Monday December 28 Ag News

OPPORTUNITIES IN WINTER         
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Some things you just can’t plan for – you just need to take advantage of the opportunities when they happen.  Winter field work is one example.

               It may be early winter, but have you thought about what field work you could do before spring?  Since most winters give us at least a few nice days without snow cover, take advantage of them to improve your pastures and hay fields.

               For example, if the ground isn’t frozen, spray your alfalfa for winter annual weeds.  Or maybe dormant seed some warm-season grass.  Maybe you should move bales out of the field before spring rains make it a muddy mess.  A really good practice would be to move cows out onto yucca-infected pastures to winter graze and reduce some of the yucca problem.  Or you could frost seed legumes, spray herbicides to control downy brome or wild oats if they are green, build cross fences, tighten sagging perimeter fences, smooth out gopher mounds, spread phosphorus on alfalfa, or even cut some cedar trees.

               If you are like me, though, you never even think about those tasks this time of year, much less go out and do the work.  And that’s too bad because once spring arrives there will be so many other demands on your time that some of these jobs will be skipped entirely and others probably will be rushed and completed less effectively.

               Winter normally isn’t thought of as a time for field work, but if you’re prepared you can take advantage of breaks in the weather to get a jump on spring activities.

               I’m not trying to make you feel guilty or give you more work to do.  Just a friendly reminder that if weather breaks again, maybe you can take special advantage of it.



Ranching for Profitability Series- Looking to 2016
Gary Stauffer – NE Extension Educator, Holt-Boyd Counties

As beef producers look ahead to 2016, what will the upcoming year bring?  The annual “Ranching for Profitability” series will be held across Nebraska in mid-January to cover timely beef issues.   Nebraska Extension beef specialists and educators will cover a variety of topics that may influence the cowherd.   To find out what topics will be covered at your meeting, check with the local extension contact.

How will the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) affect you?  Dee Griffin, Nebraska Extension Veterinarian, will discuss what VFD and it will affect your operation.  The FDA passed the final ruling of VFD in June 2015 to reduce antibiotic resistant bacteria.   Products deemed “important for human medicine” and used by both animals and humans will be affected.  Veterinarians and producers can still use these products to treat illness, but will not be allowed for growth or to improve feed efficiency in cattle.  Dr. Griffin will also give a beef cattle disease update at the meetings.

Rental rates for pastures continued to climb in 2015, as hay prices fell.  Nebraska Extension Beef Specialist, Rick Rasby, will cover management when “grass is high priced and hay is cheap.”
What is one of your biggest costs in your cowherd?  This silent expense may surprise you- cow depreciation!   Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Beef Educator, talks about the shocking impact cow depreciation can have on your bottom line.

Economics show that an animal grazing is less expensive to feed, than hauling the feed to the animal.  Mary Drewnoski, Nebraska Extension Beef Specialist, will share ways to extend your grazing season into the fall and winter.

While winter brings a freezing halt to livestock pests, now is the time to plan ahead for good control this summer.  Dave Boxler, Nebraska Extension Livestock Entomologist, will discuss control methods for pasture flies on your cattle.

Local beef educators will discuss tips to build your bottom line at each meeting.

Meetings will be held January 12-14, and January 19-20.  Call the local extension office to register for a meal one week prior.   Registration fee- $20.

January 13, 10 am MT, Whitman, Gudmundsen Sandhills Lab, bjohnston3@unl.edu, 308-645-2267 or 1-800-657-2113.
January 14, 10 am CT, Ainsworth, Zion Lutheran Church, 402-387-2213.
January 14, 5 pm CT, O’Neill, Courthouse Annex, gstauffer1@unl.edu, 402-336-2760.
January 19, 10 am CT, Burwell, Burwell Legion, 308- 346-4200.
January 19, 5 pm CT, Broken Bow, Broken Bow Country Club, 308-872-6831.
January 20, 10 am CT, Brady, Brady Community Center, Brady Nebraska, rsaner2@unl.edu, 308-532-2683.



Iowa Cattlemen’s Association to hold educational forums

In an effort to provide continuing education to Iowa’s beef producers, the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) will hold 3 educational forums in January 2016.

The first event will be held at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar on January 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This cow/calf forum will prepare producers for the upcoming year. The program will offer an overview of sire selection as well as a BQA training. Participants will also have the chance to ask a panel of local veterinarians and nutritionists questions regarding the new Veterinary Feed Directive. The event is free and includes lunch. Contact ICA at 515-296-2266 to RSVP.

On January 19, ICA will partner with the Iowa Beef Center and ISU Extension to offer a Feedlot Forum in Sioux Center at the Terrace View Event Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. This event will focus on defending agriculture, sustainability, competitiveness, antimicrobial usage and profitability. The cost to attend is $25 and $10 for students. Registrations are due Jan. 12 to the ISU Extension and Outreach office in Sioux County.

