Tuesday September 1 Ag News

Educational Bingo Game Helps Elementary Students Learn about the Importance of Nebraska Agriculture

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association (NPPA) and the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) are once again making an entertaining, yet instructional, game available to elementary schools.

The game, entitled Bingo, is being offered at no cost for use with second- through fifth-grade students to help them understand the importance of animal agriculture to the state’s economy.

The Bingo game, a two-in-one card game introduced in 2012, features “Pork Bingo” on one side of the card, and “Soy Bingo” on the other. The games provide fun facts that teach students about the many products made from pigs and soybeans grown in Nebraska--products that we use every day.

The game kit comes with a set of 25 double-faced cards, game tokens, call-out cards, 25 worksheets and a classroom poster. The worksheets feature an 18-word crossword puzzle and a matching game that help students learn about the usefulness of Nebraska-grown pigs and soybeans.

“The NPPA and the NSB are joining forces on this project to stress how different segments of Nebraska’s agriculture industry rely on each other,” says Teri Zimmerman, NSB education and outreach manager. “This game teaches important facts about how farmers care for pigs in Nebraska, the state’s soybean industry which provides feed for the pigs, and how science helps us make use of virtually every part of the pig and soybean.”

Kyla Habrock, the NPPA’s youth leadership director, says Bingo has been widely used by elementary school teachers to teach their students about agriculture. “Our objective for this entertaining game is to make students aware of the many uses for the state’s agriculture products and how farming affects their lives in ways they may not realize,” she says.

Other educational materials provided free to the state’s elementary schools by the Nebraska Soybean Board and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association include: Food For Thought, an animated video package that gives students a look at how pork is produced in Nebraska; Pigmania, a six-lesson package that teaches students the basics about pork production; Producers, Pigs & Pork, a series of lessons that teaches students about our food supply system, centering on pork production; and Short Snoots, Soybean Sprouts, a colorful, four-page worksheet with interactive exercises to help students understand the inter-dependency of pig and soybean farming in Nebraska

Teachers can order the Bingo game at www.nebraskaporkbingo.com. Quantities are limited, so teachers are urged to order immediately.



Hefty Seed Company Announces New Location in Laurel, NE.
Hefty Seed Company's newest store is now open for business in Laurel, NE. This location
marks the second Nebraska store for one of the nation's largest ag retailers and is located 1 mile
West of Laurel on Highway 20.

Hefty Seed Laurel will be managed by agronomist Kody Urwiler, who has already contributed
years of agronomy experience to eastern Nebraska.

"We're pleased to bring another Hefty location to the area," said Urwiler.  "This will allow us to
make our low pricing and vast product network for seed and crop protection available to the
benefit of even more area farmers." 

As part of the activities introducing the new store, Darren Hefty will be giving a presentation on
agronomy and plant health on Friday, September 4 during a kickoff that is open to the public,
beginning at 10:00am.

"One of the best things we do is provide agronomic information to growers that allows them to
make decisions on their farm to increase their yield and bottom line," said Hefty. "Whether it is
a question about fertility, crop protection, plant health, tillage, or other farming practices, our
agronomists have the knowledge to allow growers to maximize their crop's potential."

The 12,000 square foot warehouse has attached offices and includes bulk storage facilities
allowing 35,000 gallons of crop protection products to be stored on site, as well as a seed storage
area. Upon opening, Hefty Seed Laurel will have pricing on more than 400 varieties of ag
chemicals that will be available throughout the season.



Nebraska State Grange Convention Is Sept 11-13 in Columbus

The annual meeting of the Nebraska State Grange will be held at the Ramada Rivers Edge Inn on the South side of Columbus, Nebraska, just north of the bridge, September 11-12-13, 2015.

On Friday, Grangers will meet for lunch and then take a tour of the Platte County Museum. Convention registration will begin at 7:30 PM, followed by a preliminary look at incoming resolutions to be considered for National or State Grange policy, and ending the day with an evening Ice Cream Social.

The convention will begin Saturday, at 8:30 AM with a welcome from the city of Columbus. followed by the formal opening of the Grange meeting. The National Grange Legislative Director, J. Burton Eller, will be introduced, the National Grange President, Ed Luttrell, will deliver his report, via video, which will be followed by the State Grange President's report from Kevin Cooklsey, of Weissert, Ne. Resolutions for changes/additions in Grange Policy, will be introduced.

The emcee for the noon luncheon will be State Steward, Jim Peterson, of Blair, NE. The speaker will be Burton Eller, Legislative Director for the National Grange. Mr. Eller has a long history of advocating for agriculture and bringing separate factions together to reach a common goal. Mr. Eller has a deep passion for protecting the grassroots landowner and producer. From his personal history as an owner of a family farm to his tenure serving as the Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mr. Eller has been a staunch champion of the agricultural community's right to operate in a free market climate. (see enclosed biography)

Scholarships to students who are hearing impaired or ones who plan to teach the deaf will be announced. Awards will also be presented to local Granges for Community Service work.

