Tuesday March 22 Ag News

OGALLALA AQUIFER IS FOCUS OF NEW USDA-FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECT

    For more than 80 years, the Ogallala Aquifer, the largest freshwater aquifer in the world, has been the main source of agricultural and public water for Nebraska and parts of seven other states. Now researchers from the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Nebraska Water Center, part of the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska, will play key roles as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture-funded consortium to address agricultural sustainability on the aquifer.

    The consortium has been awarded a USDA Water for Agriculture Challenge Area Coordinated Agricultural Project grant, which will provide $10 million over four years for research and extension activities to address water challenges in the Ogallala Aquifer region. The grant will take a comprehensive approach, integrating management strategies to improve water use across the region.

    The Ogallala Aquifer region accounts for 30 percent of total crop and animal production in the United States, and more than 90 percent of the water pumped from the aquifer is used for irrigated agriculture. With climate change projections and recent declines of groundwater, the aquifer, along with many of the world's aquifers, is declining on a path many consider to be unsustainable.

    Groundwater levels and management practices vary greatly across the Ogallala Aquifer region. This project seeks to develop a successful model of integration that leads to wide-scale changes in the management of the aquifer and informs aquifer management across the world.

    "The Ogallala Aquifer is a vast resource that is vitally important to Nebraska agriculture and to our state's ag economy, but it is not endless and needs to be used and cared for wisely and sustainably," said Chittaranjan Ray, director of the Nebraska Water Center.

    As part of the project, Ray will take a leading role in gathering adequate hydrologic and crop water use data, which can be used to manage pumping rates. A comprehensive hydrologic model exists for the Northern High Plains region of the Ogallala, but an aquifer-wide hydrologic model has never been created. An expanded model will provide an important baseline tool to estimate climate change and management impacts on groundwater levels across the region.

    "This project recognizes and will build upon a wealth of knowledge and previous aquifer research to build a useable baseline of data on water levels, pumpage dynamics, institutional controls and climatic variability," Ray said. "This data will be used to develop the best cropping management and irrigation technologies that will help maintain aquifer health into the future, keeping appropriate economic and social issues in mind.”

    While gathering this data is challenging, Ray will rely on longstanding Nebraska Water Center connections with groups with a history of addressing the state's water issues.

    To implement new policies and management practices, establishing communication networks across the region will be necessary. In addition, the project will look to inform non-farm consumers about the role of water in food production. The team expects an improved understanding of climate change impacts on water resources and the identification of emerging technologies and management practices that could extend the life of the aquifer.

    Co-investigators from UNL are Tim Shaver, agronomist and nutrient management specialist; Daran Rudnick, Water for Food Institute faculty fellow and irrigation management specialist; and Karina Schoengold, Water for Food Institute faculty fellow and environmental and resource economist.

    The multi-disciplinary consortium also includes scientists at Colorado State University, Kansas State University, Oklahoma State University, New Mexico State University, Texas Tech University, West Texas A&M University, Texas A& M AgriLife and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.



MAKE PASTURE FERTILIZING PAY
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

     Spring is approaching and cool-season grass pastures are starting to green-up.  We should begin thinking about fertilizing.

     Grass growth is stimulated by nitrogen fertilizer just like other crops.  Although nitrogen fertilizer can be expensive, favorable cattle prices greatly increase the potential to profit from the increased grass growth produced from nitrogen.

     Our Nebraska research shows that you get about one pound of additional calf or yearling gain for every pound of nitrogen fertilizer applied.  With grazingland becoming more scarce and expensive, boosting yield with fertilizer should be especially valuable this year.

     However, this fertilization rule-of-thumb assumes that the amount applied is within our general recommendations, which are based on the potential amount of extra grass growth expected.  This is affected mostly by moisture.  More importantly, it also assumes that your grazing management will efficiently harvest this extra growth.

     If your animals graze continuously on one pasture throughout the season, much of the extra growth is wasted.  They trample, manure and foul, bed down on, and simply refuse to eat much of the stemmy grass.  Less than one-third of the extra grass ends up inside your livestock.

     To make fertilizer pay, cross-fence pastures to control when and where your animals graze.  Give animals access to no more than one-fourth of your pasture at a time, letting the rest regrow.  Graze off about one-half of this growth before moving to another subdivision.  Maybe even save one subdivision for hay.  If your pastures aren’t subdivided, fertilizer dollars might be better spent on cross-fences and watering sites.

