Monday March 28 Ag News

SDS Seed Treatment among On-Farm Research Options
Laura Thompson, NE Extension Educator

Last year, over 65 Nebraska farmers completed research projects with the help of the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network. You can view the results of these projects at cropwatch.unl.edu/farmresearch/resultshome.  The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network provides an opportunity for growers to get questions answered about their own fields. Research typically is conducted with the producer's equipment, on the producer's land, and using the producer's management practices.

This year, the on-farm research network is again seeking three growers who are interested in testing the Bayer CropScience ILeVO® seed treatment for SDS.  Sudden death syndrome can be severe when soybeans are planted into cool, wet soils.  This disease was first identified in Nebraska in 2004 and has become widespread in recent years.  To be eligible to participate in this on-farm research study, farm operators must have a field with a history of widespread SDS that will be planted to soybeans this year. Learn more about participating in the ILeVO® study.

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network provides an opportunity for farmers to test a variety of products and practices, including planting population, irrigation rates, nitrogen management decision tools, seed treatments, and biological products.  View more details about each study in their research protocols. New study opportunities will be posted throughout April and May, so check back frequently for more options to get involved.  Additionally, you are not limited to the topics presented here.  If you have another research topic in mind, Nebraska Extension cropping systems educators will work with you to design a study to address the questions that matter to you.

Please contact Laura Thompson at laura.thompson@unl.edu, 402-472-8043, or Keith Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu, 402-624-8005, if you are interested in participating in this or other research studies.

The Nebraska On-Farm Research Network is sponsored by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in partnership with the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Soybean Board, and the Dry Bean Commission. The goal of the network is to put to use a statewide on-farm research program addressing critical farmer production, profitability, and natural resources questions.



A new tool for selecting commercial beef heifers: genomics
Gary Stauffer – Extension Educator, Holt-Boyd Counties

Spring is quickly approaching. That means warmer weather and green grass are on the way. For the cow/calf producers, it means that calving is in full swing (or about over for some) and the breeding season is just around the corner.

Decisions are being made that will impact the cattle operation for several years, such as the next herd bull to purchase or the sires to breed cows and heifers through artificial insemination.   Some producers spend many hours in selecting the right bull for their operation, looking over pedigrees, EPDs, performance data, etc. There is a tremendous amount of data available on purebred cattle, but limited genetic data on commercial cattle.

In the past, selection for our commercial replacements has been on individual performance, structural soundness, body phenotype and possibly genetic information about sire(s) and/or dam. There has been little to no measure of genetic potential of commercial replacement heifers. However, that is rapidly changing with the use of genomic testing.

Genomic predictions are being developed and available for commercial cattle producers to utilize in their operation.   Commercial cattle often do not have EPDs, which provide a predictive measure of the animal’s genetic potential like purebred cattle. These genetic predictions can be used to select replacement heifers, market feeder calves, and/or make mating decisions.

Through genomic testing, producers are able to make more informed decision that could impact their operation for many years. Depending on the test utilized for genomic testing, producers can gain valuable information on maternal traits, performance traits and carcass traits. Some of the genomic tests are breed specific, such as Angus (>75%) or Gelbvieh; whereas others are non-breed specific. 

Selection decisions can be made by retaining the higher ranking animals that meet your production goals and culling the animals that are below average. In addition, genetic predictions can be utilized in making mating decisions.   If you have low scoring heifers for carcass traits, you could mate your heifers to higher carcass value bulls and increase performance.

Majority of the tests cost between $20-50 per head, depending on the number of traits being evaluated. The greater the number of traits being measured, the higher the price tag for the test.

In addition, the genomic tests offer sire parentage testing.   Think of the opportunity to measure performance differences of multi-sired groups of heifers. One could gain tremendous information on their herd bulls and make decisions accordingly to your specific goals of your operation.

