Tuesday October 20 Ag News

Nebraska BQA: Feedyard Assessment Resources
Larry Howard, UNL Extension Educator, Cuming County

By participating in the Nebraska Beef Quality Assurance (NBQA) program and completing a BQA Feed Yard Assessment, producers are positioning their business to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead to ensure a safe, wholesome and quality beef and beef products for consumers. They are taking positive action to demonstrate that cattle producers are concerned about the product they produce as well as the live animals in their care. The NBQA program is a good resource for up-to-date best management practices and the BQA Feed Yard Assessment assist in reviewing daily implementation of these practices.

The BQA Assessment is a review of employee training, standard operating procedures (SOP), record keeping, animal health protocols, handling practices, and equipment/facility maintenance, plus a tool to identify areas of potential risk or opportunities for improvement. Producers can also use the assessment to set benchmarks and goals for the operation, which set the standard for the industry to produce a quality product.

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) working with the major packers have developed a National BQA Feed Yard Assessment Database to assist beef packers in verifying their suppliers are current with BQA Certification and have completed a feed yard assessment once every three years. Feed yards can complete a BQA Feed Yard Assessment or a Third Party Audit equivalent containing BQA components. The only information being release to the National Database is Feed Yard Name, City, State and date of assessment/audit. The site is password protected and maintained by NCBA with list coming from State BQA Directors.

Nebraska BQA has developed their website as a resource for cattlemen. The resources include BQA Manuals, National Beef Quality Audit information, news articles and BQA Assessment information. All BQA Assessments, SOPs and forms can be downloaded at: http://bqa.unl.edu. For more information contact: Rob Eirich at reirich2@unl.edu.

Effects of a Freeze on Forages
If you haven’t experienced a freeze yet this fall, you soon will. A freeze can cause hazards for using some forages.  When plants freeze, changes occur in their metabolism and composition that can poison livestock. But you can prevent problems.

Sorghum-related plants, like cane, sudangrass, shattercane, and milo can be highly toxic for a few days after frost. Freezing breaks plant cell membranes. This breakage allows the chemicals that form prussic acid, which is also called cyanide, to mix together and release this poisonous compound rapidly. Livestock eating recently frozen sorghums can get a sudden, high dose of prussic acid and potentially die. Fortunately, prussic acid soon turns into a gas and disappears into the air. So wait 3 to 5 days after a freeze before grazing sorghums; the chance of poisoning then becomes much lower.

Freezing also slows down metabolism in all plants. This stress sometimes permits nitrates to accumulate in plants that are still growing, especially grasses like oats, millet, and sudangrass. This build-up usually isn't hazardous to grazing animals, but green chop or hay cut right after a freeze can be more dangerous.

Alfalfa reacts two ways to a hard freeze, down close to twenty degrees, cold enough to cause plants to wilt. Nitrate levels can increase, but rarely to hazardous levels. Freezing also makes alfalfa more likely to cause bloat for a few days after the frost. Then, several days later, after plants begin to wilt or grow again, alfalfa becomes less likely to cause bloat. So waiting to graze alfalfa until well after a hard freeze is a good, safer management practice.

Frost causes important changes in forages so manage them carefully for safe feed.



Farmers Encouraged to Use Soil Sample Results to Reduce Costs

Crop prices have been declining and there is considerable uncertainty about the future. Although phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer prices have remained constant or declined slightly, producers are still thinking of reducing application rates for nutrients to balance yield profits and crop production costs.

“With unfavorable crop fertilizer prices, farmers are considering reducing fertilization rates across all crops despite field conditions,” said Antonio Mallarino, professor and extension specialist in agronomy and nutrient management research at Iowa State University. “However, making rational or sound management decisions should begin by testing soil, following the recommended application rates for additional nutrients."

Test soil before buying inputs
Soil testing is not a perfect diagnostic tool, but it is useful and has become less expensive in recent years. Testing expenses are low compared to overall production costs and testing is especially relevant with this year’s lower crop prices. Soil sampling guidelines for phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients are available in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach publication, Take a Good Sample to Help Make Good Decisions (PM 287). Also, P, K and pH soil test interpretations based on Iowa field research are available in the publication, A General Guide for Crop Nutrient and Limestone Recommendations in Iowa (PM 1688).

In very low and low-testing soils, crop yield increases are highly likely from P and K fertilization, but in high-testing soils, the yield increase becomes very unlikely. Therefore, Mallarino suggests not reducing nutrient rates for low-testing soil samples where there is the potential for yield increases and profitability. Instead, consider not fertilizing those high-testing soils. This will reduce the costs associated with inputs and still keep yields somewhat high for a good return.

