, it can affect cattle's feet, causing them to become lame, or cause swelling in the tops of hooves. Rear legs are typically most affected.

            Ergot poisoning is unlikely to be fatal but because it can make cattle less tolerant of heat, they can be more susceptible to death from excessive heat. If they are removed from the source of the fungus, they are likely to recover.

            Ergot shows up larger than typical seedheads, usually dark brown, purple to black.

            Ergot poisoning does not affect meat from cattle.



Nebraska Farm Bureau Urges Lawmakers to Extend Oil Spill Rule Enforcement Deadline

The Nebraska Farm Bureau is urging members of Nebraska’s Congressional delegation to extend legislation preventing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from taking enforcement action against farms and ranches under the agency’s Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Rule. Federal legislation preventing EPA from enforcing the agency’s oil spill regulations on farms and ranches is set to expire at the end of September.

Meanwhile, Farm Bureau has developed a one-stop SPCC information and resource page for its members on the organization’s website at nefb.org.

 “EPA’s oil spill regulation is more than 30 years old and was originally intended to help manage spills from large oil storage facilities such as oil refineries and airports. EPA has contended that farms and ranches had never been exempt from the oil spill regulations and finalized farm specific requirements in 2009. Nebraska Farm Bureau worked with members of Congress in supporting the current delay in EPA SPCC enforcement actions and would like another delay added to the Continuing Budget Resolution to allow Congress more time to fix the rule,” said Steve Nelson, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau.

EPA’s regulations require any farm or ranch with above-ground oil storage capacity of greater than 1,320 gallons at any one location to have an oil spill prevention plan in place. EPA had established a farm compliance deadline of May 10, 2013; however, Congress passed legislation preventing EPA from enforcing the SPCC rule on farms and ranches until Sept.  22, 2013.

Efforts to change the SPCC rule are currently under consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives and have already passed the Senate as part of the Water Resources Development Act. Farm Bureau continues to work with a bipartisan group in Congress on those reforms.

“Since EPA started the regulatory process, we’ve maintained there is no significant history of oil spills on farms or ranches to warrant EPA regulations in this area. There is bipartisan agreement on the fact that the inclusion of agriculture families under the rule is just another example of government regulations that have gone too far,” said Nelson.

Farm Bureau continues to work with Congress to roll back this over-reaching rule that will do little to protect the environment but only increase red tape on farmers and ranchers.

“At the same time, it’s important our members are aware of what’s happening on this challenging issue,” said Nelson.



'Farmers CAN' to Highlight Ag, Donations at Nebraska State Fair
To celebrate agriculture and where our food comes from, the Nebraska Corn Board, Nebraska Pork Producers, Nebraska Soybean Board, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) and Grange have come together to display a joint exhibit about food and farming. There will be three large Canstruction displays of a combine in a corn field, pig in a soybean field and grocery store front, as well as exhibits on how "Farmers CAN" be sustainable, utilize modern agriculture and add value to their commodities. Family farmers and organization officials will be on-hand to present the display and answer questions.

Unveiling the Canstruction exhibit featuring Nebraska agriculture, farm families, and a canned food donation takes place Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. in front of the "Farmers CAN" exhibit in the Exhibition Building at the Nebraska State Fair.

Nebraska corn, pork and soybean farmers, the new Dean of NCTA, Ron Rosati, and State Fair Board members will make a few remarks on the exhibit and how it reflects today's food production system. They will also share information about the food donation that the groups are contributing through the Canstruction display of 11,115 cans of food, and the State Fair's role of collecting cans at admission on Labor Day.

Canstruction is a charity that hosts events where structures are created entirely out of canned food then donated to the local food bank. Since 1992, Canstruction has donated more than 21 million pounds of food worldwide to alleviate hunger.



Market Volatility Drives Demand for Variable Cash Rents in Nebraska

The use of variable cash rents is at an all-time high thanks to current commodity market volatility. Farmland owners in Nebraska are struggling to determine fair yet profitable cash rent levels for their operations as they move into 2014.

Variable rate cash rents, which provide market performance flexibility, have become more prevalent due to fluctuations, according to Farmers National Company, the largest farm management and farmland real estate company in the country. The deadline to terminate current leases in Nebraska is prior to Sept. 1.

