NEBRASKA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 2 PERCENT
Nebraska feedlots, with capacities of 1,000 or more head, contained 2.34 million cattle on feed on June 1, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This inventory was down 2 percent from last year. Placements during May totaled 405,000 head, up 4 percent from 2015. Cattle marketings for the month of May totaled 465,000 head, down 1 percent from last year. Other disappearance during May totaled 20,000 head, unchanged from last year.
IOWA CATTLE ON FEED DOWN 2 PERCENT
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 630,000 head on June 1, 2016, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Cattle on Feed report. This was down 2 percent from May 1, 2016, and down 3 percent from June 1, 2015. Iowa feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head had 570,000 head on feed, down 5 percent from last month and down 7 percent from last year. Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in all Iowa feedlots totaled 1,200,000 head, down 3 percent from last month and down 5 percent from last year.
Placements of cattle and calves in Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during May totaled 64,000 head, a decrease of 18 percent from last month and down 2 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head placed 35,000 head, down 8 percent from last month and down 20 percent from last year. Placements for all feedlots in Iowa totaled 99,000 head, down 15 percent from last month and down 9 percent from last year.
Marketings of fed cattle from Iowa feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 or more head during May totaled 72,000 head, a decrease of 4 percent from last month and down 3 percent from last year. Feedlots with a capacity of less than 1,000 head marketed 60,000 head, down 8 percent from last month but up 22 percent from last year. Marketings for all feedlots in Iowa were 132,000 head, down 6 percent from last month but up 7 percent from last year. Other disappearance from all feedlots in Iowa totaled 7,000 head.
United States Cattle on Feed Up 2 Percent
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.8 million head on June 1, 2016. The inventory was 2 percent above June 1, 2015.
On Feed by State - 1,000 hd - % of June 1, 2015
Colorado .........: 890 100
Iowa ................: 630 97
Kansas .............: 2,160 107
Nebraska .........: 2,340 98
Texas ...............: 2,610 104
Placements in feedlots during May totaled 1.88 million head, 10 percent above 2015. Net placements were 1.81 million head. During May, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 305,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 250,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 479,000 head, and 800 pounds and greater were 850,000 head.
Placements by State - 1,000 hd - % of May '15
Colorado .........: 135 96
Iowa ................: 64 98
Kansas .............: 420 122
Nebraska .........: 405 104
Texas ...............: 560 113
Marketings of fed cattle during May totaled 1.79 million head, 5 percent above 2015. Other disappearance totaled 74,000 head during May, 4 percent below 2015.
Marketing by State - 1,000 hd - % of May '15
Colorado .........: 130 100
Iowa ................: 72 97
Kansas .............: 400 107
Nebraska .........: 465 99
Texas ...............: 430 109
NEBRASKA HOG IVNENTORY UP 8 PERCENT
Nebraska inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2016, was 3.45 million head, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. This was up 8 percent from June 1, 2015, and up 3 percent from March 1, 2016. Breeding hog inventory, at 425,000 head, was up 4 percent from June 1, 2015, and up 1 percent from last quarter. Market hog inventory, at 3.03 million head, was up 8 percent from last year, and up 3 percent from last quarter.
The March – May 2016 Nebraska pig crop, at 2.05 million head, was up 8 percent from 2015. Sows farrowed during the period totaled 180,000 head, up 6 percent from last year. The average pigs saved per litter was a record high 11.40 for the March – May period, compared to 11.20 last year.
Nebraska hog producers intend to farrow 185,000 sows during the June – August 2016 quarter, up 3 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period a year ago. Intended farrowings for September – November 2016 are 180,000 sows, unchanged from the actual farrowings during the same period the previous year.
IOWA HOGS & PIGS INVENTORY DOWN 2 PERCENT FROM 2015
On June 1, 2016, there were 20.6 million hogs and pigs on Iowa farms, according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Hogs and Pigs report. The June 1 inventory was up 2 percent from the previous quarter but down 2 percent from the previous year.
The March-May quarterly pig crop was 5.29 million head, up 1 percent from both the previous quarter and last year. A total of 485,000 sows farrowed during this quarter. The average pigs saved per litter was 10.9 for the March-May quarter, the second highest pigs per litter on record.
As of June 1, producers planned to farrow 500,000 sows and gilts in the June-August quarter and 495,000 head during the September-November quarter.
