Monday April 27 Ag News

Cutworm Monitoring Network Gears Up
Michael Rethwisch, UNL Extension Educator

Nebraska Extension educators have organized a pheromone trapping network to monitor black cutworm and variegated cutworm moth activity across Nebraska during the 2015 planting season. Traps started being placed into service the week of April 14.

Traps are already being actively monitored in many locations, including Adams, Burt, Butler, Dixon, Hamilton, Johnson, Lancaster, Lincoln, Nemaha, Richardson, Saline, and Wayne Counties. Additional traps are expected to be placed into service very soon in Madison and Keith/Arthur counties.

So far this year black cutworm moths have not been detected in Nebraska, but variegated cutworm activity has been documented from Adams County east to the Missouri River, and as far north as Burt County. Butler County has had the highest number of variegated cutworms, recording over 30 moths April 15-21.  Variegated cutworm counts this week are lower than last week, in part due to colder night temperatures which limit moth flight activity.

Moth activity does not necessarily correspond with later cutworm caterpillar outbreaks, but serves as an early warning that cutworms may be present. Weedy fields are most at risk as the vegetation is conducive for egg-laying by moths and provides food for the hatching caterpillars. 

Moth counts will be available on CropWatch beginning the week of April 27.

For more information see Corn Cutworms (NebGuide G1153).



LENRD rule change will help producers while continuing to protect groundwater

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) Board of Directors met Thursday, April 23 for their monthly meeting.  During the meeting, a public hearing was held to receive public comment on the proposed changes to the LENRD’s groundwater management area rules and regulations.  After hearing testimony from several producers that wanted to develop new irrigated land, the Board approved the proposed changes to the rules.  The Board has been working with staff to modify the district’s rules to allow development of small tracts of land, up to 35 acres, through the district’s expedited variance process.

The new rule applies to producers who fall under either of two very specific categories.

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “The LENRD board felt it important to approve a good cause variance process to address two very specific scenarios which the district encountered during our acre certification process.  One scenario deals with discrepancies discovered with some approved standard variances and the other scenario deals with landowners who were caught in between the rule changes and, through no fault of their own, investments were made and they were not able to complete their irrigation plans.”

Producers who feel they may qualify for a variance under one of the categories should contact the LENRD to apply.  Cooperators will need to provide sufficient evidence that their scenario falls under the good cause variance umbrella.

The district’s old rules didn’t allow for minor modifications when certifying irrigated acres.  Under the rule change, a new category, called a “Variance for Good Cause Shown” will be added to the District’s Expedited Variance Process.  Under this process, the General Manager is authorized to approve or deny applications to add irrigated acres for the situations described above, using a common sense approach.

Sousek added, “The LENRD board will continue to change and modify its groundwater rules and regulations in the future.  These changes will be determined as better science becomes available or when new issues arise, so the district can further develop more comprehensive management plans.  The goal of the LENRD is to promote groundwater development where it is sustainable, all while protecting current and future water users.”

The new rule becomes effective on May 11th, 2015.  To view the rules, please visit the LENRD’s website at www.lenrd.org, or visit the office in Norfolk at 601 E. Benjamin Avenue.



Watch for Seedling Diseases in Early Planted Corn
Tamra Jackson-Ziems, Nebraska Extension Plant Pathologist

Field conditions vary widely across Nebraska right now and may put early planted corn at added risk for seedling diseases. In some areas cool soil temperatures and episodes of recent rainfall are especially favorable for some of the most common and damaging seedling diseases; in other areas, field conditions are quite dry. Numerous seedling diseases can occur and take advantage of any of these conditions. Be sure to monitor seedling emergence and stand establishment in the coming weeks so that if problems occur, they can be detected as early as possible.