     Follow these suggestions and more of your pasture growth will be eaten, and more profits will come from fertilizer and pastures.



Selecting Replacement Heifers
Larry Howard, NE Extension Educator, Cuming County

When going into the heifer pen to decide which of the calves stay in the operation as replacement heifers and which are sold, producers are making choices that affect the profitability of their herd for years to come.  One strategy is to sensibly develop and breed the entire group of heifers and then select those that breed early, or wait to cull until after they wean their first calf. While this would give us a better projection, it isn’t practical for most to add that many females to their operation for that long.

Here are some selection tips from retired UNL professor Jim Gosey, UNL West Central Beef Reproductive Physiologist, Rick Funston, and UNL Beef Genetics specialist, Matt Spangler.

1 – Cull daughters of problem cows. This includes cows that needed help calving, were late calving or that had bad dispositions.

2 – Cull lightweights, big birth weights and 6-frame heifers. Big doesn’t always mean bad. If she’s big because she is older, you want to keep her.

3 – Along with that, select heifers that were born during the first 45 or better yet, the first 21 days of the calving season. “Cull the youngest heifers.”

4 – Select daughters out of the oldest cows. This goes back to information that is being learned about fetal programming and the fertility in those cow lines. Cows that offer longevity will most likely produce heifers that also offer optimum pregnancy rates.

5 – Identify and cull the nervous or “upheaded” heifers. You don’t need to knowingly add disposition problems to your herd.

6 – Try not to keep any feet and leg problems. Too much set to their hocks isn’t good but really straight-hocked or posty-legged heifers are a bigger problem.

7 – The value of genetic testing mainly lies with determining the heifers’ sires, if they are not already known. Keep daughters from bulls that have favorable EPD’s for things like stayability, lower input costs, sensible mature size, higher heifer pregnancy, moderate milk, calving ease, docility etc.

8 – If you are in a commercial setting with baldies, select heifers that have pigmented eyes and udders.

It’s not likely every heifer kept will be a great cow but at least the deck can be stacked in your favor.

Other UNL publication on replacement heifers that may be of interest include:

Reducing Replacement Heifer Development Costs Using a Systems Approach
http://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/html/g2215/build/g2215.htm

Selecting and Developing Replacement Heifers
http://beef.unl.edu/selecting-and-developing-replacement-heifers



New Soybean Herbicides for 2016 March 14, 2016
Amit Jhala, NE Extension Weed Management Specialist

Several new herbicides were recently registered for weed control in soybean. These herbicides do not have an active ingredient with a new mode of action; but rather are pre-mixes of existing herbicides that 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.)

The following soybean herbicides should be available for the 2016 growing season.

Afforia™ [flumioxazin (40.8%) + thifensulfuron methyl (5%) + tribenuron-methyl (5%)]. This is for burndown and preplant residual control of broadleaf weeds and partial control of annual grasses in soybean. It has two modes of action and rapidly inhibits the growth of susceptible weeds. It can be applied at 2.5 oz/ac a day before planting soybean or 2.5 to 3.75 oz/ac if applied at least 7 days before planting soybean. Crop injury may occur from applications to poorly drained soils under cool, wet conditions. EPA Reg. No. 352-889. Modes of action: 14, 2.

Authority®Elite [sulfentrazone (7.55) + S-metolachlor (68.25)]. It is a soil-applied herbicide for control of broadleaf, grass, and sedge weeds in soybeans. The crop rotation restriction for corn and sorghum is 10 months. A maximum of 38.7 fl oz/ac can be applied per year. EPA Reg. No. 279-3442. BroadAxe XC EPA Reg. No. 279-3442-100. Modes of action: 14, 15.

Authority®Maxx [sulfentrazone (62.12) + clorimuron-ethyl (3.88)]. It can be applied pre-plant or pre-emergence in soybean for broadleaf and partial grass weed control. The application rate is 6 to 9 oz/ac depending on soil texture and organic matter content. EPA Reg. No. 279-9560. Modes of action: 14, 2.

Fierce™ [flumioxazin (33.5%) + pyroxasulfone (42.5%)]. Fierce is a new premix for pre-emergence control of broadleaf and grass weeds. The use of residual herbicides can help manage or prevent the development of glyphosate-resistant weed biotypes and reduce early season weed competition. Flumioxazin is a PPO inhibitor and pyroxasulfone is a seedling growth inhibitor. EPA Reg. No. 63588-93-59639. Modes of action: 14, 15.

