Friday January 15 Ag News

2016 Beef Feedlot Roundtables at Three NE Locations in February

Beef feedlot managers, owners, employees and supporting industry personnel will learn the latest in nutrition, the Veterinary Feed Directive and economics at the 2015 Beef Feedlot Roundtables Feb. 9-11 in West Point, Lexington and Scottsbluff with remote connections to locations in Iowa in collaboration with Iowa State University Extension.

The Nebraska Extension Feedlot Roundtables will be offered Feb. 9 at the Nielsen Community Center in West Point, at the Dawson County Extension office by the fairgrounds in Lexington Feb. 10th, and at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff on Feb 11th.

Registration begins at 1:00 p.m. with introductions and welcome at 1:20.  The program will conclude by 6:00 p.m. with an update from the Nebraska Beef Council.

The afternoon sessions will cover feedlot production and management topics with the following presentations: silage yield, feedlot performance and profit, Galen Erickson, UNL Department of Animal Science; alpha amylase and starch digestion, new technology, Matt Luebbe, Panhandle Research and Extension Center; beef cattle economics: dynamic industry, current trends and outlook, Kate Brooks, UNL Department of Agricultural Economics; changes to distillers and impact on the feedlot industry, Dan Loy, ISU Beef Team; veterinary feed directive, Rob Eirich, Panhandle Research and Extension Center; feedlot water quality and quantity, Matt Luebbe; UNL feedlot research update, Galen Erickson; Nebraska Beef Council update, Doug Straight.

Pre-registration is available by phone, fax, e-mail or mail and requested by Feb. 3rd. Cost is $30 and will be accepted with preregistration at the door. Cost for those who have not pre-registered will be $40. For more information or a registration form contact Matt Luebbe at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center for Nebraska locations, 4502 Ave I, Scottsbluff NE 69361, phone 308-632-1260, fax 308-632-1365 or e-mail mluebbe2@unl.edu.  For information regarding Iowa locations please contact Dan Loy dloy@iastate.edu.

The Beef Feedlot Roundtable is sponsored by Nebraska Extension, Iowa State University Extension, and the Nebraska Beef Council.



Growers Statewide to Share On-Farm Research

Farm operators and agronomists from across the state are invited to attend the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network research update program at a location near them.  Locations and times include:  Feb. 8 at the West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte; Feb. 9 at the Hall County Extension Office located on the College Park Campus in Grand Island; Feb. 11 at the Lifelong Learning Center located on the Northeast Community College Campus in Norfolk; and Feb. 12 at the University of Nebraska’s Agricultural Research and Development Center (ARDC) near Mead.

Registration is at 8:30 a.m. and the program is from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CDT at Grand Island, Norfolk, and Mead.  Registration is at 11:30 a.m. and the program is from 12:00-4:30 p.m. CDT at North Platte.  Lunch will be served at all locations.

Producers will obtain valuable crop production-related information from on-farm research projects conducted on Nebraska farms by Nebraska farmers in partnership with University of Nebraska faculty.

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network is a statewide, on-farm research program that addresses critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions. Growers take an active role in the on-farm research project sponsored by Nebraska Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Corn Board and the Nebraska Soybean Board.

These February programs will provide an opportunity to hear growers who conducted on-farm research share their results from the 2015 growing season. Field length replicated treatment comparisons were completed in growers’ fields, using their equipment.

Research projects to be discussed will include:  Variable rate seeding, planting populations, Maize-N nitrogen rate decision tool for sidedress nitrogen, starter fertilizer, fungicide applications, row spacing, cover crops, foliar micronutrients, seed treatments (including new treatment for Sudden Death Syndrome), and others.  Project SENSE  (Sensors for Efficient Nitrogen Use and Stewardship of the Environment)  will also be discussed.  This is a special 3 year initiative which focuses using crop canopy sensors to direct variable-rate, in-season nitrogen application to improve the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization in corn.

Certified Crop Advisor Credits are applied for and pending upon approval.

There is no fee to attend.  Preregistration is requested for meal planning purposes. Call (402)624-8000 or e-mail onfarm@unl.edu to register for any of the three sites. To learn more about the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network and how to participate, visit http://cropwatch.unl.edu/farmresearch.



Connecting Nebraska Specialty Crop Farmers to Schools

The Center for Rural Affairs is partnering with University of Nebraska Extension to offer several FREE farm to school trainings to Nebraska’s school food service staff and fruit and vegetable growers. 

