Wednesday February 17 Ag News

Nebraska Extension Offers Mid-Plains BEEF Session on Beef Quality Assurance Practices and Reproductive Technologies for Cow Herds

    Nebraska Extension's Mid-Plains BEEF Educational Series will conduct a special March session on beef quality assurance practices for spring calving cows and calves and using reproductive technologies in cow herds at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead.

    The session will draw on the expertise of Rob Eirich, Nebraska Extension Educator – Beef Quality Assurance, Nebraska Extension beef veterinarian Richard Randle, DVM, and Dave Hardin, DVM, UNL School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

    The program is designed for producers, veterinarians or others involved in the beef industry. This special session will deal with animal health stewardship, the veterinary feed directive, positioning cow herds to use reproductive technologies and a demonstration of low stress cattle handing facilities and BQA practices for handling cattle. Participants attending the session will become Beef Quality Assurance certified for two years. 

    The session is March 29 from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead, NE.
   
    Registration is requested by March 21.  Pre-registration is $25 by March 21 or $40 on March 29. The registration fee covers BQA certification, educational materials and a noon meal. 

    To register or obtain more information, contact Steve Tonn, Nebraska Extension in Washington County, 402-426-9455 or by email stonn2@unl.edu.



NEBRASKA LEAD RECOGNITION BANQUET SET FOR MARCH 11

    U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry will be the keynote speaker at the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program recognition banquet scheduled for March 11 in Lincoln.

    The purpose of the Nebraska LEAD Program is to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership. Fortenberry's address will provide insight on leadership development while addressing the need for quality leadership at all levels.

    Prior to the banquet, the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council will conduct its annual meeting. The council will elect 2016-17 officers to its board of directors.

    The banquet will be at the Nebraska East Union, northeast of 33rd and Holdrege streets. Social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the 6:30 p.m. banquet. Banquet reservations are $25 and can be made by calling the Nebraska LEAD Program office at 402-472-6810 no later than March 4.

    The Nebraska LEAD Program is under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, a nonprofit organization in cooperation with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and is supported by Nebraska colleges, universities, businesses, industries and individuals. Nebraska LEAD Program offices are located at the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.



ONLINE MARKETPLACE CREATED BY UNL STUDENTS NAMED FINALIST IN COMPETITION

    FarmAfield, an online marketplace being developed by three University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, has been named a finalist in the international Thought for Food Challenge. More than 500 entries from more than 100 countries were submitted in the competition aimed at finding creative ways to face the challenge of feeding the world.

    Brennan Costello, a senior agribusiness major; Matt Foley, a junior economics and management major; and Andrew Minarick, a sophomore biosystems engineering major; have worked with Mitch Minarick, a research assistant professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, to develop a transparent exchange of small production contracts between everyday people and farmers to address income volatility and increase investments in agriculture. The idea is to simplify the process for everyone to connect to agriculture.

    As a finalist, the FarmAfield team will travel to Switzerland in April for the Thought for Food Global Summit. Before the trip, they will have the opportunity to consult with agricultural and entrepreneurial experts. While in Switzerland, the team will take part in a three-day startup accelerator program before pitching their idea to global experts in food security. One of the 10 finalists will be selected to receive $10,000 in seed funding.

    "Experts from around the world will be there who could help us take FarmAfield to the next level," Costello said.

    Costello and Andrew Minarick are both entrepreneurs in the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at UNL. Andrew and Mitch Minarick are brothers.

    Thought for Food is a movement dedicated to tackling the global challenge of feeding 9 billion people through bold, breakthrough solutions. The annual competition is designed to catalyze university students from all fields of study to learn more about the complex challenges surrounding food security.

    To learn more about FarmAfield, visit http://www.farmafield.com.



Branstad renews call for water funding plan at soybean research conference

Iowa’s top elected official continued his passionate call for passing legislation this session that would provide significant and long-term funding for both school infrastructure and water quality, without raising taxes.

