Tuesday November 18 Ag News

Landlord/Tenant Farm Lease Meeting to Highlight Communications, Rental Rates, Reducing Input Costs

An educational meeting on farm leases for landowners and tenants will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Blair City Building, 218 S. 16th Street, Blair, NE.   This free seminar will help landlords and tenants establish and maintain a positive farm leasing relationship.  The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Washington County is conducting the seminar as a part of its educational programming outreach.  Providing additional funding support for the seminar is the Nebraska Soybean Board.

“The Landlord/Tenant Cash Lease seminar will help producers and landowners deal with the volatility of their cash rents”, said Steve Tonn, UNL Extension educator in Washington County.

“Landlords are trying to be loyal to their tenants, yet want a fair return for the land asset. Tenants want to be sure to stay in business, yet feel the pressure of bidding to keep the land base that they have been farming,” said Tonn.

Topics for discussion include: lease communication - determining appropriate information sharing for both the tenant and landlord; relatives – tips for farm leases that include relatives; rental rates for 2015 and beyond; and reducing input costs to improve profitability.

  Allan Vyhnalek, UNL Extension Educator and Extension Ag Econ Team member, will lead the discussion on farm leases, rental rates and communications and Nathan Mueller, UNL Extension Educator in Cropping Systems, will share ways to reduce inputs costs to remain competitive.

It is very helpful if both the tenant and landlord can attend together.

“Putting together the right lease isn’t about what is being discussed at the coffee shop, or what a university survey of cash lease rates says; it is about what fits both the landlord and tenant for their circumstance and situation. Attending this presentation will provide a set of ideas to work from as those specifics are discussed,” observed Tonn.

For more information about this seminar, contact Tonn at 402-426-9455, email stonn2@unl.edu  or visit the UNL Washington County Extension web site at washington.unl.edu.



Fencing Cost-Share Assistance for Tornado Damage Available

David G. Safty, county executive director of the Stanton County Farm Service Agency (FSA), announced that cost-share assistance is available for producers who suffered damage to fencing due to the June 16 tornado storms in Stanton County. The deadline to apply for Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) cost-share assistance is Nov. 26.

Some of the important provisions of the EC-3 restoring permanent fence practice are:
--Fences, including boundary fences, are eligible for cost-share assistance.
-- Effective cost-share rates vary from 45% to 75% depending on the age of the fence.
-- Corrals, feedlot, and ornamental fences are not eligible for cost-share assistance.
-- Fences with an average age of more than 30 years are not eligible for cost-share assistance.
-- The producer must have sustained an estimated minimum of $1,000 in damages to qualify.

The deadline to apply for EC-3 Restoring Permanent Fences is Nov. 26. For more information, contact the Stanton County FSA Office or make an appointment at 715 11th St., Stanton; or 402-439-2166.



UAVs MAKE A LANDING IN LINCOLN

The Nebraska Power Farming Show is known for showcasing the latest technology in agriculture and this year is no exception. Te use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is an exciting frontier. Four UAV companies will display their products this year. Tere are two plane-type UAVs: Ag Eagle and eBee. Tere are also two Helicopter-type UAVs: AgriImage UAS and Precision Drone.

UAVs are the new form of crop scouting. Equipped with a camera and the correct sofware on the ground, UAVs give growers and scouters the ability to check the crop health from the air at an efcient rate. Sofware on the ground can stitch aerial shots into a high-resolution mosaic map that can be used to make better crop management decisions.

UAVs can provide farmers with two types of detailed views. First, seeing a crop from the air can reveal patterns that expose everything from irrigation and fertilizer problems to soil variations and even pest and fungal infestations that are not apparent at eye-level. Second, cameras can take multispectral images (infrared and visual spectrum) which can be combined to create a view of the crop that highlights the diference between healthy and distressed plants.

Brian Krienke, UNL Soils Extension Educator, will discuss the use of unmanned aerial vehicles and research results using a variety of sensor systems to investigate nitrogen and water stress of corn, as  well as share preliminary information on other research uses of UAV-mounted sensor systems. He will be presenting each day of the show in one of two seminar rooms located north of the food court in Pavilion 3.

Although there is excitement about the use of UAVs, the legality of fying them remains an issue. The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) prohibits the use of all unmanned aircraf for commercial use without the agency’s express approval. Te FAA has said that it plans to allow commercial UAVs once it has drawn up proper regulations for the aircraf. Some rulings may occur yet in 2014, but more likely in early 2015. The recommendation in the meanwhile is to educate yourself about UAVs and spend some time with fight simulator software.

