Friday December 12 Ag News

University Specialists and Industry Experts Provide Updates at Three-State Beef Conference

Area beef producers should make plans to attend the second annual Three-State Beef Conference on January 13, 14 and 15, 2015 with locations in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska. 

Topics and speakers for the conference include:  “Evaluating Supplementation Strategies”, Dr. Rick Rasby, Extension Beef Specialist, University of Nebraska; “Rethinking our Forage Systems”, Dr. Bruce Anderson, Extension Forage Specialist, University of Nebraska; and “Financial Impacts of Fertility and Infertility in the Current Cattle Market”, Dr. Patrick Gunn, Extension Cow-Calf Specialist, Iowa State University. 

The first conference session is in Creston, Iowa at Southwestern Community College on Tuesday, January 13 with registration at 5:30 p.m. and the program at 6:00 p.m.  The Missouri session will be held on Wednesday, January 14 in Albany at the University of Missouri Hundley-Whaley Learning Discovery Center with registration at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6:00 p.m. 

On January 15, there will be two different sessions held in Nebraska.  The first session will be held at the Gage County UNL Extension Center in Beatrice, Nebraska.  Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. with the program at 11:00 a.m.  An evening session will be at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Ag Research and Development Center (ARDC) near Mead, Nebraska with registration at 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. program.
   
The Three-State Beef Conference (formerly the Four-State Beef Conference) is designed to provide regular updates on current cow-calf and stocker topics to beef cattle producers and others in the beef industry in Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska.  The conference provides a forum of specialists from three of the United States’ leading beef cattle land grant universities as well as other industry experts. 

Registration fee is $25 per person and it includes a meal and copy of the conference proceedings.  Pre-registration is due January 9, 2015 to assist with meal planning and material preparation.

If you need accommodations because of a disability, have emergency medical information to share, or need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please inform us by December 31, 2014. 

For more information or to register, contact Paul Hay (Beatrice location), phay1@unl.edu, 402-223-1384 or Lindsay Chichester (Mead location), lchichester2@unl.edu, 402-624-8030 or visit on the web at http://extension.iastate.edu/feci/3StBeef/.



Schnoor to Represent Legislative District 15 

A public swearing-in ceremony for the Legislative District 15 seat was held today in the Governor’s Hearing Room at the State Capitol.  Last night, at the Nebraska Cattlemen Annual Convention Banquet, Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts announced his selection of David A. Schnoor, a veteran and cattleman from Scribner, to fill the LD 15 seat vacancy created by Auditor-elect Charlie Janssen.

The Oath of Office was administered by Secretary of State John Gale. State Senator Schnoor was joined by his wife Nickie and their nephews, Jake (7) and Shawn (5).

LD 15 encompasses Dodge County. Applications were submitted to the Office of Gov. Heineman. Gov.-elect Ricketts reviewed the candidates for his selection.



Engler Scholarship Application Deadline is Feb. 16

            Students passionate about becoming an entrepreneur can now apply for scholarships to the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.  Incoming and current UNL students are eligible to apply.

         Scholarships are awarded annually to Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship students ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 with some awards renewable up to three years dependent on student performance, said the program's director, Tom Field.

         To apply, students must complete an application and series of essay questions at http://engler.unl.edu/. Applications are due by Feb. 15.

           "Our goal is to find students who aspire to build enterprises, demonstrate grit, passion, courage, and instinctively understand the value and need for partnerships.  The Engler experience includes the academic minor, travel experiences to learn from outstanding entrepreneurs, networking and professional development opportunities, internships and a host of other experiential programming,” Field said.

              Students also can become part of the Agribusiness Entrepreneurship and Leadership: Solutions for the Future learning community through residence life. More information can be found at http://www.unl.edu/learncom/fylc.

        The Engler program began in 2010 with a $20 million gift over 10 years from the Paul F. and Virginia J. Engler Foundation. The purpose of the program is to identify students with the entrepreneurial drive and then foster development of professional skills conducive to success in applying entrepreneurism in agriculture and agribusiness.

