Tuesday September 22 Ag News

Cuming County Board of Supervisors Seeking Extension Board Nominations

The Cuming County Board of Supervisors, are seeking nominations for individuals interested in serving a three-year term on the Cuming County Extension Board.  Due to changes in the laws, Extension Board Members will be appointed by the Board of Supervisors rather than being elected, as had been the practice in the past.

Three positions on the Cuming County Extension Board are up for appointment. The district lines are defined according to the Cuming County Board of Supervisors districts.  Nominees are needed for the districts served by supervisors Steve Meister, District I, Judy Mutzenberger, District III, and Leslie Ott, District VII. Potential candidates are encouraged to contact the Extension Office or the Cuming County Clerk, Bonnie Vogltance, to determine which supervisor district you reside in.

A nominating committee is seeking nominations or calls from interested individuals.  This nominating committee will be responsible for preparing a slate of potential candidates that will be submitted to the Board of Supervisors for their consideration.  If you are interested in being a candidate, please feel free to contact the Cuming County Extension office 402/372-6006. You may also contact nominating committee members Cindy Bloedorn at 402/529-6541, Judi Mutzenberger at 402/372-5356 or 402/540-3579 and Kim and Paul Knobbe at 402/693-2790.

According to Extension Educator Debra Schroeder the operation of Extension should be given serious consideration by all county residents.  It operates the tax funds under the guidance of the Cuming county Extension Board.

Extension programs focus on priority needs and problems in five major programming areas including 1) Agriculture, 2) Natural Resources, 3) Home Economics and Family Life, 4) 4-H and Youth Development, and 5) Community Resource Development.



Ricketts to Hold a Town Hall in West Point

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that he would hold a town hall in West Point on Tuesday, September 29, 2015.  The Governor invites the public to attend the town hall. 

“Nebraskans are invited to join Governor Ricketts at his upcoming a town hall in West Point,” said Taylor Gage, the Governor’s Public Relations Director. “This is a great opportunity to hear an update on how our state is growing, and also to make your voice heard. The Governor looks forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can move our state forward together.”

Senator Lydia Brasch of Bancroft will join the Governor for the town hall.  Full details for the town hall to be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015:

3:00pm - 4:00pm - West Point Town Hall, Nielsen Community Center, 200 Anna Stalp Ave., WEST POINT



Cost-share for flow meters available until October 16th

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is discussing changes to their Groundwater Management Plan to more efficiently and effectively promote sound stewardship of groundwater.  These changes will help the LENRD in its mission to conserve, develop, and manage the water resources of northeast Nebraska.

      Multiple changes have been proposed to the Groundwater Management Plan. One of the  proposed changes would  require the installation of flow meters on all irrigation wells.  Annual reporting of groundwater use to the LENRD would also become a requirement.  The water use data will not only be valuable to the LENRD in guiding future policy decisions, but to the irrigators as they will have an accurate means to measure applied irrigation water.  This creates a win/win situation for the LENRD and the irrigators; enhancing water conservation efforts along with the economic benefit of decreased energy consumption.

     Once  installed, the LENRD will use this management tool to: manage groundwater during periods of drought, to allow for increased irrigation development while protecting current users, and to assist water quality initiatives related to  nutrient management strategies which serve to improve or protect groundwater from contamination.

     Cost-share assistance for purchasing and installing flow meters is available this year to incentivize installation of the meters.  The signup deadline is October 16th.  Producers are encouraged to visit their local NRCS office to take advantage of this opportunity.  There is currently no guarantee that these cost-share funds will be available in coming years with the LENRD’s continued focus on lowering property taxes.

     LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “The District understands that some producers are currently using other technologies to determine a volume of water used.  According to research from the University of Nebraska, the only true way to determine how much water is flowing through a pipe is with the use of a meter.  Depending on the technology used, parameters need to be programmed into a formula, which then estimates water use.”  Due to a potential fairness issue with some producers using meters and others using technology and formulas, the district staff is recommending that only true measuring devices (in-line flow meters) be used in allocation scenarios.  If allocations are in place, the meters will provide an equitable and impartial measurement for all irrigators.

