Monday August 22 Crop Progress + Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending August 21, 2016, temperatures averaged two degrees below normal as cooler conditions prevailed, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Precipitation of an inch or more was limited to portions of the southern Panhandle and the eastern third of the State. Much of the State remained dry, with drought conditions in south central counties as well as the northwest. Panhandle producers continued preparations for winter wheat planting. Irrigation was active in most counties. There were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 8 percent very short, 32 short, 58 adequate, and 2 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 7 percent very short, 30 short, 62 adequate, and 1 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 poor, 19 fair, 58 good, and 17 excellent. Corn dough was 87 percent, ahead of 81 last year, and near the five-year average of 84. Dented was 42 percent, ahead of 30 last year and 37 average.

Sorghum condition rated 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 16 fair, 66 good, and 18 excellent. Sorghum headed was 95 percent, near 97 last year, but ahead of 88 average. Coloring was 44 percent, well ahead of 24 last year and 21 average.

Soybeans condition rated 1 percent very poor, 4 poor, 19 fair, 61 good, and 15 excellent. Soybeans setting pods was 92 percent, near 88 last year and 89 average. Dropping leaves was 2 percent, near 4 last year and 1 average.

Oats harvested was 95 percent, near 96 last year and 98 average.

Alfalfa condition rated 4 percent very poor, 4 poor, 17 fair, 62 good, and 13 excellent. Alfalfa third cutting was 86 percent, ahead of 81 last year and 78 average. Fourth cutting was 30 percent, ahead of 20 last year, and well ahead of 9 average.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report: 
Pasture and range conditions rated 3 percent very poor, 6 poor, 24 fair, 57 good, and 10 excellent.  Stock water supplies rated 1 percent very short, 12 short, 86 adequate, and 1 surplus.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

Continued precipitation, heavy in some areas of the State, resulted in 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending August 21, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Precipitation and cooler nights benefitted grain and pod fill. Activities for the week included harvesting oats and cutting hay when ground conditions were dry enough.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 6 percent short, 85 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 8 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus. South central and southeast Iowa continue to report the lowest subsoil moisture levels in the State.

Ninety percent of the corn crop reached the dough stage or beyond, 10 days ahead of the 5-year average, with 45 percent dented or beyond, 6 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. There were scattered reports of corn showing signs of maturity. Corn condition rated 83 percent good to excellent.

Soybeans setting pods reached 92 percent, 5 days ahead of last year and 4 days ahead of normal. Three percent of soybeans have started to turn color. Soybean condition rated 82 percent good to excellent, although there were reports of sudden death and white mold in some soybean fields.

Harvesting of oats for grain or seed was nearing completion.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 66 percent complete, 4 days ahead of average. Pasture condition rated 64 percent good to excellent. Livestock experienced little stress with near ideal conditions.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress

U.S. corn and soybeans continue to develop ahead of an average pace, with soybean conditions holding steady and corn condition ratings improving slightly, according to USDA's latest Crop Progress report released Monday.

The nation's corn crop was 85% in the dough stage as of Sunday, ahead of 73% last year and ahead of the five-year average of 76%. Corn dented was 40%, ahead of 21% last week, 34% last year and the five-year average of 35%. Corn condition improved slightly to 75% good to excellent, compared to 74% last week.

Soybeans were 89% setting pods, ahead of 80% last week, 85% last year and 85% for the five-year average. Soybean conditions were unchanged from the previous week at 72% good to excellent.

Spring wheat harvest was 65% complete, compared to 48% a week ago, 69% a year ago and 46% five-year average. Spring wheat condition is no longer reported.

Cotton setting bolls was reported at 92%, compared to 88% last week, 80% last year and an 89% average. Sixteen percent of cotton bolls were opening, compared to 12% last week, 13% last year and a 15% average. Cotton condition decreased slightly to 47% good to excellent, compared to 48% last week.

Rice was 97% headed, compared to 94% last week, 92% last year and a 90% average. Fifteen percent of the rice crop was harvested, compared to 13% last week, 17% last year and a 14% average. Rice condition decreased substantially to 13% very poor to poor, compared to 8% last week.

Sorghum was 89% headed, compared to 83% last week, 88% last year and 81% on average. Coloring was reported at 52%, compared to 42% last week, 45% last year and a 43% average. Twenty-nine percent of sorghum was mature, compared to 23% last week, 26% last year, and a five-year average of 28%. Sorghum condition held steady from the previous week at 65% good to excellent.