Local farm management experts from Farmers National Company estimate a range from 30 to 40 percent of farmland cash rent agreements in Nebraska, depending on location, now use variable leases. Many local operators and land owners are finding this option provides the best scenario for achieving results for each party.

It has been a challenge for most landowners to determine fair rent levels within the current market. Conditions have changed so rapidly over the last couple of years that many landowners find themselves 20 to 40 percent below market on current lease terms with no real idea what the lease terms should be for 2014 and beyond, says Jim Farrell, president of Farmers National Company.

Traditional cash rent agreements do not respond well to a volatile market Farrell said. As a result, more land owners and farm operators are opting for the flexible agreements that adjust and respond to upswings or downturns.

In contrast to last year, the market is anticipating a possible decline in crop prices for the fall, which could be a game-changer. “Farm operators want to have some remediation for high cash rents in the event of a crop failure or dropping commodity prices,” said Farrell. “Like no other time in recent farm history, variable rate cash rents have now become very popular. They allow the farm operator and the landowner to arrive at a base rent, and factor in a plus rent arrangement if things go very well during the crop year.”

A variable cash rent lease is composed of a guaranteed base amount, along with a potential flex payment addition prompted by higher gross revenue.

“Flexible leases are of benefit to both the land owner and farm operator as they provide the ability to adjust and react to the market,” said David Englund, AFM, vice president of farm and ranch management operations for Farmers National Company. “It provides a fair platform that benefits both sides, making the most of any volatility.”

Landowners often rely on the farm operator to help determine a fair rent and even what type of rental arrangement to use, according to Farrell. Landowners now have a wider range of choices to consider when they formulate how to best manage their income-producing asset.

In addition to a standard variable cash lease, there are also several variations including cash rent plus and share crop leases. Landowners have more options to consider and analyze to maximize the return on investment for themselves and the farm operator. According to Farrell, for landowners considering a change in lease terms, it is important to terminate any current lease in writing prior to state deadlines.

“Reviewing a lease has never been more important, especially with the income that farms can generate today,” said Farrell. “Landowners we work with ask us for advice on the optimum lease option for their situations, as well as cash rent level trends to determine a fair number. They want to know what is fair for land in their area, as well as the impact land values might have.”



Farm to Fork Experiences Offered by Ida Co. Culinary Tour

Experience Ida County's local foods network by attending "Farm to Fork" Aug. 23. The afternoon bus trip will explore locally produced culinary sensations from Ida County farms and businesses, according to Laurie Taylor, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener and Regional Food Coordinator.

"This Ida County culinary tour is a chance to meet the people involved in local foods -- the producers and growers, processors and promoters," said Taylor. "Visiting the farms and meeting the people involved gives a more complete awareness of the local foods network and a greater appreciation for the contributions rural counties make to local foods."

The tour leaves at 10 a.m. from the Woodbury County Extension Office, 4301 Sergeant Rd., #213, Sioux City, and also will pick up participants at Tiefenthaler Quality Meats in Holstein at 11 a.m. The bus will return to Tiefenthaler at 7:15 p.m. and Woodbury County Extension at 8:15 p.m.

Tour destinations include Tiefenthaler Quality Meats in Holstein, Shrimp 59 LLC in Holstein and Koch's Garden Market vegetable farm near Cherokee. Farm tours and samples will be provided throughout the day.

The excursion will culminate with a wine tasting and dinner at Old Town Vineyard and Winery in Ida Grove. "Our menu will include grilled pork chops and herb marinated turkey tenderloin, roasted vegetables, fresh vegetable salad with an herb vinaigrette dressing, and a dessert," Taylor said. "The Ida County Pork Producers will grill the chops and a local caterer is preparing the rest of the meal. This shows the variety of groups and individuals local foods involves."

Cost to attend is $50 per person. Pre-registration is encouraged as there are limited seats available. Register by by contacting ISU Extension-Woodbury County at (712) 276-2157 or visit www.extension.iastate.edu/woodbury.

Taylor also is planning a Woodbury County culinary tour on Sept. 15. Watch the Woodbury County Extension website for more details on this tour that includes Farmer Brown's Garden, Autumn Grove Orchard and St. Thomas Community Gardens.