     The goal of this program is to provide the means for accurate groundwater use accounting, which will assist the LENRD in responding to future needs.  As many of you will recall, heavy demands placed on groundwater during the drought of 2012 prompted the district to make difficult decisions over a short period of time, to address urgent water shortage conditions.  Having meters in place will allow the district to set allocations during times of shortage, in order to maintain water supplies for all groundwater users.  Overall, this is the most fair and equitable management tool that allows both producers and the LENRD to best manage our finite resource of water.  Water meters will allow the district to address water shortage concerns from year to year and keep the economic engine of northeast Nebraska running.

     Sousek added, "Using meters is not only beneficial for managing groundwater under normal conditions, but also for managing the challenges that develop during extreme drought.  Installation of the meters can also allow for the expansion of uses, which provides continued economic benefit to the region, and maximizes the overall benefit for northeast Nebraska; improving the quality of life for its residents."



Representative Jeff Fortenberry Receives Golden Triangle Award From Farmers Union

Nebraska Farmers Union (NeFU) presented Representative Jeff Fortenberry with the Golden Triangle Award, the National Farmers Union’s (NFU) highest legislative honor.  The award was presented last week as a part of the annual NFU fall Fly-In that brought 275 Farmers Union members from across the country to Washington, DC to share their view and concerns with their elected officials.

Six Nebraskans participated in the NFU Fly-In and meetings with members of Congress and their staffs.  In addition to Hansen, Nebraska participants included Lynda Buoy of Bassett, Carol Schooley of Grand Island, Jeff Downing of Elkhorn, Kevin Herrold of Grand Island, and Mike Sarchet of Minatare.

The Golden Triangle is an annual award presented to members of Congress who have demonstrated leadership and support policies that benefit America’s family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and rural communities.

“Recipients of the Golden Triangle Award have been strong advocates for family farmers and ranchers, and support similar principles and policies as Farmers Union,” said NFU President Roger Johnson. “We are pleased to honor those who have proven to be true allies of our organization and family agriculture.”

This year’s Golden Triangle recipients were selected for their leadership on a variety of issues, including votes on Country of Origin Labeling and the RFS.  Representative Fortenberry’s award was presented by NeFU President John Hansen and his team at the end of their Fly-In meeting.

“Representative Fortenberry continues to be a leader on renewable energy, conservation, rural development, and family farm and ranch issues,” said NeFU President John Hansen.  “He does his homework, understands the issues, and is a respected and thoughtful advocate of family farm and ranch agriculture.  We particularly appreciate his “open door” approach to working with everyone in the rural community.” 



 Smith Hosts Growing Nebraska Through Trade

Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), who serves on the Committee on Ways and Means and its Subcommittee on Trade, hosted Growing Nebraska Through Trade today at Raising Nebraska in Grand Island.  Businesses both large and small sent representatives to learn about the benefits of international trade.

“With more than 96 percent of the world’s customers living outside our borders, trade provides tremendous opportunities to grow our rural economy,” Smith said.  “As our work on trade negotiations moves forward, I am committed to helping expand access to thriving international markets for Nebraska producers, manufacturers, and consumers.  I hope everyone who joined us today gained valuable knowledge and connections to help drive their businesses toward greater success in the global marketplace.”

Growing Nebraska Through Trade featured speakers from state and federal agencies as well as business and education leaders from the Third District.  Ambassador Darci Vetter, Nebraska native and Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, delivered the keynote address.  Topics at the seminar included state-level efforts to grow the agriculture economy, rural growth and value-added agriculture, and ongoing efforts to open markets to Nebraska and U.S. agriculture products.

More information about today’s seminar, including the agenda and featured speakers, can be found here: http://adriansmith.house.gov/2015tradeseminar.



Ricketts Announces Hayes County as Nebraska’s Newest Livestock Friendly County

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts announced that Hayes County has become the newest county in the state to become designated as a Livestock Friendly County (LFC) through a program administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA).

