USDA Acreage Report - June 30, 2016
Corn Planted Acreage Up 7 Percent from 2015
Soybean Acreage Up 1 Percent
All Wheat Acreage Down 7 Percent
All Cotton Acreage Up 17 Percent
Corn planted area for all purposes in 2016 is estimated at 94.1 million acres, up 7 percent from last year. This represents the third highest planted acreage in the United States since 1944. Area harvested for grain, at 86.6 million acres, is up 7 percent from last year and represents the third highest area harvested for grain since 1933.
Soybean planted area for 2016 is estimated at a record high 83.7 million acres, up 1 percent from last year. Area for harvest, at 83.0 million acres, is also up 1 percent from 2015 and will be a record high if realized. Record high planted acreage is estimated in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
All wheat planted area for 2016 is estimated at 50.8 million acres, down 7 percent from 2015. The 2016 winter wheat planted area, at 36.5 million acres, is down 7 percent from last year but up 1 percent from the previous estimate. Of this total, about 26.5 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 6.58 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.42 million acres are White Winter. Area planted to other spring wheat for 2016 is estimated at 12.1 million acres, down 8 percent from 2015. Of this total, about 11.4 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat. Durum planted area for 2016 is estimated at 2.15 million acres, up 11 percent from the previous year.
All cotton planted area for 2016 is estimated at 10.0 million acres, 17 percent above last year. Upland area is estimated at 9.82 million acres, up 17 percent from 2015. American Pima area is estimated at 199,000 acres, up 26 percent from 2015.
USDA Quarterly Grain Stocks Report - June 30, 2016
Corn Stocks Up 6 Percent from June 2015
Soybean Stocks Up 39 Percent
All Wheat Stocks Up 30 Percent
Corn stocks in all positions on June 1, 2016 totaled 4.72 billion bushels, up 6 percent from June 1, 2015. Of the total stocks, 2.47 billion bushels are stored on farms, up 9 percent from a year earlier. Off-farm stocks, at 2.25 billion bushels, are up 3 percent from a year ago. The March - May 2016 indicated disappearance is 3.10 billion bushels, compared with 3.30 billion bushels during the same period last year.
Soybeans stored in all positions on June 1, 2016 totaled 870 million bushels, up 39 percent from June 1, 2015. On-farm stocks totaled 281 million bushels, up 14 percent from a year ago. Off-farm stocks, at 589 million bushels, are up 55 percent from a year ago. Indicated disappearance for the March - May 2016 quarter totaled 661 million bushels, down 5 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Old crop all wheat stored in all positions on June 1, 2016 totaled 981 million bushels, up 30 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks are estimated at 197 million bushels, up 27 percent from last year. Off-farm stocks, at 784 million bushels, are up 31 percent from a year ago. The March - May 2016 indicated disappearance is 391 million bushels, up 1 percent from the same period a year earlier.
Grain sorghum stored in all positions on June 1, 2016 totaled 88.3 million bushels, up 157 percent from a year ago. On-farm stocks, at 9.70 million bushels, are up 228 percent from last year. Off-farm stocks, at 78.6 million bushels, are up 151 percent from June 1, 2015. The March - May 2016 indicated disappearance from all positions is 113 million bushels, up 32 percent from the same period last year.
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
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Wednesday June 29 Ag News
N-DOR Hay Harvesting Permits Now Available
The program that enables Nebraska landowners to obtain hay harvesting permits is now in effect. Nebraska landowners whose land abuts the state right-of-way have until July 30 to apply for and receive a $40.00 permit. After July 30, anyone may apply. Applicants wishing to obtain a permit are reminded that proof of one-million dollar liability insurance must accompany every application.
Hay harvesting permits are governed in accordance with Chapter 39, Article 13 of the Neb. Rev. Stat. 39-1359.01. Any hay harvested without a permit will become the property of the State and shall be confiscated by the Department. Interstate highways and freeways are excluded from the program. Abutting landowners who have obtained permits may begin harvesting on July 15, additional permit holders are restricted to harvesting between August 1 and September 15.
The $40.00 permits will be available at NDOR area maintenance offices located across Nebraska. Complete rules and regulations for hay harvesting can be found at http://www.roads.nebraska.gov/hay/ or by calling your local state highway maintenance or District office.
20th Annual Nebraska Pork Producers Capital City Ribfest Set For August 18-20, 2016
Pinnacle Bank Arena announced the 20th Annual Nebraska Pork Producers Capital City Ribfest is set for August 18 through 20 at Pinnacle Bank Arena's Festival Lot located just north of the arena.
Nebraska Pork Producers Capital City Ribfest celebrates its 20th year as Lincoln's favorite and longest-running summer festival featuring award-winning barbecue from around the country and some of the best local and regional live music on the Ribfest Soundstage.
Nine award-winning barbecue vendors will be serving smoked varieties of ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken and more. The festival is unique to Lincoln in that barbecue is the focal point of the event - offering the public a chance to sample a variety of barbecue recipes from Southern, Texas style, Australian, and Southwestern BBQ, all without leaving Lincoln!
Attendees can take in the Bud Light Beer Garden Experience. The 75’ x 55’ mobile beer garden provides a perfect gathering place for patrons to sit and enjoy an ice cold beverage with televisions.
The Ribfest Soundstage will feature super hits from The 402 Band on Thursday night, country red dirt sounds of Wade Bowen on Friday night, and Texas country sensation Randy Rogers Band Saturday night!
WHEN:
Thurs. Aug. 18: 11:00AM to 10:00PM
Fri. Aug. 19: 11:00AM to Midnight
Sat. Aug. 20: 11:00AM to Midnight
WHERE:
Pinnacle Bank Arena Festival Lot - located north of Pinnacle Bank Arena
PARKING:
Pinnacle Bank Arena Festival Lot: $5.00
ADMISSION AT GATE ONLY:
$5 for Adults; FREE for Kids 11 & Under
**On Thursday, August 18 and Friday, August 19, admission is FREE from 11AM - 2PM with a can of food for the Food Bank of Lincoln as a suggested admission. Free sides will also be available those same two days from all barbecue vendors. No coolers or outside food or beverages allowed in the festival area. Also no skateboards or bicycles inside the festival area.
PARTICIPATING RIB VENDORS:
Aussom Aussie - Sydney, Australia
NEW - BBQ King Smokehouse - Woodstock, IL
NEW - BBQ Masters - Stockbridge, GA
Desperado's BBQ & Rib Co. - Hinckley, OH
Howling Coyote Southwestern BBQ - Chicago, IL
Johnson's BBQ - Chesapeake, VA
Just North of Memphis - Annandale, MN
Porky N' Beans - Port St. Lucie, FL
Texas Rib Rangers - Denton, TX
Capital City Ribfest began in 1997 and has grown to be one of the area’s biggest and favorite summer events. The Nebraska Pork Producers Association has sponsored the event since its inaugural year. “Having a partnership with the Nebraska Pork Producers Association made Ribfest possible 20 years ago and that support continues today. We appreciate their loyalty and we strive to produce an event they can be proud of,” said Pinnacle Bank Arena General Manager Tom Lorenz.
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND THE 45th ANNUAL NAYI
Around 175 Nebraska high school juniors and seniors will grow their knowledge and passion for agriculture by serving as delegates at this year’s 45th annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI), July 11-14, in Lincoln.
“NAYI began as a program to encourage youth to expand their knowledge of agriculture and over the years has expanded to also include agricultural career exploration,” said NDA director Greg Ibach. “As the program celebrates its 45th year this year, it is the longest running program of its kind in the county.”
NAYI will be held July 11-14 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. During the five-day Institute, delegates participate in agriculture policy and group discussions, as well as learn about potential career paths available in the agricultural industry. Motivational speakers and a farm management program help delegates develop leadership potential and strengthen their pride in Nebraska agriculture. The week also provides delegates an opportunity to network with industry leaders, top-notch speakers and ag representatives.
2016 Participants include:
First Name Last Name City
Aaliyah Scott North Bend
AJ Carlson Loomis
Alexa Nelson Albion
Alexander Schellpeper Stanton
Alexis Corman Bridgeport
Allyson Lawson Hayes Center
Amber Ross Callaway
Anna Burbach Hartington
Ashley Frenzen Fullerton
Austin Harthoorn Ainsworth
Braden Dvorak Dodge
Brent Miller Lyons
Brent Lemmer Atkinson
Brianne Haskell Lyons
Brittany Timoney Ulysses
Caleb Staben Louisville
Caleb Vonderfecht Hebron
Camille Larson Plattsmouth
Chase Hoffschneider Burwell
Chelby Huck Bayard
Cheyanne Franzen Superior
Cheyenne Gerlach DeWitt
Christy Cooper Waverly
Claira Thede Palmer
Clayton Darby Pleasanton
Cody Lambrecht Kennard
Cody Rambaugh Plymouth
Cody Whitehead Geneva
Collin Swedberg North Platte
Colton Fangmeier Hebron
Cooper Grabenstein Smithfield
Corey Conway Compbell
Courtney Anderson Hastings
Courtney Philips Bertrand
Courtney Scholting Springfield
Courtney Nelson Monroe
Craig Hebda Silver Creek
Dakota Chapman North Bend
Danielle McNeel Sutherland
Darby O'Connor Paxton
Doran Kolasa Merna
Eli Wolfe Kearney
Elizabeth Ruskamp North Bend
Emily Frenzen Fullerton
Emma Good Ainsworth
Eric Leisy Wisner
Erin Muntz Louisville
Fina Choat St. Edward
Gage Christensen Arthur
Gage Kraeger Avoca
Gannon Tighe Norfolk
Gareth Stauffer Loomis
Garrett McKenzie Rising City
Grace McDonald Phillips
Grant Dahlgren Bertrand
Haley Ehrke Orleans
Halle Ramsey Ord
Hanna Cronk Page
Hannah Esch Unadilla
Hannah Lowe Murray
Hannah Miller Gresham
Hannah Settje Raymond
Hayley Kastrup Blair
Heather Martin Ainsworth
Heather Bentley Miller
Heidi Borg Allen
Hunter Hill Scottsbluff
Isaac Surridge Overtion
Jacce Beck Ainsworth
Jacob Klingelhoefer Amherst
Jacob Meyer Avoca
Jacob Schlick Fairfield
Jacob Vallery Plattsmouth
Jacqueline Stauffer Harrisburg
Jake Lammers Lexington
Jared Stander Ashland
Jay Laub Grand Island
Jaycee Fleming Bassett
Jayton Frank Cedar Bluffs
Jeffrey Katz Springfield
Jennifer Pallas Stromsburg
Joel Schroeder Paxton
Jordan Fullner Wisner
Josh Hornung Davey
Josh Powers Arthur
Kara Philips Bertrand
Karen Keyes Tecumseh
Karly Niewohner Scribner
Katlyn Einspahr Bertrand
Kaydie Brandl Humphrey
Kaylee Hostler Central City
Kelsey Phillips Mullen
Kendra Froman Lynch
Kendra Wollenburg Beatrice
Kevin Sousek Malmo
Kristin Meybrunn Liberty
Krystin Oborny Garland
Lance Aspegren Wilcox
Landon Wright Hastings
Leslie Sommerhalder Steinauer
Lindsay Peters Scribner
Logan Cloudt Omaha
Louise Wiseman Hershey
Madisen Randa Verdigre
Madison Jones Papillion
Madison Mills Weeping Water
Maggie May Wallace
Maisie Kennicutt Elsie
Manuel Acosta Bayard
Marah Hestermann Sterling
Marissa Kegley Kearney
Matthew Morton Nehawka
Matthew Hinrichs Hildreth
Megan Coan Platte Center
Megan Leasure Winnetoon
Micah Erickson Sterling
Michael Borgelt Wisner
Mitch Krenk Dwight
Molly Suhr Seward
Morgan Chandler Lincoln
Moriah Rawlings Saint Paul
Natalie G'Schwind Callaway
Natalie Jones Stapleton
Nate Lundeen Minden
Nathan Choat Plainview
Nicholas Nelson Ceresco
Patrick Peterson Gothenburg
Payton Schmidt St. Paul
Rachael Calvo Bassett
Rachel Stewart Newport
Rebecca McKay Pender
Regan Rasmussen Riverdale
Renae Goodwin Madrid
Robert Nelson Wallace
Robyn Isom Page
Rochelle Corman Nelson
Rudy Pooch Tecumseh
Ryan Ochsner Saronville
Sage Williams Eddyville
Sam Scholting Springfield
Santiago Ramos Bridgeport
Sarah Buehler Sterling
Sarah Lammers Hartington
Sarah Thiltges Rulo
Sathena Scarborough St. Paul
Sean Krebs Clearwater
Shelby Wachter Blair
Sheridan Swotek Lincoln
Skyler Salts Steinauer
Sofia Sedlacek Nehawka
Sophia Lentfer Firth
Sydney Brewer Falls City
Sydni Lienemann Princeton
Tahya Jerabek Farwell
Tayler Banks Wallace
Taylor Nielsen Lincoln
Taylor Stratman Stromsburg
Tejlor Strope O'Neill
Tiffaney Connelly Bridgeport
Tisha Foltz Humphrey
Tracy Chvala O'Neil
Travis Likens Swanton
Trevor Ricenbaw Beaver Crossing
Tyler Chandler Anselmo
Vanessa Taylor Ainsworth
Victoria Whitmore Shelby
William Babbitt Paxton
William Kusant Comstock
Wyatt Loeffler Mitchell
Yesenia Perez Elm Creek
Zachary Temple Holdrege
Since its start in 1971, NAYI has shared the importance of agriculture with more than 5,500 youth from across the state. Delegates apply for and are selected to attend the Institute free of charge due to numerous donations from agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations.
The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) helps organize several agricultural learning experiences for Nebraska youth including all NAYI events. NDA selects Council members who are passionate about agriculture and who want to teach young Nebraskans about the state’s leading industry. This year’s Council is comprised of 23 college-age men and women from across the state.
New Online Forecasting Tool to Assess Cropping Systems
A web tool was developed by Iowa State University personnel to help farmers make in-season and pre-season crop management decisions based on real-time information and predicted outcomes. The Forecast and Assessment of Cropping sysTemS (FACTS) was recently launched online (crops.extension.iastate.edu/facts), and is a free, publicly available service. The forecasting tool provides detailed information on weather, soil water and nitrogen, crop staging, temperature stress, and yields.
“FACTS will indicate to farmers if soil water or nitrogen are adequate, and how current weather conditions could affect yield potential,” said Mark Licht, extension cropping systems agronomist at Iowa State University. “Ultimately, getting a good indication of yield potential can help farmers make grain marketing decisions prior to harvest.”
Summary information from six locations across Iowa, which includes precipitation, yields, soil nitrogen status, growing degree days (GDD), and crop N, and water uptake, is updated every 10 days. The latest forecast information is available from June 23. The weather forecast is updated every day.
“FACTS provides scientific information during the growing season when it is most needed to help farmers make informed decisions,” said Sotirios Archontoulis, assistant professor of integrated cropping systems at Iowa State University.
In addition to the forecasting tool, an assessment tool will be launched in the fall of 2016. The assessment tool will provide an analysis of the 2016 growing season, including the yield gap and management practices to improve the 2017 planting and growing season.
“As the season comes to a close, a post-season scenario analysis can be done to show what could have been done differently, as far as management is concerned, to achieve better profitability, productivity and environmental goals,” said Licht.
FACTS uses a systems approach and information for forecasts are gathered by: mechanistic cropping systems model (APSIM) that simulate crop growth, soil dynamics and soil-crop-weather interactions including subsurface (tile) drainage; actual, historical and forecasted weather information from NDFD and CFS models; frequent soil, crop and weather ground-truth measurements; and advanced statistical and visualization tools to disseminate the information.
To view the most recent forecast from June 23 and learn more about the online forecasting tool, visit crops.extension.iastate.edu/facts.
FarmHer to Hold Second Annual Grow Event for Young Women
FarmHer, an organization focusing on women in agriculture, will hold its second annual Grow event for young women on September 23 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, IA.
Young women, between the ages of 15 to 23, will be informed, inspired, and encouraged to pursue their passion for agriculture through their future careers as professionals and producers. A limited number of tickets are available now at farmher.com/pages/grow. Tickets are $30 while group rates are $25.
Participants will enjoy an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers and participate in engaging breakout sessions. Breakfast, lunch, and an exclusive Grow by FarmHer Tshirt will be provided for each participant.
The Women Leading the Way Luncheon will connect current agriculture professionals and producers with future agricultural leaders. Discussions will include personal branding, legacy planning, producer's perspectives, international agriculture and more.
Two keynote speakers including Laura Daniels, a dairy FarmHer and blogger from Wisconsin and Marji Guyler Alaniz, Founder of FarmHer will provide useful advice and empowering words for the young women in attendance. The FarmHer Connection Point networking area will be available throughout the day, connecting the women with ag based businesses and organizations.
Americans Remain Divided on Perceptions of GMO Labeling
On the eve of a first-of-its-kind law on GMO labeling scheduled to go into effect on July 1 in Vermont, Americans remain divided on their perceptions of GMO labeling and their use in the food supply, according to the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation’s 2016 Food and Health Survey. Additionally, IFIC Foundation created a visual representation of the data.
Americans have mixed feelings about the existing GMO labeling policy. Currently, the FDA requires that GMO foods be labeled only if they have substantial differences from their non-GMO counterparts (such as whether there are nutritional differences or potential allergens). Yet there is a lot of buzz about expanding this policy to apply to all GMO foods.