               For more information about the program, visit http://engler.unl.edu.



Animal Scientist to Discuss Genetically Modified Animals at Heuermann Lecture Jan. 13

            A nationally renowned animal scientist will speak about genetically modified animals at the next University of Nebraska-Lincoln Heuermann Lecture Jan. 13, 2015.

            Alison Van Eenennaam, a Cooperative Extension specialist in animal genomics and biotechnology in the Department of Animal Science at University of California, Davis, will speak at 7 p.m. at the Nebraska Innovation Campus conference center, 2021 Transformation Dr.

            The title of Van Eenennaam's talk is "Genetically Modified Animals: The Facts, the Fear Mongering and the Future."

            The first genetically engineered animals were produced almost 30 years ago, although to date no genetically engineered food animal has come to market, Van Eenennaam said. A comprehensive regulatory evaluation is required for such animals, triggered by the use of recombinant DNA technology in their development.

            All required regulatory studies for the fast-growing "AquAdvantage" Atlantic salmon, the first food animal to undergo regulatory review, were completed in 2009. However, the application has been lingering in regulatory limbo for more than four years awaiting a decision by the FDA.

            "Part of this delay has been occasioned by political interference from both activists and competing fishing industries, sending a message that the science-based regulatory oversight as embodied in the FDA review process is subject to political intervention," Van Eenennaam said. "This regulatory roadblock has had a chilling effect on investment in the development of genetically engineered animals in the US, and the technology has started to move to other countries with a more favorable policy environment.

            Developments in the science of genetic modification are enabling increasingly precise gene modifications, enabling many potential beneficial applications of this technology in the genetic improvement of food animals. Refocusing the regulatory review of genetically modified animals to a technology-agnostic, science-based evaluation of any novel attributes of the phenotype will be a crucial step in allowing the use of these advanced breeding technologies in U.S. animal agriculture, Van Eenennaam said.

            Van Eenennaam received a bachelor of agricultural science degree from the University of Melbourne in Australia, and both a master's in animal science, and a PhD in genetics from UC Davis. The mission of her extension program is "to provide research and education on the use of animal genomics and biotechnology in livestock production systems."

            Van Eenennaam particularly works with the beef cattle industry and has developed a variety of extension programming for producers on topics ranging from marker-assisted and whole-genome enabled selection. She is currently working on several active USDA NIFA beef cattle genomics grants.

            Her outreach program focuses on the development of science-based educational materials including genetic engineering and cloning, and she has created several videos for YouTube including a 30-minute documentary titled "Animal Biotechnology", and the American Society of Animal Science award winning video entitled "Were Those the Days, My Friend?"

            Van Eenennaam also has given more than 250 invited presentations to audiences in 17 states and seven countries, has appeared on national media including the Dr. Oz Show and Animal Planet, and was the recipient of the 2010 "National Award for Excellence in Extension" from the American Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities; the 2014 American Society of Animal Science National Extension Award; and the 2014 Borlaug CAST Communication Award.

            Heuermann Lectures in IANR are made possible through a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips, long-time university supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska's production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people.

            The lectures focus on providing and sustaining enough food, natural resources and renewable energy for the world's people, and on securing the sustainability of rural communities where the vital work of producing food and renewable energy occurs.  Lectures stream live at http://heuermannlectures.unl.edu and are archived at that site soon after the lecture.  They're also seen on NET2 World at a date following the lecture.



Sorghum Checkoff Board Directors Sworn in, Officers Elected

Five Sorghum Checkoff board directors were sworn in during the Dec. 10, 2014, board meeting in Lubbock, Texas.

Returning to the board are Adam Baldwin of Moundridge, Kan., John L. Dvoracek of Farwell, Neb., and Dale Murden of Monte Alto, Texas. New to the board are Billy C. Bridgeforth of Tanner, Ala., and Verity C. Ulibarri of McAlister, N.M., both of which are at-large members.

The newly sworn in board members were appointed by the U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in October and will serve three year terms.