The annual banquet will be at 6:30 PM. Kevin Cooksley, President, from Weissert, NE, will be the emcee and present the Distinguished Service Award. The Speaker will be Broken Bow, NE native, Kenny Smith, who currently works with Farm Credit Services in Omaha. He was also a member of LEAD class # 33, in 2013. Smith graduated from Hastings College with a B.A. In Agri Business and Economics. His diverse experience at FCSA includes positions as Credit Specialist, Inside Sales Rep and currently, Credit Analyst for AgDirect.

The program will be followed by an auction of the baked goods chosen as winners by the judges of the Baking Contest. Other miscellaneous items will be auctioned also.

On Sunday morning there will be a memorial service for Grange members who have passed on this year and a brief worship service, planned by State Grange Chaplin, Ricki Wulf of Blair. State Grange Lecturer, Darlene Janing of Geneva Ne, will have some entertainment following the service.

Emcee for the Sunday Brunch will be State Grange Overseer, Russell Tooker of David City.

Following the Sunday brunch, Phyllis Tooker, from Ralston, Family Activities Committee Chairman, will present awards for the Baking, and Needlework Contests and give her report on other projects, stuffed “Toys for Loving”, and lbs. of pop tabs collected for Ronald McDonald House etc, for the year.
The afternoon will be spent finishing up Resolution Committee Reports. The State Grange meeting will adjourn when resolutions are finished. Following adjournment, the Executive Committee will meet to make plans for next years convention.



PROTECT SILAGE WITH PLASTIC
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

               Plastic.  That's our word for today.  Plastic.  Plastic is one of those things you forget how useful and valuable it can be.

               Many of you are chopping or about to chop silage.  You will invest time and money to store good feed for your livestock.  However, when you start to feed your silage you may find that the top couple feet has an off color, smells bad, or has spoiled.

               After silage has been chopped and piled and packed correctly, it still can be damaged seriously by air and moisture slowly penetrating the outer 3 to 4 feet.  Animals often eat less when fed moldy silage and can even experience health problems due to mycotoxins.  Good, well-eared silage can lose over 20 percent of its feed value from fermentation and spoilage under normal conditions.  Silage made from corn with little or no grain might have even greater losses.  This loss can be cut in half, or even less, if covered well by a sheet of plastic.

               Cover freshly chopped silage with black plastic immediately after you finish filling the trench, bunker, or pile.  Then cover the plastic with something to help hold it down.  Old tires are readily available and do a good job of keeping the plastic from blowing away.  But tires only keep the plastic in contact with the silage directly under the tire.  In between the tires, air can circulate and cause some spoilage.  An even better choice would be a solid cover, something like freshly chopped forage or weeds.  Then, the entire surface of silage will be fully protected.

               You go to a lot of time and expense to make good silage.  Isn't it worth it to spend just a little bit more to protect that investment?  Cover silage with plastic – it's worth it.



Nebraska Corn Board Research Strategy Survey

In an effort to be more strategic in prioritizing the research funded by the Nebraska Corn Checkoff Program, the Nebraska Corn Board is asking for your assistance in identifying the issues that hold the most importance to Nebraska farmers.

As the first step in focusing research funding, the Board would like to ensure that no issues impacting your profitability have been overlooked – including opportunities for increasing demand.  Please take a moment to complete this anonymous survey by selecting the level of importance each issue has in terms of value to your farm and your profitability over the next 10 years.  The survey is only 11 questions and we expect it will take no more than 5 minutes to complete.

While our first priority is to hear from farmers, we welcome feedback from others with valuable input (e.g. crop consultants, extension educators, etc.).  To participate, please click on the following link.  If you receive multiple survey invites, please complete only one.  Also, feel free to forward this survey link to others.  This survey will be open through Wednesday, September 30.  Click on link below to fill out the survey....

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wZojsgFj3BbCPpsFd55kfyWF2uWGd3K2RgmE0wH-AfM/viewform?usp=send_form.

The Nebraska Corn Board appreciates your assistance in helping us capture the greatest value from your checkoff investment in research.



International Swine Feed Efficiency Conference to be held in Omaha

Kansas State University and Iowa State University are teaming up to host the International Conference on Feed Efficiency in Swine at the Hilton Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska, Oct. 21-22, 2015.

“We’re excited to bring together swine producers – owners and managers – with scientists, from  geneticists to nutritionists and extension specialists, to discuss a wide range of topics related to feed efficiency, including making an antibiotic-free management system work,” said Mike Tokach, extension swine specialist with K-State Research and Extension. “Anybody interested in lowering cost of production by improving feed efficiency of growing pigs or the sow herd should plan to attend.”

The target audience also includes those who work in feed processing and the pharmaceutical sector, as well as students planning to work in any of those sectors. 

The program will cover the results of a five-year Feed Efficiency in Swine Research project conducted by K-State and ISU, plus three international universities.

The conference includes breakout sessions following four different tracks, so producers and other attendees can get intensive information in one or two areas or choose from an array of presentations, said K-State extension swine specialist, Joel DeRouchey.

“There is something for everyone connected to the swine industry, whether involved in feed processing, genetics, management of any kind of swine operation or reproduction, they’ll be covered,” DeRouchey said.

