NEBRASKA HOG INVENTORY UP 2 PERCENT
Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1,2014, was 3.10 million head, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.This was up 2 percent from December 1, 2013, and up 2 percent from September 1, 2014.
Breeding hog inventory, at 405,000 head, was up 4 percent from December 1, 2013, and up 4percent from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 2.70 million head, was up 1 percent fromlast year, and up 1 percent from last quarter.
The September - November 2014 Nebraska pig crop, at 1.93 million head, was up 9 percentfrom 2013. Sows farrowed during the period totaled 1 75,000 head, up 6 percent from last year.The average pigs saved per litter was a record high of 11.00 for the September Novemberperiod, compared to 10.75 last year.
Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 180,000 sows during the December 2014 – February2015 quarter, up 9 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago.Intended farrowings for March – May 2015 are 1 80,000 sows, up 6 percent from the actualfarrowings during the same period the previous year.
IOWA HOG INVENTORY TIES RECORD HIGH
On December 1, 2014, there were 20.9 million hogs and pigs on Iowa farms, tied with September 2013 for the highest inventory on record according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Hogs and Pigs report. The December 1 inventory was up 1 percent from September 2014 and up 3 percent from last December’s 20.2 million head.
The September-November quarterly pig crop was 5.19 million head, down 5 percent from the previous quarter but 8 percent above last year. A total of 485,000 sows farrowed during this quarter. The average pigs saved per litter was 10.70 for the September-November quarter, matching the record pigs saved per litter from the previous quarter.
As of December 1, producers planned to farrow 480,000 head of sows and gilts in the December 2014-February 2015 quarter and 485,000 head during the March-May 2015 quarter.
United States Hog Inventory Up 2 Percent
United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on December 1, 2014 was 66.1 million head. This was up 2 percent from December 1, 2013, and up 1 percent from September 1, 2014.
Breeding inventory, at 5.97 million head, was up 4 percent from last year, and up 1 percent from the previous quarter.
Market hog inventory, at 60.1 million head, was up 2 percent from last year, and up 1 percent from last quarter.
The September-November 2014 pig crop, at 29.4 million head, was up 4 percent from 2013. Sows farrowing during this period totaled 2.87 million head, up 3 percent from 2013. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 48 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was a record high 10.23 for the September-November period, compared to 10.16 last year. Pigs saved per litter by size of operation ranged from 8.10 for operations with 1-99 hogs and pigs to 10.30 for operations with more than 5,000 hogs and pigs.
United States hog producers intend to have 2.87 million sows farrow during the December-February 2015 quarter, up 4 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period in 2014, and up 3 percent from 2013. Intended farrowings for March-May 2015, at 2.90 million sows, are up 3 percent from 2014, and up 3 percent from 2013.
The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 46 percent of the total United States hog inventory, down from 48 percent last year.
Breeding - Market - and Total Inventory - States : December 1, 2013 and 2014
(1000 head, % of Dec 2013)
Illinois ..............: 500.00 100 - 4,100.00 101 - 4,600.00 101
Indiana .............: 290.00 104 - 3,310.00 98 - 3,600.00 99
Iowa .................: 1,010.00 104 - 19,890.00 103 - 20,900.00 103
Kansas ..............: 180.00 106 - 1,620.00 103 - 1,800.00 103
Minnesota ........: 560.00 102 - 7,290.00 101 - 7,850.00 101
Nebraska ..........: 405.00 104 - 2,695.00 101 - 3,100.00 102
North Carolina ..: 880.00 101 - 7,720.00 101 - 8,600.00 101
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Farmers Tax Guide Now Available
Farmers can better understand their 2014 tax returns with help from a guide available through the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. The 2014 Farmers Tax Guide has illustrated examples, a sample return and describes available deductions. Cuming County Extension Educator Larry Howard says the tax guides are in and are free to local producers. They can be picked up at the Nebraska Extension office in Cuming County, area tax preparers or any Cuming County bank.
SAVE HAY BY REDUCING FEEDING WASTE
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist
Much expense and many long hours go into harvesting and storing hay for winter feeding. So why waste it! Hay feeding waste can be reduced.
Cattle can waste as much as 45 percent of their hay when it is fed without restrictions. How can you reduce these losses to minimize costs and maintain an adequate hay supply?
Your first step should be to limit how much hay is available. Research shows that cattle fed hay with free access every four days needed about 25% more hay than cattle fed daily. Daily feeding reduces the amount of hay refused, trampled, fouled, over-consumed, or used for bedding.