Oats were 89% harvested as of Sunday, compared to 80% last week, 87% last year and an 82% average.

Barley harvest was reported at 70% complete, compared to 55% last week, 80% last year and a 52% average. Barley condition is no longer reported.



Terminating a Verbal Farm Land Lease
Allan Vyhnalek – Extension Educator, Platte Co.

Some farm leases are not written, but are verbal "handshake" agreements. Because nothing is in writing, the parties may have different recollections of their agreement, making lease disputes more difficult to resolve. The most common legal issue associated with verbal farm leases is how a lease may legally be terminated. For both year-to-year leases and holdover leases, six months advance notice must be given to legally terminate the lease. However, the lease date (the date from which the six months is counted) is different. In contrast, the termination of a written lease is determined by the terms of the written lease.

For year-to-year leases, the Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that the lease year begins March 1. Notice to a tenant to vacate under an oral year-to-year lease (legally referred to as a "notice to quit") must be given six months in advance of the end of the lease, or no later than August 31. For example, for the lease year beginning March 1, 2016, and ending February 28, 2017, notice from the landlord that the lease will be terminated would have to be given to (and received by) the tenant no later than August 31, 2016. The lease would then expire February 28, 2017, with the new tenant (or new buyer) able to take over the lease March 1, 2017. If, however, the notice to quit were given (or received) after August 31, 2016, the existing tenant would have the lease until February 28, 2018.

It is recommended that the farmland lease be terminated by Registered Mail™.  This means that the person receiving the letter signs for it, providing evidence that the termination notice was received. 

Pasture Lease Terminations
Handshake or verbal leases are different for pastures. The typical pasture lease is for the five-month grazing season. The lease is only in effect for that time, so the lease is terminated at the end of the grazing season; however, different lease length arrangements can be made in a written lease, and that would be followed if in effect.

Regardless of the type of lease — written, verbal, or even multiple year — the landlord should have clear communication with the tenant. By sending a termination notice before August 31, even for written leases, you can avoid any miscommunication or pitfalls.

Written Leases
In all instances, written leases would be preferred over oral or “handshake” leases. Sample leases are available in the Document Library at aglease101.org/ and can help both parties start thinking about the appropriate lease conditions for their situation. The site was developed by university extension specialists in the North Central Region.



PROTECT SILAGE WITH PLASTIC
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Plastic.  Every year I emphasize this word: plastic.  Plastic is one of those things you forget how useful and valuable it can be.

               Many of you are chopping or about to chop silage.  You will invest time and money to store good feed for your livestock.  However, when you start to feed your silage you may find that the top couple feet has an off color, smells bad, or has spoiled.

               After silage has been chopped and piled and packed correctly, it still can be damaged seriously by air and moisture slowly penetrating the outer 3 to 4 feet.  Animals often eat less when fed moldy silage and can even experience health problems due to mycotoxins.  Good, well-eared silage can lose over 20 percent of its feed value from fermentation and spoilage under normal conditions.  Silage made from corn with little or no grain might have even greater losses.  This loss can be cut in half, or even less, if silage is covered well by a sheet of plastic.

               Cover freshly chopped silage with black plastic immediately after you finish filling the trench, bunker, or pile.  Then cover the plastic with something to help hold it down.  Old tires are readily available and do a good job of keeping the plastic from blowing away.  But tires only keep the plastic in contact with the silage directly under the tire.  In between the tires, air can circulate and cause some spoilage.  An even better choice would be a solid cover, something like freshly chopped forage or weeds.  Then, the entire surface of silage will be fully protected.

               You go to a lot of time and expense to make good silage.  Isn't it worth it to spend just a little bit more to protect that investment?  Cover silage with plastic – it's worth it.



Popular Ag Sack Lunch Program Returns for Seventh Year; Designed To Bring Ag Awareness to Fourth-graders and their Families

The seventh annual Ag Sack Lunch Program will be providing a free lunch and presentation to fourth-graders about the importance of Nebraska agriculture throughout the 2016-17 school year. The program is made available at no cost to schools by the Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB), the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, the Nebraska Corn Board, and the Nebraska Beef Council

Each year Nebraska’s fourth-grade students come to Lincoln to tour the State Capitol Building as part of their state-mandated curriculum. The Ag Sack Lunch Program uses these tours as an opportunity to present about the importance of agriculture to our state’s economy. The presentation also explains what crops and livestock species are raised in Nebraska. 