United States Hog Inventory Up 2 Percent
United States inventory of all hogs and pigs on June 1, 2016 was 68.4 million head. This was up 2 percent from June 1, 2015, and up 1 percent from March 1, 2016. This is the highest June 1 inventory of all hogs and pigs since estimates began in 1964.
Breeding inventory, at 5.98 million head, was up 1 percent from last year, but down slightly from the previous quarter.
Market hog inventory, at 62.4 million head, was up 2 percent from last year, and up 1 percent from last quarter. This is the highest June 1 market hog inventory since estimates began in 1964.
Total Inventory by State - 1,000 hd - % of June '15
Nebraska ..........: 3,350 106
Iowa .................: 20,100 97
Kansas ..............: 1,920 103
North Carolina ..: 8,700 101
The March-May 2016 pig crop, at 30.3 million head, was up 3 percent from 2015. This is the largest March-May pig crop since 1971. Sows farrowed during this period totaled 2.90 million head, up 1 percent from 2015. The sows farrowed during this quarter represented 48 percent of the breeding herd. The average pigs saved per litter was a record high 10.48 for the March-May period, compared to 10.37 last year. Pigs saved per litter by size of operation ranged from 8.10 for operations with 1-99 hogs and pigs to 10.50 for operations with more than 5,000 hogs and pigs.
United States hog producers intend to have 2.95 million sows farrow during the June-August 2016 quarter, down 2 percent from the actual farrowings during the same period in 2015, and down 1 percent from 2014. Intended farrowings for September-November 2016, at 2.90 million sows, are down 1 percent from 2015, and down 3 percent from 2014.
The total number of hogs under contract owned by operations with over 5,000 head, but raised by contractees, accounted for 47 percent of the total United States hog inventory, up from 46 percent last year.
USDA Cold Storage Highlights
Total red meat supplies in freezers on May 31, 2016 were down 2 percent from the previous month and down 5 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 6 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 4 percent from the previous month and down 6 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 7 percent from last month and up 20 percent from last year.
Total frozen poultry supplies on May 31, 2016 were up 4 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down slightly from the previous month but up 9 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 14 percent from last month and up 3 percent from May 31, 2015.
Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on May 31, 2016 were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 12 percent from May 31, 2015. Total natural cheese stocks were a record high for the month of May, since the data was first recorded in 1917. Butter stocks were up 10 percent from last month and up 23 percent from a year ago.
Total frozen fruit stocks were down 3 percent from last month but up 8 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 5 percent from last month but up 9 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were a record high for the month of May, since the data was first recorded in 1962.
Lower Elkhorn NRD board has a vacant seat
The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) has a vacant seat on their Board of Directors. Chris Carlson of Norfolk announced his resignation at the June 23rd board meeting. Carlson is moving outside of the district boundaries and will no longer be able to represent the people of Subdistrict #2.
Carlson, who has served on the board since 2005, encouraged the board and staff to continue their mission of conservation and water management. He said, “Don’t be afraid to speak up and say what’s on your mind. The board is better for it, and we can learn the most from people we may disagree with.” He complimented the board for their leadership and added, “I believe we have one of the best NRDs in the state.” Over the years, Carlson has been very passionate about the conservation practices and cost-share programs available for producers, including cover crops. He continued, “There is so much more to discover in the world of conservation.” The board accepted his resignation and will advertise the vacancy in July.
The LENRD board also voted to replace the generator at Maskenthine Lake. This was one of the last items on the list of equipment to be replaced following the June 16, 2014 tornado. The Stanton tornado, one of four tornados that struck in northeast Nebraska that day, ripped through the north edge of the recreation area, destroying the LENRD’s tree distribution center and tree nursery, the maintenance building, the superintendent’s residence, vehicles and equipment. LENRD Assistant General Manager, Ken Berney, said, “After two years, we have now replaced most of what was destroyed that day.”
The next board of directors meeting will be held on Thursday, July 28th at the LENRD office in Norfolk. Visit the district’s website for the latest news, agendas, and updates.... www.lenrd.org.
Nebraska Corn Growers Association Says EPA Draft Report on Atrazine “Stomps Science into the Dirt”
Nebraska farmers’ ability to use one of their most effective weed control strategies is in jeopardy, thanks to a draft report issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA report proposes to dramatically reduce the acceptable levels of atrazine, an herbicide used in growing the majority of the corn and sorghum in Nebraska and the nation. Agricultural groups across the nation, including the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, have expressed outrage at the proposed changes, noting that EPA is basing its recommendations on studies that even its own scientific advisors found flawed.