The cost to attend for the first 400 to register is $200 per person. After that, the fee is $300 a person. Students can register for $60 per person. More information, including online registration, is available at http://www.swinefeedefficiency.com/icfes.html.



Smith to Host International Trade Event

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), who serves on the Committee on Ways and Means and its Subcommittee on Trade, announced he will host Growing Nebraska Through Trade on Tuesday, September 22, in Grand Island.  Growing Nebraska Through Trade is a free seminar on the impacts of trade agreements and ongoing work to open markets worldwide to rural America.

“A common theme when I speak with farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers in Nebraska’s Third District is the importance of trade to their economic success,” Smith said.  “Opening more markets to Nebraska producers and manufacturers plays a crucial role in growing our rural economy.  I encourage anyone interested in learning more about ongoing efforts to expand access to international markets to attend.”

Growing Nebraska Through Trade will feature Ambassador Darci Vetter, Nebraska native and Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, as keynote speaker, as well as Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach and numerous other experts to provide diverse, informative perspectives on trade.

Congressman Adrian Smith’s Growing Nebraska Through Trade
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (CDT)
Raising Nebraska
S. Locust Street & State Fair Boulevard
Grand Island, NE

For additional information about Growing Nebraska Through Trade or to RSVP, please visit http://AdrianSmith.house.gov/2015TradeSeminar.



NCTA hits record enrollment, up 33 percent

Student enrollment at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis is up 33 percent from a year ago, a record for NCTA enrollment with 512 students, NCTA Dean Ron Rosati announced Tuesday.

The 102-year-old school, the only two-year college degree program of the University of Nebraska system, issued its count after the first full week of classes began on August 24.

Full-time campus enrollment increased by 4.8% to 239 students. However, the largest boost comes from enrolling nearly double the students in dual credit from 130 last year, to 254 this semester.

“This is a record enrollment for NCTA,” said Rosati, who joined the college as Dean in July, 2013. “This is due to growth of on-campus enrollment plus the development of new dual credit programs and partnerships.”

NCTA had realized a 28 percent growth for its student population in September, 2014, expanding to 384 registered for full-time, part-time or dual credit courses. Then, the significant increase was credited to new program offerings, aggressive recruiting and financial aid for more students.

A large freshman class in 2014 was 50 percent greater than in 2013. Many of that 2014 freshman class returned this fall, combined with another increase in on-campus freshman arriving last week.

This semester, 254 off-campus high school students are enrolled in the dual credit or “concurrent” courses. These are courses taught by NCTA faculty or high school instructors with at least master’s level certification.

“High schools are realizing the huge advantage of offering college-credit curriculums along with their high school coursework to assist their students in career-readiness or college preparation,” said Rosati.  “NCTA has been very successful in designing some customized programs for specific needs such as agricultural academies or workforce certifications for job-ready careers.”

Such a program will be highlighted Thursday at York High School where NCTA, YHS and two agricultural industry partners, Central Valley Ag Cooperative and Reinke Manufacturing, Inc., are partnering in an ag worker certificate program.  Governor Pete Ricketts will be a keynote speaker at the 1 p.m. kickoff at York High.

Rosati also credits the diligence of NCTA’s admissions and recruiting team headed by Associate Dean Scott Mickelsen for developing the dual credit partnerships and for its marketing and public awareness efforts.  For example, NCTA is visible this week at the Nebraska State Fair, and will also be part of Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island on Sept. 15-17.

“We have great partnerships across the state with new programming such as Urban Agriculture with Nebraska Extension and Omaha Home for Boys in Omaha, the dual credit programs with high schools, and new opportunities for students such as the Heifer Link program, or competition teams such as NCTA rodeo, ranch horse, livestock judging, crops judging and shooting sports,” Rosati noted.

“Students love the small-town campus here, and the ability to easily transition into a Bachelor of Applied Sciences with our partner institution at UNL, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources,” he added. “I am very proud of the NCTA staff for their extraordinary effort in sharing our message of affordable, quality programs at NCTA.”



Nebraska Farmers Union Farmers Brings Six Members to Washington to Represent Family Farmers and Ranchers

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) President John Hansen announced today that six NeFU members will participate in the fall National Farmers Union Fly-In scheduled for September 15-18.  Hansen said this year there was also a targeted Fly-In last May focused on opposing the repeal of Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) in the House of Representatives. 

“There is no substitute for bringing farmers and ranchers to Washington to visit directly with their Congressional delegation and the Administration on the issues of the day that impact their operations.   They are the experts on how different public policies impact their farming and ranching operations.  Fly-Ins is grassroots democracy in action,” Hansen said.

The top three issues that will be discussed this fall in the NFU Fly-In will include COOL, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), and several trade issues including expanding trade with Cuba and opposing the Trans Pacific Partnership that fails to deal with the trade distorting impacts of currency devaluation and Value Added Taxes (VATS) have on trade.