With the genetic information on commercial cattle, producers can make management and marketing decisions that could potentially be very powerful. I would not recommend making selection or management decisions solely on the results of genomic testing.   Genomic testing is another tool in the tool box. Will it be utilized by every producer? No, but those that choose to take advantage of this new technology could increase their rate of progress in their herd dramatically.



USING COMPANION CROPS WHEN PLANTING ALFALFA
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Are you planting some alfalfa this spring?  Using oats or another companion crop?  Let's examine the advantages and disadvantages of your options.

               Alfalfa often is seeded with a companion crop like oats to

control weeds and erosion, and to provide a crop of grain or hay.  Clear seeding alfalfa alone, without a companion crop, also works well.  A preplant herbicide like trifluralin or Balan or Eptam often is sprayed and incorporated first to control weeds in a clear seeding, but herbicide isn't always necessary.  So – which method is better?

               Your own needs and objectives determine whether a companion crop or a clear seeding is better for you.  I tend to prefer clear seeding where erosion is unlikely because alfalfa production begins sooner, with 2 to 4 tons possible the seeding year.  Companion crops reduce alfalfa yield the first year, and often they cause thinner stands.  Also, yields and stands in following years almost always are better with a successful clear seeding than when using a companion crop.

               Have you noticed that I call oats a companion crop instead of a nurse crop?  That's because companion crops like oats don’t nurse.  They act like weeds, robbing alfalfa seedlings of moisture, sunlight, and nutrients during the seeding year.  However, on erosive ground a companion crop can be necessary or alfalfa may not start at all.

               So if you want alfalfa, plant only alfalfa.  But, if erosion is a problem, include about half a bushel of oats with your alfalfa.  Then kill oats early using Poast Plus or Select herbicide, or Roundup if your alfalfa is Roundup Ready.  Next best is to hay oats early rather than taking grain.  Likewise, if you want oats, plant only oats.  Then seed alfalfa into oat stubble next August if soil moisture is good.  Your alfalfa will be better because of it.



New Corn Herbicides for 2016 
Amit Jhala, NE Nebraska Extension Weed Management Specialist

Several new herbicides have been registered for weed control in corn. These herbicides do not have an active ingredient with a new mode of action, but rather are pre-mixtures of existing herbicides. They can provide excellent weed control if applied according to label directions. A season-long weed management plan should include herbicides with multiple modes of action. (See Classification of Herbicides by Mode and Site of Action and Chemical Family, excerpted from the 2016 Guide for Weed, Disease and Insect Management in Nebraska, available at Marketplace.unl.edu.)

In the following list of new corn herbicides for 2016, application timing is indicated as preplant, pre-emergence (after planting but prior to crop emergence), or post-emergence (after crop emergence),

Acuron™ [atrazine (10.93) + mesotrione (2.6%) + S-metochlor (23.4%) + bicyclopyrone (0.65%)]. Acuron may be used pre-emergence or post-emergence (up to 12 inches tall) in field corn, seed corn, and silage corn. It can be used in sweet corn and yellow popcorn, but only pre-emergence. Acuron contains the safener benoxacor. If organic matter content of the field is less than 3%, apply Acuron at 2.5 qt/ac, and if more than or equal to 3%, apply at 3 qt/ac. Do not exceed 3 qt/ac of Acuron per year. EPA Reg. No. 100-1466. Modes of action: 5, 15, 27.

Anthem® MAXX [pyroxasulfone (45.22%) + fluthiacet (1.38%)].  Anthem MAXX is a new formulation of Anthem, a premix for pre-emergence or early post-emergence control of annual grasses and some small-seeded broadleaf weeds in corn and soybean. EPA Reg. No.279-3468. Modes of action: 14, 15.

Armezon PRO [topramezone (1.12% + dimethenamid-P (56.25%)]. It is an emulsifible concentrate (EC) that provides systemic post-emergence control of emerged broadleaf and grass weeds followed by residual control in all corn types. Application rates depend on soil texture and organic matter content. It may be applied from corn emergence to V8 stage or 30 inches tall field corn and popcorn. For applications when corn is more than 12 inches tall but less than 30 inches tall, direct applications beneath the crop canopy using drop nozzles and appropriate nozzle spacing for best performance. EPA Reg. No. 7969-372. Modes of action:  15, 27.

