Nebraska Cattlemen Applauds Senator Fischer Decision on Water Resources and Development Act
Nebraska Cattlemen applauds Senator Deb Fischer on her “no vote” of the 2016 Water Resources and Development Act. Senator Fischer was the sole opponent to the bill, which passed out of the Environment and Public Works Committee yesterday. Senator Fischer cited longstanding concerns the EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule would force farms and livestock operations to comply with the same exhaustive regulatory process as major oil refineries. Under the rule, producers with above ground oil and gas tanks must hire a professional engineer to design and certify a plan for spills, despite the extreme unlikelihood such an event would occur on a farm or ranch.
During the hearing Senator Fischer stated that “While this bill contains many great provisions I am concerned it does not address much needed regulatory relief for on-farm fuel storage.”
On June 30, 2015 the EPA released its study recommending the rule apply to facilities with a minimum total above ground storage capacity of 2,500 gallons. This threshold is significantly lower than the prior exemption of 6,000 gallons, and would force Nebraska’s agricultural producers to deal with high costs, mountains of paperwork, and steep EPA penalties for noncompliance.
Senator Fischer said the EPA study lacked scientific evidence and made several erroneous assumptions, including an example of jet fuel spilled.
“I would guess from my own production agriculture experience it would be hard to find many farms with storage tanks filled with jet fuel,” said Senator Fischer.
“Nebraska Cattlemen appreciates Senator Fischer for challenging the EPA to stop issuing one-sized-fits-all regulations that would threaten our agricultural producers, the lifeblood of our state.” says NC President, Barb Cooksley. “NC is very thankful that we have a champion to stand up for burdensome federal regulations such as the SPCC rule which would apply to a majority of farms and livestock operations in Nebraska.”
Senator Fischer plans to continue working with the Chairman, the Ranking Member and all colleagues to prioritize regulatory relief when the 2016 Water Resources and Development Act reaches the Senate floor.
Governor Presents 2016 Bioscience Award to Merck Animal Health
Merck Animal Health, a global company with sites in Elkhorn and Omaha, is the winner of the 2016 Governor’s Bioscience Award, which recognizes individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the bioscience industry in Nebraska. Gov. Pete Ricketts presented the award Thursday to Merck Animal Health Vice President of North American Business Scott Bormann at the Bio Nebraska Life Sciences Association Annual Celebration, held at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha.
“I applaud Merck Animal Health for their contributions to Nebraska’s animal health industry and their willingness to continue investing in research and manufacturing,” Ricketts said. “To help Nebraska continue to grow, we are focused on building on Nebraska’s reputation as a business-friendly state where companies like Merck feel comfortable expanding good opportunities for employees in the biosciences,” he added.
Merck’s Elkhorn facility employs 220 individuals while their Omaha distribution and customer care center employs 82 individuals. The Elkhorn facility, which is the second largest in Merck Animal Health, is a biological research and manufacturing facility focusing on developing, commercializing and manufacturing animal vaccines for customers in over 65 markets around the world.
“Bio Nebraska’s annual celebration was once again a huge success. It was a way for us to pause and recognize the significant growth of the industry, the successful collaboration between industry, academia, and government and companies like Merck Animal Health,” said Rob Owen, Bio Nebraska Board Chairman.
NE Corn Board to Meet
The Nebraska Corn Board will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Cornerstone Bank, 529 S. Lincoln, York, Nebraska.
The meeting is open to the public, providing the opportunity for public comment. The Board will conduct regular board business, consider funding requests and set the budget for fiscal year 2016-2017. The meeting is open to the public. A copy of the agenda is available by writing the Nebraska Corn Board, PO Box 95107, Lincoln, NE 68509, sending an email to susan.zabel@nebraska.gov or calling either 402/471-2676 or 800-NECORN1.
6th Annual Corn Grower Open
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is getting ready for our 6th Annual Corn Grower Open. This year’s four person, best-ball scramble will be hosted at the York Country Club in York, Nebraska on Thursday, July 28th with a shot gun start at 12:00 PM. Registration will being at 10:30 AM.
Attached is a golfer registration form. Please fill out the form and return it to the office by July 14th, or call the office at (402) 438-6459 to register. The fee covers golf, golf cart, driving range, lunch, dinner and refreshments.
Registration Form is here.... http://necga.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2016-Member-Flier-Fillable.pdf.
MANAGING SPRING GRAZING
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Spring pastures are growing fast and early. Effective spring management can help pastures be more productive all year.
Grazing cool-season grasses in spring should be easy. You have lots of grass and the animals do well. The problem is, sometimes we have so much grass that by early summer much of the pasture has gone to seed. This can lower feed value and reduces calf gains. To avoid this problem, follow these steps.
First, start grazing early, especially if you have many smaller paddocks. Don’t wait until pastures are six to eight inches tall; otherwise your grass will get away from you. Instead, begin grazing soon after full greenup. But keep hay available during this early spring grazing. Less scouring and rumen problems will occur as cows adjust to the new, green feed. Once they are accustomed to the pasture your cows will eat very little hay.
Next, rotationally graze through pastures very rapidly, never staying longer than two or three days in one place. Some folks suggest that you should graze every paddock twice within the first forty to forty-five days. Too much rest during fast, early grass growth just lets plants get stemmy, which we often want to avoid. Instead, let animals top off the pasture as best they can to keep as many plants from forming seedstalks as possible. If it’s too difficult to rotate animals rapidly through all your paddocks, put some animals in each paddock if possible or open the gates. And if you are certain you will have excess growth anyhow, fence off some pasture and cut it for hay before returning it to grazing.
Finally, as grasses start to elongate, begin slowing rotational grazing to ration out remaining grass and to guarantee that plants get enough rest for regrowth. Good luck, you can do it.
Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation PAC Names Johnson ‘Friend of Agriculture’
Jerry Johnson of Wahoo has been named a ‘Friend of Agriculture’ by NFBF-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation’s political action committee. Johnson is seeking re-election to represent District 23 in the Nebraska Legislature.
“Jerry has demonstrated a true appreciation for Nebraska agriculture during his tenure in the Legislature. Not only has he dealt with numerous agriculture issues while serving as Chair of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, but he’s been a leader in efforts to grow Nebraska’s livestock sector,” said Mark McHargue of Central City, chairman of NFBF-PAC and first vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau.
Johnson was first elected to the Legislature in 2012. During his tenure he’s worked on several key issues of importance to farmers and ranchers including offering his support for measures related to property taxes.
“We’re pleased to count Jerry among those candidates receiving our ‘Friend of Agriculture’ designation and look forward to supporting him in his bid for re-election,” said McHargue.
Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation PAC Names Scheer ‘Friend of Agriculture’
Jim Scheer of Norfolk has been named a ‘Friend of Agriculture’ by NFBF-PAC, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation’s political action committee. Scheer is seeking re-election to represent District 19 in the Nebraska Legislature.
“Jim has exhibited a statewide perspective on issues affecting farmers and ranchers and a desire to help grow our state’s economy,” said Mark McHargue of Central City, chairman of NFBF-PAC and first vice president of Nebraska Farm Bureau.
Scheer was first elected in 2012. During his time in the Legislature he’s worked on numerous issues and supported efforts to better life for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers.
“Jim has also shown a strong desire to address the issue of property taxes and how we fund schools; issues of critical importance to Nebraskans who have seen their property tax bills skyrocket over the last decade,” said McHargue.
“We’re pleased to offer our support for Jim in his bid for re-election and look forward to continuing to work with him in the Legislature to make life better for Nebraska’s farm and ranch families,” said McHargue.
Farm Bureau’s ‘Friend of Agriculture’ designation is given to selected candidates for public office based on their commitment to and positions on agricultural issues, qualifications, previous experience, communication abilities and their ability to represent the district.
Current National Drought Summary
droughtmonitor.unl.edu
A large upper-level ridge of high pressure spanned the Lower 48 States (CONUS) this USDM week, bringing warmer-than-normal temperatures to most of the CONUS. But Pacific low pressure systems undercut the ridge, dumping rain and snow over many areas. This USDM week (April 19-25) ended up with above-normal precipitation across parts of the west coast, intermountain basin, and northern Rockies; much of the Plains; and parts of the coastal Carolinas. The week was drier than normal across parts of the Pacific Northwest and central Plains, and much of the Southwest, Midwest, and eastern U.S. east of the Mississippi River. Heavy precipitation in the Plains soaked into parched ground, with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports of topsoil moisture improving 20 to 40 percent over the last two weeks from Texas to Montana. But continued dry weather in the east further dried soils, resulting in 20 to 40 percent increases in topsoil rated short or very short of moisture from South Carolina to Vermont. Consequently, drought and abnormal dryness contracted across parts of the Plains but expanded in the East. As this USDM week ended Tuesday morning, additional storm systems were poised to move across the CONUS.
The Plains and Mississippi Valley
Heavy precipitation fell on parts of the Plains and upper Mississippi Valley, bringing additional relief to areas where dryness and drought quickly developed over the past several weeks. Over four inches of precipitation was recorded at stations along the Iowa-Nebraska state line, with 2-4 inch reports common in the drought and abnormally dry areas of southeast Nebraska and northeast Kansas. Two or more inches fell over the D0-D1 areas of the Dakotas and Minnesota. The heaviest rains in Texas fell outside the drought and abnormally dry areas, although 1-3 inches was reported at stations in and near the Panhandle drought and abnormally dry areas. D0 was trimmed in Nebraska and D0-D1 were pulled back in Kansas. In the Dakotas and Minnesota, D1 was eliminated and D0 reduced. Parts of south central Minnesota had been drying out over the last several weeks, but 1-3 inches of precipitation this week prevented any expansion of D0 there. D0-D2 were cut back in the Texas panhandle and D0 trimmed in the Trans Pecos region. In the Texas panhandle, Lake Meredith has recovered to levels not seen in the last ten years, although the level is still below those last seen in the 1990s. Continued dry weather from Arkansas to Illinois resulted in expansion of D0 in Missouri and western Illinois. D1 was added in southwest Missouri where 67% of the topsoil moisture and 58% of the subsoil moisture was short or very short, according to April 25 USDA reports.
Looking Ahead
In the two days since the issuance of the April 26 USDM, additional heavy rain has fallen across the drought and abnormally dry areas of the central Plains, and precipitation of varying amounts has occurred over the drought and abnormally dry areas of other parts of the CONUS. During April 28-May 2, a large upper-level weather system and associated frontal systems are forecast to bring moderate precipitation totals of 0.5 to 2.0 inches, with locally higher amounts, to parts of the intermountain basin to central and northern Rockies, much of the Great Plains to Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, and the mid-Atlantic to Southeast. Less than half an inch is predicted for the Far West, southern portions of the Southwest, northern Great Lakes, New England, and central to southern Florida. The upper-level low is expected to keep temperatures below average for much of the country, with above-normal temperatures limited to the Far West and Southeast to southern Plains.
The odds favor above-normal precipitation across the Southwest, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic coasts, and most of Alaska during May 3-7, 2016. There are enhanced chances for subnormal precipitation across the Pacific Northwest to western Great Lakes, much of the CONUS from the Rockies to Appalachians, and extreme northwest Alaska. Enhanced chances for colder-than-normal conditions exist for the southern Plains to New England, while warmer-than-normal weather is favored across the West to northern Plains, Alaska, and southern Florida.
National experts to help Iowa farmers manage risk in a downturned economy
The upcoming 2016 Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit, “Buckle Up for the Bumpy Ride,” brings the nation’s leading marketing experts to Iowa Farm Bureau in West Des Moines June 27 to help Iowa farmers weather risks today and over the next several years of forecasted economic uncertainty.
“There is a very clear need for an agricultural economic summit right now because of the sharp downward shift in commodity prices and farmers’ margins,” said Craig Hill, IFBF president. “Times were better a couple years ago for ag commodities, but we always knew the economy would shift because agriculture is cyclical. So, now it’s critical to provide farmers with the information they need to manage through these much tougher times and whatever lies ahead.”
The summit will feature a range of Iowa-based and national experts, ranging from economist Nathan Kaufmann of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Iowa State University’s (ISU) Chad Hart and Erin Borror of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, among others. Mike Pearson of IPTV’s Market to Market will moderate the one-day event.
“Commodity markets are more volatile now than they were in days leading up to the Farm Crisis of the 1980’s,” said Dave Miller, director of Research & Commodity Services for IFBF. “Case in point: six weeks ago, it was looking like we’d have soybean prices inching down towards seven dollars a bushel and now we’re pushing 10 dollars. That’s good, but it’s an example of how quickly the prospects change. We can all see whatever may be driving markets in the short run may dissipate just as quickly. Since grain production accounts for 14% of the total economic output in this state, you can bet that uncertainty impacts many other manufacturing and biofuels industries down the road.”
Trade is also an area where ag markets find volatility. “In uncertain political times, what happens to trade matters because we are much more reliant on exports, especially our meat exports, than we were in the 1980’s. Also today the livestock industry accounts for nearly 123,000 jobs in this state, so Dan Mitchell from the Cato Institute is a highly anticipated speaker on the political scene as it impacts future export markets,” said Miller.
The 2016 IFBF economic summit will be held at IFBF headquarters, 5400 University Avenue in West Des Moines one day only: June 27, beginning at 7:30 a.m. There will also be special panel discussions on key issues and experts to take questions.
Summit registration, which includes access to all presentations and lunch, is $75 for Farm Bureau members and $100 for non-members. Register now for this essential risk management seminar. Visit the Economic Summit page or call Lavonne Baldwin at 515-225-5633 or email lbaldwin@ifbf.org.
Iowa Corn Growers Association Accomplishes Key 2016 State Legislative Priorities
As the 2016 Iowa legislative session nears its end, the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) President Bob Hemesath, a farmer from Decorah, says notable progress occurred on many legislative issues positively impacting agriculture.
“We succeeded in influencing the passage of many of ICGA’s state legislative priorities for the year, including coupling of Section 179 small business expensing, a first in the nation biorenewable production tax credit, extension of funding for the renewable fuels infrastructure program and continuation of income tax credits for retailers that offer higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel at the fuel pump,” said ICGA President Bob Hemesath. “While we are disappointed that the legislature was unable to come together to pass a substantial plan for long-term increased water quality funding, it proved to be a very good state legislative year for Iowa Corn Growers Association members who guide and establish the organization’s policies and priorities.”
2016 ICGA State Legislative Successes include:
Section 179- Passage of a one year, full coupling of the Iowa Tax Code Section 179 to the permanent federal provision for the 2015 tax year, allowing farmers and small businesses to expense and depreciate capital expenses on their tax returns. Iowa's farm families rely on these tax provisions to manage their cash flow and reinvest in their businesses. In a year when taxable income will be lower, reliable tax deductions are extremely important. With volatile commodity prices and general downturn in the agricultural economy, this measure keeps Iowa's rural economy going strong and allows farmers to manage cash flow when they experience a tighter ag economy.