"We are eager to have new board directors from diverse sorghum backgrounds that will help continue the message of the checkoff," said Sorghum Checkoff CEO Tim Lust. "Our desire is to work as a unified group that will help reach our main objective, producer profitability, and these new additions will serve the industry well."

New leadership was also elected during the December board meeting. Dale Murden will serve as chairman, Adam Baldwin as vice chairman, David Fremark of St. Lawerence, S.D., as secretary, and Martin Kerschen of Garden Plain, Kan., as treasurer.

"I am excited to serve with the elected new officers," said Murden. "These producers represent a cross section of America's Sorghum Belt and bring diverse opinions and ideas on how we can best help U.S. farmers and the industry."



Iowa Soybean Association leaders assume roles with national commodity groups

Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) farmer leaders were elected and appointed to executive board positions representing the American Soybean Association (ASA) and United Soybean Board (USB) this week in St. Louis.

 John Heisdorffer of Keota will serve on the executive committee of the ASA. Immediate past president Ray Gaesser of Corning was appointed chairman of the ASA board. Also, Wayne Fredericks of Osage was seated as an Iowa member on the ASA board.

The USB also met in St. Louis to discuss issues, elect officers and seat new members.

Laura Foell of Schaller was re-elected to the USB executive committee. ISA President Tom Oswald of Cleghorn was officially seated as a USB board director.

Oswald fills the USB seat held by Jim Stillman of Emmetsburg. Stillman retired from the board after serving nine years as a director including USB Chairman in 2013.

To learn more about ISA, go to www.iasoybeans.com. 



Statewide Commercial Manure Applicator Training Jan. 6

Commercial manure applicators can attend annual training Jan. 6, 2015, to meet commercial manure applicator certification requirements. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources will conduct Commercial Manure Applicator training from 9 a.m. to noon at 72 Iowa locations, two Wisconsin locations and one location in Minnesota. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

There is no fee for the workshop, but applicators must register by Dec. 30 with the ISU Extension and Outreach county office where they plan to attend. A complete list of workshop locations can be found on the Iowa Manure Management Action Group at  www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/certification/macprogrampostcard.pdf. 

Commercial manure applicators needing to recertify and those wanting to certify for the first time should attend. All currently certified commercial manure applicator licenses will expire on March 1, 2015. Those wanting to renew must complete training requirements and submit forms and fees to the DNR prior to March 1 to avoid paying late fees. The law requires all commercial manure applicators attend three hours of training annually to meet certification requirements. Businesses that primarily truck or haul manure of any type or from any source also are required to meet certification requirements.

Those unable to attend the program on Jan. 6 should contact their ISU Extension and Outreach county office for information on a repeat showing of the program. A fee of $10 will be charged to view the training at an alternate time. If attending the workshop or watching the three-hour video is not convenient, commercial applicators may contact their local DNR field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam.

In addition to the commercial manure applicator training offered on Jan. 6, ISU Extension and Outreach will offer seven dry/solid manure workshops for commercial manure applicators in February 2015. Information regarding these workshops and locations can be found on the Iowa Manure Management Action Group website. While the program requirements are the same, this program includes information for applying dry/solid manure.

Questions about the commercial manure applicator certification program can be directed to any ISU Extension and Outreach county office or Iowa Manure Management Action Group at http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/mac.html. 



 2015 Confinement Site Manure Applicator Workshops Scheduled

Confinement site manure applicators and anyone interested in learning about manure issues should plan to attend a two-hour workshop offered by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in January or February 2015. These workshops are offered in cooperation with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. There is no fee to attend the workshops, but applicators will need to pay certification fees to complete certification requirements.

Iowa law requires confinement site manure applicators to attend two hours of continuing education each year of their three-year certification period, or take and pass an exam once every three years.

A total of 63 confinement site manure applicator workshops will be held in 54 Iowa counties. Seven dry/solid manure applicator certification meetings also will be held in February. ISU Extension and Outreach county offices have a complete list of workshop dates and locations; the list also is available on the Iowa Manure Management Action Group website at  www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/certification/confinementsitebrochure.pdf. 