Uncertainty is high on the issue, with 28 percent of the population unsure as to whether the current policy should be expanded to label all GMOs. Nationally, 44 percent of Americans show support for an expanded GMO labeling policy that would be applied to all foods containing GMOs.
Slight regional differences exist. The greatest approval of the current FDA labeling policy came from the Midwest (25 percent), and largest disapproval came from the South (8 percent).
When asking Americans about their impression of the use of GMOs in the food supply, the responses also varied. Nationally, 51 percent of Americans are either unsure or had no preference for their use. The greatest opposition for the use of GMOs in food came from the West (33 percent), and the greatest support for use was found in the Northeast (21 percent).
“What is apparent from our research is that more education and outreach opportunities need to be made available to consumers about GMOs,” said Kimberly Reed, president of the IFIC Foundation. “According to a report recently published by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), there is no difference in potential or adverse health effects in GMO crops compared to non-GMOs. In other words, GMO crops are as safe to eat as their non-GMO counterparts.”
Despite the 44 percent of consumers who support expanded GMO labeling, far fewer of them are actually avoiding GMOs or seeking out non-GMO labels. Nationally, a plurality of shoppers either are not sure or do not express a preference about avoiding or consuming GMOs (42 percent). Only about one-third (34 percent) are trying to avoid GMOs.
Consumers are less impacted by labeling in restaurants than they are at the grocery store. Nearly 21 percent said they buy foods and beverages because they are advertised on the label as non-GMO. This is compared to 14 percent of Americans who eat at restaurants because they advertised their food and beverages as non-GMO.
However, in an open-ended question asking whether there is information not currently on food labels consumers would like to see, only 3 percent said they wanted GMO labeling, suggesting that it is not a top-of-mind issue for the vast majority of Americans.
Despite the disparity in perceptions on GMOs, the majority of Americans (66 percent) are confident in the safety of the U.S. food supply. Only 7 percent have no confidence. The Midwest had the greatest confidence in the food supply, with 15 percent being “very confident.” The West had the lowest cumulative confidence, with 30 percent having “little or no confidence.”
UAN32 Prices Continue to Slip
For a second straight week retail fertilizer prices are showing some movement after months of extremely steady prices, according to retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the fourth week of June 2016.
All eight of the major fertilizer were lower in price compared to the previous month. The only fertilizer to show a significant move was UAN32. The liquid nitrogen fertilizer was down 5% compared to the previous month and averaged $305/ton.
The remaining seven fertilizers were lower in price from last month, but the move was fairly minor. DAP averaged $470/ton, MAP $495/ton, potash $358/ton, urea $366/ton, 10-34-0 $554/ton, anhydrous $567/ton and UAN28 $265/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.35/lb.N, UAN28 $0.47/lb.N and UAN32 $0.48/lb.N.
According to DTN's surveys, all retail fertilizers remain double-digits lower than a year ago. 10-34-0 is 14% lower while MAP is 17% less expensive and DAP, anhydrous and UAN32 are all 18% lower. UAN28 is 20% lower, urea is 22% lower and potash is 27% less expensive compared to last year.
Dairy Organizations Lament Impact of Canada’s Barriers to Dairy Trade as North American Summit Begins
Today the United States, Canada and Mexico kicked off the North American Leaders’ Summit in Ottawa. One topic of key importance in the trading relationship between the United States and Canada has been Canada’s persistent undermining of U.S. dairy export access, a pattern that has cost American dairy farmers and processors hundreds of millions of dollars. Most recently, Canada has instituted a new pricing policy at the provincial level that is designed to discourage Canadian processors from using imported dairy products.
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) expressed appreciation for the Obama Administration’s attention to the harmful impact on U.S. dairy exports caused by Canada’s continual erection of nontariff trade barriers. The two organizations underscored the importance of high-level discussions this week on Canada’s actions on dairy, and how they hurt the U.S.-Canada trading relationship.
“America’s dairy farmers rely on exports to provide a home for the equivalent of one day’s worth of milk production each week,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of NMPF. “When other countries disingenuously use policies and regulations to block those sales – especially in light of previously negotiated free trade agreements – the negative impact is felt on the farm. This is particularly damaging in tough years like this when milk supplies exceed demand. We hope President Obama will continue to hold our trading partners accountable, particularly those with whom we’re preparing to deepen our trade ties, such as Trans-Pacific Partnership members.”
Tom Suber, President of USDEC, echoed that point: “U.S. companies have made investments here at home, adding more jobs and expanding manufacturing facilities, to meet the demands of global buyers – including those in Canada. Our industry recognizes that we need to play by the rules – it’s only right that the U.S. insist that others do so, as well.”
NMPF and USDEC both support the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Both organizations, however, have stressed the importance of ensuring that the agreement works in practice as envisioned on paper and the importance of Canada’s compliance with existing obligations in achieving that result.
Showcase Days help growers resolve crop production challenges
Growers around the country are invited to visit a local Showcase Days event and learn about the most recent advances in managing weed resistance; sudden death syndrome in soybeans; nematode pressure; and other agronomic challenges. The events will also feature seed traits, varieties and hybrids.
Showcase Days consists of a series of events scheduled in fields around the country, tailored to provide growers with solutions for their agronomic challenges. Sponsored by Bayer, specialists and local agronomists will be on site to discuss problems and provide solutions, specific to local growers’ fields, soil profiles and environmental conditions.
“Growers have a lot of information to absorb every year, as they plan for the next season,” said Bayer Marketing Manager, Malin Westfall. “These Bayer Showcase Days help growers wade through a lot of that information in a concise way. We invite growers to visit us, see products at work and get honest answers to their questions.”
These events run from July through September and demonstrate the success of various Bayer products used on corn, soybeans, cereals, canola and cotton crops. Growers can register for their local Showcase Days event at www.showcaseplottours.bayer.us. This site also includes information for locations and events.
Attendees can also enter the Real Yield Sweepstakes onsite for a chance to win prizes like a 500 acre field of LibertyLink for soybeans or cotton.
2016 Showcase Day Locations:
-Madison, WI -- July 6 (soybeans, corn, cereal crops)
-Le Sueur, MN -- July 7 (soybeans, corn)
-Sabin, MN -- July 12 (soybeans, corn, cereal crops)
-Goehner, NE -- July 13 (soybeans, cereal crops)
-Indianola, IA -- July 13 (soybeans, corn)
-Emmetsburg, IA -- July 14 (soybeans, corn)
-Mexico, MO -- July 15 (soybeans, corn)
-Manhattan, KS – August 3 (soybeans, corn, cereal crops)
-Dawson, GA -- August 9 (soybeans, corn, cotton, cereal crops)
-Brookings/Volga, SD -- August 10 (soybeans, corn, cereal crops)
-Brownsburg, IN -- August 10 (soybeans, corn, cereal crops)
-Athens, IL -- August 11 (soybeans, corn)
-Sparta, IL -- August 16 (soybeans, corn)
-Pikeville, NC -- August 30 (soybeans, corn, cotton)
-Troy, OH -- September 8 (soybeans, corn)
-Stockbridge, MI -- September 13 (soybeans, corn)
Bayer is committed to bringing new technology and solutions for agriculture and non-agricultural uses. For questions concerning the availability and use of products, contact a local Bayer representative, or visit Crop Science, a division of Bayer, online at www.cropscience.bayer.us.
New Challenger® 1000 Series Tractors
Challenger®, a global brand of AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), introduces an entirely new category of tractors to North American agribusiness operations. Challenger 1000 Series tractors are the industry’s most versatile standard tractor and the ‘must-see’ innovation for 2016. Designed to deliver lower cost of ownership per acre, advanced connectivity and world-class Challenger performance, they are available in four powerful models ranging from 396 to 517 engine horsepower. Producers will get their first look at the tractors during the 2016 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, Aug. 30-Sept.1.
“The needs of producers in North America continue to evolve as operations become larger and require more efficiency,” says Josh Keeney, tactical marketing manager at AGCO. “The Challenger 1000 Series tractors bring an entirely new solution to the market. These tractors combine the power of a small-frame, articulated 4-wheel drive with the flexibility and speed of a lighter-weight, fixed-frame row crop machine.
“Using what we call the new Accu™ platform, the 1000 Series tractors are built to be smarter, more intuitive and efficient, to help producers reduce input costs, increase productivity and ultimately be more profitable,” Keeney adds. “This approach is a logical next step in Challenger’s evolution after our work perfecting the track tractor.”
Key to the new Series is the entirely new AccuDrive™ powertrain concept and an upgraded stepless CVT transmission, which provide the tractors with both their power and flexibility. Add to this the tractor’s full suite of on-board technology and an all-new, comfort-focused cab, and these tractors are a single solution for today’s high horsepower needs, from planting and heavy tillage or row crop work to harvesting and on-road hauling up to 31 mph.
Redefining productivity through precision
All Challenger 1000 Series models are equipped with the ISO-compliant AccuTerminal™ for intuitive, one-stop control of all tractor and implement functions. In addition, the AccuTerminal fully integrates with AGCO’s entire suite of Fuse® Technologies and Fuse Connected Services, bringing a new level of precision and productivity to professional farming operations, to help optimize yields and save on operating inputs and time.
A comfortable step up
Owners and operators will appreciate the new fit and finish of the spacious, comfortable cabs on the Challenger 1000 tractors. The cabs offer a variety of amenities from air-ride suspension and deluxe leather seat to the ergonomic and intuitive placement of the tractor controls, making a long day in the field feel almost effortless.
Debuting at fall farm shows
The Challenger 1000 Series tractors will make their public debut at farm shows this fall, including the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa; Big Iron in West Fargo, N. D. and at Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Neb.
The program that enables Nebraska landowners to obtain hay harvesting permits is now in effect. Nebraska landowners whose land abuts the state right-of-way have until July 30 to apply for and receive a $40.00 permit. After July 30, anyone may apply. Applicants wishing to obtain a permit are reminded that proof of one-million dollar liability insurance must accompany every application.
Hay harvesting permits are governed in accordance with Chapter 39, Article 13 of the Neb. Rev. Stat. 39-1359.01. Any hay harvested without a permit will become the property of the State and shall be confiscated by the Department. Interstate highways and freeways are excluded from the program. Abutting landowners who have obtained permits may begin harvesting on July 15, additional permit holders are restricted to harvesting between August 1 and September 15.
The $40.00 permits will be available at NDOR area maintenance offices located across Nebraska. Complete rules and regulations for hay harvesting can be found at http://www.roads.nebraska.gov/hay/ or by calling your local state highway maintenance or District office.
20th Annual Nebraska Pork Producers Capital City Ribfest Set For August 18-20, 2016
Pinnacle Bank Arena announced the 20th Annual Nebraska Pork Producers Capital City Ribfest is set for August 18 through 20 at Pinnacle Bank Arena's Festival Lot located just north of the arena.
Nebraska Pork Producers Capital City Ribfest celebrates its 20th year as Lincoln's favorite and longest-running summer festival featuring award-winning barbecue from around the country and some of the best local and regional live music on the Ribfest Soundstage.
Nine award-winning barbecue vendors will be serving smoked varieties of ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken and more. The festival is unique to Lincoln in that barbecue is the focal point of the event - offering the public a chance to sample a variety of barbecue recipes from Southern, Texas style, Australian, and Southwestern BBQ, all without leaving Lincoln!
Attendees can take in the Bud Light Beer Garden Experience. The 75’ x 55’ mobile beer garden provides a perfect gathering place for patrons to sit and enjoy an ice cold beverage with televisions.
The Ribfest Soundstage will feature super hits from The 402 Band on Thursday night, country red dirt sounds of Wade Bowen on Friday night, and Texas country sensation Randy Rogers Band Saturday night!
WHEN:
Thurs. Aug. 18: 11:00AM to 10:00PM
Fri. Aug. 19: 11:00AM to Midnight
Sat. Aug. 20: 11:00AM to Midnight
WHERE:
Pinnacle Bank Arena Festival Lot - located north of Pinnacle Bank Arena
PARKING:
Pinnacle Bank Arena Festival Lot: $5.00
ADMISSION AT GATE ONLY:
$5 for Adults; FREE for Kids 11 & Under
**On Thursday, August 18 and Friday, August 19, admission is FREE from 11AM - 2PM with a can of food for the Food Bank of Lincoln as a suggested admission. Free sides will also be available those same two days from all barbecue vendors. No coolers or outside food or beverages allowed in the festival area. Also no skateboards or bicycles inside the festival area.
PARTICIPATING RIB VENDORS:
Aussom Aussie - Sydney, Australia
NEW - BBQ King Smokehouse - Woodstock, IL
NEW - BBQ Masters - Stockbridge, GA
Desperado's BBQ & Rib Co. - Hinckley, OH
Howling Coyote Southwestern BBQ - Chicago, IL
Johnson's BBQ - Chesapeake, VA
Just North of Memphis - Annandale, MN
Porky N' Beans - Port St. Lucie, FL
Texas Rib Rangers - Denton, TX
Capital City Ribfest began in 1997 and has grown to be one of the area’s biggest and favorite summer events. The Nebraska Pork Producers Association has sponsored the event since its inaugural year. “Having a partnership with the Nebraska Pork Producers Association made Ribfest possible 20 years ago and that support continues today. We appreciate their loyalty and we strive to produce an event they can be proud of,” said Pinnacle Bank Arena General Manager Tom Lorenz.
STUDENTS SELECTED TO ATTEND THE 45th ANNUAL NAYI
Around 175 Nebraska high school juniors and seniors will grow their knowledge and passion for agriculture by serving as delegates at this year’s 45th annual Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute (NAYI), July 11-14, in Lincoln.
“NAYI began as a program to encourage youth to expand their knowledge of agriculture and over the years has expanded to also include agricultural career exploration,” said NDA director Greg Ibach. “As the program celebrates its 45th year this year, it is the longest running program of its kind in the county.”
NAYI will be held July 11-14 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus. During the five-day Institute, delegates participate in agriculture policy and group discussions, as well as learn about potential career paths available in the agricultural industry. Motivational speakers and a farm management program help delegates develop leadership potential and strengthen their pride in Nebraska agriculture. The week also provides delegates an opportunity to network with industry leaders, top-notch speakers and ag representatives.
2016 Participants include:
First Name Last Name City
Aaliyah Scott North Bend
AJ Carlson Loomis
Alexa Nelson Albion
Alexander Schellpeper Stanton
Alexis Corman Bridgeport
Allyson Lawson Hayes Center
Amber Ross Callaway
Anna Burbach Hartington
Ashley Frenzen Fullerton
Austin Harthoorn Ainsworth
Braden Dvorak Dodge
Brent Miller Lyons
Brent Lemmer Atkinson
Brianne Haskell Lyons
Brittany Timoney Ulysses
Caleb Staben Louisville
Caleb Vonderfecht Hebron
Camille Larson Plattsmouth
Chase Hoffschneider Burwell
Chelby Huck Bayard
Cheyanne Franzen Superior
Cheyenne Gerlach DeWitt
Christy Cooper Waverly
Claira Thede Palmer
Clayton Darby Pleasanton
Cody Lambrecht Kennard
Cody Rambaugh Plymouth
Cody Whitehead Geneva
Collin Swedberg North Platte
Colton Fangmeier Hebron
Cooper Grabenstein Smithfield
Corey Conway Compbell
Courtney Anderson Hastings
Courtney Philips Bertrand
Courtney Scholting Springfield
Courtney Nelson Monroe
Craig Hebda Silver Creek
Dakota Chapman North Bend
Danielle McNeel Sutherland
Darby O'Connor Paxton
Doran Kolasa Merna
Eli Wolfe Kearney
Elizabeth Ruskamp North Bend
Emily Frenzen Fullerton
Emma Good Ainsworth
Eric Leisy Wisner
Erin Muntz Louisville
Fina Choat St. Edward
Gage Christensen Arthur
Gage Kraeger Avoca
Gannon Tighe Norfolk
Gareth Stauffer Loomis
Garrett McKenzie Rising City
Grace McDonald Phillips
Grant Dahlgren Bertrand
Haley Ehrke Orleans
Halle Ramsey Ord
Hanna Cronk Page
Hannah Esch Unadilla
Hannah Lowe Murray
Hannah Miller Gresham
Hannah Settje Raymond
Hayley Kastrup Blair
Heather Martin Ainsworth
Heather Bentley Miller
Heidi Borg Allen
Hunter Hill Scottsbluff
Isaac Surridge Overtion
Jacce Beck Ainsworth
Jacob Klingelhoefer Amherst
Jacob Meyer Avoca
Jacob Schlick Fairfield
Jacob Vallery Plattsmouth
Jacqueline Stauffer Harrisburg
Jake Lammers Lexington
Jared Stander Ashland
Jay Laub Grand Island
Jaycee Fleming Bassett
Jayton Frank Cedar Bluffs
Jeffrey Katz Springfield
Jennifer Pallas Stromsburg
Joel Schroeder Paxton
Jordan Fullner Wisner
Josh Hornung Davey
Josh Powers Arthur
Kara Philips Bertrand
Karen Keyes Tecumseh
Karly Niewohner Scribner
Katlyn Einspahr Bertrand
Kaydie Brandl Humphrey
Kaylee Hostler Central City
Kelsey Phillips Mullen
Kendra Froman Lynch
Kendra Wollenburg Beatrice
Kevin Sousek Malmo
Kristin Meybrunn Liberty
Krystin Oborny Garland
Lance Aspegren Wilcox
Landon Wright Hastings
Leslie Sommerhalder Steinauer
Lindsay Peters Scribner
Logan Cloudt Omaha
Louise Wiseman Hershey
Madisen Randa Verdigre
Madison Jones Papillion
Madison Mills Weeping Water
Maggie May Wallace
Maisie Kennicutt Elsie
Manuel Acosta Bayard
Marah Hestermann Sterling
Marissa Kegley Kearney
Matthew Morton Nehawka
Matthew Hinrichs Hildreth
Megan Coan Platte Center
Megan Leasure Winnetoon
Micah Erickson Sterling
Michael Borgelt Wisner
Mitch Krenk Dwight
Molly Suhr Seward
Morgan Chandler Lincoln
Moriah Rawlings Saint Paul
Natalie G'Schwind Callaway
Natalie Jones Stapleton
Nate Lundeen Minden
Nathan Choat Plainview
Nicholas Nelson Ceresco
Patrick Peterson Gothenburg
Payton Schmidt St. Paul
Rachael Calvo Bassett
Rachel Stewart Newport
Rebecca McKay Pender
Regan Rasmussen Riverdale
Renae Goodwin Madrid
Robert Nelson Wallace
Robyn Isom Page
Rochelle Corman Nelson
Rudy Pooch Tecumseh
Ryan Ochsner Saronville
Sage Williams Eddyville
Sam Scholting Springfield
Santiago Ramos Bridgeport
Sarah Buehler Sterling
Sarah Lammers Hartington
Sarah Thiltges Rulo
Sathena Scarborough St. Paul
Sean Krebs Clearwater
Shelby Wachter Blair
Sheridan Swotek Lincoln
Skyler Salts Steinauer
Sofia Sedlacek Nehawka
Sophia Lentfer Firth
Sydney Brewer Falls City
Sydni Lienemann Princeton
Tahya Jerabek Farwell
Tayler Banks Wallace
Taylor Nielsen Lincoln
Taylor Stratman Stromsburg
Tejlor Strope O'Neill
Tiffaney Connelly Bridgeport
Tisha Foltz Humphrey
Tracy Chvala O'Neil
Travis Likens Swanton
Trevor Ricenbaw Beaver Crossing
Tyler Chandler Anselmo
Vanessa Taylor Ainsworth
Victoria Whitmore Shelby
William Babbitt Paxton
William Kusant Comstock
Wyatt Loeffler Mitchell
Yesenia Perez Elm Creek
Zachary Temple Holdrege
Since its start in 1971, NAYI has shared the importance of agriculture with more than 5,500 youth from across the state. Delegates apply for and are selected to attend the Institute free of charge due to numerous donations from agricultural businesses, commodity groups and industry organizations.