Biorenewable Tax Credit – This first in the nation biorenewable incentive provides tax credits for the production of bio-based products that are non-food and non-fuel. As the leader in corn and biofuels production, Iowa ranks at the top for biomass and feedstock availability for biorenewable production. The law makes available approximately $92.5 million in credits over ten years to encourage companies to come to Iowa for the research, development, and commercialization of new biochemical products. Governor Branstad signed this into law in April.
Ethanol Infrastructure – The Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) received one full year of funding at $3 million. The program provides cost share dollars for retailers that choose to install flex fuel pumps and other E15, E85, and/or biodiesel compatible above-ground infrastructure.
Biofuel Retailer Incentives – This incentive ensures Iowans have a choice at the pump to fuel up with homegrown, renewable ethanol and biodiesel. It extends the per gallon income tax benefits for retail stations who choose to offer higher blends of ethanol (E15 and E85) and/or biodiesel (B5 and B11) to their customers at the pump through 2024.
“There are two main factors that contribute to the success of ICGA’s state legislative policy efforts,” explained Hemesath. “First, ICGA members are highly engaged in fostering relationships with their elected officials in bringing key issues to the table. Second, our organization is respected for its bi-partisan approach to achieving our policy objectives. The success of our policy process hinges on being able to bring both sides together for the best interest of Iowa’s farmers.”
NPPC COMMENTS ON MANDATORY PRICE REPORTING RULE
The National Pork Producers Council this week submitted comments on a proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) on Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. The proposed rule contains two specific revisions that were championed by NPPC, its producer members and other affected segments of the U.S. pork industry.
The new negotiated formula purchase category provides market participants with more specific information about buyer and seller interactions and better represents the market in which producers function. Including late-day hog purchases in the following day’s reports better represents the subsequent day’s market conditions and increases the volume of barrows and gilts shown in daily morning and afternoon purchase reports.
Overall, the changes represent a positive step forward in allowing information to flow throughout the marketplace and among participants.
New National Alfalfa Checkoff Being Launched
A dearth of public dollars to support alfalfa research was the emphasis behind the National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance instituting a new alfalfa checkoff program. The checkoff will be assessed at the rate of $1 per bag of alfalfa seed sold, and participation will be voluntary by seed brand marketers, reports Hay & Forage Grower.
Alfalfa falls far behind other major crops in public dollars allocated for research. Whereas crops like corn and wheat garner nearly $50 million each year, alfalfa falls to something less than $5 million. Though there have been some recent successes in securing public research dollars such as the Alfalfa & Forage Research Program, more is needed if the country’s third most valuable crop is to see a bright future.
The NAFA board of directors met in Washington, D.C., in early February and unanimously voted to initiate the program. One of the producer members on the board told Hay & Forage Grower that he would have preferred an even higher checkoff assessment.
All of the dollars collected from the checkoff will be spent to support alfalfa public research. No fees will be charged by NAFA to administer the program. According to information provided by NAFA, checkoff dollars will be used in research areas such as yield improvement, water conservation, development of new storage and harvest systems, creation of new uses, and other efforts holding the potential to advance the alfalfa seed and forage industries.
AGRICULTURE FUNDING BILL INCLUDES FOIA EXEMPTION FOR CHECKOFF PROGRAMS
The fiscal 2017 funding bill for agricultural programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture includes language supported by many agricultural organizations that would exempt from the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) research and promotion boards funded by grower checkoff fees. The legislation, approved last week by the House Appropriations Committee, is pending full House approval.
USDA now complies with FOIA requests, subject to certain exemptions, on behalf the 14 commodity organizations that administer checkoff programs and bills them for costs associated with such requests, including records searches.
In an April 11 letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies, the organizations pointed out that checkoff funds used for the operations and activities of the commodity organizations are paid by producers and industry stakeholders and that employees of the organizations are not federal employees. As such, they shouldn’t be subject to FOIA, said the agricultural groups.
Ready? Willing? SERVE!
Do you want to have more say in how your beef-checkoff dollars are invested? Then maybe you should think about serving on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board! You can throw your hat into the ring by sharing your interest with a qualified state beef organization to see about possibly being nominated for consideration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
What do you need to know?
The Cattlemen’s Beef Board comprises a combination of 100 beef, dairy, veal producers, and beef importers who meet twice per year to set priorities and identify programs for funding with your beef checkoff dollars. We’re all in this together! Get the basics here.
Serving on the Cattlemen’s Beef Board:
- Gives you a direct voice in how your checkoff dollars are invested
- Opens opportunities for industry leadership
- Is a way to give back to an industry that provides your livelihood
- Prepares you for additional volunteer service moving forward
- Provides you with insight about checkoff-funded marketing, research and consumer education programs
- Gives you information and insight into market fluctuations and expectations
- Offers a way for you to meet and share stories with others in the business
- Lays out a clear picture of the beef industry, from farm to fork
Hear straight from some of the newest members of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board:
AMELIA KENT, Louisiana cow-calf producer
“Serving on the Beef Board gives me the opportunity to have a voice – real input! – in how our checkoff monies are invested. Given consumers’ concern about the safety of our food supply, it is critical for farmers and ranchers to tell our stories and interact with the consumer audience. If we don’t, someone else will tell our stories for us, and those stories often will be laced with misinformation or their own agendas. It’s simply damaging to our industry and our product for us not to step up.
“Serving on the Board provides a better understanding of how our checkoff monies are invested, insight to the results of those promotional efforts, and the opportunity to shape further investments with the ambition of increasing beef demand.”
MELVIN MEDEIROS, California cow-calf and dairy producer
“I was on a tractor and heard a story come on a national radio station that was sharing a lot of false information about agriculture. That story resonated with me as proof that as people become more and more disassociated with agriculture, they don’t realize what’s involved in producing food and how valuable that is to them every day. As producers, it’s our job to educate them, and what better way to get involved than serving on the Beef Board.
“Our checkoff is the only tool we have for research and education about the beef industry – and for just staying in touch with consumers.”
CHARLIE PRICE, Texas cow-calf producer
“One of the reasons I agreed to volunteer for the Beef Board is because I wanted to learn more about the entire beef process – not just on my farm but all the way through to people’s supper tables.
“I don’t know where I could get a better understanding than by serving on the Board that is making decisions about how to market our industry and our beef.”
Get to know more by visiting MyBeefCheckoff.com.
USDA Offers New Loans for Portable Farm Storage and Handling Equipment
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide a new financing option to help farmers purchase portable storage and handling equipment. Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Administrator Elanor Starmer announced changes to the Farm Storage Facility Loan (FSFL) program today during a local and regional food roundtable in Columbus, Ohio. The loans, which now include a smaller microloan option with lower down payments, are designed to help producers, including new, small and mid-sized producers, grow their businesses and markets.
"As more communities reconnect with agriculture, consumer demand is increasing for food produced locally or regionally," said Dolcini. "Portable handling and storage equipment is vital to helping farmers get their products to market more quickly and better maintain product quality, bringing them greater returns. That's why we've added this type of equipment as a new category for our Farm Storage Facility Loan program."
The program also offers a new "microloan" option, which allows applicants seeking less than $50,000 to qualify for a reduced down payment of five percent and no requirement to provide three years of production history. Farms and ranches of all sizes are eligible. The microloan option is expected to be of particular benefit to smaller farms and ranches, and specialty crop producers who may not have access to commercial storage or on-farm storage after harvest. These producers can invest in equipment like conveyers, scales or refrigeration units and trucks that can store commodities before delivering them to markets. Producers do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit availability to apply.
"Growing high-value crops for local and regional markets is a common entry point for new farmers," said Starmer. "Since they often rent land and have to transport perishable commodities, a loan that can cover mobile coolers or even refrigerated trucks fills an important gap. These producers in turn supply the growing number of food hubs, farmers markets or stores and restaurants interested in sourcing local food."
Earlier this year, FSA significantly expanded the list of commodities eligible for Farm Storage Facility Loan. Eligible commodities now include aquaculture; floriculture; fruits (including nuts) and vegetables; corn, grain sorghum, rice, oilseeds, oats, wheat, triticale, spelt, buckwheat, lentils, chickpeas, dry peas, sugar, peanuts, barley, rye, hay, honey, hops, maple sap, unprocessed meat and poultry, eggs, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt and renewable biomass. FSFL microloans can also be used to finance wash and pack equipment used post-harvest, before a commodity is placed in cold storage.
AMS helps thousands of agricultural food producers and businesses enhance their marketing efforts through a combination of research, technical services and grants. The agency works to improve marketing opportunities for U.S. growers and producers, including those involved in specialty crop production and in the local and regional food systems. Visit www.ams.usda.gov to learn more about AMS services.
Welcome to the KTIC Agriculture Information blog!!! Check back here for the latest in ag news and information, from local events to international happenings and government reports that affect your operation. Please email with suggestions! -Chad Moyer, Farm Director, KTIC Radio
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Thursday April 28 Ag News
GREEN APPOINTS INTERIM HEADS FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, IANR
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor-Elect Ronnie Green announced today he has appointed Marjorie Kostelnik to the post of interim senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and Ron Yoder to the position of interim vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The appointments, which are pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, will begin May 9 and will fill the two leadership positions Green previously held before he was named the university's next leader.
"As we work to build UNL's new leadership team, it is critically important that capable, engaged and enthusiastic leaders work together to maintain the university's palpable momentum," said Green, who was appointed chancellor-elect on April 6 and who will assume the role of head of the university on May 8, pending board approval. "Marjorie and Ron are highly respected and trusted academic leaders with accomplished administrative track records at UNL. I look forward to working together with these two exceptional interim leaders in our two chief academic officer positions in the immediate months ahead."
Kostelnik is currently dean of UNL's College of Education and Human Sciences. She has been at the university since 2000, when she was hired as dean of the College of Human Resources and Family Sciences; in 2003, it partnered with Teachers College to become the College of Education and Human Sciences.
The senior vice chancellor for academic affairs is UNL's chief academic officer and is the responsible authority in the absence of the chancellor. The Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor is charged with helping the university achieve excellence across all areas of the academic enterprise through oversight of undergraduate teaching and learning; graduate mentoring; faculty development, promotion and tenure; resource allocation; strategic planning; and the development of innovative academic initiatives that will be recognized as unique signature strengths.
The senior vice chancellor's office also is responsible for the administration, coordination and development of general policies and functions for academic programs.
Kostelnik earned a bachelor's degree in child development from the University of Pittsburgh and worked with Head Start before earning master's and doctoral degrees in human development and family studies from Pennsylvania State University. She was on faculty at Michigan State University for 22 years as program supervisor of the Child Development Laboratories and chair of the Department of Family and Child Ecology. She has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels and her research focuses on early childhood education and community coalition building; she was vice president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, chair for the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance, a consortium of universities engaged in distance education, and is currently chair of the Educare of Lincoln Partners Board. She recently served on a yearlong Institute of Medicine and National Research Council panel on transforming the workforce for children birth through age 8.
"I am pleased to serve the university in this way and to help the new administration begin its work," Kostelnik said. "I look forward to working with Chancellor-Elect Green, the deans, faculty, staff and the entire UNL community to advance our academic mission and build on our many strengths. I am eager to listen, learn and collaborate in support of the chancellor-elect's vision."
Beth Doll, associate dean in the College of Education and Human Sciences, will be the college's interim dean during Kostelnik's tenure in academic affairs.
Yoder has been at UNL since 2004 and is currently associate vice chancellor at IANR, the multi-division UNL institute that focuses on agriculture and natural resources. Teaching occurs through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, research through the Agricultural Research Division and extension education through Nebraska Extension.
As part of the appointment, Yoder also will serve as interim vice president for agriculture and natural resources with the NU system, where he will oversee the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, the Daugherty Global Water for Food Institute and the Rural Futures Institute.
Yoder's research focus is in the areas of agricultural water management, measurement and estimation of evapotranspiration and land use impacts on water quality. His more than 30 years of experience in agricultural water management includes extensive field research and work in Brazil, Zambia and China.
He has worked for the University of Wyoming, for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in Colorado and Washington and for the University of Tennessee. He is a fellow and past president of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and a fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering.
Yoder earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Drexel University, a master's degree in agricultural engineering from Clemson University and a doctoral degree in agricultural engineering from Colorado State University.
"I am excited to continue building on the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources' clear momentum," Yoder said. "With our excellent team of educators and researchers across the state and with the support of our stakeholders, our research, teaching and extension work contributes significantly to the well-being of Nebraska and Nebraskans."
Green said the university would open an international search for both positions beginning on May 16 with intent to have the new leaders in place by January 2017.
NEBRASKA POULTRY – 2015 PRODUCTION AND VALUE
The value of egg production in Nebraska during 2015 was $281 million, up $40.5 million from the $241 million in 2014, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Egg production in 2015 was estimated at 2.29 billion eggs, down 569 million from the previous year. Average number of layers for 2015 at 7.70 million was down 1.77 million from one year ago.
STILL TIME TO FERTILIZE SUMMER HAY MEADOWS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Do you need to grow more hay for next winter? One way to get that extra hay might be to fertilize your hay meadows this spring. There’s still time.
Hay meadows respond well to fertilizer. But, be sure to use the types and amounts of fertilizer that work best for the plants in your hay meadow. For example, do you have much clover or other legumes in your hay meadow? Then fertilize with phosphorus. A soil test can tell you how much phosphorus to use; usually 20 to 40 pounds per acre will stimulate legume growth nicely in most hay meadows. These legumes then will help supply some nitrogen to the grasses in your meadow, and the hay you cut from this meadow will yield more and contain more protein than straight grass hay.
Maybe your meadow already is green and growing well with cool-season grasses like bluegrass, brome, timothy, or wheatgrasses that head out in late May or June. Nitrogen can increase yield from this meadow, but it must be applied very soon or it will be too late for this year. The rate to apply declines as we go from east to west — use about 80 pounds of nitrogen per acre in eastern Nebraska but only 30 to 40 pounds in the Panhandle.
Warm-season grass meadows will soon start to green up, too. Like cool-season grasses, recommended nitrogen rates decline from 60 pounds in eastern Nebraska to 30 pounds out west. But be patient. Do not fertilize quite yet. Wait until mid- to late May before fertilizing your warm-season grass meadows.
Good meadow moisture this year plus the right fertilizer can increase hay yields from most meadows. With low hay carryover, this may be a good year for you to increase your meadow yields.
Witt Joins ISU Extension and Outreach as Field Agronomist
Michael Witt has been hired to join Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s crops team as a field agronomist the university announced today. Witt will be working in Audubon, Crawford, Guthrie, Harrison and Shelby counties.
Witt will also provide assistance to three Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms, providing agronomic crop, plot and on-farm trial support in Boone, Castana and Greenfield.
“Growing up in north central Iowa, I have always had great respect for the work that Iowa State Extension and Outreach personnel do in bringing education and learning opportunities to all Iowans,” Witt said. “I look forward to working with people across my region and the state to bring the new and exciting educational opportunities to their local communities.”
