Friday July 8 Ag News

LENRD Groundwater levels continue to recover from drought of 2012

Each year, the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) collects static water levels from the irrigation wells in their observation well network.  Conducted every year since the mid 1970’s, the measurement of these wells provides a wealth of important data utilized by the LENRD to manage groundwater in northeast Nebraska.  LENRD Water Resources Technician, Josh Schnitzler, said, “When we collect the water elevation data each spring, it allows us to determine the amount of recovery in the aquifer system from the previous year’s irrigation season.”

The spring 2016 groundwater level report shows that 84% of the wells measured rose from last year.  In fact, 5% of the wells recorded their highest ever spring reading.  One percent of the wells (2 of 234) recorded their lowest ever spring reading.

The LENRD’s data shows that from 1975 to the present, groundwater elevation levels have generally remained fairly constant throughout the district.  However, there have been several periods (typically following periods of drought) where groundwater levels have developed downward linear trends.  Fortunately, those drought periods eased and we returned to more normal, or above normal, periods of precipitation.  Groundwater elevations responded positively and supplies have improved.

LENRD Water Resources Manager, Brian Bruckner, explains, “Yet while all of this information is important and valuable, it can sometimes be misleading.  While it does offer us data to verify the amount of groundwater in storage it doesn’t necessarily mean that all groundwater users will have sufficient amounts of groundwater if and when the demand peaks.”  Depending upon the location, the amount of recovery is somewhat delayed due to the physical properties that exist within the aquifer.

Schnitzler added, “When looking at the data that has been collected over the past four decades, the in-season demands that cause the water levels to drop substantially is what we are most concerned about.  The geology of our district is very challenging.”

LENRD General Manager, Mike Sousek, said, “The groundwater resources that lie beneath our State are vast, but also vulnerable.  Even small changes in groundwater levels can have profound impacts.  Our water levels tend to bounce back in the spring, but that doesn’t give us the full picture.  There are in-season trends that need to be addressed, especially after the drought of 2012.”

The LENRD currently has an observation well network of 240 wells across 15-counties in Northeast Nebraska.  The wells were measured this spring and the report can be found on the district’s website:  www.lenrd.org/latest-news/. 



NEBRASKA EXTENSION OFFERS CROP MANAGEMENT CLINIC
Agribusiness professionals and crop producers will take a hands-on approach to learning at Nebraska Extension’s Crop Management Diagnostic Clinic July 13 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead. 

The training session provides the opportunity to get a close-up look at field conditions, research and techniques.

“Nebraska Extension is sharing quality information that will help those attending sharpen their crop management and diagnostic skills,” said Nebraska Extension Educator, Keith Glewen. “Benefits of the crop management and diagnostic clinics include one-on-one attention, on-site plot demonstrations, interaction with other participants, discussions about cutting edge research and an opportunity to earn continuing education credits through Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) program."

Topics include: assessing soybean defoliation by insects, early season pivot checkup – a hands-on investigation of pivot irrigation systems looking for improvements, cover crop termination and weed management, genetic resistance management, and weed control.

The training also includes a session with Elwynn Taylor, extension climatologist at Iowa State University, “What is the Weather this Season Doing to My Crop? To the Nation? Is There a True Analog Year?”

A total of 8.5 Certified Crop Adviser credits (integrated pest management - 4.5, soil and water management - 2.5, and crop management - 1.5) have been applied for and are pending approval for this clinic.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building.

Early registration is recommended to reserve a seat and resource materials. Cost for the clinic is $170 for those registering one week in advance and $195 after. 

For more information or to register, contact Nebraska Extension CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033, call (800) 529-8030, fax (402) 624-8010, e-mail cdunbar2@unl.edu or visit http://ardc.unl.edu/crop.shtml.

Two additional crop management diagnostic clinics will be offered in August:  Aug. 24 – late season and Aug. 25 – corn and soybean production school.  CCA credits are also available for these clinics.

Nebraska Extension is in UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.



Nebraska Corn Board Welcomes Bentzinger on Staff

The Nebraska Corn Board is pleased to announce that Nikki Bentzinger has joined its team as the staff assistant on June 20.

In this role, Bentzinger will work on behalf of Nebraska corn farmers and industry to help plan, organize and coordinate the Corn Board’s presence at the Nebraska State Fair, Husker Harvest Days, River City Rodeo, ethanol promotions and many other events across the state. She will work alongside the other members of the Corn Board staff as well as outside vendors and contractors to ensure project deadlines are met and contracts are fulfilled. Bentzinger will also design and coordinate the production of various online and written promotional materials.

