Wednesday January 14 Ag News

Agricultural Tile Drainage Meeting in Fremont, Monday Jan. 26 from 9:45 am – Noon

Nebraska Extension in Dodge County will be providing a short meeting for area producers and landowners interested in learning about agricultural tile drainage.  The meeting will cover wetland compliance, basics of tile drainage, controlled drainage, and nitrogen management.   The meeting is set for Monday, January 26, and will be held at the Dodge County Extension Office in Fremont from 9:45 am to Noon. Pre-registration is required (limit of 40 attendees) and the meeting will cost $5 (cash or check at arrival) per attendee. Coffee and donuts will be provided.

Nathan Mueller, Extension Educator for Cropping Systems and Ag Technologies, will share information on wetland compliance.  Two guest speakers will join us via a live online connection at the Dodge County Extension Office. Chris Hay, South Dakota State University Assistant Professor & Extension Water Management Engineer, and Matt Helmers, Iowa State University Assistant Professor and Specialist for Subsurface Drainage and Water Quality, will both present for 30 to 45 minutes each on the basics of tile, controlled drainage, nitrogen management and the latest research from each of their states, South Dakota and Iowa.  Producers and landowners will have plenty of time to ask questions and discuss local issues.

For more information about the meeting and to pre-register, contact Nathan Mueller at the Nebraska Extension County Office at 727-2775 or nathan.mueller@unl.edu.



Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Hosting 2015 State Habitat Meeting in Kearney

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever members and upland supporters in Nebraska will convene on Saturday, February 7 at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney for the organization’s 2015 State Habitat Meeting. The event will feature an address by Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever President and CEO, as well as a panel discussion with experts from Pheasants Forever, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cooperative Research Unit.

“This is the largest meeting focused on wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation in Nebraska,” says Kelsi Wehrman, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever state coordinator in Nebraska, “By focusing on partnerships and programs that work, and exploring new ones with high potential, we can improve upland habitat conditions in Nebraska.”

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever 2015 Nebraska Habitat Meeting highlights:
-    8:15 a.m. - Address by Howard Vincent, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever President and CEO

-    11:30 a.m. - Habitat Partnerships & Accomplishments - Pete Berthelsen, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever Director of Habitat Partnerships, will unveil new maps that chart Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever habitat project accomplishments in the state

-    1:30 p.m. - Gun Dog Success - Dan Ihrke of Green Acres Sportsman's Club will give an extended presentation of training your hunting companion from start to finish. Hunting dogs of different breeds and ages will be utilized in live training demonstrations.

-    2:15 p.m. - Habitat, Partnerships and Research Panel Discussion - Pheasants Forever wildlife biologists will be joined by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission staff, as well as a researcher with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Cooperative Research Unit. Panel discussion with audience interaction focusing on habitat management of private and public lands, statewide partnerships, and upland game research. The audience will be encouraged to ask questions on habitat practices, public access, programs, and research topics.

-    5:30 p.m. - Volunteer Appreciation Reception - Join chapters and Pheasants Forever staff in Nebraska for dinner and fundraising following Saturday seminars.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s 2015 Nebraska Habitat Meeting is open to Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever members as well as the public.



NCR-SARE Seeking Nominations for Administrative Council Members

The North Central Region - Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (NCR-SARE) is seeking nominees* for the following seats on its Administrative Council (AC) as follows:
-    At-large representative of an agriculture college or university**
-    Farmer/Rancher***
-    Representative of a state department of agriculture
-    Representative of agribusiness

*Council members must be from one of the 12 states that comprise the North Central SARE region. Those states are IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, and WI.
**The at-large representative of an agriculture college or university can be a researcher or educator.
***Farmer/rancher representatives must be actively engaged in farming or ranching in the North Central region.