Speaking Feb. 16 to an enthusiastic audience of more than 250 farmers, ag industry and environmental leaders at the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) annual research conference in Des Moines, Gov. Terry Branstad said now is the time to act boldly for schools and water.

“We’re a leader in soybeans, corn, pork, eggs, biofuels and wind-generated power and rapidly increasing in solar energy, too,” he said. “We’re known internationally for the food and energy we produce. With proper funding, we can also be recognized as number-one in water quality. I’m committed to getting that done.”

Unveiled in January with the support of U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and the ISA, Branstad is proposing to extend through 2049 the collection of a one-cent portion of the state sales tax that pays for school infrastructure projects.

Since passage of the Secure Advanced Vision for Education program (SAVE) in 2008, nearly $3.2 billion has been generated for schools. By extending the one-cent tax, schools would be guaranteed a minimum projected base of $458 million annually over the next 32 years, plus the first $10 million in anticipated annual growth. Combined, these revenues would total nearly $21 billion.

Additional revenues generated during that same period by the one-cent portion of the state sales tax are estimated at $4.7 billion. They would fund nonpoint water quality efforts administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and point source water quality activities through the Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Supporters of the proposal say it recognizes the realities of securing long-term funding for schools with the need to implement the state’s nutrient reduction strategy.

The ISA served a leadership role in developing the strategy. The science and technology-based approach to assessing and reducing nutrient movement to Iowa’s waterways was approved in 2013.

While the strategy is building momentum and advancing the implementation of water quality practices, ISA President Wayne Fredericks said generating the funding necessary to implement the statewide environmental program that serves both rural and urban constituents is urgently needed.

“We continue to build awareness of the strategy and the practices that can improve nutrient management,” said Fredericks who uses no-till and cover crops on his farm near Osage. “But to take the next step, we must ramp up the resources available to go to work on more farms and in more watersheds. The governor’s plan would be a real shot in the arm at a critical juncture for Iowa and water quality.”

Currently, $9.5 million is included in this year’s state budget for advancing water quality efforts. Some contend 10 times that amount is needed annually.

Branstad’s proposal has met some resistance from those who say it will divert much-needed money for school repairs and construction. The nation’s longest-serving governor disagrees. He says the plan provides schools with much-needed certainty and continuity, allowing them to proceed immediately with bonding authority so costly projects can proceed.

“In a nutshell, schools share a little bit of the growth with water quality but have the funding extended beginning next year and for the next 32,” he said. “But if they want all the money, they may not get anything at all.

“I also understand the legislative process,” he added. “There are 100 legislators and 50 senators and every one of them thinks they have a better plan. So there will be other ideas that surface. But my proposal, the biggest and boldest proposal I’ve ever made as governor, has the potential to make a real difference for two priorities in Iowa.”



Members Provide 2016 Guidance During Grains Council Winter Meeting

U.S. Grains Council (USGC) delegates provided powerful input and guidance into the Council’s priorities for 2016 and beyond at meetings this week in Sarasota, Florida.

Bringing the Council’s producer and agribusiness members and stakeholders together with its global staff and consultants, the purpose of the meeting was program evaluation, assessment of changing market opportunities and review of the annual Unified Export Strategy (UES), the Council’s official work plan for the upcoming year.

This week’s sessions during the 13th International Marketing Conference and 56th Annual Membership Meeting were formatted to generate discussions between USGC membership and staff.

Members from state checkoffs, agribusinesses and other organizations met with USGC staff during Advisory Team (A-Team) meetings focused on topics including trade policy, biotechnology, value-added opportunities and ethanol and regions including Asia, the Middle East and Africa and the Western Hemisphere.

The meeting drew to a close Wednesday with attendees meeting in plenary to share input from the small group sessions with the USGC Boards of Delegates and Directors. Priorities laid out in the A-Team meetings included aggressive market development for ethanol exports, promoting a global understanding of biotechnology and providing U.S. agriculture a voice during global trade policy negotiations.

"Our members’ dedication to our work is part of what makes the Council excellent in its dealings with members and the overseas customers who depend on us,” said USGC Chairman Alan Tiemann.