The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council (NAYC) helps organize several agricultural learning experiences for Nebraska youth including all NAYI events. NDA selects Council members who are passionate about agriculture and who want to teach young Nebraskans about the state’s leading industry. This year’s Council is comprised of 23 college-age men and women from across the state.
New Online Forecasting Tool to Assess Cropping Systems
A web tool was developed by Iowa State University personnel to help farmers make in-season and pre-season crop management decisions based on real-time information and predicted outcomes. The Forecast and Assessment of Cropping sysTemS (FACTS) was recently launched online (crops.extension.iastate.edu/facts), and is a free, publicly available service. The forecasting tool provides detailed information on weather, soil water and nitrogen, crop staging, temperature stress, and yields.
“FACTS will indicate to farmers if soil water or nitrogen are adequate, and how current weather conditions could affect yield potential,” said Mark Licht, extension cropping systems agronomist at Iowa State University. “Ultimately, getting a good indication of yield potential can help farmers make grain marketing decisions prior to harvest.”
Summary information from six locations across Iowa, which includes precipitation, yields, soil nitrogen status, growing degree days (GDD), and crop N, and water uptake, is updated every 10 days. The latest forecast information is available from June 23. The weather forecast is updated every day.
“FACTS provides scientific information during the growing season when it is most needed to help farmers make informed decisions,” said Sotirios Archontoulis, assistant professor of integrated cropping systems at Iowa State University.
In addition to the forecasting tool, an assessment tool will be launched in the fall of 2016. The assessment tool will provide an analysis of the 2016 growing season, including the yield gap and management practices to improve the 2017 planting and growing season.
“As the season comes to a close, a post-season scenario analysis can be done to show what could have been done differently, as far as management is concerned, to achieve better profitability, productivity and environmental goals,” said Licht.
FACTS uses a systems approach and information for forecasts are gathered by: mechanistic cropping systems model (APSIM) that simulate crop growth, soil dynamics and soil-crop-weather interactions including subsurface (tile) drainage; actual, historical and forecasted weather information from NDFD and CFS models; frequent soil, crop and weather ground-truth measurements; and advanced statistical and visualization tools to disseminate the information.
To view the most recent forecast from June 23 and learn more about the online forecasting tool, visit crops.extension.iastate.edu/facts.
FarmHer to Hold Second Annual Grow Event for Young Women
FarmHer, an organization focusing on women in agriculture, will hold its second annual Grow event for young women on September 23 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, IA.
Young women, between the ages of 15 to 23, will be informed, inspired, and encouraged to pursue their passion for agriculture through their future careers as professionals and producers. A limited number of tickets are available now at farmher.com/pages/grow. Tickets are $30 while group rates are $25.
Participants will enjoy an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers and participate in engaging breakout sessions. Breakfast, lunch, and an exclusive Grow by FarmHer Tshirt will be provided for each participant.
The Women Leading the Way Luncheon will connect current agriculture professionals and producers with future agricultural leaders. Discussions will include personal branding, legacy planning, producer's perspectives, international agriculture and more.
Two keynote speakers including Laura Daniels, a dairy FarmHer and blogger from Wisconsin and Marji Guyler Alaniz, Founder of FarmHer will provide useful advice and empowering words for the young women in attendance. The FarmHer Connection Point networking area will be available throughout the day, connecting the women with ag based businesses and organizations.
Americans Remain Divided on Perceptions of GMO Labeling
On the eve of a first-of-its-kind law on GMO labeling scheduled to go into effect on July 1 in Vermont, Americans remain divided on their perceptions of GMO labeling and their use in the food supply, according to the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation’s 2016 Food and Health Survey. Additionally, IFIC Foundation created a visual representation of the data.
Americans have mixed feelings about the existing GMO labeling policy. Currently, the FDA requires that GMO foods be labeled only if they have substantial differences from their non-GMO counterparts (such as whether there are nutritional differences or potential allergens). Yet there is a lot of buzz about expanding this policy to apply to all GMO foods.
Uncertainty is high on the issue, with 28 percent of the population unsure as to whether the current policy should be expanded to label all GMOs. Nationally, 44 percent of Americans show support for an expanded GMO labeling policy that would be applied to all foods containing GMOs.
Slight regional differences exist. The greatest approval of the current FDA labeling policy came from the Midwest (25 percent), and largest disapproval came from the South (8 percent).
When asking Americans about their impression of the use of GMOs in the food supply, the responses also varied. Nationally, 51 percent of Americans are either unsure or had no preference for their use. The greatest opposition for the use of GMOs in food came from the West (33 percent), and the greatest support for use was found in the Northeast (21 percent).
“What is apparent from our research is that more education and outreach opportunities need to be made available to consumers about GMOs,” said Kimberly Reed, president of the IFIC Foundation. “According to a report recently published by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), there is no difference in potential or adverse health effects in GMO crops compared to non-GMOs. In other words, GMO crops are as safe to eat as their non-GMO counterparts.”
Despite the 44 percent of consumers who support expanded GMO labeling, far fewer of them are actually avoiding GMOs or seeking out non-GMO labels. Nationally, a plurality of shoppers either are not sure or do not express a preference about avoiding or consuming GMOs (42 percent). Only about one-third (34 percent) are trying to avoid GMOs.
Consumers are less impacted by labeling in restaurants than they are at the grocery store. Nearly 21 percent said they buy foods and beverages because they are advertised on the label as non-GMO. This is compared to 14 percent of Americans who eat at restaurants because they advertised their food and beverages as non-GMO.
However, in an open-ended question asking whether there is information not currently on food labels consumers would like to see, only 3 percent said they wanted GMO labeling, suggesting that it is not a top-of-mind issue for the vast majority of Americans.
Despite the disparity in perceptions on GMOs, the majority of Americans (66 percent) are confident in the safety of the U.S. food supply. Only 7 percent have no confidence. The Midwest had the greatest confidence in the food supply, with 15 percent being “very confident.” The West had the lowest cumulative confidence, with 30 percent having “little or no confidence.”
UAN32 Prices Continue to Slip
For a second straight week retail fertilizer prices are showing some movement after months of extremely steady prices, according to retail fertilizer prices tracked by DTN for the fourth week of June 2016.
All eight of the major fertilizer were lower in price compared to the previous month. The only fertilizer to show a significant move was UAN32. The liquid nitrogen fertilizer was down 5% compared to the previous month and averaged $305/ton.
The remaining seven fertilizers were lower in price from last month, but the move was fairly minor. DAP averaged $470/ton, MAP $495/ton, potash $358/ton, urea $366/ton, 10-34-0 $554/ton, anhydrous $567/ton and UAN28 $265/ton.
On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.40/lb.N, anhydrous $0.35/lb.N, UAN28 $0.47/lb.N and UAN32 $0.48/lb.N.
According to DTN's surveys, all retail fertilizers remain double-digits lower than a year ago. 10-34-0 is 14% lower while MAP is 17% less expensive and DAP, anhydrous and UAN32 are all 18% lower. UAN28 is 20% lower, urea is 22% lower and potash is 27% less expensive compared to last year.
Dairy Organizations Lament Impact of Canada’s Barriers to Dairy Trade as North American Summit Begins
Today the United States, Canada and Mexico kicked off the North American Leaders’ Summit in Ottawa. One topic of key importance in the trading relationship between the United States and Canada has been Canada’s persistent undermining of U.S. dairy export access, a pattern that has cost American dairy farmers and processors hundreds of millions of dollars. Most recently, Canada has instituted a new pricing policy at the provincial level that is designed to discourage Canadian processors from using imported dairy products.
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) expressed appreciation for the Obama Administration’s attention to the harmful impact on U.S. dairy exports caused by Canada’s continual erection of nontariff trade barriers. The two organizations underscored the importance of high-level discussions this week on Canada’s actions on dairy, and how they hurt the U.S.-Canada trading relationship.
“America’s dairy farmers rely on exports to provide a home for the equivalent of one day’s worth of milk production each week,” said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of NMPF. “When other countries disingenuously use policies and regulations to block those sales – especially in light of previously negotiated free trade agreements – the negative impact is felt on the farm. This is particularly damaging in tough years like this when milk supplies exceed demand. We hope President Obama will continue to hold our trading partners accountable, particularly those with whom we’re preparing to deepen our trade ties, such as Trans-Pacific Partnership members.”
Tom Suber, President of USDEC, echoed that point: “U.S. companies have made investments here at home, adding more jobs and expanding manufacturing facilities, to meet the demands of global buyers – including those in Canada. Our industry recognizes that we need to play by the rules – it’s only right that the U.S. insist that others do so, as well.”
NMPF and USDEC both support the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Both organizations, however, have stressed the importance of ensuring that the agreement works in practice as envisioned on paper and the importance of Canada’s compliance with existing obligations in achieving that result.
Showcase Days help growers resolve crop production challenges
Growers around the country are invited to visit a local Showcase Days event and learn about the most recent advances in managing weed resistance; sudden death syndrome in soybeans; nematode pressure; and other agronomic challenges. The events will also feature seed traits, varieties and hybrids.
Showcase Days consists of a series of events scheduled in fields around the country, tailored to provide growers with solutions for their agronomic challenges. Sponsored by Bayer, specialists and local agronomists will be on site to discuss problems and provide solutions, specific to local growers’ fields, soil profiles and environmental conditions.
“Growers have a lot of information to absorb every year, as they plan for the next season,” said Bayer Marketing Manager, Malin Westfall. “These Bayer Showcase Days help growers wade through a lot of that information in a concise way. We invite growers to visit us, see products at work and get honest answers to their questions.”
These events run from July through September and demonstrate the success of various Bayer products used on corn, soybeans, cereals, canola and cotton crops. Growers can register for their local Showcase Days event at www.showcaseplottours.bayer.us. This site also includes information for locations and events.
Attendees can also enter the Real Yield Sweepstakes onsite for a chance to win prizes like a 500 acre field of LibertyLink for soybeans or cotton.
2016 Showcase Day Locations:
-Madison, WI -- July 6 (soybeans, corn, cereal crops)
-Le Sueur, MN -- July 7 (soybeans, corn)
-Sabin, MN -- July 12 (soybeans, corn, cereal crops)
-Goehner, NE -- July 13 (soybeans, cereal crops)
-Indianola, IA -- July 13 (soybeans, corn)
-Emmetsburg, IA -- July 14 (soybeans, corn)
-Mexico, MO -- July 15 (soybeans, corn)
-Manhattan, KS – August 3 (soybeans, corn, cereal crops)
-Dawson, GA -- August 9 (soybeans, corn, cotton, cereal crops)
-Brookings/Volga, SD -- August 10 (soybeans, corn, cereal crops)
-Brownsburg, IN -- August 10 (soybeans, corn, cereal crops)
-Athens, IL -- August 11 (soybeans, corn)
-Sparta, IL -- August 16 (soybeans, corn)
-Pikeville, NC -- August 30 (soybeans, corn, cotton)
-Troy, OH -- September 8 (soybeans, corn)
-Stockbridge, MI -- September 13 (soybeans, corn)
Bayer is committed to bringing new technology and solutions for agriculture and non-agricultural uses. For questions concerning the availability and use of products, contact a local Bayer representative, or visit Crop Science, a division of Bayer, online at www.cropscience.bayer.us.
New Challenger® 1000 Series Tractors
Challenger®, a global brand of AGCO Corporation (NYSE:AGCO), introduces an entirely new category of tractors to North American agribusiness operations. Challenger 1000 Series tractors are the industry’s most versatile standard tractor and the ‘must-see’ innovation for 2016. Designed to deliver lower cost of ownership per acre, advanced connectivity and world-class Challenger performance, they are available in four powerful models ranging from 396 to 517 engine horsepower. Producers will get their first look at the tractors during the 2016 Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, Aug. 30-Sept.1.
“The needs of producers in North America continue to evolve as operations become larger and require more efficiency,” says Josh Keeney, tactical marketing manager at AGCO. “The Challenger 1000 Series tractors bring an entirely new solution to the market. These tractors combine the power of a small-frame, articulated 4-wheel drive with the flexibility and speed of a lighter-weight, fixed-frame row crop machine.
“Using what we call the new Accu™ platform, the 1000 Series tractors are built to be smarter, more intuitive and efficient, to help producers reduce input costs, increase productivity and ultimately be more profitable,” Keeney adds. “This approach is a logical next step in Challenger’s evolution after our work perfecting the track tractor.”
Key to the new Series is the entirely new AccuDrive™ powertrain concept and an upgraded stepless CVT transmission, which provide the tractors with both their power and flexibility. Add to this the tractor’s full suite of on-board technology and an all-new, comfort-focused cab, and these tractors are a single solution for today’s high horsepower needs, from planting and heavy tillage or row crop work to harvesting and on-road hauling up to 31 mph.
Redefining productivity through precision
All Challenger 1000 Series models are equipped with the ISO-compliant AccuTerminal™ for intuitive, one-stop control of all tractor and implement functions. In addition, the AccuTerminal fully integrates with AGCO’s entire suite of Fuse® Technologies and Fuse Connected Services, bringing a new level of precision and productivity to professional farming operations, to help optimize yields and save on operating inputs and time.
A comfortable step up
Owners and operators will appreciate the new fit and finish of the spacious, comfortable cabs on the Challenger 1000 tractors. The cabs offer a variety of amenities from air-ride suspension and deluxe leather seat to the ergonomic and intuitive placement of the tractor controls, making a long day in the field feel almost effortless.
Debuting at fall farm shows
The Challenger 1000 Series tractors will make their public debut at farm shows this fall, including the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa; Big Iron in West Fargo, N. D. and at Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Neb.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Tuesday June 28 Ag News
Lower Elkhorn NRD seeks public input on water quality issues for basin-wide plan
Over the last year, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has been establishing the Lower Elkhorn River Basin Water Quality Management Plan (Plan). The Plan covers the lower portion of the Elkhorn River Basin, which is the watershed that created the boundary for the LENRD. The basin is located in northeast Nebraska and covers over 2.5 million acres including all of Cuming, Pierce, Stanton, and Wayne Counties and portions of Antelope, Burt, Cedar, Colfax, Dakota, Dixon, Dodge, Knox, Madison, Platte, and Thurston Counties. The basin includes 50 communities and has a population of 90,000.
The Plan is focusing on issues with nonpoint source pollution and will provide a single coordinated strategy to identify water quality threats and needs, prioritize watershed areas for development of enhanced planning and restoration projects, and identify practices and activities appropriate to address the known water quality deficiencies. LENRD Project Coordinator, Kristie Olmer, said, “Examples include impaired waters, such as Willow Creek Reservoir near Pierce, and maintaining high quality resources such as Skyview Lake in Norfolk and Maskenthine Lake near Stanton.” She added, “Another primary concern is nitrates in groundwater, especially wellhead protection areas for public drinking water suppliers.”
