Tuesday October 8 Ag News

Cover Crop Seed Sales 
Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator, Cuming County

Farmers across Nebraska have been experimenting with cover crops.  Occasionally the field will turn out well and the farmer will decide to harvest the rye, oats, field peas or other cover crop for seed.  If the farmer sells any of their cover crop seed to neighbors, they need to be sure they comply with Nebraska Seed law and Plant Variety Protection or patent rights.

All seed offered for sale needs to have a current germination and purity test from a certified seed lab.  The seller also has to have a State of Nebraska seed sales permit.   In Nebraska the State Seed lab and the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association are combined.  Farmers wanting to sell seed should go the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Website, www.nda.nebraska.gov.  Use the search option in the upper left corner and search for “Permit to Sell Ag Seed”.  Under the Heading of Seed Lab you will find the listing for the permit, the method and quantity of seed to submit for testing, and the fees for the testing.

Some varieties are patented by the company who developed them or purchased the rights to the genetics.  In some cases the variety carries Plant Variety Protection which can only be sold as a class of certified seed.  In this case the farmer would have to join the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association or obtain legal right to sell the seed.

Seed laws are in place to protect both the buyer and the seller.  They ensure quality in the marketplace and protect against the spread of noxious weeds.  It is important that all persons offering seed for sale comply.



Nebraska Corn Board urges farmers to be safety-minded during harvest

Agriculture remains one of the more dangerous occupations in North America, but exercising caution, getting rest and being safety-minded can go a long way toward making it safer for everyone involved.

“We’re expecting a potential record crop this year, and it looks like farmers will enjoy good prices, too. Yet none of it is worth injury or fatality that could have been prevented by taking appropriate precautions or simply taking time,” said Tim Scheer, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “While we all recognize the excitement and enjoyment of harvest, staying focused and resting regularly can help a lot in keeping things safe around the farm for everyone, including family members helping to bring the crop in.”

“Grain production and handling continues to be one of the most dangerous aspects of crop production,” Scheer said. “With more than 1 billion bushels of on-farm storage capacity across Nebraska, grain bins and associated equipment are common on farms and deserve extra attention.”

Scheer also cautioned motorists driving on rural roads during harvest. Such roads see additional traffic during harvest, which increases the chances for accidents to occur between slower moving farm equipment and vehicles moving at highway speeds. In addition, rural intersections will have heavier-than-normal travel and dusty conditions may limit visibility, as can sun glare in the morning and evening. Standing crops in the field may also block a clear view of oncoming traffic.

The Nebraska Corn Board encourages farmers to pay special attention to the safety features of their equipment, and encourages everyone to keep an eye toward safety on the highways and byways this harvest and year round.

Some things to consider for farmers and farm workers while on the farm this fall:
• Ensure that trained family members and employees are operating powerful equipment.
• Develop a set of safety rules that everyone should follow – and enforce them. Also consider developing an emergency plan so everyone is on the same page.
• Check that PTOs are well protected to avoid contact with clothing or people during operation.
• Check to make sure safety shields are in place on all equipment everyday – they are there for a reason.
• Always be aware of power lines that can come in contact with moving equipment and augers around grain bins.
• Grain bins deserve special attention and caution when grain is being loaded and removed. Safety measures should be put in place to avoid any risk of entrapment and suffocation.
• Take periodic breaks to help avoid fatigue. Take a rest break for a few minutes, go for a short walk or check in with family members.
• Use extra caution when backing equipment. It is easy to overlook something or more importantly, someone, especially a child.
• Protective eye and ear wear is important in many situations.
• Equip tractors and combines with a fire extinguisher, as dry crop residue is fuel for a fire.
• Remind family members and workers that safe practices come before expedience.

“Harvest and fall field work is truly a thrill, with all the sights, sounds and beauty of this time of year,” Scheer said. “So please be careful, as we’d like to see all the farmers and their families out in the fields again come springtime, when cold weather gives way to the excitement of getting the crop in the ground.”



NCR-SARE Announces 2014 Farmer Rancher Grant Call for Proposals

            The 2014 North Central Region – Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) Farmer Rancher Grant Call for Proposals is now available.

            Farmers and ranchers in the North Central region are invited to submit grant proposals to explore sustainable agriculture solutions to problems on the farm or ranch.

            Proposals should show how farmers and ranchers plan to use their own innovative ideas to explore sustainable agriculture options and how they will share project results. Sustainable agriculture is good for the environment, profitable, and socially responsible. Projects should emphasize research or education/demonstration.