“Federal law requires EPA to make its determinations based on credible scientific evidence and that is clearly not the case here,” said Larry Mussack, a Decatur, Nebr. farmer and president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. “Atrazine is a safe and effective crop management tool for farmers for combating the spread of resistant weeds.”
According to Mussack, more than 7,000 scientific studies have found atrazine to be safe, making it one of the most rigorously tested crop management tools in the world. “It’s especially disturbing that EPA is stomping science into the dirt and basing its ecological risk assessment for atrazine on studies that their own Science Advisory Panel pronounced as ‘flawed’ just four years ago.”
EPA is recommending the the level of concern (LOC) for aquatic life be set at 3.4 parts per billion (ppb) on a 60-day average, down from the 10 ppb the EPA currently recommends. However, a diverse universe of scientific evidence points to a safe aquatic life LOC at 25 ppb or greater.
The proposed levels would cut average field application rates down to 8 ounces or one cup per acre. An acre is about the size of a football field. “At the proposed levels, atrazine would be rendered useless in controlling weeds in a large portion of the Corn Belt, effectively eliminating the product,” Mussack said.
Once the EPA’s draft report is published in the Federal Register, EPA will begin collecting comments for 60 days. “We will be sharing information on how Nebraska farmers and other agricultural advocates can submit comment once the details are available,” Mussack said. “This is another example of EPA overstepping its authority and making proposals that fly in the face of sound science. Farmers need to speak up.”
Ag Data Coalition Forms Farmer Advisory Board
Staying true to its core principle that farmers should be in control of the data collected on their operations, the Agricultural Data Coalition has announced the formation of a farmer advisory board. The advisory board, which currently consists of 10 men and women, will help guide ADC as it develops a data management repository to house agricultural information.
"The full potential of our agricultural data is not currently being realized because of management, storage, portability and delivery challenges," said Joe Luck, Assistant Professor and Precision Agriculture Engineer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a founding member of the ADC. "The mission of the ADC is to build a farmer-friendly product that will aid farmers in getting the most out of the vast amounts of data they collect every day, and the expertise this group of producers brings to the coalition will prove to be essential to that mission's success."
Advisory board members farm in seven states and raise crops ranging from corn and soybeans to cotton, sorghum, wheat and potatoes. This kind of diversity will help ensure that ADC is meeting the needs of all, explained Dr. Keith Coble of Mississippi State, another ADC founding member.
ADC Farmer Advisory Board
Kerry and Angela Knuth, corn, wheat and soybean farmers, Mead, Nebraska
Carl Sousek, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa farmer, Prague, Nebraska
Larry Dahlsten, sorghum farmer, Lindsborg, Kansas
David Schemm, wheat, sorghum and sunflower farmer, Sharon Springs, Kansas
Blake Hurst, corn, soybean farmer and greenhouse farmer, Tarkio, Missouri
Larkin Martin, cotton, corn, wheat and soybean farmer, Courtland, Alabama
Britt Raybould, potato farmer, St. Anthony, Idaho
Davie Stephens, soybean, corn and poultry farmer, Wingo, Kentucky
Brian Watkins, corn, soybean and swine farmer, Kenton, Ohio
ADC's mission is to create a neutral, independent warehouse where farmers can securely store and control the data generated by their tractors, harvesters, aerial imaging and other devices. Over time, that information can be scrubbed, synchronized and transmitted in an efficient and uniform way to third parties - whether they be researchers, insurance agents, government officials, farm managers, input providers or anyone else the farmer chooses.
Other ADC founding members include: The American Farm Bureau Federation, AGCO, Auburn University, CNH Industrial, Crop IMS, Ice Miller LLP, Purdue University, The Ohio State University, Raven Industries, and Topcon Positioning Group.
Nebraska Cattlemen Members Recognized at The Beef Improvement Federation
Nebraska Cattlemen are proud to announce that two members were recognized at The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) last week during the group's annual meeting and symposium in Manhattan, Kansas. Plum Thicket Farms, Gordon, Neb., was awarded the BIF Commercial Producer of the Year Award and Bill Rishel, North Platte, Nebraska, a BIF Pioneer Award
The Commercial Producer of the Year Award is presented annually to a producer to recognize their dedication to improving the beef industry at the commercial level. Plum Thicket Farms is a family operation with a passion for raising excellent beef cattle and improving the range and soil that are their livelihood. Located in the Nebraska panhandle, Plum Thicket calves 325 Sim-Angus cows and operates a small backgrounding lot.