Fierce XLT [flumioxazin (24.57%) + pyroxasulfone (31.17%) + chlorimuron (6.67%)]. Fierce XLT in Nebraska can only be used in fields south of US Route 30 and east of US Route 281. This herbicide provides residual control of broadleaf and grass weeds in soybean. It also provides additional burndown activity when used as part of a burndown program. Moisture is necessary to activate this herbicide in soil for residual weed control. Do not apply more than 5.25 oz/ac per growing season. Do not apply additional herbicides containing chlorimuron to fields treated with Fierce XLT. Modes of action: 14, 15, 2.

Marvel™ [fluthiacet-methyl (1.2%) + fomesafen (30.08%)]. It is a new premix herbicide from FMC for post-emergence weed control in soybean. It can be applied at 5 to 7.25 fl oz/ac from pre-plant through full flowering stage (prior to R3). It is a contact herbicide and therefore, thorough coverage is essential for optimum weed control. Do not apply more than 7.25 fl oz/ac per application and 9.75 fl oz/ac per year. EPA Reg. No. 279-3455. Mode of action: 14.

Ransom™ [flumioxazin (12.92%) + metribuzin (56%)]. It is a selective herbicide for pre-emergence control or suppression of susceptible broadleaf weeds and certain annual grass weeds in soybeans. It also offers control of certain emerged broadleaf weeds when applied as part of a burndown treatment. EPA Reg. No. 66222-260. Modes of action: 14, 5.

Rowel™ [flumioxazin (51%)]. It can be applied to soybeans prior to planting or pre-emergence application must be made within three days of planting soybean. Application after soybeans have begun to crack, or are emerged, will result in severe crop injury. Do NOT apply more than 3 oz/ac per growing season. EPA Reg. No. 59639-99-524. Mode of action: 14.

Rowel™ FX [flumioxazin (30%) + chlorimuron (10.3%)]. It is a selective herbicide for pre-emergence control of broadleaf weeds and suppression of certain annual grasses in soybeans. Do NOT apply more than 5 oz/ac during a single growing season. EPA Reg. No. 59639-117-524. Modes of action: 2, 14.

Surveil™ Co-Pack [Surveil™ V (flumioxazin 51%); surveil™ FR (cloransulam-methyl 84%)]. This is a multi-pack for pre-emergence control of certain weeds in soybeans. Read herbicide label for co-pack load chart. EPA Reg. No. 59639-131-62719. Modes of action: 14, 2.

Trivence™ [chlorimuron ethyl (3.9%) + flumioxazin (12.8%) + metribuzin (44.6%)]. Trivence is a burndown as well as a residual herbicide that may be applied preplant or pre-emergence to soybean. It has three modes of action and rapidly inhibits the growth of susceptible weed species. It can be applied at 6 to 9 oz/ac depending on soil texture and soil pH. EPA Reg. No. 352-887. Modes of action: 2, 5, 14.

Warrant Ultra [acetochlor (30.2%) + fomesafen (7.1%)]. It can be applied as a preplant surface, pre-emergence, or post-emergence treatment in soybean. It can provide residual as well as burndown activity.  It can be applied only once per growing season and is limited to a maximum of 48 fl oz/ac applied in alternate years in Nebraska. Modes of action: 15, 14.

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

More information about the efficacy of these herbicides is available in the 2016 Guide for Weed, Disease, and Insect Management in Nebraska (EC130) available online to purchase at https://marketplace.unl.edu/extension/extpubs/ec130.html. Cost is $15. 



April Clinics for Ag Finance, Ag Law March 16, 2016

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential Farm Finance Clinics being conducted across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters. They offer an opportunity to seek an experienced outside opinion on issues affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Sites and Dates
    Grand Island — Thursday, April 7
    Norfolk — Thursday, April 7
    North Platte — Thursday, April 14
    Lexington — Thursday, April 21
    Fairbury —Friday, April 22
    Valentine — Thursday, April 28
    Norfolk — Friday, April 29

To sign up for a clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.



Research Funded by Nebraska Soybean Board “Revolutionizes” Heating Oil Industry

The air above New York City is a little cleaner thanks to Nebraska soybean growers. Heating oil dealers in the Big Apple are blending more biodiesel into their product because it reduces harmful emissions. But the initial push to use biodiesel in heating oil came from the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB). The board funded research proving biodiesel’s viability as a heating oil blend, now known as Bioheat. Soybean farmers from Nebraska and other states recently visited New York to see firsthand how biodiesel is filling a need for cleaner burning fuel in the city.