“Hayes County’s location and abundance of natural resources makes it a perfect fit as part of the Livestock Friendly County program,” said Gov. Ricketts.  “The citizens of Hayes County are committed to agriculture and have proven they want to Grow Nebraska.”

Created in 2003 by the Nebraska Legislature, the LFC program is designed to recognize counties in the state that support the expansion of the livestock industry.  In 2014, livestock receipts in the state comprised over half of the $24 billion of Nebraska’s total on-farm receipts.  The LFC designation gives counties an extra promotional tool to encourage expansion of current livestock operations and attract new businesses that spur local economies.

“It was apparent from Hayes County’s application that they recognize the critical tie between a successful agriculture sector and a thriving local economy,” said NDA Assistant Director Bobbie Kriz-Wickham.  “I applaud county leadership for seeking this designation as a way to encourage responsible livestock growth.”

With the addition of Hayes County, there are now 35 counties designated as Livestock Friendly through the state program.

Counties wishing to apply for the LFC designation must hold a public hearing and the county board must pass a resolution to apply for the designation.  Then a completed application must be submitted to NDA. Local producers or groups can encourage county officials to apply.

Additional information about the Livestock Friendly County program is available on the NDA website at www.nda.nebraska.gov or by calling 800-422-6692.



Iowa Farmers in D.C. Push for Farm Policies

Following three days of meetings with U.S. Department of Agriculture leaders, key White House staff and nearly every Congressional and Senatorial official on Capitol Hill, the 275 Farmers Union members participating in the organization's annual fall fly-in are returning home.

"For decades upon decades, Farmers Union members have made an annual migration to Washington to make their case for smarter, fairer farm policies," said Jana Linderman, Iowa Farmers Union President. "The enthusiasm, passion and commitment are as strong today as they have ever been."

Three other Iowa Farmers Union members made the trek with Linderman to D.C., including Aaron Lehman, Sally Gran and Ben Lehman. While in Washington DC, fly-in participants conducted hundreds of targeted meetings with members of Congress, focusing on: gathering support behind the Senate bill supporting voluntary Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL); opposing any legislative changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS); urging Congress to reject the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), to restore full trade and tourism with Cuba, and urging support of a Senate Agriculture Appropriations Amendment that requires a comprehensive risk assessment plan be in place before resuming trade with parts of Argentina and Brazil that have a history of Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks.

Fly-in participants also presented the organization's highest honor, the Golden Triangle Award, to a bipartisan group of 36 senators and representatives who have demonstrated leadership on issues relevant to America's family farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

Members accepted the awards at a reception on Thursday night at the Stewart Mott House in Washington, D.C.

Among the awards recipients was Representative Dave Loebsack. Iowa Farmers Union members presented the award to him for his support of COOL.

"It is so important for our elected and appointed officials to hear from the very people they serve and not just the lobbyists. That's why, year after year, family farmers and ranchers show that they willing to take the time from their jobs as harvest is starting to get under way and meet with their elected officials to ensure that smart farm policies are in place that protect family farmers, our children, our water and communities; and consumers," said Linderman.

"Whether it's keeping food labeling on the books, reducing our dependence on foreign oil through greener substitutes, or fighting for smarter trade policies, Farmers Union members come to Washington year after year and make a difference".



Congress Close to Reauthorizing Grain Standards Act, Livestock Price Reporting Bills

The Senate passed a single bill to reauthorize the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act, the U.S. Grain Standards Act and the National Forest Foundation Act, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said late Monday evening.

The bill, known as the Agriculture Reauthorizations Act of 2015 (H.R. 2051), was approved by unanimous consent on the Senate floor. It now goes back to the House, which has passed legislation that is somewhat different.

The Senate passage provides an opportunity to pass the bill before the Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting Act and the U.S. Grain Standards Act expire on Sept. 30.