Healthy and seedling disease of corn plants
Seedling diseases can be caused by any of several common soilborne organisms, such as Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia or plant parasitic nematodes. Seedling diseases are often difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are very similar.  Sometimes diagnosis may be of limited value because management is the same for several seedling diseases.  Microscopic examination and other laboratory analyses of the diseased seedlings often can identify the cause(s) of the problems. Seedling diseases can be confused with insect injury, herbicide damage, planting problems, or environmental stresses that often have similar symptoms.  Some of the possible symptoms of seedling diseases are:
    Rotted seed prior to germination
    Rotted or discolored seedlings after germination prior to emergence
    Post-emergence seedling damping off  
    Root or hypocotyl decay 

At least 14 species of Pythium can cause seedling blight and root rot. These pathogens require excessive moisture because they produce motile swimming zoospores that infect plant roots. The pathogen overwinters in soil and infected plant debris by producing thick-walled oospores that can survive for several years in the absence of a suitable host or favorable weather conditions.

More than six Fusarium species can cause seedling diseases and root rots as well and several are common in Nebraska fields. Stressed plants due to weather extremes (temperature and moisture), herbicide damage, and physical injury are more prone to infection and disease caused by Fusarium species.

Rhizoctonia species also can cause seedling diseases, but tend to be more common in drier growing conditions.  Rhizoctonia tends to cause reddish-brown lesions (Figure 4) that can girdle and rot off roots.  Root and crown rot may be severe enough to cause seedling death.

Management
Unfortunately, resistance is not available for seedling diseases in corn. Improved field drainage can help reduce the incidence and severity of some seedling diseases, as well as delaying planting until soil conditions are warmer and will promote rapid seed germination and emergence.  The most common disease management is through the use of seed treatment fungicides.

Crop rotation can provide some reduction in disease, but some pathogens also may infect soybean and other crops.

Most seed corn is already treated with more than one seed treatment fungicide, often an insecticide, and, sometimes with a nematicide. These products provide protection against some of the pathogens that cause seedling diseases, but can be overwhelmed, such as during extended periods of inclement weather or under severe pathogen pressure.

Some fungicides also are labeled for application in-furrow at planting. Use of fungicides in-furrow at planting may provide some additional protection against these pathogens in fields with severe pathogen pressure and chronic seedling diseases, but more research needs to be conducted to better predict their potential benefits and economic return.  

In Summary
Seed treatments will only provide protection during the first few weeks immediately after planting. You can minimize the likelihood of developing seedling diseases by planting high quality seed at appropriate planting depths and soil conditions to support rapid plant growth and emergence. 



IRRIGATING ALFALFA WITH LIMITED WATER
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

               Alfalfa can use a lot of water.      With less irrigation water available, you may not be able to fully irrigate all your alfalfa acres.  So how do you make best use of the water available?

               Alfalfa uses water most efficiently during spring growth, requiring only four to five acre inches per ton of hay.  By mid-summer, though, it takes seven or eight inches to produce the same ton of hay.  By fall, that may drop again to five or six inches per ton.

               So to maximize yield with limited water, produce as much yield as possible during the first cutting or two, when water use efficiency is highest.  This could mean irrigating even before first cutting if rainfall is sparse during spring.

               What if you won’t receive any water until after first cutting?  Then irrigate as soon you get water if it will increase yield enough during second cutting. Then avoid irrigating alfalfa in the heat of summer when it is used poorly.  Wait to apply most of what is left after temperatures cool down later this year.  You might want to modify timing a little, though, to avoid having hay ready to cut near the end of September while it is winterizing.

               If you must decide on spreading water lightly across all acres or using heavier rates on fewer acres, I recommend heavier rates on fewer acres.  The first couple inches you apply just keep plants green without growing.  Once this maintenance moisture is met, then the rest produces growth.

               Whatever you decide, be sure to use limited water on your best land.  That is where plants will respond best to extra water.

               Tough times require tough decisions.  Let’s make the best ones.



FIVE PROBABLE CASES OF HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA IN OSCEOLA, O’BRIEN AND SIOUX COUNTIES IN IOWA

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responding to five probable cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry farms in Osceola, O’Brien and Sioux Counties in Northwest Iowa.  These five new cases would join three confirmed cases of the disease in Iowa. State officials have quarantined the premises and if the initial test are confirmed, all birds on the property will be humanely euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.

Osceola County 2 – Pullet farm with an estimated 250,000 birds.  Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.  Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.

O’Brien County 1 – Commercial laying operation with an estimated 240,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality. Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.  Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.