Rex and Nancy Peterson head the cattle operation. After two tours of duty with the National Guard, their son, Patrick, came home to lead the farming operation. Patrick is passionate about improving soil health and conserving resources. His wife, Krista, is a large-animal veterinarian with a mobile practice in the area. She did a food animal internship at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and is a welcome addition to their management team.
The BIF Pioneer Award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle, honoring those who have had a major role in acceptance of performance reporting and documentation as the primary means to make genetic change in beef cattle.
Rishel Angus is known in the seedstock industry as one of the first to substantially commit to identifying and improving carcass merit. Likewise, Bill is recognized as a thought leader and mentor to many in the cattle industry.
Bill and his wife, Barb, married in 1966. Bill managed two Angus operations in New York, before developing Rishel Angus beginning in 1975. Rishel has devoted his life to serving the beef industry. He helped create Nebraska Cattlemen, serving as chairman of that organization's first Seedstock Council. Rishel served as president of Nebraska Cattlemen in 2010. He has also served in leadership roles with the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Nebraska Cattlemen's Classic.
Other Nebraskan's recognized at the BIF Conference were Ronnie Green, Lincoln, Neb., a BIF Pioneer Award and Steve Kachman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) statistics professor, a BIF Continuing Service Award Nebraska Cattlemen would also like to recognize the Frank Baker Memorial Scholarship Award recipients, Kathleen Ochsner, University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Kashly Schweer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
More than 600 beef producers, academia and industry representatives were in attendance at the organization's 48th annual convention. BIF's mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation.
EPA Settlement with Owner of Fertilizer Plant in Culbertson, Neb., to Resolve Risk Management Program Issues
The owner of an agricultural fertilizer plant in southwest Nebraska has agreed to comply with federal Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements as part of a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency related to its storage and use of large quantities of anhydrous ammonia.
Under a consent agreement and final order filed June 20, 2016, by EPA Region 7 in Lenexa, Kan., Kugler Oil Company, of McCook, Neb., will also pay a $101,808 civil penalty to the United States to settle alleged violations of RMP regulations at its Culbertson Dealer Fertilizer and Retail Plant, at 71748 Rail Road Avenue, in Culbertson, Neb.
As part of a previous administrative order for compliance on consent, filed June 1, 2016, Kugler Oil Company must provide documentation to EPA by January 31, 2017, showing that it has completed the actions necessary to bring the Culbertson facility into compliance with RMP regulations.
An EPA inspection of the Culbertson facility in August 2014 found it had more than 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia in process, and therefore was subject to specific Risk Management Program regulations that apply to companies that use or store large quantities of the fertilizer chemical. At the time of the inspection, the Culbertson Dealer Fertilizer and Retail Plant was using or storing approximately 620,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia but did not have the proper Risk Management Program in place.
As a result of EPA’s enforcement action, Kugler Oil Company must now develop and implement a risk management program for the facility that includes a management system, a hazard assessment, a prevention program, and an emergency response program.
Risk management programs and plans are crucial public safety requirements for businesses that use or store quantities of hazardous or potentially hazardous chemicals above certain threshold levels. Compliance with RMP regulations prevents accidents from occurring, and allows communities and their emergency responders to more safely respond to chemical releases and accidents that do occur.
Anhydrous ammonia is a colorless liquid when stored under pressure, but becomes a gas when released into the air. Accidental releases of anhydrous ammonia can be potentially serious, even deadly. Such releases can cause fire or explosion, and human exposure to anhydrous ammonia can cause serious health problems, including irritation and damage to the eyes, skin, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, and in severe cases, death.
Iowa Corn Growers Association Discusses Key Policy Issues at 2016 Roundtable
The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) announced today its 2016 Iowa Corn Roundtable meeting schedule, a key component of the ICGA policy development process. These grassroots meetings allow ICGA members to come together and deliberate on key issues impacting corn farmers. ICGA encourages ALL members to attend. Policies brought forward and approved at the Roundtable meetings go on to the Policy Session at the Grassroots Summit in August for the ICGA farmer-member delegates to debate.