Feedlot Facts: Grain processing matters
Chris Reinhardt, Extension Feedlot Specialist, Kansas State University

As the cost of grain rises, the livestock feeder is held hostage by the vagaries of the rest of the global economy. But there are a few things you can do to make sure you're getting the most out of your substantial investment.

Making sure you have an active implant with less than 100 days working in the cattle at all times is one idea. Another is ensuring adequate extent of grain processing to get thorough digestion and efficient utilization of the grain.

For decades, nutritionists have recommended that "a coarse crack" is sufficient to get acceptable levels of digestion without risking bloat and acidosis. Now that grain prices have risen to levels we once considered stratospheric, we need a new paradigm. Some research data suggests we can improve the efficiency of corn utilization by 4 percent to 5 percent - $15/head in today's corn market - by fine grinding (~2,000 microns) instead of coarse cracking the grain.

The other factor which can help us change our paradigm is our nearly-ubiquitous use of wet corn milling byproducts. These products are routinely priced at a value to corn, and are often included in the finishing diet at 20 percent to 60 percent of the ration dry matter. This makes the diet a completely different beast than what nutritionists had to work with in the '70s, '80s, and '90s. If all of the ingredients are dry, then fine particles will sift through the diet mixture and fall to the bottom of the bunk. If these fine particles contain mostly rapidly fermentable starch from finely ground corn, there's a good risk of bloat. However, that's not the case today.

Although the particle size of distillers grains is very fine, their fibrous nature means that the fine particles of distillers grains do not present nearly as great of risk for causing bloat as corn fines. And the high moisture content of the byproducts improves the positional stability of the total mixture such that the fine particles remain mixed as opposed to settling to the bottom of the bunk. Those fines which do settle out will be a blend of corn fines and distillers grains, with a reduced risk of bloat.

Producers can send off a sample of processed grain for particle size analysis, but the goal is to have all particles under 3mm in size. This maximizes ruminal and total tract utilization of starch and increases efficiency of feed use. While having a uniform blend of 1/4 and 1/8 kernels looks good, it's not going to help you get the most from your corn.

Producers may wish to have their Extension specialist or feed supplier collect fecal samples for starch analysis. (1) Combine 5-10 freshly voided fecal samples (about a golf ball-size each) in a plastic bag from 5-10 different cattle which have all been on the finishing diet for at least 3 weeks; (2) freeze the samples immediately after collection; (3) clearly identify the sample bags with producer name and pen number; (4) include a note requesting a fecal starch analysis, your email, and your billing address; (5) send the sample to the lab overnight such that it will arrive prior to the weekend. The goal is to have fecal starch <10 percent on a dry matter basis; if starch is >20 percent, there's a fair amount of money being left on the table.

Grinding corn to hog-feed consistency flies in the face of convention. But if you are using at least 20 percent (dry matter basis) of a wet milling byproduct ingredient, consider grinding the grain to a finer particle size to ensure maximum utilization of your sizable investment.



Keeping Beef a Desirable Eating Experience, Every Time

Dr. Ted Schroeder, professor of livestock marketing at Kansas State University, joins us one last time again today to take a look at some of the demand drivers that are keeping beef center of plate at retail and foodservice.  Schroeder says, “Certainly consumer incomes are very important. We’ve seen nice, continued growth in consumer per capita income again since the trough of the recessionary period in 2009 or so. We’ve also seen consumers a little more optimistic in the sense that their savings rate on that income has also been more close to average the last couple of quarter, willing now a little more to spend it. This is really strongly seen in the restaurant hotel arena where, since 2009 or so, we have seen tremendous growth in companies who are specialized in gourmet burgers; companies who are specialized in high-quality steaks and it’s a reflection of consumer demand for those high-quality beef products. So as I look forward, the challenge really comes more from what competing meat prices are doing and from factors like food safety, quality issues that we just need to make sure that we’re offering the highest quality possible product.”

And since the checkoff can’t influence price, Dr. Schroeder goes on to explain some areas where the checkoff CAN have an impact.  Schroeder says, “The key factors are maintaining consumer trust, growing more consumer trust in food safety components of our product offering, not only that the product is safer, but that it’s perceived as the safest product out there. And secondly that the product quality is just impeccable. We can’t have products that don’t exceed customer expectations. Those kinds of markets absolutely require utmost in product quality so I think investing in product quality characteristics but also helping the consumer recognize and see that … it’s really about providing a product that that consumer just finds a very desirable experience every time they purchase it.”