Witt, who holds a Bachelor of Agriculture Education degree from Iowa State University and is pursuing a master’s in Agronomy, has an extensive and diverse background in agriculture.
“Mike is an Iowa State alum with a varied background that includes industry research and on-farm demonstrations,” said Erin Hodgson, associate professor and extension entomologist and crops team leader at Iowa State University. “He is a great addition to the crops team and we look forward to him helping continue to grow ISU Extension and Outreach.”
Witt spent 11 years at DuPont Pioneer, working as a part of the field program management team. Witt’s primary areas of emphasis were inbred discovery and hybrid evaluation, proprietary herbicide development and molecular corn evaluation.
He served as a testing site lead at Beck’s Superior Hybrids for one year, working on the company’s maize and soybean yield testing program with his duties encompassing territory in Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri.
Iowa Cattle Industry Convention replaced by regional BeefMeets
For the past several years, the Iowa Cattle Industry Convention has offered cattlemen in Iowa a chance to learn about the latest advancements in the cattle industry, develop policy for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and network with other producers. This year, in an effort to provide those opportunities to more cattle producers across the state, the Iowa Cattle Industry Convention has been transformed into Regional BeefMeets.
BeefMeets will take the education, policy-development, tradeshow and networking outside of the Des Moines and into the four quadrants of Iowa. Centrally located BeefMeets will be held in Spencer, Independence, Atlantic and Riverside, making it easier for producers from all areas of the state to attend the events.
Topics & Speakers
This year’s BeefMeets, held in late June, will include educational sessions aimed at increasing profitability in the current agriculture economy. Sessions on replacement selection, finances, efficiency, and labor will help producers improve their farm management and their bottom line.
Eldon McAfee, attorney at Brick Gentry, will be the keynote speaker, focusing on the legal climate in Iowa and how it affects agriculture. From the Des Moines Water Works lawsuit to nuisance lawsuits and attorney general referrals, producers need to be up to speed on the legal threats to their livelihoods.
Policy Development
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association develops its policies and priorities based on the input of its 10,000 members across the state. Each BeefMeet will include a session where cattlemen can voice their opinion and share their concerns. Feedback received during these sessions will help guide the association for the next year.
Cattlemen will also have an opportunity to hear more about the proposed state beef checkoff during a question and answer session with Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council leaders.
Tradeshow & Networking
A tradeshow will be held at all four events and the day’s schedule will allow for plenty of time to check out the products and visit with the vendors. The day will end with a fun social, complete with some tasty beef to cap off the day.
Who should attend?
EVERYONE in the cattle industry! These events will provide education for every sector of the industry, a chance to get to know cattlemen and industry partners, fun and good food!
What’s the cost?
BeefMeets only cost $25 for ICA members and $50 for non-members. (Membership is $75 annually and may be paid at any time.) Students are free. Prices go up $10 after June 13.
When and Where?
Clay County Regional Events Center, Spencer, IA
Wednesday, June 22, 2016, 8:30 – 5:00 with social following
Heartland Acres Agribition Center, Independence, IA
Thursday, June 23, 2016, 8:30 – 5:00 with social following
Cass County Community Center, Atlantic, IA
Tuesday, June 28, 2016, 8:30 – 5:00 with social following
Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside, IA
Wednesday, June 29, 2016, 8:30 – 5:00 with social following
More details at www.iacattlemen.org.
AFIA Supports UC-Davis Mitloehner's White Paper - Livestock GHG Emissions Small
The American Feed Industry Association is pleased to support University of California, Davis, Professor Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., on the release of his white paper, "Livestock's Contributions to Climate Change: Facts and Fiction." The document dissects animal agriculture and other areas that produce greenhouse gas emissions, with the consensus that the livestock industry is not a driving force in climate change.
"Efficiencies in U.S. livestock agriculture have lowered this industry's combined greenhouse gas emissions to a historic low of about four percent of the nation's total," said Mitloehner. "Furthering recent advances will be paramount to satisfy a growing global demand for animal protein without depleting natural resources."
"With Frank's expertise and years of research, I am glad he is able to provide sound, science-based information to consumers," said AFIA President and CEO Joel G. Newman.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the livestock industry accounts for 4.2 percent of the U.S. GHG emissions. Energy production and transportation are the largest contributors, together equaling more than half of the total U.S. GHG emissions.
In perspective, if Americans practiced "Meatless Mondays" there would only be a 0.6 percent decrease in U.S. GHG emissions. However, replacing incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star bulbs would be twice as effective--1.2 percent.
USDA Meat Animals Production, Disposition, and Income 2015 Summary
Total 2015 production of cattle and calves and hogs and pigs for the United States totaled 76.6 billion pounds, up 6 percent from 2014. Production increased 3 percent for cattle and calves and 9 percent for hogs and pigs.
Total 2015 cash receipts from marketings of meat animals decreased 8 percent to $99.3 billion. Cattle and calves accounted for 79 percent of this total and hogs and pigs accounted for 21 percent.
The 2015 gross income from cattle and calves and hogs and pigs for the United States totaled $99.9 billion, down 8 percent from 2014. Gross income decreased 4 percent for cattle and calves and 21 percent for hogs and pigs from previous year's gross income.
Cattle and Calves: Cash receipts from marketings of cattle and calves decreased 4 percent from $81.5 billion in 2014 to $78.2 billion in 2015. All cattle and calf marketings totaled 52.4 billion pounds in 2015, down 1 percent from 2014.
Hogs and Pigs: Cash receipts from hogs and pigs totaled $21.0 billion during 2015, down 21 percent from 2014. Marketings totaled 36.2 billion pounds in 2015, up 9 percent from 2014.
USDA Milk Production, Disposition, and Income 2015 Summary
Milk production increased 1.3 percent in 2015 to 209 billion pounds. The rate per cow, at 22,393 pounds, was 134 pounds above 2014. The annual average number of milk cows on farms was 9.32 million head, up 60,000 head from 2014.
Cash receipts from marketings of milk during 2015 totaled $35.7 billion, 27.6 percent lower than 2014. Producer returns averaged $17.21 per hundredweight, 28.5 percent below 2014. Marketings totaled 207.7 billion pounds, 1.3 percent above 2014. Marketings include whole milk sold to plants and dealers and milk sold directly to consumers.
An estimated 969million pounds of milk were used on farms where produced, 0.5 percent more than 2014. Calves were fed 91 percent of this milk, with the remainder consumed in producer households.
Senate Committee Releases Draft WRDA Bill
(from the American Soybean Assoc. newsletter)
The Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee this week released a draft two-year Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization bill, scheduled for mark-up on April 28. Following an overdue comprehensive act in 2014, Congress is attempting to return to the regular order of reauthorizing the WRDA every two years.
The 2016 WRDA released by the EPW Committee authorizes 25 critical Army Corps projects. These projects, which have completed reports of the Chief of Engineers, will strengthen infrastructure, maintain navigation routes for waterways commerce and restore ecosystems.
The bill also provides investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including funds to respond to the drinking water crisis in Flint, Mich. and other similar communities across the country facing drinking water contamination.
Of particular interest to the soybean industry, is the authorization of projects to improve ports and inland waterways. The bill builds on the reforms in the 2014 WRRDA to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) by clarifying the targets for increased HMTF funding.
The bill authorizes critical flood control and coastal protection projects across the country, including system-wide flood protection in the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, rebuilding levees in Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina and Texas and providing hurricane protection in Louisiana.
The bill does not adjust the threshold for major rehabilitation as recommended by the Capital Development Plan and the Waterways Council.
IGC Sees Modest Soybean Production Hit from Argentina Floods
The International Grains Council on Thursday cut its forecast for global soybean production in 2015-16, following flooding in Argentina, but said output will remain near record levels.
The London-based IGC said the soybean crop will come to 318 million metric tons, 5 million tons less than it had predicted in March.
Despite the damage caused in heavy rain in Argentina, which caused a rally in prices across the grains and oilseeds markets, the harvest will be just 2 mt smaller than the previous year's record.
Looking ahead to 2016-17, the IGC lifted its monthly forecast for total grains' production by 9 mt to around 2.01 billion tons, roughly in line with 2015-16.
"Beneficial weather is improving the outlook for wheat, including in the E.U. and Russia, while maize forecasts are raised for a number of countries," it said.
The IGC lifted its grain consumption forecast by 3 mt to 2 billion tons, up from 1.99 billion in 2015-16.
Grain trade volumes are forecast at 315 mt in 2016-17, up 1 mt from last month's forecast but down from 323 mt in 2015-16. That reflects reduced shipments to China, where political reforms are expected to increase consumption of home-grown grain.
Rain Continues To Hurt Argentine Soy
Rain continued across the key soybean-producing parts of Argentina over the past week, exacerbating the damage caused by the remarkably heavy precipitation since the start of April.
With three-quarters of the crop still in the fields, the excessive rain when the soybeans are already mature, waiting for harvest, has reduced yields and sharply cut quality across large portions of big-producing provinces like Cordoba, Entre Rios and Santa Fe, as well as parts of Buenos Aires.
The rain damage prompted Buenos Aires Cereals Exchange to last week lower its soybean view from 60 million metric tons to 56 mmt, while Rosario Cereals Exchange dropped its figure to 57 mmt.
In a report Thursday, the Buenos Aires exchange reported a loss of one million hectares (2.47 million acres) due to the rain and warned of a serious risk that further losses will be registered.
Rain fell strongest over the last week in central-east Cordoba, central and southern Santa Fe and northern Buenos Aires, which delayed harvesting.
Fieldwork moved forward 7.8 percentage points last week to reach 24.2% complete, said the exchange. That's well back on the 61.8% registered at the same point last year.
The rain during the harvest period is causing rotting pods, sprouting and reduced grain weight, as well as greater losses during harvesting.
Corn has not been that seriously affected by the wet weather because we are in the spell between first- and second-crop harvesting for the most part.
The Buenos Aires exchange maintains its corn-crop forecast at 25.0 mmt.
Heed This Advice on Anaplasmosis
It is difficult to quantify the risk of anaplasmosis in any given herd in any given time of year, but when an outbreak occurs, it can result in devastating consequences for a cow/calf herd.
Anaplasmosis is most commonly caused by Anaplasma marginale, a microorganism that invades red blood cells and causes severe anemia. Transmitted through the blood, the main culprits in spreading the disease include biting flies or ticks or infected blood transferred on contaminated needles or other equipment. The disease can result in death, aborted calves, bull infertility, weight loss and diminished milk production as well as additional treatment expenses. The risk for disease increases when mixing noninfected cattle with those that carry the disease or when environmental conditions favor increased activity of biting flies or ticks.
“Anaplasmosis is sporadic, not all factors that cause outbreaks in a herd are known but when they occur, consequences can be significant,” said Daniel Scruggs, DVM, managing veterinarian with Zoetis.
Anaplasmosis causes special concern for cow/calf producers since mature animals have higher susceptibility to the disease than younger animals. Cows in the late stage of pregnancy and those nursing calves have particularly high death loss.
Signs of anaplasmosis can include:
· Orange-yellow coloration of the mucous membranes
· Thin, watery blood
· Slow, reluctant to move or short of breath cattle
· Aggressive behavior shortly before death
· Sudden, unexplained death of adult cattle
· Abortions
One of the most commonly used and predictable methods of controlling anaplasmosis includes incorporating a feed-grade chlortetracycline, such as AUREOMYCIN®, in the animal’s feed or mineral supplements. In endemic regions where ticks and flies remain active all year, AUREOMYCIN administration can occur year-round in feed or minerals. In other areas, producers often focus on late spring through fall, the time of highest transmission.
“It’s really a factor of diligence in making sure cattle are protected,” Dr. Scruggs said. “With spring-calving herds, the bulls are out during the spring and summer vector season. When bulls are experiencing an acute infection of anaplasmosis, and they become anemic or dead, they’re not good at settling cows. Whether a producer is running a spring-calving or fall-calving herd, there’s never a good time to go to sleep on anaplasmosis control.”
Producers should consult with their feed or mineral supplier to ensure their mineral mix containing AUREOMYCIN delivers adequate levels for their herds’ needs.
Adding AUREOMYCIN offers one of several measures producers can take. Preventive measures include:
· Implementing fly and tick control to help reduce transmission
· Changing needles and disinfecting instruments between cattle when working cows and bulls
· Consulting your veterinarian early for diagnostics on unexplained death seen in adult cows or bulls
“If you believe you can control anaplasmosis by just controlling flies, ticks and horseflies, you probably believe in the Easter Bunny, too,” Dr. Scruggs said. “It’s important to keep anaplasmosis control top of mind to help avoid unnecessary surprises and run a healthy, profitable cattle operation.”
Bunge Earnings Top Views Though Revenue Continues Slide
Bunge Ltd. on Thursday reported its earnings easily topped expectations, but it posted a steeper-than-anticipated slide in revenue, dragged by weakness in its core agribusiness and nearly all other segments.
"In the first quarter, our agribusiness team managed markets, margins, and logistics very well in a challenging environment," Chief Executive Soren Schroder said. Over all, results were better than expected and "we feel confident about growing earnings in 2016," he said.
Like other companies in the agriculture space, Bunge has grappled with softer commodity prices and weaker global demand.
Bunge, one of the world's largest traders and processors of agricultural commodities, saw poor profit results all but one of its business segments in the latest quarter.
In its core agribusiness division, earnings dropped 15%. Profit from edible oil edged 2% lower while milling products and sugar and bioenergy plunged 21% and 24%, respectively. Meanwhile, fertilizer swung to a profit.
Over all, the company reported a profit of $235 million, or $1.54 a share, down from $263 million, or $1.67 a share, a year earlier. Adjusted earnings fell to $1.41 a share from $1.58 a year earlier.
Revenue dropped 17% to $8.92 billion.
AGCO Reports Lower Sales, Earnings During First Quarter
AGCO reported net sales of approximately $1.6 billion for the first quarter of 2016, a decrease of approximately 8.4% compared to net sales of approximately $1.7 billion for the first quarter of 2015.
Reported net income was $0.09 per share for the first quarter of 2016 and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring and other infrequent expenses, was $0.11 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $0.34 per share and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring and other infrequent expenses, of $0.43 per share for the first quarter of 2015.
Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of approximately 5.2%, net sales in the first quarter of 2016 decreased approximately 3.2% compared to the first quarter of 2015.
Lower industry demand for farm equipment across all regions is expected to continue to negatively impact AGCO's sales and earnings for the remainder of 2016.
AGCO's 2016 net sales are expected to reach $7.0 billion. Gross and operating margins are expected to be below 2015 levels due to the negative impact of lower sales and production volumes, a weaker sales mix and increased investment in product development.
Syngenta geneticist contributes ag insights at Conference on World Affairs
Earlier this month, industry leaders and luminaries convened at University of Colorado’s 68th annual Conference on World Affairs to discuss and reflect on some of the most pressing matters in society today. Contributing insights on the significance of agriculture and biotechnology advances was Joseph Byrum, Ph.D., MBA, PMP, head of soybean seeds and traits R&D at Syngenta.
