Thursday September 3 Ag News

Good Weaning Management is Good for Animal Welfare and Your Bottom Line
Steve Tonn, UNL Extension Educator, Washington County

Weaning time is a couple of months away but now is the time to begin to start planning for weaning your calves.

When you ask producers about weaning experiences you hear a variety of stories. The late night call from the sheriff looking for the owner of the black cows trotting down the highway; the favorite heifer calf that broke a leg getting out of the weaning pen; too much noise outside to carry on a conversation and enjoy the deck on a beautiful fall evening. Weaning is stressful for calves, cows and people. Weaning is second only to calving for death losses.

The magnitude of weaning as a stressor was emphasized by Dr. Joe Stookey, PhD, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Canada at the International Symposium on Animal Welfare held in Manhattan in May. He pointed to the fact that cows and calves will bawl for days after weaning as evidence to support his belief that weaning is the most stressful experience in a calf’s life. The survival instincts of cattle as prey animals would normally keep them from alerting predators of their whereabouts and to blend in with the herd.

Weaning seems like such a threat to survival that the cow and calf will vocalize loudly for days ignoring the fact that it may draw predators. We know the calf will have all it needs to survive, but the calf doesn’t know that yet.

Two methods have been researched recently to reduce the stress of weaning; fenceline weaning and two-stage weaning. Fenceline weaning separates cows and calves by a fenceline in a familiar pasture for several days before removing cows from the area. Two-stage weaning uses an anti-suckling device in place for 3 to 7 days prior to actually separating the cow/calf pair. Both methods reduce the signs of behavioral stress by the calves as compared to traditional weaning. Walking and vocalization are particularly reduced with 2-stage weaning.  Leading some to view it as the least stressful method.  Fenceline weaned calves will still walk the fence for the first couple of days but not nearly as much as traditionally weaned calves.

Measurements of postweaning gain indicate that fenceline weaned calves outgain traditionally weaned calves as far as 10 weeks after weaning whereas improvement in gain in 2-stage weaned calves was only apparent in the first 2 to 3 weeks after being removed from dams.

Reducing stress at weaning could involve shifting from traditional weaning to fenceline or 2-stage weaning. These methods won’t fit all production settings but what might not have seemed possible at first glance may be when considered further. Weaning as a topic at an animal welfare program is indicative of the time we live in and gives us cause for reflection.

Other steps to reduce stress at weaning
Ensure calves are prepared to respond to disease challenge by providing appropriate mineral nutrition and starting a vaccination program prior to weaning. Calves should be worked and immunized at least three to four weeks before weaning.  Have both cows and calves together at the weaning site to allow cows to show calves the location of food and water. Teach calves to eat by providing a creep feeder a month before weaning. Make sure pens and waterers are clean and in good repair. Evaluate pen size and bunk placement so that stopping and eating is easier to do than walking the fence.

Fenceline Weaning
Don’t let your idea of fenceline weaning stop at cows in one existing pasture and calves in another. Many things will work. Consider fencing cows in a smaller area with supplemental feed and leaving the calves in the bulk of the pasture. In some cases working corrals have been used to hold cows with the calves outside the working area.

A wide range of fencing approaches have been used to separate cows and calves in fenceline weaning; electric and non-electric, barbed, woven and high-tensile. If cows and calves are already trained to an electric fence, a single hot wire with 3 strands of barbed wire may work fine. As with anything tried for the first time, anticipate the need for adjustment. Calves should be familiar with the pasture and location of water prior to fenceline weaning. More suggestions on fenceline weaning can be found in a bulletin by Wright and Pruitt at http://agbiopubs.sdstate.edu/articles/ExEx2049.pdf.

Two Stage Weaning
Anti-suckling devices should be in place for 3 to 7 days prior to weaning. If allowed to remain longer, some calves learn how flip the device up so they can still nurse. One study using an adjustable nose clip found those calves were eating less and spent more time idle than fenceline weaned or control calves. The authors speculated that there may have been more discomfort with this particular device as this effect was not reported in similar studies. Devices can be re-used but be sure to disinfect between uses. The disadvantages of this method include at least one additional handling and the distance between the pasture and the working area.

Is setting up for fenceline weaning or applying and removing the anti-suckling devices at a planned time better than treating sick calves on their schedule? Now is the time to be assessing current weaning practices and looking for ways of minimizing stress to improve calf health, performance and well-being. It is also the time to be proactive in applying acceptable animal welfare techniques that also have positive production benefits for the producer.