Fuel distributor and member of the National Biodiesel Board, Steven Levy, says Bioheat has helped the industry meet demand for cleaner energy, and he credits the foresight of Nebraska farmers. “People in Nebraska saw the opportunity in heating oil. They truly opened the door,” said Levy, “Without the Nebraska Soybean Board and the other checkoff organizations, there might not be a Bioheat industry.”

The group visited a biodiesel terminal and met with heating oil dealers like Allison Heaney, the owner and president of Skaggs-Walsh, who says Bioheat has helped fight perceptions that heating oil is a dirty, old-fashioned fuel.

“Utilizing Bioheat has really allowed me to enter the 21st century in my business,” said Heaney. “Bioheat has really breathed new life into my industry.”

Greg Anderson is a NSB director and member of the National Biodiesel Board. He says the NSB “went out on a limb” to invest in the potential of biodiesel, and he’s gratified to see the investment pay off for farmers, heating oil dealers and the environment.

“New York City is now the largest consumer of biodiesel in the U.S. due in large part to Bioheat,” said Anderson. “We didn’t envision the market growing to this scale, this quickly, but the Nebraska Soybean Board is proud of the role we’ve played in this success story.”

Anderson says there’s plenty of potential for additional growth. Within the city of New York, heating oil is required to contain two percent biodiesel. But blends of up to 20 percent biodiesel were recently approved for use. Biodiesel blends also fuel the city’s diesel-powered vehicles. “We’re no niche product anymore,” said Anderson. “We’re mainstream.”

Anderson and Heaney agree that heating oil dealers and farmers are more similar than people might think. And the trip, sponsored by the National Biodiesel Board, helps them better understand a relationship that benefits both.

“The heating oil industry is filled with a lot of family businesses and it seems like a perfect fit with the farming community,” said Heaney.

“Like farmers, oilheat dealers are very connected to their customers and have deep roots and tradition,” said Anderson.

Participants in the Big Apple tour met with city, state and regional officials about biodiesel mandates enacted to reduce emissions from heating oil and some transportation fleets. They also toured the New York Sanitation Department, which uses biodiesel in its trucks and snow removal equipment.



 Natural Resources Districts Featured on Nebraska Educational Television (NET)

Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are being featured in an hour-long program called “Keeping Nebraska Local: A Unique Approach to Resource Management” on Nebraska Educational Television World (NET2) beginning March 24th at 8 pm CT. The program offers a unique opportunity for viewers to learn about the broad scope of programs and projects the NRDs work on every day in order to protect lives, protect property and protect Nebraska’s future.

The program offers never-before-seen footage of NRDs’ conservation efforts to protect the state’s groundwater, soil, and wildlife resources. The NRDs develop and manage a diverse set of programs that all contribute to protecting Nebraska’s natural resources including enhancing flows in rivers, building flood control structures, recycling operations, and educational programs that provide safe and effective farming practices.

“This is a fascinating opportunity for the public to learn about Nebraska’s unique and successful NRD structure that allows for resource management on a basin-wide approach and ways they can be involved with the local NRD to protect our natural resources,” said Jim Bendfeldt, President of the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts. “Other states are now trying to model their resource management like Nebraska’s NRDs.”

Each of the 23 Natural Resources Districts is governed by locally elected Boards. Board members, managers and staff across the state are proud to be involved in such a comprehensive television program that will entertain, educate and offer the public insight into what has made Nebraska a successful leader in natural resources management and a system that will ensure the sustainability of Nebraska’s resources for future generations.

Air Dates on NET World (NET2):
Thursday, March 24th, 2016 – 8 pm (central time)
Sunday, March 27th, 2016 – 1:30 pm (central time)
More to Be Announced in May

The program will also be available online at http://netnebraska.org/nrd.



 Youth Tractor Safety Courses set for May-June March 16, 2016

Nebraska Extension Tractor Safety/Hazardous Occupations Courses will be offered at seven locations in Nebraska during May and June.  Any 14 or 15-year-old teen who plans to work on a farm other than his/her parents’ should plan to attend.

Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years of age from working on a farm for anyone other than their parents or guardian. Certification through the course grants an exemption to the law allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and to do field work with mechanized equipment.

