Tuesday August 12 Ag News

Nebraska Corn Board welcomes Boone McAfee on staff
The Nebraska Corn Board is pleased to announce that Boone McAfee has joined its staff as Director of Market Development & Research.

In this role, McAfee will work on behalf of Nebraska corn farmers and industry to expand market opportunities for Nebraska corn and value-added products both domestically and internationally. He will co-manage the Board’s research programs and establish a working relationship with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and others conducting research on various aspects of corn and its value-added industries to further the use, efficiency, sustainability and development.  McAfee will also manage a database of Nebraska corn statistics.

"I look forward to Boone joining our team of staff that has a combined 73 years of agricultural experience," said Kelly Brunkhorst, Nebraska Corn Board’s new executive director. “With his diverse Nebraska agriculture background, his education and proven leadership, Boone will be a great addition to our staff.  With market development and research being two of the four key ‘pillars’ of the Nebraska corn checkoff, I look forward to Boone leading and expanding our efforts in these two areas.”

McAfee grew up on his family farm near Leigh, Nebraska. He earned a B.S. in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he was involved as a student ambassador for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, a research assistant in the agricultural economics department and a teacher’s assistant in the agronomy department. He also held internships with Farm Credit Serves of America and Dow AgroSciences/Mycogen Seeds.

"I am very excited to be joining the Nebraska Corn Board staff,” said McAfee. “Having grown up on my family's farm in Nebraska, I consider it a huge opportunity to support the agriculture industry through research and promotion of one of the state's most valuable resources.  I look forward to working alongside and learning from the team on staff, the board members, and Nebraska's corn farmers.”

McAfee started his new position on August 11. 



Erdman to Lead Nebraska Farm Bureau Membership Department

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation (NFBF) is pleased to announce the hire of Philip Erdman as vice president of membership. Erdman comes to NFBF after serving as State Agriculture Director for U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns.

“Phil will bring a lot of energy, enthusiasm and fresh ideas to increase membership in our organization. With his leadership skills and self-motivation, he will be a great addition to our team in developing strategic relations, serving our current membership and recruiting new members,” said Rob Robertson, NFBF chief administrator.

Prior to his position with Sen. Johanns, Erdman was a Nebraska State Senator for the 47th Legislative District. He grew up on a farm operation near Bayard and spent time working at the Valley Bank and Trust Company in Gering. Erdman earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Leadership, Education and Communication from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2000. He has been a NFBF member for more than a decade.

As Vice President of Membership, Erdman will be responsible for all aspects of NFBF membership functions including recruitment, retentions and engagement, as well as member benefits and business recruitment. He will have oversight for strategies to guide membership marketing, including development of internal and external promotion of membership value.



SUMMER WATER NEEDS
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

               This summer’s heat and humidity makes it abundantly clear how important adequate water is for your pastured livestock.  Let’s discuss ways to provide water throughout your pastures.

               Summer has been hot and muggy.  While it may be uncomfortable for you and me, it is particularly hard on livestock out on pasture.  To help them survive, much less thrive, under these conditions, they need plenty of good, clean water.

               Not only do they need plenty of good, clean water – they need it close by.  Once upon a time, it was common to make cattle walk a mile or more to water.  And they’d do it.  But just think how hard it is on animals in this heat and humidity.  Once they get to the water, the last thing they want to do is turn around and go way back where they came from to graze.  As a result, they do little grazing more than a half mile away from water.  In fact, research shows that when cattle need to travel more than 1000 feet to water, they spend less time grazing, they burn off pounds walking, and they graze distant areas incompletely.

               So – how can you improve your water distribution?  More ponds, wells, windmills, and dugouts will help, but they can get expensive.  Plus, they can only be placed in certain locations and can’t be moved.  So my preference often is to use a pipeline.  They can be put almost anywhere.  And if you want to add more water locations, pipelines can be tapped into anywhere along the line.  In many areas, you might qualify for cost-share dollars to help pay for the installation.  You also can leave your pipe on top of the ground, saving trenching costs, if you only need water during the growing season.

               Over time, water improvements pay for themselves with better grass and improved animal performance.



UNL Extension Provides Precision Ag and Soil and Water In-Field Training

            University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension is providing a precision ag clinic on Aug. 27 and a clinic focusing on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and water is on Aug. 28.

            Both sessions are at UNL's Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead. The training sessions are conveniently located a short driving distance from Omaha, Lincoln and Wahoo.

            The potential precision ag technologies hold for improved yields, more precise applications, and increased profits has caught the attention of growers and agribusiness professionals. However, some are hesitant to adopt the technologies due to unfamiliarity with the technology itself and the data that is collected.