Hansen said that NeFU has fought to establish COOL for domestically produced food products since 1984.  He said, “It is extremely frustrating that the four adverse WTO rulings on COOL leaves the U.S. bound by a completely bizarre ruling that does not allow for a path forward for U.S. mandatory COOL, but still allows 70 other countries in the world to continue to have some sort of mandatory COOL in force.  “COOL provides food producers with the ability to identify and differentiate their own products in their own domestic market.  COOL provides U.S. food consumers with the ability to make informed buying decisions about the food they buy for their families.  Polls continue to show that 90% of food consumers want to know where their food comes from.”

Farmers Union has long championed the benefits and value of the RFS, and will be continuing to encourage Congress to support the original EPA annual ethanol production targets.  “Given the collapse of domestic grain prices to below the cost of production for many producers, the last thing we ought to be doing right now is reducing the amount of ethanol we produce from domestic grains,” Hansen said.

“Last year the U.S. balance of trade deficit was $504 billion, which is approximately 3% of our nation’s GNP.  Since 1994, the cumulative balance of trade deficit is over $9 trillion.  Current trade policy is not working for American citizens.  Our public officials need to need to deal with the real world issues of currency manipulation and Value Added Taxes that other countries have and the U.S. does not that puts the U.S. at a 19% disadvantage for products coming in and products going out.  Our nation simply cannot afford to continue to run annual trade deficits of $504 billion,” Hansen said.



National Pork Board Announces Finalists for America’s Pig Farmer of the Year Award

The National Pork Board has announced the four finalists who are vying for the title of its new America’s Pig Farmer of the YearSM award program. The goal of the program is to honor the U.S. pig farmer who best excels at raising pigs using the We CareSM ethical principles and is best able to share his or her farming story with the American public.

“The four finalists represent the diverse pork industry in the United States,” said National Pork Board President Derrick Sleezer, a farmer from Cherokee, Iowa. “They all have shown a focus on environmental sustainability, animal welfare and continuous improvement.”

The 2015 finalists are:
    Steve Kerns – Clearfield, Iowa
    Marti Knoblock – Rock Rapids, Iowa
    Keith Schoettmer – Tipton, Indiana
    Lauren Schwab – Somerville, Ohio

The four finalists are meeting today with an expert panel of judges in Chicago.  The judges will view on-farm videos produced at the finalists’ farms and will conduct an in-person interview with each of them.

Starting today through Sept. 10, the public can vote once a day per person/email address for their favorite finalist at http://www.americaspigfarmer.com/. The winner will be announced Oct. 7.

The award, in its inaugural year, is part of the National Pork Board’s commitment to grow consumer trust in all aspects of U.S. pork production.

About the Finalists
Marti Knoblock – Rock Rapids, Iowa 
Marti Knoblock is one of the family owners of GMC Farms, located near Rock Rapids, Iowa. Founded in 1980, GMC Farms is co-owned by Marti and his brothers, Mitch Knoblock and Morris Metzger. GMC Farms raises pigs in modern slatted, curtain-sided barns with deep pits and markets 23,000 pigs annually. The family also raises corn, soybeans and cattle.

Steve Kerns – Clearfield, Iowa 
Founded in 1966, Kerns Farms started as a 4-H project and has grown into a full-scale seedstock operation. Steve and Becky Kerns manage their farm with the help of sons, Karl and Matt, as well as three employees. They market 10,000 pigs annually, with the 320-acre farm’s facilities including hoop barns, open lots and curtain-sided and mechanically ventilated barns.

Lauren Schwab – Somerville, Ohio 
Lauren Schwab proudly works as a second-generation farmer on the 230-acre farm founded in 1977 by her father, Jeff.  The farrow-to-wean farm is home to 12 independent barns that house 1,100 sows. The modern barns provide the proper environment for the sows, which are individually cared for and observed daily to assess their needs. The sows produce about 30,000 piglets a year, which are then sold to other farmers for finishing.

Keith Schoettmer – Tipton, Indiana 
Keith and Darla Schoettmer founded Schoettmer Prime Pork in 1987. The farm has grown steadily over the years despite many changes in the pork industry. Today, they raise 22,000 pigs annually on the farrow-to-finish farm with the help of eight full-time employees.

About the Expert Judging Panel
Members of the five-member expert judging panel are Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of the American Humane Association; Carlos Saviani, vice president of the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) U.S. food team; Mitzi Dulan, a registered dietitian and a nationally recognized nutrition and wellness expert to the Kansas City Royals; Chris Soules, a farmer from Arlington, Iowa, and television star from The Bachelor and Dancing with the Stars; and Jodi Sterle, an associate professor of animal science at Iowa State University and a nationally known youth advisor in livestock exhibition.

About the Contest
The National Pork Board created the America’s Pig Farmer of the Year contest in order to recognize the best in pig farming. This prestigious honor will be awarded annually to the pig farmer who  demonstrates and lives by the We Care ethical principles.



CHS now sole owner of McPherson, Kan., refinery

CHS (NASDAQ: CHSCP), a leading energy, grains and foods company and the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative, said today it has completed its purchase of the National Cooperative Refinery Association (NCRA) petroleum refinery and related operations based at McPherson Kan., and is now its sole owner. The refinery has been renamed the CHS Refinery at McPherson, Kan.

