Chad Moyer

UNL 2015 Crop Production Clinics in January
High Impact Training for Ag Professionals

University of Nebraska-Lincoln crop production and pest management specialists will be crossing the state in January to provide the latest research-based information and recommendations for the 2015 crop season. Topics will cover soil fertility; soil water and irrigation; insect, disease and weed management; cropping systems; and agribusiness management and marketing. The agenda for each program will be posted to the CPC website in December. While specific topics may vary from eastern to western Nebraska sites, the following topics are a sample:
-    Corn Yield Forecasts for Nebraska and the Corn Belt
-    Herbicide-Resistant Weed Update and Management
-    Managing Goss's Wilt
-    Pest-Resistant Crops: A Perspective from Game Theory
-    Dry Bean Production Practices and New Varieties (Gering)
-    Nutrient Management Update; Solvita/Haney Soil Tests
-    Effects of Baling and Grazing on Soil Properties
-    Checkup for Pivot Efficiency
-    Use of Climate Information for Agricultural Decisions
-    Cover Crops: What we Know and Don't Know
-    On-Farm Research: Reliable Data to Drive Decisions
-    How to Control Crop Input Costs and Land Lease Update

Registration and Credit
Online registration is required for these clinics to provide for meals and materials. Register at agronomy.unl.edu/cpc. Cost for pre-registrations by 3 p.m. the day before the clinic is $65. Online preregistration includes the 2015 Guide for Weed Management in Nebraska, the 2015 Crop Production Clinic proceedings with further information on the topics being discussed, a meal, and refreshments. On-site registration is $80.   Check-in is from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. followed by sessions from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CCA credits will be available (maximum of six per day) in these areas:
-    Crop production (2)
-    Nutrient management (1)
-    Integrated Pest Management (6)
-    Water Management (1)
-    Professional Development (2)

Pesticide applicator recertification training will be available in these categories:
-    Commercial/noncommercial in ag plant, demonstration/research, and regulatory
-    Private applicator

Schedule
Tuesday, Jan. 6 — Gering, Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St.
Wednesday, Jan. 7 — North Platte, Sandhills Convention Center, 2102 S. Jeffers
Thursday, Jan. 8 — Hastings, Adams County Fairgrounds, 947 S. Baltimore
Tuesday, Jan. 13 — Kearney, Younes Conference Center, 416 W. Talmadge Road
Wednesday, Jan. 14 — York, Holthus Convention Center, 3130 Holen Ave.
Thursday, Jan. 15 — Beatrice, Beatrice Country Club, 1301 Oak St.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 — Atkinson, Atkinson Community Center, 206 W. 5th St.
Wednesday, Jan. 21 — Norfolk, Lifelong Learning Center, NECC 601 E. Benjamin Ave.
Thursday, Jan. 22 — UNL ARDC, Ithaca, Saunders County Extension Office, 1071 County Road G,



VESICULAR STOMATITIS DIAGNOSED IN WHEELER COUNTY NEBRASKA

According to State Veterinarian Dr. Dennis Hughes, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has confirmed a diagnosis of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) in cattle on two farms in Wheeler County.  Livestock on both farms have been placed under quarantine.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and NDA veterinarians submitted samples from the infected cattle to a USDA laboratory on Friday with final test results confirmed late yesterday.  The positive diagnosis makes Nebraska the third state to have VS this year following Texas and Colorado. 

“Vesicular Stomatitis is typically transmitted via biting insects and midges.  With our recent hard freezes in Nebraska, we are cautiously optimistic we won’t see the disease spreading as rapidly as we would expect in warmer weather,” said Dr. Hughes.  “Our team is working to determine the source of the disease, and because the disease also can be transmitted by nose to nose contact, we are taking all appropriate measures to protect surrounding livestock herds from the disease.”

VS can cause blisters and sores in the mouth and on the tongue, muzzle, teats or hooves of horses, cattle, swine, sheep, goats and a number of other animals.  Adult cattle will typically recover in 10-15 days after the onset of symptoms.

NDA urges producers with animals that might be experiencing these symptoms to contact their veterinarian immediately. 

According to Hughes, the positive diagnosis might trigger animal import regulations in other states so producers moving livestock from Nebraska into another state are encouraged to contact the destination state’s State Veterinarian’s office to learn about specific import requirements.

The USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has information about VS available online at: http://tinyurl.com/pnr38ee. 



ASA Announces 2015 Class of ASA DuPont Young Leaders

The 31st class of ASA DuPont Young Leaders began their leadership journey at DuPont Pioneer headquarters in Johnston, Iowa, last week.

The Johnston training session was the first phase of a program designed to identify new and aspiring leaders and provide them with opportunities to enhance their skills and network with other growers. Representatives from 23 states and Canada participated in training that included educational and skill-building components.

“The ASA DuPont Young Leader Program has had a tremendous impact on not only ASA but the entire agricultural industry,” said Ray Gaesser (Iowa), ASA President. “By identifying new and aspiring agricultural leaders and then providing them with training that enhances their leadership skills and grows their peer network, the Young Leader program strengthens our industry and allows us to work more collaboratively in our local, state and national organizations. The participants in this year’s class are impressive; they are extremely knowledgeable, talented and passionate about agriculture.”

The 2015 class of ASA DuPont Young Leaders are: Kyle Bridgeforth, Ala.; James Bisswanger, Ark.; Dave McEachren, Canada; Nick Wurl, Ill. Adam & Hannah Steen, Ind.; Morey & Rhonda Hill, Iowa; Andrew & LaVell Winsor, Kan.; Andrew & Jenny Alford, Ky.; Brennan & Serena Gilkison, Ky.; Odis Hill, La.; Matthew Doss & Stephanie Francis, Mich.; Aaron Yaggie, Minn.; Ryan and Wendy Wondercheck, Minn.; John Mark Looney, Miss.; Bill Hayen, Mo.; Amanda Fairley, (Fairbury) Neb.; Brent & Brenda Svoboda; (Pender) Neb.; Brad Macauley, N.Y.; Christopher & Cherish Naylor, N.C.; Jarred Billadeau N.D.; Dan & Cindy Sturgill, Ohio; Cliff & Hailey Barron, S.C.; Antron Williams, S.C.; Brandon Wipf, S.D., John Dodson & Kristi Kosman, Tenn.; Chase & Jessica Ann Hickman; Tex.; Glenn Dye, Va.; and Brad & Nicole Kremer, Wis. Also pictured, ASA President Ray Gaesser, Iowa and First Vice President Wade Cowan, Tex.

“Agriculture faces many challenges and opportunities as American farmers work to help meet the growing global demand for food,” said Randy Wanke, senior manager of Industry Relations, DuPont Pioneer. “We are proud to support the young leader program, which is developing the future growers needed to capture those opportunities and meet those challenges.”



Iowa Leaders Call for More Clarity After EPA's RFS Delay

The Iowa Corn Growers Association said Friday's announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amounts to another non-decision on a high-priority issue that impacts Iowa farmers and America's economy.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Friday announced that it will not be finalizing the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes before the end of the year. The Renewable Fuel Standard, enacted by Congress in 2005 and updated in 2007, requires oil companies to provide consumers access to renewable fuels, like ethanol, on a volume-based percentage, compared to petroleum-based products.

"Last year, EPA proposed changing the methodology for calculating the RFS, even though Congress had put very clear instructions into the law," said Iowa Corn Growers Association President Jerry Mohr, of Eldridge. Mohr said the positive part about EPA's latest announcement is that it leaves the 2013 methodology for calculating the RFS in place.

The Iowa and National Corn Growers Associations had opposed EPA's efforts to the proposed 2014 changes in methodology, because the changes would have restricted consumers' access to choosing ethanol at the pump.

"EPA's latest announcement shows that even they knew their 2014 proposal was unworkable. But it also creates more uncertainty for Iowa corn farmers and those who produce essential renewable fuels like ethanol from corn," Mohr said. "At a time when Iowa farmers are producing back-to-back record corn crops, we need EPA to uphold the law passed by Congress, to increase access to clean, renewable fuels like ethanol and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil," he said.

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) said of the decision, "The Environmental Protection Agency threw the biofuels industry into chaos and confusion when it proposed lowering 2014 renewable fuel requirements from what we enacted into law. Now, the EPA will allow the uncertainty it created to linger on, saying 2015 is the soonest it will announce the amount of renewable fuel that is required to be blended and used in 2014. The EPA went astray when it gave credence to the notion there is some arbitrary limit to biofuels' potential in our fuel supply. That is a wrong interpretation of the Renewable Fuel Standard, and the EPA must now issue renewable fuel requirements that meet the purpose and intent of the RFS to boost energy security and jobs while reducing fossil fuel use."