Ag Eagle is in Booth 3832 in Pavilion 3; eBee by Sense is sold by Labra Consulting, Booth 4914 in Pavilion 4; AgriImage UAS is in Booth 2814 in Pavilion 2 and Precision Drone is represented by McGinnis Precision Drone, Booth 2216 in Pavilion 2. Tere could be more UAV vendors by show time, so stop by any information booth to inquire.



Crop Advantage Series Provides Latest Crop Production Information across Iowa

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer the Crop Advantage Series to producers at 13 locations across Iowa during January. Crop Advantage Series provides the latest information to promote profitable decision-making for upcoming growing seasons.

Each location features a full agenda of workshops that attendees can choose from to develop a personalized agenda. ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists will present program topics focusing on local needs and production issues.

“Each location has a variety of topics, including crops, pests, soil fertility and farm management,” said Joel DeJong, extension field agronomist in northwest Iowa. “Each year, attendees tell me they wish there were more breakout sessions during the day. They are interested in so many of the topics and can’t be at every workshop. The topics are in demand. It’s a great problem to have.”

“The Crop Advantage Series provides a statewide message on important issues yet retains local input on topics for that specific area,” said Brent Pringnitz, program coordinator with ISU Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension and Outreach.  “Crop and pest management issues are different for each area of the state and these meetings are tailored to fit the needs of producers in that area.”

Each year more than 2,000 producers participate in a regional Crop Advantage meeting. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in attendance for the series,” DeJong said. “Response from producers has been very positive. In addition to receiving the latest research information from the university, the meetings have been a valuable way for producers to provide input back to ISU researchers and specialists on what their needs are. It works both ways.”

Each meeting is approved for Certified Crop Adviser continuing education credits. Each location offers the opportunity for private pesticide applicators to receive continuing education credits.

“Producers have appreciated the opportunity to get their pesticide applicator recertification done at the same time as the Crop Advantage meeting. It makes an efficient learning experience,” said DeJong.

Early registration for each location is $50; late registration made fewer than seven days prior to the meeting or on-site is $60. Registration includes lunch, printed proceedings and private applicator recertification. Online registration and additional information is available at www.cropadvantage.org or from anyl ISU Extension and Outreach county office.

For locations, times and program content, contact the hosts or visit www.cropadvantage.org. Dates include:
    Jan. 6 – Sheldon
    Jan. 7 – Okoboji
    Jan. 8 – Mason City
    Jan. 9 – Burlington
    Jan. 13 – Ames
    Jan. 14 – Storm Lake
    Jan. 15 – Honey Creek
    Jan. 20 – Atlantic
    Jan. 21 – Fort Dodge
    Jan. 22 – Waterloo
    Jan. 27 – LeMars
    Jan. 28 – Iowa City
    Jan. 29 – Carroll

Crop Advantage Series is presented by ISU Extension and Outreach with support from the Iowa Soybean Association and from the North Central SARE Program–Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. For more information, contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429, anr@iastate.edu, or contact a local ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist.



Dairy Focus: I-29 Dairy Consortium Hosts Calf and Heifer Tour

A dramatically improved dairy economy has been the source of optimism, keeping dairy replacement heifer values strong nationwide.

Compared with last year at this time, springer prices have nearly doubled, and heifer-calf prices have more than tripled. While this is a healthy increase, today's prices still hover at or below the cost of production, according to University of Wisconsin researchers.

The researchers recently reported that the cost of raising a heifer calf from birth to weaning at 7.6 weeks in 2013 was $363.69, and from birth to freshening at 23.4 months was $2,377. Both figures assume an initial value of $150 per calf.

New offspring are the wellspring of any dairy farm. New genetics, improved efficiency and greater milk production potentials all play into the profitability of the replacement herd. That is why the I-29 Extension Dairy Consortium is hosting a calf and heifer tour Dec. 11.

The tour is part of the consortium's theme for 2015, "Raising Your Best Calf Ever." Note that this four-state effort is included as part of the I-29 Dairy Conference. However, this year, we are bringing the conference to each state as opposed to our traditional one-day conference in Sioux Falls, S.D.

This "Boots on the Farm" tour also will kick off our winter educational series by the same name scheduled for Jan. 5-8. North Dakota producers should plan to attend our local sessions on Jan. 8, in Mandan at the Seven Seas Inn. While the details for the workshop will be promoted soon, I am pleased that Minnesota Extension dairy educators have lined up a series of calf and heifer operators willing to share their success strategies with us.

Here is the schedule for the Dec. 11 calf and heifer fall growers tour.

