Thursday October 15 Ag News

Pesticide Applicator Changes Proposed by EPA
Cheryl Alberts, UNL Pesticide Safety Education Program
EPA is currently accepting comments on proposed changes to the federal EPA Certification of Pesticide Applicators Rule. These changes are intended to ensure consistency among states for inter-state recognition of licensing and to increase safety for the nation’s more than one million certified applicators.

State agencies issue licenses to pesticide applicators who demonstrate under an EPA-approved program their ability to use these products safely. Many states already have some or many of EPA’s proposed changes already in place.

Under the proposed federal changes, first-time private applicators would need to be tested and the minimum age for certification would be 18, compared to Nebraska’s current age of 16. Every three years private applicators would need to be recertified with five hours of training. More training is needed if applicators wish to become certified in another category.

EPA also is proposing a Continuing Education Credit (CEU) Training Program. CEUs are defined as 50 minutes of active training time. This would mean both private and commercial applicators receive six CEUs covering core content (general standards such as application techniques), three CEUs for each private category (new categories proposed include aerial, soil fumigation, and non-soil fumigation), and six CEUs for each commercial category. Currently applicators in Nebraska aren’t required to train for a specific time, although each of several competencies must be addressed during recertification training.

 In Nebraska more than 22,250 private and 9,250 commercial applicators are certified for restricted use pesticides.

The public comment period for the proposed changes runs through Nov. 23, 2015. For more information, see http://pested.unl.edu/proposed-certification-rule-changes.



Rural Mainstreet Index Falls Below Growth Neutral for October: Cash Rents on Farmland Tumble

The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index for October fell from September’s weak reading, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.  

Overall: The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), which ranges between 0 and 100, sank to 44.4 from September’s 49.0 and well below August’s growth neutral 50.0.  In fact, not one of the 10 states surveyed had and RMI above 50.0.

“This is the third straight month that the overall index has declined, reflecting weakness stemming from lower agriculture and energy commodity prices and from downturns in manufacturing exports," said Ernie Goss, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University's Heider College of Business.

Regional manufacturers are experiencing weaker conditions. For example, James Shafer, CEO of The First National Bank in Tremont, Illinois, reported, “Caterpillar's announced layoffs of 5,000 employees is having a negative impact on the entire central Illinois.”

Farming and ranching: The farmland and ranchland price index for October fell to 31.0 from 35.5 in September. “This is the 23rd straight month the index has moved below growth neutral. But, as in previous months, there is a great deal of variation across the region in the direction and magnitude of farmland prices,” said Goss.

This month bankers reported on the level of cash rents for farmland.  On average, yearly cash rents across the region were $229 per acre. “This is well below rents recorded six months ago and this is the first time that we measured any real downturn in cash rents,” said Goss.

According to David Steffensmeier, president of the First National Bank in Beemer, Nebraska, “Since corn and soybean prices are down a minimum of 25 percent, overall cash rent needs to adjust down as well. It will be interesting to watch if that is possible this fall and winter.”

The October farm equipment-sales index slumped to a record low 10.8 from September’s anemic 14.2. “The 2014 and 2015 downturns in farm income continue to reduce sales and production of agriculture equipment dealers and producers across the region. Bankers remain pessimistic about the short and intermediate prospects for agriculture equipment dealers and producers on Rural Mainstreet,” said Goss.

Nebraska: The Nebraska RMI for October slumped to 45.2 from 47.3 in September. The state’s farmland-price index increased to 21.8 from September’s 18.7. Nebraska’s new-hiring index advanced to a weak 49.7 from 48.6 in September.

Iowa: The October RMI for Iowa sank to 46.9 from September’s 54.2. Iowa’s farmland-price index for October slipped to 42.5 from September’s 44.0. Iowa’s new-hiring index for October decreased to 57.9 from 60.0 in September.

Each month, community bank presidents and CEOs in nonurban agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of a 10-state area are surveyed regarding current economic conditions in their communities and their projected economic outlooks six months down the road. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are included. The survey is supported by a grant from Security State Bank in Ansley, Neb.