Throughout the five-day conference, Byrum drew upon his extensive background in plant genetics to help bring context and credibility to discussions on various topics, including technology, environmental health, and the benefits of leveraging big data and crowdsourcing in research initiatives.
“Agriculture continues to represent one of the most impactful and emotional areas of global significance, and it is increasingly important for the ag industry to provide transparency and science-based facts regarding biotechnology,” said Byrum, who leads global soybean breeding, trait research and product development efforts at Syngenta. “The Conference on World Affairs provided an ideal forum for this dialogue, and it was an honor to exchange ideas with such a distinguished group of thinkers.”
The annual conference is renowned for bringing together global experts representing a diverse cross-section of humanity—from artists and musicians to business leaders and social workers—to discuss, as the conference theme implies, “everything conceivable.”
Among Byrum’s notable industry contributions include serving as the chief architect of a Syngenta initiative that resulted in the development of analytics tools that help plant breeders develop highly productive seeds more efficiently and strategically than ever before. This initiative was awarded the 2015 Franz Edelman prize, in recognition of excellence in operations research and the management sciences. Byrum’s contributions to making plant breeding more efficient—and ultimately delivering improved genetics and trait technologies to soybean growers—reflect Syngenta’s commitment to helping growers produce crops to feed the growing population in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.
This engagement marks Byrum’s first appearance at the conference, held April 4‒8 in Boulder. The event was organized by student and community volunteers, and featured 200 diverse panels, plenaries and performances.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor-Elect Ronnie Green announced today he has appointed Marjorie Kostelnik to the post of interim senior vice chancellor for academic affairs and Ron Yoder to the position of interim vice chancellor of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The appointments, which are pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, will begin May 9 and will fill the two leadership positions Green previously held before he was named the university's next leader.
"As we work to build UNL's new leadership team, it is critically important that capable, engaged and enthusiastic leaders work together to maintain the university's palpable momentum," said Green, who was appointed chancellor-elect on April 6 and who will assume the role of head of the university on May 8, pending board approval. "Marjorie and Ron are highly respected and trusted academic leaders with accomplished administrative track records at UNL. I look forward to working together with these two exceptional interim leaders in our two chief academic officer positions in the immediate months ahead."
Kostelnik is currently dean of UNL's College of Education and Human Sciences. She has been at the university since 2000, when she was hired as dean of the College of Human Resources and Family Sciences; in 2003, it partnered with Teachers College to become the College of Education and Human Sciences.
The senior vice chancellor for academic affairs is UNL's chief academic officer and is the responsible authority in the absence of the chancellor. The Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor is charged with helping the university achieve excellence across all areas of the academic enterprise through oversight of undergraduate teaching and learning; graduate mentoring; faculty development, promotion and tenure; resource allocation; strategic planning; and the development of innovative academic initiatives that will be recognized as unique signature strengths.
The senior vice chancellor's office also is responsible for the administration, coordination and development of general policies and functions for academic programs.
Kostelnik earned a bachelor's degree in child development from the University of Pittsburgh and worked with Head Start before earning master's and doctoral degrees in human development and family studies from Pennsylvania State University. She was on faculty at Michigan State University for 22 years as program supervisor of the Child Development Laboratories and chair of the Department of Family and Child Ecology. She has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels and her research focuses on early childhood education and community coalition building; she was vice president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, chair for the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance, a consortium of universities engaged in distance education, and is currently chair of the Educare of Lincoln Partners Board. She recently served on a yearlong Institute of Medicine and National Research Council panel on transforming the workforce for children birth through age 8.
"I am pleased to serve the university in this way and to help the new administration begin its work," Kostelnik said. "I look forward to working with Chancellor-Elect Green, the deans, faculty, staff and the entire UNL community to advance our academic mission and build on our many strengths. I am eager to listen, learn and collaborate in support of the chancellor-elect's vision."
Beth Doll, associate dean in the College of Education and Human Sciences, will be the college's interim dean during Kostelnik's tenure in academic affairs.
Yoder has been at UNL since 2004 and is currently associate vice chancellor at IANR, the multi-division UNL institute that focuses on agriculture and natural resources. Teaching occurs through the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, research through the Agricultural Research Division and extension education through Nebraska Extension.
As part of the appointment, Yoder also will serve as interim vice president for agriculture and natural resources with the NU system, where he will oversee the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, the Daugherty Global Water for Food Institute and the Rural Futures Institute.
Yoder's research focus is in the areas of agricultural water management, measurement and estimation of evapotranspiration and land use impacts on water quality. His more than 30 years of experience in agricultural water management includes extensive field research and work in Brazil, Zambia and China.
He has worked for the University of Wyoming, for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service in Colorado and Washington and for the University of Tennessee. He is a fellow and past president of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and a fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering.
Yoder earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Drexel University, a master's degree in agricultural engineering from Clemson University and a doctoral degree in agricultural engineering from Colorado State University.
"I am excited to continue building on the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources' clear momentum," Yoder said. "With our excellent team of educators and researchers across the state and with the support of our stakeholders, our research, teaching and extension work contributes significantly to the well-being of Nebraska and Nebraskans."
Green said the university would open an international search for both positions beginning on May 16 with intent to have the new leaders in place by January 2017.
NEBRASKA POULTRY – 2015 PRODUCTION AND VALUE
The value of egg production in Nebraska during 2015 was $281 million, up $40.5 million from the $241 million in 2014, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Egg production in 2015 was estimated at 2.29 billion eggs, down 569 million from the previous year. Average number of layers for 2015 at 7.70 million was down 1.77 million from one year ago.
STILL TIME TO FERTILIZE SUMMER HAY MEADOWS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Do you need to grow more hay for next winter? One way to get that extra hay might be to fertilize your hay meadows this spring. There’s still time.
Hay meadows respond well to fertilizer. But, be sure to use the types and amounts of fertilizer that work best for the plants in your hay meadow. For example, do you have much clover or other legumes in your hay meadow? Then fertilize with phosphorus. A soil test can tell you how much phosphorus to use; usually 20 to 40 pounds per acre will stimulate legume growth nicely in most hay meadows. These legumes then will help supply some nitrogen to the grasses in your meadow, and the hay you cut from this meadow will yield more and contain more protein than straight grass hay.
Maybe your meadow already is green and growing well with cool-season grasses like bluegrass, brome, timothy, or wheatgrasses that head out in late May or June. Nitrogen can increase yield from this meadow, but it must be applied very soon or it will be too late for this year. The rate to apply declines as we go from east to west — use about 80 pounds of nitrogen per acre in eastern Nebraska but only 30 to 40 pounds in the Panhandle.
Warm-season grass meadows will soon start to green up, too. Like cool-season grasses, recommended nitrogen rates decline from 60 pounds in eastern Nebraska to 30 pounds out west. But be patient. Do not fertilize quite yet. Wait until mid- to late May before fertilizing your warm-season grass meadows.
Good meadow moisture this year plus the right fertilizer can increase hay yields from most meadows. With low hay carryover, this may be a good year for you to increase your meadow yields.
Witt Joins ISU Extension and Outreach as Field Agronomist
Michael Witt has been hired to join Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s crops team as a field agronomist the university announced today. Witt will be working in Audubon, Crawford, Guthrie, Harrison and Shelby counties.
Witt will also provide assistance to three Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms, providing agronomic crop, plot and on-farm trial support in Boone, Castana and Greenfield.
“Growing up in north central Iowa, I have always had great respect for the work that Iowa State Extension and Outreach personnel do in bringing education and learning opportunities to all Iowans,” Witt said. “I look forward to working with people across my region and the state to bring the new and exciting educational opportunities to their local communities.”
Witt, who holds a Bachelor of Agriculture Education degree from Iowa State University and is pursuing a master’s in Agronomy, has an extensive and diverse background in agriculture.
“Mike is an Iowa State alum with a varied background that includes industry research and on-farm demonstrations,” said Erin Hodgson, associate professor and extension entomologist and crops team leader at Iowa State University. “He is a great addition to the crops team and we look forward to him helping continue to grow ISU Extension and Outreach.”
Witt spent 11 years at DuPont Pioneer, working as a part of the field program management team. Witt’s primary areas of emphasis were inbred discovery and hybrid evaluation, proprietary herbicide development and molecular corn evaluation.
He served as a testing site lead at Beck’s Superior Hybrids for one year, working on the company’s maize and soybean yield testing program with his duties encompassing territory in Iowa, Minnesota and Missouri.
Iowa Cattle Industry Convention replaced by regional BeefMeets
For the past several years, the Iowa Cattle Industry Convention has offered cattlemen in Iowa a chance to learn about the latest advancements in the cattle industry, develop policy for the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and network with other producers. This year, in an effort to provide those opportunities to more cattle producers across the state, the Iowa Cattle Industry Convention has been transformed into Regional BeefMeets.
BeefMeets will take the education, policy-development, tradeshow and networking outside of the Des Moines and into the four quadrants of Iowa. Centrally located BeefMeets will be held in Spencer, Independence, Atlantic and Riverside, making it easier for producers from all areas of the state to attend the events.
Topics & Speakers
This year’s BeefMeets, held in late June, will include educational sessions aimed at increasing profitability in the current agriculture economy. Sessions on replacement selection, finances, efficiency, and labor will help producers improve their farm management and their bottom line.
Eldon McAfee, attorney at Brick Gentry, will be the keynote speaker, focusing on the legal climate in Iowa and how it affects agriculture. From the Des Moines Water Works lawsuit to nuisance lawsuits and attorney general referrals, producers need to be up to speed on the legal threats to their livelihoods.
Policy Development
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association develops its policies and priorities based on the input of its 10,000 members across the state. Each BeefMeet will include a session where cattlemen can voice their opinion and share their concerns. Feedback received during these sessions will help guide the association for the next year.
Cattlemen will also have an opportunity to hear more about the proposed state beef checkoff during a question and answer session with Iowa Cattlemen’s Association and Iowa Beef Industry Council leaders.
Tradeshow & Networking
A tradeshow will be held at all four events and the day’s schedule will allow for plenty of time to check out the products and visit with the vendors. The day will end with a fun social, complete with some tasty beef to cap off the day.
Who should attend?
EVERYONE in the cattle industry! These events will provide education for every sector of the industry, a chance to get to know cattlemen and industry partners, fun and good food!
What’s the cost?
BeefMeets only cost $25 for ICA members and $50 for non-members. (Membership is $75 annually and may be paid at any time.) Students are free. Prices go up $10 after June 13.
When and Where?
Clay County Regional Events Center, Spencer, IA
Wednesday, June 22, 2016, 8:30 – 5:00 with social following
Heartland Acres Agribition Center, Independence, IA
Thursday, June 23, 2016, 8:30 – 5:00 with social following
Cass County Community Center, Atlantic, IA
Tuesday, June 28, 2016, 8:30 – 5:00 with social following
Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, Riverside, IA
Wednesday, June 29, 2016, 8:30 – 5:00 with social following
More details at www.iacattlemen.org.
AFIA Supports UC-Davis Mitloehner's White Paper - Livestock GHG Emissions Small
The American Feed Industry Association is pleased to support University of California, Davis, Professor Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., on the release of his white paper, "Livestock's Contributions to Climate Change: Facts and Fiction." The document dissects animal agriculture and other areas that produce greenhouse gas emissions, with the consensus that the livestock industry is not a driving force in climate change.
"Efficiencies in U.S. livestock agriculture have lowered this industry's combined greenhouse gas emissions to a historic low of about four percent of the nation's total," said Mitloehner. "Furthering recent advances will be paramount to satisfy a growing global demand for animal protein without depleting natural resources."
"With Frank's expertise and years of research, I am glad he is able to provide sound, science-based information to consumers," said AFIA President and CEO Joel G. Newman.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the livestock industry accounts for 4.2 percent of the U.S. GHG emissions. Energy production and transportation are the largest contributors, together equaling more than half of the total U.S. GHG emissions.
In perspective, if Americans practiced "Meatless Mondays" there would only be a 0.6 percent decrease in U.S. GHG emissions. However, replacing incandescent lightbulbs with Energy Star bulbs would be twice as effective--1.2 percent.
USDA Meat Animals Production, Disposition, and Income 2015 Summary
Total 2015 production of cattle and calves and hogs and pigs for the United States totaled 76.6 billion pounds, up 6 percent from 2014. Production increased 3 percent for cattle and calves and 9 percent for hogs and pigs.
Total 2015 cash receipts from marketings of meat animals decreased 8 percent to $99.3 billion. Cattle and calves accounted for 79 percent of this total and hogs and pigs accounted for 21 percent.
The 2015 gross income from cattle and calves and hogs and pigs for the United States totaled $99.9 billion, down 8 percent from 2014. Gross income decreased 4 percent for cattle and calves and 21 percent for hogs and pigs from previous year's gross income.
Cattle and Calves: Cash receipts from marketings of cattle and calves decreased 4 percent from $81.5 billion in 2014 to $78.2 billion in 2015. All cattle and calf marketings totaled 52.4 billion pounds in 2015, down 1 percent from 2014.
Hogs and Pigs: Cash receipts from hogs and pigs totaled $21.0 billion during 2015, down 21 percent from 2014. Marketings totaled 36.2 billion pounds in 2015, up 9 percent from 2014.
USDA Milk Production, Disposition, and Income 2015 Summary
Milk production increased 1.3 percent in 2015 to 209 billion pounds. The rate per cow, at 22,393 pounds, was 134 pounds above 2014. The annual average number of milk cows on farms was 9.32 million head, up 60,000 head from 2014.
Cash receipts from marketings of milk during 2015 totaled $35.7 billion, 27.6 percent lower than 2014. Producer returns averaged $17.21 per hundredweight, 28.5 percent below 2014. Marketings totaled 207.7 billion pounds, 1.3 percent above 2014. Marketings include whole milk sold to plants and dealers and milk sold directly to consumers.
An estimated 969million pounds of milk were used on farms where produced, 0.5 percent more than 2014. Calves were fed 91 percent of this milk, with the remainder consumed in producer households.
Senate Committee Releases Draft WRDA Bill
(from the American Soybean Assoc. newsletter)
The Senate Environment & Public Works (EPW) Committee this week released a draft two-year Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) reauthorization bill, scheduled for mark-up on April 28. Following an overdue comprehensive act in 2014, Congress is attempting to return to the regular order of reauthorizing the WRDA every two years.
The 2016 WRDA released by the EPW Committee authorizes 25 critical Army Corps projects. These projects, which have completed reports of the Chief of Engineers, will strengthen infrastructure, maintain navigation routes for waterways commerce and restore ecosystems.
The bill also provides investment in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including funds to respond to the drinking water crisis in Flint, Mich. and other similar communities across the country facing drinking water contamination.
Of particular interest to the soybean industry, is the authorization of projects to improve ports and inland waterways. The bill builds on the reforms in the 2014 WRRDA to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) by clarifying the targets for increased HMTF funding.
The bill authorizes critical flood control and coastal protection projects across the country, including system-wide flood protection in the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, rebuilding levees in Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina and Texas and providing hurricane protection in Louisiana.