“We are happy to welcome Nikki to the Nebraska Corn team,” said Kelly Brunkhorst, Nebraska Corn Board’s executive director. “With her many years of experience at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, in addition to her diverse agriculture background, she has an extensive understanding of the industry and will be a great asset to the team.”

Bentzinger grew up near Odell, Nebraska, where she had an active role in helping her grandparents with their livestock operation. She earned her associates degree from Lincoln School of Commerce in 2003. She began her career as a Loan Processer at Lincoln Federal Savings Bank. In 2007, Bentzinger decided to make a move to the agricultural industry and took on a role with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture in the Animal Health division. Bentzinger and her husband Corey have two young boys and currently live on the family farm near Hickman, Nebraska where they grow corn and soybeans.

“Agriculture has always been a big part of my life, and I am excited to continue my career in the industry by joining the Nebraska Corn staff,” said Bentzinger. “I look forward to working closely with the staff and board members to serve on behalf of Nebraska’s 23,000 corn farmers.”



Nebraska Cattlemen to Host State Wide Educational Road Trip

The Nebraska Cattlemen staff is hitting the road again this summer for an educational road trip. These educational meeting are exclusive to Nebraska Cattlemen paid members.NC staff will be discussing various industry issues at each of the eight stops across Nebraska July 25-28. Scheduled stops are at Columbus, St. Paul, Oxford, Lexington, Curtis, Gering, Rushville and Ainsworth.

Topics to fuel your mind include an update on this year's legislative session; hear what happened in Lincoln earlier this year that affect you as cattlemen. LB977 Implements of Husbandry on Highway and how we need to be respectful of the roads. How does the Veterinary Feed Directive affect you? What do you know about Property Rights? What more do you need to know about fence posts and wire.

Staff members want to know what you want as a member of the Nebraska Cattlemen. Tell us what you would like Nebraska Cattlemen to be working on.  Stops include:

Monday, July 25
Columbus 1:00 pm CDT River's Edge Convention Center, 265 33rd Ave. - Meal @ 12:30
St. Paul 7:30 pm CDT Miletta Vista Winery, 1732 Hwy 281 - Lower Loup Cattlemen Affiliate meeting @ 6:00 - Meal @ 6:30

Tuesday, July 26
Oxford 1:00 pm CDT Kuch's Steak House, 801 Ogden - Meal @ 12:30
Lexington 7:30 pm CDT Dawson Co. 4-H Building, 1002 Plum Creek Parkway - Meal @ 7:00

Wednesday, July 27
Curtis 1:00 pm CDT NCTA - Education Center Room 131, 404 E 7th - Meal @ 12:30
Gering 7:30 pm MDT Gering Civic Center - Platte River Room, 1050 M - Meal @ 7:00

Thursday, July 28
Rushville 1:00 pm MDT Sand Ridge Golf Course, 402 W 3rd Street - Meal @ 12:30
Ainsworth 7:30 pm CDT Ainsworth Conference Center, 606 E 4th - Meal @ 7:00

No RSVP is needed to attend the meetings; we hope to see you at one of the meetings. Follow us on Facebook at Nebraska Cattlemen or twitter at @necattlemen #beefmeet.  For more information about the meeting schedule please contact Bonita Lederer at 402.450.0223.



Be Part of the Roads Process!
Josh Moenning, 4 Lanes 4 Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) is asking to hear from you.  Next week NDOR is hosting eight meetings across the state with the purpose of gathering public input on which roads projects deserve priority and might most benefit our state and regional economies.

It is very important that you make your voice heard at these meetings.  NDOR is taking a new approach to project selection and prioritization.  Unlike years past, NDOR is now taking into account public input, in addition to the economic growth potential related to infrastructure development.  It’s a welcome change – one that can help grow our communities - and all Nebraskans should take the opportunity to make it count by participating in the process.

Following is the schedule of meetings...
Beatrice | July 13, 2016, 9-11 AM, Holiday Inn, 4005 N. 6th St.
La Vista | July 13, 2016, 3-5 PM, Embassy Suites, 12520 Westport Pkwy.
Norfolk | July 14, 2016, 9-11 AM, Lifelong Learning Center, 701 E Benjamin Ave
Grand Island | July 14, 2016, 3-5 PM, Bosselman Conference Center, 700 E Stolley Park Rd.
North Platte | July 15, 2016, 9-11 AM, Quality Inn & Suites, 2102 S. Jeffers St.
McCook | July 15, 2016, 2-4 PM, Community Hospital, 1301 E. H St.
Valentine | July 18, 2016, 3-5 PM, Niobrara Lodge, 803 East Highway #20
Gering | July 19, 2016, 9-11 AM, Gering Civic Center, 1050 M St.

