Tuesday August 19th Ag News

Nebraska Cattlemen & Rural Radio Network to host Senate Debate

Candidates vying for Nebraska’s U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Mike Johanns will debate issues facing the nation and agriculture on Monday, August 25, at 7 p.m. during the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island.

The Nebraska U.S. Senate debate will be broadcast live on affiliates of the Rural Radio Network including KRVN/Lexington 880 AM;  KTIC/West Point 840 AM; KNEB/Scottsbluff 960 AM; and KCSR/Chadron 610 AM.

The 90 minute debate is sponsored by Nebraska Cattlemen and the Rural Radio Network.

The invited candidates include: Dan Buhrdorf (I), Dave Domina (D), Jim Jenkins (I), Dennis Macek (I), Ben Sasse (R) and Todd Watson (I).

The debate is open to Nebraska State Fair attendees and will be held in the Heartland Events Center. The doors will open at 6 p.m.



Wisner's Ina Glaubius Honored with UNL VIP Service Award

2014 Contribution to Agriculture Award from the Northeast Research and Extension Center and Haskell Research Lab Committee was awarded to Ina Glaubius from Wisner and Cuming County. The award ceremony was part of the annual VIP Tour of the University of Nebraska Haskell Agriculture Research Laboratory located near Concord.  Each of the research specialists briefly explained their current research projects and the impact they are making in creating new information for Agriculture in Northeast Nebraska.  Special guests for the VIP Tour were 4-H leaders, 4-H Council members and Extension Board members in the 24 counties served by the Northeast Research and Extension Center.  Other special guests included:  UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman, Dr. Ron Yoder, Dean and Director of Ag Research Division, Dr. David Jackson, Ag Research Division Associate Dean / Associate Director and Senator Lydia Brasch to name a few in attendance. 

Ina Glaubuis was recognized as a lifelong contributor to the 4-H program statewide starting with her own 4-H career in Sioux County Nebraska. Ina met her husband Keith when they both attended the National 4-H Club Congress as state record book winners from Nebraska.  They raised their children Mark, Mike and Marijean in the Cuming County 4-H program where all excelled and were selected as delegates to National 4-H Club Congress. Now their grandchildren in the Zach, Alex, Sophie, Audrey and Victoria (Girl Scouts) are the benefactors of the 4-H program with Zach and Alex already graduates of the program, with Sophie, Audrey and Victoria (in Montana) current competitive members.    

Many in the audience at the VIP ceremony know Ida from seeing her at their county fair judging 4-H and open class 4-H photography exhibits. Ina has judged in:  Antelope, Boone, Burt, Butler, Cedar, Colfax, Dixon, Dodge, Knox, Madison, Pierce, Platte, Saunders, Seward, Stanton, Wayne and Washington counties.  Many 4-H members have developed photographic eyes that have blossomed into lifelong photography hobbies and careers from the hints Ina has shared with them.  Ina has judged in Antelope County every year since 1996 and it has been a pleasure for her to watch the 4-Hers grow and develop their photography skills through 4-H.  She appreciates being  asked to return, regrets when is not able to accept a request (too many fairs have the same judging day and a couple of times Ina has judged two fairs the same day because of their start times, but she wouldn’t recommend that.) It is rewarding for Ina to add a new county to her list of fairs judged at.  Ina shared, “Pre-fair activities are great, but she really, really likes “entry day at the fairs”. Even though she and a 4-Her may not know each other’s name, faces become familiar; each and every county has special memories for Ina.  Ina also has taught many photography clinics in many counties and then likes to see the results at fairs and State Fair. 

Ina shared that somewhere in the 1980’s she and Keith started as volunteer comment writers in 4-H photography at State Fair. Many enjoyed sharing wedding anniversary cake with them as they worked at State Fair.  She served as co –superintendent with Keith in 1997-98. After his death in 1998, Ina chose to continue as a helper until she was asked to be a 4-H State Fair4-H photography to become a judge while the fair was still in Lincoln.  She will be in the car on Wednesday, August to judge 4-H Photography at the 2014 State Fair.  From her judging experiences “out here on the county fair circuit” over the past few years she appreciates the opportunity to work with many 4-Hers of various ages and abilities and their families.  She is constantly looking for ways to gather enough courage to suggest options to simplify part of the exhibit process, without taking away from any of the learning/ lifetime skills.   