Among the provisions in the Grain Standards Act is language that would ensure grain inspections at export facilities will continue in the event of a disruption, such as the battle over inspections last year during a labor lockout at a grain terminal in the Pacific Northwest. The bill includes other language sought by grain exporters, including a more consistent rulemaking process, a new fee structure and a shorter time frame for reauthorization.



Senate Reauthorizes Mandatory Livestock Price Reporting Without Critical Provision
 
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association appreciates the efforts of the Senate in reauthorizing Mandatory Livestock Price Reporting through 2020. NCBA President, Philip Ellis, a Wyoming cattle producer, said this information provides producers greater transparency in market conditions.

“Transparency is essential to the functioning of our livestock markets, and our ability as producers to make decisions critical to our profitability,” said Ellis. “We appreciate the Senate’s reauthorization of this provision before it expired at the end of the month. Unfortunately, due to the actions of Senator Stabenow, not only does this legislation lack the status of an essential service, the bill differs substantially from the House version; subjecting producers to further delay and uncertainty.”

Mandatory Price Reporting requires meat packers to report to USDA the prices they pay for cattle, hogs and sheep purchased from farmers and ranchers for slaughter, as well as the prices they receive for the sale of wholesale beef, pork and lamb. Mandatory Price Reporting also requires USDA to issue daily, weekly and monthly livestock and meat market reports.

“For American’s cattlemen and women, market transparency is not a luxury,” said Ellis. “Cattle markets are complex and ever-changing, and cattle producers like myself rely on the information provided by price reporting to make informed decisions. The actions of Senator Stabenow have ensured that cattle producers will not have access to this critical market information in the event of a government shutdown.”

In contrast to the House version, the Senate’s Mandatory Price Reporting legislation does not make the program an essential government service, rendering the program vulnerable to future government shutdowns. Due to these differences, the legislation now must be conferenced with the House, and signed by the President prior to expiration on Sept. 30, 2015.



Senate Approves Mandatory Price Reporting Bill

The National Pork Producers Council praised the Senate for its passage today of legislation reauthorizing the livestock mandatory price reporting law, which is set to expire Sept. 30.

The statute requires meat packers to report to the U.S. Department of Agriculture the prices they pay for cattle, hogs and lambs and other information. USDA publishes twice-daily reports with information on pricing, contracting for purchase, supply and demand conditions for livestock, livestock production and livestock products.

“America’s pork producers are grateful to the Senate for approving legislation to reauthorize the mandatory price reporting law, which provides them and meat packers transparent, accurate and timely market information to make knowledge-based business decisions about selling and buying hogs,” said NPPC President Dr. Ron Prestage, a veterinarian and pork producer from Camden, S.C.

Similar to legislation passed by the House in early June, the Senate’s five-year reauthorization measure includes new provisions sought by the U.S. pork industry, including one that establishes a “Negotiated-Formula” price category to better reflect the total number of hogs negotiated each day regardless of how buyers and sellers arrive at the prices. Another provision will require that pigs sold after 1:30 p.m. be included in the next morning’s price report.

“Now we need both houses to work out some minor difference in their bills and get this thing to the president’s desk before the law expires at the end of the month,” added Prestage. “Livestock producers are dependent on these price reports for making informed decisions about transactions. We don’t want or need any disruptions in this vital service.”

The Livestock Mandatory Reporting Act of 1999 changed a voluntary reporting system for hogs, cattle and other livestock at slaughter to a requirement for meat processors to report detailed price and sales data. The law requires packers to submit to USDA regional and national data on a daily and weekly basis for hogs and similar information for cattle and lambs. It also required USDA to establish a library of the types of contracts offered by packers to pork producers for the purchase of hogs, including future delivery purchases.



USDA Cold Storage Highlights - Sept 22, 2015

Total red meat supplies in freezers as of August 31, 2015, were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 26 percent from last year, according to USDA. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 36 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 21 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 42 percent from last month and down 70 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on August 31, 2015 were down slightly from the previous month but up 13 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 25 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were down 4 percent from last month and down 4 percent from August 31, 2014.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on August 31, 2015 were up slightly from the previous month and up 12 percent from August 31, 2014.  Butter stocks were down 18 percent from last month but up 21 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were up 2 percent from last month and up slightly from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 18 percent from last month but down slightly from a year ago.