IntelliFarm to partner with Nebraska Innovation Campus

Product development company IntelliFarm is Nebraska Innovation Campus' newest partner. Dan Duncan, executive director of NIC, said the company would move its corporate office into space on campus later this year.

"We are pleased with the synergy and interactions IntelliFarm will bring to our campus and culture," Duncan said.

IntelliFarm, based in Lincoln, develops intelligent and revolutionary products for the global agricultural industry. The company is engineering disruptive AgTech focused on simple and elegant technology solutions for agriculture.

"It is important for our company to foster a culture of innovation," said Steve R. Tippery, the company's president and chief executive officer. "We see our company's proximity near (the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's City and East) campuses conducive to our innovation initiative as a leader in AgTech."

Locating at NIC provides IntelliFarm with multiple opportunities to collaborate with UNL. The company offers internships to computer science and engineering, biological systems engineering and business students.

IntelliFarm also intends to fund UNL research through partnerships on private, state and federally sponsored research.

NIC is a research campus designed to facilitate new and in-depth partnerships between the university and private-sector businesses. At full build-out, it will be a 2.2-million-square-foot campus with uniquely designed buildings and amenities that inspire creative activity and engagement, transforming ideas into global innovation.

For more information, visit http://www.innovate.unl.edu.



Nebraska Bankers Association Pays Tribute to James Trotter

The Nebraska Bankers Association (NBA) has recognized James "Jim" Trotter with the 2015 NBA Agri-business Recognition Award for outstanding service to agriculture. The award was presented during the NBA's Fall Agri-business Conference, held Sept. 3-4 at The Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln, Neb. The NBA's Agri-business Recognition Award has been presented each year since 1983 to individuals who have made significant contributions to the state of Nebraska and its agricultural industry.

Jim Trotter is the founder and president of Arcadia, Neb.-based Trotter Inc., which celebrates its 53rd anniversary in 2015.

Jim was born in Litchfield, Neb., and grew up in the Ansley, Neb., area, where he graduated from high school in 1954. After attending Kearney State College for a year, Jim joined the Army. Upon discharge, he began working for Missouri Valley Construction and, in 1959, married Virginia Sell from Arcadia, Neb.

Following two near-disastrous accidents, Jim quit Missouri Valley Construction and bought one of five filling stations in Arcadia, Neb., in 1962, which became Trotter Oil Co. Jim offered on-farm tire service and fuel delivery. In 1968, he purchased Brown Grain Co., which became Trotter Grain and Fertilizer, and in 1969 he bought Arcadia Lumber Co., which became Trotter Lumber Co.

Jim's first expansion into the fertilizer business came in 1978 when he bought a fertilizer plant and grain storage facility in Hazard, Neb. Throughout the next two decades, he expanded his business presence into several Nebraska communities, including Litchfield, Scotia, Ord, Ansley, Ashton, Sargent, Broken Bow, Farwell, Burwell, Elba, Loup City, Spalding, Merna, and Pleasanton.

In response to the high volume of liquid fertilizer needed during planting season, Jim decided to open a bulk storage facility known as Trotter Terminal near Ord, Neb., in 1995. The need to transport products to and from this facility led to the formation of Trotter Trucking.

In 2005, the community of Ord was recruiting an ethanol plant to come to town. Jim recognized the need for a full-service truck stop in the community as well. While vying for the ethanol plant, Ord was able to successfully present a package that included Trotter's Whoa & Go Plaza, which opened in July 2006. In addition to the standard farm services, this business included the first truck repair shop and C-Store/Arby's combination for the Trotter organization.

In May 2010, Trotter Inc. opened a Subway franchise in Burwell, Neb., and a Whoa & Go in Palmer, Neb. In 2011, the Trotters moved their Broken Bow, Neb., gas station to Highway 2, and made the operation into a full-service truck plaza, which includes a Taco John's. The Trotter's eighth Whoa & Go was completed in July 2013 and resides in Sargent, Neb.

Also in 2013, the Trotters built a 16,000-ton dry-storage fertilizer plant in Litchfield, Neb., along with a greenhouse known as Trotter's Garden Shoppe and Learning Center. The center provides Litchfield students a fieldtrip destination and fresh vegetables for their school's salad bar during the winter.

Earlier this year, Jim, along with a couple of partners, formed Platte Valley Distillers LLC. The company purchased a feed plant in Lexington, Neb., that uses the ethanol byproduct, DDG, and converts it to pellets to feed cattle. This group is also building a new plant in Ord known as Nebraska Distillers Products LLC.

The Trotters broke ground west of Merna, Neb., this past July for a new fertilizer location. Their plans are to have the office, warehouse, and liquid storage up and running by spring 2016.