The bill does not adjust the threshold for major rehabilitation as recommended by the Capital Development Plan and the Waterways Council.
IGC Sees Modest Soybean Production Hit from Argentina Floods
The International Grains Council on Thursday cut its forecast for global soybean production in 2015-16, following flooding in Argentina, but said output will remain near record levels.
The London-based IGC said the soybean crop will come to 318 million metric tons, 5 million tons less than it had predicted in March.
Despite the damage caused in heavy rain in Argentina, which caused a rally in prices across the grains and oilseeds markets, the harvest will be just 2 mt smaller than the previous year's record.
Looking ahead to 2016-17, the IGC lifted its monthly forecast for total grains' production by 9 mt to around 2.01 billion tons, roughly in line with 2015-16.
"Beneficial weather is improving the outlook for wheat, including in the E.U. and Russia, while maize forecasts are raised for a number of countries," it said.
The IGC lifted its grain consumption forecast by 3 mt to 2 billion tons, up from 1.99 billion in 2015-16.
Grain trade volumes are forecast at 315 mt in 2016-17, up 1 mt from last month's forecast but down from 323 mt in 2015-16. That reflects reduced shipments to China, where political reforms are expected to increase consumption of home-grown grain.
Rain Continues To Hurt Argentine Soy
Rain continued across the key soybean-producing parts of Argentina over the past week, exacerbating the damage caused by the remarkably heavy precipitation since the start of April.
With three-quarters of the crop still in the fields, the excessive rain when the soybeans are already mature, waiting for harvest, has reduced yields and sharply cut quality across large portions of big-producing provinces like Cordoba, Entre Rios and Santa Fe, as well as parts of Buenos Aires.
The rain damage prompted Buenos Aires Cereals Exchange to last week lower its soybean view from 60 million metric tons to 56 mmt, while Rosario Cereals Exchange dropped its figure to 57 mmt.
In a report Thursday, the Buenos Aires exchange reported a loss of one million hectares (2.47 million acres) due to the rain and warned of a serious risk that further losses will be registered.
Rain fell strongest over the last week in central-east Cordoba, central and southern Santa Fe and northern Buenos Aires, which delayed harvesting.
Fieldwork moved forward 7.8 percentage points last week to reach 24.2% complete, said the exchange. That's well back on the 61.8% registered at the same point last year.
The rain during the harvest period is causing rotting pods, sprouting and reduced grain weight, as well as greater losses during harvesting.
Corn has not been that seriously affected by the wet weather because we are in the spell between first- and second-crop harvesting for the most part.
The Buenos Aires exchange maintains its corn-crop forecast at 25.0 mmt.
Heed This Advice on Anaplasmosis
It is difficult to quantify the risk of anaplasmosis in any given herd in any given time of year, but when an outbreak occurs, it can result in devastating consequences for a cow/calf herd.
Anaplasmosis is most commonly caused by Anaplasma marginale, a microorganism that invades red blood cells and causes severe anemia. Transmitted through the blood, the main culprits in spreading the disease include biting flies or ticks or infected blood transferred on contaminated needles or other equipment. The disease can result in death, aborted calves, bull infertility, weight loss and diminished milk production as well as additional treatment expenses. The risk for disease increases when mixing noninfected cattle with those that carry the disease or when environmental conditions favor increased activity of biting flies or ticks.
“Anaplasmosis is sporadic, not all factors that cause outbreaks in a herd are known but when they occur, consequences can be significant,” said Daniel Scruggs, DVM, managing veterinarian with Zoetis.
Anaplasmosis causes special concern for cow/calf producers since mature animals have higher susceptibility to the disease than younger animals. Cows in the late stage of pregnancy and those nursing calves have particularly high death loss.
Signs of anaplasmosis can include:
· Orange-yellow coloration of the mucous membranes
· Thin, watery blood
· Slow, reluctant to move or short of breath cattle
· Aggressive behavior shortly before death
· Sudden, unexplained death of adult cattle
· Abortions
One of the most commonly used and predictable methods of controlling anaplasmosis includes incorporating a feed-grade chlortetracycline, such as AUREOMYCIN®, in the animal’s feed or mineral supplements. In endemic regions where ticks and flies remain active all year, AUREOMYCIN administration can occur year-round in feed or minerals. In other areas, producers often focus on late spring through fall, the time of highest transmission.
“It’s really a factor of diligence in making sure cattle are protected,” Dr. Scruggs said. “With spring-calving herds, the bulls are out during the spring and summer vector season. When bulls are experiencing an acute infection of anaplasmosis, and they become anemic or dead, they’re not good at settling cows. Whether a producer is running a spring-calving or fall-calving herd, there’s never a good time to go to sleep on anaplasmosis control.”
Producers should consult with their feed or mineral supplier to ensure their mineral mix containing AUREOMYCIN delivers adequate levels for their herds’ needs.
Adding AUREOMYCIN offers one of several measures producers can take. Preventive measures include:
· Implementing fly and tick control to help reduce transmission
· Changing needles and disinfecting instruments between cattle when working cows and bulls
· Consulting your veterinarian early for diagnostics on unexplained death seen in adult cows or bulls
“If you believe you can control anaplasmosis by just controlling flies, ticks and horseflies, you probably believe in the Easter Bunny, too,” Dr. Scruggs said. “It’s important to keep anaplasmosis control top of mind to help avoid unnecessary surprises and run a healthy, profitable cattle operation.”
Bunge Earnings Top Views Though Revenue Continues Slide
Bunge Ltd. on Thursday reported its earnings easily topped expectations, but it posted a steeper-than-anticipated slide in revenue, dragged by weakness in its core agribusiness and nearly all other segments.
"In the first quarter, our agribusiness team managed markets, margins, and logistics very well in a challenging environment," Chief Executive Soren Schroder said. Over all, results were better than expected and "we feel confident about growing earnings in 2016," he said.
Like other companies in the agriculture space, Bunge has grappled with softer commodity prices and weaker global demand.
Bunge, one of the world's largest traders and processors of agricultural commodities, saw poor profit results all but one of its business segments in the latest quarter.
In its core agribusiness division, earnings dropped 15%. Profit from edible oil edged 2% lower while milling products and sugar and bioenergy plunged 21% and 24%, respectively. Meanwhile, fertilizer swung to a profit.
Over all, the company reported a profit of $235 million, or $1.54 a share, down from $263 million, or $1.67 a share, a year earlier. Adjusted earnings fell to $1.41 a share from $1.58 a year earlier.
Revenue dropped 17% to $8.92 billion.
AGCO Reports Lower Sales, Earnings During First Quarter
AGCO reported net sales of approximately $1.6 billion for the first quarter of 2016, a decrease of approximately 8.4% compared to net sales of approximately $1.7 billion for the first quarter of 2015.
Reported net income was $0.09 per share for the first quarter of 2016 and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring and other infrequent expenses, was $0.11 per share. These results compare to reported net income of $0.34 per share and adjusted net income, excluding restructuring and other infrequent expenses, of $0.43 per share for the first quarter of 2015.
Excluding unfavorable currency translation impacts of approximately 5.2%, net sales in the first quarter of 2016 decreased approximately 3.2% compared to the first quarter of 2015.
Lower industry demand for farm equipment across all regions is expected to continue to negatively impact AGCO's sales and earnings for the remainder of 2016.
AGCO's 2016 net sales are expected to reach $7.0 billion. Gross and operating margins are expected to be below 2015 levels due to the negative impact of lower sales and production volumes, a weaker sales mix and increased investment in product development.
Syngenta geneticist contributes ag insights at Conference on World Affairs
Earlier this month, industry leaders and luminaries convened at University of Colorado’s 68th annual Conference on World Affairs to discuss and reflect on some of the most pressing matters in society today. Contributing insights on the significance of agriculture and biotechnology advances was Joseph Byrum, Ph.D., MBA, PMP, head of soybean seeds and traits R&D at Syngenta.
Throughout the five-day conference, Byrum drew upon his extensive background in plant genetics to help bring context and credibility to discussions on various topics, including technology, environmental health, and the benefits of leveraging big data and crowdsourcing in research initiatives.
“Agriculture continues to represent one of the most impactful and emotional areas of global significance, and it is increasingly important for the ag industry to provide transparency and science-based facts regarding biotechnology,” said Byrum, who leads global soybean breeding, trait research and product development efforts at Syngenta. “The Conference on World Affairs provided an ideal forum for this dialogue, and it was an honor to exchange ideas with such a distinguished group of thinkers.”
The annual conference is renowned for bringing together global experts representing a diverse cross-section of humanity—from artists and musicians to business leaders and social workers—to discuss, as the conference theme implies, “everything conceivable.”
Among Byrum’s notable industry contributions include serving as the chief architect of a Syngenta initiative that resulted in the development of analytics tools that help plant breeders develop highly productive seeds more efficiently and strategically than ever before. This initiative was awarded the 2015 Franz Edelman prize, in recognition of excellence in operations research and the management sciences. Byrum’s contributions to making plant breeding more efficient—and ultimately delivering improved genetics and trait technologies to soybean growers—reflect Syngenta’s commitment to helping growers produce crops to feed the growing population in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.
This engagement marks Byrum’s first appearance at the conference, held April 4‒8 in Boulder. The event was organized by student and community volunteers, and featured 200 diverse panels, plenaries and performances.
Wednesday April 27 Ag News
ROCKEY STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF AG RESEARCH IN HEUERMANN LECTURE
Sally Rockey, executive director of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, said advances in agricultural research have played a significant role in improving life expectancy and quality of life and will be critical to feeding the world's growing population.
Rockey, who has devoted her career to improving people's lives through research, delivered the final Heuermann Lecture of the 2015-16 season April 26 at Nebraska Innovation Campus.
According to Rockey, controlling foodborne pathogens and the growth of nutritious foods have been critical in improving people's lives.
"At least 50 percent of our increased life expectancy is due to agriculture," she said.
Rockey said that with the introduction of new technologies, science is advancing at a pace never before seen. To meet the demands of feeding a growing population, she said it's critical for research to keep up with advances in science.
To drive research in food and agriculture, Rockey is developing partnerships between the public and private sectors. This type of partnership offers incentives for both sides to engage, including direct access to important research for the private sector and the opportunity to address real-world problems for the public sector. The result is research that can be transferred quickly to the economy.
"The outcomes of precompetitive research have the potential to positively impact all parties equally," Rockey said. "It allows resources and data to be readily shared."
How that data is shared is another area of focus of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. There are a lot of differences in opinion in the agricultural industry, Rockey said. Scientists tend to believe the public doesn't agree with their way of thinking because they don't have enough information on a given topic, she said. Therefore, they continue to share more data, which does not resonate with the public or convince them to change their minds.
"There's a great disconnect between scientists and the public," Rockey said.
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research is looking at ways to better work with the public to understand how this disconnect can be diminished in agriculture. Major focus areas of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, such as water for food, food for health, soil health and plant phenotyping align with the foundation's priorities and the two are working closely together in these areas.
The lecture was the closing keynote of the seventh annual Water for Food Global Conference, which focused on the powerful impact of public-private partnerships in water for food research, technology and product development. The international conference was organized by the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska.
Heuermann Lectures in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources are possible through a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips. The Heuermanns are longtime university supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska's production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people. Lectures stream live at http://heuermannlectures.unl.edu and are archived there soon afterward. They also air on NET2 World at a later date.
GRAZING WET PASTURES
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Wet, muddy pastures require special grazing techniques.
As your spring grazing season begins, pastures often are soft and wet. Grazing can quickly get these pastures muddy and damaged by hoof traffic.
Use special grazing techniques to limit damage in soft, muddy pastures. The worst thing you can do is graze a pasture for several days until it’s all torn up and then move to a new area. Trampling that occurs repeatedly over several days greatly weakens plants; doing this across a wide area can reduce production for months, even years.
In contrast, pastures muddied up by grazing only briefly usually recover quickly. Maybe not as fast as when the ground is solid, but fast enough to minimize yield or stand loss.
Take advantage of this rapid recovery by moving animals frequently, at least once a day, to a new area. If this involves walking animals long distances, it might be better to subdivide pastures with temporary electric fences so you don’t increase trampling during the moving process. This also can increase the number of new areas to move into. Fencing supplies you use around corn stalks during winter should work well for this temporary use. Once the ground firms up you can return to your normal grazing rotation.
Another option is to graze all your cattle together in one small area until the ground gets solid again, feeding hay if needed. This protects most of your pasture acres from trampling losses. But it can virtually destroy the area grazed and need reseeding. This may be a small price to pay, though, to protect the rest of your acres.
Don’t let mud and trampling ruin your pastures. Temporary grazing adjustments can save grass now and for the future.
Animal Health Vaccine Opportunities Expand with AgriLabs® Acquisitions
Today, AgriLabs®, the largest U.S. animal health marketing and distribution business, announced that it has entered into the vaccine manufacturing business with a new USDA-licensed facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. AgriLabs has also acquired Lincoln-based Antelope Valley Bios and Benchmark Biolabs, and Benchmark’s ownership interest of VaxLiant®. With these moves, AgriLabs, along with its new business subsidiaries, now offers complete concept-to-commercialization services for vaccines used in swine, cattle, poultry and other species.
“By adding state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to our U.S. marketing and sales operations, we can deliver more value to veterinarians and producers both domestically and worldwide,” said Steve Schram, AgriLabs chief executive officer, at a ribbon-cutting event that included several state and city officials. “With the need for alternatives to antibiotics, vaccines are critical to the long term health and efficiency of food animal production,” Schram said.
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts applauded the actions by AgriLabs. “This announcement positions Nebraska for great opportunities in agriculture and bioscience,” Gov. Ricketts said. “We appreciate the confidence that AgriLabs has in our state’s bioscience research and manufacturing sectors, and its willingness to expand its investment in employees and facilities in these highly regarded areas.”
Schram said the expertise of the staff at both Benchmark and Antelope Valley Bios are critical to the research and design and manufacturing functions of the AgriLabs expanded business model. “This is the R&D team and the vaccine manufacturing plant involved in making the first foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine for cattle which was developed without using a live FMD virus. They also produced the first USDA-approved plant-derived vaccines,” he said.
The swine market will be the first target for the new facilities, with a focus on custom-made vaccines. “Practically speaking, our Lincoln facilities and our relationships will allow us to deliver to veterinarians and producers better vaccines quickly, safely and affordably. We also have a platform that will enable the rapid development of vaccines that work,” said Sean O’Hare, executive vice president of AgriLabs.
AgriLabs’ three fully owned subsidiaries in Lincoln – Antelope Valley Bios, Benchmark Biolabs and VaxLiant – will continue to operate as stand-alone business entities.
“This means customers of each company will see no change in how they currently do business with them,” Schram said. “However, an important benefit is that customers – whether small or large – now can have access to experts and other resources. So, whether people are looking for global expertise in securing regulatory licenses for vaccines, or wanting to purchase innovative vaccines that improve animal health, we can help.”