July 6
Fort Dodge - Olde Boston's Restaurant (noon - 2 pm)
Mt. Pleasant - Jerry's Restaurant (noon - 2 pm)
Denison - Hillside Grille Restaurant (5:30 - 8:30 pm)
Grundy Center - Titan Machinery (5:30 - 8:30 pm)
Marion - Carlos O'Kellys (5:30 - 8:30 pm)
Red Oak - Red Coach Inn (5:30 - 8:30 pm)
July 7
Altoona - Fireside Grill (noon - 2 pm)
Emmetsburg - Shores at Five Island (noon - 2 pm)
Fayette - Upper Iowa University (5:30 - 8:30 pm)
Lake Rathbun - Honey Creek Resort (5:00 - 8:30 pm)
Le Mars - Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor (5:30 - 8:30 pm)
Mason City - Historic Park Inn (5:30 - 8:30 pm)
These events are FREE for ICGA Members. Meals (lunch or dinner) will be included at each session. RSVP by June 30th at iowacorn.org/roundtables.
IFBF relaunches conservation website for farmers and all Iowans, packed with information demonstrating water quality progress
Iowa Farm Bureau has relaunched ConservationCountsIowa.com with updated content for farmers and non-farmers alike to see the progress being made through the Nutrient Reduction Strategy, Iowa’s collaborative, research-based strategy for water quality improvement.
With more than 30 videos and infographics, users can see the many ways farmers are taking on the challenge of improving water quality. The visual content helps explain the research-based solutions farmers continue to implement across the state and also shows the measured progress reported by independent, third-party researchers, including scientists from Iowa State University.
The site also includes a complete listing of field days and other events around the state that farmers can attend to learn more about research-based practices to protect water.
Since Iowa’s water quality challenge is bigger than just farmers, the videos featured on ConservationCountsIowa.com share stories from farmers and communities around the state that have implemented successful conservation practices. The site demonstrates the role everyone has to play as we work together to improve Iowa’s water quality.
"Through Iowa's collaborative, research-based strategy, farmers and others are taking on the challenge of improving water quality and are making measured progress around the state,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said. “These successful partnerships at the local level are focused on proven conservation practices, and ConservationCountsIowa.com is a great resource for farmers and all Iowans to see what those practices are and learn how we can all play a role in improving water quality.”
The Conservation Counts website is responsive, meaning it’s fully compatible with desktop computers, tablets or smartphones.
With regularly updated content, ConservationCountsIowa.com will serve as a useful resource for all Iowans to see how farmers are taking on the challenge of improving water quality and the role everyone has to play in that improvement.
Farmers Encouraged to Vote in Corn Checkoff Director Elections
The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) will hold elections on July 19, 2016. Iowa corn farmers elect peers to serve on the ICPB to oversee the investment of funds generated by the Iowa corn checkoff. The Board’s primary activities include domestic and foreign market development, research into new and value-added corn uses, and education about the corn industry.
Crop Reporting Districts 2, 5, 7 can vote at their local county ISU extension office for their representation on the ICPB for a 3-year term. Crop reporting District 8 can vote at their local county ISU extension office for a 2-year term.
Candidates are as follows:
Crop Reporting District #2 - Counties: Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Humboldt, Mitchell, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth and Wright
Monica Lursen, Butler County
Tom Renner, Cerro Gordo County
Crop Reporting District #5 - Counties: Boone, Dallas, Grundy, Hamilton, Hardin, Jasper, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Story, Tama and Webster
Michael Fritch, Jasper County
Roger Zylstra, Jasper County
Crop Reporting District #7 - Counties: Adair, Adams, Cass, Fremont, Mills, Montgomery, Page, Pottawattamie and Taylor
Ralph Lents, Adair County
Delbert Westphalen, Cass County
Crop Reporting District #8 - Counties: Appanoose, Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Ringgold, Union, Wayne and Warren
Blake Reynolds, Warren County
Gary Petersohn, Ringgold County
Anyone who has produced and marketed 250 bushels of corn or more in Iowa in the previous marketing year is eligible to vote in the election. Producers unable to visit the extension office on July 19 may vote by absentee ballot. Absentee ballots are available by request until June 27 by contacting the Iowa Corn office at 515-225-9242 or at iowacorn.org. Absentee ballots must be postmarked no later than July 19.
Weeds Week to Focus on Herbicide Resistance, Management
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host the second annual Weeds Week series on herbicide resistance and weed management July 18-22. These one-day programs, tailored to farmers and retailers, will take place in five locations across Iowa: Crawfordsville, Lewis, Nashua, Sutherland and Boone.
"Our goal is to help farmers develop effective weed management plans," said Virgil Schmitt, field agronomist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. "Sessions have been developed to provide tools that help farmers and agribusinesses work together to develop long-term weed management plans that identify sites of action, promote timely application of herbicides and avoid the expenses of dealing with herbicide resistance."