            SARE has awarded a total of 150 grants representing more than $5.3 million in Nebraska since 1988, including 65 Farmer Rancher grants. For example, farmers Keith and Brian Berns used their grant to research the effectiveness of using cover crops to boost corn yields on non-irrigated settings. The brothers are now known as local experts on the topic and have spoken at nearly 25 events.

            There are three types of competitive grants: individual grants ($7,500 maximum), partner grants for two farmers/ranchers from separate operations who are working together ($15,000 maximum), and group grants for three or more farmers/ranchers from separate operations who are working together ($22,500 maximum).

            NCR-SARE expects to fund about 45 projects in the twelve-state North Central Region with this call. A total of approximately $400,000 is available for this program.  To find out what some of the previously funded grants have been, go to the link:  http://www.northcentralsare.org/Project-Reports/Search-the-Database and search the data base for previously funded grants.

            New this year, NCR-SARE will be accepting online submissions for the Farmer Rancher Grant Program. More information about the online submission system can be found in the call for proposals.

            Interested applicants can find the call for proposals online as well as useful information for completing a proposal at http://www.northcentralsare.org/Grants/Types-of-Grants/Farmer-Rancher-Grant-Program. You can find more information about sustainable agriculture at http://www.sare.org/ or take a free National Continuing Education Program online course about the basic concepts at http://www.sare.org/Learning-Center/Courses-and-Curricula.

            Proposals are due Nov. 14 at 4 p.m. CST.

            Potential applicants with questions can contact Joan Benjamin, Associate Regional Coordinator and Farmer Rancher Grant Program Coordinator, at benjaminj@lincolnu.edu or 573-681-5545 or 800-529-1342.

            Applicants should also contact Joan Benjamin if they need a hard copy or an email version of the call for proposals. We make revisions to our calls for proposals each year, which means it is crucial to use the most recent call for proposals.

            Interested applicants in Nebraska can contact SARE state coordinator Gary Lesoing at 402-274-4755 or by email at glesoing2@unl.edu.  He can provide information and assistance to potential grant applicants.




Penicillin Withdrawal Time Critical in Sows

There's a new number to become familiar with if you have a sow farm today: 51. Checkoff-funded research found that a 51-day withdrawal is recommended for extra-label penicillin use before sending sows to market.

According to Dr. Steve Larsen, Pork Checkoff pork safety director, the new recommendation is part of a strategy to ensure U.S. Pork maintains its reputation as the safest in the world. As part of this, the U.S. Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has changed how it conducts residue testing in slaughter hogs and sows.

"The new FSIS testing procedure for sampling and identification of violative residues uses a new, more accurate multi-residue method," Larsen said. "Soon after its debut in 2011, the agency found increased violative rates of Penicillin G in sows."

"This led to a research project to study the effect different injection sites and techniques might have on residue depletion in sows and to the new recommended pre-slaughter withdrawal of 51 days for extra-label use," he said.

While adhering to recommended withdrawals is very important, it's equally critical for producers to always work under the guidance of their herd veterinarian on any extra-label product use. The FDA has established a zero tolerance for penicillin in edible pork tissues. Therefore, any detectable level will result in a violative level, which the agency will then investigate.

"Producers should keep good medication records for their herd as part of Pork Quality Assurance® Plus," Larsen said. "The new emphasis on penicillin withdrawal just makes that task all the more important."

Checkoff Research Says ...
To address the increase of penicillin violative residues in sows, the Pork Checkoff funded research to determine the appropriate pre-slaughter withdrawal period for penicillin G procaine in sows under extra-label usage.

Key research findings:
•Follow a recommended 51-day pre-slaughter withdrawal with extra-label use to prevent violative  residues.
•If using a product, even an over-the-counter one such as penicillin, it must be done under the guidance of a veterinarian.
•Follow your veterinarian's instruction when administering extra-label animal health products, including penicillin.



New Swine Health Fact Sheets Target Shows/Sales

The Pork Checkoff has created two new fact sheets aimed to reinforce best management practices for anyone involved with a swine sale or show. These are particularly timely since the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) is still circulating in many states and causing high mortality in young pigs.

"The goal of these new resources is to remind show exhibitors and organizers to adhere to a set of protocols and work with a veterinarian to help protect pig health and limit potential disease spread," said Dr. Lisa Becton, Checkoff's director of swine health. "With the ongoing health challenges the industry is facing, it's critical that we all do our part to protect pig health."