DiFlexx™ [dicamba (56.6%)]. DiFlexx includes exclusive CSI™ Safener technology which enables corn plants to better withstand herbicidal activity and provides better crop safety. DiFlexx may be used for pre-emergence or post-emergence selective control of broadleaf weeds in corn and fallow croplands. The application rates of DiFlexx vary with weed type and growth stage. Do not apply more than 16 fl oz/ac per application and a total of 24 fl oz/ac per year. Apply maximum of two applications per growing season, separated by two weeks or more. EPA Reg. No. 264-1173. Mode of action: 4.

DiFlexx® DUO [dicamba (19.73%) + tembotrione (2.83%)]. DiFlexx DUO is a selective pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicide for control of annual broadleaf weeds; control and/or suppression of many biennial/perennial broadleaf weeds and control of annual grasses found in corn (field corn, seed corn, popcorn, and corn grown for silage) and for post-harvest burndown weed control. Weed control ceases within hours after DiFlexx DUO is applied.  Symptoms on susceptible weed species include epinastic-like symptoms on stems and leaves with tissues turning yellow and bleached in color and soon becoming necrotic.  Plant death generally occurs within 7 to 14 days after application. EPA Reg. No. 264-1184. Modes of action: 4, 27.

Fierce™ [flumioxazin (33.5%) + pyroxasulfone (42.5%)]. Fierce is a new premix for pre-emergence control of broadleaf and grass weeds.  It is labeled for use in soybeans and no-till and minimum till corn. It should be applied 10 days before planting corn. The use of residual herbicides, such as Fierce, reduces early season weed competition.  Modes of action: flumioxazin is a PPO inhibitor (MOA Group14) and pyroxasulfone is a seedling growth inhibitor (MOA Group 15). EPA Reg. No. 63588-93-59639. Modes of action: 14, 15.

Resicore™ [acetochlor (31%) + mesotrione (3.3%) + clopyralid (2.7%)]. Resicore™ herbicide may be used preplant, pre-emergence, or post-emergence in field corn, field seed corn, and field silage corn. For yellow popcorn, Resicore must be applied prior to crop emergence (i.e., preplant or pre-emergence) or severe crop injury may occur. Resicore is a combination of the herbicides acetochlor (MOA Group 15), mesotrione (MOA Group 27), and clopyralid (MOA Group 4), plus the crop safener furilazole. This combination of three herbicide modes of action controls many grass and broadleaf weeds by interfering with normal germination, growth, and seedling development. When applied after weed emergence, Resicore will provide control of many broadleaf weed species, but will not provide consistent control of emerged grass weeds. Modes of action: 15, 27, 4.

Solstice™ [fluthiacet methyl (2.2%) + mesotrione (38.52%)]. It contains two active ingredients possessing both contact and systemic activity that can be applied post-emergence for selective control of broadleaf weeds in field corn, seed corn, yellow popcorn, and sweet corn. It can be applied up to V8 corn growth stage or until corn is 30 inches tall. Application rate is 2.5 to 3.15 fl oz/ac. If atrazine is mixed with Solstice, do not apply to corn that is more than 12 inches tall. EPA Reg No. 279-3461. Modes of action: 14, 27.

For more information about weed control efficacy and crop safety of these herbicides, refer to the 2016 Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska (EC130) available for sale online at https://marketplace.unl.edu/extension/extpubs/ec130.html.  

Always refer to herbicide product label for complete details and directions for use.



Exports Matter to Nebraska Corn Farmers

With more than 95% of the world’s population living outside the United States and representing 75% of the world’s purchasing power, there is huge market potential for Nebraska corn around the world. From raw grain—to red meat—to ethanol, exports in all forms help support corn prices for Nebraska corn farmers. And each value-added product plays a fundamental role in building global demand.