Please plan to attend one nearest you and share your thoughts on how best we build better infrastructure across our state.



Current National Drought Summary
droughtmonitor.unl.edu

A stationary front located over the central U.S., along with several systems dropping southeastward out of the Canadian Prairies, triggered widespread moderate to heavy (2 to 6 inches, locally up to 10 inches) showers and thunderstorms from eastern Colorado eastward into Kentucky. The wet and cool weather quickly dashed any thoughts of a possible July flash drought in the central Plains and Midwest. Decent rains (1-3 inches) also fell on parts of the north-central and south-central Plains, along the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts, the central Appalachians, parts of northern New England, and in southeastern Arizona as the monsoon commenced. Temperatures averaged much below normal (4 to 10 degF) in the Midwest, and subnormal in most of the Northeast, northern half of the Plains, and the Four Corners region. In contrast, seasonably dry and warm conditions enveloped the Far West, while portions of the southern Plains, Delta, and Southeast received little or no rain. Similarly, most of the upper Midwest, north-central Great Plains, Great Lakes region, and coastal New England saw minimal rainfall. Elsewhere, conditions were wet in interior Alaska, the windward sides of the Hawaiian Islands, and eastern Puerto Rico.

Midwest
Widespread, beneficial rains (2-6 inches, locally to 10 inches) fell on the central Plains and the middle Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys, quickly ending speculation about a possible July flash drought developing in the Nation’s mid-section. With D0 and D1 expanding last week during critical crop growth stages, ample rains quickly erased the abnormal dryness across much of eastern Kansas, Missouri, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky, and shrunk some of the D0 in central Nebraska, western Iowa, and central Indiana as showers were more scattered in these areas. Where D0 and D1 remained (southern Nebraska, southeastern Iowa, western Illinois, northern Indiana), amounts were not great enough to make improvements, but were also not severe enough for degradation. An exception was in central Iowa (Story and Marshall Counties) where little or no rain and increasing deficiencies were enough for D1. In contrast, the past few weeks have been quite dry in the upper Midwest (central and northern Minnesota) and north-central Great Plains (northeastern South Dakota and southeastern North Dakota). With low stream flows and 90-days indices justifying additional dryness, D0 expanded into north-central and east-central Minnesota, D1 increased into southwestern North Dakota and west-central Minnesota, and D2 stretched into Grant and Douglas Counties. However, a localized thunderstorm dropped 4-5 inches of rain on Stevens County, diminishing the D1 there.

Looking Ahead
During the next 5 days (July 7-11), moderate precipitation (more than an inch) should fall along the northern tier of States (Washington-Oregon eastward to New England), and in the northern and central Great Plains, Midwest, Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, and Appalachians. The greatest totals (more than 2.5 inches) were forecast for North Dakota, the western Corn Belt, the Tennessee Valley, and northern New England. Little or no precipitation was expected for the southwestern quarter of the Nation, the southern Plains, and Florida. Temperatures should average below-normal in the West, northern Plains, upper Midwest, and New England, with above-normal readings in the southern Plains and along the southern and mid-Atlantic Coast States.

The NWS 6- to 10-day outlook for July 12-16 favors above-median precipitation along the U.S.-Canadian border, the Midwest, Tennessee Valley, southern Appalachians, and northern Alaska, with sub-median rainfall probable for most of the West and Rockies, south-central Plains, along the Gulf Coast, and in New England. Temperatures are likely to be subnormal in the northwestern quarter of the nation, while the odds favor above-normal readings in most of the eastern half of the U.S., southern Plains, and Alaska.



 Iowa Women in Ag Conference to Focus on Water Quality

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will have a strong presence at the 10th annual Iowa Women in Agriculture Conference later this month. Three ISU Extension and Outreach specialists will participate in the conference, helping educate women from across the state on conservation and water quality practices.Water Quality

Jamie Benning, water quality program manager; Angie Rieck-Hinz, field agronomist; and Madeline Schultz, program manager for Women in Agriculture with ISU Extension and Outreach will all present during the conference.

“This is a very exciting conference with a wide variety of speakers,” said Schultz. “There is very strong lineup this year to help women take management steps to improve their profitability. One thing I really admire about the conference is the focus on managing the farm business. The Iowa Women in Agriculture group started this conference 10 years ago and it is rewarding to watch it continue.”

The one-day conference will be Tuesday, July 26 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa. It will take place from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. with Karey Claghorn, CEO of the Iowa Soybean Association and former Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, serving as keynote speaker.