While Jim's success is evident, he recognizes his family's participation in his businesses' growth. Jim's wife of nearly 56 years, Virginia, and his two children Terina and Jess all work at the Arcadia, Neb., plant: Terina since 1980 as head accountant and Jess since 1987 as manager and coordinator.

In addition to building his business, Jim has been head of the Arcadia Junior Rodeo since 1966 and has served on the Valley County Fair Board for 30 years. He is a big supporter of county fairs and attends 4-H livestock sales in six Nebraska counties. Jim has served on numerous other boards over the years, including the Arcadia School Board, Arcadia Town Board, and U.S. Suppliers Board of Directors.

For all of his efforts, Jim has received numerous awards including an honorary FFA chapter degree, the 2005 Nebraska Agribusiness Association Industry Person of the Year Award, the 2001 Loup Basin RC&D Council's Employer of the Month Award, the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year & Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, the 2012 Agricultural Innovator Award from the Custer County Economic Development Corp., and recognition this year as a Friend of 4-H in both Sherman and Valley counties.

Congratulations to Jim Trotter as the 2015 recipient of the NBA's prestigious Agri-business Recognition Award.



Informa Projections Show a Possible Uptick From USDA's August Numbers

Private analytical firm Informa Economics expects USDA will slightly increase its U.S. corn production estimate in its September report from 13.686 billion to 13.688 billion bushels.  Informa analysts also expect a slight bump in USDA's U.S. soybean production estimate from 3.916 bb to 3.924 bb.

Regarding yield, Informa puts the corn yield at 168.8 bushels per acre, the same as USDA's August projection.  In soybeans, Informa increased the yield slightly to 47 bushels an acre, up from USDA's 46.9 bushels per acre in the August report.



Deadline to Enroll in Key Farm Bill Safety Net Programs Approaches

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini reminds farmers and ranchers that they have until Sept. 30 to enroll in several key Farm Bill safety net programs – Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy).

“These programs provide important risk protection for farm and dairy operations, so it is important not to miss the deadline for enrollment,” said Dolcini. “Producers already have elected ARC or PLC, so now is the time to sign the contract and enroll for the 2014 and 2015 crop years. I also remind dairy operations to enroll for coverage in 2016. Just $100 covers 90 percent of milk production at a $4 margin, and with incremental premiums, up to an $8 margin can be covered.”

ARC and PLC programs trigger financial protections for agricultural producers when market forces cause substantial drops in crop prices or revenues. More than 1.76 million farmers and ranchers are expected to sign contracts to enroll in ARC or PLC. Covered commodities under the programs include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium grain rice (which includes short grain and sweet rice), safflower seed, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat. Upland cotton is no longer a covered commodity. The elections for each farm stay in place through 2018, but ownership and shares can be adjusted through the annual enrollment. For additional program information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc.

MPP-Dairy offers protection to producers when the difference between the milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. Participating dairy farmers will remain in the program through 2018 and pay a $100 administrative fee each year. Producers also have the option of selecting a different coverage level during open enrollment each year. MPP-Dairy payments are based on an operation’s historical production, which will increase by 2.61 percent in 2016, if the operation participated in 2015, providing a stronger safety net. More than half of the nation’s dairy producers are enrolled in the program. For more information, visit www.fsa.usda.gov/dairy.



Bayer Launches Web for Soybean Growers on SDS Threats

At the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Ill., Bayer CropScience launched a comprehensive online industry resource, www.soysds.com, to provide the agricultural community with valuable information to address the growing danger of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). In 2014, as part of an annual monitoring program started nearly 20 years ago, university researchers identified SDS as the second-leading disease causing soybean crop loss. With access to the latest scientific research, industry papers and agricultural resources, SoySDS will help inform growers about all facets of SDS, including its impact and how they can protect themselves from this serious threat.

Sudden Death Syndrome has evolved from an isolated and virtually unknown disease in 1971 to be the cause of more than 60 million bushels in lost yield last year. In fact, two of the three largest outbreaks of SDS in the Midwest have occurred within the past five years, suggesting that this disease is here to stay. Understanding the disease and its progression has never been more important, as growers look to protect their crop from this yield-robbing pest.

At www.soysds.com, growers will have access to a host of educational resources that will provide a complete overview of the disease and its impact; helping them to develop a management strategy for reducing potential production risk. Comprised of third-party insights and proprietary research, including reports from researchers at Iowa State University, Purdue University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, among others, original articles and instructional images, www.soysds.com, serves as a one-stop repository for anyone seeking valuable information on SDS.