A second step is to restrict access to the hay by using hay racks, bale rings, electric fences, feed bunks, or anything else that will keep animals off the hay. It’s especially important to limit the amount of hay accessible to trampling. So use racks or bale rings with solid barriers at the bottom to prevent livestock from pulling hay loose and then dragging it out to be stepped on.
If you feed hay on the ground, either as loose hay, unrolled round bales, or as ground hay, it is especially important to follow these guidelines. Limit the hay fed to an amount animals will clean up in a single meal. Anything left over will be stepped on, fouled, or used for bedding instead of as feed. And if you can – use an electric wire or other barrier to restrict access to only one side of the feed on the ground. But also be sure to distribute that hay enough so all cows have access to it at the same time.
With a little foresight and careful management, you can stretch your hay further.
Jeff Mellott Headlines Annual Horsin' Around Conference at UNL
Jeff Mellott will headline the 23rd annual "Horsin' Around" conference Feb. 28-March 1, 2015 in the RB Warren Arena at the Animal Science Complex on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's East Campus.
Mellott is a professional All-Around-Horseman from Andover, Kan., and a AQHA & NSBA judge, past president KQHA, and KQHA Volunteer Award 2012. Mellott is a trainer of multiple World and Congress Champions and is one of the industry’s best teachers. His goal is that each rider enjoys the journey to his or her own success in and out of the arena. For the first time in 17 years, Mellott is now taking outside customers and works with Youth, Amateur & Select riders. He specializes in All-Around horses & exhibitors, especially Horsemanship, Trail, and Western Riding. Mellott will focus on Western Horsemanship, English Equitation and Trail during the two day event.
Also speaking at the event will be equine veterinarian Amy Cook and Danielle Burn of Omaha.
Dr. Cook grew up in rural Nebraska where she was very involved with the 4-H horse program. She received her bachelor’s degree from UNL and spent several years working in a variety of equine disciplines prior to returning to vet school. In 2013 she received her DVM from Iowa State University and went on to complete a one-year hospital internship at Kendall Road Equine Hospital in Elgin, Ill., before returning to Nebraska and establishing In Touch Equine Veterinary Services..
Danielle Burns of Omaha prides herself in an honest straightforward approach of working with youth and amateurs of all levels and ages. Burns’ primary focus is performance events, and she specializes in Western Pleasure at AQHA and APHA shows. She is also an AQHA, NSBA and POA judges. Burns also enjoys pairing horses and riders together that make great teams.
The conference begins at 9 a.m. both days and is open to participants of all ages. Adult registration is $30 for both days or $20 for one day. For youth 18 and under, the cost is $20 for both days or $15 for one day. If the clinic doesn't sell out, registration will be available at the door for adults at $40 for both days and $25 for one day and for youth at $30 for both days and $20 for one day.
No phone-in registrations are accepted. For more information or a registration form, call 402-472-6411, email kanderson1@unl.edu, visit the Horsin' Around website at http://horse.unl.edu or the UNL Horse Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/UNLhorse.
Ag Processing Inc. to Build $90 Million Vegetable Oil Refinery
Iowa officials have approved $3.1 million in incentives for an Omaha, Nebraska soybean processor to build a $90 million vegetable oil refinery in northwestern Iowa.
An agreement approved Friday by the Woodbury County board will exempt Ag Processing Inc. of Omaha from $2.1 million in county property taxes through 2024.
At a separate meeting in Des Moines, the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved another $1 million in loans and state tax credits for the project at AGP's complex near Sergeant Bluff.
The vegetable oil refinery will be designed for 30 rail tank cars per day. Estimated project costs include $2.5 million for site preparation, $14.5 million for construction and $71.5 million for new machinery and equipment.
Rabobank REPORT: Global BEEF INDUSTRY Q4 2014
Rabobank has issued a new report on the global beef industry, looking at continued tight global supply of cattle and beef in Q4 2014.
In the report, published by Rabobank’s Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group, Rabobank says that despite tight global cattle and beef supplies, prices tempered from their Q3 highs. The U.S. remains the major global driver, with import demand affecting prices and volumes for other countries.
Rabobank says that a big question heading into 2015 with such a finely balanced market is: if Australian export rates decrease and herds in Mexico and Canada continue to be run down by the U.S., have prices reached a new norm or do they still have room to rise?