For more about your beef checkoff investment, and for the full Beef Demand Determinant Study, visit the evaluation page on MyBeefCheckoff.com.



Weekly Ethanol Production for 8/16/2013

According to EIA data, ethanol production averaged 844,000 barrels per day (b/d) — or 35.45 million gallons daily. That is down 13,000 b/d from the week before. The four-week average for ethanol production stood at 846,000 b/d for an annualized rate of 12.97 billion gallons.

Stocks of ethanol stood at 16.5 million barrels. That is a 0.3% increase from last week.

Imports of ethanol were 19,000 b/d, down from last week. Weekly EIA data indicates year-to-date imports of 209 million gallons, well behind the pace required to hit EPA’s estimate of 666 mg needed for the 2013 RFS.

Gasoline demand for the week averaged 386.4 million gallons daily. Notably, gasoline demand has averaged a robust 141 bg (annualized) over the past month; yet, ethanol input by refiners and blenders has averaged just 13.2 bg (annualized).

Expressed as a percentage of daily gasoline demand, daily ethanol production last week was just 9.17%.

On the co-products side, ethanol producers were using 12.797 million bushels of corn to produce ethanol and 94,193 metric tons of livestock feed, 83,974 metric tons of which were distillers grains. The rest is comprised of corn gluten feed and corn gluten meal. Additionally, ethanol producers were providing 4.40 million pounds of corn oil daily.



NCGA Supports Senators Effort to Ensure Market Access for Ethanol

The National Corn Growers applauds U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D - MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) for their efforts to ensure consumers have access to homegrown, renewable biofuels. In a letter sent yesterday, the senators called on the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission to investigate possible anticompetitive practices by oil companies that limit consumers' access to biofuels, such as ethanol.

"NCGA firmly supports efforts to ensure that Americans have options at the fuel pump," said NCGA President Pam Johnson. "America's farmers work diligently to provide renewable, environmentally responsible biofuels, and we applaud the efforts of Senators Klobuchar and Grassley to help ensure that consumers can choose to use those government approved fuel options."

In a bipartisan letter to Attorney General Eric Holder and FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez, Senate Antitrust Subcommittee Chair Klobuchar and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Grassley urged the Administration to take action to address recent reports indicating that oil companies may be undermining efforts to distribute renewable fuels, including higher ethanol gasoline blends, that help boost our nation's energy security and lower the price of gas for consumers.  In many cases, franchise agreements have been changed in order to force gas stations to remove E85 and E15.

"The promise of renewable fuels is rapidly becoming a reality and introducing much needed competition to the transportation fuels sector," the senators wrote. "Given the implication these alleged activities, if true, could have on competition in the marketplace, we urge you to investigate them and consider whether any action is necessary. We look forward to working with you to ensure that Americans can continue to realize the benefits of cheaper, cleaner renewable fuel."  



Scouting is Key to the Success of Late-Planted Corn

While much of the Midwest experienced a cool, wet spring, farmers should still remain vigilant in monitoring for corn rootworm pressure. Last summer, the stress of the drought may have intensified stress on the corn crop and resulted in small root masses and heavy corn rootworm pressure, but the possibility of corn rootworm remains even under the less conducive circumstances of 2013.

Since adult corn rootworm beetles prefer to feed on pollen and fresh corn silks, late planted corn can act as a trap crop for adult corn rootworm beetles. The increase in beetles may lead to increased silk clipping, interfering with pollination and leading to a high number of egg-laying females. Diligent scouting remains the farmer's best defense against this threat.

Farmers should consider scouting sooner rather than later as August marks the peak of adult corn rootworm beetle activity. Given the planting delays experienced this spring, continuing scouting into September is advisable as beetle activity may also peek later in 2013.

Scouting plays an integral role in insect management. Thus, employing regular, appropriate scouting techniques is essential.