O’Brien County 2 – Commercial laying operation with an estimated 98,000 birds that has experienced increased mortality.  Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.  Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.

Sioux County 1 – Commercial laying operation with an estimated 1.7 million birds that has experienced increased mortality.  Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.  Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.

Sioux County 2 – Commercial laying operation with an estimated 3.8 million birds that has experienced increased mortality.  Initial testing showed it positive for H5 avian influenza.  Additional confirmatory testing is pending from the APHIS National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames.



2015 SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION WEEK IS APRIL 26 TO MAY 3

    Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Week is an opportunity to recognize the important conservation practices placed on Iowa’s landscape and bring attention to the ongoing work by farmers, landowners and urban residents to protect the state’s soil and water resources.

    On Wednesday, April 22 Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed a proclamation recognizing April 26 – May 3 as Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Week on the Puetz farm in Plymouth County.

    “Soil and Water Conservation Week is a great opportunity to highlight the efforts all Iowans can do on their property, whether in town or on the farm, to prevent soil erosion and protect water quality in Iowa,” Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said.   “It is vital that we preserve these resources that help make Iowa agriculture so productive and such a key driver of our state’s economy.”

    Iowa Soil and Water Conservation Week is in coordination with the national Stewardship Week, sponsored by the National Association of Conservation Districts.  This year’s Stewardship Week theme is “Local Heroes: Your Hardworking Pollinators.” Outreach activities and events will be held throughout the week.

    Officials with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will participate in a pollinator “Lunch and Learn” at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines on Wednesday, April 29 and an urban conservation tour in Calhoun County on Thursday, April 30.

    A wide variety of additional outreach activities and events will be held throughout the week.  To see full details of these and all events being held this week in Iowa, visit www.iowaagriculture.gov/conservationweek.asp. 



Gov. Branstad Celebrates Iowa Dairy Farmers at Capitol Event

Governor Terry Branstad joined Midwest Dairy Council in recognizing Iowa dairy farmers and celebrating National Dairy Council’s 100th anniversary during an event Friday, April 17 at the Iowa State Capitol.

The event featured remarks from Governor Branstad and Lee Maassen of Maassen Dairy, recognizing the commitment of Iowa’s dairy farmers to the health and wellness of all Americans. The Governor also issued a proclamation declaring Thursday, April 16 “National Dairy Council Day” in Iowa, followed by a ceremonial “milk toast” to commemorate the occasion.

"Through its health and wellness initiatives, nutrition research and public advocacy, National Dairy Council has been a key driver for educating Iowans and the nation about the dietary benefits of dairy products and the importance of dairy to a healthy lifestyle,” said Governor Branstad. “It is my honor to congratulate and thank Iowa’s dairy farmers on their commitment and hard work.”

Since its founding in 1915, National Dairy Council has helped people live healthier lives by communicating the nutrient-rich value of dairy foods like milk, cheese and yogurt in an overall balanced diet. Guided by science, National Dairy Council brings to life a shared vision for a healthy, joyful and sustainable world and a dedication to healthy products, healthy people, healthy communities and a healthier planet – now and for future generations.

“Producing food for the world has been our passion for five generations and we wouldn’t trade it for anything else,” said Maassen, whose family has been farming in Sioux County for more than a century. “Dairy farms like ours are typically passed down from generation to generation, and we look forward to continuing the legacy of bringing nutritious dairy products to market and supporting our collective health and wellbeing for the next hundred years.”

Representatives from the Iowa Department of Agriculture, Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa Department of Education also attended the event.



USDA: Total Red Meat Production Down in '14 From '13

Total red meat production for the United States totaled 47.4 billion pounds in 2014, 4 percent lower than the previous year.  Red meat includes beef, veal, pork, and lamb and mutton.  Red meat production in commercial plants totaled 47.3 billion pounds.  On-farm slaughter totaled 93.4 million pounds.

Beef production totaled 24.3 billion pounds, down 6 percent from the previous year.  Veal production totaled 100 million pounds, down 15 percent from last year.  Pork production, at 22.9 billion pounds, was down 1 percent from the previous year.  Lamb and mutton production totaled 161 million pounds, down slightly from 2013.