“The U.S. continues to be the driver in the global beef market with constrained supply and strong demand keeping prices high. A recent strengthening in the U.S. economy and dollar will support continued imports to the U.S., however we are watching a drop in the oil price and depreciation of the Russian ruble given Russia’s status as the world’s largest beef importer,” explains Rabobank analyst Angus Gidley-Baird.
Regional Outlook
· U.S.: Cattle prices during Q4 have continued at record levels, driven by exceptionally tight supplies and strong demand.Q1 cattle supplies will again be tight with renewed price strength expected.
· Brazil: Strong international demand for Brazilian beef is likely to be sustained in 2015 due to tight global supplies, demand from Russia and the reopening of the Chinese market for Brazil.
· Australia: Australia continues to see record slaughter levels. Total exports for 2014 are also set for a record. With a dry summer forecast, slaughter numbers are expected to remain high, keeping prices low.
· EU: The EU beef market is increasingly separating into a premium and ground beef market with divergent price developments. Prime beef will remain elevated in 2015, while ground beef prices will remain under pressure due to lackluster demand and growing supply from dairy-based beef.
· China: Retail beef prices are expected to remain stable throughout the rest of 2014 and Q1 2015 as consumption is not strong enough to push prices beyond current historically high levels despite tight domestic supplies and continued growth in imports.
· New Zealand: Very strong demand from the U.S. continues to underpin the New Zealand beef industry with record farmgate prices registered in November. The outlook remains very positive for the remainder of 2014 and into Q1 2015.
· Canada: 2015 could be a critical year for Canada, as the country needs to determine whether it starts rebuilding or further downsizing its industry.
· Argentina: Exports are likely to continue be depressed, as an overvalued exchange rate currently makes Argentine beef more expensive relative to other countries in the region.
· Mexico: Low cattle availability continues to cause constraints, although this is partially offset by increased cattle weights due to lower feed costs and better pastures.
· Indonesia: Consumption remains strong despite high prices. Following a record year of beef and cattle imports, concerns remain that trade developments between China and Australia and reduced cattle in Australia could tighten supply.
Deadline Extended for Comments on EPA Analysis of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatment Efficacy
(from ASA Newsletter)
Earlier last week, EPA announced that it will extend the submission period for comments on its analysis of the efficacy of neonicotinoid seed treatments on soybean yield by 30 days. The original comment period was scheduled to close on Dec. 22, 2014. The extension notice will be published soon, but not by Monday, so EPA will re-open the comment period.
The American Soybean Association continues to urge those farmers with direct, tangible success stories regarding the use of neonicotinoid seed treatments to submit those examples to EPA. You view the original report and the original Federal Register notice, as well as submit your comments here.
While crafting your comments, we suggest you review and potentially reference the news report pasted below, focusing on a similar ban and the subsequent negative effects in Europe. We believe that this case study only strengthens our position that EPA should be supporting how soybean producers are using neonic seed treatments – only when and where needed and effective. This is a judicious use of crop protection products that should be rewarded, not penalized.
Urea Prices Decline at Year's End
One fertilizer's average retail price finally moved significantly from last month to this month, according to data tracked by DTN for the third week of December 2014.
Six of the eight major fertilizers registered slightly lower prices compared to a month earlier, while the remaining two were up just slightly. Urea slipped 6% compared to a month ago, the first price move of any consequence in many months. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $461 per ton.
DAP, MAP, anhydrous, UAN28 and UAN32 were all also lower in price compared to the previous month, but none were down with any significance. DAP had an average price of $565/ton, MAP $592/ton, anhydrous $705/ton, UAN28 $322/ton and UAN32 $362/ton.
The remaining two fertilizers were higher in price compared to a month earlier, but again these moves were fairly insignificant. Potash had an average price of $482/ton and 10-34-0 $571/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.50/lb.N, anhydrous $0.43/lb.N, UAN28 $0.58/lb.N and UAN32 $0.57/lb.N.
Half of the eight major fertilizers are now double digits higher in price compared to December 2013, all while commodity prices are significantly lower than a year ago. DAP is now 14% higher while 10-34-0 is 12% more expensive and both MAP and anhydrous are both 11% higher compared to year earlier.
In addition, urea is 3% higher and both potash and UAN28 are 2% higher from last year.
One nutrient is still lower compared to retail prices from a year ago. UAN32 is 1% less expensive from the previous year.