The LENRD is now actively seeking public input on water quality concerns and issues from anyone living or working within the basin. The public is encouraged to visit the LENRD website www.lenrd.org for more information on the draft plan. As portions of the Plan become complete they will be placed on the website for public review. A draft of the Plan will be made available for review in August, and will also be presented to the public at an Open House. Please contact Kristie Olmer at 402-371-7313 or kolmer@lenrd.org to provide comments or input. The project is funded by the LENRD and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.
New ‘Farmer’s Guide’ Book Series on Corn and Soybean Diseases Now Available
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists contributed to two new publications recently published by the American Phytopathological Society (APS), A Farmer’s Guide to Corn Diseases and A Farmer’s Guide to Soybean Diseases. These publications, specifically for corn and soybean farmers, provide easy-to-read disease listings and overviews, basic instructions for using diagnostic and scouting tools, and non-technical management recommendations.
“These publications are intended to help farmers maximize their yield and economic return through correct corn and soybean disease diagnosis,” said Daren Mueller, assistant professor and extension specialist in plant pathology and microbiology at Iowa State University.
Thirty-three experts from more than 20 universities, agencies and companies collaborated to produce the material for a particular audience.
“The books are unique because they were written with farmers and crop scouts in mind,” said Alison Robertson, associate professor and extension specialist in plant pathology and microbiology at Iowa State University. “For example, each book includes a key that can be used to help narrow down the diagnosis, and maps that enable growers to easily tell if the disease has been reported in their region.”
The information listed for each disease includes symptoms and signs, conditions that favor disease, similar looking diseases and disorders, and a review of basic management options. These general management recommendations serve as a starting point, and localized treatment options should be discussed further with extension or crop specialists specific to the state or area.
The Farmer’s Guide to Corn Diseases and The Farmer’s Guide to Soybean Diseases can be purchased online at the Extension Store for $29.95 each.
ISU Extension and Outreach to Host Soybean Cyst Nematode Clinic
Anyone with an interest in learning more about the biology, sampling, scouting and management of soybean cyst nematodes is welcome to attend the Soybean Cyst Nematode Clinic on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at Field Extension Education Laboratory in Boone, Iowa. This clinic will give attendees the opportunity to understand the interactions of SCN with abiotic factors and other pests and pathogens. There also will be a portion to obtain hands-on experience with SCN specimens.
Greg Tylka presents research at a crop clinicThe one-day clinic is open to anyone who wishes to attend, but will pertain particularly to crop consultants, agronomists and farmers. This clinic does qualify for 7.0 pest management credits for Certified Crop Advisers, subject to board approval. The clinic’s instructors include Greg Tylka, extension nematologist and professor at Iowa State University, and Augustine Beeman, Chelsea Harbach and Jared Jensen, graduate students in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at Iowa State University.
“Our Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) program will focus on the biology and life cycle of SCN, along with current research updates focused on management of this pest and other concerns related to SCN,” said Warren Pierson, ISU Extension and Outreach Field Extension Education Laboratory coordinator. “Greg Tylka and current graduate students will discuss their most recent research updates and discuss management solutions for SCN.”
The Field Extension Education Laboratory is located at 1928 240th St. in Boone, IA. Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on Aug. 23, with the actual program starting at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all who attend, and the clinic will end at 5 p.m.
The cost of the event is $150 and that includes workshop materials, publications, lunch and refreshments. Pre-registration is required to attend, and the deadline to register is midnight, Aug. 16. Additional information and online registration with credit card is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/feel/scn.
ISU Extension and Outreach to Host Crop Disease Clinic
Anyone who wants to learn more about corn and soybean disease management, particularly crop consultants, agronomists, or farmers, should register for the Crop Disease Clinic hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The clinic will take place Wednesday, Aug. 24, at the Field Extension Education Laboratory in Boone, Iowa.
The purpose of the clinic is to understand the principles of Integrated Pest Management and research-based recommendations for Iowa corn and soybean production. The clinic will also provide hands-on experiences with identification of common corn and soybean diseases. Participants can expect to improve their corn and soybean disease identification and biology skills throughout this clinic, while earning 6.0 pest management credits for Certified Crop Advisers, subject to board approval.
“Our crop disease clinic is a full day focused on the identification, biology and lifecycle of common corn and soybean diseases in Iowa,” said Warren Pierson, Field Extension Education Laboratory coordinator at ISU Extension and Outreach. “ISU Extension and Outreach specialists, along with post doctorates and graduate students, will discuss their most current research results and management decisions regarding corn and soybean diseases.”
Clinic instructors include Daren Mueller, assistant professor and extension crop plant pathologist at Iowa State University, and Alison Robertson, associate professor and extension crop plant pathologist at Iowa State University. Participants should dress appropriately for field activities as well as changing weather conditions.
The Field Extension Education Laboratory is located at 1928 240th St. in Boone, Iowa. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 24, with the actual program starting at 9 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all who attend, and the clinic will end at 4 p.m.
The cost of the event is $150 and that includes workshop materials, publications, lunch and refreshments. Pre-registration is required to attend, and the deadline to register is midnight, Aug. 17. Additional information and online registration with credit card is available at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/feel/disease.
American Farm Bureau Supports National GMO Pre-emption Bill
The American Farm Bureau Federation is supporting proposed Senate legislation that establishes federal pre-emption of what was expected to grow into an unruly patchwork of state-by-state mandatory GMO labeling laws.
"Our nation's top scientists agree that crops enhanced through GMO technology are safe, and this bill will act to stop the expansion of state laws that threaten interstate marketing and effectively ignore science," said AFBF President Zippy Duvall, following a vote by the AFBF Board of Directors to support the bill.
"The bill is far from perfect, but it correctly puts the federal government in the driver's seat in important areas such as protecting interstate commerce and new crop development techniques. There is no public health or scientific justification for the bill's mandatory disclosure provisions, but the national uniformity established by this bill is paramount."
NAWG Supports Senate GMO Labeling Agreement
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow have released a long-awaited GMO labeling agreement.
NAWG applauds the bipartisan efforts to secure a national standard that preempts a state-by-state patchwork, thereby avoiding a conflict of regulatory laws between states. NAWG supports the proposed bill, which allows for a variety of labeling options which do not vilify biotechnology.
“GMOs have been scientifically proven to be safe for human consumption and there is no nutritional difference,” says NAWG President Gordon Stoner. “It is vital that a patchwork of state laws not jeopardize access to safe, sustainably produced food; this national standard will assure food security for generations to come.”
NAWG encourages the Senate to pass the bill as soon as possible before the coming recess.
ASA Lauds European Commission Extension of Glyphosate
The farmers of the American Soybean Association (ASA) welcomed news today that the European Commission will re-extend authorization for the herbicide glyphosate for another 18 months. ASA President and Greenwood, Del., soybean farmer Richard Wilkins noted in a statement that the announcement comes as only temporary relief for American farmers searching for certainty in the European marketplace:
“An 18-month extension gives U.S. farmers and exporters the assurance that they will at least have access to the European market for that period of time. Clearly that’s not the certainty the industry needs, but it’s better than nothing. That said, we are still extraordinarily frustrated by the unscientific approach in the EU. Remember, the European Food Safety Authority found that glyphosate is safe. Given this repeatedly proven fact, it’s a relief that the Commission decided to step in and issue this reauthorization, even after the Council of Ministers was unable to find the support among its members to affirm the EFSA finding. Continued progress is needed, however. A logical and welcomed next step will be for the EU to finalize approval of the three pending biotech varieties. With that approval, our farmers can move forward with the certainty they need.”
Cattle Production Tops U.S. Cash Receipts
Cattle production is one of the most important industries in the United States, accounting for $78.2 billion in cash receipts during 2015. This represents 21 percent of the Economic Research Service's forecasted total cash receipts of $377 billion from agricultural commodities in 2015. Corn being the nation's second largest cash receipt forecasted at $47.2 billion in 2015.
Modern beef production in the U.S. is a highly specialized system that spans from cow-calf operations that typically graze pastureland to cattle feedlots focusing on finishing cattle on grain for slaughter. In 2015, the beef industry saw the first increase in cattle and calves production since 2011, producing 41.5 billion pounds, a 3 percent increase from 2014. Total cattle and calves inventory as of January 1, 2016 was 92.0 million head, also 3 percent above previous year.
Meanwhile, gross income from cattle and calves totaled $78.8 billion, a 4 percent decline from the 2014 record of $82.1 billion. All cattle and calf marketings during 2015 totaled 52.4 billion pounds, down 1 percent from 2014. This was combined with the market year average price received for cattle greater than or equal to 500 pounds decreasing $5 per hundredweight from $152 per cwt in 2014 to $147 per cwt in 2015.
At 52.4 billion pounds the all cattle and calf marketings were the lowest since 1992, while gross income was second largest on record. Cattle production in 2015 was 41.5 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the 40.2 billion pounds produced in 2014.
Modest Pork Expansion; Brexit Casts Shadow
In the June Hogs and Pigs survey, pork producers told USDA they had increased the size of the breeding herd by 1 percent relative to year-ago levels. The breeding herd began to increase in the fall of 2014 after producers had record profitability due to reduced production, a consequence of the PED virus. According to a Purdue University Extension economist, the industry has been in a slow expansion since that time. Declining feed prices were also a stimulus to expansion until this spring when feed prices began to rise once more.
"The latest inventory report also found somewhat more young pigs than had been expected," says Chris Hurt. "The spring pig crop was 2.5 percent larger as a result of 1.5 percent more farrowings and 1 percent more pigs per litter. This means a bit higher pork supplies later this year than had been anticipated."
Several states had a large increase in their breeding herd numbers over the last year. These included Illinois with an increase of 40,000 animals; Oklahoma up 30,000; and South Dakota up 20,000. The percentage increases for those three states were Illinois up 8 percent; Oklahoma up 7 percent; and South Dakota up 12 percent.
"Although they are expanding the breeding herd, pork producers also indicated they intend to reduce farrowings by 2 percent this summer and by 1 percent in the fall," Hurt continues. "Pork supplies in the last half of 2016 are expected to be up about 2 percent. However, pork supplies in the first half of 2017 are expected to be near unchanged."
Prices of hogs averaged about $55.50 in the second quarter of 2016 on a live-weight basis. Prices are expected to average $55 to $58 in the third quarter and then fall sharply in the final quarter to an average of $45 to $48. First-quarter 2017 prices are expected to be modestly higher compared to late 2016. Prices for the second quarter of 2017 are expected to average in a range from $52 to $56.
"Feed costs have become more volatile with weather uncertainties and will likely be important to the overall profits or losses for the industry in the coming year," Hurt says. "Using current futures prices to estimate cash feed prices suggests that the industry will operate with a profit of about $8 per head in the third quarter, but lower fourth-quarter hog prices will mean losses of about $19 per head. Losses would prevail at about the same level in the first quarter of 2017 and then move close to breakeven prices in the second quarter. Estimated losses for farrow-to-finish operations last year was a modest $3 per head. Current estimates for 2016 are for losses of $4 per head.
"Turning to pork demand, two events seem likely to have some impact," Hurt says. "The first is the question of how much pork the Chinese will purchase this summer and how long their internal pork shortage will continue. The second event regards the impact of Brexit on the U.S. pork markets. The U.S. exports little pork to the EU28 trading block. In 2015, only 0.2 percent of U.S. pork exports were destined for EU28 countries. However, Brexit has strengthened the U.S. dollar making U.S. pork more expensive around the globe. This will tend to increase prices for U.S.-origin pork and reduce U.S. exports from what they would have been."
Hurt says that since the Brexit announcement, the dollar has increased by about 3.5 percent relative to the Euro. The 28 member countries in the European Union have been the largest exporters of pork in the world for the last two years. This has given the 19 countries in the EU28 that use the Euro an immediate price advantage over U.S. pork.
"Said another way, Brexit gives our biggest global pork competitor a sizable and immediate price advantage," Hurt says. "The longer-term economic implications of Brexit may be the most important and could reduce the rate of world economic growth. If Brexit does slow world income growth, it could be negative for global sales of pork and other U.S. agricultural products."
Study Finds Biodiesel Industry Supports Nearly 48,000 Jobs
Nearly 100 biodiesel industry leaders are converging on Capitol Hill Tuesday to call for strong clean-fuels policy as a new study found that the industry is supporting nearly 48,000 jobs nationwide.
The study, which conducted by LMC International, found that the 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel used by Americans last year supported $8.4 billion in economic impact across a wide variety of economic sectors along with 47,400 jobs and $1.9 billion in wages paid.
The report also highlighted how growing biodiesel imports are eating into the domestic industry’s production and economic impact. It found that the industry would have supported 21,200 additional jobs last year if all the biodiesel and renewable diesel had been produced domestically. Instead, almost a third came from overseas.
Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), said the study underscores the benefits of strong policy that encourages further development of the domestic industry.
“Ending our dependence on oil is an opportunity, not just for the environment and our national security, but for the economy and for American workers,” Steckel said. “This industry is supporting tens of thousands of jobs from coast to coast, and we’re just getting started.”
Biodiesel – made from a diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats – is the first and only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide. According to the EPA, biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 57 percent to 86 percent compared with petroleum diesel.
Biodiesel producers, feedstock suppliers and other stakeholders were heading to Capitol Hill Tuesday afternoon to highlight the benefits of strong biodiesel policy. They are calling for higher Biomass-Based Diesel and Advanced Biofuel requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) than EPA recently proposed along with extension and reform of the biodiesel tax incentive slated to expire at the end of the year. The reform would change the $1-per-gallon incentive to a domestic producer’s tax credit. Under the current blender’s credit, biodiesel imported to the U.S. qualifies for the incentive.
The LMC study, which was commissioned by NBB, found that biodiesel production has a significant positive impact across a variety of economic sectors, including processing and manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and animal processing.
NBB believes EPA should set stronger volumes of Biomass-Based Diesel under the RFS, calling for at least a 2.5-billion-gallon requirement in 2018. LMC found, with 2.5 billion gallons of production, the industry would support 81,600 jobs and $14.7 billion in total economic impact if all production were domestic. The impact is 55,000 jobs and $9.8 billion in total impact under a split of two-thirds domestic production and one-third imports.
Growth Energy Thanks Thorntons, Sen. Cunningham on Highlighting Importance of Fuel Choice
Thorntons has unveiled a new station in the Chicago area introducing Thorntons branded E15 fueling option, known as Unleaded15, as well as E85. Sen. Bill Cunningham made an appearance at the Thorntons retail location in Oak Lawn, Illinois to celebrate the newly opened store. Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO, issued the following statement:
“We congratulate Thorntons on their work to expand consumer choice at the pump to their customers and we are proud to partner with them through the Prime the Pump initiative. We are equally thankful to Sen. Cunningham for taking the time to highlight the importance of renewable fuels and for his work to help Illinois consumers get access to E15.
“Ethanol is an American success story that’s giving consumers a choice at the pump for a cleaner, higher-octane, less expensive and homegrown fuel. We commend Thorntons for bringing more fuel options such as E15 and E85 to consumers who are demanding higher performing, lower cost fueling options.”
Growth Energy has led the way by working directly with independent retail chains and Prime the Pump, an organization founded by American ethanol producers to help retailers build out the necessary infrastructure and increase market access of higher blends of ethanol to consumers across the country.
Companies to Buy TX Biodiesel Plant
BIOX Corporation and World Energy today announced a 50/50 joint venture to acquire and operate a 90-million-gallon biodiesel production facility in Houston, Texas. Each company has committed $10 million to the World Energy BIOX Biofuels joint venture.
The facility, formerly known as Green Earth fuels, is located within the Kinder Morgan Liquids terminal on the Houston Ship Channel and is the third largest biodiesel production facility in North America.
The plant acquisition is scheduled to close by the end of this month. Plant commissioning and startup will ramp up over the third quarter.
"This joint venture with World Energy and the acquisition of a 90 million USG facility provide BIOX an opportunity to significantly expand and diversify our production capacity in combination with a high quality partner," said Alan Rickard, CEO of BIOX. "It is a large scale asset that is well positioned to supply biodiesel for compliance with the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard in the U.S. market."
Rickard furthered, "As we see the distribution of our products from our facilities shifting from the U.S. markets to fulfill the mandates under Ontario's Green Diesel Initiative, this acquisition provides us with a strategically positioned production facility from which we can address the U.S. market in partnership with World Energy."
Gene Gebolys, CEO of World Energy, said the joint venture "enables us to lever our collective strengths to serve customers better than ever before with unparalleled logistical access by rail, truck, barge, ship, and pipeline to the biggest biofuels markets in the U.S. and beyond."
With the establishment of the World Energy BIOX JV, the board of directors of BIOX has accepted the request of Robert Beamish to retire from the board. To fill the vacancy left by Beamish's retirement, the board has accepted Gebolys, effective as of the closing of the transaction. In addition, the board has determined that is an appropriate time to appoint Rickard to the board of directors.
Boston-based World Energy is an advanced biofuels supplier with 200 million gallons of production capacity in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas, and over 16 million gallons of biofuels storage servicing major markets in North America and beyond.
BIOX is a renewable energy company that owns and operates approximately 450 million liters of nameplate biodiesel production capacity at plants located in southern Ontario and Houston.