The workshops serve as initial certification for those applicators not currently certified, recertification for those renewing licenses, and continuing education for those applicators in their second or third year of their license. Due to uniform certification deadlines, applicators are encouraged to attend workshops prior to March 1 to avoid being assessed late fees.

Those unable to attend one of the workshops should contact their ISU Extension and Outreach county office for information on a repeat showing of the program. If you can’t attend training during one of the scheduled showing dates, you will be charged a $10 fee to view the training at your convenience. If attending the workshops or watching the two-hour video is not convenient, confinement site manure applicators can contact their local DNR field office to schedule an appointment to take the certification exam.

Contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office for more information about the Manure Applicator Certification Program or visit: http://www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/mac.html. 



Syngenta expects China’s approval soon for MIR 162 corn

(Reuters) – Syngenta AG, one of the world’s largest seed companies, expects to win Chinese government approval “in the near future” for imports of a type of genetically-modified corn that has been rejected by Beijing, a company spokesman said on Friday.

Syngenta will make an announcement when it receives official documentation of China’s approval of Agrisure Viptera corn, known as MIR 162, spokesman Paul Minehart said.

Global grain handlers Cargill Inc and Archer Daniels Midland, along with dozens of U.S. farmers, have sued Syngenta for selling MIR 162 corn without first obtaining import approval from China, a major buyer. They claim the seedmaker misled the farm industry about the timeline for approval.



Commodity Classic Releases Updated Mobile App

The newest version of the Commodity Classic app for smartphones and tablets has been released, well in advance of the 20th Commodity Classic, to be held Feb. 26-28 in Phoenix, Ariz.  The new app, which can be downloaded via one's operating system’s app store, enables attendees to plan their entire schedule during Commodity Classic.

The app will be updated automatically and continually between now and the 2015 Commodity Classic, with fresh information on sponsors, trade show floor events, locations for sessions and exhibits, and other up-to-the-minute information.

The 20th edition of Commodity Classic—the nation's largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show—opens in just 75 days in Phoenix, the site of the very first Commodity Classic in 1996.   Registration is now open for event.

"We expect to break a number of records in Phoenix in terms of both attendees and exhibitors as Commodity Classic returns to its roots," said soybean farmer Sam Butler of Alabama, Commodity Classic Co-Chair. "With the new Commodity Classic app, attendees can easily keep track of the tremendous line-up of educational sessions, outstanding speakers and a huge trade show.  And this year, we'll be adding a number of special events and activities related to the celebration of the 20th Commodity Classic."

For a complete listing of the 2015 educational sessions, conference information, and to register online, visit www.CommodityClassic.com.  Money-saving early registration ends Jan. 15.  "With the new app, people planning to attend Commodity Classic can begin creating their schedule right now—months in advance of getting to Phoenix," Butler added.

Commodity Classic will continue to be the premier convention and trade show of the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers and National Sorghum Producers. Starting in 2016, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers and many of its members will be joining the event.



Sorghum Checkoff Invests $3.65 million to Further Producer Profitability

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program board of directors invested $3.65 million to fund proposals targeted at furthering sorghum growers' productivity and demand. The commitment, which was approved during the Dec. 10. board meeting, concludes the request for proposal that started June 2014.

The Sorghum Checkoff board, external committee members and staff dedicated the past several months to reviewing proposals in a two-part process in the crop improvement, high value and renewable priority areas. A total of 116 pre-proposals were received and 44 full proposals were requested, totaling $6.9 million.

"The board has invested a significant amount of time since their strategy meeting held in January when the board initially established industry needs," said Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director Florentino Lopez. "Since the beginning, their goal has been to provide funding for projects that will result in producer profitability."