"As the nation's leading cooperative energy company, becoming the sole owner of this refinery and its related pipelines and terminals is a critical step in adding value for our member-owners and other customers," said Jay Debertin, CHS executive vice president and chief operating officer, Energy and Foods. "Given our 70-year history with this well-run operation and its 700 dedicated employees, we're proud to make this operation fully part of CHS."

Today CHS sells more than 3 billion gallons of gasoline and diesel fuel products annually and markets the products under the Cenex brand at more than 1,500 Cenex branded retail locations. Combined, the CHS refineries at McPherson, Kan., and Laurel, Mont., help meet their customers' growing needs for both diesel fuel and gasoline.

"We are continually in the market for diesel fuel to meet our member-owners' demand," said Jim Loving, CHS senior vice president, refining, pipelines and terminals, and past president of NCRA. "Through sole ownership of this operation, along with additional investment to increase capacity, we're essentially adding the equivalent of a third refinery to serve our owners and customers who highly value the additional diesel supply."

The CHS refining story began in 1943 when wartime shortages of petroleum products made it difficult for cooperatives to obtain the fuel they needed for their farmer- and cooperative-members. CHS purchased the refinery at Laurel, Mont., and within months an association of regional farm supply cooperatives, including CHS, was formed to purchase the refinery at McPherson, Kan.

Under cooperative ownership, the refineries have seen continual modernization and expansion. From a combined crude oil capacity of 25,000 barrels a day in 1943, they now have a combined capacity to produce 142,000 barrels a day. Expansion projects will take them to the 157,000 barrels per day mark in 2016, and proposed plans will bring production to 166,000 barrels per day in 2019.

In 2011, CHS announced it would purchase the shares of two minority owners, becoming sole owner on Sept. 1, 2015.

Learn more about CHS refining at www.chsinc.com/refining.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for September 2015

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for September 2015. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for September is 0.375 percent, up from 0.250 percent in August.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during September is 1.375 percent, up from 1.250 percent in August.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for September are as follows, 2.000 percent with seven-year loan terms, down from 2.125 percent in August; 2.250 percent with 10-year loan terms, down from 2.375 percent in August and; 2.250 percent with 12-year loan terms, down from 2.500 percent in August.



Lower Pork Costs Driven by Lower Meal

Soybean meal is an important but an economically secondary feed ingredient in hog diets compared to corn. Purdue University Extension economist Chris Hurt says his estimates suggest that soybean meal costs have been about 22 percent of the total costs of raising hogs over the past decade, compared to 32 percent for corn.

"In recent years, meal has been high priced," Hurt said. "For the calendar years of 2012, 2013, and 2014, USDA reports that Decatur high-protein meal has had annual averages between $440 and $480 per ton. But with a record U.S. soybean crop in the fall of 2014 and the second largest crop in 2015, Decatur prices are expected to average about $350 per ton for 2015 and then fall further to average near $325 per ton for calendar year 2016. This would be the lowest annual meal price since 2007."

How much have lower soybean meal prices contributed to lower hog production costs? Hurt says that from 2014 highs of $480 per ton to the projected $325 in calendar 2016, costs of production would drop by $5.40 per live hundredweight due to the meal price reduction.

"Livestock producers may adjust the corn-to-meal ratios in diets somewhat, depending upon the prices of these two primary feed ingredients," Hurt said. "For example, the 2012 drought caused corn prices to be very high relative to soybean meal prices. This relationship caused some shifting to higher-protein diets because meal was relatively lower cost than corn. Then for the 2013 and 2014 crops, corn shifted to be cheaper relative to meal. This caused some to reduce their protein levels. In the coming year, corn and meal prices are returning to a more normal long-term relationship."

According to Hurt, estimated total costs of production for a hundredweight of live hogs reached the highest calendar-year average in 2012 at $67 per live hundredweight. That dropped to an estimated $51 for 2015. Current projections for 2016 are that total costs will remain about $51. For 2016, lower meal costs are offset by somewhat higher anticipated corn costs, keeping total costs similar to 2015.

"Clearly a $16 per hundredweight drop in feed costs from 2012 to 2015 and 2016 is a major reduction," Hurt said.

Record costs of production were a contributor to higher retail prices that reached the highest level in September 2014 at $4.22 per pound for USDA's composite pork average.

"Of course, PED death losses also contributed to reduced pork production in 2014 as well," Hurt said. "Lower-priced feed and better control of PED has resulted in higher pork production, and as a result, consumer pork prices have fallen to $3.77 per pound in July 2015.

"Hog producer margins are expected to be close to breaking even for both 2015 and 2016," Hurt added. "Estimated costs are near $51, and expected live hog prices are near $50. This means a $1 to $2 loss per head. Breaking even implies that supply and demand are close to an equilibrium and that all resources are receiving a 'normal' rate of return. This implies that producers have little financial incentive to expand or to contract. It also means that the lower feed costs over the past few years have been built into more pork production and consumers will now be the beneficiaries of reduced retail prices."



