Thursday September 11 Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PRODUCTION REPORT

Based on September 1 conditions, Nebraska's 2014 corn crop is forecast at 1.57 billion bushels, down 4 percent from last year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Acreage harvested for grain is estimated at 8.75 million acres, down 8 percent from a year ago.   Average yield  is forecast at  a  record high 179 bushels per acre, up 9 bushels from last year.
 
Soybean  production  in Nebraska  is  forecast  at  a  record  high  284 million  bushels,  12  percent above  last year.   Area  for harvest, at 5.35 million acres,  is up 12 percent  from 2013.   Yield  is forecast at 53 bushels per acre, unchanged from a year ago.

Sorghum production of 7.30 million bushels is down 22 percent from a year ago.  Area for grain harvest of 100,000 acres  is down 29 percent from  last year.   Yield  is forecast at 73 bushels per acre, up 6 bushels from last year.  

Sugarbeet production is forecast at 1.36 million tons, up 4 percent from 2013.  Area for harvest, at 46,000 acres,  is up 4 percent  from  last year.   Yield  is estimated at 29.6  tons per acre, down slightly from the 29.7 tons of a year ago.



Iowa Crop Production Report

Iowa corn production  is forecast at 2.44 billion bushels, 13 percent above  the 2013 production but unchanged from  the August  forecast,  according  to  the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Crop Production report.  Based  on  September  1  conditions,  corn  yields  are  expected  to  average  185  bushels  per  acre,  up 20 bushels from 2013 but unchanged from the August forecast. If realized, this will surpass 2009 for the highest yield on record for Iowa. Acres harvested for grain remained unchanged at 13.2 million acres. 

Soybean  production  is  forecast  at  512 million  bushels,  up  25  percent  from  last  year’s  411 million  bushels. Soybean  yield  is  forecast  at  51.0  bushels  per  acre,  6.5  bushels  above  last  year  and  up  1.0  bushel  from  the August forecast. Area harvested remained unchanged at 10.0 million acres. 

All crop  forecasts  in  this  report are based on September 1 conditions and do not  reflect weather effects since  that time. The next production forecasts, based on conditions as of October 1, will be released on October 10.



USDA Crop Production Forecast - September 11, 2014
Corn Production Up 3 Percent from August Forecast
Soybean Production Up 3 Percent
Cotton Production Down 6 Percent
Corn production is forecast at 14.4 billion bushels, up 3 percent from both the August forecast and from 2013. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 171.7 bushels per acre, up 4.3 bushels from the August forecast and 12.9 bushels above the 2013 average. If realized, this will be the highest yield and production on record for the United States. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 83.8 million acres, unchanged from the August forecast but down 4 percent from 2013.

Soybean production is forecast at a record 3.91 billion bushels, up 3 percent from August and up 19 percent from last year. Based on September 1conditions, yields are expected to average a record high 46.6 bushels per acre, up 1.2 bushels from last month and up 3.3 bushels from last year. Area for harvest in the United States is forecast at a record 84.1 million acres, unchanged from August but up 11 percent from last year.

All cotton production is forecast at 16.5 million 480-pound bales, down 6 percent from the August forecast but up 28 percent from 2013. Yield is expected to average 803 pounds per harvested acre, down 2 percent from last year. Upland cotton production is forecast at 16.0 million 480-pound bales, up 30 percent from 2013. Pima cotton production, forecast at 578,000 bales, is down 9 percent from last year.



Governor proclaims October Farm to School Month in Nebraska

Today, September 11, 2014, Governor Dave Heineman proclaimed October as Farm to School month in recognition of the growing importance and role of Nebraska Farm to School programs as a means to improve child nutrition, support local farming and ranching economies, spur job growth and educate children about agriculture and the origins of their food. The proclamation signing ceremony took place in the Warner Chamber of the Nebraska State Capitol Building in Lincoln.

“We’re thrilled with this proclamation,” said Sarah Smith with the Center for Rural Affairs. “In doing this, Governor Heineman is helping put Farm to School programs on the map and assisting the continued success of Farm to School programs across Nebraska.”

According to Smith, Farm to School programs enrich the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and preschools. Students gain access to healthy, local foods as well as educational opportunities such as school gardens, cooking lessons and farm field trips. Farm to School empowers children and their families to make informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to vibrant communities.