Letters have been sent to fourth-grade teachers at 660 elementary schools in 44 eastern Nebraska counties. Reservations for the 2016-2017 school year are limited to 5,000 students on a first-come, first-served basis. These spots fill up quickly, so teachers are urged to sign up as soon as possible—even if their State Capitol tour dates have not been finalized yet. Reservations can be placed online at agsacklunchprogram.com.

The sack lunches, donated by the four sponsoring groups, consist of Nebraska-produced food items to help students appreciate where their food comes from. They also receive a card game called “Crazy Soybean,” which includes ag facts, to take home to play with their families and friends.

While they eat their lunches, students hear a 20-minute presentation about the huge role agriculture plays in the state’s economy. The presentations are given by “Ag Ambassadors,” who are students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln trained specifically to conduct these sessions.

Sponsors are enthusiastic about how the Ag Sack Lunch Program’s message has resonated with the fourth-graders and their families.

Victor Bohuslavsky, executive director of the NSB, said, “the program has done a great job helping fourth-graders understand how important agriculture is to our state.” He also added that “we continue to hear from participating teachers how much their students learn while they enjoy their sack lunches.” 

After her class participated in the program during the 2015-16 school year, the fourth-grade teacher at Omaha’s Pinewood Elementary School praised the program on how the presentation communicated with her students. “Fabulous program,” teacher Cheri Tommes said. “The kids were able to walk away with new knowledge as well as review what we learned over the school year.
The card game gave them something to take home and tell their families about! Thank you.”

Since the inaugural offering during the 2010-11 school year, nearly 30,000 students have participated in the Ag Sack Lunch program. Teachers are urged to register their classes as soon as possible.



CENTER FOR GRASSLAND STUDIES' FALL SEMINAR SERIES BEGINS AUG. 29

The fall seminar series offered by the University of Nebraska's Center for Grassland Studies will include 12 lectures on topics related to grasslands, including wildlife and grasslands, the role of soil greenhouse gas emissions in perennial grass production systems, pollinator conservation and turfgrasses, and multiple talks on beef systems and grazing management.

    The seminars are 3 to 4 p.m. most Mondays during the fall semester at the Nebraska East Union, 1705 Arbor Drive, with the exception of the Sept. 19 seminar, which will be in 150 Keim Hall, 1825 N. 38th St. The first lecture is scheduled for Aug. 29 and the last is Dec. 5, with none on Sept. 4, Oct. 17 and Nov. 7. The seminars are free and open to the public and can be taken for academic credit.

    The series features Paul Genho, this year's Frank and Margaret Leu Distinguished Lecturer, on Oct. 31. Genho, president of AgReserves Inc., will discuss 50 years of study and experience with beef systems management.

    The seminar schedule can be found at http://grassland.unl.edu/upcoming-seminars. The schedule is subject to revision; any changes will be noted on the website.

    Videos of each seminar will be available a few days later. For more information, contact the center at 402-472-4101 or email grassland@unl.edu.



Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics Set for September

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations being conducted across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters. They offer an opportunity to seek an experienced outside opinion on issues affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Sites and Dates
    Grand Island — Thursday, Sept. 1
    North Platte — Thursday, Sept. 8
    Fairbury — Friday, Sept. 9
    Norfolk — Friday, Sept. 16
    Lexington — Thursday, Sept. 15
    Norfolk — Friday, Sept. 16
    Norfolk — Wednesday, Sept. 28

To sign up for a clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.



Yeutter Symposium to Focus on Japanese Trade Sept. 13

The Yeutter Symposium will be held at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on Sept. 13. Hiroyuki Ishige, chairman and CEO of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will present a keynote address titled "Asia-Pacific Economic Integration and the Role of the United States and Japan."

Ishige's lecture will focus on the depth and speed of the economic integration in the Asia-Pacific and its importance to our national, regional and state economies. He will also discuss 21st-century Asia-Pacific trade framework, the opportunities and the challenges. The responsibilities the United States and Japan have on Asia-Pacific economic integration will also be articulated.

The event begins at 2:30 p.m. with registration and refreshments, with Ishige speaking at 3 p.m. Joining Ishige will be Clayton Yeutter, former U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Governor Pete Ricketts has also been invited.

Ishige's presentation will be followed by an hors d'oeuvers reception and networking at the Nebraska Innovation Campus Conference Center, 2021 Transformation Drive, Lincoln.