Urea, UAN28 Prices Lower Once Again

For the second week in a row, retail fertilizer prices were significantly lower, according to prices tracked by DTN for the fourth week of August 2015.

All eight of the major fertilizers slipped in price compared to a month prior. As was the case last week, both urea and UAN28 had price decreases of 5% compared to a month earlier. Urea averaged $447 per ton and UAN28 was at $309 per ton.

The remaining six fertilizers recorded lower prices but these moves were fairly minor. DAP averaged $567/ton, MAP $586/ton, potash $476/ton, 10-34-0 $609/ton, anhydrous $667/ton and UAN32 $350/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.49/lb.N, anhydrous $0.41/lb.N, UAN28 $0.55/lb.N and UAN32 $0.55/lb.N.

Only one of the eight major fertilizers is double digits higher in price compared to August 2014. 10-34-0 is still 10% higher compared to last year.  One other fertilizer was higher compared to a year earlier. Potash was 1% more expensive.

The remaining six nutrients in DTN's surveys are now lower compared to retail prices from a year ago. Both MAP and DAP are 3% less expensive, anhydrous is 5% lower, UAN32 is 6% less expensive, UAN28 is down 7% and urea is 14% less expensive than a year earlier.



America's Heartland Returns to Public Television and RFD-TV for 11th Season
 
America's Heartland From olive oil to sweet potato vodka, bison farming to an old-fashioned western cattle drive, America's Heartland returns to public television for its 11th season celebrating U.S. agriculture from all across America with new stories, themed episodes, and delicious new recipes.

Distributed by American Public Television, the series is slated for release to PBS stations on Sept. 5. The new season will also begin airing on RFD-TV on Wednesday, Sept. 9.  The National Corn Growers Association is a longtime promotional partner for the program.

In Season 11, 20 new episodes will again focus on agriculture-related topics designed to address consumers' questions and concerns about food safety, animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

"We're excited and grateful to once again share positive stories about America's farmers and ranchers for an unprecedented eleventh season," said America's Heartland series producer Jim Finnerty. "The series provides a direct connection between television viewers and the people who bring food, fuel and fiber to the nation and the world. It's a great opportunity to showcase the shared values between consumers and farmers in all aspects of American agriculture."

Launched in 2005, America's Heartland has captured stories in all 50 states, and accompanied U.S. farmers and their products to overseas destinations like China, Taiwan, Egypt, and Morocco. The www.americasheartland.org website provides viewers access to all episodes, stories, and special features, as well as accredited educational resources and links to additional information.

For a fifth consecutive season, America's Heartland is receiving major funding support from Farm Credit, as well as CropLife America and its member companies Valent USA, Syngenta, and Bayer. Additional funding is provided by the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. The series also receives in-kind production support from many prominent agriculture organizations, including NCGA, United Egg Producers, U.S. Grains Council, American Soybean Association, FFA, National Association of Wheat Growers, and the National Cotton Council of America.



Brazil GMO Planting On The Rise

Brazilian farmers will plant more genetically engineered grains than ever in the upcoming 2015-16 season as new traits and varieties become established, according to a survey by Celeres, a local farm consultancy.

Total GE soybean, corn and cotton planted area will rise 3.9% to 109 million acres. That represents 90.7% of total area.

"For this harvest, the arrival of new genetically modified events increased the range of options for farmers, (allowing them) to use technologies in line with their farming practices," said Celeres in its report.

Use is growing as GE varieties with stacked attributes start becoming more widespread. Leading the way are Monsanto's Intacta RR2 Pro soybeans, which are caterpillar and glyphosate resistance.

Currently, Brazil boasts 29 GE varieties for corn, of which 16 are stacked. There are 12 approved varieties of GE cotton, while there are six soybean varieties, although only one, RI/TH, is a stacked variety.



Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Introduces Market Ready Quality Feeder Calf Preconditioning Program

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) announces the introduction of the Market Ready® Quality Feeder Calf Preconditioning Program for beef producers. Industry research studies have shown an average net return from preconditioning ranging from $25 – $33 per head, making it just one of the many pieces producers need when capturing more value for their calves.1,2

Formerly known as Range Ready®, the re-branded preconditioning program aligns with the needs of today's beef producers, and reflects what buyers are looking for. The goal of the program is to help beef producers deliver healthy, high-performing calves, while allowing management flexibility.

"The MARKET READY preconditioning program complements a multitude of prevention-based platforms that BIVI offers to the cattle industry," explains Matt Williams, Brand Manager, U.S. Cattle Marketing for BIVI. "This program offers an effective tool that utilizes sound vaccine and deworming protocols, which ultimately lead to a healthier animal throughout the remainder of its life."

The program includes three flexible protocol options:
    KCH 34 PLUS: Calves vaccinated at branding age and vaccinated two to six weeks prior to shipping.
    KCH 45: Calves must be vaccinated twice. Producers can choose vaccination at preweaning or weaning AND at weaning or post weaning. Calves must be weaned 45 days.
    KCH 45 PREMIUM: Calves must be vaccinated three times, including branding age, preweaning or weaning age, and weaning or post weaning. Calves must be weaned 45 days.