NCGA Ag Weather Advisor Keeps Farmers Up to Date
With temperatures dropping and snow falling across parts of the Corn Belt, volatile winter weather means farmers have to work extra hard to stay updated on what to expect while they prepare for planting. The NCGA-FMC Ag Weather Advisor, prepared by Blue Water Outlook, is a special, free member benefit that can help growers stay a step ahead.
"The weather occurring this winter sets the stage for spring and summer growing conditions," said Tom Haag, chair of NCGA's Grower Services Action Team. "The NCGA-FMC Ag Weather Advisor provides valuable insight, analysis and information not easily found elsewhere on the key factors shaping the weather right now and well into the future. This information can help growers make critical weather-related decisions throughout the entire year."
Among the offerings subscribers to the free service receive each week, the BWO Agriculture Weather Outlook will help farmers understand how much rain to expect, days in advance. The AWO is a 10-minute video briefing discussing precipitation and temperature trends for the up-coming week. Also each week, the BWO Agricultural Advisor will provide updates that keep growers fully informed on a variety of agricultural weather topics including a pre- and post-event analysis of precipitation events. And the BWO Long Range Outlook provides a further perspective.
Occasionally, subscribers will receive the Blue Water Outlook Newsletter and BWO Analytics, an expert assessment of the weather and climate trends that are shaping water resources.
USDA Extends Public Comment Period for Conservation Stewardship Program Rule until Jan 20, 2015
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is extending the public comment period on the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) interim rule. Public comments will be accepted through January 20, 2015.
“This extension will provide stakeholders with additional time to comment on the CSP interim rule,” Chief Jason Weller said. “At nearly 70 million acres, CSP is the nation’s largest conservation program. Input through the public comment process will help NRCS finalize a CSP rule that works for participants and continues to deliver greater conservation benefits for our Nation.”
Official notice of the change can be found in the Federal Register. Electronic comments must be submitted through regulations.gov. Comments also can be hand carried or mailed to Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. NRCS-2014-0008, Regulatory and Agency Policy Team, Strategic Planning and Accountability, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, Building 1-1112D, Beltsville, Md. 20705.
NRCS administers CSP, which helps participants improve their conservation performance. Through CSP, producers install conservation enhancements to make positive changes in soil, water, and air quality; water quantity; plant and animal resources; and energy conservation. Nearly 70 million acres have been enrolled in the program since its launch in 2009.
Please visit summary of changes or http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/FarmBillRules for more information on the CSP statutory changes.
NOAA Issues Climate Outlook for Early 2015
Review of the new long range climate outlooks released from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Climate Prediction Center indicate that the wide variability in temperature swings of fall and winter are likely to continue; and the potential for a weak El Niño lingers, explained Dennis Todey, South Dakota State Climatologist & SDSU Extension Climate Specialist.
"Weather conditions over the state have seen some large temperature shifts," he said, referencing the warm October, early cold in November and average December climate conditions.
According to new outlooks, Todey said colder than average conditions once again look to cover the region from late December into at least the first few weeks of January.
"The eight to14-day outlooks and other computer models are consistent in bringing a cold push across the area into the early part of January as the jet stream pattern shifts again to build a ridge of high pressure along the west coast and allow more cold air into the middle part of the country," Todey said.
The full 30-day outlook for January is not as confident that cold temperatures will linger throughout entire state. "Indications that colder than average temperatures will linger for the whole 30-day period is only likely across the southern part of South Dakota and into Nebraska," Todey said.
Impact The impact Todey sees of this pattern shift is to bring at least a temporary end to the warm conditions for much of December.
California Drought Beginning to Let Up
The Los Angeles Times reports that for the first time in five months, a majority of California is no longer considered to be in an exceptional drought, the most severe level possible under federal guidelines, the U.S. Drought Monitor announced.
About 32% of California, however - most of it in the Central Valley - remains under the exceptional drought category. Last week the total was at more than 55%.
"The wet weather finally allowed ample runoff (while producing stream and river flooding) that raised major reservoir levels...in most of northern and central California," the report said.
The good news is tempered by the fact that the entire state remains in some degree of drought and more than three-quarters of it, about 78%, is in "extreme" drought, the second-highest category available, the report said.
In addition, the state's major reservoir capacities are still below normal.
California must receive three seasons of above-average rainfall to get back to a "manageable situation," said Jay Famiglietti, senior water cycle scientist of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
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