Over the last year, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has been establishing the Lower Elkhorn River Basin Water Quality Management Plan (Plan). The Plan covers the lower portion of the Elkhorn River Basin, which is the watershed that created the boundary for the LENRD. The basin is located in northeast Nebraska and covers over 2.5 million acres including all of Cuming, Pierce, Stanton, and Wayne Counties and portions of Antelope, Burt, Cedar, Colfax, Dakota, Dixon, Dodge, Knox, Madison, Platte, and Thurston Counties. The basin includes 50 communities and has a population of 90,000.
The Plan is focusing on issues with nonpoint source pollution and will provide a single coordinated strategy to identify water quality threats and needs, prioritize watershed areas for development of enhanced planning and restoration projects, and identify practices and activities appropriate to address the known water quality deficiencies. LENRD Project Coordinator, Kristie Olmer, said, “Examples include impaired waters, such as Willow Creek Reservoir near Pierce, and maintaining high quality resources such as Skyview Lake in Norfolk and Maskenthine Lake near Stanton.” She added, “Another primary concern is nitrates in groundwater, especially wellhead protection areas for public drinking water suppliers.”
The LENRD is now actively seeking public input on water quality concerns and issues from anyone living or working within the basin. The public is encouraged to visit the LENRD website www.lenrd.org for more information on the draft plan. As portions of the Plan become complete they will be placed on the website for public review. A draft of the Plan will be made available for review in August, and will also be presented to the public at an Open House. Please contact Kristie Olmer at 402-371-7313 or kolmer@lenrd.org to provide comments or input. The project is funded by the LENRD and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality.
New ‘Farmer’s Guide’ Book Series on Corn and Soybean Diseases Now Available
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists contributed to two new publications recently published by the American Phytopathological Society (APS), A Farmer’s Guide to Corn Diseases and A Farmer’s Guide to Soybean Diseases. These publications, specifically for corn and soybean farmers, provide easy-to-read disease listings and overviews, basic instructions for using diagnostic and scouting tools, and non-technical management recommendations.
“These publications are intended to help farmers maximize their yield and economic return through correct corn and soybean disease diagnosis,” said Daren Mueller, assistant professor and extension specialist in plant pathology and microbiology at Iowa State University.
Thirty-three experts from more than 20 universities, agencies and companies collaborated to produce the material for a particular audience.
“The books are unique because they were written with farmers and crop scouts in mind,” said Alison Robertson, associate professor and extension specialist in plant pathology and microbiology at Iowa State University. “For example, each book includes a key that can be used to help narrow down the diagnosis, and maps that enable growers to easily tell if the disease has been reported in their region.”
The information listed for each disease includes symptoms and signs, conditions that favor disease, similar looking diseases and disorders, and a review of basic management options. These general management recommendations serve as a starting point, and localized treatment options should be discussed further with extension or crop specialists specific to the state or area.
The Farmer’s Guide to Corn Diseases and The Farmer’s Guide to Soybean Diseases can be purchased online at the Extension Store for $29.95 each.
ISU Extension and Outreach to Host Soybean Cyst Nematode Clinic
Anyone with an interest in learning more about the biology, sampling, scouting and management of soybean cyst nematodes is welcome to attend the Soybean Cyst Nematode Clinic on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at Field Extension Education Laboratory in Boone, Iowa. This clinic will give attendees the opportunity to understand the interactions of SCN with abiotic factors and other pests and pathogens. There also will be a portion to obtain hands-on experience with SCN specimens.
Greg Tylka presents research at a crop clinicThe one-day clinic is open to anyone who wishes to attend, but will pertain particularly to crop consultants, agronomists and farmers. This clinic does qualify for 7.0 pest management credits for Certified Crop Advisers, subject to board approval. The clinic’s instructors include Greg Tylka, extension nematologist and professor at Iowa State University, and Augustine Beeman, Chelsea Harbach and Jared Jensen, graduate students in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology at Iowa State University.
“Our Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) program will focus on the biology and life cycle of SCN, along with current research updates focused on management of this pest and other concerns related to SCN,” said Warren Pierson, ISU Extension and Outreach Field Extension Education Laboratory coordinator. “Greg Tylka and current graduate students will discuss their most recent research updates and discuss management solutions for SCN.”
The Field Extension Education Laboratory is located at 1928 240th St. in Boone, IA. Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on Aug. 23, with the actual program starting at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all who attend, and the clinic will end at 5 p.m.
The cost of the event is $150 and that includes workshop materials, publications, lunch and refreshments. Pre-registration is required to attend, and the deadline to register is midnight, Aug. 16. Additional information and online registration with credit card is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/feel/scn.
ISU Extension and Outreach to Host Crop Disease Clinic
Anyone who wants to learn more about corn and soybean disease management, particularly crop consultants, agronomists, or farmers, should register for the Crop Disease Clinic hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The clinic will take place Wednesday, Aug. 24, at the Field Extension Education Laboratory in Boone, Iowa.
The purpose of the clinic is to understand the principles of Integrated Pest Management and research-based recommendations for Iowa corn and soybean production. The clinic will also provide hands-on experiences with identification of common corn and soybean diseases. Participants can expect to improve their corn and soybean disease identification and biology skills throughout this clinic, while earning 6.0 pest management credits for Certified Crop Advisers, subject to board approval.
“Our crop disease clinic is a full day focused on the identification, biology and lifecycle of common corn and soybean diseases in Iowa,” said Warren Pierson, Field Extension Education Laboratory coordinator at ISU Extension and Outreach. “ISU Extension and Outreach specialists, along with post doctorates and graduate students, will discuss their most current research results and management decisions regarding corn and soybean diseases.”
Clinic instructors include Daren Mueller, assistant professor and extension crop plant pathologist at Iowa State University, and Alison Robertson, associate professor and extension crop plant pathologist at Iowa State University. Participants should dress appropriately for field activities as well as changing weather conditions.
The Field Extension Education Laboratory is located at 1928 240th St. in Boone, Iowa. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 24, with the actual program starting at 9 a.m. Lunch will be provided for all who attend, and the clinic will end at 4 p.m.
The cost of the event is $150 and that includes workshop materials, publications, lunch and refreshments. Pre-registration is required to attend, and the deadline to register is midnight, Aug. 17. Additional information and online registration with credit card is available at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/feel/disease.
American Farm Bureau Supports National GMO Pre-emption Bill
The American Farm Bureau Federation is supporting proposed Senate legislation that establishes federal pre-emption of what was expected to grow into an unruly patchwork of state-by-state mandatory GMO labeling laws.
"Our nation's top scientists agree that crops enhanced through GMO technology are safe, and this bill will act to stop the expansion of state laws that threaten interstate marketing and effectively ignore science," said AFBF President Zippy Duvall, following a vote by the AFBF Board of Directors to support the bill.
"The bill is far from perfect, but it correctly puts the federal government in the driver's seat in important areas such as protecting interstate commerce and new crop development techniques. There is no public health or scientific justification for the bill's mandatory disclosure provisions, but the national uniformity established by this bill is paramount."
NAWG Supports Senate GMO Labeling Agreement
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow have released a long-awaited GMO labeling agreement.
NAWG applauds the bipartisan efforts to secure a national standard that preempts a state-by-state patchwork, thereby avoiding a conflict of regulatory laws between states. NAWG supports the proposed bill, which allows for a variety of labeling options which do not vilify biotechnology.
“GMOs have been scientifically proven to be safe for human consumption and there is no nutritional difference,” says NAWG President Gordon Stoner. “It is vital that a patchwork of state laws not jeopardize access to safe, sustainably produced food; this national standard will assure food security for generations to come.”
NAWG encourages the Senate to pass the bill as soon as possible before the coming recess.
ASA Lauds European Commission Extension of Glyphosate
The farmers of the American Soybean Association (ASA) welcomed news today that the European Commission will re-extend authorization for the herbicide glyphosate for another 18 months. ASA President and Greenwood, Del., soybean farmer Richard Wilkins noted in a statement that the announcement comes as only temporary relief for American farmers searching for certainty in the European marketplace:
“An 18-month extension gives U.S. farmers and exporters the assurance that they will at least have access to the European market for that period of time. Clearly that’s not the certainty the industry needs, but it’s better than nothing. That said, we are still extraordinarily frustrated by the unscientific approach in the EU. Remember, the European Food Safety Authority found that glyphosate is safe. Given this repeatedly proven fact, it’s a relief that the Commission decided to step in and issue this reauthorization, even after the Council of Ministers was unable to find the support among its members to affirm the EFSA finding. Continued progress is needed, however. A logical and welcomed next step will be for the EU to finalize approval of the three pending biotech varieties. With that approval, our farmers can move forward with the certainty they need.”
Cattle Production Tops U.S. Cash Receipts
Cattle production is one of the most important industries in the United States, accounting for $78.2 billion in cash receipts during 2015. This represents 21 percent of the Economic Research Service's forecasted total cash receipts of $377 billion from agricultural commodities in 2015. Corn being the nation's second largest cash receipt forecasted at $47.2 billion in 2015.
Modern beef production in the U.S. is a highly specialized system that spans from cow-calf operations that typically graze pastureland to cattle feedlots focusing on finishing cattle on grain for slaughter. In 2015, the beef industry saw the first increase in cattle and calves production since 2011, producing 41.5 billion pounds, a 3 percent increase from 2014. Total cattle and calves inventory as of January 1, 2016 was 92.0 million head, also 3 percent above previous year.
Meanwhile, gross income from cattle and calves totaled $78.8 billion, a 4 percent decline from the 2014 record of $82.1 billion. All cattle and calf marketings during 2015 totaled 52.4 billion pounds, down 1 percent from 2014. This was combined with the market year average price received for cattle greater than or equal to 500 pounds decreasing $5 per hundredweight from $152 per cwt in 2014 to $147 per cwt in 2015.
At 52.4 billion pounds the all cattle and calf marketings were the lowest since 1992, while gross income was second largest on record. Cattle production in 2015 was 41.5 billion pounds, up 3 percent from the 40.2 billion pounds produced in 2014.
Modest Pork Expansion; Brexit Casts Shadow
In the June Hogs and Pigs survey, pork producers told USDA they had increased the size of the breeding herd by 1 percent relative to year-ago levels. The breeding herd began to increase in the fall of 2014 after producers had record profitability due to reduced production, a consequence of the PED virus. According to a Purdue University Extension economist, the industry has been in a slow expansion since that time. Declining feed prices were also a stimulus to expansion until this spring when feed prices began to rise once more.
"The latest inventory report also found somewhat more young pigs than had been expected," says Chris Hurt. "The spring pig crop was 2.5 percent larger as a result of 1.5 percent more farrowings and 1 percent more pigs per litter. This means a bit higher pork supplies later this year than had been anticipated."
Several states had a large increase in their breeding herd numbers over the last year. These included Illinois with an increase of 40,000 animals; Oklahoma up 30,000; and South Dakota up 20,000. The percentage increases for those three states were Illinois up 8 percent; Oklahoma up 7 percent; and South Dakota up 12 percent.
"Although they are expanding the breeding herd, pork producers also indicated they intend to reduce farrowings by 2 percent this summer and by 1 percent in the fall," Hurt continues. "Pork supplies in the last half of 2016 are expected to be up about 2 percent. However, pork supplies in the first half of 2017 are expected to be near unchanged."
Prices of hogs averaged about $55.50 in the second quarter of 2016 on a live-weight basis. Prices are expected to average $55 to $58 in the third quarter and then fall sharply in the final quarter to an average of $45 to $48. First-quarter 2017 prices are expected to be modestly higher compared to late 2016. Prices for the second quarter of 2017 are expected to average in a range from $52 to $56.
"Feed costs have become more volatile with weather uncertainties and will likely be important to the overall profits or losses for the industry in the coming year," Hurt says. "Using current futures prices to estimate cash feed prices suggests that the industry will operate with a profit of about $8 per head in the third quarter, but lower fourth-quarter hog prices will mean losses of about $19 per head. Losses would prevail at about the same level in the first quarter of 2017 and then move close to breakeven prices in the second quarter. Estimated losses for farrow-to-finish operations last year was a modest $3 per head. Current estimates for 2016 are for losses of $4 per head.
"Turning to pork demand, two events seem likely to have some impact," Hurt says. "The first is the question of how much pork the Chinese will purchase this summer and how long their internal pork shortage will continue. The second event regards the impact of Brexit on the U.S. pork markets. The U.S. exports little pork to the EU28 trading block. In 2015, only 0.2 percent of U.S. pork exports were destined for EU28 countries. However, Brexit has strengthened the U.S. dollar making U.S. pork more expensive around the globe. This will tend to increase prices for U.S.-origin pork and reduce U.S. exports from what they would have been."
Hurt says that since the Brexit announcement, the dollar has increased by about 3.5 percent relative to the Euro. The 28 member countries in the European Union have been the largest exporters of pork in the world for the last two years. This has given the 19 countries in the EU28 that use the Euro an immediate price advantage over U.S. pork.
"Said another way, Brexit gives our biggest global pork competitor a sizable and immediate price advantage," Hurt says. "The longer-term economic implications of Brexit may be the most important and could reduce the rate of world economic growth. If Brexit does slow world income growth, it could be negative for global sales of pork and other U.S. agricultural products."
Study Finds Biodiesel Industry Supports Nearly 48,000 Jobs
Nearly 100 biodiesel industry leaders are converging on Capitol Hill Tuesday to call for strong clean-fuels policy as a new study found that the industry is supporting nearly 48,000 jobs nationwide.
The study, which conducted by LMC International, found that the 2.1 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel used by Americans last year supported $8.4 billion in economic impact across a wide variety of economic sectors along with 47,400 jobs and $1.9 billion in wages paid.
The report also highlighted how growing biodiesel imports are eating into the domestic industry’s production and economic impact. It found that the industry would have supported 21,200 additional jobs last year if all the biodiesel and renewable diesel had been produced domestically. Instead, almost a third came from overseas.
Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), said the study underscores the benefits of strong policy that encourages further development of the domestic industry.
“Ending our dependence on oil is an opportunity, not just for the environment and our national security, but for the economy and for American workers,” Steckel said. “This industry is supporting tens of thousands of jobs from coast to coast, and we’re just getting started.”
Biodiesel – made from a diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats – is the first and only EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide. According to the EPA, biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 57 percent to 86 percent compared with petroleum diesel.
Biodiesel producers, feedstock suppliers and other stakeholders were heading to Capitol Hill Tuesday afternoon to highlight the benefits of strong biodiesel policy. They are calling for higher Biomass-Based Diesel and Advanced Biofuel requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) than EPA recently proposed along with extension and reform of the biodiesel tax incentive slated to expire at the end of the year. The reform would change the $1-per-gallon incentive to a domestic producer’s tax credit. Under the current blender’s credit, biodiesel imported to the U.S. qualifies for the incentive.
The LMC study, which was commissioned by NBB, found that biodiesel production has a significant positive impact across a variety of economic sectors, including processing and manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and animal processing.
NBB believes EPA should set stronger volumes of Biomass-Based Diesel under the RFS, calling for at least a 2.5-billion-gallon requirement in 2018. LMC found, with 2.5 billion gallons of production, the industry would support 81,600 jobs and $14.7 billion in total economic impact if all production were domestic. The impact is 55,000 jobs and $9.8 billion in total impact under a split of two-thirds domestic production and one-third imports.
Growth Energy Thanks Thorntons, Sen. Cunningham on Highlighting Importance of Fuel Choice
Thorntons has unveiled a new station in the Chicago area introducing Thorntons branded E15 fueling option, known as Unleaded15, as well as E85. Sen. Bill Cunningham made an appearance at the Thorntons retail location in Oak Lawn, Illinois to celebrate the newly opened store. Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO, issued the following statement:
“We congratulate Thorntons on their work to expand consumer choice at the pump to their customers and we are proud to partner with them through the Prime the Pump initiative. We are equally thankful to Sen. Cunningham for taking the time to highlight the importance of renewable fuels and for his work to help Illinois consumers get access to E15.
“Ethanol is an American success story that’s giving consumers a choice at the pump for a cleaner, higher-octane, less expensive and homegrown fuel. We commend Thorntons for bringing more fuel options such as E15 and E85 to consumers who are demanding higher performing, lower cost fueling options.”
Growth Energy has led the way by working directly with independent retail chains and Prime the Pump, an organization founded by American ethanol producers to help retailers build out the necessary infrastructure and increase market access of higher blends of ethanol to consumers across the country.
Companies to Buy TX Biodiesel Plant
BIOX Corporation and World Energy today announced a 50/50 joint venture to acquire and operate a 90-million-gallon biodiesel production facility in Houston, Texas. Each company has committed $10 million to the World Energy BIOX Biofuels joint venture.
The facility, formerly known as Green Earth fuels, is located within the Kinder Morgan Liquids terminal on the Houston Ship Channel and is the third largest biodiesel production facility in North America.
The plant acquisition is scheduled to close by the end of this month. Plant commissioning and startup will ramp up over the third quarter.
"This joint venture with World Energy and the acquisition of a 90 million USG facility provide BIOX an opportunity to significantly expand and diversify our production capacity in combination with a high quality partner," said Alan Rickard, CEO of BIOX. "It is a large scale asset that is well positioned to supply biodiesel for compliance with the Federal Renewable Fuel Standard in the U.S. market."
Rickard furthered, "As we see the distribution of our products from our facilities shifting from the U.S. markets to fulfill the mandates under Ontario's Green Diesel Initiative, this acquisition provides us with a strategically positioned production facility from which we can address the U.S. market in partnership with World Energy."
Gene Gebolys, CEO of World Energy, said the joint venture "enables us to lever our collective strengths to serve customers better than ever before with unparalleled logistical access by rail, truck, barge, ship, and pipeline to the biggest biofuels markets in the U.S. and beyond."