“Farm to School programs in Nebraska are a win-win. Our kids eat fresher, healthier, better tasting food, which gives them a leg up in the classroom. And Nebraska farmers, ranchers and small towns benefit economically as well,” added Smith. “These programs are widely recognized as an effective way to encourage healthy eating and boost local agriculture sales by bringing local vegetables, fruit, and other products into schools.”

The Center for Rural Affairs, a long-time advocate for Farm to School programs in Nebraska and across the country, initiated the request for the October Farm to School Month proclamation. The Center will be hosting the Second Annual Nebraska Farm to School Summit in Aurora, Nebraska on October 22, 2014, to bring together educators, food service directors, farmers, ranchers, and others interested in Farm to School programs across Nebraska. And the Center is planning a variety of other Farm to School activities throughout October, Nebraska’s newly designated Farm to School Month.



Study Results Tell How to Cut Tractor Fuel Expenses

Tractor fuel expenses can add up quickly during fall and spring field work. According to a case study conducted at the Iowa State University Armstrong Research and Demonstration Farm near Atlantic, Iowa, fuel savings of 20 percent or more can be achieved by using the "shift up, throttle back" technique.

Using an auxiliary 12-gallon tractor fuel tank, the study measured diesel fuel consumption for different gear and throttle combinations during disking, plowing and planting with a John Deere 7420 tractor.

“Improving tractor fuel efficiency is one of many ways to reduce energy expenses on the farm,” said Mark Hanna, ag engineer with ISU Extension and Outreach. “For example, using the ‘shift up, throttle back’ technique during planting shows a fuel savings of 21 percent when comparing the lower versus higher gear settings.”

The study also examined the effects of tillage depth on fuel consumption during tandem disking.

“As expected, deeper tillage generally requires more fuel,” Hanna said. “In this case, increasing the disking depth from 3 inches to 5 inches increased fuel use by 9 percent.”

A new publication from ISU Extension and Outreach illustrates the results of the tractor fuel case study from southwest Iowa. Tractor Fuel Consumption at Armstrong (PM 3063B) is available to download from the Extension Online Store, www.extension.iastate.edu/store. The study summarizes tractor fuel measurements for field work including disking, plowing and planting.

“This case study illustrates a key point about on-farm energy management,” Hanna said. “Many opportunities to improve energy efficiency are tied directly to day-to-day activities such as driving a tractor. Reducing tillage depth and remembering the ‘shift up, throttle back’ technique when you’re in the driver’s seat will reduce fuel consumption.”

For more tips on energy efficiency all around the farmstead, visit http://farmenergy.exnet.iastate.edu or follow @ISU_Farm_Energy on Twitter.

The Farm Energy publications are part of a series of farm energy efficiency resources developed by ISU Farm Energy. This outreach effort aims to help farmers and utility providers to improve on-farm energy management and to increase profitability in a rapidly changing energy environment.



2013/2014 Corn and Sorghum Marketing Years Finish Out Strong
(US Grains Council)

Exports of both U.S. corn and U.S. sorghum finished the 2013/2014 market year strong, with increases of more than 150 percent and 200 percent over the same time period last year, respectively.

As of Aug. 28, three days before the end of the marketing year, the United States had outstanding sales and accumulated exports of 48.6 million metric tons (1.9 billion bushels) of corn. In the 2013/2014 marketing year, there was an abundant supply of competitively priced high-quality U.S. corn available to international buyers and end-users due to record production of nearly 355.3 million tons (14 billion bushels).

Japan was once again a leader in importing U.S. corn taking 11.7 million tons (460.6 million bushels) with Mexico close behind importing 10.7 million tons (421.2 million bushels) of U.S. corn. Other major purchasers included Colombia, which imported 3.3 million tons (130 million bushels) this marketing year after minimal exports the prior year, and the Middle East and North Africa region, which imported more than 4.4 million tons (173.2 million bushels).

“The United States had an abundant supply of high-quality corn this year,” said U.S. Grains Council Director of Global Strategies Kurt Shultz. “It was a buyers’ market in the 2013/2014 marketing year, and it looks like we may be heading into a similar situation for the 2014/2015 marketing year.”

The United States also exported 5 million tons (197 bushels) of sorghum valued at $1.4 billion during this marketing year. The majority of U.S. sorghum exports went to China.