Enhancing the profitability of Nebraska corn and value-added corn products through market development is one of the cornerstones of the Nebraska Corn Board. That’s why the Nebraska Corn Board has long standing relationships with organizations such as the US Grains Council (USGC) and the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF). With offices in key markets around the world, these organizations work hard to help identify and develop export markets for Nebraska corn. Their international directors are positioned as the ‘boots on the ground’ force that helps recognize opportunity and identify challenges in new and existing global markets.

“Even though most corn grown in Nebraska is used right here in our state for livestock and ethanol—or shipped to dairies in California and feedlots in Texas, we still have a lot at stake when it comes to exports,” said Alan Tiemann, a farmer from Seward, the at-large director on the Nebraska Corn Board and chairman of the U.S. Grains Council. “International exports in all forms help use the U.S. corn supply and create demand that affects our corn prices here at home.”

As the chairman of the USGC, Tiemann has a key role in helping the Council identify new opportunities and priorities in a rapidly changing global market. With the population projected to grow to 9 billion by 2050, USGC is working hard to teach producers around the world how to use feed grains effectively and manage their operations efficiently.

In February, Tiemann helped lead USGC’s 13th annual International Marketing Conference where they highlighted the Council’s mission to drive Excellence in Exports. One key topic of discussion at the conference was ethanol exports. “Ethanol exports continue to be a big priority to the Grains Council. As the number of vehicles increase worldwide, international markets for ethanol are growing dramatically,” added Tiemann.

USGC is the market development arm for Nebraska corn and value-added corn products around the world, while USMEF is the market development arm working to increase our market share for red meat around the world. Both organizations have international directors that work around the globe to build demand, knock down trade barriers and serve our customers in the most critical overseas markets.



Cuba Exploration Mission Offers Iowa Corn Farmer Key Market Insights

As President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack have wrapped up their historic visit to Cuba, Iowa’s farmers continue to closely follow these developments and stand poised to expand agricultural exports to the country and the rest of the region.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) led a delegation from Iowa on an exploratory mission to Cuba last month including Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Chairman Jerry Mohr, a farmer from Eldridge, Iowa. Mohr and Iowa representatives toured farms, agriculture facilities and other sites to learn about Cuba’s changing economy and market opportunities.

There is no embargo on U.S. food exports to Cuba. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently reported sales of 984,200 bushels of U.S. corn to Cuba valued at $4.4 million so far this marketing year, highlighting the potential of the Cuban market for market developers such as the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) invests checkoff dollars in USGC and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) for the export of corn and corn value-added products.

“Overall, the U.S. will be facing tough competition from Brazil and other exporting countries,” explained Mohr. “There is a potential for ethanol to be imported to supplement the country’s sugar cane production. They are desperately in short supply of quality meats and grocery products to feed their people. We will have the opportunity with our fine Iowa meat products to export meat and milk to Cuba when and if Congress votes to end the sanctions.”

Mohr said one of the challenges for U.S. agriculture exports to Cuba remains the effective credit embargo requiring all transactions with U.S. suppliers to be in cash. “This has been a real problem. Also, the embargo impacts other agricultural exports that are excluded from trade with Cuba,” he stated.

Mohr noted several other observations regarding Cuba’s agricultural industry and its infrastructure:
-    Millions of acres of farmland in Cuba have been out of production for many years, if the land becomes abandoned it will then revert to its native state.
-    The principal crops produced include sugar cane, coffee, bananas, and citrus. Rice, vegetables and tobacco also make up the country’s domestically produced crops.
-    The meat business in Cuba continues to expand, but cannot support the country’s population nor the anticipated arrival of tourists. Food shortages of milk and milk products persist. A key staple in Cuban’s diets include chicken, goat, duck and pork products.
-    Brazil recently built a huge port on the south side of the island to handle the increased shipping that is to be expected. Although the United States has a logistical advantage due to its proximity.