With the establishment of the World Energy BIOX JV, the board of directors of BIOX has accepted the request of Robert Beamish to retire from the board. To fill the vacancy left by Beamish's retirement, the board has accepted Gebolys, effective as of the closing of the transaction. In addition, the board has determined that is an appropriate time to appoint Rickard to the board of directors.
Boston-based World Energy is an advanced biofuels supplier with 200 million gallons of production capacity in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas, and over 16 million gallons of biofuels storage servicing major markets in North America and beyond.
BIOX is a renewable energy company that owns and operates approximately 450 million liters of nameplate biodiesel production capacity at plants located in southern Ontario and Houston.
Monday June 27 Crop Progress & Condition + Ag News
NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION
For the week ending June 26, 2016, irrigation was in full swing as temperatures, which averaged two to six degrees above normal, were accompanied by mostly dry conditions, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Dryland crops were beginning to showing signs of stress as soil moisture supplies were drawn down. Rainfall totals of an inch or more were limited to parts of west central Nebraska and a few eastern counties. Row crops were developing quickly and the dry conditions allowed wheat harvest to progress in parts of the south. Ridge till operations and herbicide applications were major farm activities. There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 5 percent very short, 32 short, 60 adequate, and 3 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 2 percent very short, 18 short, 77 adequate, and 3 surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 poor, 18 fair, 65 good, and 14 excellent. Corn silking was 1 percent, equal to last year, and near the five-year average of 2.
Sorghum condition rated 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 17 fair, 79 good, and 4 excellent. Sorghum emerged was 96 percent, ahead of 89 last year, but near 93 average.
Soybeans condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 20 fair, 66 good, and 12 excellent. Soybeans blooming was 8 percent, near 7 last year, and equal to the average.
Winter wheat condition rated 3 percent very poor, 9 poor, 25 fair, 50 good, and 13 excellent. Winter wheat coloring was 90 percent, ahead of 80 last year and 71 average. Harvested was at 4 percent, near 1 last year, but behind 9 average.
Oats condition rated 1 percent very poor, 1 poor, 25 fair, 66 good, and 7 excellent. Oats headed was 94 percent, ahead of 88 last year and 84 average. Coloring was 49 percent, well ahead of 22 last year.
Alfalfa condition rated 3 percent very poor, 3 poor, 12 fair, 67 good, and 15 excellent. Alfalfa second cutting was 12 percent, near 11 last year, but behind 22 average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 2 poor, 16 fair, 67 good, and 14 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 0 percent very short, 4 short, 93 adequate, and 3 surplus.
IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION
Iowa experienced highly variable weather conditions ranging from almost no precipitation to heavy rain and isolated hail during the week ending June 26, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included cutting hay, herbicide and fungicide applications, and some hauling of grain. Heat and lack of moisture stressed some crops, causing corn leaves to curl.
Topsoil moisture levels declined to 8 percent very short, 21 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels also fell to 3 percent very short, 17 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. South central and southeast Iowa reported the lowest topsoil moisture levels with approximately two-thirds of topsoil moisture rated very short or short.
There were scattered reports of corn reaching the silking stage this week. Seventy-nine percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition.
Soybeans blooming reached 5 percent, equal to both last year and the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent.
Oats headed reached 90 percent this week, 2 days ahead of last year, and 5 days ahead of normal. Oats coloring reached 22 percent, 4 days ahead of the average. Oat condition rated 81 percent good to excellent.
The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 24 percent complete, almost one week ahead of average. Hay conditions rated 75 percent good to excellent this week.
Pasture condition rated 68 percent good to excellent. Livestock were reported as experiencing some stress as a result of heat and insects.
IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
Provided by Harry J. Hillaker, State Climatologist
Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship
It was another hotter than normal week across Iowa with highly variable precipitation. Daytime temperatures reached into the nineties somewhere in the state on every day except Thursday (23rd). Temperature extremes varied from a Tuesday (21st) morning low of 49 degrees at Elkader to a Wednesday (22nd) afternoon high of 97 degrees at Lamoni. Temperatures for the week as a whole averaged from about two degrees above normal northeast to five degrees above normal southwest with a statewide average of 3.2 degrees higher than usual. Showers and thunderstorms were scattered over the southern one-third of the state on Monday (20th) with some localized heavy rain in far southwest Iowa where Sidney reported 3.55 inches. Rain fell across the northeast two-thirds of the state between Tuesday (21st) evening and Wednesday (22nd) morning with very heavy rain centered upon the Iowa City area with 5.65 inches measured at North Liberty. Thursday and Friday were dry statewide while there were a few isolated areas of light rain on Saturday from southwest into north central Iowa. Finally, showers and thunderstorms dampened much of southwest, central, northeast and east central Iowa on Saturday (25th) night. No rain fell during the past week over parts of west central Iowa, such as Storm Lake, Sac City, Rockwell City and Denison while on the other extreme North Liberty picked up 7.47 inches. The statewide average precipitation was 1.18 inches, exactly matching the normal for the week.
USDA Weekly Crop Progress
Six percent of the nation's corn was silking and 9% of the soybeans were blooming as of June 26, according to the USDA Crop Progress report released Monday.
Corn silking progress was 1 percentage point ahead of the average and 3 percentage points ahead of last year. Corn condition worsened just slightly to 5% poor to very poor, compared to 4% last week. The good-to-excellent category remained steady at 75%.
Soybean blooming at 9% is 2 percentage points ahead of last year and the five-year average, both at 7%. Soybean conditions worsened slightly to 72% good to excellent, compared to 73% last week.
Winter wheat is 45% harvested, compared to 25% last week, 33% last year and 41% on average. Winter wheat condition improved slightly to 62% good to excellent compared to 61% last week.
Spring wheat is 56% headed, compared to 28% last week, 42% last year and a 27% average. Spring wheat condition declined to 72% good to excellent, compared to 76% last week.
Cotton squaring is at 29%, compared to 22% last week, 31% last year and a 33% average. Cotton setting bolls was reported for the first time this growing season at 6%, compared to 4% last year and a 6% average. Cotton condition improved to 56% good to excellent compared to 54% last week. Rice is 16% headed, compared to 8% last week, 13% last year and a 10% average. Rice condition declined slightly to 69% good to excellent compared to 70% last week.
Sorghum is 95% planted compared to 88% last week, 91% last year and a 93% average. Sorghum is 26% headed, compared to 17% last week, 20% last year and a 22% average. Sorghum condition held steady at 70% good to excellent.
Oats are 83% headed, compared to 68% last week, 78% last year and a 69% average. Oats condition declined to 67% good to excellent compared to 70% last week.
Barley is 55% headed, compared to 23% last week, 55% last year and 30% on average. Barley condition declined slightly to 75% good to excellent compared to 77% last week.
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Nebraska Farmland Values Continue Gradual Decline
While farmland prices set records in 2012-2013 and enjoyed double-digit increase in the past 10 years, 2016 has seen a plateau in farmland values. From June 2015 to June 2016, high quality land is selling for $1,500 less per acre on average.
“And they continue to tail off,” said JD Maxson, area sales manager for Farmers National Company in North Platte, Neb. “This decline in farmland values in Nebraska denotes the first decline in recent years. It’s a result of a weak commodity market, soft cash rents and continued stress on livestock producers’ bottom line profit. Corn prices are at the lowest level in three years, affecting profit margins. Producers are waiting for an upward bump in prices, which explains the 'glut' of corn in on-site corn storage, and lower commodity prices have forced investors and owner/operators to rethink their strategies for calendar year 2016.”
Furthermore, as the demand for tillable cropland acres has dropped off, grazing pasture acres paralleled this downward trend as ranchers and livestock producers became more prudent and cautious, Maxson said.
“Livestock producers experienced a record-setting cattle market in 2014 and throughout 2015, only to see cattle numbers increase (heifers to feedlots and not held back for breeding). Livestock producers (cow/calf and cattle on feed) have experienced a sharp decline in bottom line profitability, which has a direct impact on pastureland/grazing acres. With cattle numbers up, one would automatically expect additional pressure on grazing acres; however short line profits have seemingly depressed the pastureland market. Purchasing additional grazing acres, while realizing lower profits at market time, has had a direct reflection on prices paid per acre. Buyers are more cautious and have been forced to be more selective with their long-term farmland investments.”
However, Maxson noted that specific pockets of Nebraska farmland have seen land pricing steady to strong. For example, a March 24 land auction in Milford, Neb., for 260 acres in Seward County sold in three tracts for $10,500-10,700, proving high quality land with improvements like tiling, center pivot irrigation, abundant water and good access to grain markets is still in demand, he said.
On the flipside, dryland cropland is showing a stronger rate of decline, 15 to 25 percent location specific, compared to pivot and gravity irrigated cropland. Then in other areas of the state, cropland values vary with the biggest adjustments found in central and western Nebraska. Maxson said he anticipates lower grain prices will persist throughout the rest of 2016, which will continue to have a negative impact on cash rental rates for early 2017.
“With the double digit appreciations over the past almost 10 years, these recent small declines in land values basically just bring us back to normalcy,” he said.
Iowa
The drop in commodity prices has caused land values to continue to soften in Iowa, said Sam Kain, ALC, GRI, ABRM, national sales manager for Farmers National Company based out of West Des Moines, Iowa. But, land values remain at a comparable level to June 2015, declining by $500 per acre on average for high quality land.
“The limited amount of land for sale right now has definitely limited the decline in land values,” Kain said. “Although we have seen a decline in all types of land, there is still strong demand for quality land and there appears to be renewed interest from investors. Farmland has always been a very stable investment, which is appealing to investors seeking a secure place to put their money. The majority of ag land sold in my work area has been to settle estates and still goes to farmer buyers though.”
The continued threat of rising interest rates and lower commodity prices will put pressure on land values in the near future, Kain said.
“But considering all that has happened in agriculture, we still have a very good land market,” he noted.
Nebraska Teachers Talk Agriculture at National Conference
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded two Nebraska teachers an all-expense paid trip to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, June 20-24 in Litchfield Park, AZ.
Anica Brown from Pound Middle School in Lincoln received the trip in conjunction with 2016 Teacher of the Year honors from the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. Each year, the Foundation recognizes two outstanding teachers that incorporate agriculture into their classroom environments.
“The conference deepened my understanding and commitment to teaching my students the value of learning about agriculture, because farmers and ranchers provide for the world. It is important to engage each other in an agriculture conversation and teach our students to be confident consumers,” said Brown. “This was a fantastic conference. I look forward to attending again.”
Judi Roach from North Elementary in Sidney was also honored as a 2016 Teacher of the Year and was awarded the trip to Arizona.
“The conference has shown me what teaching agriculture looks like throughout the United States, across content areas and across grade levels,” Roach said. “I would encourage other Nebraska teachers, volunteers, administrators, or anyone who wants to help students learn about agriculture, to attend the conference. A huge thank you to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation for providing this incredible learning opportunity for me.”
Nebraska teachers Patti Romshek and Kathy Bohac from East Butler Public School in Brainard also attended the conference. The American Farm Bureau Federation recognized their excellence in teaching with grants from the White-Reinhard Education Fund. Romshek and Bohac received Teacher of the Year Awards from the Foundation in 2014.
The National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference brings together kindergarten through 12th grade educators across the U.S. to discuss innovative ways they can use agriculture to teach core subject areas. In addition, conference participants have the opportunity to attend traveling workshops that include visits to local farms and touring the University of Arizona-Maricopa Ag Center (MAC).
Megahn Schafer, Executive Director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, says supporting teachers is a smart investment. “We are thrilled to partner with teachers who recognize the benefits of incorporating agriculture into their classrooms. The impact of attending this conference will multiply as they share the knowledge and resources gained with their students and fellow teachers.”
Nebraska Soybean Board Offers Steaks, Grill to Sizzle of Summer Winners
The Summer grilling season is heating up thanks to the Nebraska Soybean Board’s Sizzle of Summer Sweepstakes. Nebraskans still have time to enter before the second of three separate prize drawings on July 5, 2016. The top prize for July is $250 in Omaha Steaks gift cards, with smaller amounts given to four other winners. All entrants are eligible to win a new Weber Genesis E-310 gas grill at the end of the summer.
The Sizzle of Summer Sweepstakes is open to all Nebraska residents and limited to one entry per household. To enter, visit TasteoftheTailgate.com. The website also features videos with summer grilling tips from Nebraska experts and cookout-friendly recipes.
Follow the Nebraska Soybean Board on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the sweepstakes as well as tips and information for Nebraska soybean farmers.
AGSOURCE LABORATORIES NOW OFFERING SOIL HEALTH TESTING
AgSource Laboratories is excited to introduce the Soil Health Assessment. This new soil report combines the chemical and physical results of traditional soil testing with biological assessments of microbial activity to provide a measure of the quality of the soil. In general, a higher score means a more healthy soil, and improving the score over time indicates that management practices are benefiting the soil and improving soil health.
“Any practices that build organic matter and maintain a nutrient source for an active microbial population in the soil will improve soil health,” notes Dr. Jim Friedericks, AgSource Laboratories’ Outreach & Education Advisor. “This in turn will enhance the overall quality of the soil, maximizing the productive capacity of the land.”
Improving soil health is a long term process that will build up the ability of the soil to sustain crops from season to season and year to year. Increasing organic matter improves structure and nutrient cycling because of greater microbial activity. Improved structure helps to retain plant available water for longer periods between rains. Both of these will benefit crops by mitigating against variability of water and nutrient supply during the growing season. That could impact profits through reduced fertilizer inputs or better growth during hot summer weather.
“Healthy soil has more organic matter, greater pore space and better water holding capacity,” notes Dr. Friedericks. “Nutrient cycling of nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients is improved as well.”
The cover crop recommendations in the report are formulated to meet two objectives: to provide the soil with easily decomposable plant biomass for better health and to retain the nutrients that are still present in the soil after crop harvest. In addition to planting cover crops, other management practices that can help improve soil health include reducing tillage, extending rotations and diversifying your cover crop mixture.
How to Sample
· Normal soil sampling guidelines apply: take the sample at 6-8 inch depth; combine multiple cores to make a representative sample; and zone sampling can also be used for soil health.
· Sample size is similar to fertility testing, around 2 cups. Fill a bag and mail as soon as possible. Samples will be dried in the lab when received.
AgSource is a leader in agricultural, turf and environmental laboratory analysis and information management services, with facilities in Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon and Wisconsin. A division of Cooperative Resources International, AgSource Laboratories provides testing services to clients in the United States and across the globe. Learn more at www.AgSource.com.
Harrison Co. Corn Growers Host Branstad
The Harrison County Corn Growers Association hosted Iowa Governor Terry Branstad last week on the farm of Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Director Curt Mether for a discussion on policy issues affecting corn farmers. This visit was part of the Governor's 99 Iowa County Tour where he met with 11 farmers. The group chatted about the need for Iowa to pass legislation to set consistent funding for our state's water quality efforts, support for Section 179 coupling in 2017 and the signing of the biochemical tax credit.
"We appreciate the Governor taking the time to hear our views on a number of policy issues," said Mether, a farmer from Logan. "We appreciate the legislators and his work on water quality funding legislation even though no additional funding was passed. The Iowa Corn Growers Association remains committed to seeking significant, long-term funding for improving water quality in the state of Iowa. We are hopeful the state legislature can come to a consensus this coming session."
Local and county corn grower groups such as the one in Harrison County make up the backbone of ICGA's membership organization. Grassroots members guide policy, help establish legislative priorities and build relationships with elected officials in helping to advance the Iowa Corn Growers Association's key policy objectives.
The next step in the policy development process is the ongoing ICGA membership survey and roundtable meetings, which will be held across the state in early July. These meetings allow ICGA members to gather together and discuss policy directions for the upcoming year. To see ICGA's full list of state and federal priorities, please visit iowacorn.org/policy.
Modules Provide Education on Grain Handling, Storage Safety
With the goal of providing information and training on grain handling and storage safety, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has produced a series of online learning modules. Developed through the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative, the no-cost learning modules can be used to train employees on current best practices.
A wide variety of issues are examined in the series, including: drying, aeration, grain storage, mycotoxins, processing, rendering, quality assurance and safety, sanitation and pest management and preventive maintenance. Modules also include information on the beef, dairy cattle, poultry, and swine industries. Go to the Extension Store to view the complete selection.
“These modules provide a new format for the public to access information and distance education that we haven’t previously seen at Iowa State,” said Howard Shepherd, extension program specialist with the Center for Crops Utilization Research.
The modules contain videos that cover each topic, along with audio and text information. When accessed through the Certified Crop Advisor program at Iowa State, the modules can also be used to gain continuing education credits.
“We wanted to provide information that previously had only been available in a brochure or other written form and make it accessible to all,” Shepherd said. “Visually, the modules allow producers to look at specific things they could do to have better quality management strategies.”
With the modules covering such a wide variety of topics, they can also be useful in onboarding new employees, Shepherd said.
“Our partner in this process — the FDA — wanted tools specifically geared to train new employees,” Shepherd said. “Ag businesses also have new employees who could use these modules as a learning tool when they begin their jobs. Or they can be used to enhance the education level of their producers so they would have a better understanding of food safety and management practices.”