“About a year ago, the Council and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program developed and implemented an intensive strategy to market U.S. sorghum in China,” said USGC Manager of Global Trade Alvaro Cordero. “Just one year later, the country is importing nearly 90 percent of all U.S. sorghum exports valued at more than $1.2 billion and has become an important business partner with the U.S. sorghum industry.”

Sorghum is also going to Japan, which imported 322,000 tons (12.7 million bushels) and Mexico, which imported 114,000 tons (4.5 million bushels).


U.S. DDGS Exports Up 48 Percent
The United States recorded its highest ever monthly exports of distiller’s dried grain with solubles (DDGS) in July, bringing the total U.S. DDGS exported this marketing year to 7.2 million metric tons, a 48 percent increase over the same time period last year.

Behind this market expansion are U.S. Grains Council educational seminars and feeding trials, complimented by consistent end-user contact and support. In emerging markets around the world, the Council continues to work to expand the market for U.S. DDGS.

“The Council has been instrumental in educating the global marketplace on the nutritional benefits of DDGS,” said USGC Manger of Global Trade Alvaro Cordero.

“In 2006, U.S. DDGS exports were only 1 million tons for the entire marketing year. Now we are barely over half way through this marketing year and exports are already seven times larger than they were eight years ago. That rate of growth is incredible.”

The Council is committed to expanding markets for U.S. DDGS even further, having allocated more than $1.8 million for the development of the U.S. DDGS market worldwide. Programs include feeding trials in Southeast Mexico, seminars and meetings in Southeast Asia, and removing trade barriers for DDGS in Saudi Arabia.



NCGA Praises New EPA Approach in HRM Efforts

The National Corn Growers Association is pleased that the Environmental Protection Agency indicated it will provide flexibility for farmers in Herbicide Resistance Management (HRM) plans for new herbicide products, a position which NCGA has strongly urged.

"By moving toward a more flexible, yet still effective stance, the EPA made progress toward a set of real world solutions to an important issue," said NCGA Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action Team Chair Jim Zimmerman, who farms in Wisconsin. "The circumstances farmers across the country encounter in terms of herbicide resistance vary widely, thus the tools which farmers must use to respond to them must be tailored to effectively address the specifics of that farm. Farmers want to act as good stewards of both their environment and technology. By allowing for flexibility, the EPA can help them do so."

During the Weed Science Society of America's Herbicide Resistance summit hosted by the National Academies of Science yesterday, EPA Office of Pesticides Director Jack Housenger stated that the agency would not impose mandatory conditions on new products.

"Whenever we come up with regulatory plans, growers need the flexibility," said Housenger. "If you can achieve the goal, give the growers the flexibility to use the product."

NCGA maintains that that a single HRM plan that is mandated by labeling or condition of registration will not foster an environment to deal effectively with a weed resistance problems.  Every farm and weed situation is unique.  Growers need new tools to fight weeds in their fields immediately and will need flexibility that enables them to implement a tailored plan for their farm.

NCGA remains committed to working with the EPA on the management and reduction of field evolved weed resistance to herbicides. Additionally, the association will work with both the EPA and registrants to provide growers with the information and tools necessary to manage resistant populations within a practical framework.

As part of this effort, NCGA has joined the cross-commodity "Take Action" coalition formed to educate growers on best management practices. This program, started by the United Soybean Board, is the first step to providing quality information, education and reference to growers to implement proper weed management.



20-Year Study Shows Levels of Pesticides Still a Concern for Aquatic Life in U.S. Rivers and Streams
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey

Levels of pesticides continue to be a concern for aquatic life in many of the Nation’s rivers and streams in agricultural and urban areas, according to a new USGS study spanning two decades (1992-2011).  Pesticide levels seldom exceeded human health benchmarks.

Over half a billion pounds of pesticides are used annually in the U.S. to increase crop production and reduce insect-borne disease, but some of these pesticides are occurring at concentrations that pose a concern for aquatic life.

The proportion of streams with one or more pesticides that exceeded an aquatic-life benchmark was similar between the two decades for streams and rivers draining agricultural and mixed-land use areas, but much greater during the 2002-2011 for streams draining urban areas.

Fipronil, an insecticide that disrupts the central nervous system of insects, was the pesticide most frequently found at levels of potential concern for aquatic organisms in urban streams during 2002-2011.

“The information gained through this important research is critical to the evaluation of the risks associated with existing levels of pesticides,” said William Werkheiser, USGS Associate Director for Water.

