Friday January 17 Ag News

2014 Beef Profit Tips Workshop 

The University of Nebraska Extension is sponsoring the “2014 Beef Profit Tip Workshop” on Wednesday, February 5th 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lifelong Learning Center, 601 East Benjamin Avenue in Norfolk Nebraska. 

Topics that will be covered that day include; Market Outlook & Economics of Restocking the Ranch, by Dr. Kate Brooks (UNL Livestock Marketing Specialist). Dr. Rick Rasby (UNL Beef Specialist) will discuss Confinement Cow Research Update and Feed Cost.  Range & Pasture Weed Control will be covered by Dr. Jerry Volesky (UNL Range/Forage Specialist).

Other topics that will be addressed that day include; “Balancing the Ranch for Protein and Energy with Forages” by Dennis Bauer (UNL Extension Educator).  Gary Stauffer (UNL Extension Educator) will discuss Crop Residues; A Great Opportunity for Beef Producers.  Tools of Technology to aid in Beef Sire Selection will be presented by Steven Pritchard (UNL Extension Educator). 

The cost of the program is $25 for the first person in the operation and $15 for each additional person.  The fee covers all breaks, noon meal and printed material. 

Registrations are due Friday noon, January 31st, 2014.  Late registrations will be charged $30 first person and $20 for other persons in the operation.

For more information or to register please contact the UNL Extension Office in Ainsworth Ne. 1-800-634-8951 or 1-402-387-2213 or e-mail bkr1@unl.edu. 



UNL Program to Focus on Managing Cropping Challenges

The Northeast Research and Extension Crops Team is hosting upcoming programs designed to help local producers with challenges they are encountering with crop production. The day-long programs will be Jan. 28-31 in various locations throughout northeast Nebraska.

The programs aim to teach growers about resistance management, irrigation management, soil fertility issues and agriculture policy updates. Participants can also recertify their private pesticide applicators license. All programs begin at 8:50 a.m. and end at 3 p.m.

Dates and locations are:
-- Jan. 28, Ord, Valley County Fairgrounds
-- Jan. 29, Neligh, Antelope County Fairgrounds
-- Jan 30, Ainsworth, Community Center
-- Jan. 31, South Sioux City, Goodwill Campground

At Ord, Neligh and Ainsworth, participants will hear a lecture called "Ensuring Efficient Center Pivot Management." At South Sioux City, the lecture presented will be "The Role of Soil Health in Profitable Crop Production."

This is the first year that NEREC Crops Team has offered this program.

The cost is $45 with private pesticide training and $20 without. Lunch will be provided. Preregistration is not required but it is appreciated. To preregister, call 402-336-2760.



Upper Big Blue NRD Will Allow Specific Electronic Water Meters

The Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Directors met on January 16, 2014, and approved changes to the District’s Approved Flowmeters List to include specific electronic meters.  The electronic meters now allowed are the Senninger Flo-Wise Ag Rotor Meter and Flo-Wise Magmeter, the Seametrics AG1000/2000 Series Irrigation Magmeter, and the Netafim ARAD Octave Ultra-Sonic meter.  At the December 2013 board meeting, the Directors had allowed only mechanical meters to be installed after February 1, 2014, when the new changes to the District’s Rule 5 will take effect.   However, several manufacturers were able to rework their electronic meters to meet the Upper Big Blue NRD’s standard for reliability and tampering proof requirements.

“Flowmeters will help both the District and irrigators as they can provide the most accurate information about water use throughout the Upper Big Blue NRD,” said Rod DeBuhr, Water Department Manager.  “This data is valuable in demonstrating to others how efficient area irrigators are with conserving one of our most valuable natural resources.  The District can assist irrigators in deciding the most beneficial meter and its installation as it applies to the irrigators’ operation.”

The Rule 5 changes are still in effect and read that ALL wells with a pumping capacity greater than 50 gpm be equipped with a District Approved Flowmeter List meter by January 1, 2016, or if the District average groundwater level falls below the Allocation Trigger, whichever occurs first.

Please visit or call the Upper Big Blue NRD’s office at (402) 362-6601, to speak with a Water Department Representative about any installation or technical concerns regarding flowmeter requirements.  A copy of the newly amended changes to Rule 5 is available upon request at the NRD office at 105 N. Lincoln Avenue, York, Nebraska, and on the NRD website at: www.upperbigblue.org. 

New Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Directors Positions for 2014 and Swear In a New Board Member
The Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Directors met Thursday, January 16, 2014, at the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District office to discuss and vote on January’s committee actions and reports.  During the meeting, Upper Big Blue NRD board members were nominated and votes were cast to fill board positions for 2014 as follows: 
     - Lynn W. Yates of Geneva—CHAIRMAN;
       - Douglas Bruns of Waco—VICE CHAIRMAN;
         - Michael D. Nuss of Sutton—SECRETARY;
           - William “Bill” Stahly of Milford—TREASURER;
             - Larry K. Moore of Ulysses—Nebraska Association of Resources Districts REPRESENTATIVE;
               - Gary E. Eberle of Bradshaw—NARD REPRESENTATIVE ALTERNATE.  

A week earlier at the January 9th Projects Committee meeting, Upper Big Blue NRD General Manager John Turnbull, administered the Oath of Office to Burch Breazeale III of York who was sworn in as a board member of the Upper Big Blue NRD.  Breazeale was appointed from a field of three candidates on December 19, 2013, to fill the unexpired term in Sub-district 8 as a result of Ronda Rich’s resignation from the board.  Rich could no longer serve as a board member because she and her husband moved to another home outside of Sub-district 8.



ISU Extension and Outreach Offers Field Crop Scout School

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer a Field Crop Scout School on Saturday, March 8 at the Scheman Continuing Education Building, Iowa State Center, Ames. Designed for beginning crop scouts, the day-long course features workshops on crop growth and development; weed, disease and insect identification; non-pest crop injuries; and scouting methods and techniques.

A supplemental Field Scouting Basics class, a new offering in 2014, will be held in May at the Field Extension Education Laboratory. Attendees of the March school will receive discounted registration for the field session in May. Registration for the May session will open following the scout school.

“Consider the March school the three credit foundation course and the May class the one credit lab session,” said Stuart McCulloh, extension program specialist and field crop school coordinator. “The agenda for the basics class will be based on feedback from the March school as well as a needs assessment quiz at the start of the May session. Together the two sessions form a comprehensive package.”

Doors open at 7:30 a.m. March 8 for the Field Crop Scout School, with sessions beginning at 8 a.m. The school ends at 4:45 p.m. The fee is $100 and includes field guides, course handouts, lunch and breaks. Online registration (VISA, MasterCard or Discover) is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/scout.

Registration must be completed by midnight, Feb. 28. Registration is limited to 150 participants and pre-registration is required to attend; registrations will not be accepted at the door for this program.

For more information, call 515-509-8308 or email smac@iastate.edu.



Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, Feed Energy partner with Iowa Food & Family Project

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds and Feed Energy are announcing their support of the Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP).

Launched in 2011 by the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA), the Iowa FFP communicates the continuous improvement of Iowa’s farm families and their dedication to providing wholesome food for everyone. It invites Iowans to become better acquainted with farm families and more knowledgeable and trusting in how food is grown through innovative activities and partnerships.

“People want greater confidence in the safety and quality of their food and to know the farmers who grow it,” says Troy Shoen, Feed Energy director of marketing. “We value the work of the Iowa Food & Family Project and look forward to being involved in its unique consumer-focused activities and outreach.”

The Iowa Food & Family Project (www.iowafoodandfamily.com) engages with Iowans courtesy of its presenting sponsorship of the Iowa Games and support of Live Healthy Iowa. It offers Iowans the opportunity to visit farms, showcases food and farming topics at must-see Iowa State Fair exhibits and maintains an active presence on the web and social media including a partnership with influential blogger “Iowa Girl Eats” Kristin Porter.

Shannon Latham, vice president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds, welcomes collaboration with the Iowa FFP to feed people’s curiosity about food and farming.

“We feel privileged to help America’s farmers feed and fuel the world by providing top-quality seed for them to grow crops, feed livestock and produce fibers,” explains Latham. “That’s why we take so much pride in creating quality seed products – the word ‘quality’ is even stamped on every bag of Latham® brand soybeans.  It’s a tradition that began in 1947 with Willard Latham and continues 67 years later.”

Latham says the family-owned seed company, founded and still based in Alexander, understands the importance of working together and creating a legacy for the next generation.

“Like the farmers we serve, we’re committed to producing the best quality products that will, in turn, create the best quality food products for each family’s table,” says Latham. “We’re passionate about what we do and look forward to sharing that story as a partner of the Iowa Food & Family Project.”