NCR-SARE’s Administrative Council represents various agricultural sectors, states and organizations. It sets program priorities and makes granting decisions for the region. A collection of farm and non-farm residents, the Administrative Council includes a diverse mix of agricultural stakeholders in our 12 states. Council members come from regional farms and ranches, university extension and research programs, and nonprofits. In addition, the Administrative Council includes regional representatives of the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, state agencies, and agribusinesses.

The term for each of these SARE Administrative Council slots is three years. Council members attend two meetings a year, typically 2-3 day meetings in July and Feb./March at various Midwest locations, and also participate in a few conference calls each year. Travel expenses are fully covered for travel to Administrative Council meetings. Nominees should have a basic understanding of sustainable agriculture and be comfortable with reviewing grant proposals and participating in a group decision-making process. More information about NCR-SARE and the Administrative Council is online at http://www.northcentralsare.org/About-Us/NCR-SARE-Leadership-and-Policy. 

To nominate yourself for a seat on the NCR-SARE Administrative Council, submit the following information using our online form by February 13, 2015.  (https://docs.google.com/a/umn.edu/forms/d/1N2-Ci-Ep6B0EneDC_8TXv7yo0J52KdzVISlt7XHVUy4/viewform)
-    the nominee’s areas of interest or focus in sustainable agriculture
-    why the nominee is interested in serving on NCR-SARE's Administrative Council
-    the nominee’s experience, affiliations and/or qualifications

To nominate someone else for a seat on the NCR-SARE Administrative Council, please email the name and contact information for the nominee to Jean Andreasen at jandreas@umn.edu and she will contact them to solicit an application.

Nominations should be submitted online. We will acknowledge receipt of the materials and send a reply regarding the outcome of the election.

NCR-SARE is one of four regional offices that run the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program, a nationwide grants and education program to advance sustainable innovation to American agriculture. Since 1988, NCR-SARE has awarded more than $40 million worth of competitive grants to farmers and ranchers, researchers, educators, public and private institutions, nonprofit groups, and others exploring sustainable agriculture in 12 states. The SARE program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture — National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA).



Residential propane price decreases

The average retail price for propane is $2.35 per gallon, down 1.1 cents from last week, based
on the residential heating fuel survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Propane
prices in the Midwest region averaged $1.92 per gallon, down three-tenths of a cent from last week,
and down 47.9 cents from a year ago.

U.S. diesel fuel price continues to decrease
The U.S. average retail price for on-highway diesel fuel fell to $3.05 a gallon on Monday.  That’s down 8.4 cents from a week ago.  In the Midwest PADD2 (which includes Nebraska and Iowa), the average diesel price for the week was $3.01, which is a drop of 9.2 cents on the week and down 84.4 cents from a year ago.  Diesel prices were highest in the Central Atlantic region at 3.24 a gallon, down 6.4 cents from a week ago.  Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast region at 2.96 a gallon, down 8.1 cents.

U.S. gasoline prices continue to decrease as well
The U.S. average retail price for regular gasoline fell to $2.14 a gallon on Monday. That's down 7 1/2 cents from a week ago, based on the weekly price survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.  In the Midwest PADD2 (which includes Nebraska and Iowa), the average gasoline price for the week was $1.95, which is a drop of 2.4 cents on the week and down $1.303 from a year ago.   Pump prices were highest in the West Coast states at 2.49 a gallon, down 9.2 cents from a week ago. Prices were lowest in the Gulf Coast region at 1.91 a gallon, down 8.2 cents.



ISU Advanced Bull Selection Clinics Scheduled for February

The columns of information in semen and bull sale catalogs seem to get larger and more complex every season. Genetics and genomics can certainly add to confusion and overwhelm a producer considering A.I. or a buyer on sale day. A cooperative effort between Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Prairie State Select Sires and Agrarian Marketing Corporation will address this confusion at seven clinics scheduled across the predominant cow-calf sector of Iowa in February.