The board of directors made a final decision on 20 projects through the RFP process to address key priorities for the sorghum industry. The approved RFP projects include:

    David Stelly of Texas A&M University was funded $240,488 to identify methods of eliminating gene flow from sorghum to johnson grass.
    Muthukumar Bagavathiannan of Texas A&M University was funded $213,419 for the development of new sources of herbicide resistance in grain sorghum.
    Bryan Ayre of University of North Texas was funded $225,000 for the development of methods to enhance breeding opportunities.
    Bob Fanning of South Dakota State University was funded $10,000 for establishing a Nebraska and South Dakota production guide.
    Mithila Jugulam of Kansas State University was funded $30,000 for herbicide development.
    Paul Ulanch of North Carolina Biotech was funded $98,314 for grain sorghum variety evaluation.
    Nancy Turner of Texas A&M University was funded $130,000 for pet food development.
    Lonny Sweet of Tthe Connect Group was funded $200,000 for branding and public awareness within the food industry.
    Jim Zenner of JPZ Consulting was funded $41,500 for institutional food promotion.
    Earl Roemer of NuLife Market was funded $120,000 for food development.
    Jason Bootsma of Prairie Aqua Tech was funded $120,000 for livestock nutrition.
    Jim Zenner of JPZ Consulting was funded $80,200 for food industry promotion.
    Rhonda Miller of Texas A&M University was funded $69,000 for food development.
    Sajid Alavi of Kansas State University was funded $130,000 for pet food development.
    Morawicki of University of Arkansas was funded $90,000 for animal nutrition.
    Nancy Turner of Texas A&M University was funded $185,000 for coproduct enhancement.
    Mark Riley of University of Arkansas was funded $74,953 for coproduct enhancement.
    Battelle was funded $80,000 for coproduct enhancement.
    Daria Aragon of Louisiana State University was funded $30,000 for biofuels enhancement.
    Michael Aide of University of Missouri was funded $8,000 for biofuels enhancement.

Funding of these proposals is contingent on approval from USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.

"The Sorghum Checkoff was founded with the intent of leveraging grower dollars," said Sorghum Checkoff Chairman Dale Murden. "Checkoff dollars give farmers the ability to actively remain engaged in research that will benefit producers and the sorghum industry in the future, and we are excited about the opportunity presented by these projects."



2014 Seen as Record Year for World Cereal Production

Latest indications confirm that world cereal production will reach an all-time record of more than 2.5 billion tonnes in 2014. Buoyed by bumper crops in Europe and a record maize output in the United States of America, this year's cereal output should reach 2.532 billion tonnes, including rice in milled terms, or 0.3% higher than 2013, according to FAO's latest Crop Prospects and Food Situation Report.

The record global cereal harvest in 2014 will outpace projected world cereal utilization in 2014/15, allowing stocks to rise to their highest level since 2000 and pushing the worldwide stock-to-use ratio, a proxy measure for supply conditions, to rise to 25.2 percent, its highest level in 13 years, according to FAO.

However, the report also warns that food insecurity is worsening in a number of countries due to civil conflicts, adverse weather and the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. Some 38 countries are at risk of food insecurity, including 29 in Africa, 3 more countries than reported in October.

EVD triggered one of the biggest shocks to West Africa's agriculture and food sectors, as it started to spread when crops were being planted and expanded throughout the farming cycle, especially in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. FAO warned that local rice prices and those for cassava, the region's second staple food, showed notable increases in Freetown and other cities in September.



As Beef Prices Rise, Cattle Rustlers Return

(AP) -- More than 150 cattle valued at about $350,000 have been reported missing in southeastern Idaho, and authorities suspect modern-day cattle rustling as beef prices have soared.

"Right now it’s just insane what those things are worth - it scares me to death," Idaho State Brand Inspector Larry Hayhurst said. "Which means the incentive is there."

Three ranchers say roundup searches in recent weeks in the hills and gulches on the remote summer range where the cattle graze have come up empty in two counties.

The losses include a herd of 50 Black Angus consisting of 25 cows and 25 calves valued at $150,000. Another herd of 41 cow-calf pairs, meaning 82 animals total, plus 10 cow-calf pairs, or 20 animals, from another rancher are also reported missing. Those missing cattle are valued at about $200,000.

Authorities say other ranchers in the region have reported smaller losses, but note that typically one or two cow-calf pairs go missing almost every year. An entire herd disappearing is something else.

