Friday October 30 Ag News

Using Body Condition Scoring as a Management Tool
Steve Tonn, Nebraska Extension in Washington County

Body condition scores when used on a consistent and regular basis can be an effective tool to monitor the effectiveness of your beef cow nutrition program as environmental conditions and nutrient needs change.  Body condition is closely related to reproductive performance.

Fall or at weaning time is an important time to body condition score your spring calving cows.  Pay particular attention to young females weaning their first calf.  They are the ones that are the most likely to be thin.  Watch them to make sure that they begin to regain condition after the nutrient demand for lactation has been removed.  First calf heifers should regain a body condition score of 6 on a scale of 9 prior to calving again.  A body condition score 6 cow or heifer should have no visible ribs or backbone showing.

Mature cows that are thin at weaning may bounce back in condition at 60 days postweaning.  These cows should return to a condition score of 5 once the calf is removed.  A score of 5 is thinner than a 6 so you will be able to see a bit of rib in the last pair or two.  Mature cows should be at a score of 5 at calving.

To make body condition score a true management tool it should be used more than just at weaning time.  Work in body scoring cows when you are doing other cow related jobs.  There are several key times when body condition scoring should be considered and recorded:

45 Days after Weaning
This will give you a good idea how fast cows are “bouncing back” after weaning.  Thin cows should be gaining back if cow type is matched with feed resources.
 
90 Days before Calving
This is the last opportunity to get condition back on cows economically.  This would be the time to separate thin cows from cows in good condition.  This would be when you would place the thin cows/heifers on a higher nutritional diet to help them gain back condition.

Calving Time
If you have thin cows at calving you may want to change your pre-calving feeding program for next year.  Because of the nutritional demands of lactation, it is difficult and very expensive to try and get cows to increase in body condition.  Thin cows at calving will produce less milk and poorer quality milk, less vigorous calves and will be slower to rebreed.

Beginning of Breeding Season
Thin cows at breeding may indicate a poor match of calving season to feed sources.  Was your hay of lower quality than you thought?  Did all the cows have equal access to feed?  Were your thin cows heavy milkers?  First calf heifers? Three year old cows?  Cows that are thin at calving will be slower to rebreed and will become late calvers.  This will lower the reproductive efficiency of your cow herd.

BCS Scoring System
1-2  Very Thin     very bony, no fat deposits, no muscle definition     emaciated
3-4   Thin              backbone is visible, rib bones are visible, full straight muscling in hindquarter
5-6   Moderate(Good)  Ribs cannot be seen, backbone not visible, hindquarters plump and full
7 – 9   Fat             Abundant fat over ribs and brisket. Back is square and smooth.

Ideally, it would be good to keep a record of body condition score for each individual cow throughout the production year.  However each operation has to adapt this tool to their situation.  But keeping tally of your body condition score can be easy and low tech.  Get a tablet, write BCS 3, 4, 5, 6 across the top, and draw lines down the paper to make columns.  Then make hash marks in each column corresponding to how you BCS the cow.  Or even simpler make columns  thin (3-4), moderate (5-6) and fat (7+).

Add up your tally marks, multiply by the BCS number at the top, and divide by the total number of cows.  This will give you the number of cows in each BCS group and the average of your whole herd.

Body condition scoring your cows throughout the production year forces you to look at the data and address management issues that may arise.  “If you can’t measure it; you can’t manage it.”

Some excellent resources for body condition scoring are the UNL Body Condition Score App found at the UNL Beef website   beef.unl.edu; the Nebraska Extension Publication EC281 Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows: Tool for Managing the Nutrition Program for Beef Herds and the American Angus Association Body Condition Score website  cowbcs.info.



GRAZING STOCKPILED GRASS DURING WINTER
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

               Grass remaining for winter grazing can really help cut feed costs for stock cows.  Your grazing strategy can greatly influence how effectively you use this pasture.

               Grazing winter range or pastures has many benefits.  It can save as much as a dollar a day per cow compared to feeding expensive hay.  It removes old growth so pasture next spring and summer is fresher.  And some weeds may be eaten that cattle won’t touch during summer.  Plus, there is little risk of damage to your dormant pasture.

               But the way you manage your cattle during winter grazing can have a big effect on its success.  For instance, maybe you have a goal of feeding as little protein supplement as possible while winter grazing.  Then you must make sure your stocking level is light enough so cattle can select just the higher quality plant parts to eat.  Another strategy might be to stretch winter pasture as far as possible.  Then it might be best to restrict animal access to small areas at a time, like with strip grazing.  Or, if you use forage from winter range just as a filler to keep cattle from bellowing when you limit feed corn, corn by-products, or other nutrient dense feeds, then high stocking levels and unrestricted access might be best.