“The clinic program will help producers focus on the columns of information most important to their production goals and their bottom line,” said Patrick Wall, beef program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “We’ll try to break down how $Values Indexes work, how genomics can add to EPD reliability, and how to avoid pitfalls in selection decisions. Most importantly, attendees will learn how to apply the information to their own cow herd.”

Wall has prior experience with genetic evaluation, $Value Index development and genomic testing. He and other presenters will explain and discuss genetic selection decisions with the goal of giving attendees more confidence in decision making.

Bull Selection Clinic dates, locations and times
-    Feb. 23, Creston – SW Iowa Community College, 1501 W. Townline St., Creston, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
-    Feb. 24, Adel – Raccoon Valley Bank Community House, 1016 Main St., Adel, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
-    Feb. 24, Chariton – McNay Research Farm, 45249 170th Ave., Chariton, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
-    Feb. 25, Brooklyn – Manatt Community Center, 105 Jackson St., Brooklyn, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
-    Feb. 26, Williamsburg – St. Mary’s Hall, 102 E. Penn St., Williamsburg, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
-    Feb 26, Fairfield – 4-H Activities Building., Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Fairfield, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
-    Feb. 27, Tipton – US Bank (basement), 102 E. 5th St., Tipton, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Preregistration required
All meetings are free, but preregistration is necessary. To preregister, call Prairie State Select Sires at 888-464-5282, ext. 28, and provide name, phone number, meeting location attending and number of attendees. A complimentary steak dinner will be provided at all locations. For additional information, contact Wall at 515-450-7665 or view the series flyer on the Iowa Beef Center website www.iowabeefcenter.org.



Northey Praises Governor for Support of Water Quality

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey Tuesday thanked Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds for including $7.5 million for the Water Quality Initiative in their budget proposal. This proposal continues their strong support for a voluntary, science-based approach to improving water quality, building on the $2.4 million and $4.4 million received from the general fund in fiscal years 2014 and 2015 to support water quality.

"The Governor's strong support for the Iowa Water Quality Initiative has been critically important and the $7.5 million provided in his budget would help us build on that exciting progress that has already been made," Northey said. "The legislature has also been extremely supportive of voluntary, science based water quality efforts and I look forward to working with legislators on a bipartisan basis in both the House and Senate on this budget request as we go through the appropriations process."

The $7.5 million for the Water Quality Initiative would allow the Department to offer cost share statewide to farmers trying new water quality practices, continue work in targeted watersheds to achieve measurable water quality improvements, expand urban conservation efforts, and develop new programs to help engage all Iowans in improving water quality.

Branstad also included $6.75 million for conservation cost share in his budget. For over four decades, Iowa's soil conservation cost share program has encouraged the adoption of conservation structures and practices to protect and preserve our state's natural resources and improve water quality. Last year alone, the state's $9.5 million investment generated $13 million in matching funds from Iowa farmers and land owners to support conservation practices.

The Governor's budget also included $1.92 million to support the closure of eight additional agriculture drainage wells in the state to protect groundwater quality.



Farm Bureau Delegates Set Public Policy Positions for 2015

Farmer and rancher delegates to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 96th Annual Convention today approved resolutions that will provide the organization grassroots authority to ask Congress to finish many measures that remain unsettled at the start of 2015.

“Our delegates are the men and women growing the food and fiber for our nation and much of the rest of the world every day,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “They have made great strides over the last decades in improving their environmental performance, in adopting cutting edge technologies and taking actions to make sure they can pass their farms and ranches on to the next generation.”

According to Stallman, however, these same producers recognize that many of the challenges they face are derived from the federal government’s attempt to overreach in its regulation of land use.

“This is particularly true with respect to improper application of federal water rules,” Stallman said. “Our members also want us to continue our effort to secure a stable and reliable supply of agricultural labor.”