            An Aug. 27 program is aimed at providing a clearer understanding of how technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), crop canopy sensors, soil mapping systems and spraying technology can be utilized and their value in crop production.

            Topics at this training session include: Evaluating Crop Stress with Aerial Sensing Platforms; Crop Canopy Sensors for In-Season Nitrogen Management; Soil Conductivity, pH, and Organic Matter Mapping; Overlap and Turn Compensation Control for Sprayers and Ammonia Application with Capstan's PinPoint® Technology; and Improving Farm Productivity with Agricultural Technologies.

            6.5 Certified Crop Adviser credits have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic.

            Registration begins at 8 a.m. The training begins at 8:45 a.m.

            Improving and maintaining soil quality is essential to the productivity of land for current and future use. UNL Extension's physical, chemical and biological properties of soil and water clinic on Aug. 28 will provide hands-on training. The in-field training is ideal for agribusiness professionals and those who work with soil and water management.

            Aug. 28 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 Health's Impact on Soil Water; Using Laboratory Tests to Determine Soil Health; Soil Characteristics, Productivity and Landscape Position; and Management Considerations to Improve the Physical, Chemical and Biological Properties of Soil.

            7.5 Certified Crop Adviser credits have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic.

            Registration begins at 8 a.m. The training begins at 8:45 a.m.

            Pre-registration required for these clinics. All registrants will be sent a confirmation letter, receipt and finalized schedule. Space is limited; your 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 the university, pre-registered participants will be contacted and will receive a full refund. The University of Nebraska is not responsible for any expenses incurred by registrants.

            Registration before Aug. 21 is $160; $210 after to attend a one-day clinic. Registration fee to attend both days is $280 by Aug. 21 and $320 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/cmdc.shtml.



Producer Reaction to ROI Study

Dawn Caldwell, producer from Edgar, Neb., and vice chair of the checkoff’s Evaluation Committee, reports about how the recent Return on Investment (ROI) of beef checkoff assessments study validates what she’s always known about the checkoff program.  She says, “I’m really excited about how the ROI turned out. You never know when you turn in something like that, you always hope you’re getting better and better at what you’re doing. We were able to verify that with the results of this study. Dr. Kaiser who did the work, is so thorough and I really appreciate the effort he puts into it. You know we’re all in the same boat with what we’re able to do with our dollars and so he lets us know how well we’re utilizing those dollars. And that 11.2 to 1 return…that’s big news. I like that.”

Caldwell says Dr. Kaiser explained how changes in program-area funding moving forward will impact the benefit-cost ratio for each program area.  “We’re able to know which programs have had the most effect with each dollar, but we also know that, and he explained this to us, the absence of any one of those programs may dilute the entire thing. So we’ve created a really great situation where everything fits together well.”

Caldwell says she shared the good news with fellow producers and talks about their reaction.  She says, “I just got done sharing this good news with some fellow producers from Nebraska and they were elated. And so you know there might be some folks out there who might be really skeptical about the checkoff and what it does for them on their operation and this gives us that tool to talk to them that says, you know, your dollar is doing some good and your dollar is helping market beef both in the U.S. and globally. ”

For more about your beef checkoff investment and to see the full results of this study, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.



ICA regional meetings scheduled for late August, early September

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association will hold four regional meetings around the state, beginning later this month. This year, the regional meetings will have a strong state and federal legislative focus. Candidates for U.S. House and Senate races, as well as those for state legislative races, have been invited to the meetings.

Each evening meeting will begin at 5:30 with networking time and a meal that will be served atr 6:15. Following the meal, there will be a short ICA legislative update. After that, candidates attending the event can introduce themselves, and ICA members can questions candidates about their legislative priorities for the upcoming session.

Meeting dates and locations are:
·    Southeast Region - Monday, Aug. 25 - Mary Marr Lodge, 2943 Hwy. 92, Ainsworth.
·    Northwest Region - Tuesday, Sept. 2 - Hartley Community Center,  820 2nd St. NE, Hartley.
·    Southwest Region - Thursday, Sept. 4 - Audubon Golf & Country Club, 520 S. Division St., Audubon.
·    Northeast Region - Monday, Sept. 8 - Edgewood Locker Event Center,  303 No. Washington St.,  Edgewood.

ICA is requesting reservations in order to plan meal counts most efficiently. Please call 515-296-2266 until the day before the meeting you plan to attend with the number of people who will be attending with you.



ICA bull test starts 30th year; reservations due Sept. 5

The 2015 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) bull tests and sales will mark the 30th anniversary of the ICA service which is well-known by both seedstock and commercial cattle producers.