Food service staff and managers can learn techniques to work smarter, not harder, when finding and incorporating local fruits and vegetables. Trainers Fayrene Hamouz and Georgia Jones, UNL Associate Professors in the Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, will work to address establishing predictable demand and supply of locally grown food for Nebraska Child Nutrition Programs. Hamouz recognizes that “adding local fruits and vegetables to the school lunch menu invests in the local economy, as well as contributes to the health and vitality of Nebraska’s youth.” Additionally, Jones states, “Local food is enjoyable for students. It’s fresher and it tastes better. This will build success.”

Farmers will learn techniques for connecting and working with schools including food safety regulations, navigating school order cycles, product demand, and packaging needs.

“An increasing number of farmers are growing food for local markets in Nebraska,” said Wyatt Fraas, Center for Rural Affairs, who is facilitating the farmer portion of the workshop. “Many of them are looking for additional opportunities to provide fresh, healthy food to their community, such as in school meals.”

Fraas continued, “This workshop will give farmers some marketing knowledge and access to school food buyers. It’s a good opportunity to describe their crops and meet the school food service people who could become customers. In addition, farmers can learn just what produce or other farm products these Nebraska schools are looking for.”

Lunch will be provided at no cost. This time will be spent in shared one-on-one and group discussion in order for farmers and school food service staff to make connections and share ideas.

“This project enhances the profitability of Nebraska’s specialty crop growers by expanding an underutilized market, or in many cases, opening a currently untapped new market,” said Sarah Smith, Nebraska Farm to School Lead with the Center for Rural Affairs. “Schools are reliable large purchasers of specialty crops, and by tapping into this market, specialty crop farmers can benefit greatly.”

According to Smith, Students who try fresh local fruits and vegetables at school often go home asking for the same products at their dinner tables. Now is the time for schools to consider how local foods can expand menu planning opportunities in the National School Lunch Program, and at the same time increase student enjoyment.

What:  FREE Nebraska Farm to School Workshops
Who: School food service staff and managers; Specialty Crop Producers (fruit, vegetable, nut, herb)
When and Where: Saturdays, 9am - 2pm, includes lunch

Dates:
-    Feb 6, 2016: East Butler Public School, Brainard
-    Feb 13, 2016: Hemingford Public School
-    Mar 19: Wayne Public School
-    April 2: North Platte Public School
-    Apr 9: Litchfield Public School

For more infomation or to register, visit http://www.cfra.org/events/nebraska-farm-school-workshops or contact Sarah Smith, Center for Rural Affairs Project Specialist and Nebraska Farm to School Lead with National Farm to School Network, 402.783.1183, sarahs@cfra.org. Those interested should register at least a week in advance for desired workshop.

Continuing Education Credits will be available.



The Iowa Soil and Water Future Task Force lays out strategies and recommendations for water quality solutions

The State of Iowa has a unique opportunity to invest in Iowa’s soil and water infrastructure, which is critically important to the state’s wealth and prosperity. That is the finding of the Iowa Soil and Water Future Task Force, which today released its Strategic Direction, Implementation, Recommendations report to the state. The report recommends that the primary pathway to success is public/private investment in our state’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

The Iowa Soil and Water Future Task Force, originated by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and part of the work of the Capital Crossroads community vision plan, has captured dozens of voices from agriculture, businesses, academic institutions, conservation groups, environmental groups, and citizens through a series of stakeholder sessions, education opportunities and interactions across Iowa’s economic sectors to understand the needs and challenges of our soil and water health. With input from more than 75 advisory committee members, the Task Force has identified 10 recommendations for addressing the goals of Iowa’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, by:

    Allocating sufficient, permanent and dedicated funding sources for detailed nutrient reduction implementation plans and practices. Options include: Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund (IWiLL), SAVE (a portion of growth from penny sales tax extension), tax credits, and water quality and nutrient trading. Other options may surface. The Iowa Soil and Water Future Task Force remains neutral on funding sources and will trust state lawmakers to determine the most appropriate funding mechanisms.
-    Developing an implementation plan for the Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS).
-    Using Watershed Management Authorities (WMAs) to implement the Nutrient Reduction Strategy.
-    Growing an effective implementation infrastructure – from outreach staff and technical advisors to watershed coordinators and construction teams.
-    Establishing an Iowa Soil and Water Health Revolving Loan Fund, modeled after the federal SRF to:
+        Leverage public funding with private sector dollars by providing three year no-interest loan funds for testing, master planning and design of water quality improvements
+        Provide sustainable, reliable and sufficient low-cost loan and other funding for WMA’s once they have developed effective implementation plans.  Use WMA’s to implement the nutrient reduction strategy.
-    Developing monitoring and measurement systems to allow for adaptive management strategies.
-    Balancing resources to ensure watersheds of greatest need and watersheds ready-for-action receive resources.
-    Incorporating transparency into the implementation of the NRS.
-    Emphasize practices with multiple and/or significant benefits.
-    Engaging the private sector to supplement public sector outreach and implementation including new innovations in precision agriculture, drainage water management, etc.