"With www.soysds.com, we will provide the agricultural community with the premiere destination for all-things SDS," said Kevin Adam, SeedGrowth strategic business lead, Bayer CropScience. "Before growers can make management decisions, it is important that they understand the basic biology of the disease, what to look for to identify the disease in their fields and effective management options to prevent yield loss. With this site, Bayer CropScience will provide growers with easy access to the latest academic research papers conducted by university experts and tools to ensure they have the most current information on SDS and how to management it."



FARMLAND Campus Screenings Bring Ag to Collegiate Audiences
 
For students at three of our nation's top universities, September's not going to be just about back to school - but back to the farm. Screenings of the powerful FARMLAND documentary are on tap with panel discussions for Columbia University in New York, Tulane University in New Orleans and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Screenings without panel discussions are planned for four other locations.

FARMLAND premiered in theaters across the country in spring 2014, and is now available on DVD and streamed on Netflix. The film, which offers a firsthand glimpse inside the world of farming by showcasing the lives of six young farmers and ranchers, was produced with the generous support of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, of which the National Corn Growers Association is a founding affiliate.

"It's great to see FARMLAND being screened at these universities not traditionally tied to agriculture," said Missouri farmer and NCGA Corn Board member Mike Geske, who also sits on the USFRA board's executive committee. "The documentary's important stories about the challenges facing today's young farmers can help those who aren't involved in farming understand the importance of their work and the passion and concern they put into the food they produce."

The action starts Sept. 10 at Tulane, where the film will include a panel discussion with area farmers and a campus representative, on issues raised in the film as well as focusing on the strategies of farming and sustainability, under the theme, "The Art of Farming."

Next, a Sept. 14 screening at Columbia looks at farming not as an art, but as a science. On campus that week, there are various information sessions and talks occurring on campus on the earth, environmental science and sustainability. Using this moment in time, highlighting the focus of environmental studies and sustainability will help bring awareness around the film and panel discussion.

Finally, on Sept. 21, Academy Award-winning FARMLAND director James Moll will join a panel at the University of Southern California to focus on issues raised in the film as well as the making of the film and career opportunities in agriculture and film production.

Other screenings, without panel discussions, will take place today, Boston University; Sept. 15, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.; Sept. 16, University of Florida, Gainesville; and Sept. 30, Georgetown University, Washington.



 Ag Groups Push for House Action on Transportation Legislation

This week, a wide range of agriculture and industry organizations sent a letter to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging passage of a long-term transportation reauthorization bill. Before leaving for the August recess, Congress passed a short-term extension of transportation programs, which included temporary funding for the Highway Trust Fund that expires at the end of October. The Senate also passed its own six-year reauthorization bill, but the House has not yet acted on its own long-term legislation.

The letter discussed the importance of several specific issues that should be addressed in any final bill, including an extension of implementation of new Positive Train Control (PTC) requirements, the need for allowing for increased truck weight limits with a corresponding requirement for equipping trucks hauling bigger loads with an additional sixth axle, lowering the federal minimum age limit for CDLs to 18, and dropping the requirement for custom harvesters and others in the agriculture industry from having to get a hazardous materials endorsement in order to haul more than 118 gallons of diesel fuel. Additionally, the letter also calls on the House to conclude the reauthorization process for the Surface Transportation Board (STB), either through stand-alone legislation or through inclusion in a broader transportation bill. The Senate has also already acted on its own STB reauthorization bill.

Those groups that signed onto the letter include: 
Agricultural Retailers Association
American Farm Bureau Federation
American Soybean Association
Association of Equipment Manufacturers
Corn Refiners Association
Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils
National Association of Wheat Growers
National Barley Growers Association
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
National Chicken Council
National Corn Growers Association
National Cotton Council
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
National Grain and Feed Association
National Milk Producers Federation
National Oilseed Processors Association
National Pork Producers Council
National Potato Council
National Sunflower Association
National Turkey Federation
North American Meat Institute
North American Millers' Association
Soy Transportation Coalition
The Fertilizer Institute
United Fresh Produce Association
USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council
U.S. Canola Association
U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc.



USDA Dairy Products July 2015 Production Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 988 million pounds, 3.1 percent above July 2014 and 2.5 percent above June 2015.  Italian type cheese production totaled 422 million pounds, 3.2 percent above July 2014 and 1.1 percent above June 2015.  American type cheese production totaled 393 million pounds, 3.4 percent above July 2014 and 2.4 percent above June 2015.  Butter production was 133 million pounds, 3.2 percent below July 2014 and 6.2 percent below June 2015.