The performance bull test in Iowa was originally under the direction of the Iowa Beef Improvement Association (IBIA). In July 1985, IBIA dissolved and the performance testing program was merged into the ICA committee structure. The program has performance tested more than 7,250 elite bulls in its 30 year history.

Open heifers were added to the program in 1999 and more than 775 head have been offered for sale in the past 16 years.

The ICA Bull Evaluation Program (BEP) has a long reputation of offering elite genetics to commercial breeders and other purebred producers. By participating in the program, seedstock producers - whether they have a small or large operation - can benchmark their genetics and compare their outcomes with those from other herds. Additionally, there is a private reservation option which may be especially beneficial for smaller producers interested in a cost-effective way of gathering ultrasound and performance data on their herd, while reserving the right to take their stock home after the evaluation.

Reservations for BEP are on a first come, first serve basis. Both consignment and private reservations for fall-born and spring-born bulls will be taken through Sept. 5, or until pens are full. Heifer reservations can be made through Nov. 3, or until pens are full.

The fall bulls will be fed and evaluated at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, while the spring bulls and open heifers will be delivered to the Van Meter Feedyard near Guthrie Center.

The superior genetics that come from this program are offered to commercial cattle producers at three sales in Iowa auction barns next spring: March 16 – Bloomfield Livestock, Bloomfield; March 27 – Dunlap Livestock, Dunlap; and May 1, Tama Livestock, Tama.

Throughout the test history, the Bull Evaluation Program committee has always strived to give bull and heifer buyers and seedstock producers more information to assist in their genetic selection process. The program has undergone continuous improvement from being part of selection clinics, to adding ultrasound data and pelvic measurements, to including PI-BVD testing for all enrolled cattle and adding new EPDs and indexes.

For a reservation packet or for more information, contact Kellie Carolan, ICA seedstock manager, 515-296- 2266 or kellie@iabeef.org or visit the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org and click Programs.



IA GOVERNOR’S CHARITY STEER SHOW RAISES $225,850

Records were broken again for the third consecutive year as the 32nd annual Governor’s Charity Steer Show raised $225,850, the highest selling auction to date, for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa.   The money raised through the auction will benefit the Ronald McDonald Houses of Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City.   All of the houses are located near hospitals and provide a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children.   The Iowa Beef Industry Council and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association sponsor the annual steer show and auction.   Governor Terry Branstad hosted the 2014 event held on August 9, 2014 in the Pioneer Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.

Since its inception in 1983, the Governor’s Charity Steer Show has raised over $2.5 million for the Ronald McDonald Houses of Iowa.   The auction, which began when 25 steers paraded into the livestock pavilion, was led by Governor Branstad and other celebrity showpersons competing for the title of “Judge’s Choice.”

The official steer show judge for this year’s show was Charlie Peters of Bellevue, who manages and owns Peters Family Farms.  The judge selected the steer “Chasin Jason,” shown by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds for overall grand champion honors.   The Crawford County Cattlemen and Tyson Fresh Meats sponsored the steer. Cookies BBQ purchased the steer at the auction for $12,500. Ben Von Glan of Vail owned the steer. Additional donations were made to the sale of the steer by Friends of Ben Von Glan for $300. 

The steer shown by Mike Pearson was selected by the crowd for the title of “People’s Choice.”   The steer, “Toby,” was sponsored by the Iowa Bankers Association and purchased by Riverside Casino for $29,000; the second highest ever selling steer to date.   Tanner Knupp of Washington raised the steer.

Scott and Cora Lahr along with their boy Emmet earned the Showmanship Award. The Lahr family was selected by Mark Dorenkamp, who served as the event’s Showmanship Judge.   The Lahr family’s steer, “Thanks A Million,” was sponsored by Volunteer Boards of Iowa Ronald McDonald Houses.   The steer was raised by Taylor Lekin of Toledo and purchased by Tama Livestock Auction for $7,500.

Emcees for the show were farm broadcaster Bob Quinn, WHO Radio, and Michelle Rook, WNAX Radio. A special guest appearance from Ronald McDonald kept the show lively.   The auctioneer for the auction was Phil Schooley from Bloomfield Livestock.   Catching bids alongside Schooley were Mike Sorensen and Austin Brandt of Livestock Plus, Tom Rooney of The Midwest Marketer, and Jason Lekin of Tama Livestock Auction.



U.S. gasoline prices seen lower by the end of 2014

U.S. drivers could find more savings at the pump as average monthly gasoline prices are expected to fall through the end of the year.

After reaching a peak of $3.69 per gallon in June, the monthly average gasoline price is expected to fall to $3.30 per gallon in December, according to the new short-term forecast from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

U.S. gasoline demand is generally lower toward the end of the year compared with during the summer vacation driving season. That should be the case again this year.