Each session will include presentations, hands-on weed management planning, small group discussion and plot tours presented by extension field agronomists. Attendees will learn how to select herbicides from the herbicide effectiveness table, identify which herbicides to apply and develop their four-year weed management plans for their operation or for customers.
Kellie Blair of Dayton, Iowa attended Weeds Week in 2015 for more of a refresher course, while her husband AJ attended the program for the herbicide use and management information.
"For me, it helped with weed identification and what modes of action are out there," said Blair.
Blair said the Weeds Week program she attended in Boone reminded her and her husband not to go with the easiest option of herbicide mixes, to look at herbicide labels and to make sure that the herbicide and application matches up with the weed pressure.
"When my husband and I started farming, weed management was pretty simple," said Blair. "But now, it's a more complicated program. Weed pressure has gotten worse the last couple of years, so it was beneficial for us to hear information about using appropriate herbicides and doing timely applications for a successful outcome."
Each location will have a 9:30 a.m. check-in time. The program will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m., with lunch served at noon. The $25 registration fee includes lunch, refreshments and course materials and publications. Attendees are asked to pre-register to assist with facility and meal planning. To register online, visit www.aep.iastate.edu/weeds. For more information, call 515-294-6429 or anr@iastate.edu.
NPPC URGES PRODUCERS TO SUBMIT COMMENTS ON ORGANIC ANIMAL WELFARE RULES
USDA has proposed new animal welfare standards for the National Organic Program that, if enacted, would be the first time such standards are codified in federal law and would present serious challenges to livestock producers, according to the National Pork Producers Council, which opposes the new standards There are a number of problems with the proposed new organic animal welfare rules, NPPC points out, including:
Animal welfare is not germane to the concept of “organic.”
Organic has pertained to foods produced without synthetic pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms or growth hormones.
The Organic Food Production Act of 1990 limited its coverage of livestock to feeding and medication practices.
While the Agriculture Secretary can consider additional provisions, they must be within the scope of the 1990 act.
Some of the proposed standards, such as requiring outdoor access and, for pigs, allowing for rooting behavior, conflict with other tenants of organic production such as environmental stewardship.
Consumer confusion about the meaning of “organic” should not drive rulemaking; consumer education campaigns should address any confusion.
Animal welfare is important to all producers and is not exclusive to organic production.
New standards add complexity, create barriers to existing and new organic producers.
Current organic producers have designed their enterprises around existing organic standards. The new requirements may make it cost prohibitive to retrofit operations to come into compliance.
The proposed standards, many of which run counter to best management practices used to protect animal health and the environment, could be a barrier to new producers entering organic production.
The standards would increase the cost of organic livestock products without making them more “organic.”
Rather than expanding organic livestock production, the standards could reduce the number of organic producers.
Animal welfare is complex and needs to be science-based.
The proposed standards are rigid, inflexible and not science-based; they will not allow organic producers the flexibility to respond to new housing and handling systems that may be developed to enhance animal welfare.
The standards are based on public perception of what is good animal welfare and do not reflect a consensus by experts in animal welfare and handling.
Producers need flexibility to make animal welfare decisions based on the needs and challenges of their particular animals, facilities and customer preferences. A one-size-fits-all approach eliminates that flexibility.
Standards should be outcome-based; there is not yet an international standard for pigs.
Livestock industry and other animal welfare programs are available and suitable for use by organic producers.
The pork industry’s PQA Plus program is a good example of an industry program that provides a significant and outcome-based measure of animal welfare.
The World Animal Health Organization (OIE), of which the United States is a member, sets international animal welfare standards and has not yet issued a chapter on pigs.
It is premature to put any welfare practices into the Code of Federal Regulations since they may conflict with the international standards now under development.
Proposed standards for pigs present challenges to animal and public health.
Requirements on outdoor access, bedding and rooting behavior are in conflict with best management practices used to prevent swine diseases that pose a threat to animal and human health.
The United States made a significant and costly effort to eliminate pseudorabies from the commercial swine herd. Keeping pigs outdoors facilitates exposure to feral pigs, which are known to harbor the pseudorabies virus. There would be significant international trade ramifications if pseudorabies were reintroduced to farmed pigs.
Outdoor production is the major route of introduction for the trichinae parasite. Increased cases of trichinae in organic pork would lead to consumer trust problems for all pork products and to potential distrust of U.S. pork from America’s trading partners.