"At this point we don’t have any suspects," said Sergeant Jeff Edwards of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the missing Black Angus.

He said an aircraft was used in that search, and so far no other rancher has reported accidently rounding up the cattle, which happens sometimes.

The sheriff’s office in nearby Bingham County, where the 102 cattle are missing, is also stumped.

"It is a very cold trail," said Captain Robert Sobieski. "There’s no way of knowing when they went missing. That’s what makes it toughest."

But he also said that deputies aren’t ready to confirm that the cattle have been stolen because they could have mingled with other herds in the area. But there have been no reports of that from other ranchers so far.

Authorities said taking that many cattle would likely involve tractor-trailers, and at least several people on horseback or all-terrain vehicles to round them up.



MONSANTO NEXT-GENERATION TRAIT TECHNOLOGY CLOSER TO COMMERCIAL LAUNCH

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has published its final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), concluding that Monsanto’s Roundup Ready® 2 Xtend™ soybeans and Bollgard II® XtendFlex™ cotton should be fully deregulated.

“The final EIS moves us one step closer to the introduction of Bollgard II® XtendFlex™ cotton and Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ soybeans, paving the way to provide access to dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton,” said Miriam Paris, Xtend System Launch Manager at Monsanto Company. “This is a significant milestone in providing farmers new tools to manage weeds and time more efficiently, which will help farmers have better harvests.”  

Growers across the country are expressing excitement about these new weed management solutions. “This technology will be another tool in the farmer’s toolbox, enabling us to have another mode of action in the fight against resistant weeds," said Wade Cowan, a farmer from Brownfield, Texas. “Weed resistance contributes to smaller yields, and this dicamba technology will help me better manage weeds.”

Before reaching its decision, the USDA considered nearly 5,000 comments submitted by farmers, academic and scientific experts and other key stakeholders. An overwhelming majority of those who provided feedback during the public comment period voiced support for the trait technology.



Santa’s veterinarian gives reindeer green light for Christmas flight

Following a health checkup at the North Pole, Santa’s veterinarian has given the green light to Rudolph’s red nose and the rest of the reindeer that will be traveling the world this Christmas Eve.

Dr. René Carlson, president of the World Veterinary Association and former president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, visited the North Pole earlier this month to ensure that Santa’s team of nine were up-to-date on their vaccinations and healthy enough to make their annual trek around the globe (view video from Dr. Carlson's North Pole trip).

“I can assure you that all of them are in healthy condition and are all ready to go for Christmas Eve,” Dr. Carlson said.

The reindeer's annual exam includes a health check about a month prior to their Christmas Eve flight to make sure they’re healthy and not showing any signs of disease, such as brucellosis, tuberculosis or chronic wasting disease, that can be transmitted to other animals.

“We need to make sure the reindeer aren’t harboring any diseases that they could then potentially spread to animals in other parts of the world,” said Dr. Carlson. “At the same time, making sure they’re healthy also means that they’re less likely to catch any diseases themselves on that long flight.”

In addition to presents for children around the world, Santa is required to bring with him an official “North Pole Certificate of Animal Export” that allows him to freely cross borders and ensure health officials that his reindeer are no threat to animal or public health.

Dr. Carlson will make a follow-up trip to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to provide a pre-flight checkup and to inspect the reindeer upon their return on Christmas morning.

For kids who want to help the reindeer on their journey, Dr. Carlson recommended leaving a plate of graham cracker reindeer cookies, their favorite snack, for Santa to feed them between stops.

Dr. Carlson’s work is consistent with the role veterinarians play every day to ensure the health of animals, people and the environment across the globe. Far from just being “dog and cat doctors,” veterinarians work with all kinds of species, in all types of environments, to make the world a healthier place for all forms of life.

While unavailable for comment due to his busy work schedule, Santa issued a statement, saying, “Without my reindeer there simply would be no Christmas. Proper veterinary care ensures that, year in and year out, my team and I are able to deliver presents to boys and girls around the world. Dr. Carlson is definitely on the ‘nice list’ again this year.”