RSVP at go.unl.edu/yeutterforum or email ianr@unl.edu. Walk-ins also welcome. Free parking available north of the buildings. Questions? Contact Jessie Brophy at jbrophy3@unl.edu or 402-472-7080



Wright County approval of Prestage pork facility heralded by Iowa soybean farmers

Iowa Soybean Association President Wayne Fredericks offers the following perspective on today’s unanimous decision by Wright County Board of Supervisors giving the go-ahead for construction of a new pork processing facility by Prestage Foods of Iowa.

“The unanimous approval today by the Wright County Board of Supervisors of a new Prestage Foods of Iowa pork processing facility is the kind of bread-and-butter economic development that has defined Iowa’s leadership in food production for generations.

“The $240 million project will offer good paying jobs to hard-working Iowans, create new demand for Iowa-grown-and-raised pork and soybeans and boost economic development throughout north central Iowa and beyond.

“Iowa soybean farmers travel the world marketing Iowa-grown soybeans and other agricultural products. This project is in keeping with the state’s strong reputation as a leading provider of high-quality food in a location ideally suited for agriculture. Pork is the No. 1 customer of soybean farmers, and a domestic one at that. Last year, Iowa farmers harvested a record 554 million bushels of soybeans. Nearly one of every four rows of this productivity is consumed by nearly 40 million head of hogs raised annually in the state.

“As a grassroots organization led by farmers whose families have put down deep roots over many generations, we understand the unique role Iowa plays in growing food. And it stands to reason given that more than 85 percent of our state’s land area is devoted to farming, the highest percentage in the nation. We’re also home to a significant share of the world’s most productive farm ground. With these resources comes a tremendous obligation to use them productively and sustainably.

“Iowa is ideally suited to growing and processing grain and livestock and the proposed pork processing facility is a natural extension of this sustainable cycle. The Iowa Soybean Association recognizes the Wright County Supervisors for moving forward prudently and decisively. Their attention to detail and commitment to managing the project’s approval fairly and objectively is to be commended. New pig processing capacity in Iowa is a win-win for communities, farmers and everyone who relies on an economy that’s working and producing.”



63rd Annual Farm Progress Show Returns to Boone, Iowa

Farm Progress Show, the nation's greatest ag showcase, is nearly ready for visitors, the show will be held August 30, 31 and September 1 on its permanent show site in Boone, Iowa (a few minutes west of Ames) just off Hwy 30.

The annual event showcases the latest technology in agriculture, including new products to be unveiled at the show by many of the industry's largest manufacturers and suppliers.

A staple of the Farm Progress Show has always been the field demonstrations. This year is no exception with a full line up of demonstrations scheduled. The combines fire up at 11 a.m each show day. Additionally, you will see auger carts collecting grain on the go, and more. Tillage tools and other special machines will operate each day from 2 to 3 p.m. This gives visitors an opportunity to view all of the competitors in each segment running side by side.

There will also be a tillage class for tools that want to run faster to show their performance features. Most of the new tillage tools, with nearly a dozen on the market, are recommended to run at 7 to 9 miles per hour. When they are run at slower speeds, you don’t always get a true picture of how these machines work. The advent of vertical tillage has made it necessary to change the rules, and boost the longstanding speed limit on the demo field. Vertical-tillage tools can operate at their optimum speed once more traditional tillage tools have made their passes.

Another favorite attraction for Farm Progress Show visitors are the Ride ‘n Drives. This year, visitors can test drive a new truck, ATV and tractor tires. Yamaha, Ram Trucks, Michelin, Chevrolet, and Titan Tire are all participating in the Ride ‘n Drives. All Ride ‘n Drive participants will be located east of exhibit field by Tram Loading.

As in 2014 and 2015, this year’s show will also have an Annex located outside the main entrance. The Annex was created to accommodate companies who wanted to participate in the Farm Progress Show but the main exhibit field was sold out. Companies like Becks Hybrid and Iowa State University can be found in the Annex. Antique Row was also re-located to the Annex to give the antique tractor clubs more space to display vintage tractors and equipment.

Syngenta is sponsoring Syngenta Square at the Annex. It’s a place where visitors can stop for a beverage, including a range of brews from Iowa Craft Brewery members and listen to live music. A great meeting place at the end of the day!