Mohr summarized that the country’s infrastructure poses the greatest challenge to its ability to catch up with the rest of the world, however as an export market the country holds great promise.



Iowa Pork Industry Center Will Offer PQA Plus 3.0 Advisor Certification Sessions

Veterinarians, extension personnel and adult educators in Iowa’s pork industry have the opportunity to become Pork Quality Assurance Plus 3.0 Advisors under the National Pork Board's PQA Plus 3.0 program that will be launched at the World Pork Expo in June. Because the content of this newly revised program has changed significantly, advisors who are currently certified also must successfully complete a 3.0 session if they wish to remain certified as a PQA 3.0 advisor, according to Iowa State University Extension swine veterinarian Chris Rademacher.

“All current PQA Plus advisor certifications will expire on August 31, 2016, regardless of when the advisor most recently certified through the 2.0 program,” Rademacher said. “This also means everyone needs to complete the two-page application form and be approved to attend one of these sessions.”

The Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State is offering seven PQA Plus 3.0 certification sessions beginning in mid-April to help meet this industry need. The sessions will be led by faculty members who are certified PQA Plus 3.0 trainers.

Rademacher is coordinating this training schedule. Each session has a 15-person minimum and a 30-person maximum, with the application deadline approximately 10 days prior to the specific session date, or when the session is filled.

Walk-ins are not allowed for any of the sessions. Individual spots for all sessions are guaranteed only after payment is accepted by IPIC. The cost is $75 per person and includes refreshments and the noon meal.

“Those who wish to become certified or to maintain their certification need to keep their specific session deadline in mind when submitting their application for approval,” Rademacher said.

To be eligible to submit an application or recertify as a current advisor, people must meet the following qualifications:
-    Be a veterinarian, extension specialist or ag educator (defined for this program as a person who spends full time in adult education or at least half time in production training) AND
-    Have a D.V.M. or B.S. in animal science (or equivalent) AND
-    Have two years of recent documentable swine production experience.

2016 Iowa training schedule
-    April 14 – Hansen Ag Student Learning Center, Rooms 1102-1104, Ames
-    May 3 – Borlaug Learning Center, Nashua
-    May 4 – Washington County Extension Office, Washington
-    May 5 – Cass County Community Center, Atlantic
-    May 10 – Sioux County Extension Office, Orange City
-    June 7 – Iowa State Fairgrounds, Varied Industries Building, Room A2, Des Moines
-    June 29 – Hansen Ag Student Learning Center, Rooms 1102-1104, Ames

Those who qualify and are interested in the program should download, complete and submit the appropriate form for their desired session date from the IPIC website at www.ipic.iastate.edu/pqaplus3.html.  This page also includes attendance availability for each session, and contact information for the program and the application process.



Ag Producer, Agribusiness Confidence Reach New Lows
Low Prices, Uncertain Income and High Costs Leading Causes

Spring is usually a time for optimism for ag producers as they look forward to another crop, but not this year. Low commodity prices, ongoing high input costs and low income projections have producers feeling more pessimistic about their industry than ever before, according to the latest DTN/The Progressive Farmer Agriculture Confidence Index (ACI).

Overall producer confidence dropped from 92.7 last December to a new record low of 91.5 in March. The value of 100 is considered neutral. Values above 100 indicate optimism, whereas values below signify pessimism.

Producers’ attitudes for the present situation remain pessimistic at 94.5, up slightly from 92.2 but down significantly from 109.1 last March. Producer expectations for the future dropped for the second consecutive survey, down from 98.0 last August to 93.1 in December and then to 89.5 in March.

“Farmers continue to struggle with balancing high input costs and low crop prices,” said DTN Markets Editor Katie Micik, director of the confidence index. “With ongoing global row crop surpluses, farmers see little hope to improve incomes this year.”

The confidence index, which surveyed 500 crop and livestock producers March 1-10, measures the sentiments of crop and livestock producers on their overall agriculture sector impressions. Since 2010, DTN/The Progressive Farmer has conducted the ACI three times a year – before planting, before harvest and after harvest. Producers also rate current and long-term input prices and net farm income to gauge their attitudes toward the present situation and future expectations.