“The input that was provided at our meeting this week was carefully thought out and gave the Council’s staff insights to incorporate into their planning for our programs in the short and long terms.”



Anhydrous, UAN32 Prices Lower Again

Average retail fertilizer prices continued to move lower the second week of February 2016, according to fertilizer retailers surveyed by DTN.

Prices for all eight major fertilizers slipped compared to a month earlier, but only two fertilizers were down by any consequence. Anhydrous dropped 5% compared to last month and averaged $551 per ton. UAN32 was also down 5% compared to the second week of January, averaging $303 per ton

The remaining six fertilizers were lower, but just slightly. DAP averaged $479/ton, MAP $499/ton, potash $378/ton, urea $369/ton, 10-34-0 $569/ton and UAN28 $261/ton.

MAP dropped to under $500 per ton for the first time in almost six years. The last time the fertilizer's price was sub-$500 per ton was the second week of March 2010, when the retail price was at $498 per ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.34/lb.N, UAN28 $0.47/lb.N and UAN32 $0.47/lb.N.

Retail fertilizers have been slipping since the second half of 2015. All but one fertilizer is now double digits lower. The only fertilizer not down much is 10-34-0, which is down 3%.

DAP is now 16% lower, MAP is 17% less expensive, UAN32 is 18% lower and UAN28 is 21% less expensive from a year previous. Both urea and anhydrous are all now 22% lower while potash is 23% less expensive compared to a year earlier.



Ag Exports Contributed to Job Creation in 2014

Agricultural exports support job growth in the United States, and the number of jobs depends on the type of products exported. In calendar year 2014, $150 billion in U.S. agricultural exports supported an estimated 1,132,000 full-time civilian jobs, up from the 1,095,000 agricultural export-related jobs the previous year.

Products that are largely unprocessed and sold in bulk tend to generate fewer jobs than higher value, more highly processed, nonbulk agricultural products.

However, when prices for bulk commodities are low and export volume is high, the number of jobs supported by each billion dollars of export value can rise.

This was the case in 2014, as the number of jobs supported by exports of bulk commodities rose by 23 percent from the previous year, while jobs supported by exports of nonbulk commodities declined by nearly 5 percent.

Consequently, the growth in jobs associated with U.S. agricultural exports was driven purely by bulk commodities in 2014.

Nevertheless, nonbulk commodities still account for the majority of U.S. agricultural exports, and continue to support the majority of jobs generated by agricultural exports.



Students Across the Country to Celebrate FFA Week

Agriculture plays a key role in our daily lives and in a variety of ways. Next week, more than half a million FFA members will celebrate the role agriculture plays in our lives while sharing their message of agriculture and agricultural education throughout the country.

During National FFA Week, a host of activities are planned to raise awareness about the role the National FFA Organization plays in the development of agriculture’s future leaders and the importance of agricultural education.

FFA Week always runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, George Washington's birthday. This year, the week kicks off on Feb. 20 and culminates on Feb. 27.

The weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, was designated by the National FFA Board of Directors in recognition of Washington's legacy as an agriculturalist and farmer. FFA was founded by a group of young farmers back in 1928. Its mission is to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. Founding members of the organization taught generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business and more.

Today, FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet new agricultural challenges by helping members develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways. Members progress to enjoy careers as biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers and entrepreneurs.

FFA chapters use this week to help share the message of agriculture with their fellow students as well as with their community. It's an opportunity to give back to their community through service projects and is also a perfect time for members to recruit students to become FFA members.

For example, the Allentown FFA chapter in New Jersey travels to the nearby community of Tennent, N.J., to place a wreath on the grave of Leslie Applegate, the first national FFA president (1928-29).

During this week, the six national officers will visit chapters across the country. Western Region Vice President Sarah Draper will visit Maine; Sydney Snyder, eastern region vice president, will visit Montana; Abrah Meyer, central region vice president, will visit Kentucky; Abbey Gretsch, southern region vice president, will visit Rhode Island; Nick Baker, secretary, will visit Louisiana; and National FFA President Taylor McNeel will visit Wisconsin.