Producers can receive a sale barn certificate from a BIVI representative for verification, which captures what products were used when and where. "When a buyer receives a signed MARKET READY sale barn certificate, they can be confident that the animals purchased received a high-quality health program that they can believe in, and that BIVI stands behind," says Williams.

The preconditioning program expands upon BIVI's philosophy of Keeping Calves Healthy (KCH) from the very beginning. "The MARKET READY Preconditioning Program reinforces the shared commitment we have in the lifelong welfare of the calves," states Dr. John Davidson, Senior Professional Services Veterinarian for BIVI. "It really is more than simply getting the calves to market. Excellent health starts before weaning, and carries all the way through a more enjoyable consumer experience."

The MARKET READY Preconditioning Program incorporates Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. vaccines like Pyramid,® Presponse,® Alpha™ and Caliber® into the three protocols, along with Cydectin® and Synanthic® for parasite control.

For more information, visit www.kchmarketready.com.



AGCO Introduces All-New 3300 Command™ Series Corn Head

AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment, is challenging farmers to take command of their harvest with all-new 3300 Command™ Series corn heads. The 3300 Command Series allows farmers to get the most from their AGCO combines while delivering more capacity, harvesting more acres in a day and doing it at faster harvesting rates.

"Farmers are increasing the amount of acres harvested as they continue to rent and purchase more land," says AGCO brand marketing manager Kevin Bien. "On top of more land, corn yields are increasing across most areas of the US corn belt. This has placed a greater burden on farmers to be able to harvest more acres in a day. This new corn head is completely redesigned to deliver more capacity and faster harvesting rates with reduced header loss relative to both cobs and overall corn loss at the header itself."

With the 3300 Command Series, operators can look forward to corn heads that can chop both stalk and residue, for a faster breakdown in the field. A faster breakdown means easier fall and spring tillage. The 3300 Command Series utilizes the new roto-molded snouts, allowing crops a smoother feeding transition without butt shelling. The roto-molded snouts are smooth with no sharp edges, resulting in less trash into the feeder, increased capacity, and less ear loss in the field. A larger-diameter, high-capacity auger provides better feeding and transition of material into the feeder house, for more capacity and better crop control.

The 3300 Command Series comes equipped with a new innovative fore/aft adjustment on a corn head tilt feature with a single-acting cylinder and accumulator system that works well with the combine accumulator, allowing the header to float while providing cushion for the header and combine. The 3300 Command Series corn headers accommodate for various tire sizes as well.

The new 3300 Command Series corn heads will come standard with the corn header hood to prevent cobs from going over the top of the header opening. 3300 Command Series corn heads are available in both 8 row and 12 row, as well as non-chopping or chopping.



AGCO Announces Go-Task Mobile App

AGCO Corporation (NYSE: AGCO) announced today that it will launch a new solution for wireless task data transfer. Go-TaskTM will be one of AGCO’s solutions for wireless transfer of task data to and from select AGCO machines and supported Farm Management Information Software (FMIS) programs.

The Go-Task mobile app will be a key product of Fuse® Technologies, AGCO’s next generation approach to precision agriculture and precision machine management. Go-Task will enable farmers to make better decisions by reducing the time and effort it takes to move and manage the task data generated and utilized by their operation.
 
Features and Benefits of The Go-Task app Include:

    Enables wireless task data transfer between your AGCO machine and a supported FMIS
        Eliminates risk of lost or incomplete task data that may result from lost USB sticks or other complications associated with manual data transfer
        Easier movement and management of data, enabling  better operational decisions leading to increased efficiency and productivity

    Go-Task utilizes AGCO’s existing task data exchange server for task data transfer
        Task data is sent via AGCO’s task data exchange server directly into your supported FMIS software. This ensures that you have complete control over who can see your data.
        AGCO’s task data exchange server is currently connected with multiple FMIS programs. As part of AGCO’s open approach, the number of FMIS programs connected to the server will continue to grow

    Go-Task can be used on your iOS 7.0 and above devices including iPod, iPhone and iPad
        Transfer files using existing data plan
        Configure app to use only Wi-Fi networks reducing data plan usage
        Wi-Fi only mode can be used on devices that do not have a cellular connection

    Go-Task automatically syncs with task data on the terminal when a task is completed or paused
        Reduces risk of lost or missing task data in an FMIS that may result from an operator failing to download data after a job is completed.

AGCO’s Go-Task mobile app can be used on any machine utilizing a C1000, C2100, or C3000 terminal for logging task data (using supported software version). All you will need is a supported wireless USB dongle, a subscription to AGCO’s task data exchange server, and the Go-Task app which will be downloadable for free from the iTunes app store. Pricing and other information concerning subscription and hardware requirements will be made available by January 2016 with the official market release of the Go-Task app.

“The new Go-Task Mobile app will provide farmers with a greater level of connectivity within their operation by enabling them to more seamlessly move and manage the task data that is used and produced by their operations,” said Carla Gasparin, Manager, Product Management, Global Off-board Technologies at AGCO. “AGCO’s goal for our customers with regards to their task data is to make it as easy as possible for the customer to move their data to and from their machines, FMIS programs, or preferred service providers.”