Commercial cattle slaughter during 2014 totaled 30.2 million head, down 7 percent from 2013, with federal inspection comprising 98.4 percent of the total.  The average live weight was 1,330 pounds, up 16 pounds from a year ago.  Steers comprised 51.8 percent of the total federally inspected cattle slaughter, heifers 28.2 percent, dairy cows 9.5 percent, other cows 8.6 percent, and bulls 1.8 percent.

Commercial calf slaughter totaled 565,800 head, 26 percent lower than a year ago with 98.5 percent under federal inspection.  The average live weight was 283 pounds, up 33 pounds from a year earlier.

Commercial hog slaughter totaled 106.9 million head, 5 percent lower than 2013 with 99.3 percent of the hogs slaughtered under federal inspection.  The average live weight was up 9 pounds from last year, at 285 pounds.  Barrows and gilts comprised 97.1 percent of the total federally inspected hog slaughter.

Commercial sheep and lamb slaughter, at 2.31 million head, was down slightly from the previous year with 91.1 percent by federal inspection.  The average live weight was unchanged from 2013 at 135 pounds.  Lambs and yearlings comprised 93.5 percent of the total federally inspected sheep slaughter.

Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and Texas accounted for 49 percent of the United States commercial red meat production in 2014, unchanged from 2013.

By State  (million pounds, '14 total - '13 total)
Nebraska ......:         7,274.4    -    7,353.0
Iowa .............:         6,597.1    -    6,571.9
Kansas ..........:         5,074.6    -    5,388.1

There were 881 plants slaughtering under federal inspection on January 1, 2015 compared with 862 last year.  Of these, 654 plants slaughtered at least one head of cattle during 2014 with the 13 largest plants slaughtering 56 percent of the total cattle killed.  Hogs were slaughtered at 620 plants, with the 12 largest plants accounting for 57 percent of the total.  Likewise, 5 of the 200 plants that slaughtered calves accounted for 63 percent of the total and 3 of the 521 plants that slaughtered sheep or lambs in 2014 comprised 56 percent of the total head.   



Beef Checkoff Logs Record Number of BQA Certifications!

More than 2,100 producers from across the country became Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)-certified thanks to the recent offer from Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI). That is the highest number in the program’s 4-year history, and means nearly 22,000 producers have taken advantage of this offer to sign up for the BQA certification program. Although the free certification period has passed, it’s never too late to proclaim your commitment to quality and become BQA-certified through your state trainings or online at www.bqa.org.



Kum & Go to Offer E15 Fuel Options in 2015

Today, Kum & Go announced that it will begin offering E15 as a fuel option. The first station, located at 7229 University Avenue in Windsor Heights, Iowa will open on April 30. Over the next two years, Kum & Go plans to make E15 available at more than 65 stores across Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. The EPA approved E15 for use in vehicles manufactured since 2001, however E15 is currently only available at 120 locations in the U.S.

E15 is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. It is the most widely tested fuel to ever be offered for sale in the United States. Since ethanol is cleaner and has a higher octane content than gasoline, E15 reduces the number of pollutants in fuel and produces less carbon emissions than regular gasoline. In addition, E15 is typically the less expensive option at the pump.

Kum & Go has been an industry leader in introducing alternative fuels. In the 1970’s, they were among the first to offer ten percent ethanol blends. Kum & Go expanded their fuel options to include E85 in 1997. Today, Kum & Go offers E85 at more than 160 locations across 11 states. Many stores also carry premium biodiesel blends and later this month Kum & Go will open their first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling station in Springdale, Arkansas.

“We have a strong tradition in our company to implement sustainability within our business and at our locations. From our 100 LEED-certified stores, to our selection of alternative fuels, E15 was a natural addition to our fuel offering,” said Jim Pirolli, Vice President of Fuels, Kum & Go. “Having E15 in our portfolio allows Kum & Go to offer our customers a quality product at a great value.”