“Many Iowa producers are choosing to apply the right rate of fertilizer, at the right time,” said Mallarino. “Using a good soil sampling method and variable-rate technology will help determine the phosphorus and potassium application rate within fields. However, the key issue that applies to many Iowa producers is that there is no rational reason to maintain higher than optimum soil test levels.”

If economic conditions are poor, cropland use is in question or crop prices are low farmers may want to temporarily reduce nutrient inputs to reach optimum soil test levels. This may increase profits in the short-term, but soil test values will steadily decline over time and, as a result, higher application rates will be needed throughout the years.

Give credit to P and K in animal manure
Iowa research has shown that manure is an excellent phosphorus and potassium source, when used in conjunction with manure analysis and careful application methods. The potassium availability of all animal manure is 90 to 100 percent compared to fertilizer (and assuming otherwise similar conditions), whereas the phosphorus availability varies from 60 to 100 percent according to the type of manure.



New Guide Provides Updated Weed Identification and Herbicide Resistance Information

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has released a new version of the Weed Identification Field Guide, first published in 2010, to assist producers and agronomists with accurately identifying weeds in Iowa corn and soybean fields. The Weed Identification Field Guide, 2nd Edition, includes additional weed species and updated information on herbicide resistance management. The guide is now available for purchase online from the Extension Store at https://store.extension.iastate.edu/.

Kristine Schaefer, contributing author of the publication and pesticide safety education program manager at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said it was important to amend information about herbicide resistance and management from the first edition, as issues continue to develop.

“One weed added was Palmer amaranth, a new weed to Iowa and one that has shown resistance to glyphosate and other herbicides,” said Schaefer.

The 108-page booklet is organized into five sections: weed management, grass weeds, broadleaf weeds, other weeds, and glossary and index. Each section includes supplemental identification descriptions, enhanced photos and tools for correctly distinguishing weeds that have similar characteristics.   

“The guide is intended to help producers and agronomists identify weeds in the field without having to go back to the office or check online to confirm identification,” said Schaefer.

The pocket-sized guide contains 35 illustrations and more than 250 high-quality photographs of weeds found in Iowa. Funding for the development of the guide was provided by the United Soybean Board Take Action program and the Iowa Soybean Association.

Printed copies can be purchased online through the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Extension Store for $10, and the PDF version can be downloaded for $5.



Opportunity awaits students at Beef Scholarship Extravaganza

High school juniors and seniors interested in cattle and beef production will take home more than $7,500 in scholarships from the Beef Scholarship Extravaganza that will be held Dec. 4 in Ames.

The event is organized and hosted by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation as an educational opportunity for high school students. Teams of 2-3 students compete at ten different stations that will test skills and knowledge of specific cattle and beef issues. The teams with the highest combined scores will qualify for scholarship dollars, which will then be matched by several Iowa colleges.

“Simply put, the Beef Scholarship Extravaganza is the best contest any of my students participate in during their high school years,” says Maquoketa FFA Advisor Gary Bruns. Bruns regularly brings teams to the Extravaganza.

“Every part of the contest is related to real life and requires the student to learn and demonstrate skills they will use in high school, in college and most importantly, in life. Students always tell me it was well worth all the work!” he concluded.

Team registrations are due Nov. 1, 2015. Students can organize teams based on high school, FFA, 4-H, county or beef breeds affiliation to compete for the scholarships. Any adult can serve as the team’s advisor.

Station protocols, as well as registration information and contest rules can be found at www.iowacattlemensfoundation.org; then click on the Extravaganza link on the left side of the page. For additional information on the contest, contact Mary Greiman at the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation at mary@iabeef.org  or 515-296-2266.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation sponsors several scholarship and learning opportunities for young people. Find out more by visiting their website www.iowacattlemensfoundation.org.



UAS: Good for Farmers, Consumer and the Environment

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Monday afternoon that recreational users of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, must register their systems with the federal government. The following is a statement from National Corn Growers Association President Chip Bowling, a farmer from Newburg, Maryland, regarding this announcement.

“As with any technology, unmanned aerial systems will make our farms safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. That’s good for farmers, good for consumers and good for the environment. We support reasonable rules and regulations to govern UAS technology. Most farmers who use a drone will do so over open cropland in rural areas, far away from airports or large population centers. We hope the Federal Aviation Administration will recognize the important commercial applications of UAS technology and create rules that will put the technology in farmers’ hands.”

The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International estimates that agriculture will account for as much as 80 percent of all commercial UAS use. Applications of unmanned aerial systems include crop scouting; early detection of pest infestations and crop disease; more precise application of fertilizers and other crop inputs; and reducing the need for humans in potentially dangerous tasks.