“4-H Showers Bring Career Flowers” was the theme of the Peppy Pepper’s 4-H Club’s 2014 Cuming County fair booth which says a lot about Ina’s philosophy related to 4-H and it being a lifelong career development opportunity for families. Ina is one of the co-founding leaders of the Peppy Peppers and continues as one of the assistant leaders completing her 52nd year as a leader in Cuming County.  Ina is a self-taught photographer, and has been through three different sets of 4-H manuals so far…., along with the transition from film and digital. Personally she has prepared all the exhibits that are in the fair book. This experience is helpful when she is judging as she also considers the “degree of difficulty” of the project she is viewing.   

When Interview judging she begins with:  “Tell me about your photos”.  4-Hers share what they have done; she shares what they might try next time.  Ina commented that, “It probably looks like I give a lot of purple ribbons, but I consider the interview as I award the ribbon placing.” Ina says her long time 4-H philosophy/mantra has been that “4-H’ers do the best they can with what they have to work with”. 

The 4-H members and entire Extension program in Northeast Nebraska are very fortunate to have Ina as one of our many very dedicated volunteers.   She also shared that her “judging philosophy” is she hopes that the 4-Her’s have fun in photography, using  the camera they have to work with, whether they are just taking pictures or challenging themselves.   Ina says, “4-H isn’t about ribbons and trophies—it is about the 4 “H”s and this summer an “H for Helping” is as so many 4-Her and their families reached out to help their friends and neighbors deal with the devastation caused by nature.  It is with great pleasure that we thank Ina Glaubius for all she does to help 4-Hers throughout Northeast Nebraska.  



Nebraska Farm Bureau Develops Resources to Help in Local Property Tax Discussions

Nebraska Farm Bureau is reminding Nebraskans there is still time to engage in discussions about local budgets and local spending, which directly impact Nebraskans property tax bills.  To help Nebraskans better understand the local process, the organization has developed a series of informational materials on how they can help “Hold the Line on Property Taxes,” said Steve Nelson, Nebraska Farm Bureau president.

“It’s critical that Farm Bureau members and others who want property tax relief engage in the process locally and that means attending local hearings and weighing in with their local elected officials that represent the largest user of property taxes, including schools, counties, community colleges, Natural Resources Districts and other local political subdivisions,” said Nelson.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation developed resources include both a quick guide on how to engage in the process that includes key dates.

“Most public hearings on local budget development take place in August and September. There’s still time for members to engage and let their local elected officials know property taxes are a concern. Many political subdivisions have small turnout for these public hearings and that is the best time for people to voice concerns about the need to control local spending and growth in property taxes,” said Nelson.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau’s “Hold the Line on Property Taxes” resources are available on the Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation website at nefb.org.



Wanted: Beef Quality Assurance Producers and Marketers

Quality beef begins with quality care. The Iowa Beef Industry Council wants to recognize beef producers and marketers who diligently care for and properly handle cattle in order to provide consumers with safe and wholesome beef. Applications for Iowa's 2014 Iowa Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards are now being accepted.

BQA is a national program for beef cattle production that assures the highest standards of animal care and treatment. It was developed with guidance from leading animal health and well-being experts and outlines essential elements for cattle care. More than 90 percent of all U.S. beef is raised under the BQA program.

The Iowa BQA program recognizes an outstanding beef producer, dairy producer and/or beef marketer who best demonstrate BQA practices, including sound animal husbandry practices. Nominees should be BQA-certified and work to continually improve BQA on their operations while operating sustainable cattle businesses. The desire to encourage fellow producers to implement BQA and communicate what the industry is doing to ensure quality cattle care is a plus. The award is open to all segments of the industry -- commercial cow-calf, seedstock, backgrounders, feedyards, dairy operations, auction markets operators and veterinarians.