Rieck-Hinz will present a workshop titled "Agronomy, Conservation, and Leases: A Natural Fit."
Participants also will have a unique pre-conference opportunity to attend a water quality tour Monday, July 25 from 12:30-5 p.m. The tour is hosted by Benning and Schultz and will feature innovative urban and rural water quality improvement demonstrations. The tour begins at the Courtyard by Marriot (2405 SE Creekview Dr., Ankeny) and will highlight Ankeny’s urban practices, wetland restoration at Bear Creek near Roland and farming practices at ISU Extension and Outreach’s Field Extension Education Laboratory. Participants will travel in an air conditioned bus, with the tour taking place regardless of weather.

“Water quality is a topic that is very interesting to a lot of people and is regularly featured in the media,” Schultz said. “The tour is a way to provide education on water quality practices in both an urban and rural setting.”

Registration for the conference is $50 until July 18 and $70 after that date. Those wishing to participate in the water quality tour must register by July 18. Registration includes the water quality tour and evening welcome reception on Monday, and a continental breakfast, lunch and snacks with the conference on Tuesday. Registration can be done online or from 7:15-8 a.m. on the day of the conference. The full schedule of speakers also can be found online.

The Iowa Women in Agriculture conference was founded in 2005 to provide the educational opportunities women need to increase their skills in making business and financial decisions.
Extension programs for Women in Ag

The ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Agriculture program will offer fall classes beginning in late August. The first two courses will be "Women Managing Cattle" and "Managing for Today and Tomorrow," a farm transitioning course. A new online course on women’s roles in farm and ranch transition planning will be rolled out by early fall as well. Information on all upcoming programming can be found through the Women in Agriculture website.

Additionally, eight women from across the state will be honored as “Women Impacting the Land” during the Farm Progress Show from Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 in Boone. Show visitors can stop by the ISU Extension and Outreach Women in Agriculture program display in the Iowa State exhibit to meet these women who are being recognized for their roles in land conservation and management and their strong community leadership.

“We hope other women will be inspired to try more conservation practices and to be active in their communities,” Schultz said.



CHS reports fiscal 2016 nine-month earnings of $425.8 million

CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains and foods company, today reported net income of $425.8 million through nine months of its 2016 fiscal year.

CHS net income of $425.8 million for the period from Sept.1, 2015 through May 31, 2016, reflected a 34 percent decline from net income of $649.6 million through nine months of fiscal 2015. The lower earnings were attributed to the continued down economic cycles in the agricultural and energy sectors, which have resulted in reduced commodity prices and lower margins globally. Fiscal 2016 revenues through May 31, 2016, were $22.2 billion, down 17 percent from $26.6 billion for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, and primarily reflected lower selling prices for the energy, grain and fertilizer products the company handles.

CHS net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 (March 1 through May 31, 2016), was 7 percent ahead of the same period of fiscal 2015. CHS reported net income of $190.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2016, compared with $178.1 million for the same period in fiscal 2015. Results for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were attributed to increased pre-tax earnings for the company's Energy segment and its Corporate and Other category, as well as the new CHS Nitrogen Production segment. Results also reflected a reversal of lower cost or market charges taken earlier in fiscal 2016 within the Energy segment when energy product prices were lower. Revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were $7.8 billion, down 10 percent compared with $8.7 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

For the first three quarters of fiscal 2016, operating income reflected lower pre-tax earnings in the CHS Energy and Ag segments. These were partially offset by increased earnings in the Corporate and Other category, as well as the addition of the company's new Nitrogen Production segment.

CHS Energy segment earnings through the third quarter of fiscal 2016 declined year-over-year primarily due to lower refining margins, along with decreased earnings for the company's lubricants and transportation businesses. Propane earnings through nine months of fiscal 2016 increased from the same period of fiscal 2015.

Year-over-year earnings also declined within the CHS Ag segment, which includes the company's wholesale crop nutrients, renewable fuels, Country Operations retail, animal nutrition and sunflower processing; grain marketing, and processing and food ingredients businesses. Lower earnings in this segment were largely attributed to soft market conditions across the agricultural sectors CHS serves. Lower grain margins resulted in decreased earnings within grain marketing and Country Operations. Earnings for the company's wholesale crop nutrients business also declined compared with the same period of fiscal 2015 due to lower margins. CHS renewable fuels marketing and production earnings decreased through nine months of fiscal 2016 when compared with the same period of fiscal 2015, largely due to lower market prices for ethanol. CHS processing and food ingredients earnings decreased primarily due to a charge associated with disposal of the assets and a customer receivable.