“The recommendations and strategies laid out in our report to the state are the result of many productive conversations between diverse stakeholders,” said Steve Bruere, Peoples Company President and co-chair of the Iowa Soil and Water Future Task Force. “This has been a total statewide effort that has helped us identify common ground solutions on how we can help the agriculture economy further prosper and ensure that we have quality water for generations to come.”

“Investing in our soil and water infrastructure will further set up our state for economic success, and we hope that elected officials and stakeholders from around the state take a close look at our recommendations and implementation strategies,” said Larry James, Attorney at Faegre Baker Daniels and co-chair of the Iowa Soil and Water Future Task Force. “Our task force has laid out a solid starting point for our state to work together toward solving our water quality challenges, and we believe this will open the door to even more discussion.”



Iowa Soybean Association applauds work, recommendations of Iowa’s Soil and Water Future Task Force

Wayne Fredericks, President, Iowa Soybean Association and farmer from Osage, Iowa, reacts to strategies and recommendations for water quality solutions announced today by the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Iowa’s Soil and Water Future Task Force.

“We applaud the recommendations put forth by Iowa’s Soil and Water Future Task Force to improve environmental quality. They are insightful, forward-thinking and, equally important, feasible.

“The Iowa Soybean Association is pleased to have played a role in assisting the task force in developing its recommendations. They are in keeping with Iowa Soybean Association policy supporting the creation of dedicated and reliable funding for implementing the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. They also underscore the importance of collaboration by emphasizing public and private partnerships, an approach long championed and exemplified by Iowa’s soybean farmers and their association.  

“This report adds momentum to acting now to make generational improvements to Iowa’s land and water resources. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy can make a positive and long-lasting impact but only if it is embraced and properly funded.

“Iowans are all in the same boat. We all depend on good water and strong soils for economic prosperity and improved quality of life. We are hopeful that the task force’s recommendations return attention to the individuals and organizations truly committed to providing constructive, sensible and practical solutions to improving our water and soils. Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO Jay Byers and task force co-chairs Steve Bruere and Larry James are to be recognized for their commitment to furthering collaboration among many constituents on the issue of water quality and developing real-world solutions that can have a positive impact now and for generations.”



 Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Adopts New Policies at Annual Meeting

As a grassroots organization, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) members adopt policy to align the direction and motives of Iowa’s largest cattle industry organization. ICA policy provides a means to tell the Iowa cattle producers’ story to legislators, regulatory officials, and the public.

To address the various and extensive factors affecting Iowa’s beef business, ICA maintains three policy committees: Beef Products, Cattle Production, and Business Issues. These three committees reviewed 50 new and expiring policies that were later approved by membership during the annual meeting in December.

In the Beef Products Committee, members held an at length discussion on the Iowa Beef checkoff. Members supported conducting a referendum to reinstate the Iowa Beef Checkoff, provided results from an ICA membership survey presented support of the measure. Survey results recently revealed an 80% approval rating of the measure. Over the next several months, ICA will engage with cattle producers across the state on the issue.

The Beef Products Committee also reinstated policies that support Beef Quality Assurance practices and the National Beef Checkoff Program.

Water quality and private property rights were a topic of discussion for the Business Issues Committee. As a result, newly adopted policies focused on supporting the state’s Nutrient Reduction Strategy, protecting landowners against unlawful Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Use, and promoting cattlemen’s legacy for Land and Water Stewardship. Policies regarding Livestock Feeding Regulations and Private Land Use were reinstated.

Several new Cattle Production Committee policies were adopted at the convention, including support for CME feeder cattle index changes, and in-state price reporting programs. The committee maintained directives for the Iowa Ultrasound and Green/Gold Tag Task Forces.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association encourages all members to be a part of the policy development process. Policies adopted at the annual meeting can be viewed at the ICA website and on the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association app.



Alltech prepares swine producers for VFD at Iowa Pork Congress

With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) taking effect in 2017, swine producers may want to focus now on alternative strategies to VFD drugs and how to successfully make the transition to antibiotic-free production. Global animal health leader Alltech will discuss the challenges that can occur and the support producers will need to move in this direction at the Iowa Pork Congress Jan. 27- 28.

“When antibiotics are removed, there are several obstacles that can get in the way of the pig’s health and the producer’s profitability,” said Russell Gilliam, U.S. swine business manager for Alltech. “In order to manage a safe and healthy transition, it is important to focus on biosecurity measures and implement a nutritional program designed to strengthen the animals’ natural immunity.”