Feed Energy, based in Des Moines, further refines vegetable oil as a high-energy, liquid feed ingredient. The company produces and distributes throughout the Midwest scientifically-balanced ingredients specific to their customers' needs. Feed Energy's headquarters and original production facility have been in Des Moines for more than 25 years, with additional Iowa production facilities in Sioux City and Pacific Junction.

Latham Hi-Tech Seeds markets hybrid seed corn, soybeans and alfalfa under the Latham® brand name.  Since 1947, the Latham name has stood for the latest genetics and highest-quality seed. Today it’s owned by third-generation seedsman John Latham; his wife, Shannon; and John’s brother, Chris. They’re committed to “bringing world-class technology home®”  to rural communities in Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Feed Energy and Latham Hi-Tech Seeds join nearly 40 partners supporting the Iowa Food & Family Project including SUBWAY® Restaurants, Iowa’s commodity associations, Farm Credit Services of America, Iowa Grocery Industry Association, Midwest Dairy Association and Machine Shed Restaurant.



Big Wins on Waterways Funding, Ag Research, Other Soybean Farmer Priorities in Appropriations Bill

The farmers of the American Soybean Association welcomed action this week by both the House and the Senate to pass the FY2014 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The bill, which easily passed both the House and the Senate, combines all 12 appropriations bills for various spending categories—including Agriculture, Energy & Water, and other areas that impact soybean farmers—into one measure, and allocates funding for programs within each. Several of these programs represent significant policy priorities for soybean farmers, including those addressing waterways infrastructure, agricultural research, food aid and market reports.

The bill’s Energy & Water section includes provisions that will significantly increase funding for waterways components. These provisions are strongly supported by ASA and have been priorities for the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), the authorization bill that is currently in conference committee. Under the bill, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction General Account receives $1.6 billion and revises the FY14 cost-sharing formula for the Olmsted Lock & dam project to 75 percent General Funds and 25 percent from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund (IWTF). Currently the cost-share is split evenly and has resulted in the Olmsted project consuming nearly all of the IWTF funds. The revised cost share will free up $81.5 million for other projects that have been delayed because of Olmsted’s cost overruns.

Another victory for ASA comes in the form of a significant increase in spending for port and navigation channel improvements, funded out of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF). The bill provides $1 billion from the HMTF for port and navigation channel maintenance and dredging. The HMTF collects approximately $1.6 billion annually and in past years only about half has been provided for actual harbor maintenance, with the rest diverted to general government purposes. ASA has consistently advocated to free up money from the IWTF and increase the amounts from the HMTF that go toward port maintenance and dredging.

“Waterways infrastructure is so critical for soybean farmers. Without it, more time, money and resources are needed to move our products to market,” said Ray Gaesser, a soybean and corn farmer from Corning, Iowa, and ASA’s President. “The productive work of the appropriations committee this week is not only a policy victory for ASA and other waterways stakeholders, but also a positive sign that the WRDA conference committee may be nearing completion with similar provisions for waterways funding in future years.”

Within the bill’s Agriculture section, ASA also applauded the allocation of $316.4 million for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), which is the nation’s only agriculture-oriented competitive grants program, and the funding of which has been a priority for soybean farmers since its inception.

“From innovations in weed science and biotechnology to new ways to manage water and inputs, the products and practices yielded by agricultural research are what have made U.S. agriculture great,” said Gaesser.

Additionally in the Agriculture section, the nation’s two critical foreign food aid programs received funding. The Food for Peace Program (PL 480) was funded through the bill at $1.466 billion, while the McGovern –Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program received funding at $185 million. Both programs provide nations in need with assistance in the form of American-grown agricultural commodities, including in many cases, soybean meal and soy flour.

Also, the bill’s Agriculture section provided $161.2 million for the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and directs NASS to resume previously-suspended reports and begin compilation of several Current Industrial Reports formerly conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. This includes the “Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings (M311J)” and “Fats and Oils: Production, Consumption, and Stocks (M311K)” reports. In 2013, ASA led efforts to provide adequate funding to NASS to resume the reports.



Informa Boosts Overall Acreage

Private analytical firm Informa Economics said it expects farmers to plant 3.2 million more acres to 12 major crops in 2014 as land leaves the Conservation Reserve Program and prevented planting acres return to a more normal level.  As a result, Informa's surveys indicate that overall corn and soybean acreage will increase 2.7 million acres from 2013. That puts corn acreage at 93.3 ma, which is 2 ma lower than last year but 1.5 ma higher than Informa's previous forecast.