"The BQA program's mission is to maximize consumer confidence in beef while exceeding their eating expectations," said Doug Bear, director of industry relations for the Iowa Beef Industry Council. "The BQA Award is a way to recognize the outstanding men and women who put great tasting beef on our consumer's plate every day".

Completed entries are due by Nov. 14. The Iowa BQA Award winners will be selected by a committee of fellow cattle producers, veterinarians, pharmaceutical representatives and others who have a vested interest in the future of the beef industry. Nominations can be submitted by any organization, group or individual on behalf of an Iowa beef producer or marketer. Individuals and families may not nominate themselves; however, the nominees are expected to be involved in the preparation of the application. For further information on these awards or to download the application, please visit www.iabeef.org >For Producers>Iowa Beef Quality Assurance.



Poet Set to Open Cellulosic Ethanol Plant in Iowa

POET-DSM's Project LIBERTY will open its doors to the public at its Grand Opening celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 3 in Emmetsburg, Iowa, showcasing first-of-its-kind technology that is poised to dramatically expand our world's resources for transportation fuel.

The Grand Opening will feature plant tours, a formal ceremony, a flyover by the ethanol-powered Vanguard Squadron, booths, music and more. The public is invited to attend, and lunch will be provided.

Project LIBERTY will process 770 tons of corn cobs, leaves, husk and some stalk daily to produce 20 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol per year, later ramping up to 25 million gallons per year.

Plant personnel are currently running biomass through the pretreatment process and preparing for the first gallons of ethanol. Project LIBERTY will be the flagship plant in POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels' plan to license this technology to companies across the U.S. and around the world.



July Milk Production in the United States up 3.9 Percent

Milk production in the United States during July totaled 17.5 billion pounds, up 3.9 percent from July 2013.  Production per cow in the United States averaged 1,882 pounds for July, 64 pounds above July 2013.  The number of milk cows on farms in the United States was 9.27 million head, 37,000 head more than July 2013, and 5,000 head more than June 2014.

Iowa:  Milk production  in Iowa during July 2014  totaled 391 million pounds, up 2 percent  from July 2013 according  to  the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during July, at 207,000 head, was unchanged from last month, but 3,000 fewer than a year ago. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,890 pounds in July 2014, up 55 pounds from last July.



USDA Announces $25 Million for Agricultural Entrepreneurs to Turn Commodities into Value-Added Products

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today highlighted the importance of rural entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy and announced investments to help rural businesses grow, diversify and create jobs. USDA is investing $25 million to help 247 businesses nationwide expand their operations and create new products to market, Secretary Vilsack said today during a visit to Miles Smith Farm in Loudon, N.H., a recipient of one of the grants.

The funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Value-Added Producer Grant program. The program helps agricultural producers grow their businesses by turning raw commodities into value-added products, expanding marketing opportunities and developing new uses for existing products.

"The funding we are announcing today will have far-reaching, positive impacts in rural communities across the country," Vilsack said. "The investments will help businesses create new products, expand their operations, and support local and regional food systems. The new Farm Bill expands this program to provide even more of these opportunities."

Since 2009, USDA has awarded 863 Value-Added Producer Grants totaling $108 million. Twenty percent of the grants and 16 percent of total funding has been awarded to beginning farmers and ranchers. The 2014 Farm Bill increases mandatory funding for the program from $15 million to $63 million over five years (while also reauthorizing an additional $40 million in discretionary funding).

The grants can be used for a wide range of purposes. They can support local and regional food systems, further the development of the growing bioeconomy, and finance the distribution of local and regional products.



USDA Announces $25 Million for Nation’s Farmers to Turn Commodities into Value-Added Products; Two Awards in Nebraska

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today highlighted the importance of rural entrepreneurs to the U.S. economy and said investments in them are helping businesses grow, diversify and create jobs. USDA is investing $25 million to help 247 businesses nationwide expand their operations and create new products to market, Secretary Vilsack said.