The new fact sheets, Swine Health Recommendations: Exhibitors of All Pigs Going to Exhibits or Sales and Swine Health Recommendations: Organizers of Exhibitions and Sales are now available at pork.org/pedv and will be available soon at the Pork Store.

For more information, contact Lisa Becton at LBeckton@pork.org or at (515) 223-2791.



NCGA Appeals Chesapeake Bay TMDL Ruling

National Corn Growers Association President Martin Barbre released the following statement after filing a notice to appeal the September 13 ruling which upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s Total Maximum Daily Load for the Chesapeake Bay:

“NCGA feels it is in the best interest of farmers to appeal the district court’s decision which upheld the TMDL for the Chesapeake Bay.  Our organization understands and supports the need to protect water quality but we don’t support a wrongfully decided case when it has a profoundly negative impact on agricultural production and innovation.    

“We continue to believe the policies and science behind Chesapeake Bay TMDL are wrong and that it goes beyond the scope of Clean Water Act authority.  We hope the Third Circuit Court of Appeals will reconsider these arguments and ultimately provide state and local jurisdiction more flexibility to work with agriculture in meeting water quality goals.”



Fertilizer Prices Still Declining

Prices show no signs of leveling off, according to retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the first week of October.  Prices for all eight of the major fertilizers moved down significantly from the previous month.

UAN32 was down 10% compared to last month, while potash, urea, 10-34-0 and UAN28 were all down 9%. UAN32 had an average price of $369 per ton, potash $496/ton, urea $443/ton, 10-34-0 $523/ton and UAN28 $322/ton.  Potash was below $500 per ton for the first time since the first week of October 2010, exactly three years ago. The nutrient is now only $27 per ton away from its all-time low of $469 per ton the fifth week of August 2010.  The remaining three fertilizers were all down 5% compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $529/ton, MAP $567/ton and anhydrous $653/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.48/lb.N, anhydrous $0.40/lb.N, UAN28 $0.58/lb.N and UAN32 $0.58/lb.N.

All eight of the major fertilizers are now double digits lower in price compared to September 2012.  UAN32 is now down 10%, MAP is 14% less expensive, DAP, 10-34-0 and UAN28 are all 15% lower, potash is 18% less, anhydrous is 21% lower and urea is 25% less expensive compared to last year.



DFA ISSUES $29.6 MILLION IN PATRONAGE EARNINGS TO MEMBERS

Reflecting a commitment to deliver value to its farmer owners, Dairy Farmers of America’s Board of Directors has issued $29.6 million in patronage earnings to members of the Cooperative. This allocation, which equals 7.5 cents per hundredweight, was made to members who marketed their milk through DFA in 2012.

Patronage is the Cooperative’s way of sharing DFA’s earnings with its members. While at its core, DFA is a milk marketing cooperative, the earnings from its investments in plants and brands generate returns that allow members to share in the success of these value-added businesses.

“As a farmer-owned Cooperative, we continually seek opportunities to deliver value to our members,” said Randy Mooney, DFA Board chairman. “Annual patronage allocations are one way we demonstrate the value of members’ investment in the Cooperative that goes beyond milk marketing and other programs and services designed to help them operate efficiently and profitably.”

The amount of patronage a member receives each year is based on the amount of milk they marketed through the Cooperative.

In keeping with DFA’s base capital plan, all members will receive at least 20 percent of their earnings in cash, with the balance added to their capital accounts. Those who have achieved the established base capital level will receive 100 percent of their earnings in cash. Of the $29.6 million, $8.4 million was distributed in cash and the balance was allocated to members’ equity accounts.

Since the formation of DFA in 1998, more than $490 million in patronage earnings has been allocated to the Cooperative’s farmer owners.



CWT Assists with 12.4 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 32 requests for export assistance from Bongards Creameries, Dairy Farmers of America, Land O’Lakes and Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) to sell 4.890 million pounds (2,218 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese and 7.540 million pounds (3,420 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The product will be delivered October 2012 through March 2014.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 106.900 million pounds of cheese, 79.795 million pounds of butter, 44,092 pounds of anhydrous milk fat and 218,258 pounds of whole milk powder to 37 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 2.783 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

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.

CWT will pay export assistance to the bidders only when delivery of the product is verified by the submission of the required documentation.