However, EIA did raise its forecast for U.S. gasoline consumption during the fourth quarter of this year to just over 8.7 million barrels per day.  That’s about 20,000 barrels per day higher than previously expected.



U.S. July oil production highest for any month since 1987

U.S. crude oil production in July averaged 8.5 million barrels per day...the highest monthly output level since April 1987.

In its new monthly forecast, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said U.S. oil production is expected to increase by 1 million barrels per day this year and then climb another 800,000 barrels per day next year to an estimated 9.3 million barrels per day in 2015.  That would be the highest U.S. annual oil production since 1972.

The United States and Canada are expected to provide most of the increase in global non-OPEC oil production over the next two years, according to EIA.

Most of the additional U.S. production will come from drilling in shale formations in Texas and North Dakota.



U.S. Diesel Prices Continue to Decrease

The U.S. average retail price for on-highway diesel fuel fell to $3.84 a gallon on Monday.  That’s down a penny from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  Diesel prices were highest in the West Coast region at 4.02 a gallon, remaining unchanged from a week ago.  Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast region at 3.75 a gallon, down 4-tenths of a penny.  The Midwest region average diesel price came in at $3.787, down 1.1 cents on the week and down 7.5 cents from the same reference week last year. 

U.S. gasoline prices down as well
The U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline fell to $3.51 a gallon on Monday.  That’s down a penny from a week ago and down 13 cents from a month ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.    Pump prices were highest in the West Coast states at 3.87 a gallon, down 2.1 cents from a week ago.  Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast region at 3.27 a gallon, down 3 ½ cents.  The Midwest regional average for regular gasoline was $3.451/gallon, up 3.5 cents from the prior week, but down -2.7 cents from a year ago. 



CWT Assists with 1.9 Million Pounds of Cheese and Whole Milk Powder Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 5 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Michigan Milk Producers Association, and Tillamook County Creamery Association to sell 277,782 pounds (126 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese and 1.587 million pounds (720 metric tons) of whole milk powder to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and South America. The product will be delivered August through December 2014.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 80.579 million pounds of cheese, 48.051 million pounds of butter and 19.877 million pounds of whole milk powder to 43 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 2.024 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

CWT-assisted exports of American-type cheeses, butter and whole milk powder make up a significant percentage of the exports of those products. In the long-term, assisting CWT member cooperatives through the Export Assistance program helps them gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them in the rapidly growing world dairy markets. This, in turn, positively impacts U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



Small Tractor Sales Up in July, While Combines Went Down

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," the sale of all tractors in the U.S. for July 2014, were up 6% compared to the same month last year.  For the month, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were up 7% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were up 8%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were up 2%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were down 14%.  Combine sales were down 26% for the month.

For the seven months so far in 2014, a total of 125,296 tractors were sold which compares to 121,763 sold thru July 2014, representing a 3% increase year to date.  Two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 7% over last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are up 4%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are down 9%, while 4-wheel drive tractors are down 11%.  Sales of combines through the end of July totaled 4,782, a decrease of 15% over the same period in 2013.



Make your veterinarian a part of your team

As a dairy producer, the power to prevent violative milk or meat residues is in your hands. It takes preparation, planning and teamwork to create an effective residue avoidance plan. It starts with a strong partnership with your veterinarian.

“Your veterinarian is the expert in the proper use of animal health products to prevent residues, as well as to prevent and treat disease,” explained Richard Wallace, DVM, senior veterinarian, Dairy Technical Services, Zoetis. “As your most trusted advisor on the topic, your veterinarian knows your operation, your herd and the individual animals, and can help you create treatment protocols that are tailored to your animals and operation.”

The partnership you develop with your veterinarian is called a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, or VCPR. This means your veterinarian examines animals in person and maintains a relationship with your operation through regular visits and communications. This relationship is what allows a veterinarian to diagnose and treat your animals.

Establishing and maintaining a VCPR requires commitment from the producer and the veterinarian. Producers are responsible for:
·         Allowing the veterinarian to take responsibility for making health judgments about your animals
·         Being open to consultation and advice from your veterinarian
·         Making sure your employees and you comply with the veterinarian’s instructions for treatment
·         Keeping written records of all treatments

For their part, veterinarians are responsible for:
·         Providing your animal with medical care
·         Making clinical animal health judgments
·         Developing a treatment recordkeeping system
·         Advising you about the benefits and risks of different treatment options
·         Providing oversight of treatment, compliance and outcome
·         Helping you find emergency care for your animal, if needed

Why is establishing and maintaining a valid VCPR so important? It allows your veterinarian to provide your animals with the best possible medical care. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics requires a valid VCPR to be in place for a veterinarian to prescribe medications or treat an animal. It also is required by law in many states.