Attendees can meet in Brookings, S.D., or Marshall, Minn.
-- 6:30 a.m. - Load vans and depart South Dakota State University motor pool parking lot
-- 6:45 a.m. - Travel to Marshall, Minn., to join participants meeting at the University of Minnesota regional Extension center
-- 9:30 a.m. - Visit the Carlson Dairy, Pennock, Minn. The dairy uses automatic Urban calf feeders to raise replacement heifers and milk 1,500 cows with a herd average of 32,000 gallons of milk.
-- 11:45 a.m. - Lunch at the Hilltop Restaurant, Paynesville, Minn.
-- 12:30 p.m. - Virtual tour of Rohe Dairy Calf Feeders at the restaurant. Rohe Dairy uses a forced-air system in an old milking barn with Lely automatic calf feeders.
-- 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. - Visit the Mill Creek Dairy, Kimball, Minn. The dairy milks about 600 cows and raises its own heifers using Lely automatic calf feeders.
-- 3 to 4:15 p.m. - Visit the Landwehr Dairy, Watkins, Minn. The dairy milks about 900 cows and has an all-in, all-out remodeled facility to raise replacement heifers using pens with Lely automatic calf feeders.
-- 4:15 p.m. - Return home, dropping tour participants off in Marshall and Brookings

The tour registration fee is $75 with van transportation or $50 if you drive.

The fee does not include travel to and from North Dakota. I am planning travel options. If you are interested in being part of this tour, call (701) 231-7663 or email jw.schreoder@ndsu.edu no later than Dec. 8.

Locations and dates for the 2015 "Boots on the Farm" sessions are:
-- Jan. 5 - Orange City, Iowa, Iowa State University Sioux County Extension Complex
-- Jan. 6 - Brookings, Days Inn
-- Jan. 7 - Fergus Falls, Minn., Ottertail County Government Center
-- Jan. 8 - Mandan, Best Western Seven Seas

All of the workshops will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Session topics will include:
-- Nutrition and research with distillers grains
-- What works for ventilation
-- Ten years of calf research at the University of Minnesota's Southern Research and Outreach Center
-- Pros and cons of automatic calf feeders
-- Calf health, with a focus on respiratory diseases

Heifer calves are the future of the herd. Whether you raise your own or contract with others, raising the best heifer ever will go a long way toward ensuring success of the milking herd.

The workshop hosts are the I-29 Dairy Conference partners: North Dakota State University, Iowa State University, South Dakota State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska, Midwest Dairy Association and Minnesota Department of Agriculture.



Judge Blocks Maui County's Ban on GMOs

A federal judge said that Maui County may not implement a new law banning the cultivation of genetically modified organisms until he considers arguments in a lawsuit against the measure. Both sides have agreed to delay the date the law goes into effect, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren said in his ruling.

Monsanto Co. and a unit of Dow Chemical Co. sued the county earlier last week to stop the law. Employees of the companies and local Maui County businesses joined the lawsuit.

Maui voters created the law with a ballot initiative they passed on election day.

The measure was to take effect after officials certified the election results, which was expected later this month.



Ag Groups Urge Congress to Act on Tax Extenders

Today, a number of agricultural groups including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council, sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging both houses to act on expired tax policies before the end of the year. NCBA President and Victoria, Texas cattleman, Bob McCan says this is a vital issue not just for agriculture, but for all businesses.

“Producers rely on a stable and predictable tax code in order to plan purchases, make investments and grow their business,” said McCan. “We are already at the eleventh hour for tax planning, and it is incredibly important that Congress pass these extenders as quickly as possible.”

Specifically, the letter asked Congress to focus on Section 179 small business expensing and bonus depreciation. These provisions allow businesses to maximize investments in years where they have positive cash flow, by taking a greater depreciation amount upfront rather than follow the standard schedule. Set at $500,000 in 2013, the maximum amount a small business can currently deduct under Section 179 is $25,000.

“Agriculture relies heavily on large investments in machinery, equipment and other depreciable assets,” said McCan. “And these tax provisions encourage cattlemen and women to make purchases and invest in expansion of their business, in turn investing in the expansion of rural America.”



NCGA, Allies Ask Congress to Renew Tax Provisions

In a letter sent Monday, the National Corn Growers Association joined more than 40 agricultural groups asking Senate and House leaders to renew important tax provisions during the lame-duck session.

The letter specifically focuses on Section 179, an expired tax provision relating to capital expenditures and bonus depreciation.

"Farmers and ranchers place great value on tax code provisions such as Section 179 small business expensing and bonus depreciation. Section 179 allows them to write off capital expenditures in the year that purchases are made rather than depreciate them over time," the letter states. "The ability to immediately expense substantial capital purchases also provides an incentive for farmers and ranchers to invest in their businesses."