The series is authored by Iowa State researchers Greg Brenneman, agricultural engineering specialist; Steve Johnson, farm management specialist; Erin Bowers, postdoctorate research associate in agriculture and biosystems engineering; Charles Hurburgh, professor and extension ag health and safety specialist in agriculture and biosystems engineering; Alison Robertson, associate professor and extension specialist in plant pathology and microbiology; Connie Hardy, specialist in value added agriculture; Heather Snyder, lecturer and extension specialist; Gretchen Mosher, assistant professor in agricultural and biosystems engineering; Megan Smith, veterinary specialist with the Centers for Food Security and Public Health; and Shepherd.
Cassie Jones, assistant professor of feed technology at Kansas State University; Charles Stark, associate professor of feed technology at Kansas State University; Bhadriraju Subramanyam, distinguished professor in grain science at Kansas State University; Carlos Campabadal, specialist of integrated pest management at Kansas State University; and Adam Fahrenholz, assistant professor of feed milling and poultry science at North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension also wrote sections of the series.
Panama Canal Expansion Could Open Opportunities for U.S. Soy
U.S. soybean farmers now have access to faster and more efficient waterway transportation when delivering U.S. soy to international end users, but investment in U.S. inland-waterway infrastructure is required to optimize these efficiencies.
The long-awaited Panama Canal expansion opened today, doubling the waterway’s capacity. The new, larger lane allows more freight to be loaded on each vessel, decreases transit time and lowers transportation costs overall as compared with the original canal.
Transportation is not only necessary, it’s also a key aspect of the U.S. soy industry’s competitive advantage in the global marketplace. In fact, according to a soy-checkoff-funded study, foreign soy buyers often pay as much attention to the timeliness of deliveries as they do to the price. Currently, the U.S. transportation system supports the most efficient soy supply chain in the world, which provides the U.S. with a significant competitive advantage over South American soy suppliers.
While the expansion offers U.S. soy opportunities to capitalize on faster, more efficient shipping, it also offers those opportunities to many other countries, including U.S. soy’s biggest competitors: Brazil and Argentina. For U.S. soybean farmers to be able to fully capitalize on the expanded canal, domestic transportation infrastructure is in need of maintenance and repair to allow U.S. soy to be moved into export position. Improvements are needed to accommodate larger ships and the increased volume of commodities moving via U.S. inland waterways.
“We need to focus on improving our infrastructure, especially the locks and dams on our inland waterways,” says Mark Seib, a farmer-leader on both the United Soybean Board and Soy Transportation Coalition from Poseyville, Indiana. “Panama has done an excellent job of maintaining and improving its infrastructure for over 100 years, and it’s time to step up the work on ours.”
The Panama Canal is integral to the movement of soy. Approximately 600 million bushels of U.S. soybeans annually transit the Panama Canal, making soy the No. 1 U.S. agricultural commodity using the canal. In fact, 44 percent of total U.S. soy exports move through the canal.
“The transportation of soy beyond the elevator is not something we soybean farmers usually see, but it is the backbone of our industry,” says Seib. “Without a reliable transportation connection between supply and demand, soybean farmers would not be able to deliver their crop to end users at home and abroad.”
Rabobank Global Beef Quarterly Q2 2016: Volatility Challenges Beef Markets
The Rabobank global beef index ticked up in Q1 2016 after declining for much of 2015. However it shows signs of dropping again as softening prices in the U.S. and Canada battle strengthening prices in Australia and Brazil, according to the Rabobank Global Beef Quarterly Q2 2016.
“Volatility is a key theme across most markets at the moment,” says Angus Gidley-Baird, Senior Animal Protein Analyst at Rabobank. “A range of factors are creating a degree of uncertainty, including the economy and exchange rates influencing Brazil, seasonal conditions impacting Australia, the economy impacting China, and market volatility impacting the U.S.”
U.S.: market disrupted by volatility
U.S. market volatility continues to be a market disrupter. The combination of marked week-to-week price volatility, and equal volatility in the futures market, has made marketing decisions difficult to impossible.
Brazil: continuing to increase exports
The low value of the real, high domestic prices and the slow economic conditions will continue to support increased Brazilian beef exports. Exports to China, which reopened in June 2015, totalled more than 70,000 tonnes from January to May, while exports to Saudi Arabia, another new market, are more than 11,000 tonnes in the first five months of 2016.
China: economy affecting consumption
China’s slowing economy is affecting general beef consumption, but higher- and middle-income earners are supporting continued imports as they continue to seek quality beef products. Beef prices will remain stable in the coming quarter, as supply and demand are likely to be balanced.
Australia: cattle supplies remaining tight
Australian cattle supplies remain tight and prices strong. Australian cattle prices are expected to remain strong through Q3, given ongoing tight cattle supplies. Buoyed by recent rains, cattle prices have again risen to record levels in June.
Europe: calm in a sea of volatility
Europe is the most stable beef production region right now, with prices strengthening slightly, supported by steady exports, in particular to Turkey, despite ample availability of beef and low prices of competitive proteins.
Animal Agriculture Alliance Releases 2016 Advances in Animal Ag Report
Today, the Animal Agriculture Alliance released its 2016 Advances in Animal Agriculture Report. The report highlights animal agriculture’s advances in animal care, antibiotic use, food safety and sustainability for each sector of the industry.
“The animal agriculture industry collaborates, funds research and evolves to meet the highest animal care and food safety standards while feeding a growing population,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “Our Advances in Animal Agriculture report is an essential resource in communicating that message to key stakeholders including consumers, the media and partners throughout the supply chain.”
Highlights from the report include:
- Compared to 1960 laying hens, 2010 laying hens have 26 percent less daily feed use, 27 percent higher hen-day egg production, 42 percent better feed conversion, 57 percent lower mortality and 32 percent less direct water use per dozen eggs produced.
- Pork producers today use 78 percent less land and 41 percent less water than they did 50 years ago.
- The National Pork Board has adopted a new three-point antibiotic stewardship plan that is proactive, collaborative and aggressive in its strategy and scope.
- From 2005-2011, beef producers achieved a 7 percent overall improvement in environmental and social sustainability.
- Today, more than 94 percent of the milk supply comes from dairy producers enrolled in the National Dairy FARM program.
In addition to the 31-page report, an updated industry group contact list and a third-party expert contact list are available upon request. A new Advances in Animal Ag infographic illustrating one key advancement in each category for pigs, dairy, beef, laying hens, sheep and goat, chicken, turkey and veal is also available.
“The animal agriculture industry is committed to continuous improvement – and maintains that commitment of its own accord and in spite of groups who use fear and misinformation to confuse the public about livestock and poultry production,” said Johnson-Smith. “This report helps set the record straight by sharing the positive, factual story of animal agriculture today.”
All-American July 4th Cookout Ticks Up, Still Under $6 Per Person
A cookout of Americans’ favorite foods for the Fourth of July, including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pork spare ribs, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade and chocolate milk, will cost slightly more this year but still comes in at less than $6 per person, says the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Farm Bureau’s informal survey reveals the average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $56.06, or $5.61 per person.
Although the cost for the cookout is up slightly (less than 1 percent), “Prices in the meat case are starting to look better from the consumers’ perspective,” said Veronica Nigh, an AFBF economist. “Retail ground round prices are trending lower,” she noted, pointing to the nation’s cattle inventory and commercial beef production, which continue to rebound from dramatically low levels in 2014 and 2015.
In addition, “On the pork side, commercial production also continues to grow and is at the highest level in 25 years,” Nigh said. Spare rib prices are about the same as a year ago, while the amount of product in cold storage is up 121 percent, Nigh pointed out. “This is helping mediate the normal seasonal upswing in spare rib prices we typically see around the July 4th festivities,” she said.
AFBF’s summer cookout menu for 10 people consists of hot dogs and buns, cheeseburgers and buns, pork spare ribs, deli potato salad, baked beans, corn chips, lemonade, chocolate milk, ketchup, mustard and watermelon for dessert.
Commenting on factors driving the slight increase in retail watermelon prices, Nigh said, “While watermelons are grown across the U.S., most come from four states – Texas, Florida, Georgia and California – which together produce approximately 44 percent of the U.S. crop. Shipments of watermelons are down nearly 8 percent compared to the same time period last year,” she said.
U.S. milk production is up 1 percent compared to the same period last year. During the first quarter of 2016 (January-March), U.S. milk production reached historic levels, putting significant downward pressure on the price farmers receive for their milk.
Nigh said the increase in the price of cheese slices highlights the spread in prices that often occurs between values at the farm, wholesale, and retail stages of the production and marketing chain.
A total of 79 Farm Bureau members (volunteer shoppers) in 26 states checked retail prices for summer cookout foods at their local grocery stores for this informal survey.
The summer cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey and two additional surveys of common food staples Americans use to prepare meals at home.
The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks closely with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.
“Through the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 17 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Nigh said.
Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this $56.06 marketbasket would be $9.53.
For the week ending June 26, 2016, irrigation was in full swing as temperatures, which averaged two to six degrees above normal, were accompanied by mostly dry conditions, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Dryland crops were beginning to showing signs of stress as soil moisture supplies were drawn down. Rainfall totals of an inch or more were limited to parts of west central Nebraska and a few eastern counties. Row crops were developing quickly and the dry conditions allowed wheat harvest to progress in parts of the south. Ridge till operations and herbicide applications were major farm activities. There were 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 5 percent very short, 32 short, 60 adequate, and 3 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 2 percent very short, 18 short, 77 adequate, and 3 surplus.
Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 2 poor, 18 fair, 65 good, and 14 excellent. Corn silking was 1 percent, equal to last year, and near the five-year average of 2.
Sorghum condition rated 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 17 fair, 79 good, and 4 excellent. Sorghum emerged was 96 percent, ahead of 89 last year, but near 93 average.
Soybeans condition rated 0 percent very poor, 2 poor, 20 fair, 66 good, and 12 excellent. Soybeans blooming was 8 percent, near 7 last year, and equal to the average.
Winter wheat condition rated 3 percent very poor, 9 poor, 25 fair, 50 good, and 13 excellent. Winter wheat coloring was 90 percent, ahead of 80 last year and 71 average. Harvested was at 4 percent, near 1 last year, but behind 9 average.
Oats condition rated 1 percent very poor, 1 poor, 25 fair, 66 good, and 7 excellent. Oats headed was 94 percent, ahead of 88 last year and 84 average. Coloring was 49 percent, well ahead of 22 last year.
Alfalfa condition rated 3 percent very poor, 3 poor, 12 fair, 67 good, and 15 excellent. Alfalfa second cutting was 12 percent, near 11 last year, but behind 22 average.
Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 2 poor, 16 fair, 67 good, and 14 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 0 percent very short, 4 short, 93 adequate, and 3 surplus.
IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION
Iowa experienced highly variable weather conditions ranging from almost no precipitation to heavy rain and isolated hail during the week ending June 26, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities for the week included cutting hay, herbicide and fungicide applications, and some hauling of grain. Heat and lack of moisture stressed some crops, causing corn leaves to curl.
Topsoil moisture levels declined to 8 percent very short, 21 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels also fell to 3 percent very short, 17 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 4 percent surplus. South central and southeast Iowa reported the lowest topsoil moisture levels with approximately two-thirds of topsoil moisture rated very short or short.
There were scattered reports of corn reaching the silking stage this week. Seventy-nine percent of the corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition.
Soybeans blooming reached 5 percent, equal to both last year and the five-year average. Soybean condition rated 77 percent good to excellent.
Oats headed reached 90 percent this week, 2 days ahead of last year, and 5 days ahead of normal. Oats coloring reached 22 percent, 4 days ahead of the average. Oat condition rated 81 percent good to excellent.
The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 24 percent complete, almost one week ahead of average. Hay conditions rated 75 percent good to excellent this week.
Pasture condition rated 68 percent good to excellent. Livestock were reported as experiencing some stress as a result of heat and insects.
IOWA PRELIMINARY WEATHER SUMMARY
Provided by Harry J. Hillaker, State Climatologist
Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship
It was another hotter than normal week across Iowa with highly variable precipitation. Daytime temperatures reached into the nineties somewhere in the state on every day except Thursday (23rd). Temperature extremes varied from a Tuesday (21st) morning low of 49 degrees at Elkader to a Wednesday (22nd) afternoon high of 97 degrees at Lamoni. Temperatures for the week as a whole averaged from about two degrees above normal northeast to five degrees above normal southwest with a statewide average of 3.2 degrees higher than usual. Showers and thunderstorms were scattered over the southern one-third of the state on Monday (20th) with some localized heavy rain in far southwest Iowa where Sidney reported 3.55 inches. Rain fell across the northeast two-thirds of the state between Tuesday (21st) evening and Wednesday (22nd) morning with very heavy rain centered upon the Iowa City area with 5.65 inches measured at North Liberty. Thursday and Friday were dry statewide while there were a few isolated areas of light rain on Saturday from southwest into north central Iowa. Finally, showers and thunderstorms dampened much of southwest, central, northeast and east central Iowa on Saturday (25th) night. No rain fell during the past week over parts of west central Iowa, such as Storm Lake, Sac City, Rockwell City and Denison while on the other extreme North Liberty picked up 7.47 inches. The statewide average precipitation was 1.18 inches, exactly matching the normal for the week.
USDA Weekly Crop Progress
Six percent of the nation's corn was silking and 9% of the soybeans were blooming as of June 26, according to the USDA Crop Progress report released Monday.
Corn silking progress was 1 percentage point ahead of the average and 3 percentage points ahead of last year. Corn condition worsened just slightly to 5% poor to very poor, compared to 4% last week. The good-to-excellent category remained steady at 75%.
Soybean blooming at 9% is 2 percentage points ahead of last year and the five-year average, both at 7%. Soybean conditions worsened slightly to 72% good to excellent, compared to 73% last week.
Winter wheat is 45% harvested, compared to 25% last week, 33% last year and 41% on average. Winter wheat condition improved slightly to 62% good to excellent compared to 61% last week.
Spring wheat is 56% headed, compared to 28% last week, 42% last year and a 27% average. Spring wheat condition declined to 72% good to excellent, compared to 76% last week.
Cotton squaring is at 29%, compared to 22% last week, 31% last year and a 33% average. Cotton setting bolls was reported for the first time this growing season at 6%, compared to 4% last year and a 6% average. Cotton condition improved to 56% good to excellent compared to 54% last week. Rice is 16% headed, compared to 8% last week, 13% last year and a 10% average. Rice condition declined slightly to 69% good to excellent compared to 70% last week.
Sorghum is 95% planted compared to 88% last week, 91% last year and a 93% average. Sorghum is 26% headed, compared to 17% last week, 20% last year and a 22% average. Sorghum condition held steady at 70% good to excellent.
Oats are 83% headed, compared to 68% last week, 78% last year and a 69% average. Oats condition declined to 67% good to excellent compared to 70% last week.
Barley is 55% headed, compared to 23% last week, 55% last year and 30% on average. Barley condition declined slightly to 75% good to excellent compared to 77% last week.
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Nebraska Farmland Values Continue Gradual Decline
While farmland prices set records in 2012-2013 and enjoyed double-digit increase in the past 10 years, 2016 has seen a plateau in farmland values. From June 2015 to June 2016, high quality land is selling for $1,500 less per acre on average.
“And they continue to tail off,” said JD Maxson, area sales manager for Farmers National Company in North Platte, Neb. “This decline in farmland values in Nebraska denotes the first decline in recent years. It’s a result of a weak commodity market, soft cash rents and continued stress on livestock producers’ bottom line profit. Corn prices are at the lowest level in three years, affecting profit margins. Producers are waiting for an upward bump in prices, which explains the 'glut' of corn in on-site corn storage, and lower commodity prices have forced investors and owner/operators to rethink their strategies for calendar year 2016.”
Furthermore, as the demand for tillable cropland acres has dropped off, grazing pasture acres paralleled this downward trend as ranchers and livestock producers became more prudent and cautious, Maxson said.
“Livestock producers experienced a record-setting cattle market in 2014 and throughout 2015, only to see cattle numbers increase (heifers to feedlots and not held back for breeding). Livestock producers (cow/calf and cattle on feed) have experienced a sharp decline in bottom line profitability, which has a direct impact on pastureland/grazing acres. With cattle numbers up, one would automatically expect additional pressure on grazing acres; however short line profits have seemingly depressed the pastureland market. Purchasing additional grazing acres, while realizing lower profits at market time, has had a direct reflection on prices paid per acre. Buyers are more cautious and have been forced to be more selective with their long-term farmland investments.”
However, Maxson noted that specific pockets of Nebraska farmland have seen land pricing steady to strong. For example, a March 24 land auction in Milford, Neb., for 260 acres in Seward County sold in three tracts for $10,500-10,700, proving high quality land with improvements like tiling, center pivot irrigation, abundant water and good access to grain markets is still in demand, he said.
On the flipside, dryland cropland is showing a stronger rate of decline, 15 to 25 percent location specific, compared to pivot and gravity irrigated cropland. Then in other areas of the state, cropland values vary with the biggest adjustments found in central and western Nebraska. Maxson said he anticipates lower grain prices will persist throughout the rest of 2016, which will continue to have a negative impact on cash rental rates for early 2017.
“With the double digit appreciations over the past almost 10 years, these recent small declines in land values basically just bring us back to normalcy,” he said.
Iowa
The drop in commodity prices has caused land values to continue to soften in Iowa, said Sam Kain, ALC, GRI, ABRM, national sales manager for Farmers National Company based out of West Des Moines, Iowa. But, land values remain at a comparable level to June 2015, declining by $500 per acre on average for high quality land.