Members of the Iowa Corn Growers Association have championed grassroots support for the RFS, communicating with elected officials, regulators, and policy makers across the country, and rallying thousands of letters of support to the Administration and members of Congress from Iowa corn farmers.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said, "It is good news that the EPA has withdrawn the misguided rule they proposed last year and responded to the thousands of public comments opposing their efforts to undermine the RFS. Unfortunately, the ongoing uncertainty continues to hurt the entire renewable fuels industry.

"The past year has been an exciting time in the renewable fuels industry with the first commercial scale cellulosic ethanol plants coming online," added Northey. "However, we have missed opportunities for even more growth in the industry due to the uncertainty created by EPA's initial RFS proposal. Hopefully the withdrawal of this rule signals a larger change in course within EPA where they will be less adversarial and more responsive to the concerns of rural America."

Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a joint statement after receiving the news from EPA.

"We're pleased the Environmental Protection Agency and the Obama Administration halted their ill-advised proposed rule for the time being, but unfortunately, this decision only creates more uncertainty," said Branstad. "Across the nation, renewable fuels have helped spark economic development, create jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and increase consumer choice. While we would have liked to see the Environmental Protection Agency commit to a robust Renewable Fuel Standard for the long-term, we received a clear signal through this process that America supports renewable fuels and our state's work to produce high-quality biofuels."

"Though we were hoping for the certainty of a robust Renewable Fuel Standard, we're pleased the Environmental Protection Agency backed away from their initial proposal," said Reynolds. "We'll continue fighting for Iowa farmers and consumers who value a choice at the pump and Americans who seek energy independence through safe, reliable and renewable energy."



USDA Disaster Assistance to Help Thousands of Honeybee, Livestock and Farm-Raised Fish Producers

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA today announced that nearly 2,500 applicants will receive disaster assistance through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) for losses suffered from Oct. 1, 2011, through Sept. 30, 2013.

The program, re-authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides disaster relief to livestock, honeybee, and farm-raised fish producers not covered by other agricultural disaster assistance programs. Eligible losses may include excessive heat or winds, flooding, blizzards, hail, wildfires, lightning strikes, volcanic eruptions, and diseases, or in the case of honeybees, losses due to colony collapse disorder. Beekeepers, most of whom suffered honeybee colony losses, represent more than half of ELAP recipients.

"As promised, we're making sure that thousands of producers who suffered through two and a half difficult years without Farm Bill assistance, are getting some relief," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "Once the Farm Bill was restored, not only did we implement the disaster assistance programs in record time, we're issuing payments less than three months after the enrollment deadline. The funds will hopefully help producers with some of the financial losses they sustained during that time."

The Farm Bill caps ELAP disaster funding at $20 million per federal fiscal year. To accommodate the number of requests, which exceeded funds available for each of the affected years, payments will be reduced to ensure that all eligible applicants receive a prorated share of assistance.



Booklet from NMPF Covers Your Dairy Data Needs

What has 53 tables, 20 graphs and tells you almost anything you need to know about milk production, dairy product production and sales and dairy exports and imports?

The answer is the 2014 edition of Dairy Data Highlights, the National Milk Producers Federation’s handy, pocket-sized booklet including national and state milk and dairy production data from the 1970s through 2012 or 2013.

Dairy Data Highlights has been published annually by NMPF for more than 60 years. A must for anyone involved in milk production, it is available to NMPF member cooperatives and associate members for $7.50 a copy, or $5 for orders of more than 10 copies. For nonmembers, the cost is $10 for single copies or $7.50 for bulk orders. An order form is available on the NMPF website.

All aspects of milk and dairy products production are covered, as well as producer, wholesale and retail milk and dairy product prices; federal milk marketing orders; sales and consumption data for milk and dairy products, and comparative information for U.S. dairy imports and exports.

New this year is a table showing historical monthly income-over-feed cost margins, as defined by the 2014 farm bill for the new Margin Protection Program. The table goes back to January 2000. With two accompanying line graphs, it is a timely addition for producers now making participation decisions on the new federal dairy safety net program.