Regarding other policy matters, delegates:
    Reaffirmed that farmers’ proprietary data remain strictly the property of the farmer or rancher when submitted to third parties for analysis and processing;
    Agreed that farmers and ranchers must have the right to remove their data permanently from the systems of agricultural technology providers. Members feel especially strongly about this point given the exponential growth of agricultural data systems and the double-digit productivity gains they have generated in just a few short growing seasons;
    Opposed state efforts to dictate out-of-state, farm-level production practices;
    Reaffirmed support for producer-led and -approved checkoff programs;
    Reaffirmed support for country-of-origin labeling provisions consistent with World Trade Organization rules;
    Called for a state-led, voluntary pollinator stewardship program to address concerns over recent declines in the populations of honey bees and butterflies;
    Supported the production, processing, commercialization and use of industrial hemp;
    Called for an end to the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempts to require permits for farmers to repair erosion damage on their property;
    Opposed the current cap on agricultural labor visas under the H2-B program; and
    Called for common-sense reform in endangered species protection legislation.

A total of 355 voting delegates representing every crop and livestock sector in the United States deliberated on policies affecting farmers’ and ranchers’ productivity and profitability. The policies approved at the convention will guide the nation’s largest general farm organization throughout 2015.



Ethanol Stocks Build; Production Up

The Energy Information Administration released data Wednesday showing across-the-board increases for domestic ethanol inventories, production and implied demand.

The data showed total inventories soared 1.4 million barrels (bbl), or 7.3%, to a two-year high of 20.2 million bbl during the week-ended Jan. 9, jumping 4.2 million bbl or 25.8% year-over-year.

Plant production rose last week, up 29,000 barrels per day (bpd), or 3.0%, to a three-week high of 978,000 bpd, while 12.6% higher year-over-year. Output averaged 973,000 bpd during the four weeks ended Jan. 9, up 7.3% from year prior.

Blender inputs, a proxy for ethanol demand, surged 26,000 bbl, or 3.3%, to a two-week high of 815,000 bpd for the week reviewed.

Implied demand for the gasoline gained 66,000 bpd to 8.875 million bpd, 10.6% higher than the same week last year, EIA data showed.



Cargill kicks off 150th anniversary year

In 1865, William Wallace Cargill became the owner of a single grain warehouse in Conover, Iowa, at the end of the McGregor Western Railroad. Today, the company he founded, now one of the largest privately-held enterprises in the world, begins its yearlong 150th anniversary celebration.

“We are proud of our legacy and the many people who have created it,” said David MacLennan, Cargill’s president and chief executive officer. “Throughout our anniversary year, we will be reflecting on our past and present, and we’ll use those reflections as a springboard to help us focus our thinking on how we can help our partners and customers thrive in an increasingly complex world.”

In 2015, for example, Cargill will bring together emerging international thought leaders with Cargill Learning Journeys in Africa and China, and will prominently participate in events where improving food security and sustainable food production are core topics.

Cargill also is marking its 150th anniversary with an online collection of stories, highlighting its long legacy of innovation and its commitment to helping nourish people around the world. The stories are an account of the people, decisions and innovations that shaped Cargill as it evolved from its modest beginnings in the American Midwest to a major international marketer, transporter and processor of agricultural, financial and industrial products and services.

 Milestones highlighted on the site include:
    1865: Cargill’s first grain warehouse in Conover, Iowa, helps farmers move their grain to market.
    1967: Cargill fills an entire train – 115 cars – with Illinois corn. This more efficient process results in better prices for consumers and higher profits for farmers.
    1991: Cargill introduces more humane cattle practices, including a blueprint that promotes more peaceful and insightful handling methods. 
    1998: Because the Gulf of Kutch’s waters are shallow, Cargill designs the first floating, offshore port in India, allowing for food and other goods to be unloaded and then transferred by ferry.
    2013: Cargill’s Hindoli palm plantation achieves official Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil certification and is cited as a model for sustainable palm oil production.