Alltech has pioneered antibiotic-free solutions since 1980. The company’s Antibiotic-Free program brings together over 35 years of research and practical application with state-of-the-art support tools and technical expertise, giving producers a holistic approach to navigate the challenges of antibiotic-free production.

The program starts with an adjustment period during which supplements in the diet support the animals’ nutritional needs. This provides producers a cost-effective way to start to transition antibiotics out of the diet. Producers can then advance to the next level, providing their animals with maximum health benefits through Alltech’s full range of technologies, technical support, and management services.

Alltech will also showcase their Mineral Management program at Iowa Pork Congress. One of the core components in proper sow nutrition is minerals. The fundamental objective of mineral nutrition is to satisfy the animals’ requirements while also building optimum reserves that will support the pig in times of stress, prevent inadequacies and maximize health and performance (Mahan, 2006). Recent research shows that producers can feed substantially lower amounts of organic trace minerals than the inorganic alternative and get a similar, if not better, performance in pigs.

For more information on Alltech’s Antibiotic-Free and Mineral Management programs, producers can stop at the company’s booth #413 or visit with an Alltech representative at the Producer’s Recognition Reception on Wednesday, Jan. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. on Level 3 of the CCCU Convention Center.



Fourteen to compete for Iowa Pork Producers Association youth titles

A total of 14 young Iowa swine enthusiasts have elected to compete to become members of the 2016 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team.

The candidates will compete during the Iowa Pork Producers Association's 44th annual Iowa Pork Congress in Des Moines Jan. 27 and 28. All of the contestants will be judged on their overall knowledge of the pork industry and Iowa agriculture, interviewing and communications skills, poise and presentation.

IPPA has combined the Iowa Pork Queen and Premier Pork Youth Ambassador contests into one competition this year and will no longer select an Iowa Pork Princess. The top female contestant will be crowned pork queen and the top remaining contestants, male or female, will be named youth ambassadors.

Those competing for the queen and youth ambassador titles are:

Olivia Bisbee, Stacyville, Mitchell Co.
McKenna Brinning, Keota, Washington Co.
Holly Cook, Winthrop, Buchanan Co.
Kimberly Dornbier, Garner, Hancock Co.
Mitchell Juhl, Hudson, Grundy Co.
Jill Kessenich, Le Mars, Plymouth Co.
Kalee Leistikow, Readlyn, Bremer Co.
Heather Schnitker, Alden, Hardin Co.
Ashley Smeby, Klemme, Hancock Co.
Michael Tupper, Ionia, Chickasaw Co.
Angela Wilson, Delhi, Delaware Co.
Emma Wilson, Guthrie Center, Guthrie Co.
Laura Yoder, Kalona, Washington Co.
Elizabeth Zuber, Marengo, Iowa Co.

The new queen and youth ambassadors will represent the Iowa pork industry throughout the year at various promotional and educational events around the state, as well as at out-of-state events.

In addition to earning the various titles, each new team member will receive a $4,000 scholarship from the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

The new Pork Youth Leadership team will be introduced during the annual Iowa Pork Congress Banquet on Jan. 27 at the Veterans' Memorial Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines.

The 2015 Iowa Pork Youth Leadership Team included Queen Christy Calderwood of Traer, Princess Emily Cook of Hubbard and Youth Ambassador Alex Conover of Holstein.



Certified Sustainable U.S. Soy Exports Hit Two Million Metric Tons

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) has announced that soy exports certified through the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) have hit a record two million metric tons in the 2015/16 marketing year.

USSEC Chair Laura Foell, an Iowa farmer, stated, “This is an exciting milestone for the U.S. Soy industry. It’s important to our end users to know where their soybeans are coming from and that they were raised in a healthy, sustainable manner. We’re very happy that the SSAP allows us to show them that.”

The SSAP was developed by USSEC in conjunction with other members of the U.S. Soy family including the American Soybean Association (ASA), United Soybean Board (USB), and Qualified State Soybean Boards (QSSBs), along with industry partners North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA) and National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA). This multi-year process involved numerous revisions as input and suggestions were received from U.S. Soy customers and other stakeholders around the world.

The SSAP allows U.S. exporters to efficiently and cost-effectively communicate the sustainability of U.S. Soy and provide assurance to buyers worldwide with a simple certification tool. Soy Export Sustainability, LLC, provides certificates to exporters based on an aggregate system representing nationwide soybean production.