The most common cause of death in agriculture accidents in Nebraska is from overturn of tractors and all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs), according to farm fatality surveillance data. Tractor and ATV overturn prevention are featured in the class work.

Instilling an attitude of "safety first" is a primary goal of the course, where youth will have the chance to learn respect for agricultural jobs and the tools involved.

Classes consist of two days of instruction plus homework assignments. Classes are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day.

Dates and locations include:
    May 23-24, Fairgrounds, Kearney
    May 26-27, Fairgrounds, McCook
    June 2-3, Fairgrounds, Valentine
    June 13-14, West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte
    June 16-17, Legacy of the Plains Museum, Gering
    June 20-21, Fairgrounds, Wayne
    June 23-24, College Park, Grand Island
    July 6-7, Fairgrounds, Gordon

The first day of class will consist of intensive classroom instruction with hands-on demonstrations, concluding with a written test that must be completed satisfactorily before students may continue driving tests the next day. Classroom instruction will cover the required elements of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program. Homework will be assigned to turn in the next day.

The second day will include testing, driving and operating machinery. Students must demonstrate competence in hitching equipment and driving a tractor and trailer through a standardized course as well as hitching PTO and hydraulic systems.

Preregistration
Preregistration is strongly encouraged at least one week before a location's start date. To preregister contact the Extension Office in the county of the course site. Cost is $60, which includes educational materials, testing, supplies, lunches and breaks.

More Information
For further information, contact your local Extension Office or Aaron Yoder, Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, at (402) 552-7240, aaron.yoder@unmc.edu or Ellen Duysen, coordinator, Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, (402) 552-3394, ellen.duysen@unmc.edu, both at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.



Frazier Named to Lead NCBA
 
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has named Kendal Frazier its new chief executive officer. NCBA president Tracy Brunner made the announcement, saying he is confident that the nation’s oldest and largest cattle industry association is in good hands.

“It was the belief of the officers and others involved with the search process that NCBA owed it to our members, our stakeholders and the beef community to take our time as we selected the right individual to serve as the next chief executive officer,” said Brunner. “Today, we can say with confidence that Kendal Frazier is the right leader for the association. With many years of experience working for state and national beef organizations, he has helped to guide our industry through some of its greatest challenges.   

“Kendal’s dedication to NCBA and his leadership abilities have been tested and proven while serving as interim CEO since June 2015. During that time, NCBA has not wavered from its responsibility to its members and affiliates as a grassroots policy organization. Likewise, NCBA has continued its partnership with state beef councils to protect and increase beef demand.”

Frazier said he is honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as CEO.

“My priorities as CEO will be working with NCBA’s stakeholders and other organizations to vigorously oppose the continued assault by the government on private property rights; work to expand and open markets around the world for U.S. beef; increase trust in U.S. beef production and ensure consumers fully understand the importance of beef’s role in their diets," said Frazier. "By focusing on these key areas, we ensure there is a prosperous future for the next generation of cattlemen and women.

“It has been my privilege to serve our industry. I have spent my career working with and for beef producers, so I am well versed in the many challenges and exciting opportunities that face our industry. I’m looking forward to working with NCBA’s leadership, membership, staff, state affiliates, state beef councils and other stakeholders.”  

Frazier was raised on a diversified cattle and grain operation in south-central Kansas. He is a graduate of Kansas State University and began his career as a farm broadcaster for WIBW Radio/Television before joining the staff at Kansas Livestock Association as director of communications. He joined the staff of the National Cattlemen’s Association in 1985 and has held several staff leadership roles during his career with the association.

“As CEO, I will continue to focus on working to ensure we are implementing NCBA’s contributions to the Industry Long Range Plan," said Frazier. "We will also ensure that we are delivering on NCBA’s member-directed policy priorities and executing NCBA’s Strategic Plan. These documents are the roadmap for NCBA and by delivering on their promises, we will ensure success for NCBA, our members and our industry.”



Placements Jump in Latest Cattle On Feed Report
David P. Anderson, Professor and Extension Economist
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
The latest Cattle on Feed report, released March 18th, was an interesting one, especially for placements.  Placements have been, arguably, the most interesting number for many months.

First, the basics of the report.  Marketings were up 5 percent, largely due to the effects of an extra day in February from leap year.  Placements were up 10 percent compared to February 2015.  The combination resulted in March 1 cattle on feed up 1 percent.  More cattle were placed in February than the year before in every weight category.  Leap year, more cattle outside feedlots waiting to be placed, large movements from wheat pasture, and February 2015 having an abnormally small number of placements all contributed to more cattle entering feedlots and the large percentage change versus last year.