Funding for 115 Conservation Projects in 50 States Announced -- Marks New Era for Conservation efforts

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that 115 high-impact projects across all 50 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will receive more than $370 million in Federal funding as part of the new USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). In addition, these projects will leverage an estimated $400 million more in partner contributions—for a total of nearly $800 million—to improve the nation's water quality, support wildlife habitat and enhance the environment. Vilsack made the announcement near Phoenix, where the new program will invest in a project with five local partners to clean and conserve water along the Verde River, a tributary of the Colorado River.

"This is an entirely new approach to conservation efforts," said Vilsack. "These partnerships empower communities to set priorities and lead the way on conservation efforts important for their region. They also encourage private sector investment so we can make an impact that's well beyond what the Federal government could accomplish on its own. We're giving private companies, local communities, and other non-government partners a way to invest in a new era in conservation that ultimately benefits us all. These efforts keep our land resilient and water clean, and promote economic growth in agriculture, construction, tourism, outdoor recreation, and other industries."

"As venture capitalists provide financial resources to burgeoning, high-potential growth startups, USDA must lead in a new venture conservationist movement that empowers and launches new, high-opportunity startup partnerships that deliver locally-led conservation solutions," said Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Jason Weller. "RCPP puts our partners in the driver's seat. Projects are led locally, and demonstrate the value of strong public-private partnerships that deliver solutions to natural resource challenges."

RCPP competitively awards funds to conservation projects designed by local partners specifically for their region. Eligible partners include private companies, universities, non-profit organizations, local and tribal governments and others joining with agricultural and conservation organizations and producers to invest money, manpower and materials to their proposed initiatives. With participating partners investing along with the Department, USDA's $1.2 billion in funding over the life of the five-year Farm Bill program can leverage an additional $1.2 billion from partners for a total of $2.4 billion for conservation. Through RCPP, partners propose conservation projects to improve soil health, water quality and water use efficiency, wildlife habitat, and other related natural resources on private lands.

In addition to supporting local conservation goals, clean land and water investments create jobs in local communities. Conservation work involves building and maintaining infrastructure, such as building terraces in fields or restoring wetlands, which requires the hiring of contractors, engineers, scientists, and others. A 2013 study commissioned by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation estimates that conservation activities supported more than 660,000 jobs. Conservation also provides an economic boost by spurring local tourism. Cleaner water and enhanced wildlife habitat provide additional opportunities for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The outdoor recreation economy supports 6.1 million direct jobs, $80 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenue, and $646 billion in spending each year.

The RCPP project in Arizona that Secretary Vilsack announced today will help restore habitat for fish and wildlife along the Verde River and encourage more sustainable use of water in the area. The Nature Conservancy will work with NRCS and Friends of Verde River Greenway, Verde Natural Resource Conservation District, Arizona Game and Fish Department and Tamarisk Coalition to enhance 6,000 acres of riparian habitat and improve irrigation on 1,000 farmland acres.

A complete list of the projects and their descriptions is available on the NRCS website.

New RCPP projects throughout the country will support a wide array of agricultural and natural resource activities, from helping farmers improve their drought resiliency to protecting drinking water supplies. They are also providing habitat for many at-risk species such as sage grouse and supporting the expansion of environmental markets. All of these investments will benefit ranching and farming operations that will in turn help address natural resource needs.

More than 600 pre-proposals were submitted for RCPP in 2014.

"With so many strong project proposals, the selection process was extremely competitive. RCPP is a 5-year, $1.2 billion USDA opportunity. Projects not selected in this first year may be eligible in subsequent years," Chief Weller said. The Chief also noted that NRCS personnel will work with applicants who did not receive funding during this round of awards to strengthen their applications for future funding rounds. The next announcement of program funding for fiscal year 2016 will be made later in the year. Today's announcement includes funding allocated for the first two years of the program.



Cattle Tuberculosis Confirmed in Texas Dairies

The Texas Animal Health Commission has confirmed Cattle tuberculosis in two Texas Panhandle dairies located in Castro County. The infected herds are under quarantine and will remain so until the herds meet all requirements for quarantine release through testing and removal of infected animals. Dairy, calf-raising and dairy heifer raising operations in Texas and other states with epidemiological links to the infected herds will be tested to determine the possible origin or potential spread of the disease.