               Whatever your strategy, though, consider carefully what kind of nutrition animals are getting from the pasture so you neither underfeed nor overfeed expensive supplements.  Be sure to provide salt, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A free choice at all times.   Winter grazing is a great opportunity to reduce winter feed costs.  With the right grazing strategy, it can help you meet many of your feeding goals.




Current National Drought Summary
droughtmonitor.unl.edu

A slow-moving storm that had first arrived in California on October 15 drifted eastward across the southwestern and south-central U.S., generating heavy showers. Eventually, the storm lifted northward across the Plains, providing beneficial moisture for emerging winter wheat. However, rain mostly bypassed a few areas, including eastern Kansas and north-central Oklahoma. Farther south, the storm’s trailing cold front became infused with tropical moisture from Patricia, the strongest hurricane on record. (On the morning of October 23, several hours prior to crossing the southwestern coast of Mexico, Patricia’s sustained winds peaked at 200 mph and the central barometric pressure plummeted to 25.96 inches, or 879 millibars. When Patricia made landfall later that day near Cuixmala, Mexico, winds were estimated at 165 mph and the central pressure was 27.17 inches, or 920 millibars.) In part due to the influx of tropical moisture, October 22-25 rainfall topped 20 inches at a few locations in northeastern Texas. Storm-total rainfall reached 5 inches or more in a broader area covering much of eastern Texas, as well as portions of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Consequently, areas of the South that had received little rainfall in the last 4 months were suddenly deluged by flooding rains. Significant rain began to overspread parts of the Midwest and Southeast on October 27, after the drought-monitoring period ended, and will be reflected in next week’s U.S. Drought Monitor.

Great Plains
Widespread rain fell from the southern and central High Plains northward into the Dakotas, hampering fieldwork but providing much-needed moisture for emerging winter grains. On October 25, Oklahoma’s winter wheat was rated 22% very poor to poor, while only 31% of the crop was rated good to excellent. A substantial portion of the wheat was also rated very poor to poor in Texas (20%), Colorado (16%), and Kansas (15%). Although many areas of the Plains received rain that should help to revive pastures and promote winter wheat growth, eastern Kansas and north-central Oklahoma remained dry. In those areas, there was some introduction or expansion of dryness (D0) and moderate drought (D1). In Kansas, statewide topsoil moisture was 52% very short to short by October 25. However, topsoil moisture was at least 70% very short to short in central, north-central, and northeastern Kansas.

Midwestern and Great Lakes States
Through the end of the drought-monitoring period (on the morning of October 27), mostly dry weather prevailed across the heart of the Midwest. By October 25, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rated topsoil moisture 66% very short to short in Missouri. Topsoil moisture was rated at least half very short to short in Illinois (59%), Indiana (58%), and Ohio (52%). The dry conditions have promoted harvest activities and winter wheat planting, but left newly planted wheat in need of moisture. In USDA’s first winter wheat condition report of the season, dated October 25, nearly one-sixth (15%) of Missouri’s wheat was rated in very poor to poor condition. Due to the short-term dryness, there was further expansion of abnormal dryness (D0) and moderate drought (D1), primarily from Missouri to the lower Great Lakes region.

However, significant rain (locally 1 to 2 inches or more) fell in the upper Midwest, trimming the coverage of dryness (D0) and moderate drought (D1). In northeastern South Dakota, where some dryness was removed, October 22-23 rainfall totaled 1.59 inches in Aberdeen and 1.44 inches in Watertown. On the same dates in Minnesota, Alexandria netted 1.31 inches.

Looking Ahead
During the next 5 days, active weather will continue across much of the nation. As a storm system moves across eastern Canada, rain will end later today in the northeastern U.S. However, a few rain and snow showers may linger in the Great Lakes region. Meanwhile, a parade of Pacific storms will cross the Northwest, where 5-day rainfall totals could reach 5 to 10 inches (or more) west of the Cascades. Significant precipitation (locally 2 to 6 inches) will also reach the northern Rockies. The first of the Pacific storms will dip into the Southwest before tracking eastward. As a result, heavy rain will return to parts of the south-central U.S. and quickly spread eastward. Five-day rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches can be expected from the southeastern Plains to the southern Appalachians. In contrast, little or no precipitation will occur across the northern Plains and southern California. Elsewhere, mild weather in the western U.S. will be replaced by sharply colder conditions early next week.