The letter also encourages Congress to reinstate the expired 50 percent bonus depreciation for the purchase of new capital assets. "The tax code is already unpredictable and often unfair to farm families," said Jim Reed, chair of NCGA's Public Policy Action Team. "Farming requires significant investment in machinery and equipment. That's why it's so important we have tax provisions that allow farmers to take advantage of good years, invest in their operations, and streamline their recordkeeping."



NMPF Joins 41 Other Ag Groups in Urging Restoration of Section 179 Tax Provision

The National Milk Producers Federation today joined 41 other agricultural organizations in urging Congress to restore a tax code provision that allows small businesses, including farms, to write off capital purchases such as equipment immediately, instead of over time.

The provision, known as Section 179, is one of more than 50 expired tax policies the House and Senate are likely to consider for reinstatement during their post-election lame duck session. The farm groups urged restoration of Section 179 in a November 18 letter to congressional leadership.

“Farming requires significant investments in machinery and equipment,” said NMPF President and CEO Jim Mulhern. “By allowing farmers to immediately write off these purchases on their taxes, Section 179 gives producers an incentive to invest in their businesses while it reduced their record-keeping burden.”

Mulhern said restoring Section 179 will encourage farmers to purchase machinery and equipment in years when they have a positive cash flow. “On the other hand,” he said, “failure to restore Section 179 will add to the financial strains on asset-rich, cash-poor family farmers who already find it difficult to pass on their farms to the next generation.”

Section 179 allows farmers to write off capital expenditures in the year that purchases are made. The farm groups asked that the maximum amount of annual expensing be restored to $500,000, as it was in 2013. In addition, they asked Congress to reinstate the 50 percent bonus depreciation for the purchase of new capital assets, including farm equipment.



CWT Assists with 1.7 Million Pounds of Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 7 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America and Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) to sell 1.704 million pounds (773 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese in Asia, Europe and North Africa. The product will be delivered December 2014 through April 2015.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives in selling 99.320 million pounds of cheese, 56.287 million pounds of butter and 55.623 million pounds of whole milk powder to 45 countries on six continents. These sales are the equivalent of 2.589 billion pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term, helps member cooperatives 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.



Retail Fertilizer Prices Steady Again

Fertilizer prices continue to be unmoved, according to fertilizer retailers tracked by DTN for the second week of November. Steady fertilizer prices have been present for several months now.

Half of the eight major fertilizers had slightly lower prices compared to a month earlier while the other half were just up a bit.  DAP, MAP, urea and UAN32 were all just slightly lower in price compared to the previous month. DAP had an average price of $579 per ton, MAP $598/ton, urea $498/ton and UAN32 $368/ton.  Potash, 10-34-0, anhydrous and UAN28 were higher in price compared to a month earlier, but again these moves were fairly minor. Potash had an average price of $480/ton, 10-34-0 $559/ton, anhydrous $720/ton and UAN28 $336/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.54/lb.N, anhydrous $0.44/lb.N, UAN28 $0.60/lb.N and UAN32 $0.58/lb.N.

Two of the eight major fertilizers are now double digits higher in price compared to November 2014, all while commodity prices are significantly lower than a year ago. Urea is now up 13% compared to a year earlier followed by DAP at 12% more expensive.  In addition, anhydrous is 12% higher, 10-34-0 is up 8% while MAP is 6% more expensive. UAN28 is up 5% and UAN32 is 1% higher compared to last year.  Potash remains the only nutrient which is still lower compared to retail prices from a year ago. Potash is 2% less expensive from a year previous.



"Meat Your Beef" with Le Cordon Bleu in Boston

As part of its Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI), the beef checkoff hosted a “Meat Your Beef” channel influencer immersion event at the Gibbet Hill Cattle Company in Groton, Mass., on Nov. 6 for the chef instructors and educators at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Cambridge, Mass.

The experience started with an in-depth look at maximizing the value of beef in foodservice by exploring new ways to menu mainstay steaks. Kari Underly, Founder and Principal of Range Inc., and author of the James Beard nominated “Art of Beef Cutting”, started the event with a beef cutting demonstration of the beef ribeye roll and top sirloin to highlight the added value of menuing mainstay steaks to enhance profit. A cutting of the beef chuck roll was also demonstrated to highlight the value-added Sierra Cut, Denver Cut and Country-Style Boneless Ribs. In tandem with the beef cutting demonstration, Le Cordon Bleu attendees also had the opportunity to taste the Ribeye Cap, Petite Ribeye Roast, Top Sirloin Cap/Coulotte Roast, Sierra Cut and Denver Cut and for many, that was their first tasting of these new value-added beef cuts.