“The limited amount of land for sale right now has definitely limited the decline in land values,” Kain said. “Although we have seen a decline in all types of land, there is still strong demand for quality land and there appears to be renewed interest from investors. Farmland has always been a very stable investment, which is appealing to investors seeking a secure place to put their money. The majority of ag land sold in my work area has been to settle estates and still goes to farmer buyers though.”
The continued threat of rising interest rates and lower commodity prices will put pressure on land values in the near future, Kain said.
“But considering all that has happened in agriculture, we still have a very good land market,” he noted.
Nebraska Teachers Talk Agriculture at National Conference
The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded two Nebraska teachers an all-expense paid trip to the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, June 20-24 in Litchfield Park, AZ.
Anica Brown from Pound Middle School in Lincoln received the trip in conjunction with 2016 Teacher of the Year honors from the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation. Each year, the Foundation recognizes two outstanding teachers that incorporate agriculture into their classroom environments.
“The conference deepened my understanding and commitment to teaching my students the value of learning about agriculture, because farmers and ranchers provide for the world. It is important to engage each other in an agriculture conversation and teach our students to be confident consumers,” said Brown. “This was a fantastic conference. I look forward to attending again.”
Judi Roach from North Elementary in Sidney was also honored as a 2016 Teacher of the Year and was awarded the trip to Arizona.
“The conference has shown me what teaching agriculture looks like throughout the United States, across content areas and across grade levels,” Roach said. “I would encourage other Nebraska teachers, volunteers, administrators, or anyone who wants to help students learn about agriculture, to attend the conference. A huge thank you to the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation for providing this incredible learning opportunity for me.”
Nebraska teachers Patti Romshek and Kathy Bohac from East Butler Public School in Brainard also attended the conference. The American Farm Bureau Federation recognized their excellence in teaching with grants from the White-Reinhard Education Fund. Romshek and Bohac received Teacher of the Year Awards from the Foundation in 2014.
The National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference brings together kindergarten through 12th grade educators across the U.S. to discuss innovative ways they can use agriculture to teach core subject areas. In addition, conference participants have the opportunity to attend traveling workshops that include visits to local farms and touring the University of Arizona-Maricopa Ag Center (MAC).
Megahn Schafer, Executive Director of the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation, says supporting teachers is a smart investment. “We are thrilled to partner with teachers who recognize the benefits of incorporating agriculture into their classrooms. The impact of attending this conference will multiply as they share the knowledge and resources gained with their students and fellow teachers.”
Nebraska Soybean Board Offers Steaks, Grill to Sizzle of Summer Winners
The Summer grilling season is heating up thanks to the Nebraska Soybean Board’s Sizzle of Summer Sweepstakes. Nebraskans still have time to enter before the second of three separate prize drawings on July 5, 2016. The top prize for July is $250 in Omaha Steaks gift cards, with smaller amounts given to four other winners. All entrants are eligible to win a new Weber Genesis E-310 gas grill at the end of the summer.
The Sizzle of Summer Sweepstakes is open to all Nebraska residents and limited to one entry per household. To enter, visit TasteoftheTailgate.com. The website also features videos with summer grilling tips from Nebraska experts and cookout-friendly recipes.
Follow the Nebraska Soybean Board on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the sweepstakes as well as tips and information for Nebraska soybean farmers.
AGSOURCE LABORATORIES NOW OFFERING SOIL HEALTH TESTING
AgSource Laboratories is excited to introduce the Soil Health Assessment. This new soil report combines the chemical and physical results of traditional soil testing with biological assessments of microbial activity to provide a measure of the quality of the soil. In general, a higher score means a more healthy soil, and improving the score over time indicates that management practices are benefiting the soil and improving soil health.
“Any practices that build organic matter and maintain a nutrient source for an active microbial population in the soil will improve soil health,” notes Dr. Jim Friedericks, AgSource Laboratories’ Outreach & Education Advisor. “This in turn will enhance the overall quality of the soil, maximizing the productive capacity of the land.”
Improving soil health is a long term process that will build up the ability of the soil to sustain crops from season to season and year to year. Increasing organic matter improves structure and nutrient cycling because of greater microbial activity. Improved structure helps to retain plant available water for longer periods between rains. Both of these will benefit crops by mitigating against variability of water and nutrient supply during the growing season. That could impact profits through reduced fertilizer inputs or better growth during hot summer weather.
“Healthy soil has more organic matter, greater pore space and better water holding capacity,” notes Dr. Friedericks. “Nutrient cycling of nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients is improved as well.”
The cover crop recommendations in the report are formulated to meet two objectives: to provide the soil with easily decomposable plant biomass for better health and to retain the nutrients that are still present in the soil after crop harvest. In addition to planting cover crops, other management practices that can help improve soil health include reducing tillage, extending rotations and diversifying your cover crop mixture.
How to Sample
· Normal soil sampling guidelines apply: take the sample at 6-8 inch depth; combine multiple cores to make a representative sample; and zone sampling can also be used for soil health.
· Sample size is similar to fertility testing, around 2 cups. Fill a bag and mail as soon as possible. Samples will be dried in the lab when received.
AgSource is a leader in agricultural, turf and environmental laboratory analysis and information management services, with facilities in Iowa, Nebraska, Oregon and Wisconsin. A division of Cooperative Resources International, AgSource Laboratories provides testing services to clients in the United States and across the globe. Learn more at www.AgSource.com.
Harrison Co. Corn Growers Host Branstad
The Harrison County Corn Growers Association hosted Iowa Governor Terry Branstad last week on the farm of Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) Director Curt Mether for a discussion on policy issues affecting corn farmers. This visit was part of the Governor's 99 Iowa County Tour where he met with 11 farmers. The group chatted about the need for Iowa to pass legislation to set consistent funding for our state's water quality efforts, support for Section 179 coupling in 2017 and the signing of the biochemical tax credit.
"We appreciate the Governor taking the time to hear our views on a number of policy issues," said Mether, a farmer from Logan. "We appreciate the legislators and his work on water quality funding legislation even though no additional funding was passed. The Iowa Corn Growers Association remains committed to seeking significant, long-term funding for improving water quality in the state of Iowa. We are hopeful the state legislature can come to a consensus this coming session."
Local and county corn grower groups such as the one in Harrison County make up the backbone of ICGA's membership organization. Grassroots members guide policy, help establish legislative priorities and build relationships with elected officials in helping to advance the Iowa Corn Growers Association's key policy objectives.
The next step in the policy development process is the ongoing ICGA membership survey and roundtable meetings, which will be held across the state in early July. These meetings allow ICGA members to gather together and discuss policy directions for the upcoming year. To see ICGA's full list of state and federal priorities, please visit iowacorn.org/policy.
Modules Provide Education on Grain Handling, Storage Safety
With the goal of providing information and training on grain handling and storage safety, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has produced a series of online learning modules. Developed through the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative, the no-cost learning modules can be used to train employees on current best practices.
A wide variety of issues are examined in the series, including: drying, aeration, grain storage, mycotoxins, processing, rendering, quality assurance and safety, sanitation and pest management and preventive maintenance. Modules also include information on the beef, dairy cattle, poultry, and swine industries. Go to the Extension Store to view the complete selection.
“These modules provide a new format for the public to access information and distance education that we haven’t previously seen at Iowa State,” said Howard Shepherd, extension program specialist with the Center for Crops Utilization Research.
The modules contain videos that cover each topic, along with audio and text information. When accessed through the Certified Crop Advisor program at Iowa State, the modules can also be used to gain continuing education credits.
“We wanted to provide information that previously had only been available in a brochure or other written form and make it accessible to all,” Shepherd said. “Visually, the modules allow producers to look at specific things they could do to have better quality management strategies.”
With the modules covering such a wide variety of topics, they can also be useful in onboarding new employees, Shepherd said.
“Our partner in this process — the FDA — wanted tools specifically geared to train new employees,” Shepherd said. “Ag businesses also have new employees who could use these modules as a learning tool when they begin their jobs. Or they can be used to enhance the education level of their producers so they would have a better understanding of food safety and management practices.”
The series is authored by Iowa State researchers Greg Brenneman, agricultural engineering specialist; Steve Johnson, farm management specialist; Erin Bowers, postdoctorate research associate in agriculture and biosystems engineering; Charles Hurburgh, professor and extension ag health and safety specialist in agriculture and biosystems engineering; Alison Robertson, associate professor and extension specialist in plant pathology and microbiology; Connie Hardy, specialist in value added agriculture; Heather Snyder, lecturer and extension specialist; Gretchen Mosher, assistant professor in agricultural and biosystems engineering; Megan Smith, veterinary specialist with the Centers for Food Security and Public Health; and Shepherd.
Cassie Jones, assistant professor of feed technology at Kansas State University; Charles Stark, associate professor of feed technology at Kansas State University; Bhadriraju Subramanyam, distinguished professor in grain science at Kansas State University; Carlos Campabadal, specialist of integrated pest management at Kansas State University; and Adam Fahrenholz, assistant professor of feed milling and poultry science at North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension also wrote sections of the series.
Panama Canal Expansion Could Open Opportunities for U.S. Soy
U.S. soybean farmers now have access to faster and more efficient waterway transportation when delivering U.S. soy to international end users, but investment in U.S. inland-waterway infrastructure is required to optimize these efficiencies.
The long-awaited Panama Canal expansion opened today, doubling the waterway’s capacity. The new, larger lane allows more freight to be loaded on each vessel, decreases transit time and lowers transportation costs overall as compared with the original canal.
Transportation is not only necessary, it’s also a key aspect of the U.S. soy industry’s competitive advantage in the global marketplace. In fact, according to a soy-checkoff-funded study, foreign soy buyers often pay as much attention to the timeliness of deliveries as they do to the price. Currently, the U.S. transportation system supports the most efficient soy supply chain in the world, which provides the U.S. with a significant competitive advantage over South American soy suppliers.
While the expansion offers U.S. soy opportunities to capitalize on faster, more efficient shipping, it also offers those opportunities to many other countries, including U.S. soy’s biggest competitors: Brazil and Argentina. For U.S. soybean farmers to be able to fully capitalize on the expanded canal, domestic transportation infrastructure is in need of maintenance and repair to allow U.S. soy to be moved into export position. Improvements are needed to accommodate larger ships and the increased volume of commodities moving via U.S. inland waterways.
“We need to focus on improving our infrastructure, especially the locks and dams on our inland waterways,” says Mark Seib, a farmer-leader on both the United Soybean Board and Soy Transportation Coalition from Poseyville, Indiana. “Panama has done an excellent job of maintaining and improving its infrastructure for over 100 years, and it’s time to step up the work on ours.”
The Panama Canal is integral to the movement of soy. Approximately 600 million bushels of U.S. soybeans annually transit the Panama Canal, making soy the No. 1 U.S. agricultural commodity using the canal. In fact, 44 percent of total U.S. soy exports move through the canal.
“The transportation of soy beyond the elevator is not something we soybean farmers usually see, but it is the backbone of our industry,” says Seib. “Without a reliable transportation connection between supply and demand, soybean farmers would not be able to deliver their crop to end users at home and abroad.”
Rabobank Global Beef Quarterly Q2 2016: Volatility Challenges Beef Markets
The Rabobank global beef index ticked up in Q1 2016 after declining for much of 2015. However it shows signs of dropping again as softening prices in the U.S. and Canada battle strengthening prices in Australia and Brazil, according to the Rabobank Global Beef Quarterly Q2 2016.
“Volatility is a key theme across most markets at the moment,” says Angus Gidley-Baird, Senior Animal Protein Analyst at Rabobank. “A range of factors are creating a degree of uncertainty, including the economy and exchange rates influencing Brazil, seasonal conditions impacting Australia, the economy impacting China, and market volatility impacting the U.S.”
U.S.: market disrupted by volatility
U.S. market volatility continues to be a market disrupter. The combination of marked week-to-week price volatility, and equal volatility in the futures market, has made marketing decisions difficult to impossible.
Brazil: continuing to increase exports
The low value of the real, high domestic prices and the slow economic conditions will continue to support increased Brazilian beef exports. Exports to China, which reopened in June 2015, totalled more than 70,000 tonnes from January to May, while exports to Saudi Arabia, another new market, are more than 11,000 tonnes in the first five months of 2016.
China: economy affecting consumption
China’s slowing economy is affecting general beef consumption, but higher- and middle-income earners are supporting continued imports as they continue to seek quality beef products. Beef prices will remain stable in the coming quarter, as supply and demand are likely to be balanced.
Australia: cattle supplies remaining tight
Australian cattle supplies remain tight and prices strong. Australian cattle prices are expected to remain strong through Q3, given ongoing tight cattle supplies. Buoyed by recent rains, cattle prices have again risen to record levels in June.
Europe: calm in a sea of volatility
Europe is the most stable beef production region right now, with prices strengthening slightly, supported by steady exports, in particular to Turkey, despite ample availability of beef and low prices of competitive proteins.
Animal Agriculture Alliance Releases 2016 Advances in Animal Ag Report
Today, the Animal Agriculture Alliance released its 2016 Advances in Animal Agriculture Report. The report highlights animal agriculture’s advances in animal care, antibiotic use, food safety and sustainability for each sector of the industry.
“The animal agriculture industry collaborates, funds research and evolves to meet the highest animal care and food safety standards while feeding a growing population,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “Our Advances in Animal Agriculture report is an essential resource in communicating that message to key stakeholders including consumers, the media and partners throughout the supply chain.”
Highlights from the report include:
- Compared to 1960 laying hens, 2010 laying hens have 26 percent less daily feed use, 27 percent higher hen-day egg production, 42 percent better feed conversion, 57 percent lower mortality and 32 percent less direct water use per dozen eggs produced.
- Pork producers today use 78 percent less land and 41 percent less water than they did 50 years ago.
- The National Pork Board has adopted a new three-point antibiotic stewardship plan that is proactive, collaborative and aggressive in its strategy and scope.
- From 2005-2011, beef producers achieved a 7 percent overall improvement in environmental and social sustainability.
- Today, more than 94 percent of the milk supply comes from dairy producers enrolled in the National Dairy FARM program.
In addition to the 31-page report, an updated industry group contact list and a third-party expert contact list are available upon request. A new Advances in Animal Ag infographic illustrating one key advancement in each category for pigs, dairy, beef, laying hens, sheep and goat, chicken, turkey and veal is also available.
“The animal agriculture industry is committed to continuous improvement – and maintains that commitment of its own accord and in spite of groups who use fear and misinformation to confuse the public about livestock and poultry production,” said Johnson-Smith. “This report helps set the record straight by sharing the positive, factual story of animal agriculture today.”
All-American July 4th Cookout Ticks Up, Still Under $6 Per Person
A cookout of Americans’ favorite foods for the Fourth of July, including hot dogs, cheeseburgers, pork spare ribs, potato salad, baked beans, lemonade and chocolate milk, will cost slightly more this year but still comes in at less than $6 per person, says the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Farm Bureau’s informal survey reveals the average cost of a summer cookout for 10 people is $56.06, or $5.61 per person.
Although the cost for the cookout is up slightly (less than 1 percent), “Prices in the meat case are starting to look better from the consumers’ perspective,” said Veronica Nigh, an AFBF economist. “Retail ground round prices are trending lower,” she noted, pointing to the nation’s cattle inventory and commercial beef production, which continue to rebound from dramatically low levels in 2014 and 2015.
In addition, “On the pork side, commercial production also continues to grow and is at the highest level in 25 years,” Nigh said. Spare rib prices are about the same as a year ago, while the amount of product in cold storage is up 121 percent, Nigh pointed out. “This is helping mediate the normal seasonal upswing in spare rib prices we typically see around the July 4th festivities,” she said.
AFBF’s summer cookout menu for 10 people consists of hot dogs and buns, cheeseburgers and buns, pork spare ribs, deli potato salad, baked beans, corn chips, lemonade, chocolate milk, ketchup, mustard and watermelon for dessert.
Commenting on factors driving the slight increase in retail watermelon prices, Nigh said, “While watermelons are grown across the U.S., most come from four states – Texas, Florida, Georgia and California – which together produce approximately 44 percent of the U.S. crop. Shipments of watermelons are down nearly 8 percent compared to the same time period last year,” she said.
U.S. milk production is up 1 percent compared to the same period last year. During the first quarter of 2016 (January-March), U.S. milk production reached historic levels, putting significant downward pressure on the price farmers receive for their milk.
Nigh said the increase in the price of cheese slices highlights the spread in prices that often occurs between values at the farm, wholesale, and retail stages of the production and marketing chain.
A total of 79 Farm Bureau members (volunteer shoppers) in 26 states checked retail prices for summer cookout foods at their local grocery stores for this informal survey.
The summer cookout survey is part of the Farm Bureau marketbasket series, which also includes the popular annual Thanksgiving Dinner Cost Survey and two additional surveys of common food staples Americans use to prepare meals at home.
The year-to-year direction of the marketbasket survey tracks closely with the federal government’s Consumer Price Index report for food at home. As retail grocery prices have increased gradually over time, the share of the average food dollar that America’s farm and ranch families receive has dropped.
“Through the mid-1970s, farmers received about one-third of consumer retail food expenditures for food eaten at home and away from home, on average. Since then, that figure has decreased steadily and is now about 17 percent, according to the Agriculture Department’s revised Food Dollar Series,” Nigh said.
Using the “food at home and away from home” percentage across-the-board, the farmer’s share of this $56.06 marketbasket would be $9.53.
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