Major Retail Chain Kum & Go Announces Launch of E15 Availability
First location will offer E15 on April 30 in Iowa, with plans for 65 total stations across 7 states over next two years

In response to the announcement today that Kum & Go, the fifth-largest, privately held and company-operated convenience store chain in the U.S., will be offering E15, Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, issued the following statement:

“We are thrilled to hear that Kum & Go will be offering E15, providing motorists with a choice and savings at the pump. Kum & Go prides themselves on their exemplary service and a drive to give the customer more than what they expect, and this latest announcement underscores their role as an innovator and leader in the convenience store marketplace. Furthermore, this announcement shows that customer demand for higher blends of homegrown, renewable fuels, such as E15, is growing and Kum & Go is taking the necessary steps to deliver what the marketplace demands and what the consumer wants.

“Kum & Go has always given back to the communities they serve, and by offering E15, they are not only providing a choice at the pump, but they are supporting American jobs, our rural economy and our environment by offering a cleaner burning fuel.

“Consumers are getting a higher octane, better performing fuel that burns cleaner and runs cooler in engines, which improves vehicle performance and can extend engine life. With E15, consumers are getting more for less when they fill up.

“Their decision to offer E15 clearly demonstrates the strength of consumer demand for higher ethanol blends such as E15. It proves once again that consumers will select a high performance, low cost fuel when given the choice. Kum & Go is clearly a leader in the fuel retail marketplace and is acutely in tune with what their customers want and need.

“E15 is the most tested fuel in history. The U.S. Department of Energy performed an exhaustive test of E15, driving 86 cars for over 6 million miles, and approving the fuel for use in all light duty cars and trucks model year 2001 and newer. E15 is currently available at over 120 retail locations in 18 states across the nation.”



NASCAR® and American Ethanol Celebrate Five Year Partnership

For five years and more than seven million miles, American Ethanol and NASCAR have worked together to increase horsepower and decrease greenhouse gas emissions in the sport by 20 percent with Sunoco Green E15, a renewable fuel blended with American Ethanol.

“This has been a tremendous partnership,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. “We are thrilled to help NASCAR in its green efforts and NASCAR’s high performance racing has been the perfect validator for E15, a cleaner burning fuel that is less expensive and has a higher octane content, which improves performance. Furthermore, since NASCAR switched to Sunoco Green E15 five years ago, we have seen a very a substantial change in the national dialogue regarding ethanol – when people see NASCAR rely on ethanol week after week in all three of its national racing series, they understand that it is a fuel that they can rely on as well. That is why this weekend we are unveiling a new American Ethanol paint scheme with E15 prominently located on the hood of Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet SS,” said Buis.

Dillon, who has been advocating the benefits of ethanol for three years since NASCAR Race to Green™ began, will drive his first American Ethanol paint out of the 2015 racing season in Saturday’s Toyota Owners 400 race at Richmond International Raceway.

“American Ethanol has stepped up to help our nation’s economy, but I really like the environmental contributions the homegrown fuel has made to the sport,” said Dillon. “I am proud to wear the American Ethanol colors in NASCAR and I hope I can bring them to Victory Lane in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series™ in 2015.”

NASCAR is a leader in green initiatives, both on and off the track. In addition to reducing the sport’s environmental impact, NASCAR is empowering consumers to make environmentally conscious decisions in their daily lives by validating green technologies that are available at the pump and developing educational tools for fans. The most recent example is an online tool which allows fans to measure their carbon footprints.

“Away from the track the ethanol we use in our family cars cuts greenhouse gas emissions so well it’s equivalent to taking more than 20 million vehicles off the road. That’s a contribution to society that makes farmers proud, but E15 gives us a means to do even better,” said National Corn Growers Association President, Chip Bowling.

“E15 American Ethanol turns our unrivaled ability to produce corn into a national asset. Consumer demand for ethanol is good for family farmers and fans appreciate that. We have grown the 12 largest corn crops in history in the last 12 years so ethanol demand is critical. It means farmers can pay their bills, reinvest in the broader economy and keep family operations like mine viable for future generations.” 

“In 2011, we made the seamless transition to Sunoco Green E15 and it has proven to be safe and reliable under the most demanding competition conditions. The NASCAR Green platform is about empowering fans with information to help them make decisions about their own green behaviors, and American Ethanol has been a great partner to us in that regard. According to a 2014 study by Toluna, when compared to non-fans, NASCAR fans are more than 75 percent more likely to support the use of ethanol blended with gasoline to fuel their own car.”