CHS generated income before taxes in its newly established Nitrogen Production segment of $26.3 million, resulting from its February 2016 equity method investment of $2.8 billion in CF Industries Nitrogen, LLC.



NFU Public Comments Strongly Encourage EPA to Increase 2017 RFS Volume Levels

On behalf of nearly 200,000 family farm and ranch members, National Farmers Union (NFU) submitted public comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today, advocating for the agency to adjust their proposed Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) volume obligations for 2017. The proposed volume requirements were well-below the mandated levels established by Congress in 2007.

“When properly implemented, the RFS provides many benefits for the climate, rural America, and our nation’s food security. It’s disappointing that the EPA would undermine these attributes when proposing volume requirements. Climate change is happening, and it is impairing our ability to pursue increased global food security. The Agency must raise the volume requirements to meet the mandated volumes in their final rule,” said NFU President Roger Johnson.

NFU previously questioned the proposed rule for placing the interests of Big Oil above the Administration’s broader climate objectives. In addition, EPA used waiver authority that the authorizing statute does not provide, Johnson explains.

“In this proposed rule, EPA attempts to use waiver authority that it does not have to reward the obligated parties for resisting the changes they are required to make, an outcome that is even more offensive since these interests have been awarded an undeserved deferment since 2014,” he added in the comments.

The RFS provides opportunities for farmers and consumers to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by producing and using renewable transportation fuels with lower lifetime emissions than transportation fuels derived from fossil sources. According to a 2015 study, the RFS will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 138 million metric tons by 2022 – the equivalent to taking about 27 million vehicles off the road – if RFS statutory volume obligations are followed.

Unfortunately, wavering on the RFS rule has caused enormous setbacks in biofuel development and, consequently, delayed important GHG emission reductions.

“The final rule offers EPA another chance to regain some lost ground on the RFS, and NFU remains supportive of such efforts,” Johnson concluded.



MASS. HIGH COURT UPHOLDS BALLOT INITIATIVE THAT WOULD BAN LIVESTOCK HOUSING

Massachusetts’ highest court, the Supreme Judicial Court, this week allowed to go on this November’s ballot an initiative backed by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) that would ban the use in the state of certain farm animal housing and prohibit the sale in the state of meat and eggs from confined animals. A farmer and a homeless and hunger advocate challenged the ballot initiative, which would outlaw the use of gestation pens for pregnant sows, pens for veal calves and so-called battery cages for laying hens. It also would prohibit products from animals housed in such ways anywhere in the country from being sold in Massachusetts.

The National Pork Producers Council has been monitoring the situation, and opposes the Massachusetts initiative, which would prevent hog farmers from caring for their animals in a way approved by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. Those organizations long have recognize individual pens as appropriate for providing for the well-being of sows during pregnancy.

By banning interstate sales of meat and eggs from confined animals, the initiative likely would drive up the price of those products, which likely would reduce their consumption – the real goal of HSUS – according to NPPC. Such a ban for reasons other than public health and safety also would seem to be a violation of the Constitution’s Commerce Clause, which gives Congress the power “to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, ….” (In a 1994 case, the U.S. Supreme Court found that a Massachusetts tax on milk products, along with a subsidy program for in-state dairy farmers, violated the Commerce Clause because it hindered interstate commercial activity by discriminating against non-Massachusetts citizens.)

Next Wednesday is the deadline for proponents of the measure to submit ballot petition signatures to the Massachusetts Secretary of State to get the initiative certified for the November ballot.



Seeing Firsthand the Value of On-target Application, Effective Weed Control

This summer, growers across the United States are applying Enlist Duo® herbicide in their Enlist™ corn and Enlist soybean fields. They’re getting a firsthand look at how this landmark herbicide offers low drift potential during application. It also provides near-zero volatility in an easy-to-manage system that handles tough-to-control and herbicide-resistant weeds.

“Right now is an exciting point of the season — crops are looking good, and yield potential is strong in many parts of the country,” says Jonathan Siebert, Enlist field sales leader.  “Farmers can help maintain yield potential by carefully scouting and controlling weeds with a timely postemergence herbicide application.”

For 2016, growers have planted Enlist corn in a stewarded launch program. They’re also getting a look at Enlist soybeans through the Field Forward™ program for seed production. These growers are seeing rapid and excellent weed control as well as on-target application with limited drift and near-zero volatility. In addition, they’re finding Enlist Duo offers application timing flexibility. This can help when wet weather, such as many areas experienced in early June, delays growers’ ability to get into the field.

Take a look at the postemergence application efforts of some of these growers. Visit Experiencing Enlist on Enlist.com as growers report on the progress of their Enlist™ crops.