Cattle tuberculosis is a chronic debilitating respiratory disease whose symptoms can include progressive weight loss, chronic cough, and general loss of condition. Like many other diseases, TB transmission is facilitated when animals are concentrated or held in close confinement. Infected animals normally spread the TB bacteria to their herd mates by expelling infective droplets into the air which are inhaled, or contaminate feed.

A variety of other species are susceptible to TB, including elk, deer, bison, goats, swine, cats and humans. Sheep and horses are rarely affected. Although TB can affect humans, pasteurization of milk removes any risk of transmission, and meat from infected animals does not enter the food chain.

Tuberculosis has a long incubation period (months to years) and was once the most prevalent infectious disease of cattle and swine in the United States. Cattle TB caused more losses among U.S. farm animals in the early part of this century than all other infectious diseases combined. Through a cooperative state-federal program, bovine tuberculosis has been nearly eradicated from livestock in the US.

In 2000, Texas finally earned USDA TB accredited-free status. In 2002 however, that status was temporarily revoked when two infected cattle herds were detected. After extensive testing, Texas regained its TB-free status from USDA in October 2006. This effort included testing over 2,000 purebred beef operations and all of the state's dairies. Slaughter surveillance and identification practices for dairy cattle necessary to aid in tracing of high risk cows was also greatly enhanced at that time.



Demand for Sorghum at an All-Time High, Supply Needed
Kayla Wilkins, Communications Intern, National Sorghum Checkoff Program

The market place for sorghum both domestically and internationally has steadily increased within the last five years. In fact, exports of U.S. grain sorghum have already surpassed last year’s total just four months into the marketing year.

“Demand for sorghum is at an all time high,” said Florentino Lopez, Sorghum Checkoff executive director. “This demand is revealed through the purchasing patterns of the export market. In fact, bushels destined for export as of Jan. 8 have already reached 237.4 million bushels, 12 percent higher than last year’s sales.”

Five years ago, the export sector accounted for 30 percent of theU.S. grain sorghum market. At that time, Mexico was the largest importer, committing to approximately 973,042 bushels of grain sorghum weekly. However, in 2013 sorghum exports skyrocketed when Gun Jen Juee Agriculture Trading Company became the first company to import U.S. sorghum into China.

“I think with rapid growth in the Chinese feed industry, sorghum is a promising feed material for our company,” said Paul Huang, Gun Jen Juee marketing manager. “The cost of grain sorghum is competitive and the nutrition is high for livestock feed production.”

Prior to Gun Jen Juee purchasing U.S. grain sorghum, there was no market for the crop in China. Last year alone, Gun Jen Juee imported approximately 1.5 million tons of sorghum, and they anticipate imports to continue increasing.

Brian Lomare, director of the U.S. Grains Council office in China, said the demand for sorghum in China has increased dramatically within the livestock industries. Lomare said after research indicated the high nutritional quality of sorghum, feedlot and livestock industries decided purchasing sorghum was a smart choice.

“They saw a large import margin and high nutritional value, so they brought in sorghum,” Lomare said. “I think the big surprise was it went from zero to 118 million bushels in a year.”

While China went from importing seemingly no grain to being the largest importer of U.S. grain sorghum, the U.S. Grains Council in cooperation with the Sorghum Checkoff is striving to maintain a permanent market in China for livestock feed and human consumption.

“We’re hoping the businesses that market themselves with high quality pork will start to see sorghum as a way to improve pork quality,” Lomare said.

The booming success of the Chinese demand for U.S. grain sorghum has proven to be beneficial for growers in terms of basis and viability. Establishing a more permanent market in China will lead to a more diverse market and long-term producer profitability.