Soybean acreage will increase 4.7 ma from last year to 81.3 ma. That's a 665,000 acre decrease from Informa's projection last month.

Informa figures production possibilities for spring crops by applying normal acreage abandonment and "trend-type yields" to planted acreage estimates. Using a 163-bushel-per-acre yield, Informa projects that next year's corn production could total 14 billion bushels.

U.S. farmers could produce 3.6 billion bushels of soybeans, 283 mb more than last year, using an average yield of 44.5 bpa.

Informa's wheat acreage estimates fell in line with USDA's estimates from the last week's USDA Wheat Seedings report.  Cotton area is expected to increase to 11.1 million acres next year, up 678,000 from 2013, Informa said. According to Informa's surveys, farmers showed an increased to desire to plant cotton this year, especially in Texas where acreage could reach 6.2 ma.



Commodity Classic Early Registration Discount Ends January 20

With less than two months until Commodity Classic convenes in San Antonio, Texas, growers are encouraged to take advantage of the lowest rate by registering before the early discount deadline of midnight Monday, Jan. 20. Registering early will save attendees up to $50. Hotels are currently available, but are booking up fast. For complete details and to take advantage of the early registration discount, register now and reserve rooms at www.CommodityClassic.com.

“We’ve once again broken all previous records in exhibitor attendance,” said Commodity Classic Co-chair Rob Elliott. “Grower registrations continue to increase, which proves farmers are truly on board for profits in 2014.”

Soybean, corn, wheat and sorghum growers attending Commodity Classic Feb. 27 - March 1 will benefit from a wide variety of educational sessions, networking opportunities and a sold out trade show with 1,278 booths representing 297 companies displaying the newest technology, equipment, ideas and innovations in agriculture.

Commodity Classic is the nation’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show, presented annually by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers. The event offers a wide range of learning and networking opportunities for growers in the areas of production, policy, marketing, management and stewardship—as well as showcasing the latest in equipment and technology. For more information, visit www.CommodityClassic.com.



Recording Setting Pace to Start the New Year
John Michael Riley, Extension Economist, Mississippi State University

With only two weeks in the books, 2014 has started strong out the gate with price records shattering for many segments of the industry. I suspect most observers are not shocked by this phenomenon, myself included, but events like this can cause some trepidation because as the adage goes "nothing cures high prices like high prices."

Of course when markets are as heated as has been seen for the past few weeks one unintended consequence can often be increased price volatility since it is not uncommon for higher price levels to bring about increased absolute price risk. For a bit of perspective in this regard consider that in the months prior to the initial case of BSE in the U.S. live cattle prices were moving higher and market volatility moved higher as well (this was followed by sharp declines after the case was discovered but high price volatility remained intact). Then, in 2007 and 2008 as prices for most agricultural commodities increased their price swings were larger too. Finally, the 2012 drought driven corn market pushed prices and price volatility much higher.

More specifically, from the January 1995 contract to the September 2003 contract, for all individual contract months, the feeder cattle futures contract averaged a price swing of $0.26 per hundredweight on the lowest end to $0.54 per hundredweight on the high side. This measure considers all daily price moves for the 150 days leading up to contract expiration (but not including the final 15 days). Since then, the average of daily price move across all individual contracts has dipped under the $0.54 per hundredweight mark only three times (January, March, and April 2010 contract months) and has ranged from a high of $1.02 to a low of $0.50.

Similarly, the average daily price movement of individual live cattle futures contracts ranged from a low of $0.24 per hundredweight to a high of $0.50 per hundredweight from February 1995 to August 2003. Since then, contract price movement has dipped below the $0.50 per hundredweight mark more often than feeder futures but never less than $0.40 and this has occurred recently (the December 2013 contract). So there is the catch. In spite of record prices, which typically brings about increased price volatility. Markets, using the futures market as the indicator of price level and price volatility, have been calmer despite the record level of prices. The nearby February 2014 live cattle futures contract just hit a contract high (even when adjusted for inflation), however it's price swings are currently averaging a mere $0.38 per hundredweight over the previous 150 days. So, it appears that, for the time being, markets are taking these record prices in stride. Still, as a risk averse economist, throwing caution to the wind would be ill advised.



U.S. Justice Department Clears Mosaic-CF Industries Deal

The U.S. Department of Justice has approved Mosaic Co's $1.4 billion purchase of CF Industries' Florida phosphate business, Mosaic said.