Since 1992, there have been widespread trends in concentrations of individual pesticides, some down and some up, mainly driven by shifts in pesticide use due to regulatory changes, market forces, and introduction of new pesticides. “Levels of diazinon, one of the most frequently detected insecticides during the 1990s, decreased from about 1997 through 2011 due to reduced agricultural use and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulatory phase-out of urban uses,” said, Wesley Stone, USGS hydrologist.

The potential for adverse effects on aquatic life is likely underestimated in these results because resource constraints limited the scope of monitoring to less than half of the more than 400 pesticides currently used in agriculture each year and monitoring focused only on pesticides dissolved in water.

The USGS National Water-Quality Assessment Program is continually working to fill these data gaps by adding new pesticides that come into use, such as the neonicotinoid and pyrethroid insecticides, improving characterization of short-term acute exposures, and enhancing evaluations of sediment and other environmental media.

The study “Pesticides in U.S. Streams and Rivers:  Occurrence and trends during 1992-2011” is a feature article in the Environmental Science and Technology journal. The article and additional information including data, reports, and maps on pesticide status, trends, and use are available online: http://usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3997.



Growth of Export Markets for U.S. Dairy Products Helped by CWT
Cooperatives Working Together helped member cooperatives make export sales in August totaling 9.6 million pounds of dairy products. The 36 overseas sales to customers on all six continents included 7.4 million pounds of American-type cheese, 55,116 pounds of butter, and 2.205 million pounds of whole milk powder.

The August export sales bring the year-to-date total to 153 million pounds of dairy product export sales assisted by CWT, the equivalent of 2.012 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Through July 2014, CWT has accounted for 55% of American-type cheese exports and 43% of butter exports.

CWT is a voluntary, farmer-funded program that provides assistance to member cooperatives to maintain and expand world markets for U.S. dairy products made from milk produced by America’s dairy farmers.



Tractor Sales Bounce Back During August
According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturer's monthly "Flash Report," the sale of all tractors in the U.S. for August 2014, were up 2% compared to the same month last year.

For the month, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) were up 5% from last year, while 40 & under 100 HP were up 9%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP were down 11%, while 4-wheel drive tractors were down 37%.

Combine sales were down 29% for the month.

For the eight months in 2014, a total of 141,555 tractors were sold which compares to 121,76337,750 sold thru August 2014, representing a 3% increase year to date.

For the eight months, two-wheel drive smaller tractors (under 40 HP) are up 6% over last year, while 40 & under 100 HP are up 5%. Sales of 2-wheel drive 100+ HP are down 9%, while 4-wheel drive tractors are down 14%.

Sales of combines for the first eight months totaled 5,510, a decrease of 17% over the same period in 2013.



USFRA NAMES EIGHT FINALISTS FOR ITS NEXT FACES OF FARMING & RANCHING

Today, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance (USFRA®) announced the finalists of its next class of Faces of Farming and Ranching, a nationwide search to help put real faces on agriculture. The following farmers and ranchers were named finalists:  
Erin Brenneman, Iowa
Jay Hill, New Mexico
Carrie Mess, Wisconsin
Thomas Titus, Illinois
Darrell Glaser, Texas
Brian Jones, Texas
Jessica Potter, Colorado
Carla Wardin, Michigan

Applications were received from dedicated farmers and ranchers from across the nation. Winners will share their stories and experiences about how food is grown and raised in the U.S. on a national stage through media interviews, consumer-facing public appearances and events.  This is the second time USFRA has sought farmers and ranchers to speak on behalf of the industry in this capacity.

“These finalists are truly passionate about the work they do every day to grow food for our nation,” said Randy Krotz, chief executive officer of USFRA. “These exceptional farmers and ranchers will bring consumers, media and influencers a first-hand perspective of how food gets from the farm or ranch to the dinner table.” 

Beginning October 24 through November 2, people can visit USFRA’s Facebook Page and/or www.fooddialogues.com/Faces to learn more about each of the finalists and the work they do, including short videos highlighting their operation. From there, the public can vote for whom they believe best represents the breadth of farmers and ranchers across the country who work to bring food to our tables. These votes will be factored into the final decision to determine the next Faces of Farming and Ranching.

Winners will be announced on November 12, 2014, during a press conference at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention (NAFB) in Kansas City.