Fields should be scouted for corn rootworm beetles regularly and sampled weekly. Additionally, proper scouting techniques include:
-    Randomly selecting 10 to 25 locations within the field and counting the total number of beetles on at least two plants within each location. The minimum number of plants sampled should be 20 to 50 depending on the field size and activity level of beetles.
-    In between beetle counts, collect beetles to determine the number of males and females in a sample. Corn rootworm beetles can be captured by hand, with a small sweep net or use of a motorized hand-held vacuum.

Scouting provides valuable information about insect and disease pressure in this year's crop and help decision for next year's seed choice. In-season scouting, using the correct corn trait package and following an appropriate crop rotation strategy can be extremely effective in controlling corn rootworm, protecting personal investment in the crop and optimizing yield.



European Team Checks Out Northern and Desert Durum Crops

European flour millers and food processors seek out the highest quality wheat each year to produce their premium pasta products. That is why U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) is bringing a European trade team to the United States Aug. 24 to 31 to demonstrate how U.S. durum – the hardest of the six U.S. wheat classes – matches their needs.

The team’s seven members are procurement and technical managers of the leading Italian, German and Portuguese durum millers and pasta processors, all of which import most of their wheat directly. During visits to North Dakota, Montana, Arizona and California, the team will learn about 2013/14 northern and Desert® durum crop outlook and research. Farmers in both the Northern Plains and Southwest grow durum, although there are distinct characteristics between the varieties grown in each region. In each state, the team will hear from wheat researchers, tour grain elevators and visit with farmers in the field.

“The team is looking for information on advances in wheat breeding, improved gluten strength and reduced cadmium uptake and sustainability,” said Marketing Specialist Rutger Koekoek, based in the USW Rotterdam Office, who will accompany the team. “The program for this team will provide an up-to-date, firsthand picture of U.S. durum wheat quality and boost their confidence in the reliability and value of the U.S. grain marketing system.”

The European durum trade team is sponsored in part by the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee and the Arizona Grain Research & Promotion Council and funding from market development programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. USW also collaborated with the North Dakota Wheat Commission and California Wheat Commission on this team.



How to Thrive in a Drought with Subsurface Drip Irrigation; Toro to Display at Husker Harvest Days

Toro will be exhibiting at Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Neb., offering a variety of ways for growers to learn about subsurface drip irrigation (SDI), and how it can help them maintain or increase yields using less water, even during a drought.

At Booth #436, Toro will be hosting a number of growers and dealers who will share their experiences using SDI to grow soybeans and corn in Nebraska. Interested growers can learn the benefits of SDI firsthand, and get a free demonstration on designing a subsurface drip irrigation system using Toro’s AquaFlow drip irrigation design software. Additionally, Toro will debut a new “how-to” guide for SDI, based on case studies and years of research growing a variety of crops. Growers attending will also see a field demonstration hosted by the show that displays the actual results of an SDI system at work. The first in the history of Husker Harvest Days, the demonstration plot will irrigate a 30-acre cornfield with SDI buried 14 inches deep on 60-inch centers.

Thriving in a Drought with Subsurface Drip Irrigation
As the worst drought in 50 years gripped America’s farmland in the summer of 2012, and crop failure was rampant, three Nebraska growers reported increased soybean yields and significantly lower water use. They achieved this success by switching to subsurface drip irrigation to deliver water and nutrients directly to the roots of their crops, instead of the less-efficient practices of applying water with gravity or center pivot irrigation systems.

Toro shared these growers’ experiences with SDI at the 2013 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers’ (ASABE) Annual International Meeting in a report entitled “Thriving in a Drought with Subsurface Drip Irrigation.” The report introduces the basic concepts and typical benefits of drip irrigation, including an example of a typical system layout. It dives into each grower’s experience and identifies the benefits specific to SDI. The report concludes by highlighting the following tools and references that help growers and dealers plan, design, install, operate and maintain an SDI system:
-    Drip-Micro Payback Wizard — tool to estimate the ROI of converting to drip irrigation
-    AquaFlow — drip irrigation design software
-    Drip Irrigation Owner’s Manual — comprehensive reference guide to drip irrigation

To learn more about SDI, stop by the Toro booth (#436) at Husker Harvest Days, Sept. 10–12, 2013, in Grand Island, Neb.; visit driptips.toro.com.