Dr. Mike Baker, Beef Cattle Extension Specialist at Cornell University, led the afternoon beef tour with a discussion about beef from pasture to plate and the differences of beef choices available to consumers today. A tour of the Gibbet Hill Cattle Company, owned and operated by Paula Cruz, provided the channel influencers with a unique opportunity to see a modern-day working beef farm literally from pasture to plate. All the calves born on the farm are retained for finishing and are direct marketed through the farm’s retail market, SpringDell Farm Market located in the neighboring town of Littleton, Mass.

Chef Earle Test, the Director of Education and Executive Chef at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Boston, commented following the tour, “We decided to come out today to help our faculty understand more about food and where it comes from so we can share that information with our students and can help them achieve more in their careers.”  Chef Test went on to say, “We all have a better appreciation for the way the whole system works from start to table. This is all helpful information to share with our students.”



New N YIELD™ CX nitrogen stabilizer provides more affordable results

Testing during the 2014 growing season confirmed that N YIELD CX makes stabilized nitrogen fertilizer more affordable and is equally effective. Testing showed just two quarts of N YIELD™ CX nitrogen stabilizer with PENXCEL™ Technology performed just as well as a labeled rate of the industry standard product.

Eco Agro Resources announced during the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Trade Talk that the new N YIELD CX label includes the high-efficiency, lower rate for the 2015 season, as a result of these findings. The unique patent-pending formula of N YIELD CX nitrogen stabilizer delivers more stabilizing power by volume, while maintaining nitrogen efficiency and performance in the field. This means cost savings at a time when farmers really need it, without compromising yield.

The PENXCEL delivery system drives active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the prills of urea fertilizer, so it works more consistently. It coats more evenly for faster, more consistent coverage of the batch.

Norm Davy, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Eco Agro Resources, sees great benefits for farmers and the retailers who supply them with fertilizer. "With PENXCEL we've seen performance benefits in the field and during the blending and application process. Our tests show equivalent performance in the field at a reduced rate of two quarts with N YIELD CX, which is a real breakthrough. The bottom line is that N YIELD CX makes stabilized nitrogen fertilizer more affordable to farmers at a time when they are under pressure due to falling commodity prices and under scrutiny about the use of fertilizer."

The low viscosity of N YIELD CX stabilizer helps it pour easily and quickly coat fertilizer, even in the cold. It blends 15% faster in tests performed in drum blenders. It's easier to handle than other industry standard formulations, saving time during the critical application season. The end result is consistent fertilizer product that flows freely and performs in the field at a new lower rate. N YIELD CX nitrogen stabilizer performs just as well in UAN liquid fertilizer, so one product can meet both needs.

N YIELD CX will be available from Eco Agro Resources distributors nationwide.



Acuron™ corn herbicide trials shown across the nation leading up to anticipated registration date

In 2014, Acuron™ corn herbicide from Syngenta, which features four active ingredients, including new bicyclopyrone, and three complementary modes of action, was evaluated at 167 plot locations. These locations included 95 on-farm Syngenta locations, 54 university locations and 18 distributor locations spread across 35 states.

The 2014 trials are the latest in the product’s thorough evaluation, which has included more than 700 total trials held across the country over the past several years. Acuron is expected to receive EPA registration in time for use during the 2015 growing season, and first-year supplies are expected to be limited.

“We’ve partnered extensively with universities on trials and have also conducted a number of our own on-farm trials throughout the Midwest,” said Josh Putnam, Syngenta agronomic service representative in Michigan. “This year, I had an Acuron field trial in Mason, Michigan, and it provided comprehensive control of the toughest weeds in our corn cropping systems.”

Gordon Vail, Ph.D., Syngenta technical product lead for herbicides, has traveled to a number of Acuron trial locations this year. “I have visited a lot of Acuron-treated fields, and I’m seeing consistent results. The product has continually shown improved, more consistent control of the toughest weeds in corn, such as giant ragweed, morningglory, Palmer amaranth and waterhemp,” said Vail.

Mark Lawson, Syngenta agronomic service representative in Indiana, coordinated a 2013 Acuron trial and said, “The farmers and retailers who have seen my trials are very interested in learning more about Acuron, because it controls the weeds they are most worried about, like waterhemp, Palmer amaranth and marestail, and it provides a very wide window of control.

The product was developed in response to the expanding problem of weed resistance and difficult-to-control weeds and the resulting increase in demand for residual herbicides with multiple modes of action. With four active ingredients, three complementary modes of action and a corn safener, Acuron will be labeled to control more than 70 broadleaf weeds and grasses in corn, including resistant weed biotypes.