The NWS 6- to 10-day outlook for November 3 – 7 calls for the likelihood of warmer-than-normal weather across the eastern two-thirds of the U.S., while below-normal temperatures will cover the West. Meanwhile, wetter-than-normal conditions across the majority of the nation will contrast with below-normal precipitation in the Pacific Northwest, the Northeast, and lower Southeast.



Action Needed to Win Passage of Federal Truck Weight Increase

Next week, the House will consider a full, six-year Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill.  While there are numerous positive aspects of the Committee passed bill, it does not address the ability for states to allow increased truck weights on federal interstates within their state for trucks with an additional sixth axle. Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI) has indicated his intent to offer an amendment when the bill reaches the House floor to include the increased truck weight provisions. The bill will be considered on the House floor Nov. 3-5.

The American Soybean Association (ASA) asks all individuals and state soybean associations to contact your members of the U.S. House of Representatives and urge their support for the Ribble Amendment to improve trucking efficiency. The amendment will mirror H.R.3488, the Safe, Flexible, and Efficient (SAFE) Trucking Act of 2015, which Rep. Ribble has introduced as a stand-alone bill.

ASA supports the provision to allow an increase in truck weight limits on federal interstates. The provisions would give states the option to selectively raise interstate weight limits for trucks equipped with six axles, instead of the typical five. The goal is to make U.S. truck transportation safer and more efficient.

The U.S. federal weight limit has been set at 80,000 pounds since 1982. Many truck shipments meet this limit with significant space left in the trailer – forcing shippers to use more trucks and fuel.

Studies by the U.S. DOT and Transportation Research Board have both determined that six-axle trucks with up to 97,000 pounds do not lose stopping or handling capability, nor do they adversely affect our nation’s roads. In fact, the higher weight limit would cut the number of trucks otherwise needed.

According to a soybean farmer funded study, allowing six axle 97,000 lbs. semis would result in 1.2 million fewer truck trips, 5.5 million fewer gallons of fuel consumed, 56,000 fewer tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and $11-$28 million in reduced fuel costs – and that is just for soybean farmers.



SENATE TO TAKE UP MEASURES TO REPEAL ‘WOTUS’ RULE

The Senate next week will consider the “Federal Water Quality Protection Act” (S. 1140), sponsored by Sens. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and Joe Donnelley, D-Ind. The bill would repeal the “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It also would give those agencies specific instructions and a deadline for rewriting the rule, which is supposed to clarify their authority under the Clean Water Act over various waters. That jurisdiction did include “navigable” waters and waters with a significant hydrologic connection to navigable waters, but the rule broadened that to include, among other water bodies, upstream waters and intermittent and ephemeral streams such as the kind farmers use for drainage and irrigation. It also encompasses lands adjacent to such waters.

The regulation took effect Aug. 28, but implementation of it recently was halted by a U.S. Court of Appeals until litigation over the rule, including a lawsuit, is concluded. Opponents of S. 1140 are expected to filibuster the bill, so proponents will need 60 votes in favor of cutting off debate and moving to a vote on the legislation. If that “cloture” vote fails, the Senate is expected to take up a resolution of disapproval of the WOTUS rule.



National survey results: large majority of voters support RFS

A recent national survey shows that biodiesel is an increasingly popular alternative fuel and that support for a Renewable Fuel Standard is on the rise. With just one month until the Environmental Protection Agency releases a final RFS rule, 80 percent of voters support a renewable fuel standard.

“This is just more evidence that the EPA should strengthen biodiesel volumes in the final RFS proposal,” said Anne Steckel, Vice President of Federal Affairs. “There is substantial public support and mounting data behind strong renewable fuel volumes that allow for additional growth in the program. We are hopeful the administration and EPA recognize the opportunity they have to deliver meaningful policy that will reduce carbon emissions and reduce our dependence on oil.”

Moore Information conducted an online survey of registered voters nationwide on behalf of the National Biodiesel Board. The survey showed continued support for a national renewable fuel standard to support increased biodiesel use in the U.S. Fully 80 percent support a fuel standard today and just 10 percent oppose. The remaining 9 percent are unsure. This is up from just 70 percent support two years ago.

The survey also showed that despite drops in oil and gas prices, public support for renewable fuels has not been adversely affected. On the contrary, it appears the public is increasing its support for renewables, like cleaner burning biodiesel.

“Voters clearly support biodiesel and the RFS. The policies are working,” Steckel said. “Now is the time to build on that success.”



World's Largest Livestock Expo to Open 18-Day Run

The North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center for its 42nd annual gathering Nov. 3-20. Exhibitors from 48 contiguous states will show upwards of 30,000 prize cattle, goats, swine, horses, sheep and other species, as they compete for nearly $750,000 in premiums and awards. NAILE, started in 1974, has grown to become the world's largest all-breed, purebred livestock exposition.