Two Nebraska companies receive awards totaling $181,518
Prairie Pride Poultry received a $5,500 Value Added Producer Grant from USDA Rural Development.  The funds will be used to support the marketing of locally produced farm-fresh eggs from over 600 farm raised Rhode Island Red hens.  Dan Hromas, the owner of Prairie Pride Poultry, is a former Marine and current member of the Nebraska National Guard and served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  After nearly two decades protecting U.S. freedom and interests as a soldier, the former Marine and current member of the Nebraska Army National Guard has found a new purpose and resolve through his flock of chickens.

The York-area farm is the first in Nebraska and second in the US to be certified by the new national program “Homegrown by Heroes”, a marketing initiative that recognizes farmer veterans.  The hens produce 3,150 eggs a week.  Mr. Hromas is currently selling eggs to Grand Central Foods in York, Hy-Vee in Grand Island and Hy-Vee in Lincoln.  The funds will allow him to expand his market to the Farmers Market in Lincoln.

Mac Creek Winery received a $176,018 VAPG grant to expand Mac Creek Winery’s market area to eastern and western Nebraska through the execution of a marketing campaign that involves multiple media avenues.  The borrower will be providing their own matching funds for 51% of the project and will create two jobs and save two jobs as a result of the project, in a community of 10,230 in population.

The winery is family owned and operated by the McFarlands and is located one-half mile north of Lexington, Nebraska on U.S. Highway 21.  The vineyard is 12 acres and lies along the banks of Spring Creek. Ten different types of grapes, including red and white varieties are used to create 15 different wines.

 “The funding we are announcing today will have far-reaching, positive impacts in communities where these producers are located,” Vilsack said.  “The investments will help businesses create new products, expand their operations, and support local and regional food systems.”



USDA Continues to Seek Input for the 2017 Census of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to seek input for the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted only once every five years by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the Census provides detailed data covering nearly every facet of U.S. agriculture down to the county level.

NASS released the complete 2012 Census of Agriculture results on May 2, 2014. In June, the agency began asking for content suggestions for the 2017 Agriculture Census and is accepting suggestions from the public. Any individual or organization may ask to add or delete items on questionnaire, as well as send any other ideas about the Census.

“Many industries want data that we currently don’t collect,” said NASS Associate Administrator Renee Picanso. “There are also some data that people think are no longer relevant with changing trends in agriculture. This is the time to express those ideas and concerns.”

Comments can be submitted online at www.agcensus.usda.gov/Contact_Us/Census_Program_Input_Form/. Written suggestions may be mailed to: Census Content Team, Room 6451, 1400 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20250. NASS will notify the public before the comment period ends.

To learn more and to access the complete 2012 Census of Agriculture results, including State and County Profiles and all the other Census data and tools, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.



UAN32 Again Leads Fertilizers Lower

Average retail fertilizer prices continued to decline the second week of August 2014, with one exception: Anhydrous was higher. This was the first time in five weeks that not all eight major fertilizers tracked by DTN were lower.  The one fertilizer, which was higher compared to a month earlier, was anhydrous. The nitrogen fertilizer was not up by any consequence and had an average price of $687 per ton.

Of the fertilizers that were lower in price, only one fertilizer had an average price that was down with any significance. UAN32 was down 5% compared to a month earlier. The nitrogen fertilizer's average price was $379 per ton.  Six fertilizers were lower, but none were down any significance. DAP had an average price of $589/ton, MAP $608/ton, potash $474/ton, urea $518/ton, 10-34-0 $555/ton, anhydrous $687/ton and UAN28 $337/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.56/lb.N, anhydrous $0.42/lb.N, UAN28 $0.60/lb.N and UAN32 $0.59/lb.N.

With fertilizers moving higher earlier in the year, just one of the eight major fertilizers is now double-digits lower in price compared to August 2013.  Urea is now 4% higher compared to last year while DAP increased 3%, and MAP is nearly unchanged. Anhydrous is down 2% and 10-34-0 is now 5% less expensive. UAN28 is 7% lower, UAN32 is 8% less expensive while potash is 15% less expensive compared to a year earlier.