A second Varied Industries Tent has been added this year. This new North VIT is located between Fourth and Fifth Street, in the northwest quadrant of the show exhibit area. A diverse group of twenty-six companies will be set up in the north VIT and range from high-tech exhibitors to parts services.

The 2016 Farm Progress Show takes place east of Boone, Iowa, August 30, 31 and September 1. The exhibit field is open to visitors 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday. The public is welcome. Advance tickets can be purchased on the show's website, for more event details, visit www.FarmProgressShow.com. 



USMEF Event Showcases Return of U.S. Beef, Pork to South Africa

Working to build a solid base in a developing market, the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) matched red meat exporters with buyers during the first USMEF South Africa Seminar and Buyers Reception. Funding support for the networking and educational event, held Aug. 18 in Johannesburg, was provided by the USDA Market Access Program, the Beef Checkoff Program and the Pork Checkoff

Along with one-on-one business meetings and updates on current market conditions, USMEF staff provided technical advice and assistance to traders with an interest in putting more U.S. beef and pork in South Africa’s processing, retail and foodservice sectors. Focus was also put on food safety and the quality and consistency of U.S. red meat products, as well as the availability of U.S. beef livers, kidneys and other beef variety meats.

“This was an opportunity to not only build and establish relationships, the event also provided valuable information for buyers in South Africa and helped reacquaint them with high-quality U.S. beef and pork,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF senior vice president of marketing, who noted that those in attendance were from the South African trade, along with one buyer from Nigeria.

“South Africa’s retail market is a combination of modern supermarkets and the more traditional wholesale markets,” said Halstrom. “The degree of modern retail development in South Africa far exceeds the rest of Africa, and the pace of growth continues to be strong. The potential in retail, along with foodservice and further processing, provide promising future opportunities for U.S. beef and pork.”

Also prior to the seminar, USMEF Technical Services Manager Cheyenne McEndaffer and Monty Brown, USMEF representative in the region, traveled to Durban to meet with South African port officials. Durban was chosen because it is the highest volume port for meat imports entering the country. The goal was to better familiarize USMEF staff on the import clearance protocols. In discussions with the port officials, McEndaffer and Brown had an opportunity to learn about common documentation and labeling errors, in addition to clarification on the physical inspection and residue and microbiological sampling protocol for imported red meat products. USMEF plans to use this information to educate U.S. exporters on South Africa’s import process in order to minimize shipment delays or rejections in this new market.

"As is generally true when a market opens or reopens, exporting to South Africa is going to include a learning process for everyone involved, but continual information gathering will help clarify the process for our exporters,” McEndaffer said.

In February, South Africa reopened to U.S. pork, allowing U.S. exporters to send certain cuts of raw, frozen pork to the country for further processing at approved establishments and a narrower range of items for unrestricted sale (including retail). South Africa reopened to U.S. beef in January, with no restrictions. The South African market had previously been closed to U.S. beef since the December 2003 BSE case. It had been officially closed to U.S. pork since 2013, but prior to that time trade was very limited due to regulatory restrictions.

Having both products eligible in South Africa is adding momentum to USMEF’s market development efforts in Africa. Last September, USMEF held its first Meat Buyers Showcase and Seminar in Sub-Saharan Africa. The event, held in Ghana, attracted several U.S. export companies and more than two dozen buyers from Ghana, Benin and Nigeria.



USDA Cold Storage Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on July 31, 2016 were up 3 percent from the previous month but down 2 percent from last year, according to USDA-NASS in the monthly Cold Storage report. Total pounds of beef in freezers were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 2 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 2 percent from the previous month but down 5 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were down 20 percent from last month but up 114 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on July 31, 2016 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 1 percent from the previous month and up 7 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 5 percent from last month and up 7 percent from July 31, 2015.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on July 31, 2016 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 10 percent from July 31, 2015. Total natural cheese stocks were a record high for the month of July, since the data was first recorded in 1917.  Butter stocks were up 2 percent from last month and up 31 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were up 27 percent from last month and up 14 percent from a year ago. Total frozen fruit stocks were a record high for the month of July, since the data was first recorded in 1923.

Total frozen vegetable stocks were up 9 percent from last month and up 7 percent from a year ago. Total frozen vegetable stocks were a record high for the month of July, since the data was first recorded in 1962.



NEBRASKA CHICKEN AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during July 2016 totaled 9.23 million, up from 5.88 million the previous year, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Nebraska egg production during July totaled 230 million eggs, up from 151 million in 2015. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,492 eggs, compared to 2,569 eggs in 2015.