Optimizing Dietary Protein with Northeast Physicians

The national beef checkoff, through its Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative (NEBPI) and in partnership with the New York Beef Industry Council (NYBIC), explained the health benefits of lean beef in the diet to the Pri-Med East Conference attendees in Boston, Mass., Sept. 18- 21. This annual meeting was hosted at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Cent er near the Boston Harbor, where the checkoff exhibited for the second year in a row.

Joined by more than 3,900 medical doctors, nurse practitioners, family physicians and similar medical professionals, the checkoff shared the latest protein research to improve the doctor recommendation of including lean beef as part of a healthy diet. Attendees received the Lean Matters booklets, nutrition fact sheets, and beef recipes to assist in their practices. At the booth, checkoff staff utilized the Protein Challenge as a platform to inform medical attendees about the importance of 30 grams of protein at every meal.  Example meal choices were shown to portray not all protein choices are equal in terms of calories and protein needs.

Along with exhibiting, the checkoff hosted an evening educational session, “Optimizing Protein in a Carbohydrate World” by Dr. Donald Layman, Professor Emeritus of Nutrition at the University of Illinois, as an intimate dinner reception featuring beef with 48 selected attendees. Aside from the seated dinner guests, approximately 30 additional attendees joined to view the presentation. After Dr. Layman’s session, attendees had a greater understanding of the importance of protein in the diet, essentially beef, with 74 percent more likely to recommend beef as a protein source and 100 percent saying their knowledge of beef in a heart healthy diet has improved greatly or slightly.

This event served as an opportunity to present the science of the benefits of lean beef in the diet to a group of physicians from across the northeast. Cindy Chan Phillips, RD from the NYBIC, attended alongside checkoff staff talking about the Protein Supplement research and the variety of lean beef cuts that fit healthfully into any lifestyle or eating habits. Phillips provided attending physicians with great nutrition information and tips for including lean beef in both their patient’s diets, as well as their own.

After the event, Phillips remarked, "It is exciting to help the doctors and nurse practitioners view a healthy diet differently. By applying the key research findings from the Protein Summit 2.0, the attendees concluded that they can empower their patients to improve their diet with a protein-centric approach. Many attendees are able to take back the key advice that the elderly population benefits from increased protein per meal along with resistance exercises, and meat protein is an efficient protein source. Putting research into practice is always rewarding."




DTN Retail Fertilizer Trends

Retail fertilizer prices continue to edge lower, though no fertilizers are down significantly, according to fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the third week of September 2015.

All eight of the major fertilizers slipped in price compared to a month prior, but none were down significantly.

DAP had an average price of $563 per ton, MAP $579/ton, potash $462/ton, urea $432/ton, 10-34-0 $593/ton, anhydrous $653/ton, UAN28 $300/ton and UAN32 $345/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.47/lb.N, anhydrous $0.40/lb.N, UAN28 $0.54/lb.N and UAN32 $0.54/lb.N.

With retail fertilizer moving lower in recent weeks, only one fertilizer is now higher compared to a year earlier. 10-34-0 is 7% higher from last year.

The remaining seven nutrients are now lower compared to retail prices from a year ago. MAP, DAP and potash are all 3% lower, anhydrous is 6% less expensive, both UAN28 and UAN32 are 9% less expensive and urea is 15% less expensive from a year previous.



USDA Extends Dairy Margin Protection Program Deadline

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the deadline to enroll for the dairy Margin Protection Program for coverage in 2016 has been extended until Nov. 20, 2015. The voluntary program, established by the 2014 Farm Bill, provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.

“The fall harvest is a busy time of the year for agriculture, so this extension will ensure that dairy producers have more time to make their choices,” said Vilsack. “We encourage all operations to examine the protections offered by this program, because despite the very best forecasts, markets can change.”