CWT Assists with 2 Million Pounds of Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 6 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America and Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) to sell 1.964 million pounds (891 metric tons) of Cheddar and Gouda cheese, to customers in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The product will be delivered August 2014 through January 2015.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 82.543 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 2.054 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.



Massey Ferguson Introduces 7700 Series Tractors

Massey Ferguson®, a worldwide brand of AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), introduces the powerful and efficient 7700 Series tractors. The 7700 Series features AGCO POWER™ 6.6- and 7.4-liter diesel engines, a redesigned front-axle suspension, increased hydraulic performance, and easy-to-use guidance technology.

"These multipurpose tractors match rugged iron with plenty of performance-boosting features," says Conor Bergin, product marketing manager for AGCO high-horsepower tractors. "Farmers looking for an adaptable tractor built for long workdays will find just what they need in the 7700 Series. They're nimble enough for easy loader work, powerful enough to handle a large square baler, and they have the hydraulic capacity to run a 16-row planter."

With five models ranging from 185 to 255 max engine HP, a choice of two available transmissions and upgraded hydraulic options, farmers can match the right configuration to their operation.

More muscle for getting work done
The Tier 4 Final, six-cylinder AGCO POWER 6.6- and 7.4-liter diesel engines powering the 7700 Series feature upgrades to increase productivity. Turbochargers with new electronic wastegates anticipate power needs, providing unbeatable engine response and high torque at all RPMs. The Engine Power Management (EPM) system delivers a power boost of up to 25 HP in demanding PTO, hydraulic and transport applications.

Additional enhancements include a new engine control unit (ECU) for precise operations, a new throttle valve for faster warm-ups, and a higher-pressure fuel injection system that delivers cleaner combustion, together eliminating the need for a diesel particulate filter. The new CYCLAIR™ cooling package enhances cooling efficiency without increasing system size.

"Farmers will appreciate the compact design of the CYCLAIR package because it pairs a high-capacity cooling system and air conditioner condenser with a sleek hood and grill for maximum engine airflow, uncompromised sight lines and a cool, comfortable ride," Bergin notes. "This is great for farmers working long days in the field."

Transmission options and hydraulic upgrades
The 7700 Series can be customized to meet the needs of all farm operation sizes, with a choice of two transmission packages with generous hydraulic capacity, the Dyna-6™ Partial Powershift or the Dyna-VT™ CVT transmission. Both systems boost efficiency and operation ease with convenient features such as Dynamic Tractor Management (DTM) and programmable cruise speeds.

The Dyna-6 Partial Powershift transmission is available with 29- or 39-GPM hydraulic pump, providing six powershift gears within four push-button main ranges. A wide range of speeds provides optimal performance and fuel economy, while speed-matching and AutoDrive allow clutchless control for swift gear and range changes.

The Dyna-VT CVT transmission is available for more demanding applications. With infinite operating speeds and an upgraded 50-GPM hydraulic system, it supplies the precision and capability needed for larger implements.

"Our goal is to provide farmers a machine that has extremely low operating costs," explains Bergin. "With DTM engaged, the system synchronizes engine speed and transmission ratio, allowing the engine to run at lower speeds, supply optimum power and reduce fuel consumption."

Solid traction
The 7700 Series has more than double the front-suspension travel of previous models, putting more power to the ground for reduced wheel slippage and power hop in the field. When towing heavy loads on the road, the front suspension provides greater steering control at higher speeds. Push-button control lets operators adjust suspension to match the task at hand.

The 7700 Series can be ballasted to over 30,000 pounds to help put power to the ground. The new front monobloc weight system offers farmers a choice of 1,984-pound or 3,306-pound weights.

Simple technology setup
The straightforward design with convenient controls and oversized screens makes operation easy from day one. All models feature fully integrated Auto-Guide™ 3000, with handy Go Mode activation. The new front dash display features a color setup and information screen (SIS) that is 50 percent larger with 10 times greater resolution and larger fonts.