Restrictions on tail docking and teeth clipping would not allow producers the freedom to make needed husbandry decisions, which are implemented to protect animal welfare.
NPPC is urging pork producers and others to submit by the July 13 deadline comments in opposition to the proposed organic animal welfare standards, which not only don’t add to what makes a product “organic” but could be broadened to encompass conventional livestock production.
Growth Energy applauds Senate letter to EPA
Today, a bipartisan group of 39 Senators sent a letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure that the final blending targets under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2017 will promote growth in the U.S. biofuels sector and capitalize on economic opportunity instead of driving investment overseas. Emily Skor, Growth Energy CEO, issued the following statement:
“The letter is unequivocal in outlining the need to keep our progress in biofuels production intact and in urging EPA to issue a final rule putting the RFS program back on track with blending targets that match Congress’ intended levels.
“We must not turn back the clock on the progress we have made, and commend these Senators for protecting America’s security and economy through the RFS. The EPA must return stability to this policy to ensure that we keep America moving forward. The RFS decreases our dependence on foreign oil, improves our environment by reducing harmful emissions and displacing toxic chemicals found in gasoline, and gives American consumers a choice of a less expensive, higher performing fuel.
“The RFS is our nation’s most successful energy policy. We stand united with this group of bipartisan Senators in sending a message to EPA that our support for this policy is unwavering, and that EPA must set the final RVO volumes to 15 billion gallons as Congress intended.”
Creating More Effective Recalls by Improving Traceability
Each year, an estimated 48 million Americans get sick -- sometimes mortally -- from an all-too common source: foodborne pathogens. Even as the industry looks for ways to curb outbreaks, a new University of Notre Dame study finds that just being able to trace a product through its supply chain is at once critical, and difficult.
"Tracing Bad Products in Supply Chains," forthcoming in the Journal of Business Logistics by Kaitlin Wowak, assistant professor of management at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business, supports the need to manage traceability from a nuanced approach.
"Our study reveals that traceability is hindered by three things: time pressures, supply chain permeation and product characteristics that create confusion about what to trace," Wowak says. "We suggest ways firms can overcome these barriers, enhancing their ability to identify and recall tainted products."
Wowak says traceability should be managed differently depending on the product's perishability.
"Our research reveals a downside to supply chain initiatives that stress pushing products to market too quickly. Thus, firms should consider adopting different traceability requirements for fast-flowing products," she says.
"Federal regulations mandate that firms have traceability one step up and down the chain. However, this may not be sufficient for perishable products that flow quickly, such as fresh strawberries or dairy products. If firms develop traceability two or three steps up and down the chain, they may have access to more information, which could help the product and information flow in unison and mitigate information gaps, which are particularly detrimental during product recalls."
Also, Wowak says, product ID changes due to product blending can distort information, making traceability more difficult.
"Product blending is when you physically mix raw ingredients to produce a product. Take salsa, for example. Its tomatoes and jalapeno peppers each come in with separate IDs. We mix them together and we get a new ID. The new ID is what hinders traceability. Firms should consider giving products that are blended or co-mingled a new 'nickname,'" she says. "This would allow the original ID to follow the product down the chain and reduce the extent to which information is distorted. If peanut products that used ingredients from Peanut Corporation of America were given a nickname, for example, companies may have been able to locate contaminated products faster during the 2008 deadly salmonella outbreak."
Wowak, who specializes in supply chain risks and disruptions, has been recognized for past product recall research.
Co-authors on the paper include Christopher J. Craighead of the University of Tennessee and David J. Ketchen Jr. of Auburn University.
General Mills and SDSU Unveil Oats Research Laboratory
General Mills and South Dakota State University (SDSU) Thursday announced the opening of a state-of-the-art oat variety development lab on the Brookings campus. The Oats Research Laboratory will focus on advancing the sustainability and quality of oats in the United States.
"We're honored to be here working alongside some of the brightest agricultural researchers in the country," said Jim Kirkwood, vice president and chief science and technology development officer at General Mills. "Our company has made a public commitment to source 100 percent of our oats by 2020 from growing regions that demonstrate continuous improvement against industry-based environmental metrics. Having a venerable institution like SDSU as a partner will allow us to do more innovative oat breeding research in the labs and fields - and get us to that goal."
The new collaborative oat research laboratory, housed in the Young Brothers Seed Technology Building, includes labs, greenhouses and access to field trials. General Mills agronomists and plant breeders will work alongside the university's plant science department comprised of plant breeders, grain scientists, seed experts, environmental scientists, field station managers and student researchers. Together, their efforts will focus on improving the nutritional qualities of oats; developing better performing oat varieties with higher yields; and helping farmers improve agronomy practices to increase sustainability.