Digging into the report a little deeper highlights some of the seasonal differences in placements regionally in cattle feeding country.  While placements of all weight classes were larger than the year before, placements of cattle weighing less than 600 pounds increased by a smaller percentage than did the heaviest cattle (over 800 pounds).  Placements of the lightest cattle represented a smaller percent of all placements than last year.

A relatively larger percentage of placements in Texas tend to be cattle under 600 pounds.  Thirty percent of placements in February were under 600 pounds compared to a five year average of 39 percent.  Almost 22 percent of placements were over 800 pounds compared to a five year average of 16 percent.  Over the past 5 years 42 percent of placements in Nebraska have been over 800 pounds and about 17 percent under 600 pounds in weight.  In February 47 percent of placements were in the heaviest category and only 11 percent were under 600 pounds.   Overall, the weight distribution of placements remained largely as usual, with relatively more heavy weight cattle placed.

Overall, this report should kick off a number of months of year-over-year larger placements as larger supplies of feeder cattle come to market.



USDA Cold Storage Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on February 29, 2016 were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 5 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 5 percent from the previous month and down slightly from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up slightly from the previous month but down 8 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 1 percent from last month but down 10 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on February 29, 2016 were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 10 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 2 percent from the previous month but up 11 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 17 percent from last month and up 5 percent from February 28, 2015.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on February 29, 2016 were up slightly from the previous month and up 11 percent from February 28, 2015.  Butter stocks were up 23 percent from last month and up 32 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 9 percent from last month but up 8 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 6 percent from last month but up 8 percent from a year ago.



Fertilizer Prices Spiking

The majority of retail fertilizer prices edged higher the third week of March as demand ramps up for the spring fertilizer application season, according to prices tracked by DTN. In recent weeks some prices accelerated, but this is the first week most of the major fertilizers strengthened in price.

Five of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to a month earlier. UAN28 is 6% higher compared to last month, while urea and anhydrous were both 5% higher. UAN28 averaged $276/ton, urea $390/ton and anhydrous $566/ton.

Two fertilizers were higher in prices but the move to the high side was fairly minor. MAP averaged $499/ton while UAN32 was at $312/ton.

The remaining three fertilizers were lower in prices compared to last month but again the move was fairly small. DAP averaged $477/ton, potash $369/ton and 10-34-0 $560/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, urea averaged $0.42/lb.N, anhydrous $0.35/lb.N, UAN28 $0.49/lb.N and UAN32 $0.49/lb.N.

STILL CHEAPER VS. LAST YEAR
Compared to a year ago, all fertilizers are now double-digits lower except for 10-34-0. It is now down 9%.

UAN32 is now 15% lower, both DAP and MAP 16% less expensive and both urea and UAN28 are 17% lower from a year ago. In addition, anhydrous is 20% lower and potash is 25% less expensive compared to a year earlier.



Food and Agriculture Groups Express Support, Optimism for New Opportunities in Cuba

Leaders from across the U.S. agriculture and food sectors are expressing support and optimism in new opportunities for collaboration with their Cuban counterparts, announced during President Obama's historic visit to the island. The two neighboring countries share common climate and agriculture related concerns, and the measures announced today in Havana will mutually benefit the Cuban people and U.S. farmers and ranchers.

While in Cuba with President Obama, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA will allow the 22 industry-funded Research and Promotion Programs and 18 Marketing Order organizations to conduct authorized research and information exchange activities with Cuba. These groups represent U.S. beef, pork, corn soy and other commodities and are responsible for creating bonds with consumers and businesses around the world in support of U.S. agriculture. Following today's announcement, they will be able to engage in cooperative research and information exchanges with Cuba about agricultural productivity, food security and sustainable natural resource management. Secretary Vilsack called the announcement "a significant step forward in strengthening our bond and broadening agricultural trade between the United States and Cuba."

As food and agriculture groups continue to review today's announcement, they expressed their support in the following statements:

Statement by American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall
"American-grown foods hold a clear competitive advantage in the Cuban marketplace, and the use of farmer- and rancher-generated funds to promote and market U.S. farm goods fits the checkoff mission perfectly. This announcement by USDA represents a major boost in growing the Cuban market that sits just 90 miles off our coast. I want to personally thank USDA and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack for the support shown America's farmers and ranchers in this matter."