For more information about the Go-Task mobile app, information about supported FMIS programs and Fuse Technologies, visit www.AGCOtechnologies.com.



DuPont Pioneer Launches Encirca℠ Yield Fertility Management Service

DuPont Pioneer today announced the release of its Encirca℠ Yield Fertility Management Service, a powerful tool for maximizing production within growers’ existing fertility budgets. The program creates precise input modeling for phosphorus, potassium and lime. This new service also allows growers to make real-time modifications to fertility plans based on their field and zone specific nutrient needs, fertilizer budgets and yield goals.

“Nutrient applications are a significant investment for growers each season, and a single rate approach to fulfill crop nutrient needs across an entire field often leaves yield or money on the table,” said Steve Reno, DuPont Pioneer vice president, regional director – U.S. & Canada. “By utilizing the Encirca℠ Yield Fertility Management Service, growers can see the precise impact different input levels have on both fertility and cost on a per-acre basis.”

Managing phosphorus, potassium and lime can boost the plant’s photosynthetic capabilities, help plants resist drought, improve soil pH balance, and enhance overall plant quality. The Encirca℠ Yield Fertility Management Service provides new insights into these major nutrients that can have a significant impact on profitability each season.

Growers using the Encirca℠ Yield Fertility Management Service also can model different application scenarios and see the results in real time. Growers can optimize the allocation of their nutrient budget by generating customized fertility plans for similarly grouped land parcels, even those under temporary control or newly acquired parcels with limited field history. Customers can easily share results with DuPont Pioneer agronomists and applicators.

By taking a holistic approach to help identify and reduce the next major yield-limiting factor, Encirca℠ Yield services work to increase yield and improve input efficiencies that increase profit potential. The entire suite of Encirca℠ Yield services complements each other to help growers achieve higher productivity and profitability. Our Encirca℠ Yield Nitrogen Management Service and Encirca℠ Yield Stand service were sold on more than 1,000,000 acres in 2015 and assisted growers in managing two of the most expensive input costs farmers face today.

“In addition to the service itself, one of the biggest advantages of the Encirca℠ Yield Fertility Management Service is that growers work side-by-side with their Encirca℠ certified services agent to develop a plan that is customized for their operation and specific to individual field objectives,” Reno said. “The Encirca℠ team will help each grower take full advantage of the 50 years of DuPont Pioneer agronomy research, data gathering and modeling to build a program that will help maximize efficiencies and profit opportunities for users.”



CLAAS Launches the DISCO 1100 Mower Conditioner

CLAAS, a leader in agricultural harvesting equipment, has announced the launch of the largest tractor-mounted triple mower available with a conditioner. Spanning a working width of 35 feet, the latest mower in the DISCO line can be ordered with either a tine- or roller-conditioner. Both conditioners decrease wilting and drying time, enabling farmers to make effective use of narrow harvesting windows.

The new, mammoth-sized model features the industry’s most advanced cutterbar: MAX CUT. The MAX CUT cutterbar features a wave-shaped bed stamped from a single piece of steel. The new design and shorter discs allow farmers to get the smoothest operation, cleanest cut, greatest wear and easiest maintenance of any mower bar on the market resulting in a better cutting quality in the field. The large cross-section created by the new wave-shape design ensures outstanding strength and stamina for years of worry-free use. This in-house development from CLAAS is manufactured at the forage harvesting machinery plant in Bad Saulgau, Germany.

“The DISCO 1100 is also equipped with an individual float that allows the mower to better follow the contour of the ground,” said Matt Jaynes, CLAAS of America Product Coordinator. “This results in less soil in the forage and a better end product.”

The DISCO 1100 mower has a transport height of less than 13 ft. and a transport width of less than 10 ft. The transport locking device is hydraulically locked and unlocked during the folding process to enable compact, maneuverable and safe transport. The DISCO 1100 is also fully ISOBUS-capable for convenient operating functionality from a single device.

“Due to our extendable and retractable mower arms, we’re also able to shift the mower wings on the go,” he added. “This is a great feature to have when you’re going through curves to ensure you don’t have any streaks.”

All models of DISCO mowers include an innovative bolt concept for maximum deflection and impact resistance, top chop quality with the MAX CUT cutterbar, low diesel consumption and smooth operation, even at high speeds. Additionally, DISCO mowers have the improved CLAAS SAFETY LINK module that ensures maximum service life.

“Another important feature of the DISCO mower is the two-piece PTO shaft,” Jaynes said. “Having a two-piece PTO means much lower maintenance than other competitor models.”

In addition to the introduction of the DISCO 1100, five new models of DISCO mowers with receive the updated MAX CUT cutterbar, as well as a new model number to signify the change. The DISCO 2650, 3050, 3450, 3050 C and 3050 TC/TRC models will now be sold with the MAX CUT cutterbar as the DISCO 2750, 3150, 3550, 3150 C and 3150 TC/TRC, respectively.