NCTA buckles up new tradition
Aggie students from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis won’t be sporting class rings from their alma mater any time soon.
When these graduates leave campus after two years of academic studies and collegiate teamwork, they can head home wearing a western belt buckle engraved with their name, year, and major.
“Become the Tradition” was unveiled recently at the inaugural NCTA Buckle Ceremony for 28 students, faculty, staff and alumni who ordered a customized belt buckle.
The campus is starting a new tradition.
Last fall, NCTA’s recruiting coordinator Tina Smith was brainstorming with her husband and NCTA professor Doug Smith about offering a symbolic keepsake for NCTA graduates.
They wanted something representative of the ag college; symbolic and customized for student pride in their alma mater.
“We thought about a class ring but a belt buckle seemed more appropriate for our students,” Tina Smith said.
Students in all divisions of NCTA are purchasing the buckles. This spring, several purchasers are majors from animal science, agriculture education, agronomy, agribusiness or veterinary technology.
“The buckles are absolutely gorgeous” said Haley Rogers of Lexington, who graduates on May 5, and will continue on for a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“All the hard work throughout these last two years sure has paid off,” Rogers told friends. “I will wear this buckle with pride and remember all the memories I have made here at NCTA.”
Orders will be processed each spring semester. More details will be available late fall at ncta.unl.edu.
Iowa Swine Day showcases nationally recognized speakers on topics of vital interest to the pork industry
Join Iowa State University, the Iowa Pork Industry Center and the Iowa Pork Producers Association in celebrating the 5th anniversary of Iowa Swine Day. Iowa Swine Day is an industry-focused event with a very high quality program designed specifically for the pork industry.
Scheduled for Thursday, June 30, on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, the morning plenary session features nationally recognized speakers addressing topics of urgent interest.
During the morning plenary session, national experts will address up-to-the minute issues in pork production.
Dr. Peter Davies, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota whose findings have been published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, will discuss how antibiotic use in animal agriculture impacts human health.
Sean McMahon, Executive Director of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, will describe the increasing pace and scale of farmer-driven efforts to improve water quality in today’s highly charged atmosphere.
The ever-popular Joe Kerns, a risk management specialist whose firm Kerns and Associates works with livestock producers and suppliers in 13 states, will delve into financial prospects for pork producers in in the coming year in the context of the larger U.S. economy.
Sandra Vijn, Director of Food Sustainability with the World Wildlife Fund will address the issue of sustainability in future pork production.
There will also be concurrent afternoon sessions on topics such as the new regulations governing swine feed and emerging technologies that will become available in the future to control serious diseases in swine. Other sessions will address housing topics and the latest research from Iowa State University.
Iowa Swine Day 2016 will be held from 9:00 am until 4:35 pm on Thursday, June 30 in the Scheman building on the Iowa State University campus. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee, which is $60 until midnight, June 17, and then increases to $80. Students of all ages may register at no cost until June 17th, paying $45 thereafter. To register and view the full program, visit our website at www.aep.iastate.edu/iowaswineday.
Pre-World Pork Expo Tours Provide Insight into U.S. Ag
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is offering two tours prior to the 2016 World Pork Expo that provide unique insights into U.S. agriculture. Set for June 6-7, the two-day tour will travel to locations in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, showcasing commercial hog systems, farm equipment production and agricultural shipping channels. The one-day tour on June 7 will highlight agricultural businesses in central Iowa, with a look at modern swine production and food marketing, feed grain research and product development. The tours include transportation and meals on tour days, as well as free admission to World Pork Expo, June 8-10, featuring the world’s largest pork-specific trade show.
“This year’s pre-World Pork Expo tours follow the long tradition of providing visitors with a snapshot of U.S. agriculture’s diversity from on-farm hog production to product research and development to equipment manufacturing and shipping,” says Greg Thornton, tour organizer for NPPC. “While the tours are open to anyone, they are particularly informative for international visitors and can make their time at World Pork Expo even more meaningful.”
The Two-day Tour
The two-day tour, underwritten by the Illinois Soybean Association, travels through Iowa and into Illinois and Indiana. Participants can board the bus in Des Moines on Sunday, June 5, or can meet the group at Holiday Inn Express in Chicago, on Monday, June 6. The tour will venture into Indiana to visit Fair Oaks Farms, home of The Pig Adventure for a view of modern pork production. Participants will dine on site at the Farmhouse Restaurant. The overnight stop will take place at Jumer’s Hotel and Casino. On day two, the tour heads to the John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois, and a new, state-of-the art JBS feedmill and a modern wean-to-finish barn managed by JBS. Participants also will get an up-close look at grain export activities during a barge trip down the Mississippi River. The tour bus will return to Des Moines for dinner on the evening of June 7.
Cost for the two-day tour is U.S. $450 per person, which includes bus transportation, lodging on June 6, meals on tour days and World Pork Expo admission.
The One-day Tour
The one-day tour takes place on Tuesday, June 7, and will focus on agricultural businesses in Central Iowa. The tour will begin and end the day in Des Moines. This action-packed trip will include a look at crop and feed segments related to pork production with a stop at the DuPont Pioneer Research & Development Center. A visit to a modern wean-to-finish barn and a new, state-of-the art feedmill owned by JBS, followed by a stop at a Hy-Vee grocery store for perspective on the U.S. retail food sector and dinner at the iconic Machine Shed Restaurant completes the day’s events.
The cost for this one-day tour is U.S. $150 per person, which includes bus transportation, meals on the tour, as well as free admission to World Pork Expo.
“These pre-Expo tours are a great way to get a sense of what U.S., and more specifically Iowa, agriculture is like. It provides participants with an up close and personal look, with opportunities to ask questions,” says John Weber, NPPC president and Iowa pork producer. “Then tour participants can spend the following days at World Pork Expo for a look at the latest pork production technologies, products and services, as well as hearing leading experts discuss research and production tips during the numerous seminars offered.”
Space is limited
Both tours have limited space, so interested individuals should go to worldpork.org and register as soon as possible. Once there, select “Attendees” on the blue registration button. Then, scroll down to "Industry Tours." The website will provide updated details about the tours, as well as a schedule of Expo activities and general registration information. The site also offers information about room availability at official World Pork Expo hotels, answers to Frequently Asked Questions and other helpful tips about traveling to World Pork Expo.
Other ways to get the most up-to-date information is to connect with World Pork Expo on Facebook and follow Expo on Twitter (@NPPCWPX, #WPX16)
The 2016 World Pork Expo takes place June 8-10, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Highlights include more than 310,000 square feet of commercial exhibits from hundreds of companies throughout the world. Trade show hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 9, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 10. Swine breeding stock sales will take place on Saturday, June 11, from 8 a.m. until they are completed (at approximately noon).
Fertilizer Prices Steady Again
Fertilizer prices continued to hold fairly steady for the second week in a row, according to retailers contacted by DTN during the third week of April.
As was the case last week, four fertilizers were higher priced while the other four fertilizers were lower priced compared to last month.
None of the fertilizer prices changed by any consequence. DAP averaged $477/ton, MAP $502/ton, anhydrous $588/ton and UAN32 $322/ton.
The remaining four fertilizers were down a small amount compared to the month earlier. Potash averaged $366/ton, urea $388/ton, 10-34-0 $561/ton and UAN28 $274/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, urea averaged $0.42/lb.N, anhydrous $0.36/lb.N, UAN28 $0.49/lb.N and UAN32 $0.50/lb.N.
Fertilizer prices tracked by DTN appear to have bottomed in late February. For example, average anhydrous prices have climbed more than $50/ton since then. But at the moment, all fertilizers remain double-digits lower in price compared to a year earlier.
UAN32 is 13% lower while both urea and 10-34-0 are 14% less expensive from a year ago. In addition, DAP and MAP are both 16% lower, anhydrous and UAN28 are 17% less expensive and potash is 26% lower.
Ethanol Stocks, Output Declined Week-ended April 22
The Energy Information Administration released data today showing ethanol inventories and domestic production declined during the week-ended April 22 while implied demand increased.
The data showed inventories fell about 400,000 bbl or 1.9% to 21.6 million bbl for the week profiled, with year-over-year surplus at 800,000 bbl or 4.4%.
Plant production fell 12,000 bpd or 1.3% last week to 927,000 bpd while 0.76% lower year-over-year.
Blender inputs, a proxy for ethanol demand, increased by 25,000 bpd or 2.8% to 918,000 bpd for the week, while up 4.9% year-over-year.
Farmers and Ranchers Need Government Support, Not Opposition, Farm Bureau Tells Congress
Low commodity prices, tightening credit, expensive land and rising costs for expenses such as seed and fertilizer will lead to financial losses for many farmers and ranchers this year, Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr. told a House subcommittee today.
Testifying on behalf of the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Illinois Farm Bureau, Guebert encouraged Congress to help farm and ranch families endure what observers agree will be a difficult year. He said Illinois farmers who produce row crops have been hit hard along with the rest of the farm economy.
"Over the last 18 months we have seen our working capital erode over 25 percent," Guebert said. "Our equity is fading into the sunset. Indexed to inflation, the economic return for Illinois farmers after accounting for family expenses is currently at its lowest level since 1972. All of this has proven to be a very steep learning curve for a new generation of younger and less experienced farmers who entered the business when times were better."
The emergence of global food markets in recent years has made already volatile commodity markets even less stable than before.
"Commodity prices used to be more predictable," Guebert said. "They were primarily influenced by regional and national factors. Just in the past two weeks we've seen a $1.30 a bushel increase in soybean prices because of rain during harvest in Brazil, and then overnight on April 22 a drop of 22 cents a bushel. Farmers and ranchers are price takers, whether on the input or commodity side of the equation."
Many government programs have helped farm families, but others have hindered the wellbeing of those who raise the food, fuel and fiber Americans depend on every day, Guebert said.
On the positive side:
- Congressional agriculture leaders have protected the farm bill's safety net and risk management tools to help farmers and ranchers cope with market volatility.
- Congress has bolstered the farm economy by supporting significant transportation projects to improve major waterways and make driver licensing more practical and easier to comply with.
- The Environmental Protection Agency has taken a flexible approach on licensing dicamba herbicide formulations.
- The President's Task Force on Pollinators has recognized that beekeepers and farmers need one another and allowed them to work together to preserve pollinators rather than imposing a solution from the outside.
Unfortunately, not all government actions have been so benign:
- Proponents of mandatory labeling for products that include genetically modified ingredients have pushed their anti-science agenda in Congress to the detriment of farmers and consumers alike.
- The nation's H-2A visa program for agricultural workers remains inefficient and impractical for most farmers.
- Compliance with the Affordable Care Act remains confusing and difficult for small seasonal employers such as farmers and ranchers.
- EPA is increasingly restricting pesticides and herbicides without proper scientific evidence for its positions.
- The U.S. Forest Service recently proposed that ranchers surrender their water rights in exchange for the ability to graze on federal lands. The USFS later withdrew the proposal, but this remains a topic of discussion among environmental groups.
"The world population will continue to grow," Guebert told lawmakers. "American farmers have proven time and time again we produce the food, fiber and fuel the world needs. Please don't restrict, limit or constrain our ability to provide what consumers around the world need."
Senate Judiciary Approves Cattle Price Collapse Investigation
In response to R-CALF USA's January request, the Senate Judiciary Committee last week requested the Comptroller General of the United States to use his agency, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to initiate an investigation into the 2015 cattle price collapse.
In a letter signed by the chairman and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), respectively, along with the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), respectively, the GAO is asked to investigate the cause of the sudden 15.1 percent drop in fed cattle prices that occurred during the latter half of 2015.
"We are pleased the Judiciary Committee agrees that the evidence we provided regarding the dysfunctionality of our fed cattle market warrants a careful investigation into the current structure of our industry and our industry's susceptibility to anticompetitive practices," said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.
The Judiciary Committee's letter specifically requested the GAO to conduct "a review of the structure of the market and of any possible anticompetitive conduct."
According to the agency's Website, the GAO is an independent, nonpartisan agency often called the 'government watchdog' because it investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars. The Comptroller General of the United States, who heads the GAO, is appointed to a 15-year term by the President. Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2010.
"This is our last best chance to stop the chickenization of our cattle industry," said Bullard, referring to the vertically integrated structure of the U.S. chicken industry that is under the complete control of large, corporate meatpackers.
"We don't want our cattle industry to follow the chicken industry's path and the only way to reverse our present trajectory towards it is to defend and protect competition in our cattle markets," he added.
In 2010 the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Justice held joint hearings across the country during which both agencies indicated they would begin protecting competition in livestock markets by enforcing antitrust laws and the Packers and Stockyards Act, which prohibits anticompetitive conduct. However, no such actions have been initiated by either agency.
160+ Farm and Food Groups Ask Congress to Reject TPP, Stand Up for Independent Farmers and Ranchers
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has become a divisive issue in the nation’s capital, and criticism intensified after 161 food, farm, faith and rural organizations sent a letter to Capitol Hill today, urging lawmakers to reject the trade pact.
“The main beneficiaries of the TPP are the companies that buy, process and ship raw agricultural commodities, not the farmers who face real risks from rising import competition. TPP imports will compete against U.S. farmers who are facing declining farm prices that are projected to stay low for years,” the organizations wrote.
The White House has promoted the TPP as an export-boon for farmers to generate support for the agreement, but past trade agreements have not always delivered on export promises, the letter noted. For example, the United States’ total combined exports of corn, soybeans and wheat have remained steady at about 100 million metric tons for the last 30 years despite a raft of free trade agreements since the mid-1990s.
“Trade deals do not just add new export markets – the flow of trade goes both ways – and the U.S. has committed to allowing significantly greater market access to imports under the TPP,” the groups explained. Especially “alarming” to the organizations is the agreement’s complete lack of enforceable provisions against currency manipulation, a substantial cause of America’s debilitating $531 billion trade imbalance.
“In its current form, the TPP sets to bankroll global business rather than foster local economies. It fails to address our alarming trade deficit and other serious issues that will be passed on to the family farmer, the everyday consumer and the American worker,” said Roger Johnson, president of National Farmers Union, one of the letter’s signers. “NFU understands this trade agreement is not a good deal for our nearly 200,000 family farm and ranch members.”
The TPP poses particular risks for cattle producers. In 2015, the United States imported nearly 2.3 billion pounds of beef from TPP partners but only exported about 1.2 billion pounds. The TPP will increase beef and cattle imports at a time when domestic cattle prices are plummeting.
“The TPP rolls out the red carpet for foreign cattle imports to undercut American family ranchers,” said Mabel Dobbs, a rancher from Weiser, Idaho, on behalf of the Western Organization of Resource Councils. “We will face the added challenge of competing with cheap, unregulated and un-inspected imported beef. Like failed trade deals of the past, the beneficiaries of this agreement are the multi-national meatpackers at the expense of family farmers and ranchers.”
The TPP also covers important agricultural policy areas such as investment, procurement, labeling, food safety, animal health and crop disease. The stringent rules and dispute system under the TPP make it easier to successfully challenge and overturn domestic laws, as happened last year to country of origin meat labels.