IOWA CHICKEN & EGGS
Iowa egg production during July 2016 was 1.25 billion eggs, up 5 percent from last month, and up 61 percent from last year, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.  The average number of all layers on hand during July 2016 was 52.1 million, up 2 percent from last month, and up 55 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for July were 2,388, up 3 percent from last month, and up 4 percent from last year.

U.S. July Egg Production Up 9 Percent
United States egg production totaled 8.50 billion during July 2016, up 9 percent from last year. Production included 7.36 billion table eggs, and 1.15 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.05 billion were broiler-type and 97 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during July 2016 averaged 358 million, up 7 percent from last year. July egg production per 100 layers was 2,378 eggs, up 2 percent from July 2015.
                                   
All layers in the United States on August 1, 2016 totaled 357 million, up 7 percent from last year. The 357 million layers consisted of 299 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 54.2 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.82 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on August 1, 2016, averaged 77.2 eggs per 100 layers, up 3 percent from August 1, 2015.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up Slightly
Egg-type chicks hatched during July 2016 totaled 42.9 million, up slightly from July 2015. Eggs in incubators totaled 38.2 million on August 1, 2016, down 14 percent from a year ago.  Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 268 thousand during July 2016, up slightly from July 2015.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 1 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during July 2016 totaled 810 million, up 1 percent from July 2015. Eggs in incubators totaled 650 million on August 1, 2016, up slightly from a year ago.  Leading breeders placed 7.96 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during July 2016, up 7 percent from July 2015.



EU Crop Monitor Cuts Corn, Wheat Yield Forecasts on Weather Damage

The European Union's crop monitoring agency cut its yield estimates after dry weather damaged corn fields in Romania and Bulgaria and floods devastated France's wheat harvest.

Crop yields are expected to total 5.36 metric tons per hectare in 2016, down from a forecast of 5.52 tons per hectare issued in July, said Monitoring Agricultural Resources.

The forecast for soft wheat yields was reduced to 5.86 tons per hectare from 6.10, and the corn forecast was reduced to 7.23 tons per hectare from 7.42 tons.

Despite the reduction, crop yields this year will be in line with the five-year average, MARS said.



India Soybean Production to be Higher This Year

India will likely produce more soybeans this year as bountiful rains have encouraged farmers to plant more crop during the last two months, according to the head of an industry body. "With good early monsoon rainfall, we can expect a production of 9 to 10 million tons," said B.V. Mehta, head of Mumbai-based trade body, Solvent Extractors' Association. Soybean is crushed to produce soybean oil and soymeal, which is used as animal feed. India consumes nearly 18 million tons of edible oil, and 75% of this demand is met by cheap imports, especially from Malaysia and Indonesia. Farmers have planted soybean on 11.24 million hectares so far in the sowing season that began in June, up 0.3% over the past year, according to India's agriculture ministry.



World Dairy Expo® Dairy Cattle Show Announces Entry ID Requirement Change

The deadline to enter cattle for the 50th World Dairy Expo® Dairy Cattle Show is fast approaching. To avoid late fees, cattle entries must be postmarked or submitted online by midnight (CDT) on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. Entry information, a complete schedule of events, rules and other updates can be found in the Premium Book or online at worlddairyexpo.com.

Due to a backlog in official USDA AIN 840 tags, the requirement to submit official AIN and CCIA ID at the time of animal entry has been relaxed for the 2016 show. If exhibitors do not currently have an AIN or CCIA number for their animals, they can submit entries by selecting “pending” on the paper or electronic entry form.

Although the official USDA AIN or Canadian CCIA RFID number is no longer required at the time of entry, it must be listed on the health papers with a corresponding tag placed in the animal’s ear at the time of arrival on grounds. Acceptable forms of ID include a USDA AIN 840 tag or a Canadian CCIA 124 RFID tag. Cattle who were previously tagged (and born before March 11, 2015) with a USDA 900, 982, or 985 RFID tag will be grandfathered in under ADT and are eligible to enter the WDE grounds. 

For an additional fee, online and paper entries will be accepted through September 11. Entries will continue to be accepted between September 12 and the show, via mail or onsite, with applicable late fees.