In the March survey, 45 percent of farmers described their farm income as bad and 40 percent said income was normal. Micik said this is the second consecutive survey in which more producers considered their current farm income as bad than as normal.

“Over the next year, 86 percent of producers surveyed expect farm income will stay the same or get worse. It is also the second highest recorded in ACI history behind only the 88 percent in March 2012,” said Micik.

Other ACI findings include:
·         47 percent of crop and livestock producers rate input prices as bad
·         18 percent of producers surveyed say input prices will get better the next 12 months
·         Crop producer confidence dropped to an all-time low of 89.7, with present situation at 88.4 and future expectations at 90.6
·         Livestock producer confidence fell for fifth time in last six surveys to 95.9, with present situation at 109.5 and future expectations at 86.8
·         The overall indexes for producers in the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest fell within the pessimistic range at 87.0, 91.3 and 98.5, respectively

Agribusiness Confidence Index
Agribusiness confidence has tumbled dramatically over the past year. According to the latest DTN/The Progressive Farmer Agribusiness Confidence Index, which measured the sentiments of 100 agribusinesses Feb. 29-March 10, agribusiness confidence fell to 83.4 from 98.3. The agribusiness index was in the optimistic range at 104.7 last March.

Agribusinesses are also pessimistic about the current situation and expectations for the next year. The rating for agribusinesses’ present situation fell to an all-time low of 88.3 from a near record high of 121.6 in March 2014 and 114.5 last March.

“While expectations about future conditions have trended negative the past two years, agribusiness pessimism reached an index low of 79.9 in the latest survey. As a result, agribusinesses have a gloomy outlook about profitability and sales,” explained Micik.

Seventy-six percent of agribusinesses rated their current profitability as bad or normal, compared with 66 percent in December and 60 percent a year ago. “The drop in agribusiness confidence is a direct result of crop producer cutbacks on equipment purchases and crop inputs,” explained Micik. “As a result, 28 percent of agribusinesses expect sales to get worse.”



NCGA Helps Ag Research Soar into the Future

The National Corn Growers Association joined the Supporters of Agricultural Research (SoAR) as part of its strategic plan to increase research funding to expand demand and improve productivity and sustainability.

"As a partner of SoAR, NCGA will be able to further its efforts to achieve public polices in the research arena that will benefit all U.S. Corn farmers," said NCGA Research and Business Development Action Team Chair Larry Hoffmann. "While we work to build demand, it is also imperative NCGA maintains important efforts to keep the research pipeline flowing. As members of this respected group, we will amplify our voice by working with like-minded groups and ensure that research funding remains a top priority for Congress."

SoAR was established as a non-partisan coalition of scientific, consumer and producer groups in 2012 to seek sound research policies that focus more of our best minds on feeding America and the world and to advocate for increased funding for such research.

SoAR works with major research institutions, farmer groups, scientific organizations, consumer groups and other private sector partners who believe a strong competitive grants program will encourage top scientists from multiple disciplines-from botany and biology to energy and engineering-to address the many agriculture-related challenges facing our country today.

SoAR advocates for full funding for the Agriculture Food and Research Initiative. AFRI is a program established by Congress in 2008 to award competitive grants for research projects-at any institution-that apply best ideas from any discipline to the many problems confronting today's farmers and consumers.

SOAR Foundation also works to educate various stakeholders about the importance of agriculture research including full funding for the AFRI.  Competitive grants encourage innovation by directing federal funds to the most promising proposals. This approach laid the foundation for America's global leadership in biomedical innovation. Now, SoAR believes the time is right to greatly increase funding for competitive grants in the exciting and rapidly expanding world of agricultural research.



NAWG Announces CEO Stepping Down

            The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) today announced Jim Palmer has decided to step down as its chief executive officer effective May 31, 2016.