The expo attracts agricultural professionals and livestock breeders from around the world. Some 200,000 competitors and attendees are expected to contribute an estimated $16.1 million to the area's economy. It also hosts the National Collegiate and 4-H/FFA Livestock Judging Contests, designed to assist in preparing the next generation for tomorrow's breeding challenges.

The exposition's premier event, the Sale of Champions, benefits youth exhibitors who often pursue careers in agriculture. In 2014, the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion steers, hogs and lambs fetched auction sales of $87,500. Ten percent of the sales are donated to charitable organizations. The remaining 90 percent of the proceeds are split, with 10 percent going to promote the expo and 80 percent given to the youth exhibitors. More than $1.75 million has been raised through the auction to further promote youth involvement in agribusiness and fund charitable endeavors.

In addition to sales and judging contests, visitors can enjoy the North American Quarter Horse Show in Broadbent Arena Nov. 3-11. Consistently ranked as a top five show by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the nine-day competition features more than 200 classes of events such as cutting, reining, halter, team penning, tie down roping and barrel racing.

Held in conjunction with NAILE is the separately ticketed North American Championship Rodeo Nov. 12-14 in Freedom Hall. This serves as the finals for the Great Lakes Circuit of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), with $80,000 in prize money and the title of Regional Champion on the line.



DuPont Celebrates the Opening of the World’s Largest Cellulosic Ethanol Plant

DuPont celebrated the opening of its cellulosic biofuel facility in Nevada, Iowa, with a ceremony including Iowa Gov. Terry Brandstad and many other dignitaries. This biorefinery is the world’s largest cellulosic ethanol plant, with the capacity to produce 30 million gallons per year of clean fuel that offers a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as compared to gasoline.

The raw material used to produce the ethanol is corn stover – the stalks, leaves and cobs left in a field after harvest. The facility will demonstrate at commercial scale that non-food feedstocks from agriculture can be the renewable raw material to power the future energy demands of society. Cellulosic ethanol will further diversify the transportation fuel mix just as wind and solar are expanding the renewable options for power generation.

DuPont brings an unparalleled combination of science competencies and almost 90 years of agronomy expertise in Iowa to develop both a pioneering clean fuel and biomass supply chain. Vital to the supply chain and the entire operation of the Nevada biorefinery are close to 500 local farmers, who will provide the annual 375,000 dry tons of stover needed to produce this cellulosic ethanol from within a 30-mile radius of the facility. In addition to providing a brand-new revenue stream for these growers, the plant will create 85 full-time jobs at the plant and more than 150 seasonal local jobs in Iowa.

“Iowa has a rich history of innovation in agriculture,” said Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad. “Today we celebrate the next chapter in that story, using agricultural residue as a feedstock for fuel, which brings both tremendous environmental benefits to society and economic benefits to the state. The opening of DuPont’s biorefinery represents a great example of the innovation that is possible when rural communities, their government and private industry work together toward a common goal.”

Biomass-based businesses can bring new sources of revenue and high-tech opportunities to rural economies around the world. As a global company with operations in more than 90 countries, DuPont is uniquely positioned to deploy its cellulosic technology for a global rollout, in transportation fuel and other industries.

FACT SHEET: The DuPont Cellulosic Ethanol Facility
http://www.dupont.com/content/dam/assets/products-and-services/industrial-biotechnology/documents/IB_DCE_Fact_Sheetv15.pdf

“Today, we fulfill our promise to the global biofuels industry with the dedication of our Iowa facility,” said William F. Feehery, president of DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “And perhaps more significantly, we fulfill our promise to society to bring scientific innovation to the market that positively impacts people’s lives. Cellulosic biofuel is joining ranks with wind and solar as true alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing damaging environmental impacts and increasing our energy security.”

In Asia, DuPont recently announced its first licensing agreement with New Tianlong Industry to build China’s largest cellulosic ethanol plant, and last fall a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was announced between DuPont, Ethanol Europe and the government of Macedonia to develop a second-generation biorefinery project. The company also is working in partnership with Procter & Gamble to use cellulosic ethanol in North American Tide® laundry detergents.

The majority of the fuel produced at the Nevada, Iowa, facility will be bound for California to fulfill the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard where the state has adopted a policy to reduce carbon intensity in transportation fuels. The plant also will serve as a commercial-scale demonstration of the cellulosic technology where investors from all over the world can see firsthand how to replicate this model in their home regions.