"At South Dakota State University, we believe strongly in public/private partnerships and the synergies they bring to research and innovation," said Dr. Barry H. Dunn, president of the institution. "This relationship combines an international innovator in consumer foods and the leading land-grant institution in the country's second largest oat-producing state. The new laboratory will be a powerful shared opportunity to enhance agricultural productivity and food production, and help stimulate sustainable economic growth and prosperity."
South Dakota is a natural fit for the lab because the state was ranked second in U.S. oat production in 2015 and the public breeding program is one of the mainstays of South Dakota's agriculture experiment station. Oats, unlike other commodities like corn and soybeans, do not benefit from large scale private or commercial breeding programs. In addition, oats are a critical part of the crop rotation in the state, providing soil health benefits, reducing soil erosion, requiring fewer inputs and no irrigation water while producing a nutrient rich product.
"We have a responsibility as a public-land grant university and agricultural experiment station to provide growers in our state and throughout the U.S. oat varieties and production systems that optimize profitable production and meet the needs of their markets," said Dr. Daniel Scholl, Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture & Biological Sciences, and Director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. "South Dakota growers prompted and helped the revitalization of oat variety development at SDSU and this scientific partnership with General Mills, a major buyer of South Dakota oats, brings value right back to the oat grower."
Oats are at the core of General Mills' business, with more than 600 products in the company's U.S. portfolio containing oats. In fiscal 2015, 25 percent of the company's U.S. retail sales volume comprised products containing whole grain oats. Since 1941, the company has brought the power of oats to consumers when Cheerioats were introduced - the first ready-to-eat cereal made from oats, now better known as Cheerios. As one of the largest buyers of North American oats, General Mills hopes that partnering with the top researchers and agronomy students at SDSU will enable the company to improve the quality and supply of oats, and increase the profitability of the crop for U.S. farmers.
Broad, skills-based education is crucial for agriculture careers
Many young Americans are already hard at work on the farm, even as the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” still echo in their ears. Other recent high school graduates may be planning to support the agriculture industry in other ways, perhaps as a scientist, salesperson or agronomist. Regardless of their destination, young people looking for a successful career in agriculture should continue a path of learning, experts advise.
United Nations’ statistics show that the global population increases by 83 million people each year. This expanding figure means there are a number of ag-related jobs to be had, according to Education and Marketing Manager Ashley Collins with AgCareers.com.
“In order to live, these people must be fed, and agriculture is responsible for that,” said Collins.
AgCareers.com, a popular website for jobs in agriculture, lists more than 7,000 ag-related jobs daily, and, in 2015, it posted a total of 81,386 jobs in agriculture alone.
“Right now, we see a number of postings in the biotechnology realm,” said Collins. “There’s a big demand in plant pathology and genetics – and the same in animal genetics and sciences.”
In addition, today’s farmers must stay current with the latest technological trends, whether that involves machinery, wireless communications tools, agronomics and more.
“Change is happening so fast in agriculture,” said Danny Klinefelter, Ph.D., Texas A&M University ag economist. “It will take a broad education to keep up to speed on these tools. If your farm business is going to succeed, your management must continue to learn, improve and adapt to the leading edge of the competition, or it will fall behind.”
Both Klinefelter and Collins encourage all young people who hope to work in agriculture to continue their education after high school, regardless of whether they plan to become growers or enter another sector of the industry.
“The most dangerous thing to say is, ‘I’m doing this because this is the way we’ve always done it,’” Klinefelter said. “Going to college will expose students to different things. They’ll have a chance to work with other people, learn to balance time and develop a broad background of knowledge.”
Internships in agriculture are a great way to not only help young people decide the best career paths, but also become immersed in the industry. In fact, AgCareers listed 1,800 internships last year, a 17 percent jump over 2014. Many companies like Syngenta offer a number of student internships.
“The three main skills we look for in a sales intern, for example, are business acumen, knowledge of sales and insight into agronomy,” said Jenny Heaton, head of talent development and talent acquisition at Syngenta, North America.
The growth of diverse positions in agriculture will continue, especially as farming becomes increasingly complex with more information available for analyzing.
“I believe there are high school students today who will likely take agricultural jobs out of college that haven’t even been established as careers quite yet,” said Heaton. “The industry is moving fast.”
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
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