“The TPP will add to the rising tide of imported food that is already overwhelming U.S. farmers, eaters and border inspectors,” said Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter. “Trade deals like the TPP make U.S. farm and food policy subservient to foreign trade tribunals that put global commerce ahead of the needs of American farmers and consumers.”
The letter was introduced at a press teleconference with House Agriculture Committee Member Rep. Rick Nolan, NFU President Roger Johnson, Auburn University agricultural economist Professor C. Robert Taylor and independent rancher and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union member Steve Nein.
EPA Lengthens Comment Period on Dicamba
The Environmental Protection Agency has extended the public comment period on dicamba formulations to be used with Monsanto's new Xtend herbicide trait technology to May 31. That means growers can plant the technology, but will not have a dicamba herbicide available in time to use during the 2016 season.
Monsanto, DuPont Pioneer and many other licensees commercialized dicamba-tolerant soybeans for the first time this spring. Farmers have already taken delivery and in some cases planted Roundup Ready 2 Xtend (RR2X) soybeans. Companies have informed DTN that they are working with growers to exchange product upon request. Growers are urged to work with their seed dealers if they wish to swap seed.
"We do not expect dicamba to be available for in-crop use in 2016," said Monsanto spokesman John Combest. That means any use of a dicamba herbicide on RR2X soybeans in-season during 2016 before final labels are approved by EPA and state officials would be a violation of law.
After the comment period closes, EPA will review all of the comments and reach a final decision, which the agency expects to issue in late summer or early fall 2016.
Growers can still use glyphosate (Roundup) since the RR2X system also contains that trait, but weeds have become increasingly resistant to glyphosate.
Intellectual Property Report Details U.S. Trade Representative's Global Initiatives to Defend
Rights of Common Food Name Users
A report issued by the U.S. Trade Representative's Office today outlined the Administration's broad scope of activities aimed at combating the abuse of geographical indications (GIs) threatening the use of common food names.
USTR's annual Special 301 report touted the extensive efforts in numerous countries and forums that the Administration has undertaken to stem the European Union's efforts to use GIs to erect barriers to U.S. exports.
"Protecting the right to use generic food names is increasingly important to U.S. food and beverage companies," said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of the Consortium for Common Food Names, an international alliance dedicated to preserving rights to use common food names. "Producers around the world continue to grapple with the harmful effects of the EU's overly broad approach to GIs and the impact this policy has already had in numerous markets."
"USTR's robust defense of common food name users - and the rights of buyers to maintain a variety of sources for common food categories - is particularly valuable at this point in time when the EU is seeking to replicate here in the U.S. market its harmful pattern of using its FTAs to impose GI policies aimed at restricting trade and competition," stated Castaneda. "The GI provisions in TPP are a strong step in the right direction toward bringing more transparency and balance to the process of GI evaluations in various countries."
Castaneda said CCFN will continue working with USTR on GIs and called on governments around the world to stop the illegal confiscation of generic names. "We look forward to partnering with USTR to use the tools in TPP, as well as direct engagement with key markets, to preserve access for common food name products," he said. "With the help of USTR and the cooperation of other governments, we can make real progress toward a more equitable system of considering and approving geographical indications across the globe," he said.
BASF launches Grow Smart™ University
BASF announced the launch of a new online educational resource, Grow Smart™ University, which connects growers and industry professionals with agronomic and agribusiness content. Grow Smart University offers an extensive library of farm management information, making it easier and faster to find helpful materials.
“Growers face increasingly complex situations in farming, and many look to the Web for answers,” said Paul Leeland, Product Manager, BASF. “Grow Smart University helps provide necessary educational resources to make informed decisions.”
Content is available in videos, e-books, industry expert webinars, educational modules and flashcards to accommodate a variety of learning-style preferences. All materials are categorized by topic, allowing visitors to delve deep into a variety of subjects. Crop-specific courses cover best practices from seed to harvest, while courses on general agricultural principles focus on whole issues, such as plant health or agribusiness. New content is uploaded regularly to keep visitors abreast of new issues and technologies in the industry.
“Grow Smart University is a tool as flexible as the growers who use it,” Leeland said. “By having on-demand access to education, growers can operate on their own schedule to learn about new developments and tools to help their operation.”
BASF’s Grow Smart approach helps growers get the most out of every acre by combining the best partnerships, resources and risk-reduction tools to build customized plans focused on individual operations. With teamwork at its core, Grow Smart is a better way to do business.
Gain access to Grow Smart University by logging in at www.growsmartuniversity.com.
Sally Rockey, executive director of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, said advances in agricultural research have played a significant role in improving life expectancy and quality of life and will be critical to feeding the world's growing population.
Rockey, who has devoted her career to improving people's lives through research, delivered the final Heuermann Lecture of the 2015-16 season April 26 at Nebraska Innovation Campus.
According to Rockey, controlling foodborne pathogens and the growth of nutritious foods have been critical in improving people's lives.
"At least 50 percent of our increased life expectancy is due to agriculture," she said.
Rockey said that with the introduction of new technologies, science is advancing at a pace never before seen. To meet the demands of feeding a growing population, she said it's critical for research to keep up with advances in science.
To drive research in food and agriculture, Rockey is developing partnerships between the public and private sectors. This type of partnership offers incentives for both sides to engage, including direct access to important research for the private sector and the opportunity to address real-world problems for the public sector. The result is research that can be transferred quickly to the economy.
"The outcomes of precompetitive research have the potential to positively impact all parties equally," Rockey said. "It allows resources and data to be readily shared."
How that data is shared is another area of focus of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research. There are a lot of differences in opinion in the agricultural industry, Rockey said. Scientists tend to believe the public doesn't agree with their way of thinking because they don't have enough information on a given topic, she said. Therefore, they continue to share more data, which does not resonate with the public or convince them to change their minds.
"There's a great disconnect between scientists and the public," Rockey said.
The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research is looking at ways to better work with the public to understand how this disconnect can be diminished in agriculture. Major focus areas of the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, such as water for food, food for health, soil health and plant phenotyping align with the foundation's priorities and the two are working closely together in these areas.
The lecture was the closing keynote of the seventh annual Water for Food Global Conference, which focused on the powerful impact of public-private partnerships in water for food research, technology and product development. The international conference was organized by the Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Institute at the University of Nebraska.
Heuermann Lectures in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources are possible through a gift from B. Keith and Norma Heuermann of Phillips. The Heuermanns are longtime university supporters with a strong commitment to Nebraska's production agriculture, natural resources, rural areas and people. Lectures stream live at http://heuermannlectures.unl.edu and are archived there soon afterward. They also air on NET2 World at a later date.
GRAZING WET PASTURES
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist
Wet, muddy pastures require special grazing techniques.
As your spring grazing season begins, pastures often are soft and wet. Grazing can quickly get these pastures muddy and damaged by hoof traffic.
Use special grazing techniques to limit damage in soft, muddy pastures. The worst thing you can do is graze a pasture for several days until it’s all torn up and then move to a new area. Trampling that occurs repeatedly over several days greatly weakens plants; doing this across a wide area can reduce production for months, even years.
In contrast, pastures muddied up by grazing only briefly usually recover quickly. Maybe not as fast as when the ground is solid, but fast enough to minimize yield or stand loss.
Take advantage of this rapid recovery by moving animals frequently, at least once a day, to a new area. If this involves walking animals long distances, it might be better to subdivide pastures with temporary electric fences so you don’t increase trampling during the moving process. This also can increase the number of new areas to move into. Fencing supplies you use around corn stalks during winter should work well for this temporary use. Once the ground firms up you can return to your normal grazing rotation.
Another option is to graze all your cattle together in one small area until the ground gets solid again, feeding hay if needed. This protects most of your pasture acres from trampling losses. But it can virtually destroy the area grazed and need reseeding. This may be a small price to pay, though, to protect the rest of your acres.
Don’t let mud and trampling ruin your pastures. Temporary grazing adjustments can save grass now and for the future.
Animal Health Vaccine Opportunities Expand with AgriLabs® Acquisitions
Today, AgriLabs®, the largest U.S. animal health marketing and distribution business, announced that it has entered into the vaccine manufacturing business with a new USDA-licensed facility in Lincoln, Nebraska. AgriLabs has also acquired Lincoln-based Antelope Valley Bios and Benchmark Biolabs, and Benchmark’s ownership interest of VaxLiant®. With these moves, AgriLabs, along with its new business subsidiaries, now offers complete concept-to-commercialization services for vaccines used in swine, cattle, poultry and other species.
“By adding state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to our U.S. marketing and sales operations, we can deliver more value to veterinarians and producers both domestically and worldwide,” said Steve Schram, AgriLabs chief executive officer, at a ribbon-cutting event that included several state and city officials. “With the need for alternatives to antibiotics, vaccines are critical to the long term health and efficiency of food animal production,” Schram said.
Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts applauded the actions by AgriLabs. “This announcement positions Nebraska for great opportunities in agriculture and bioscience,” Gov. Ricketts said. “We appreciate the confidence that AgriLabs has in our state’s bioscience research and manufacturing sectors, and its willingness to expand its investment in employees and facilities in these highly regarded areas.”
Schram said the expertise of the staff at both Benchmark and Antelope Valley Bios are critical to the research and design and manufacturing functions of the AgriLabs expanded business model. “This is the R&D team and the vaccine manufacturing plant involved in making the first foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine for cattle which was developed without using a live FMD virus. They also produced the first USDA-approved plant-derived vaccines,” he said.
The swine market will be the first target for the new facilities, with a focus on custom-made vaccines. “Practically speaking, our Lincoln facilities and our relationships will allow us to deliver to veterinarians and producers better vaccines quickly, safely and affordably. We also have a platform that will enable the rapid development of vaccines that work,” said Sean O’Hare, executive vice president of AgriLabs.
AgriLabs’ three fully owned subsidiaries in Lincoln – Antelope Valley Bios, Benchmark Biolabs and VaxLiant – will continue to operate as stand-alone business entities.
“This means customers of each company will see no change in how they currently do business with them,” Schram said. “However, an important benefit is that customers – whether small or large – now can have access to experts and other resources. So, whether people are looking for global expertise in securing regulatory licenses for vaccines, or wanting to purchase innovative vaccines that improve animal health, we can help.”
NCTA buckles up new tradition
Aggie students from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis won’t be sporting class rings from their alma mater any time soon.
When these graduates leave campus after two years of academic studies and collegiate teamwork, they can head home wearing a western belt buckle engraved with their name, year, and major.
“Become the Tradition” was unveiled recently at the inaugural NCTA Buckle Ceremony for 28 students, faculty, staff and alumni who ordered a customized belt buckle.
The campus is starting a new tradition.
Last fall, NCTA’s recruiting coordinator Tina Smith was brainstorming with her husband and NCTA professor Doug Smith about offering a symbolic keepsake for NCTA graduates.
They wanted something representative of the ag college; symbolic and customized for student pride in their alma mater.
“We thought about a class ring but a belt buckle seemed more appropriate for our students,” Tina Smith said.
Students in all divisions of NCTA are purchasing the buckles. This spring, several purchasers are majors from animal science, agriculture education, agronomy, agribusiness or veterinary technology.
“The buckles are absolutely gorgeous” said Haley Rogers of Lexington, who graduates on May 5, and will continue on for a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
“All the hard work throughout these last two years sure has paid off,” Rogers told friends. “I will wear this buckle with pride and remember all the memories I have made here at NCTA.”
Orders will be processed each spring semester. More details will be available late fall at ncta.unl.edu.
Iowa Swine Day showcases nationally recognized speakers on topics of vital interest to the pork industry
Join Iowa State University, the Iowa Pork Industry Center and the Iowa Pork Producers Association in celebrating the 5th anniversary of Iowa Swine Day. Iowa Swine Day is an industry-focused event with a very high quality program designed specifically for the pork industry.
Scheduled for Thursday, June 30, on the Iowa State University campus in Ames, the morning plenary session features nationally recognized speakers addressing topics of urgent interest.
During the morning plenary session, national experts will address up-to-the minute issues in pork production.
Dr. Peter Davies, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota whose findings have been published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health, will discuss how antibiotic use in animal agriculture impacts human health.
Sean McMahon, Executive Director of the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, will describe the increasing pace and scale of farmer-driven efforts to improve water quality in today’s highly charged atmosphere.
The ever-popular Joe Kerns, a risk management specialist whose firm Kerns and Associates works with livestock producers and suppliers in 13 states, will delve into financial prospects for pork producers in in the coming year in the context of the larger U.S. economy.
Sandra Vijn, Director of Food Sustainability with the World Wildlife Fund will address the issue of sustainability in future pork production.
There will also be concurrent afternoon sessions on topics such as the new regulations governing swine feed and emerging technologies that will become available in the future to control serious diseases in swine. Other sessions will address housing topics and the latest research from Iowa State University.
Iowa Swine Day 2016 will be held from 9:00 am until 4:35 pm on Thursday, June 30 in the Scheman building on the Iowa State University campus. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Lunch and refreshments are included in the registration fee, which is $60 until midnight, June 17, and then increases to $80. Students of all ages may register at no cost until June 17th, paying $45 thereafter. To register and view the full program, visit our website at www.aep.iastate.edu/iowaswineday.
Pre-World Pork Expo Tours Provide Insight into U.S. Ag
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) is offering two tours prior to the 2016 World Pork Expo that provide unique insights into U.S. agriculture. Set for June 6-7, the two-day tour will travel to locations in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa, showcasing commercial hog systems, farm equipment production and agricultural shipping channels. The one-day tour on June 7 will highlight agricultural businesses in central Iowa, with a look at modern swine production and food marketing, feed grain research and product development. The tours include transportation and meals on tour days, as well as free admission to World Pork Expo, June 8-10, featuring the world’s largest pork-specific trade show.
“This year’s pre-World Pork Expo tours follow the long tradition of providing visitors with a snapshot of U.S. agriculture’s diversity from on-farm hog production to product research and development to equipment manufacturing and shipping,” says Greg Thornton, tour organizer for NPPC. “While the tours are open to anyone, they are particularly informative for international visitors and can make their time at World Pork Expo even more meaningful.”
The Two-day Tour
The two-day tour, underwritten by the Illinois Soybean Association, travels through Iowa and into Illinois and Indiana. Participants can board the bus in Des Moines on Sunday, June 5, or can meet the group at Holiday Inn Express in Chicago, on Monday, June 6. The tour will venture into Indiana to visit Fair Oaks Farms, home of The Pig Adventure for a view of modern pork production. Participants will dine on site at the Farmhouse Restaurant. The overnight stop will take place at Jumer’s Hotel and Casino. On day two, the tour heads to the John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois, and a new, state-of-the art JBS feedmill and a modern wean-to-finish barn managed by JBS. Participants also will get an up-close look at grain export activities during a barge trip down the Mississippi River. The tour bus will return to Des Moines for dinner on the evening of June 7.