Dry milk powders (comparisons with July 2014)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 155 million pounds, down 6.9 percent.
Skim milk powders - 35.1 million pounds, up 23.0 percent.

Whey products (comparisons with July 2014)
Dry whey, total - 80.7 million pounds, up 9.8 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 90.5 million pounds, down 11.0 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 41.4 million pounds, down 7.1 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons with July 2014)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 70.2 million gallons, down 5.0 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 45.2 million gallons, up 12.4 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.76 million gallons, down 6.4 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 6.23 million gallons, up 2.3 percent.



Farm Bureau, Caterpillar Inc. Announce New Partnership

American Farm Bureau Federation and Caterpillar Inc. announce a new partnership that will provide members up to $2,000 in purchase incentives on Cat machines. In addition, Caterpillar plans to support Farm Bureau programs in 2016 and coordinate with Farm Bureau on other efforts.

“Our extensive product line, with more than 300 Cat machines, reflects our commitment to the ongoing success of American agriculture and rural businesses,” said Dustin Johansen, Caterpillar Agriculture Industry Manager. “We’re proud to partner with the American Farm Bureau Federation and help members get their jobs done with the highest quality, best value equipment, attachments and integrated solutions in the industry.”

Eligible equipment includes Cat skid steer loaders, compact and multi-terrain loaders, wheel loaders, telehandlers, backhoe loaders, hydraulic excavators and track-type tractors. A range of incentives are offered:
    Small Wheel Loaders: $2,000
    Compact Wheel Loaders: $1,000
    Small Dozers: $1,000
    Backhoe Loaders: $500 - $1,000
    Compact Track Loaders: $500 - $1,000
    Multi Terrain Loaders: $500 - $1,000
    Skid Steer Loaders: $500 - $1,000
    Telehandlers: $500 - $1,000
    Mini Hydraulic Excavators: $250 - $500

“Farm Bureau’s commitment to providing members with exclusive access to superior, high-quality brands, programs and products continues with this new partnership,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “Caterpillar and agriculture have a shared history that goes back more than a hundred years. Our new partnership will make it easier for our members to improve productivity and efficiency to maintain profit margins,” he added.

In addition to providing reliable, fuel-efficient equipment that is more economical for farmers, ranchers and rural business people to own and operate, Caterpillar is also committed to the safety of operators and to ongoing innovation in design and engineering. Along with providing unparalleled parts availability, Cat Dealer service helps ensure the long-term reliability of equipment.

“Our product solutions are designed and built for maximum performance and safety,” said Johansen. “We are constantly developing and refining advanced power and hydraulic technologies to ensure that our products provide Farm Bureau members with the power, versatility, efficiency, ease of operations and reliability they have come to expect.”

The Farm Bureau Member Benefit discount on Cat machines can be combined with any current retail discounts, promotions, rebates or offers available through Caterpillar or its dealers, with the exception of other membership purchase incentives (such as the NCBA discount).

All participating state Farm Bureau members are eligible. Discounts cannot be applied to past purchases. Members must provide a valid Member Verification Certificate to the Cat dealer at the time of quote to receive the discount. Certificates may be obtained at www.fbadvantage.com/cat as of September 1, 2015.



Agribotix Unveils New, Integrated Drone-Enabled Agricultural Intelligence Solution

Agribotix LLC and AGCO have partnered to bring a turnkey agricultural intelligence solution to market. The "all-in-one," drone-enabled package combines Agribotix's FarmLens™ cloud-based data platform with the purpose-built SOLO AGCO edition quadcopter to provide customers with an efficient, reliable way to collect and analyze field data for precision agriculture applications.

The new package enables users to scout and record aerial field data across up to 60 acres in a single flight. Agricultural imaging cameras capture RGB and near-infrared images. The data collected is uploaded to the FarmLens platform, where it is then processed to produce high-resolution Field Health Reports (NDVI) essential for identifying potential yield-limiting problems early on. These actionable reports can then be used to optimize inputs and to address issues, leading to improved crop yields and increased profits for growers.

Agribotix provides the platform, service and support for the integrated solution. The SOLO AGCO edition drone is built on the 3D Robotics Solo platform. The UAV is future-ready, designed for easy integration with technological upgrades and enhancements.

"Our partnership with AGCO gives our customers a best-in-class ag intelligence solution, enabled by a robust, purpose-built drone," said Agribotix CEO, Lou Faust. "Both companies are 100% focused on agriculture, so we understand the kind of reliable information farmers need to better manage their farms and increase their bottom lines. That's confidence for our customers."