This survey represents an early snapshot of the economy of rural agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of the nation. The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) is a unique index covering 10 regional states, focusing on approximately 200 rural communities with an average population of 1,300. It gives the most current real-time analysis of the rural economy. Goss and Bill McQuillan, former chairman of the Independent Community Banks of America, created the monthly economic survey in 2005.



OCTOBER ALFALFA HARVESTS
Bruce Anderson, UNL Extension Forage Specialist

               A few weeks ago, I discouraged cutting alfalfa while it was winterizing because of potential winter injury.  Things have changed since then.

               By mid-October the growing season is pretty much complete.  Many folks received some late season rain and some areas have had light frosts that left alfalfa plants pretty much unaffected.  So, you might have a substantial, high quality alfalfa crop remaining in your field.

               Alfalfa that has had at least six weeks of regrowth in mid-October since the previous cutting will have developed adequate winterhardiness for all but the most severe winters.  It also has begun to go dormant naturally because of shorter days and cooler temperatures so harvest is not likely to jeopardize stand persistence.  Not only that, October hay often has exceptionally high quality.  With high prices paid for dairy hay, another cutting is very tempting.

               Hay harvest can be difficult, though, because alfalfa dries and cures very slowly in October.  If you do cut hay, be extra alert to weather reports, use a conditioner to speed dry-down, spread windrows wide for extra exposure to sunlight, and consider using a preservative to protect hay that's baled at higher than normal moisture levels.

               When possible, it’s better to harvest alfalfa as haylage in October.  Less drying is needed, and since drying is slower, haylage can be made at a more uniform moisture content than in summer.  October alfalfa also tends to preserve well as haylage.

               Grazing is another option now, but continue to be cautious about bloat.  Also avoid grazing on wet soils, or stand damage could occur.

               Good alfalfa in mid-October doesn't have to be sacrificed to maintain winter-hardiness.  Just be sure you had adequate time to develop winter-hardiness, and then select a good harvest method.



Biofuel Education Videos Now Available

New biofuel videos available for education on both the economic and environmental benefits of using renewable biofuels.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board released white board-style biofuel videos starring gruff military man Colonel Korn and modern couple Andy & Sandy. The videos can be viewed on the Nebraska Ethanol Board YouTube Channel: http://ow.ly/TaCk4

“The educational messages embodied in the new videos are an excellent means of communicating the benefits of ethanol to students as well as older adults,” said Todd Sneller, Nebraska Ethanol Board administrator. “They are brief, factual and quickly convey the economic, environment and public health advantages associated with ethanol and other biofuels.”

Colonel Korn takes the audience on a journey through Nebraska’s $5 billion ethanol industry. He shares why American Ethanol is important to the state and the world, discussing exports and co-product use along the way.

Looking to be a good environmental steward, Andy relies on Sandy to explain the benefits of using biofuels to reduce harmful toxics in the air. Sandy shares the air quality benefits of fueling up with American Ethanol and biodiesel.

The new videos will be used throughout the state to inform consumers about the benefits of biofuels. The videos are available to share online, but DVDs also can be requested through the Nebraska Ethanol Board office.



Farm Finance and Legal Aid Clinics in October, November

One-on-one, confidential Farm Finance and Legal Assistance Clinics will be held at several sites this month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters.

Remaining October Clinic Sites and Dates
    Valentine — Friday, Oct. 16
    Fairbury — Monday, Oct. 19
    Norfolk — Thursday, Oct. 22

November Clinic Sites and Dates
    Grand Island — Thursday, Nov. 5
    North Platte — Thursday, Nov. 12
    Norfolk — Friday, Nov. 13
    Fairbury — Wednesday, Nov. 18
    Lexington — Thursday, Nov. 19
    Norfolk — Monday, Nov. 23

To sign up for a clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.




USDA to Invest $30 million to Help Protect Wetlands in Six States

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will award $30 million to projects in six states to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on private and tribal agricultural lands. The projects are being funded under the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), a program authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.

"Through locally led partnerships like these, USDA is targeting conservation in the places that make sense, allowing us to address local concerns," Vilsack said. "These projects will improve water quality, prevent flooding, enhance wildlife habitat and meet increasing conservation challenges on over 19,000 acres of wetlands."

Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, WREP is a special enrollment option under the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program's Wetland Reserve Easement component. Through WREP, which is administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), states, local units of governments, non-governmental organizations and American Indian tribes collaborate with NRCS through cooperative and partnership agreements. These partners work with tribal and private landowners who voluntarily enroll eligible land into easements to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their properties.

Wetland reserve easements allow landowners to successfully enhance and protect habitat for wildlife on their lands, reduce impacts from flooding, recharge groundwater and provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. The voluntary nature of NRCS' easement programs allows effective integration of wetland restoration on working landscapes, providing benefits to farmers and ranchers who enroll in the program, as well as benefits to the local and rural communities where the wetlands exist.

NRCS awarded grants for projects in Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska and Tennessee.

2015-2016 WREP Projects:

    Iowa: Partners will acquire and restore prairie pothole wetlands and associated tallgrass prairie uplands on five sites within Prairie Pothole Joint Venture Priority Areas and Ducks Unlimited Living Lakes Initiative Emphasis Areas. Partner contributions will nearly double the acres of wetlands that will be protected and restored. NRCS plans to invest $3 million in this project.

    Kentucky: Partners will acquire and restore wetlands in high priority small watersheds to reduce sediment and nutrients entering the Mississippi River. Coordination with the Kentucky Indiana Bat Fund, The Nature Conservancy and other partners will provide protection of adjacent forested wetlands, increasing the impacted area and quality of protected habitat provided for wildlife. NRCS plans to invest $9.4 million in this project.

    Mississippi: Partners will expand an existing project to increase the acres acquired and wetlands restored in the Mississippi River Basin. These additional wetland acres will provide habitat for fish and wildlife, improve water quality by filtering sediments and nutrients, reduce flooding, recharge ground water and provide outdoor recreational opportunities. NRCS plans to invest $5.1 million in this project.

    Missouri: Partners will enhance 9,500 acres of existing wetlands and restore 500 acres of critically imperiled wet prairie habitats on existing USDA easements improving a total of 10,000 acres. Strong partner support across 30 counties will build on the success of ongoing conservation easement programs in the state. NRCS plans to invest $2.4 million in this project.

    Nebraska: Additional partners will build on the success of two previous WREP projects to acquire and restore the state's playa wetlands and mixed-grass prairie buffers. By modifying irrigation and grazing practices this project will provide a unique twist on traditional easements with innovative partner input that links production agriculture land with conservation easements. NRCS plans to invest $1.7 million in this project.

    Tennessee: Partners will acquire and restore wetlands in a Hypoxia Task Force priority watershed of the lower Mississippi River, reducing the sediment and nutrients entering the river while improving wildlife habitat. The project area also includes areas along the Mississippi River in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Kentucky and Missouri. Twenty-six of the 35 counties in the project area are identified by the USDA as Persistent Poverty StrikeForce Counties, where assistance to combat rural poverty will be targeted. This is the second phase of work that began in 2012 that is on track to enroll 15,000 acres by 2016. NRCS plans to invest 8.4 million in this project.

WREP partners contribute a funding match for financial or technical assistance. These partners work directly with eligible landowners interested in enrolling their agricultural land into conservation wetland easements.

Today's awards build on the more than $330 million USDA announced in fiscal year 2015 to protect and restore agricultural working lands, grasslands and wetlands. Collectively, NRCS easement programs help productive farm, ranch and tribal lands continue in agricultural production and protect the nation's critical wetlands and grasslands that are important to water supplies and home to diverse wildlife and plant species. Under the former Wetlands Reserve Program, private landowners, tribes and entities such as land trusts and conservation organizations have enrolled 2.7 million acres through 14,500 agreements for a total NRCS and partner investment of $4.3 billion in financial and technical assistance.



COVER CROP PLANTING DEADLINE EXTENDED

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Acting State Conservationist Richard Ellsmore with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today said that planting deadline for cover crops for farmers participating in state cost share programs and most federal financial assistance programs has been extended.

“We have seen significant growth in the number of farmers using cover crops and number of acres that they are used on.  There are an estimated 236,000 acres of cover crops supported by just state cost share programs.  Some crops were delayed by wet weather this spring and this extension will help farmers still be able to use this important water quality practice even if their harvest is delayed,” Northey said.

