Friday April 29 Ag News

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.