The third event, another feedlot forum, held in Carroll at the Carrollton Inn on January 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., will offer a market outlook and discussion on the quickly approaching Veterinary Feed Directive. Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to area producers share their environmental compliance stories and learn from state officials the state’s response plan during a Foreign Animal Disease outbreak. The event is free and includes lunch. Contact ICA at 515-296-2266 to RSVP.

ICA will also hold pasture walks and other educational events around the state later this year in order to provide each segment of the cattle industry information on critical topics to them.



THE AREA'S LARGEST AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION IS COMING BACK TO THE CENTURYLINK CENTER-OMAHA MARCH 9-10, 2016

One of the Midwest's premier indoor farm events, the TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION will be held March 9-10, 2016 at the CenturyLink Center-Omaha, 10th and Capitol Avenue, just off I-480. The 50th Annual Farm and Ranch Machinery Show will once again be filled with the latest agricultural innovations, equipment and supplies with more than 900 exhibits for farmers, ranchers, and their wives to visit all on one level of over 200,000 square feet in the state-of-the-art CenturyLink Center-Omaha.

"It's an excellent opportunity to see all types of Short-Line farm equipment, new products, labor and time saving ideas all under one roof," says Bob Mancuso, Jr., the Show's Producer. "The Triumph of Ag Expo is the best place for farmers to find answers for what they do control while taking advantage of the new technologies at the Expo - ranging from machinery to new plant varieties that are available." The Farm Show is open 9 AM to 4 PM on Wed and 9 AM to 3 PM on Thurs. Advance free admission tickets can be obtained from Exhibitors, County Extension agents, farm machinery and equipment dealers or at the CenturyLink Center-Omaha door. This is an ideal time for area Farm Operators to find ways to improve productivity and increase profits, before spring field work begins.

Brien McCready from John Deere and A & M Green Power and Show Councilman says he's looking for a great Show at the CenturyLink Center Omaha and says, "The Triumph of Ag Expo is always packed with lots of new improvements and helpful information." At no other time this spring will area Farm Operators be able to see this much farm equipment and technology on display. The Triumph of Ag Expo offers visitors a hands-on experience with continuous demonstrations so those attending will be able to compare and evaluate quickly and conveniently, all under one roof, in one location and on one level with over 4,500 on-site parking available.

Regarded as one of the largest indoor diversified short-line farm machinery shows, Ben Hellbusch, from Busch Equipment of Columbus, Nebraska and Council Board Member said, "The Expo has something for every kind of farm operation," including tillage equipment, planters, monitor and control systems, soil testing equipment, mowers, cattle chutes, augers, fertilizers, various seed hybrids, feeders, tanks and pumps, hay moving and handling equipment, plows, combines, computers and software, tractors, and many more agricultural products and services for today's farmers and ranchers.

Bob Mancuso, Jr., said if you are interested in agriculture and farming, this year’s Expo is the place to be on March 9-10, 2016 . In addition to all of the latest equipment, products, and services - there will be seminars throughout the Show, craft items and displays, antique farm tractors and equipment, and special programs. The Triumph of Ag Expo is a charter member of the North American Farm Show Council – the Top 25 shows in North America!

THE TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION FARM & RANCH MACHINERY SHOW is produced by Mid-America Expositions, Inc. and is sponsored by the Mid-America Farm & Ranch Machinery Council.



NCGA, States Explore Ways to Involve, Expand Grassroots

This winter, the National Corn Growers Association will convene task force of state and national staff to examine ways in which the association can broaden membership and continually improve grassroots communications. The group, assembled at the behest of NCGA's Grower Services Action Team with input from state corn organizations, will report back to GSAT during its annual spring meeting.

"At NCGA, we recognize the incredible importance of both deepening grassroots engagement and broadening the community of those involved in corn farming that we reach," said GSAT Chairwoman Patty Mann, a farmer from Ohio. "We recognize that many modern farms need many people to pitch in, be it by running the combine or keeping the books, in order to be successful. By finding innovative ways to expand our reach and inspire members to action, NCGA is taking a proactive approach to building the strong base we will need for a bright future."

The Membership Task Force, which came about as a result of the most recent GSAT meeting, will explore issues including: extending full membership to farming spouses, expanding communications to interested parties beyond farmer members, potentially expanding membership categories, and identifying the tools necessary to track members' and advocates' preferred contact methods, social media handles and other alternate contact information.

Following the February meeting, GSAT will make recommendations to the Corn Board for consideration. Final discussion on recommended changes and possible further action will be taken during the State and National Staff Meeting held in April of 2016.



Vilsack Announces Cattlemen’s Beef Board Appointments

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed 37 members to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board.  Thirty-six appointees will serve 3-year terms and one appointee will serve a 1-year term.