FFA Week is also a time for alumni and sponsors to advocate for agricultural education and FFA. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, the National FFA Foundation will celebrate "Give FFA Day," a daylong campaign that will encourage the public to support the various needs impacting FFA members. Every gift will count toward achieving the FFA mission. Visit FFA.org/giveFFAday to donate.

Sponsored by Tractor Supply Company, National FFA Week will be all over social media. Follow the #FFAweek hashtag on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and don’t miss @NationalFFA Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat posts, including posts from the National FFA Officer Team while on the road.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 629,367 student members who belong to one of 7,757 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.



New Harvesting Solutions Give Growers Flexibility, Help Maximize Yield

Geringhoff, a global leader in harvest equipment, announced two new corn heads and a flex draper for row crop growers to solve modern challenges that come with harvesting multiple planting configurations and capturing crop on hilly terrain.

The new Independence product line includes two products that provide corn growers the flexibility to plant in any configuration:  the Freedom™ and Patriot™ Corn Heads. The Freedom allows growers to choose optimal corn planting configurations based on their conditions without worrying how they will harvest the crop. The Freedom’s newly designed, angled, two-chain system optimizes crop feeding, maximizes yield retention and reduces crop loss and plugging. Its radical new gear box design can handle row spacing of various planting configurations. Also, its Rota Disc technology offers best-in-class residue processing, which is critical for high population corn.

The Patriot is designed specifically to harvest twin row planting configurations and was developed with Stine Seed Company for these high population fields. Its double-sprocket gathering chain system eliminates the whipping effect when conventional corn heads try to harvest twin row corn. Optional end row augers improve feeding and yield retention.

“These new corn heads are designed for leading-edge growers who are pushing yields to new heights,” said Tosh Brinkerhoff, president and CEO of Geringhoff North America. “Our breakthrough technology has been proven to handle high yields in tough conditions, and gives growers the freedom to farm with more options than ever before.”

The company also introduced a new flex draper for soybean growers. The new TruFlex Razor™ delivers razor-precision soybean harvesting with technological advances unmatched in the industry. It is the first “flex-flex” draper that combines a three-section, flexible frame and segmented reel with a flexible cutter bar. In development for the last five years, the product delivers the closest, most uniform on-the-ground cutting in the industry, even on hilly terrain. Its center knife drive, center belt drive and integrated airflow system minimize losses and improve performance during harvest.



FDA Plan to Measure Weed Killer Residues on Food Only a First Step

Consumer advocacy group U.S. Right to Know applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today for declaring that it plans to start testing for glyphosate residues in soybeans, corn, milk and eggs among other potential foods as concerns about the popular herbicide mount around the world. Though the FDA has responsibility for food safety and for routinely measuring for pesticide residues on certain foods, the agency has not routinely looked for glyphosate in its pesticide chemical residue monitoring regulatory program in the past.

Glyphosate is the chief ingredient in Roundup weed killer, made by Monsanto Co., and is also the active ingredient in hundreds of herbicide products sold around the world. It is the most widely used herbicide globally, and its use has surged in the United States with the spread of genetically engineered crops that have been designed to tolerate being sprayed with glyphosate. But concerns about the chemical’s impact on human health and on the environment have been growing, and in March 2015 the World Health Organization’s cancer experts classified glyphosate as a probable human carcinogen.

“The FDA move is a good first step, but the testing must be thorough and widespread,” said Gary Ruskin, co-director of U.S. Right to Know. “USDA also should get on board.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducts its own annual testing of foods for pesticide residues through a “pesticide data program,” that typically tests for several hundred different pesticides each year. But only once in the history of the 24-year program has the agency conducted tests for glyphosate residues. Those tests, in 2011, were limited to 300 soybean samples and found that 271 of the samples had glyphosate residues.

U.S. Right to Know is a nonprofit organization that investigates the risks associated with the corporate food system, and the food industry’s practices and influence on public policy. We promote the free market principle of transparency – in the marketplace and in politics – as crucial to building a better, healthier food system.