            “Jim has been a tremendous and tireless advocate of the U.S. wheat grower specifically, and the U.S. wheat industry in general, during his tenure as our CEO,” stated NAWG President Gordon Stoner, a Montana wheat grower.  “While we certainly don’t want him to leave NAWG, Jim made it very clear to our Executive Committee recently that he strongly desired to reduce or eliminate a majority of his professional and personal obligations to spend more quality time with his far-flung family.  Our entire officer team is very understanding and supportive of Jim’s personal decision.”

            Stoner said NAWG will immediately begin its national search for a new CEO and has asked Palmer to assist the NAWG Executive Committee in managing that effort.  Stoner emphasized that NAWG is in excellent financial shape and has assembled a very talented and dedicated advocacy and technical support staff, thanks to Palmer’s recruitment skills and enthusiasm for wheat and those who produce it.

            “Our strong financial position and excellent staff will serve as Jim’s legacy,” said Stoner. “Without his consummate financial skills and grassroots insight, NAWG would never have been able to achieve what it has since he came onboard in 2013.  And, we really appreciate his desire to ensure a smooth transition.”

            Palmer said the time is right for a change for both him personally and professionally and for the organization.

            “I have decided not to renew my contract because I believe now is a great time for NAWG to have a CEO with different skill sets than mine. I have strongly recommended to our Executive Committee that they seek someone with proven agriculture policy success as its top skill-set priority, said Palmer.  “While financial and staff management acumen are certainly necessary in any CEO position, top-level agriculture policy development and advocacy experience is very much needed by NAWG as we enter into negotiations for the next Farm Bill.  This particular skill set would complement perfectly our current excellent advocacy and technical support staff.”

            Stoner and Palmer said NAWG will begin accepting qualified resumes immediately.  A position guide will be posted on the NAWG website soon.  Stoner stated that Palmer would be coordinating the receipt of resumes, but would not be serving on the Search Committee.  Anyone interested in seeking the NAWG CEO position should send their letter of interest, resume, references and salary requirements to the attention of Jim Palmer, CEO, National Wheat Growers Association, 415 Second St., NE, Suite 300, Washington, DC  20002. Or, e-mail those documents to ceo@wheatworld.org.  Resumes and accompanying documents need to be received by NAWG no later than May 2, 2016 to be considered.



CWT Assists with 6.2 Million Pounds of Cheese and Whole Milk Powder Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 11 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, the Michigan Milk Producers Association, the Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) and Tillamook County Creamery Association, who have contracts to sell 2.216 million pounds (1,005 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and 3.948 million pounds (1,791 metric tons) of whole milk powder to customers in Asia, the Middle East and South America. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from March-September 2016.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives with contracts to sell 12.209 million pounds of cheese, 7.716 million pounds of butter and 14.676 million pounds of whole milk powder to 14 countries on five continents. The sales are equivalent to 393.441 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance Program in the long-term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively impacts all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



NFU Beginning Farmer Institute Accepting Applications for 2016-17 Class

Cultivating the next generation of farmers and ranchers to carry on the legacy of American agriculture is the main focus of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Beginning Farmer Institute. NFU encourages new farmers, starting an operation of any size, to apply for the 2016-17 program class.

Through sessions hosted in Washington D.C. and California, the program’s hands-on training emphasizes many of the challenges beginning farmers may face in their careers, such as business planning, access to capital, land acquisition, marketing, and more.

“As the farm population continues to age, we are looking to the next generation of farmers and ranchers to continue to produce food, fiber and fuel. But farming can be an overwhelming business to get started if you don’t have the right tools,” said NFU president Roger Johnson. “For more than five years, the Beginning Farmer Institute has empowered new farmers from across the country to operate successful farm businesses.”

Farmers from all geographic regions and a diverse range of production methods have greatly benefitted from the training. The most recent graduates of the program, who were recognized at the NFU Convention in Minneapolis, Minn., earlier this month, represented seven states. Women and veterans have been among the program’s most active participants.