Also in the booklet:
·         National milk production data going back to 1925
·         Cow numbers, farms and herd size data going back to 1950
·         Milk production and prices, production-per-cow, cow numbers and dairy herd by state, with comparative data from earlier years
·         Class III, manufacturing grade and all-milk wholesale prices by year from 1965
·         Annual wholesale prices for butter, cheddar cheese, and nonfat dry milk from 1975
·         The share of commercial sales by product, including milk, butter, cheese, frozen products and nonfat dry milk from 1970
·         Annual production and per-capital consumption of key cheese, butter and frozen products from 1970
·         Annual exports of milk, butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and nonfat dry milk by region and country
·         A short glossary of dairy industry terms and useful conversion factors for milk and dairy products

For more information, or to order the 2014 edition of Dairy Data Highlights, visit the nmpf.org web site. 



Switching to soybeans?  Make sure fields are ready after continuous corn

Thinking about putting soybeans back into your rotation next season? If you’ve been following a corn-on-corn cropping strategy in recent years, plan ahead to make sure your fields are ready for the switch to soybeans.

Andrew Ferrel, Mycogen Seeds agronomist, recommends four steps for successfully rotating to soybeans.

    Start with a clean field. Corn crop residue can take a significant amount of time to break down, creating a barrier for young soybean seedlings, especially in reduced-till or no-till situations. These conditions tend to keep springtime soils cool and wet longer, creating a favorable environment for early season fungal pathogens.

“Soybean yields can be highly affected by poor emergence and early vigor,” Ferrel says. “It is important to get soybeans off to a good start with an even and well-established stand. In some cases, light tillage of heavy corn residue may be needed to create a clean seedbed for good seed-to-soil contact.”

    Head off emergence issues. Many factors can compromise seedling emergence, including insect pressure and seedling diseases. Under these conditions, Ferrel recommends a seed treatment to help promote a strong stand, and thus, earlier canopy closure and improved yield potential.

There are several seed treatments in the marketplace, many containing fungicides and insecticides in one product, Ferrel notes. “The combination products are often worth the minimal added expense to provide extra protection for soybean seedlings, especially when planting in less-than-ideal conditions,” he says. Consult with your local agronomist or seed supplier for seed treatments appropriate for your area.

    Consider soil inoculants. Years of corn-after-corn production can reduce populations of Bradyrhizobium japonicum, the soil bacteria that fix nitrogen (N) for soybeans. Fields that have been out of soybean rotation four or more years could benefit from an inoculant to ensure proper nodulation and prevent the need for supplemental N applications.

“Inoculants generally are very inexpensive relative to other crop inputs, and they are worth the investment in such cases,” Ferrel says.

    Watch nutrient levels. Corn is responsible for significant removal of key soil nutrients, particularly N, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Corn’s high affinity for N means that growers must apply high rates of fertilizer each year to achieve desired yield. These N applications can result in rapid changes in soil pH. Before planting soybeans into these fields, take soil tests, paying special attention to P and K and soil pH levels, and adjust for soybean needs.

“As you plan for 2015, assess your fields and determine which are best-suited for soybean production,” Ferrel says. “Your trusted agronomic adviser can help you select varieties with the greatest yield potential after continuous corn. Additional agronomic resources are available on Mycogen.com.”



AGCO Reduces Work Force at Minnesota Plant

On the heels of some shift realignments and a reduction in its temporary workforce earlier this year, AGCO Jackson, Minnesota, Operations last week cut 43 employees from its workforce campus-wide. The cuts represent less than 4% of AGCO Jackson's workforce, according to Eric Fisher, director of operations for the southwest Minnesota facility. Still, Fisher said they have more employees today than they did in 2011,when major expansions were under way on the Jackson campus.

"Our employment is at 1,100 right now on the Jackson campus," Fisher said. "If you go back to the summer of 2011, we were at 856 employees. "We've still seen tremendous growth from 2011 to this point in time."

Fisher attributed the staffing reductions to the agriculture economy, which has seen commodity prices - particularly in corn and soybeans - drop dramatically in 2014, reports Prairie Business.

The AGCO Jackson campus manufactures Terragator and Rogator application equipment, as well as Challenger and Massey Ferguson track and high-horsepower wheeled tractors.

The Jackson campus underwent a $17 million expansion, completed in June 2012, to include manufacturing space onsite for the production of Massey Ferguson tractors and the addition of an Intivity Center to welcome visitors to the plant.