Farmers intending to plant wintery hardy cover crops that are North of Highway 20 now have until November 1, 2015 to get the cover crops planted.  Farmers south of Highway 20 now have until November 15 to plant and still qualify for assistance.

The following applies to cover crops planted during the extension period (Oct. 16 – Nov. 1 North of Highway 20 and Oct 16 -November 15 South of Highway 20):
    Cover crops will be seeded as soon as possible after harvest of the principal crop.
    The cover crop to be seeded must be winter hardy (i.e. cereal rye, winter wheat, triticale).
    The cover crop will be no-till drilled in crop residue.
    Allow cover crop to add growth as long as possible in the spring prior to termination to maximize benefits. Must be allowed to grow until at least 6 inches for those participating in federal programs.
    The extension does not apply for all federal programs. Contact your NRCS office if you have questions.

Farmers approved for cost-share assistance who are still unable to plant cover crops should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office.



Growth Energy Responds to Flawed Study Designed to Keep Us Addicted to Oil

In response to a significantly flawed study on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)  released by the University of Tennessee and sponsored by Big Oil, Tom Buis, co-chairman of Growth Energy, issued the following statement:

“Clearly this study was published with an agenda and without regard to the facts. It is misleading, inaccurate and runs counter to a large body of expert research. Slapping a new title on this previously discredited research won’t change the facts, and those who published this study clearly have little interest in doing anything other than maintaining the status quo of our dangerous addiction to foreign oil and fossil fuels.

“When you separate the facts from the rhetoric, it’s clear that this is a special interest study bought and paid for by Big Oil.  While the ethanol industry voluntarily gave up its tax credits in 2011, oil companies have received government handouts for over a century. They currently receive five billion dollars in subsidies a year in the U.S., and hundreds of billions worldwide. Furthermore, the EPA Administrator has noted that the RFS has been a key component of the administration’s push to stem the tide of climate change.

“With regards to the environmental benefits of ethanol, the facts are clear. According to Argonne National Laboratory, – an objective national laboratory – ethanol reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an average of 34 percent compared to gasoline, even when the highly controversial and disputed theory on Indirect Land Use Change (ILUC) is factored into the modeling. Furthermore, Argonne has found that without ILUC included, ethanol reduces GHG emissions by 57 percent compared to gasoline.

“Side by side, ethanol wins every time when it comes to the environment. How are the ecologically devastating spills like Deepwater Horizon, which dumped more than 200 million gallons of oil and polluted an area in the Gulf of Mexico the size of Oklahoma, so easily forgotten? Because of one spill, beaches were closed, ecosystems destroyed and local economies decimated. In 2013 there were 7,662 spills, oils leaks and blowouts, averaging approximately 20 spills per day. No beach has ever been closed due to an ethanol spill. When it comes to environmental benefits, can anyone seriously believe that oil is better than biodegradable ethanol that burns cleaner, is renewable, and improves air quality? Not to mention, a recent study by the University of Montana found that, ‘between 2000 and 2012, about 7 million acres – the rough equivalent of three Yellowstone National Parks – was given over to well pads and related roads.’ Yet Big Oil is undeterred by hard data that shows their history of environmental damage, with an interest only in stopping the development of renewable fuels by urging the repeal of the RFS.

“Predictably , another critical component that was unsurprisingly left out of the University of Tennessee’s report is that ethanol, with its high octane content, reduces the need to add known carcinogens such as benzene and 1-3 butadiene to gasoline to bolster octane and engine performance. Additionally, ethanol plays a major role in reducing ultra-fine particulates in exhaust emissions – particles that are linked to a large number of adverse health outcomes

“Finally, the RFS limits corn ethanol to 15 billion gallons, with the remaining 21 billion gallons coming from advanced biofuels. Additionally, there is an inextricable link between first generation corn based ethanol and next generation fuels such as cellulosic ethanol. Third Way, a centrist think tank outlined this in a report, explaining that in 2015, 88 percent of cellulosic biofuel capacity will have a direct link to first generation production.

“The renewable fuels industry is a win-win for America. We are creating jobs and revitalizing rural economies, as well as improving our environment and decreasing our dependence on foreign oil – all while providing consumers a choice and savings at the pump. Biofuel producers are working to meet the energy needs of America, while Big Oil is desperate to maintain their 90 percent monopoly on the motor fuels market and are willing to do anything to protect their bottom, profits and the status quo.”