Statement by Joel G. Newman, President & CEO, American Feed Industry Association (AFIA)
"AFIA is pleased with Secretary Vilsack's announcement today that USDA will allow Research and Promotion Programs and Marketing Order activities in Cuba. This is the first step to the U.S. industry better understanding the Cuban market and to sharing vital information and expertise with Cuba on agriculture production. Once existing regulatory and financial hurdles and restrictions have been lifted, this foundation of knowledge sharing and relationship building will serve in providing greater opportunities for U.S. feed and pet food products to Cuba."

Statement by Daryl Cates, Chairman, Illinois Soybean Growers
"This is great news. We really appreciate everything Secretary Vilsack and the USDA staff did to make using checkoff dollars in Cuba a reality. Cuba is an important market for Illinois soybean farmers and the livestock producers who use our soybeans. It's vital that we collaborate on exchanging information about our product with Cuban government and industry officials. We look forward to advancing two-way trade with the Cuban people and fostering relationships."

Statement by Connie Tipton, President & CEO, International Dairy Foods Association
"Cuba is a natural market for the products made by U.S. dairy companies. We look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to further explore this potential new market."

Statement by Leigh Allen, Executive Director, National Black Growers Council
"The National Black Growers Council (NBGC) is pleased that U.S. research & promotion boards will now be able to engage in an exchange with the Cuban growers and people to allow for dialogue and open information exchange. As an immediate neighbor of the United States of America, it is mutually beneficial that the strong agricultural industries in both countries share a common interest as it relates to food, fuel, and fiber of these commodities and their by-products. We commend the action and efforts of President Barack Obama, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and others such as the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba for bringing this to fruition. I am encouraged that the R&P boards, which in part has sustained American agriculture as a global leader, will now be able to be utilized by our counterparts in Cuba and vice versa. The NBGC looks forward to working closely with the R&P Boards and respective parties within the Cuban Ag sector in the near future to achieve this goal."

Statement by Roger Johnson, president, National Farmers Union (NFU)
"NFU fully supports the use of all tools available to normalize relations and fair trade with Cuba. As such, we appreciate AMS' decision to allow checkoff programs to use their resources for the promotion of American agricultural products to a market of 11 million people just 90 miles away from American shores."

Statement by National Grain and Feed Association
"The NGFA believes strongly in normalizing agricultural trade relations with Cuba, including arrangements under which Cuba can finance its purchases of U.S. agricultural products on normal commercial terms. While full normalization of trade ultimately will require congressional action, the steps announced today by Secretary Vilsack to promote cooperative research and information exchange activities with Cuba are another positive step forward along the journey to that ultimate destination."

Statement by Brian King, Chairman of the USA Rice Western Hemisphere Promotions Subcommittee
"The announcement today, like the White House announcements on liberalized travel from last week, continues the momentum toward normalized commercial relations with Cuba. We are looking forward to a USDA presence at the U.S. Embassy in Havana."

Statement by Devry Boughner Vorwerk, Chair, U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC)
"U.S. Agriculture Coalition is proud to be on the ground in Cuba in tandem with USDA continuing to forge industry to industry partnerships during the President Obama's historic visit. We applaud Secretary Vilsack for his leadership on advancing US-Cuba agricultural relations and are pleased that the two countries have signed a groundbreaking MOU in agriculture. We are especially pleased that farmer-funded checkoff dollars can now be used to facilitate relationships in country. USACC continues to support USDA's effort to place staff on the ground in Cuba."



ASA Welcomes Announcement of Availability of Checkoff Funds for Cuban Activity

American Soybean Association (ASA) President Richard Wilkins, a soybean farmer from Greenwood, Del., welcomed an announcement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack that enables checkoff funds to be used for market expansion in the island nation of Cuba. ASA is in favor of lifting the embargo on Cuba, and has been supportive of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations with the Cuban government and people. In a statement, Wilkins pointed to the commonsense approach taken by USDA in lifting the restrictions on spending checkoff dollars in Cuba:

"Today's announcement is a big step forward in terms of expanding the Cuban marketplace for U.S. soy. The important thing to remember about checkoff funds is that they're farmer dollars--they belong to producers to do with as best they see fit to grow their industries. Because this is the farmers' money, it's only logical that we as farmers ought to be able to use it to expand whatever markets we see as the most promising for our individual commodities.