“The Sorghum Checkoff is here to help producers increase their profitability,” Lopez said. “We are dedicated to the producer to do just that, and while the export market is vital, we have not forgotten about other market opportunities, including other long-term partners like Mexico and Japan.”

Market trends over the last few years have shown that food-grade sorghum and the ethanol market are growing, as well.

The human-food sector has new products hitting the shelves regularly. Qualities such as naturally gluten-free and non-transgenic, make it a popular item among consumers. In fact, products are no longer just reaching niche markets but are now expanding into mainstream brands, such as Kellog’s Special K Gluten Free cereal. The pet food market is also increasingly utilizing sorghum in their products, including Iams dog and cat food.

The ethanol industry’s use of grain sorghum is also a value-added market. Approximately 36 plants across the U.S. have utilized grain sorghum in ethanol production. Nearly 336 million gallons of ethanol were produced annually over the last five years, saving consumers an average of $3.1 billion at the pump each year.

Lopez said demand today exceeds supply, and the Sorghum Checkoff will continue to maintain and increase opportunities for producers to strengthen supply and fill the growing demand for sorghum in all marketplaces.

“Today the market is China,” Lopez said. “Tomorrow, who knows where that might be, but the end result will be producers gaining more profits.”



Zoetis announces partnership to help boost value of feeder cattle

Zoetis Inc. has partnered with Verified Beef, LLC, to support Reputation Feeder Cattle™, a program for ranchers and cattle feeders that helps define feeder calf value by verifying industry-leading genetics and best practices.

Age- and source-verified cattle have been attractive to the export market at extra premiums. Reputation Feeder Cattle will continue adding value for niche and export markets in years to come.

“This raises the bar for how feeder cattle are represented in terms of genetics, health, handling and verification,” said Jon Lowe, senior director and global head of genetics for Zoetis.  “Producers need to be looking out for the best interest of the industry by verifying their best practices.”

This progressive calf marketing and management program differentiates calves based on three fundamental principles:
•          Genetic merit for feedlot performance and carcass traits
•          Herd health, nutrition and management practices
•          Age and source verification

“Reputation Feeder Cattle describes historic health management and the genetic potential for feedlot and carcass performance that could impact break-evens and close-outs,” Lowe said. “Zoetis is excited to serve as a valuable link to help determine genetic potential for these cattle.”

Expected progeny differences (EPDs) have been used with great success in the cattle industry to identify the genetic differences for economically important traits of individual animals. Reputation Feeder Cattle will expand the breadth of data now available for the feeder cattle trade.

“By putting relevant genetic and management information at the buyer’s fingertips, the program has potential to revolutionize the value of feeder cattle as well as enhance performance and profitability over time,” Lowe said. “The historic success of EPDs allows the program to be a consistent and simple information conduit between cow-calf and feeder segments, ultimately meaning a better managed price, health and genetic risk across the industry.”

The Genetic Merit Scorecard®, the core of the program, helps determine genetic merit on a group basis. It accurately defines calves’ gain and grade profit potential based on their genetics. The scorecard displays the information in a format that is easy to interpret and understand for feeder cattle buyers and sellers.

Beyond genetics, Reputation Feeder Cattle emphasizes the value of well-planned nutrition and parasite control, as well as weaning and vaccination programs. Experts agree that some of the largest revenue-enhancing practices focus on early management for calves.

Reputation Feeder Cattle builds on the 30 years of demonstrated success of the SelectVAC® program from Zoetis. As the largest and longest-standing branded preconditioning program of its kind, SelectVAC has enrolled more than 5 million calves. Calves with solid health history records, a strong nutritional background and the genetics to perform both in the feedlot and on the rail will be highly valued and well-recognized in the market. The program informs cattle feeders when certified cattle are selling, whether at a livestock auction market or by video or private treaty.

“Combining the industry-leading experience from Verified Beef and Zoetis, Reputation Feeder Cattle will help cow/calf producers tighten vaccination, deworming and other pre- and post-weaning management strategies,” Lowe said.