AAIS Announces New Forms and Rules Filings for Drone Insurance Coverage

American Association of Insurance Services (AAIS), the only non-for-profit national insurance advisory organization, announced new filings of Unmanned Aircraft Liability Coverage forms and rules in their Agricultural General Liability Program (AgGL), in response to consumer demand for coverage for unmanned aircraft or "drones."  AAIS also filed a new Personal & Advertising Injury Liability Aircraft Exclusion created to address new liability exposures associated with this nascent technology.

As of this release, the new AgGL Unmanned Aircraft Coverage endorsements are approved in 34 states. 

AAIS' new endorsements were created in anticipation of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) long-awaited Final sUAS Regulations for small commercial UAS (under 55 pounds).  The new regulations were published June 21, 2016 and will become effective August 29, 2016.  The economic impact of this ruling is expected to be first felt in farm and agribusiness as it is the fastest growing commercial sector using drones.   

AAIS leads the national Property & Casualty insurance advisory industry in providing two specialized Agricultural General Liability (AgGL) products: one to meet the needs of large farms and one for commercial agricultural exposures. The AgGL program includes coverage of more than 300 expert classes, thus writing a separate commercial general liability policy is not necessary with the AAIS coverage forms.

Unmanned aircraft is expected to revolutionize American farming and agricultural operations through increased commodities production in the United States.  Drones can monitor livestock and increase crop yields by identifying specific regions of irrigation problems, insect infestations, and other exposures that previously devastated operations.  Using a specialized camera attached to the drone, infrared maps produce measurable data, photographs and valuable insights improving business production.  The soon to be effective sUAS FAA regulations allow farm/ag operations to monitor from a maximum of 400 feet.

AAIS will also soon be releasing additional forms and rules for drones, including:
-    A new Farmowners filing of Unmanned Aircraft Liability Coverage forms and rules, and new aircraft exclusions under Personal Injury and Personal & Advertising Injury Liability.
-    Unmanned Aircraft forms for Farm Umbrella (personal and commercial) as well as Agricultural Umbrella Liability (AgXL) coverage forms.

Leslie Rippley, AAIS vice president of commercial lines, farm & agribusiness, adds that AAIS recognizes the high consumer demand for drone usage in conducting farming and agricultural operations.

"As an industry leader in the farming and agriculture sector, we anticipated the need our members would have and their demand has been great," said Rippley, adding, "Thus, our first filing for Agricultural General Liability Unmanned Aircraft coverage offers large commercial farm and agricultural operations a solution tailored to their more complex exposures."

Under the new FAA rules, a person operating a small unmanned aircraft must either hold a remote pilot airman certificate with a small unmanned aircraft rating or be under the direct supervision of a person who does hold a remote pilot certificate. A licensed pilot may obtain a temporary remote pilot certificate immediately upon submission of the application.

To obtain a remote pilot certificate, a person must demonstrate aeronautical knowledge by:
-    Passing an initial aeronautical knowledge test
-    Being vetted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
-    Being at least 16 years old

Established in 1931, AAIS continues to serve the Property & Casualty insurance industry as the only national nonprofit advisory organization governed by its member companies.  AAIS offers innovative products including standardized policy forms, program rules, and loss costs for rate making for 34 lines of business, industry leadership in research and data development, and unrivaled customer service, value, and efficiency.  Over 700 insurance carriers, including some of the largest national carriers, rely on AAIS.



2016 NIAA Antibiotics Symposium Emphasis on Working Together Across Animal and Human Health

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) will once again host a unique gathering focused on a collaborative and continued dialogue about antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Not about one point of view, the 2016 NIAA hosted Antibiotics Symposium provides a setting for a thoughtful exchange of ideas for the betterment of animal and human health.

The Symposium entitled, Antibiotic Use – Working Together for Better Solutions, takes place November 1-3, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Dulles, Herndon, Va.

All sectors of the animal food production and human/public health industries will come together around this, one of the most important topics in animal and human health today. The sixth Symposium hosted by NIAA and its partners, NIAA continues to develop the dialog on antimicrobial resistance through collaboration and cross-industry discussion.

Presenters will be from organizations such as the CDC, FDA, and USDA, along with industry leaders, retailers, processors, producers, and representatives from both human and public health. To move forward, animal agriculture must outline what appropriate use of antibiotics really means, and identify the core elements of stewardship.

Building trust, developing tools and deploying strategies will take all of us Working Together.

For more information or to register online go animalagriculture.org/2016-Antibiotics-Symposium or contact the NIAA by calling 719-538-8843 or email niaa@animalagriculture.org.