Recent CWT Export Assistance Puts 2013 Product Volumes Ahead of 2012

Through September of 2013, Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has provided export assistance helping members to sell 102 million pounds of cheese and 72 million pounds of butter to 37 countries on six continents. These volumes represent a 9% year-to-date increase in cheese volume and a 28% increase in the tons of butter (82% butterfat) that CWT has helped its members to sell. The products will be delivered now through March 2013.

How important are dairy product exports to dairy farmers’ milk checks? NMPF economist Dr. Peter Vitaliano estimates that the growth in U.S. dairy exports over the past three years, 2010 through 2012, has increased the average U.S. producer milk price by $1.35 per hundredwe ight (cwt.), and generated an additional $9.1 billion in net income for U.S. dairy farmers during those three years. In that three-year period, CWT provided assistance for members to export 63 million pounds of butter and 250 million pounds of American-type cheeses.

The CWT program is valuable to all of its members, even those who are currently exporting product. Of the 37 current CWT member cooperatives, 11 are using the Export Assistance program. The 26 cooperatives not currently using the program know that their businesses and their dairy farmer owners benefit from their 4¢ per hundredweight investment in CWT through higher market prices resulting from the increased exports.



API Lawsuit is Frivolous – 2013 RFS Requirements Can be Easily Met

Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, commented on a lawsuit filed today by the American Petroleum Institute (API) with the D.C. Circuit Court against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume requirements for 2013.

“This is another frivolous effort by API to abuse the court system in their slavish effort to repeal a public policy that is working for farmers, gasoline marketers, and consumers. While the 2013 RVOs were issued later than anyone would have liked, the fact is the statute is crystal clear, and all stakeholders have been producing and blending at levels that will unquestionably meet the 2013 requirements. This is a lawsuit in search of a problem.”

Relevant Background Information
According to data from EPA Moderated Transaction System (EMTS):
-    8.65 billion renewable fuel (D6) RINs were generated through August. This implies at least 13 billion D6 RINs will be generated for calendar year 2013. When combined with the 2.0 billion D6 RINs carried forward from 2012, there will be approximately 15 billion D6 RINs available to comply with a requirement of 13.8 billion. In fact, there is likely to be a surplus of at least 1.2 billion D6 RINs carried in to 2014.
-    1.6 billion biomass-based diesel (D4) RINs were generated through August, implying an annual total of 2.4 billion D4 RINs. In addition, nearly 290 million surplus D4 RINs generated in 2012 were carried in to 2013. Obviously, there will be more than enough D4 RINs to meet the 1.92 billion RIN biodiesel requirement.
-    408 million advanced biofuel (D5) RINs were generated through August, meaning the industry is on pace to generate 612 million D5 RINs. When combined with surplus D5 RINs carried forward from 2012, and recognizing that surplus biodiesel (D4) RINs can be used in lieu of D5 RINs, there will be no problem in meeting the 2013 advanced biofuel requirement.

Additional Facts:
-    EPA waived the statutory cellulosic biofuel standard by 99% in 2013. Through August, nearly 130,000 cellulosic biofuel RINs had been generated, and RIN generation is expected to accelerate in the remainder of the year.
-    The RFS regulation allows obligated parties to use cellulosic biofuel RINs or cellulosic biofuel waiver credits to meet their obligations.



Dow AgroSciences Wins Second Case Brought by Bayer CropScience Involving Enlist™ Technology

Dow AgroSciences LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company (NYSE: DOW), has won a second lawsuit involving its Enlist technology. In a 28-page decision issued yesterday, the federal court ruled that Dow AgroSciences has the right to sell Enlist E3™ soybean seed and that Bayer’s lawsuit seeking to prevent Dow AgroSciences from doing so must, therefore, be dismissed. In reaching its decision, the Court indicated that it was unable to find objective evidence supporting Bayer’s arguments.

The lawsuit, initially filed in January 2012 by Bayer CropScience AG, alleged that Dow AgroSciences’ intention to sell Enlist E3 soybean seed infringed several of its glyphosate tolerance patents. Yesterday’s decision comes just five weeks after the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed Dow’s summary judgment win over Bayer in the first case initiated by Bayer involving Dow’s Enlist 2,4-D tolerance technology.

Dow AgroSciences remains committed to advancing technology for its customers and ensuring that its innovative technology such as the Enlist™ Weed Control System and Enlist E3™ soybeans are available for farmers as they struggle with weed control issues. “We repeatedly have expressed confidence in our legal position in each of the cases filed by Bayer concerning our Enlist technology, and the results we have obtained in these cases certainly validates our conviction,” said Ken Isley, Dow AgroSciences' General Counsel.