Fertilizer Prices Slip Again

Prices of potash continued to fall to record-breaking lows, dropping another 5% in the past week compared to month-earlier averages, according to DTN's weekly retail fertilizer survey. Prices of all other major types of fertilizer remained unchanged or with only small price adjustments of $1 per ton up or down.

DAP averaged $547 per ton, MAP $564/ton, potash $440/ton, urea $418/ton, 10-34-0 $584/ton, anhydrous $640/ton, UAN28 $295/ton and UAN32 $338/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.45/lb.N, anhydrous $0.39/lb.N, UAN28 $0.53/lb.N and UAN32 $0.53/lb.N.

Compared to year-earlier prices, only starter fertilizer remains more expensive than a year ago. 10-34-0 averages about 5% higher. Prices of urea are a substantial 18% lower, with UAN28 prices also falling 10% below last year. Prices of UAN32 fell 9%, anhydrous 8%, potash 7%, DAP 6%, and MAP 5%



September Milk Production up 0.4 Percent
                       
Milk production in the 23 major States during September totaled 15.6 billion pounds, up 0.4 percent from September 2014.  August revised production at 16.3 billion pounds, was up 0.9 percent from August 2014.  The August revision represented an increase of 15 million pounds or 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,805 pounds for September, 1 pound below September 2014.  This is the second highest production per cow for the month of September since the 23 State series began in 2003.

The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.63 million head, 41,000 head more than September 2014, but unchanged from August 2015.

IOWA:  Milk production in Iowa during September 2015 totaled 383 million pounds, up 2 percent from September 2014 according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during September, at 210,000 head, was 1,000 fewer than last month but 2,000 more than a year ago. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,825 pounds, up 20 pounds from last September. This is the highest monthly milk per cow for September on record for Iowa.

July-September Milk Production up 0.9 Percent
Milk production in the United States during the July - September quarter totaled 51.6 billion pounds, up 0.9 percent from the July - September quarter last year.

The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.31 million head, 7,000 head fewer than the April  - June quarter, but 43,000 head more than the same period last year.

2015 3Q Milk Production (% change from 3Q '14)
Nebraska ...:         323.0 million pounds           +8.8%    
Iowa ..........:       1,189.0 million pounds          +3.1%    



1-29 Dairy Outreach Consortium Dairy Tours

Dairy producers and heifer growers are invited to attend a dairy tour sponsored by the 1-29 Dairy Outreach Consortium Oct. 29.

Registration for the tour is due by Oct. 26. Total cost per person is $85 or $35 if you are a student. The cost includes transportation, lunch, and refreshments on vans. Vans will be filled on a first come, first served basis when registration is received for Van-carpooling. A $60 per person registration fee is available to those who travel on their own.

To register, visit the iGrow Dairy community page.

"Here's your opportunity to see excellent heifer-growing facilities firsthand and learn what has worked, as well as what producers have changed along the way," said Tracey Erickson, SDSU Extension Dairy Field Specialist.

Tour Details:

-- Newalta Dairy Farm (1125 71st St. Pipestone, Minn.)
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. John and Berlinda VanderWal own and operate Newalta Dairy. The drive to improve their dairy farm and provide better opportunities for their family led the VanderWal Family from the Netherlands to Canada and to Pipestone, Minn., in 2005 where they built their current operation and milk 1,600 cows.
With each move or new project they implemented new management practices or technologies to be more productive and provide better care for their herd. They currently raise their own pre-weaned calves.
They utilize Urban Automatic Calf Feeding systems in group housing which can handle up to 300 of the dairy's heifer calves.

-- VanEss Dairy, LLC (2996 Sorrel Ave, Sanborn, Iowa)
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. After relocating from Washington to Idaho and then to Iowa, Harvey and Lisa VanEss and their sons, Joshua, Jeremy, Chad, Tyler and Todd are successfully milking 4,000 cows at their Sanborn Dairy.
The VanEss Dairy operation is a cross-ventilated, sand-bedded free stall barn which spans 9.8 acres.
In 2014, they built a new on site calf raising facility. This unique group housing and headlock feeding system supports 650 heifers from birth to weaning.
VanEss Dairy embraces change and encourages other dairy farmers to do the same - especially on multi-generation farms.