Vilsack encouraged producers to use the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Agency Service (FSA) online Web resource at www.fsa.usda.gov/mpptool to calculate the best levels of coverage for their dairy operation. The secure website can be accessed via computer, smartphone or tablet.

He also reminds producers that were enrolled in 2015 that they need to make a coverage election for 2016 and pay the $100 administration fee.Although any unpaid premium balances for 2015 must be paid in full by the enrollment deadline to remain eligible for higher coverage levels in 2016, premiums for 2016 are not due until Sept. 1, 2016. Also, producers can work with milk marketing companies to remit premiums on their behalf.

To enroll in the Margin Protection Program for Dairy, contact your local FSA county office. To find your local FSA county office, visit http://offices.usda.gov.

Payments under the program may be reduced by a certain percentage due to a sequester order required by Congress and issued pursuant to the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985. Should a payment reduction be necessary, FSA will reduce the payment by the required amount.



NMPF Statement on USDA Dairy Margin Protection Program Deadline Extension
Jim Mulhern, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Milk Producers Federation:

“We appreciate the decision today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to extend the sign-up deadline for the dairy Margin Protection Program (MPP) until Friday, November 20th.  In his announcement, Secretary Vilsack acknowledged that fall is a busy time for dairy producers, and that the additional seven weeks for sign-up will help the decision-making process on using the MPP in 2016.

“When we asked the Secretary last week to extend the deadline past September, we expressed concern that the upcoming September 30 deadline to enroll in the MPP coincides with the fall harvest in many parts of the nation, as well as with the USDA ARC/PLC enrollment deadline. This MPP extension is consistent with Congress’s goal in creating the program – a goal shared by NMPF – which is to maximize the opportunity for dairy farmers to utilize this crucial risk management tool.

“A similar signup period extension last fall greatly helped to boost enrollment in the program in calendar year 2015. We believe this extension, until November 20th, will likewise enhance participation in the MPP in the coming year.”



USDA Commits $2.5 Million to Expand New Farmer Education

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that $2.5 million in grants is now available for projects to educate new and underserved farmers about more than 20 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency programs that can provide financial, disaster or technical assistance to the agricultural community.

The grants will be awarded to nonprofits and public higher education institutions that develop proposals to improve farmer education on topics such as financial training, value-added production, recordkeeping, property inheritance, and crop production practices.

“We want to partner with nonprofits, colleges and universities who share USDA’s priority of helping more Americans enter farming as a profession, whether they are new or underserved farmers, returning Service members, minorities, women, and urban producers or those who sell their crops locally,” said Harden.

USDA will conduct four evaluation periods to review applications, with the deadlines of Nov. 20, 2015, Jan. 22, 2015, Mar. 18, 2016, and May 27, 2016. Awards between $20,000 and $100,000 per applicant will be available. To learn more about the funding solicitation and the related Farm Service Agency programs, details can be found at www.grants.gov with the reference number USDA-FSA-CA-2015-001.  For nonprofits and public institutions of higher education that are considering participation, an online informational session will be conducted on Sept. 28, 2015.  Additional information is posted on the Web at www.fsa.usda.gov/outreach.  



DuPont Pioneer Introduces New Soybean Varieties with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ Technology

DuPont Pioneer today announced 12 new Pioneer® brand T Series soybean varieties with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ technology that will be available for pre-ordering this fall in the United States. The products are being made available for pre-orders in anticipation of a commercial launch of the trait for 2016 planting, pending applicable regulatory reviews.  

“Pioneer® brand soybeans with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ technology will provide farmers an improved way to manage tough-to-control weeds while delivering the outstanding yield and service they expect from Pioneer,” said Steve Reno, DuPont Pioneer vice president, regional director – U.S. & Canada.

Soybeans with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ technology will enable applications of labeled dicamba herbicides, pending herbicide registration, as well as glyphosate herbicides. Dicamba herbicides will provide farmers a new way to manage tough-to-control and glyphosate-resistant broadleaf weeds such as waterhemp, marestail and palmer amaranth.