Over the past few years, we've seen Cuba--an emerging economy just 90 miles from our shore with a growing demand for meat protein--as a source of potential growth for U.S. soy, but Cuba is a market in dire need of attention. We have lost market share there year over year for both whole beans and soybean meal, and we’ve lost the oil market entirely to our South American competition. This is a byproduct of the embargo and our resulting inability to truly give that market the attention it deserves. That's why ASA as the policy organization of the soybean family maintains a policy position in favor of removing the Cuban embargo entirely. Hand-in-hand with that effort is the ability to use soybean farmer money through the United Soybean Board and our international marketing arm at the U.S. Soybean Export Council to explore what opportunities exist for us in the Cuban marketplace."



ConAgra Plans GMO Labels Nationwide

ConAgra Foods Inc. is going nationwide with labels that will say a food product is made with genetically modified organisms, finding it to be the easiest way to comply with a Vermont law on GMO labeling.

Other food giants including Kellogg Co., General Mills Inc., Mars Inc. and Campbell Soup Co. have all said they are changing their food packaging across the country in response to that state's law requiring disclosure of GMOs as of July 1.

These companies say it would be too complex and expensive to create a separate distribution network for the 626,000 residents of Vermont. Last week, an effort by some members of Congress to block Vermont's law stalled, pushing packaged food makers to start preparing for it now.

ConAgra's products include Snack Pack pudding and Peter Pan peanut butter. It said it stands behind the health and safety of all of its products, including those with GMOs, but that it also believes consumers should know what's in their food. It is to reveal its stance via social media outlets Tuesday evening.

Like other companies, ConAgra is hoping for a national law that addresses GMO labeling to avoid having to complying with multiple state laws, should others follow Vermont. But the big debate in Congress that's holding up a national standard is whether it should mandate GMO labeling on the food packages, allow it to be on company websites instead, or make it entirely voluntary.

ConAgra said it "supports using a variety of options for disclosure of GMOs."

Kellogg said its products with GMOs will have labels nationwide, beginning sometime in April, to comply with the Vermont law, but that's only "until a federal solution is reached."

So far, Campbell Soup is the only big company to break from the pack and endorse mandated GMO labeling on packages, while cutting funding to lobbying efforts that oppose it. Campbell said it will keep GMO labels on applicable food nationally, regardless of what happens on Capital Hill.



LAST CALL TO NOMINATE FOR MONSANTO’S “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, there’s only one week left! Submissions will be accepted through Tuesday, Mar. 29, so Monsanto Company is encouraging everyone to nominate their dedicated, loving, hard-working go-getters who go above and beyond to care for and protect their farms, families, communities and the agriculture industry they love.

“Our 2015 Southeast Region Farm Mom, Megan Seibel, was nominated by her daughter three times, and the third time proved to be the charm,” says Tracy Mueller, Monsanto Corporate Brand Communications Manager. “We are so glad we found Megan, but we couldn’t have done that if her daughter didn’t nominate her. We read every nomination and there are so many powerful, encouraging and hopeful stories. These women are inspiring, so we want to hear about them and share their stories with the rest of the country.”

Nominations are open through March 29, 2016. Anyone can enter their favorite farm mom, whether it’s their mom, sister, aunt, daughter, friend or community member. Just visit AmericasFarmers.com during the nomination period and submit a brief essay online or by mail that explains how the nominated farm mom contributes to each of four areas -- her family, farm, community and the agriculture industry.

A panel of judges from American Agri-Women will once again review nominations and help Monsanto select five regional winners. They will specifically look for nominations that include all four areas addressed above (farm, family, community and agriculture). 

“So many women, particularly in agriculture, just focus on what needs to get done, and they do it – no matter what challenges or adversities they may be facing,” says Donnell Scott, Vice President of Education for American Agri-Women. “They don’t do it to get credit or attention. These women have a ‘get it done’ attitude and love what they do and who they do it for. We love reading about their efforts and are proud to help acknowledge their hard work and contributions.”

The five regional winners will be announced at the end of April, and each winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize. Profiles of the winners will then be posted to AmericasFarmers.com, where the public can vote for one national farm mom winner. Announced just prior to Mother’s Day, the national winner will receive an additional $5,000 cash prize above and beyond her regional prize, for a total of $10,000.

For more information on the program or for complete eligibility requirements and official contest rules visit AmericasFarmers.com. Interested parties may also send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to America's Farmers Mom of the Year, Attn: Sue Dillon, 349 Marshall Ave., Ste. 200, St. Louis, MO 63119.