11:50 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch -- Jay's Restaurant and Lounge - Buffet Lunch (120 W 7th St. Sanborn, Iowa)

-- City View Farms (4135 Yellow Ave, Sutherland, Iowa)
1- 2 p.m. Ken and Vickie Franken operate City View Farms of Sutherland and Sioux Center, Iowa. They have specialized in the heifer growing business for more than 30 years.
The Franken's heifer raising facilities consists of two sites which they operate with their children: Jody, Jamie, Jake, and Jess. They raise dairy heifers from post-weaning age to pre-freshening for as many as 12 different dairies locally and across the Midwest.
Their facilities hold up to 16,000 head. City View works closely with dairy producers, veterinarians, and AI technicians to effectively manage the heifers.
Franken's belong to the Professional Dairy Heifer Growers Association (PDHGA) which helps them learn and network with other dairy heifer growers across the nation making them the successful operation they are today.

-- Dykstra Dairy (40671 110th St., Remsen, Iowa)
3:15 - 4:15 p.m.
Darin and Linda Dykstra Dairy began milking cows at their current location near Maurice, Iowa, in February 2003 after moving their dairy from Chino, Calif.
They milk 3,000 cows on the dairy in Maurice along with growing their own heifer calves at a facility off-site from the dairy in Ramsen, Iowa. The calf raising facility has 14 GEA WestfaliaSurge Automatic Calf Feeding Systems, which raise all of the dairy's replacement heifers through weaning.

4:15 pm Return Home

Transportation Details:
-- Vans are provided for transportation. Below are pick-up details.
-- Location and times from which you will depart from:
-- Nebraska: Departure Location: Norfolk & Sioux City, Neb. Departing from Norfolk, Wednesday Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. stay over in Sioux City. Departing from Sioux City on Oct. 29 at 6 a.m. Contact for both departure locations is Kim Clark, 402-350-5003.
-- Iowa: Departure Location: Sioux Center (Walmart Parking lot, SE corner), Iowa. Departing Thursday Oct. 29 at 7 a.m. Contact is Ryan Breuer.
-- Minnesota: Departure Locations: St. Joseph Park & Ride (I-94 & Cty Rd 2, Minn.) Contact is Jim Salfer, email. Along I-90 (please contact Jim Paulson) Departing from both locations, Oct. 29 at 5 a.m. Contact is Jim Paulson 507-251-4694.
-- South Dakota: Departure Location: Brookings & Sioux Falls, S.D. Departing Oct. 29 at 6:45 a.m. Contact is Tracey Erickson.
-- North Dakota: Departure Location: NDSU Dairy Unit - Fargo, N.D. Departing Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. to stay overnight in Brookings. Contact is J.W. Schroeder.

For those staying overnight in Brookings or Sioux City you will be responsible for your own hotel expenses, please coordinate with the person you are traveling with.



Argentina to Trim Soy Acres

With just a couple of weeks to go before soybean planting begins in earnest in Argentina, the Buenos Aires Cereals Exchange forecast area would decline 1% to 48.9 million acres.

While there are few positive factors pushing farmers into planting the oilseed, many will sow anyway, attracted by the ease with which soy can be produced, the low costs of production, the liquid market and creating good conditions for planting corn next year, said the exchange.

In addition, the climatic outlook is positive with El Nino likely guaranteeing sufficient rainfall for soybeans to develop without significant stress, it said. Of course, there are region in the east where rainfall threatens to be excessive and flooding is a threat, although this is not a massive negative.

However, margins look tight due to low prices and inflationary pressure on costs, with the situation looking bleaker the farther the farm is from port or the more marginal the production areas.

But it isn't just soybean area that will likely decline. The same factors will also lead to significant reductions in area for the other five major row crops -- corn, sunflowers, sorghum, wheat and barley -- the exchange added.



American Ethanol Car Clocked Fastest at Kansas Speedway

During last Sunday's Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway, the American Ethanol No. 3 car was recorded as the fastest on the track. "We had a really fast American Ethanol Chevrolet. I was catching everybody in front of us," said driver Austin Dillon.

However, speed was not enough to win the race. After holding on to the fifth position for 20 laps, Dillon cut a right front tire and destroyed his No. 3 American Ethanol Chevy on Lap 155.

Even though the No. 3 car didn't make it into the winner's circle this race, the performance of NASCAR's fuel Sunoco Green E15 continues to demonstrate its benefit at the track.

In a Motor Racing Network interview with announcing team Jeff Striegle, Joe Moore and Rusty Wallace, CEO of Kansas Corn Growers Association Greg Krissek told race fans that the American Ethanol - NASCAR partnership has provided a great example for consumers to see E15 in action. Krissek encouraged consumers to look for E15 at gas stations near them. If they don't see it, ask their gas retailer to look into offering it. There are programs in place to help retailers convert to higher blends of ethanol in gas.