“DuPont Pioneer sales, agronomy and seed production teams have been gearing up to launch the new trait in Pioneer soybeans,” said Reno. “We will have the agronomic data to help our customers get the right products on the right acres to meet their needs and the product volumes to support what we anticipate to be the largest soybean product launch in our history.”

Soybeans with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ technology are approved for food, feed and cultivation in the United States and Canada. Sale and delivery of Pioneer® brand soybeans with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ technology will be completed once applicable regulatory reviews are concluded.

Reno noted that if Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ technology is not commercially launched in time for the 2016 crop year, Pioneer expects to have good supply of other elite soybean varieties to meet the needs of its customers who have pre-ordered varieties with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ technology.

Pioneer continues to evaluate new varieties in local field trials and anticipates expanding its lineup of available varieties later this fall as harvest and agronomic data is evaluated. Farmers are encouraged to talk to their Pioneer sales professional about varieties available in their area.



Sage Grouse Stays off Endangered Species List

Today, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell announced the greater sage grouse is not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act, a victory for western rangelands and livestock producers. Unfortunately, in conjunction with this decision, the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service announced that their restrictive land use plans will be implemented. The Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association have adamantly opposed these restrictive plans, which impede on conservation efforts and range management practices already in place.

“The Administration came to the logical decision not to list the sage grouse, but went ahead and forced through their land use plans, which are just as concerning as a listing,” said Brenda Richards, PLC president. “Instead of recognizing the stewardship that land users have voluntarily put in place, they are pushing forward their agenda which ignores multiple use on our lands.”

Richards, who ranches in southern Idaho, said conservation efforts and land-use decisions are best made as close to the ground as possible. A report released in February showed that since 2010, private landowners have worked with USDA and its partners through the Sage Grouse Initiative to restore 4.4 million acres of habitat for sage-grouse while maintaining working landscapes across the West. Since proper grazing is beneficial to the wildlife habitat, Richards said the government working in partnership with ranchers makes the most sense for the land and wildlife and is how land management and conservation efforts should be made.

“Secretary Jewell’s claim that the ESA is effective and flexible is entirely flawed and misleading,” said Richards. “Of the 1,500 domestic species listed since 1973, less than two percent have ever been deemed recovered. Sage grouse habitat and population is thriving because of the work of the ranchers across the West and the states’ efforts, not due to the Environmental Impact Statements, which have yet to even be implemented.”

In early 2014, PLC and NCBA filed detailed comments addressing concerns with the draft EISs. With little to no improvement in the final documents, the livestock industry filed protests in nine states across the West and is pursuing a legal challenge against the government on their reliance on flawed science.

Robbie LeValley, chairman of NCBA’s Federal lands Committee said the plans are problematic and yet another attempt by the Administration to remove productive uses from the land in an effort to appease radical environmental groups.

“Imposing regulatory change on the grazing livestock industry without any scientific basis is unwarranted,” said LeValley, who ranches in western Colorado. “Ranchers with public land grazing rights work daily to minimize the major threats to sage grouse; removing fine-fuels and providing vast tracts of open space. Wildfire and development are the primary threats to the sage grouse and their habitat, yet this Administration is systematically wiping out multiple-use and ranching through regulatory overreach. It’s clear that these plans are more about managing away from productive uses, rather than actually protecting the bird.”

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) said the decision was a cynical ploy, calling the Obama Administration’s oppressive land management plan the same as a listing,

“Do not be fooled,” said Chairman Bishop in a statement. “The announcement not to list the sage grouse is a cynical ploy…The new command and control federal plan will not help the bird, but it will control the West, which is the real goal of the Obama Administration. Some Western governors see this for what it is and I will work with them to ensure the rational plans created at the grassroots level that solve the problem will be the way forward to protect this bird.”

The Committee will hold a full committee hearing entitled “Respecting State Authority, Responsibilities and Expertise Regarding Resource Management and Energy Development” on September 30.

The federal agencies must move away from the scientifically inaccurate idea that removing, reducing and retiring grazing is the answer to every problem the agencies face on public lands.