Cost for the two-day tour is U.S. $450 per person, which includes bus transportation, lodging on June 6, meals on tour days and World Pork Expo admission.
The One-day Tour
The one-day tour takes place on Tuesday, June 7, and will focus on agricultural businesses in Central Iowa. The tour will begin and end the day in Des Moines. This action-packed trip will include a look at crop and feed segments related to pork production with a stop at the DuPont Pioneer Research & Development Center. A visit to a modern wean-to-finish barn and a new, state-of-the art feedmill owned by JBS, followed by a stop at a Hy-Vee grocery store for perspective on the U.S. retail food sector and dinner at the iconic Machine Shed Restaurant completes the day’s events.
The cost for this one-day tour is U.S. $150 per person, which includes bus transportation, meals on the tour, as well as free admission to World Pork Expo.
“These pre-Expo tours are a great way to get a sense of what U.S., and more specifically Iowa, agriculture is like. It provides participants with an up close and personal look, with opportunities to ask questions,” says John Weber, NPPC president and Iowa pork producer. “Then tour participants can spend the following days at World Pork Expo for a look at the latest pork production technologies, products and services, as well as hearing leading experts discuss research and production tips during the numerous seminars offered.”
Space is limited
Both tours have limited space, so interested individuals should go to worldpork.org and register as soon as possible. Once there, select “Attendees” on the blue registration button. Then, scroll down to "Industry Tours." The website will provide updated details about the tours, as well as a schedule of Expo activities and general registration information. The site also offers information about room availability at official World Pork Expo hotels, answers to Frequently Asked Questions and other helpful tips about traveling to World Pork Expo.
Other ways to get the most up-to-date information is to connect with World Pork Expo on Facebook and follow Expo on Twitter (@NPPCWPX, #WPX16)
The 2016 World Pork Expo takes place June 8-10, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Highlights include more than 310,000 square feet of commercial exhibits from hundreds of companies throughout the world. Trade show hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, and Thursday, June 9, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 10. Swine breeding stock sales will take place on Saturday, June 11, from 8 a.m. until they are completed (at approximately noon).
Fertilizer Prices Steady Again
Fertilizer prices continued to hold fairly steady for the second week in a row, according to retailers contacted by DTN during the third week of April.
As was the case last week, four fertilizers were higher priced while the other four fertilizers were lower priced compared to last month.
None of the fertilizer prices changed by any consequence. DAP averaged $477/ton, MAP $502/ton, anhydrous $588/ton and UAN32 $322/ton.
The remaining four fertilizers were down a small amount compared to the month earlier. Potash averaged $366/ton, urea $388/ton, 10-34-0 $561/ton and UAN28 $274/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, urea averaged $0.42/lb.N, anhydrous $0.36/lb.N, UAN28 $0.49/lb.N and UAN32 $0.50/lb.N.
Fertilizer prices tracked by DTN appear to have bottomed in late February. For example, average anhydrous prices have climbed more than $50/ton since then. But at the moment, all fertilizers remain double-digits lower in price compared to a year earlier.
UAN32 is 13% lower while both urea and 10-34-0 are 14% less expensive from a year ago. In addition, DAP and MAP are both 16% lower, anhydrous and UAN28 are 17% less expensive and potash is 26% lower.
Ethanol Stocks, Output Declined Week-ended April 22
The Energy Information Administration released data today showing ethanol inventories and domestic production declined during the week-ended April 22 while implied demand increased.
The data showed inventories fell about 400,000 bbl or 1.9% to 21.6 million bbl for the week profiled, with year-over-year surplus at 800,000 bbl or 4.4%.
Plant production fell 12,000 bpd or 1.3% last week to 927,000 bpd while 0.76% lower year-over-year.
Blender inputs, a proxy for ethanol demand, increased by 25,000 bpd or 2.8% to 918,000 bpd for the week, while up 4.9% year-over-year.
Farmers and Ranchers Need Government Support, Not Opposition, Farm Bureau Tells Congress
Low commodity prices, tightening credit, expensive land and rising costs for expenses such as seed and fertilizer will lead to financial losses for many farmers and ranchers this year, Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr. told a House subcommittee today.
Testifying on behalf of the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Illinois Farm Bureau, Guebert encouraged Congress to help farm and ranch families endure what observers agree will be a difficult year. He said Illinois farmers who produce row crops have been hit hard along with the rest of the farm economy.
"Over the last 18 months we have seen our working capital erode over 25 percent," Guebert said. "Our equity is fading into the sunset. Indexed to inflation, the economic return for Illinois farmers after accounting for family expenses is currently at its lowest level since 1972. All of this has proven to be a very steep learning curve for a new generation of younger and less experienced farmers who entered the business when times were better."
The emergence of global food markets in recent years has made already volatile commodity markets even less stable than before.
"Commodity prices used to be more predictable," Guebert said. "They were primarily influenced by regional and national factors. Just in the past two weeks we've seen a $1.30 a bushel increase in soybean prices because of rain during harvest in Brazil, and then overnight on April 22 a drop of 22 cents a bushel. Farmers and ranchers are price takers, whether on the input or commodity side of the equation."
Many government programs have helped farm families, but others have hindered the wellbeing of those who raise the food, fuel and fiber Americans depend on every day, Guebert said.
On the positive side:
- Congressional agriculture leaders have protected the farm bill's safety net and risk management tools to help farmers and ranchers cope with market volatility.
- Congress has bolstered the farm economy by supporting significant transportation projects to improve major waterways and make driver licensing more practical and easier to comply with.
- The Environmental Protection Agency has taken a flexible approach on licensing dicamba herbicide formulations.
- The President's Task Force on Pollinators has recognized that beekeepers and farmers need one another and allowed them to work together to preserve pollinators rather than imposing a solution from the outside.
Unfortunately, not all government actions have been so benign:
- Proponents of mandatory labeling for products that include genetically modified ingredients have pushed their anti-science agenda in Congress to the detriment of farmers and consumers alike.
- The nation's H-2A visa program for agricultural workers remains inefficient and impractical for most farmers.
- Compliance with the Affordable Care Act remains confusing and difficult for small seasonal employers such as farmers and ranchers.
- EPA is increasingly restricting pesticides and herbicides without proper scientific evidence for its positions.
- The U.S. Forest Service recently proposed that ranchers surrender their water rights in exchange for the ability to graze on federal lands. The USFS later withdrew the proposal, but this remains a topic of discussion among environmental groups.
"The world population will continue to grow," Guebert told lawmakers. "American farmers have proven time and time again we produce the food, fiber and fuel the world needs. Please don't restrict, limit or constrain our ability to provide what consumers around the world need."
Senate Judiciary Approves Cattle Price Collapse Investigation
In response to R-CALF USA's January request, the Senate Judiciary Committee last week requested the Comptroller General of the United States to use his agency, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), to initiate an investigation into the 2015 cattle price collapse.
In a letter signed by the chairman and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), respectively, along with the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights, Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), respectively, the GAO is asked to investigate the cause of the sudden 15.1 percent drop in fed cattle prices that occurred during the latter half of 2015.
"We are pleased the Judiciary Committee agrees that the evidence we provided regarding the dysfunctionality of our fed cattle market warrants a careful investigation into the current structure of our industry and our industry's susceptibility to anticompetitive practices," said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.
The Judiciary Committee's letter specifically requested the GAO to conduct "a review of the structure of the market and of any possible anticompetitive conduct."
According to the agency's Website, the GAO is an independent, nonpartisan agency often called the 'government watchdog' because it investigates how the federal government spends taxpayer dollars. The Comptroller General of the United States, who heads the GAO, is appointed to a 15-year term by the President. Comptroller General Gene L. Dodaro was appointed by President Barack Obama in 2010.
"This is our last best chance to stop the chickenization of our cattle industry," said Bullard, referring to the vertically integrated structure of the U.S. chicken industry that is under the complete control of large, corporate meatpackers.
"We don't want our cattle industry to follow the chicken industry's path and the only way to reverse our present trajectory towards it is to defend and protect competition in our cattle markets," he added.
In 2010 the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Justice held joint hearings across the country during which both agencies indicated they would begin protecting competition in livestock markets by enforcing antitrust laws and the Packers and Stockyards Act, which prohibits anticompetitive conduct. However, no such actions have been initiated by either agency.
160+ Farm and Food Groups Ask Congress to Reject TPP, Stand Up for Independent Farmers and Ranchers
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has become a divisive issue in the nation’s capital, and criticism intensified after 161 food, farm, faith and rural organizations sent a letter to Capitol Hill today, urging lawmakers to reject the trade pact.
“The main beneficiaries of the TPP are the companies that buy, process and ship raw agricultural commodities, not the farmers who face real risks from rising import competition. TPP imports will compete against U.S. farmers who are facing declining farm prices that are projected to stay low for years,” the organizations wrote.
The White House has promoted the TPP as an export-boon for farmers to generate support for the agreement, but past trade agreements have not always delivered on export promises, the letter noted. For example, the United States’ total combined exports of corn, soybeans and wheat have remained steady at about 100 million metric tons for the last 30 years despite a raft of free trade agreements since the mid-1990s.
“Trade deals do not just add new export markets – the flow of trade goes both ways – and the U.S. has committed to allowing significantly greater market access to imports under the TPP,” the groups explained. Especially “alarming” to the organizations is the agreement’s complete lack of enforceable provisions against currency manipulation, a substantial cause of America’s debilitating $531 billion trade imbalance.
“In its current form, the TPP sets to bankroll global business rather than foster local economies. It fails to address our alarming trade deficit and other serious issues that will be passed on to the family farmer, the everyday consumer and the American worker,” said Roger Johnson, president of National Farmers Union, one of the letter’s signers. “NFU understands this trade agreement is not a good deal for our nearly 200,000 family farm and ranch members.”
The TPP poses particular risks for cattle producers. In 2015, the United States imported nearly 2.3 billion pounds of beef from TPP partners but only exported about 1.2 billion pounds. The TPP will increase beef and cattle imports at a time when domestic cattle prices are plummeting.
“The TPP rolls out the red carpet for foreign cattle imports to undercut American family ranchers,” said Mabel Dobbs, a rancher from Weiser, Idaho, on behalf of the Western Organization of Resource Councils. “We will face the added challenge of competing with cheap, unregulated and un-inspected imported beef. Like failed trade deals of the past, the beneficiaries of this agreement are the multi-national meatpackers at the expense of family farmers and ranchers.”
The TPP also covers important agricultural policy areas such as investment, procurement, labeling, food safety, animal health and crop disease. The stringent rules and dispute system under the TPP make it easier to successfully challenge and overturn domestic laws, as happened last year to country of origin meat labels.
“The TPP will add to the rising tide of imported food that is already overwhelming U.S. farmers, eaters and border inspectors,” said Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter. “Trade deals like the TPP make U.S. farm and food policy subservient to foreign trade tribunals that put global commerce ahead of the needs of American farmers and consumers.”
The letter was introduced at a press teleconference with House Agriculture Committee Member Rep. Rick Nolan, NFU President Roger Johnson, Auburn University agricultural economist Professor C. Robert Taylor and independent rancher and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union member Steve Nein.
EPA Lengthens Comment Period on Dicamba
The Environmental Protection Agency has extended the public comment period on dicamba formulations to be used with Monsanto's new Xtend herbicide trait technology to May 31. That means growers can plant the technology, but will not have a dicamba herbicide available in time to use during the 2016 season.
Monsanto, DuPont Pioneer and many other licensees commercialized dicamba-tolerant soybeans for the first time this spring. Farmers have already taken delivery and in some cases planted Roundup Ready 2 Xtend (RR2X) soybeans. Companies have informed DTN that they are working with growers to exchange product upon request. Growers are urged to work with their seed dealers if they wish to swap seed.
"We do not expect dicamba to be available for in-crop use in 2016," said Monsanto spokesman John Combest. That means any use of a dicamba herbicide on RR2X soybeans in-season during 2016 before final labels are approved by EPA and state officials would be a violation of law.
After the comment period closes, EPA will review all of the comments and reach a final decision, which the agency expects to issue in late summer or early fall 2016.
Growers can still use glyphosate (Roundup) since the RR2X system also contains that trait, but weeds have become increasingly resistant to glyphosate.
Intellectual Property Report Details U.S. Trade Representative's Global Initiatives to Defend
Rights of Common Food Name Users
A report issued by the U.S. Trade Representative's Office today outlined the Administration's broad scope of activities aimed at combating the abuse of geographical indications (GIs) threatening the use of common food names.
USTR's annual Special 301 report touted the extensive efforts in numerous countries and forums that the Administration has undertaken to stem the European Union's efforts to use GIs to erect barriers to U.S. exports.
"Protecting the right to use generic food names is increasingly important to U.S. food and beverage companies," said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of the Consortium for Common Food Names, an international alliance dedicated to preserving rights to use common food names. "Producers around the world continue to grapple with the harmful effects of the EU's overly broad approach to GIs and the impact this policy has already had in numerous markets."
"USTR's robust defense of common food name users - and the rights of buyers to maintain a variety of sources for common food categories - is particularly valuable at this point in time when the EU is seeking to replicate here in the U.S. market its harmful pattern of using its FTAs to impose GI policies aimed at restricting trade and competition," stated Castaneda. "The GI provisions in TPP are a strong step in the right direction toward bringing more transparency and balance to the process of GI evaluations in various countries."
Castaneda said CCFN will continue working with USTR on GIs and called on governments around the world to stop the illegal confiscation of generic names. "We look forward to partnering with USTR to use the tools in TPP, as well as direct engagement with key markets, to preserve access for common food name products," he said. "With the help of USTR and the cooperation of other governments, we can make real progress toward a more equitable system of considering and approving geographical indications across the globe," he said.
BASF launches Grow Smart™ University
BASF announced the launch of a new online educational resource, Grow Smart™ University, which connects growers and industry professionals with agronomic and agribusiness content. Grow Smart University offers an extensive library of farm management information, making it easier and faster to find helpful materials.
“Growers face increasingly complex situations in farming, and many look to the Web for answers,” said Paul Leeland, Product Manager, BASF. “Grow Smart University helps provide necessary educational resources to make informed decisions.”
Content is available in videos, e-books, industry expert webinars, educational modules and flashcards to accommodate a variety of learning-style preferences. All materials are categorized by topic, allowing visitors to delve deep into a variety of subjects. Crop-specific courses cover best practices from seed to harvest, while courses on general agricultural principles focus on whole issues, such as plant health or agribusiness. New content is uploaded regularly to keep visitors abreast of new issues and technologies in the industry.
“Grow Smart University is a tool as flexible as the growers who use it,” Leeland said. “By having on-demand access to education, growers can operate on their own schedule to learn about new developments and tools to help their operation.”
BASF’s Grow Smart approach helps growers get the most out of every acre by combining the best partnerships, resources and risk-reduction tools to build customized plans focused on individual operations. With teamwork at its core, Grow Smart is a better way to do business.
Gain access to Grow Smart University by logging in at www.growsmartuniversity.com.
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