The deal, which still requires other regulatory approvals, gives Mosaic, the world's biggest producer of phosphate fertilizer products, a bigger hold on North American sales, and some analysts speculated that it may raise competition concerns.

According to Reuters, the price includes $200 million to cover the closure and long-term care of phosphogypsum stacks, a radioactive by-product of phosphate production, under CF's current Florida operations.

Minnesota-based Mosaic, which operates other phosphate facilities nearby, would acquire the South Pasture phosphate mine and plant, a phosphate manufacturing plant and ammonia terminal and warehouse facilities.

Once the deal closes, Illinois-based CF will focus on nitrogen production.



Hormel to Invest $36M in Iowa Plant for Expansion

Dubuque's Hormel Foods facility has been chosen for the first phase of a major expansion project, officials from the Austin, Minn., company confirmed this week with reporters from the Dubuque Telegraph Herald.

The Progressive Processing will handle production of Hormel's bacon toppings products. That's one of two new production lines sought for the plant, which opened in 2010.

If both new lines are added, the $36 million project would create about 90 jobs, officials said.

Mark Zelle, plant manager at Progressive Processing, said he believes he and his employees have discovered the "recipe for success," which includes having state-of-the art facilities and an engaged work force. He said the announcement prompted genuine excitement among the plant's employees.

Mark Seckman, vice president of national marketing for Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, said it is unclear how many new positions will be created through the first phase of the project.

But the Duguque newspaper reported that a St. James, Minn., processing plant that had been producing the bacon topping products employed 75. That plant will close later this year, plant officials said, citing Hormel's decision to move the line to another of its plants.

With the Dubuque plant landing the first phase of the expansion project, economic development officials said it leaves the local facility well-positioned to be selected for the second phase as well.

When the project was first announced last fall, Progressive Processing was one of several sites being considered, including those in Minnesota and Nebraska.

In November, city and state officials approved $4.1 million incentives package in hopes of helping lure the expansion to the area. Included in the package are state tax benefits, a jobs-training partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College and an extension of an existing tax increment financing agreement with the city.

Rick Dickinson, GDDC president and CEO, said food manufacturing companies historically have been a major component of the local work force. But Hormel differs the slaughterhouses of old, creating new, technologically savvy, "value-added" products, he said.



Higher Yield Potential Highlights Newest Pioneer Brand T Series Soybeans

To maximize return from their soybean acres, growers are looking for higher soybean yields, and DuPont Pioneer soybean breeders are delivering with a large class of new products available in 2014. These elite new varieties continue the Pioneer pursuit of improved yield potential while offering the agronomic and defensive traits needed to protect this potential.

“This second wave of Pioneer® brand T Series soybean varieties offers improved yield potential and defensive traits for growers from the northern to the southern states,” says Andre Trepanier, DuPont Pioneer soybean marketing manager. “The goal is to continue helping growers obtain consistently higher yields in their fields.”

The 2014 lineup contains 44 new T Series varieties, ranging in maturity from Group 00 to Group 5. While the plant breeding emphasis is on high-yield potential, the lineup includes a diverse range of defensive traits growers can tailor to the localized challenges in their individual fields.

 An expanded offering of herbicide tolerant traits are available, including products with the original Roundup Ready®, Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, LibertyLink® and DuPont™ STS® technologies.

In addition, Pioneer is introducing four new products that feature the Plenish® high oleic trait. This trait allows growers in participating processor areas to contract Plenish soybeans for the high oleic oil market, providing attractive oil alternatives to food and industrial markets. These varieties offer top tier performance and on par with elite Pioneer soybean varieties plus processor-paid contract premiums for added per acre returns.

“Growers can work with their Pioneer sales professional to identify the right product for each acre,” Trepanier says. “The necessary defensive traits will vary depending on geography and field history. It’s important to choose a variety that will stand up to the in-season challenges each operation faces.”

The new  Pioneer T Series products carry resistance or tolerance to key yield-robbing diseases and pests, including Phytophthora root rot, soybean cyst nematode (SCN), sudden death syndrome, brown stem rot, iron chlorosis and frogeye leaf spot.

“Growers also can take advantage of Pioneer Premium Seed Treatment offerings, to provide an extra level of performance for improved early-season disease and insect protection,” Trepanier says. “This new T Series class adds to an already strong soybean lineup, giving growers even better opportunities to succeed.”

T Series products are the result of a relentless research and testing focus to deliver products with higher yield potential. To learn more about these new T Series varieties and see which fit their fields, growers can contact their Pioneer sales professional.