The SSAP reiterates the U.S. Soy industry’s commitment to providing customers with superior service after the sale, a supply system second to none, and continued access to cutting edge soy products. The SSAP’s official sustainability certification for U.S. Soy provides exporters with verification that the soy products they sell on the world market are raised in a sustainable manner, by providing proof of reductions in energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and soil erosion of soybeans produced in the United States.

In 2015, the U.S. Soy industry concurred upon a national strategy for further enhancing U.S. soybean sustainability through the improvement of key performance indicators in environmental, economic and social sectors.  In the next decade, U.S. soybean farmers aim to reduce land use impact by 10 percent; reduce soil erosion an additional 25 percent; increase energy use efficiency by 10 percent; and reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent.



New Strain of Bird Flu Found at Indiana Turkey Farm

(AP) -- A bird flu virus that's a different strain than the one that ravaged turkey and chicken farms in the Midwest last summer has been found at a southern Indiana turkey farm, federal officials said Friday.

The H7N8 flu strain was confirmed at a commercial turkey farm in Dubois County, about 70 miles west of Louisville, Kentucky, after samples from birds were taken when the farm saw a surge in turkey deaths, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The strain is highly contagious for birds; the USDA said no human infections with the viral strain have been detected.

It's a different strain than the H5N2 virus that cost turkey and egg producers, mostly in the Upper Midwest, about 48 million birds.

Wild birds' northern migration was blamed for the original spread of the H5N2 virus, which began to accelerate widely in the spring, not the winter months. Indiana wildlife experts said that southern migration happened later than normal this year because of the mild weather, but it's unclear "how much of a factor that has been in this," according to Indiana Board of Animal Health spokeswoman Denise Derrer.

"We hope we can get some more information as we do a little bit of epidemiology down at that site," she said, noting that the virus spreads between birds through eye or beak mucous or feces.

Indiana's poultry industry brings in $2.5 billion a year, Derrer said, adding that the state leads the country in duck production, is No. 3 in egg production and fourth in turkeys.

The farm where the viral strain was confirmed Thursday night has about 60,000 turkeys, and the entire flock is being euthanized to prevent the disease from spreading, Indiana Board of Animal Health spokeswoman Denise Derrer said. She added that a quarantine is in place for commercial poultry farms and backyard flocks within a nearly 6-mile radius.

"I can't say it's our worst nightmare, but it's pretty close to it," she said. "This is a very poultry-intense area of the state, and our poultry industry is pretty significant here in Indiana, so we don't want to minimize the importance of this at all."

The USDA said federal and state partners are working together on additional surveillance and testing in the area, which is part of bird flu response plans that were drafted last year.



BILL INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE SIZE STANDARDS FOR SMALL FARMS

Reps. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio, and Nydia M. Velazquez, D-N.Y., introduced last week the “Defending America’s Small Contractors Act of 2016.” The bill would amend the Small Business Act to ensure that the language used is clear and consistent across federal procurement programs, to strengthen the small business advocates within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and other federal agencies so they can promote competition and compliance and to improve opportunities for small businesses to compete for subcontracts.  It would allow SBA to determine a standard for classifying agricultural operations as small businesses.

Currently, the size standard for agricultural operations is not equivalent to those of other industries and does not provide clear outlines to determine what defines a small business.



AG GROUPS SUPPORT PORT PERFORMANCE PROVISION

More than 50 agricultural and business groups Thursday sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) concerning the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The FAST Act established a Port Performance Statistics Program that requires BTS to establish a working group of private- and public-sector participants to develop a set of metrics on port marine terminal productivity, using the results as an early warning system for determining when ports stop operating normally and for when the federal government needs to step in to protect the economy.

Outlined in the letter were suggested key performance indicators (KPI) to be developed, including metrics for activities at shipping berths, activities within marine terminal yards, truck gate operations and on-dock rail operations. A number of ag groups support the statistics program of the FAST Act and urge the inclusion of baseline metrics and the development of KPIs.



SENATE HELP COMMITTEE APPROVES ROBERT CALIFF AS FDA COMMISSIONER

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Tuesday voted to confirm Dr. Robert Califf as U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner. Califf, a former Duke University cardiologist, currently serves as deputy commissioner of the FDA’s Office of Medical Products and Tobacco. A date has not been set for a full Senate vote.

Califf faces opposition from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who expressed concerns over the FDA’s approval and labeling of genetically modified salmon. The Alaska salmon industry is weary of genetically modified fish and seeks mandatory labeling on all products. Murkowski told reporters that Califf was not “straightforward” with her and claimed she should have been notified before the FDA announced its approval of genetically modified salmon.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., also expressed concerns with Califf’s nomination, pointing to his connection to pharmaceuticals from time spent at Duke University.