“More than half the participants have been women and nearly 10 percent have been veterans,” explained Johnson. “I am pleased to see the diversity of skills and backgrounds these beginning farmers are bringing to the industry.”

Applications for the 2016-2017 class must be postmarked by April 30, 2016, and the class roster will be announced on June 10, 2016. More information about the NFU Beginning Farmer Institute is available at www.nfu.org/nfu-foundation/beginning-farmer-institute. 



Monsanto Extends Nomination Deadline for “Farm Mom of the Year” Contest

For anyone who’s been considering entering their favorite farm mom into Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Mom of the Year contest, but haven’t done so yet, there’s good news! There are now two extra days to get those nominations in as Monsanto has extended the deadline from Tuesday, March 29, 2016, to Thursday, March 31, 2016.

Due to the holiday and many people on spring breaks, Monsanto wanted to give people as much time as possible to enter their favorite farm mom, so she can get the credit she deserves.  The extended date at the end of March is also consistent with the entry deadline in past years.

Just visit AmericasFarmers.com, click on “Farm Mom” under the “Community Outreach” section, and describe in 300 words or less how your farm mom contributes to her farm, family, community and the agriculture industry.

Online nominations must be submitted by Thursday, March 31 (11:59 p.m.)

Additional information about Monsanto’s America’s Farmers Mom of the Year program is available at www.AmericasFarmers.com.



Terrorism a Real Threat to U.S. Agriculture
Stewart Truelsen, Missouri Farm Bureau

There are some things you should not read at bedtime. One of them is The Worldwide Threat Assessment by the U.S. Intelligence Community, an annual report of threats to the United States. In testimony before Congress, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said, "In my 50 plus years in the intelligence business I cannot recall a more diverse array of crises and challenges than we face today."

Clapper warned that homegrown extremists are probably the most significant terrorist threat to the homeland this year. In other words, the U.S. faces attacks similar to last December's in San Bernardino, California, that left 14 dead and 22 wounded.

The entire report is even more disturbing. In short, the United States and its assets around the world are facing a multiplicity of threats from terrorist organizations and states like North Korea. These enemies are busy devising new weapons and strategies. Hopefully, they will never get to use them, but make no mistake about it, no part of our country or sectors of the economy are off-limits to terrorists. This includes rural America and U.S. agriculture.

Former Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss received the Distinguished Service to Agriculture award from the American Farm Bureau Federation this year. In addition to his accomplishments in food and agriculture, he played an important role in homeland security and intelligence gathering. He does not assume terrorists will overlook U.S. food and agriculture.

"We have to make sure that America always has a safe supply of food as well as a safe supply of water. Those are somewhat easy targets for the terrorist community to look at," he says. "There is no question that food security is a very vital part of national security and a vital part of what we look at from a counter-terrorism standpoint in the intelligence community every day."

After 9/11, agro-terrorism became more of a concern. A white paper written in 2002 by University of Minnesota economics professor C. Ford Runge outlined threats to livestock and crops from biological weapons.

Among top concerns were the introduction of foot-and-mouth disease in feedlots and the spread of deadly pathogens, like anthrax, on fruit and vegetables. Another threat was the contamination of corn and soybean oil to disrupt all downstream users and manufacturers of processed foods.

Runge concluded in 2002 that it would be hard for terrorists to do serious damage to the American food system because of its diffuse nature. It's so big and spread out. However, it would still be possible for terrorists to cause widespread consumer panic, loss of trade and economic harm.

The current threat analysis raises greater concern for weapons of mass destruction, like ones that could be used against agricultural production and water supplies. The report says, "Research in genome editing conducted by countries with different regulatory or ethical standards than those of Western countries probably increases the risk of the creation of potentially harmful biological agents or products."

That is why Farm Bureau continues to support protecting our nation's food, fiber and water supply and critical industrial agricultural materials, in addition to encouraging farmers and public agencies to recognize the importance of adopting biosecurity measures.