E15 is the most tested fuel in history. The U.S. Department of Energy performed an exhaustive test of E15, driving 86 cars more than 6 million miles, and approving the fuel for use in all light duty cars and trucks model year 2001 and newer.



USDA Awards $3.8 Million in Grants for Nanotechnology Research

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) today announced more than $3.8 million in funding to support grants focused on using nanotechnology to find solutions to societal challenges such as food security, nutrition, food safety, and environmental protection. The awards were made through NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), which is authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

"Nanoscale science, engineering, and technology embrace opportunities in a broad range of critical challenges facing agriculture and food systems" said NIFA director, Sonny Ramaswamy. "Advances in nanotechnology help secure a healthy food supply by enabling cost-effective methods for the early detection of insects, diseases, and other contaminants; improve plant and animal breeding; and create high value-added products of nano-biomaterials for food and non-food applications."

Past projects include a Cornell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute venture that led to the development of a new nanotechnology that could keep bacteria from sticking to medical equipment and food processing machinery. A project from Harvard School of Public Health is investigating the effectiveness of a chemical-free, nanotechnology-based method for the inactivation of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms on the surface of fruits and vegetables.

Fiscal year 2014 projects include:
    The University of Georgia, Athens, Ga., $496,192
    University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa., $496,180
    University of Kentucky Research Foundation, Lexington, Ky., $450,000
    University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass., $444,200
    North Dakota State University, Fargo, N.D., $149,714
    Rutgers University, New Brunswick. N.J., $450,000
    Pennsylvania State University, University Park, University Park, Pa., $447,788
    West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Va., $496,168
    University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis., $450,100

The purpose of AFRI is to support research, education, and extension work by awarding grants that address key problems of national, regional, and multi-state importance in sustaining all components of food and agriculture. AFRI is NIFA's flagship competitive grant program authorized under the 2014 Farm Bill and supports work in six priority areas: 1) plant health and production and plant products; 2) animal health and production and animal products; 3) food safety, nutrition and health; 4) bioenergy, natural resources and environment; 5) agriculture systems and technology; and 6) agriculture economics and rural communities.



CWT Assists with 1.2 Million Pounds of Cheese and Whole Milk Powder Export Sales
Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 8 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold), and Tillamook County Creamery Association who have contracts to sell 1.122 million pounds (509 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda, and Monterey Jack cheese and 85,980 pounds (39 metric tons) of whole milk powder to customers in Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from April through October 2015.

Year-to-date, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 28.878 million pounds of cheese, 24.388 million pounds of butter, and 8.739 million pounds of whole milk powder to twenty eight countries on five continents. The amounts of and butter in these sales contracts represent the equivalent of 879.062 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program, in the long-term, helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



NCGA Submits Comments to Federal Agencies Regarding Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems

Last week, the National Corn Growers Association submitted comments to both the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration about proposed rules regarding the commercial usage and privacy best practices of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

In the letter to DOT, NCGA notes that unmanned aerial systems have widespread potential applications for farmers, and will ultimately reduce costs, improve efficiency, and make farming operations more sustainable. For example, when scouting fields, an unmanned aerial system could provide real-time snapshots, taken from better vantage points that allow farmers to better spot and treat irregularities - all at a fraction of the cost and time it would take to do so on foot.

The letter also notes that UAS technology would "increase chances of early detection of irregularities, [and] farmers are able to treat specific areas of fields rather than mass application of inputs. This has many benefits, for both farmers and consumers: significantly lower operating costs; fewer inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizer; higher yields; and a reduced environmental impact."

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to issue a final rule regarding UAS later this year. In writing the final rules governing UAS, NCGA encouraged the FAA to embrace innovation and remain flexible as the technology continues to advance.

In a separate letter to the NTIA, NCGA called for strong rules protecting farmers' privacy and ownership of any data collected using UAS technology. The letter states, "We consider farm data to be proprietary information that is sensitive to a farmer's business and way of life. Any use of UAS, whether commercial, private, or governmental, over a farmer's land that results in data collection should come with explicit consent from the farmer."