Newly appointed members representing cattle producers are:  Mary Jo Rideout, Red Rock, Ariz.; Hugh Sanburg, Eckert, Colo.; Cindy Greiman, Garner, Iowa; Stephanie Dykshorn, Ireton, Iowa; DJ Edwards, Hamilton, Kan.; Randall W. Debler, Alma, Kan.; Amelia Kent, Slaughter, La.; Ken Blight, Albion, Mich.; Theodore Daniel Reichmann, Villard, Minn.; Larry Jefcoat, Soso, Miss.; David B. Hutsell, Hartville, Mo.; Joan Ruskamp, Dodge, Neb.; Kristy Lage, Sutherland, Neb.; Bill King, Moriarty, N.M.; Robert Crabb, Jr., Siler City, N.C.; Brett Morris, Ninnekah, Okla.; Eric J. Sumption, Frederick, S.D.; Tammy Basel, Union Center, S.D.; Larry Cunningham, Spring City, Tenn.; Charlie Price, Oakwood, Texas; Charlie Risinger, Terrell, Texas; Dave Edmiston, Brady, Texas; Don Smith, Sulphur Springs, Texas; Wallace J. Schulthess,Woodruff, Utah; Keith York, Lake Geneva, Wis.; Bob Mitchell, Wauzeka, Wis.; Irvin J. Petsch, Meriden, Wyo.; Jack Parent, Swanton, Vt.; William L. McLean (1-year term), Coulee City, Wash.; C.W. Senn, Jr., York, S.C.; Melvin Medeiros, Laton, Calif.; Ruby L. Uhart, Wells, Nev.; and Rocky Pinheiro, Glenn, Calif.

Newly appointed members representing importers are Danielle Rind, Seattle, Wash.; Terry Meikle, Washington, D.C.; and Tom Healey, Minneapolis, Minn.

The 100-member board is authorized by the Beef Promotion and Research Act of 1985. The Secretary selects the appointees nominated by beef, veal, dairy, and importers-certified organizations.  The board contracts with established national, non-profit, industry-governed organizations to implement programs of promotion, research, consumer information, industry information, foreign marketing, and producer communications.




FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft Registration Begins

FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft Registration BeginsIt’s here! The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registry is now live and ready for UAS owners to use at www.faa.gov/uas/registration.

Registration is free for the first 30 days with a rebate, then $5 after that.

During the registration process, each owner must provide his or her name, home address and e-mail address. When registration is complete, the web application will generate a Certificate of Aircraft Registration/Proof of Ownership including a unique identification number for the UAS owner, which must be marked on the aircraft.

Owners using the model aircraft for hobby or recreation will only have to register once and may use the same identification number for all of their model UAS. The registration is valid for three years.

All aircraft weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms), including payloads such as on-board cameras, must be registered.

Under this rule, owners who previously operated an unmanned aircraft exclusively as a model aircraft prior to December 21, 2015, must register no later than February 19, 2016. Owners of any other UAS purchased for use as a model aircraft after December 21, 2015 must register before the first flight outdoors. Owners may use either the paper-based process or the new streamlined, web-based system. Owners using the new streamlined web-based system must be at least 13 years old to register.

The FAA also reminds unmanned aircraft owners there's no need to work with a “drone registration” company to help file an application for a registration number. The Registration site is designed to be simple and easy to use for every hobbyist.

The FAA has partnered with several industry associations to educate the public about using unmanned aircraft safely and responsibly. Remember these rules when you fly:
• Fly below 400 feet altitude.
• Keep your unmanned aircraft in sight at all times.
• Never fly near manned aircraft, especially near airports.
• Never fly over groups of people, stadiums or sporting events.
• Never fly near emergency response efforts.

If assistance is needed with registration, email UAShelp@faa.gov.Live phone support is available  from 7am to 5pm Eastern, seven days a week. Phone assistance is available at 844-244-3565.



Hogs and Pigs Report Shares Some Insight
David P. Anderson, Extension Economist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
 
USDA's Hogs and Pigs report was released on December 23rd.  In the Cattle Markets is normally devoted to cattle market analysis, but this report holds some important information on competing meats for the coming year.  While the number of all hogs and pigs and the breeding herd were up 1 percent over last year all of the increase was in market hogs over 120 pounds.  Four percent fewer sows were farrowed in the quarter, but the growth in pigs per litter left the pig crop down just over 1 percent.  The number of pigs per litter continued to grow, up 3 percent, to a record 10.53 pigs per litter.  That growth rate continued the strong growth in pigs per litter following the recovery from PEDv.  Projected sows farrowing over the next 6 months were projected to be lower than the year before.  If these projections turn out then the expectation will be for hog slaughter to be close to the record high of 2008.  Low hog prices are contributing to farrow-finish financial losses that may change farrowing expectations in the future.