Russia Harvest Exceeds Forecast

Russia's grain harvest is gathering speed towards its completion and has exceeded the expectations of the agriculture ministry, although it's still smaller than last year's harvest because of bad weather.

Between the start of the harvest in mid-June and Oct. 14, 102.4 million metric tons were harvested from 42.7 million hectares--96.2% of the total area to be harvested--at an average yield of 2.4 tons a hectare, the agriculture ministry reported Thursday.

The ministry's earlier estimate for this year's harvest was 100-101 million metric tons. On the same date last year the harvest stood at 104.1 million tons on 41.7 million hectares, an average yield of 2.5 tons/ha.

The current total includes 63.5 million tons of wheat harvested from 25.3 million hectares, an average yield of 2.51 tons/ha. That compares with 60.4 million tons from 22.9 million ha this time last year, an average yield of 2.64 tons/ha.

Farmers have harvested 18.1 million tons of barley from 8.1 million ha, an average yield of 2.23 tons/ha, down from 20.8 million tons on 8.8 million ha this time last year, an average yield of 2.36 tons/ha.

The corn harvest to date stands at 7.9 million tons on 1.6 million ha, an average yield of 5.05 tons/ha, up from 7.6 million tons on 1.7 million ha a year ago, an average yield of 4.59 tons/ha.

In total, Russia harvested 105.3 million tons of grain in bunker weight last year.



Syngenta 3Q Sales Down

Syngenta AG reported a 12% drop in third-quarter sales on Thursday, in its first results since the Swiss pesticide and seed maker fought off a roughly $45 billion takeover bid from Monsanto Co.

Basel-based Syngenta said sales in the three months to Sept. 30 fell to $2.62 billion from $2.98 billion a year earlier, as a depreciation of most currencies against the U.S. dollar took its toll. The figure missed analyst forecasts of $2.71 billion.

At constant exchange rates, which eliminate the effect of currency swings, Syngenta said its sales were unchanged. The company, which is the world's largest seller of pesticides, doesn't report profit at the nine-month stage.

Earlier this year St. Louis-based Monsanto tried to buy Syngenta in a cash and share deal that valued the Swiss company at around $45 billion. The takeover would have created the world's largest supplier of crop seeds and chemicals.

But Syngenta's management rejected the deal, saying it undervalued the company and wouldn't pass anti-trust regulators.



Syngenta Chooses NRGene’s DeNovoMAGIC to Map 12 Genomes in Only Eight Months

Syngenta Crop Protection LLC, a leading global agrochemical and seed company, and NRGene, the leading genomic big data company, announced today the successful mapping of 12 genomes of diverse crops to accelerate genetic research and breeding.

NRGene's unique genome assembler, DeNovoMAGICTM, supports trait discovery and genomic selection in every type of field and vegetable crop. The constructed genomes are being used by diverse research and development (R&D) groups across Syngenta as basic reference tools to complement internal efforts.

"Our deep understanding of NRGene's genomic capabilities was built upon NRGene’s numerous successful full genome assembly projects done on many leading varieties of our key crops," stated Dr. Roger Smith, senior team leader at Syngenta in the Genomics 2 Breeding Group.

DeNovoMAGIC proprietary algorithms enable the full mapping of even the most large and complex genomes, including heterozygous and polyploidy genomes. In addition to the work for Syngenta, DeNovoMAGIC’s technology has already mapped the first-ever wheat genome, rainbow trout, and multiple varieties of maize, soybean, vegetables and forestry, among others.

"Using genomic data and big data analysis of genomic information in new and novel ways for seed R&D is a key factor in maintaining our competitive advantage," stated Dr. Joseph Clarke, principal research scientist at Syngenta in the Genomics 2 Breeding Group.

"Syngenta’s use of DeNovoMAGIC delivers the basic genetic infrastructures crucial for the cutting-edge genetic tools employed for breeding by the leading seed companies,” said Dr. Gil Ronen, NRGene's CEO. “We envision that our collaboration with Syngenta will lead to the development of higher yield, hardier, and more profitable seeds.”