There are many styles of BBQ in Texas, but many nationally would think of beef brisket being the most well known Texas style.  Brisket prices have come down dramatically along with cattle and beef prices.  Choice brisket (120A) finished the year at $3.89 per pound.  That is down from the end of 2014's $5.71 per pound.  At the end of 2013 the same cut was $3.77 per pound.  Lower prices have brought some relief to restaurant's input costs and may promise some relief to bbq lovers in the coming year.

Steer dressed weights continue to decline, under 910 pounds by late in the year.  The major winter storm in the Southern Plains over the weekend of December 26th-27th may further cut into weights and pull back beef production.  The snow, rain, high winds, and cold will generate a number of management challenges throughout the Southern Plains.



Cropp Expects Lower Milk Prices Through Early 2016

The past year has not been a profitable one for most dairy producers. And according to University of Wisconsin-Extension expert Bob Cropp, that trend may not change anytime soon. In his latest Dairy Situation and Outlook report, Cropp says the continuous rise in total U.S. milk production means that supplies are still exceeding demand--despite the fact that holiday orders for dairy products were strong in recent weeks.

"Good cheese and butter sales have held prices in early December... but orders for strong holiday sales have been filled so orders for additional product is now much lower," Cropp noted.

However, he says there is a silver lining as the momentum behind increased milk production is slowing down. Cropp stated that eight of the 23 reporting states showed a decrease in output in 2015; and the overall percent-increase in production for the year was lower than in 2014.

"The biggest relative increase in milk production was South Dakota at 13.1-percent, followed by Wisconsin at 4.3-percent," he said. "But, the combined increase of South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota of 142 million pounds did not offset the big decrease in California."

The professor emeritus says he is hopeful that cheese prices have bottomed out and could show some strength over the next month or two. But he predicts that butter prices will likely decline going into the new year.

"With these lower dairy product prices the December Class III price will be about $14.50 compared to $15.31 in November," he said. "The Class IV price will be about $15.79 compared to $16.48 in November. But, unless prices do rally, which is not likely over the next couple of months, we could see the Class III price in the low $13s during the first quarter of next year and the Class IV price below $13.00."

Cropp says low milk prices mean that cow slaughter will be higher than a year ago and with increases in milk per cow reduced, production may show little or no increase over a year ago for the first half of next year.



Chinese Ethanol Exports Reach a New Record

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a significant jump in ethanol exports to China this year, following a USDA-led trade mission to the country last year. Representatives from nine state departments of agriculture and 28 U.S. companies, including renewable fuels businesses, traveled to northeast China to explore opportunities for trade in the region.

China is the largest market for U.S. food and farm products - U.S. agricultural exports to the country tripled over the last decade, now accounting for nearly 20 percent of all foreign sales of U.S. agricultural products.

"Our objective for every trade mission is to create new markets for farm products made in rural America," said USDA Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse, who led the mission. "U.S. ethanol exports to China have jumped from $8 million to more than $86 million since our May 2014 visit. In October, we exported more ethanol to China than in the previous 10 years combined."

Scuse led the delegation to promote U.S. agriculture, and explore the role that renewable fuels might play in China's long-term clean energy strategy. The delegation met with gasoline companies, fuel blenders, oil companies, commodity traders, and government officials to promote the benefits of using higher ethanol blends.

During October, the U.S. exported 32.5 million gallons of ethanol to China, valued at $57 million, or 46 percent of total U.S. ethanol exports for the month. Previous U.S. exports of ethanol to China averaged less than $3 million annually from 2005 to 2014.

Earlier this year, USDA partnered with 21 states through the Biofuel Infrastructure Partnership (BIP) to nearly double the number of fueling pumps nationwide, expanding the ethanol refueling infrastructure by nearly 5,000 pumps, a $210 million investment that will give consumers access to clean, American-made biofuels, and provide more choices at the pump.



Chipolte Sued Over GMO-Free Claims

A Florida resident is suing a chain restaurant over claims it uses genetically modified organisms in certain products that it claims to be GMO-free. Claudy Joseph Jr., individually and for all others similarly situated, filed a class-action lawsuit Dec. 11 in the Fort Lauderdale Division of the Southern District of Florida against Chipotle Mexican Grill, alleging negligent misrepresentation, breach of express warranty, unjust enrichment, violations of the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act and false, deceptive, unfair and unlawful business practices in violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.

On April 27, as part of its "GM-OVER IT" campaign, Chipotle announced that it ended its use of ingredients derived from GMOs, reports Legal NewsLine.com.

The plaintiff alleges, however, that Chipotle's corn chips, corn tortillas, and other corn products do in fact contain GMO corn.

Joseph and others in the class seek damages, equitable and declaratory relief, restitution, and attorney fees and costs.