Monday August 29 Crop Progress + Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending August 28, 2016, temperatures averaged two to four degrees below normal, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Precipitation of an inch or more was limited to the southern border counties and portions of the extreme east. Much of the State remained dry. The cooler temperatures reduced crop moisture demands. In western counties, producers continued preparing summer fallow for winter wheat planting. There were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 8 percent very short, 32 short, 57 adequate, and 3 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 7 percent very short, 30 short, 61 adequate, and 2 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 poor, 19 fair, 59 good, and 16 excellent. Corn dough was 95 percent, ahead of 89 last year, and near the five-year average of 92. Dented was 61 percent, ahead of 53 last year and 56 average. Mature was 5 percent, near 1 last year and 7 average.

Sorghum condition rated 0 percent very poor, 0 poor, 17 fair, 64 good, and 19 excellent. Sorghum coloring was 74 percent, well ahead of 39 last year and 36 average. Mature was 2 percent.

Soybeans condition rated 1 percent very poor, 3 poor, 19 fair, 61 good, and 16 excellent. Soybeans setting pods was 96 percent, near 95 last year, and equal to average. Dropping leaves was 8 percent, near 9 last year and 4 average.

Winter wheat planted was 1 percent, equal to average.

Alfalfa condition rated 4 percent very poor, 4 poor, 18 fair, 62 good, and 12 excellent. Alfalfa third cutting was 93 percent, near 92 last year, and ahead of 86 average. Fourth cutting was 37 percent, ahead of 27 last year, and well ahead of 17 average.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 3 percent very poor, 9 poor, 23 fair, 55 good, and 10 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 1 percent very short, 12 short, 86 adequate, and 1 surplus.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

Above normal precipitation resulted in just 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork across Iowa during the week ending August 28, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Activities for the week included chopping corn for silage and planting cover crops. Producers continued to cut hay when conditions were dry enough.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 82 percent adequate and 10 percent surplus. Ponding and flooding of some fields were reported in the northern two-thirds of Iowa.

Ninety-four percent of the corn crop reached the dough stage or beyond, 8 days ahead of the five-year average, with sixty-five percent dented or beyond, 5 days ahead of both last year and normal. Corn was starting to mature, most notably in the southern third of the State. Corn condition rated 83 percent good to excellent despite some reports of crop damage from heavy rain and wind during the week.

Soybeans setting pods reached 96 percent, 4 days ahead of last year. Thirteen percent of soybeans have started to turn color, 3 days ahead of last year’s pace. Soybean condition rated 82 percent good to excellent, although there were reports of sudden death and white mold in some soybean fields.

Oats harvested for grain or seed was virtually complete.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 73 percent complete, one week ahead of last year. Pasture condition rated 64 percent good to excellent. Livestock conditions were normal although higher insect numbers and muddy feedlots were reported in some areas of the State.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress

Nine percent of the nation's corn crop was mature as of Aug. 28, according to USDA's latest Crop Progress report released Monday. That's two percentage points ahead of the five-year average. Corn condition held steady at 75% good to excellent.

Ninety-two percent of the crop was in the dough stage, compared to 85% last week, 90% last year and a five-year average of 87%. Sixty percent of the corn was dented, compared to 40% last week, 54% last year and a 52% average.

Soybeans were 94% setting pods, compared to 89% last week, 91% last year and 92% for the five-year average. Five percent of the crop has started dropping leaves, compared to 8% last year and a 5% average. Soybean conditions were slightly stronger at 73% good to excellent, compared to last week's 72%.

Spring wheat harvest was 81% complete, compared to 65% a week ago, 84% a year ago and 62% five-year average. 

Cotton setting bolls was reported at 95%, compared to 92% last week, 91% last year and a 94% average. Twenty-three percent of cotton bolls were opening, compared to 16% last week, 20% last year and a 23% average. Cotton condition improved slightly to 48% good to excellent, compared to 47% last week.

Twenty-two percent of the rice crop was harvested, compared to 15% last week, 24% last year and a 21% average. Rice condition decreased to 60% good to excellent compared to 61% last week.

Sorghum was 95% headed, compared to 89% last week, 94% last year and 88% on average. Coloring was reported at 62%, compared to 52% last week, 55% last year and a 51% average. Thirty-three percent of sorghum was mature, compared to 29% last week, 28% last year and a five-year average of 30%. Eighteen percent of the crop is harvested, compared to 19% last year and a 23% average. Sorghum condition held steady from the previous week at 65% good to excellent.

Oats were 95% harvested as of Sunday, compared to 89% last week, 94% last year and an 89% average. Barley harvest was reported at 86% complete, compared to 70% last week, 91% last year and a 67% average.



Sudden Death Syndrome Showing Up in Several Areas 
Loren Giesler - NE Extension Plant Pathologist

Over the past week there have been several reports of Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) showing up in soybeans. This is the time of year to identify stem and root rots like SDS to make plans for future years.

Wet soil conditions earlier this year were favorable for early infection with Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). Heavy rains during flowering are also favorable for development. The first signs of SDS appear as scattered yellow or white spots on the leaves in the upper canopy. In the intermediate stage, these spots eventually coalesce to form brown streaks between the veins (interveinal necrosis). On these leaves only the midvein and major lateral veins remain green. As the disease reaches the more advanced stages, premature defoliation occurs with petioles (leaf stems) remaining on the plant.

The progression from early symptom to defoliation will occur rapidly (less than 14 days in most cases). Symptoms of SDS can be confused with those of brown stem rot. To differentiate the two, split the stems of infected plants and check for discoloration. If the pith (center stem) is discolored, this is a symptom of brown stem rot. With SDS stem discoloration will be confined to the outer stem layers (vascular tissue) and can extend up the stem of infected plants. In addition to above ground symptoms, plants with SDS typically will have a rotted tap root and plants will pull easily. Upper lateral roots often are not affected.

The best action at this time is to identify these and other problems correctly so that you can develop a management strategy the next time soybeans are grown in the field. No action can be taken at this time to reduce the effect of SDS. As with any disease, to properly manage it the correct diagnosis is critical.




Nebraska LEAD Announces 2016-2018 Fellows

Nebraska LEAD Group 36 participants were announced by Terry Hejny, Director, Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program.

The newest members of Nebraska’s premier two-year agricultural leadership development program in its 36th year are made up exclusively of participants who are involved in production agriculture and/or agribusiness in Nebraska.

“We are proud to say that Class 36 appears to be filled with outstanding individuals from throughout the state and I am excited to get started with them. Class 36 consists of ’30 diamonds in the rough’ and our job is polish them up, preparing them for future leadership roles in their community, our state and beyond,” Hejny said.

The two-year program will begin in September.

LEAD Fellows will participate in 12 monthly three-day seminars across Nebraska, a 10-day national study/travel seminar and a 14-16 day international study/travel seminar. The goal of the program is to develop problem solvers, decision makers and spokespersons for agriculture and Nebraska.

Seminar themes include leadership assessment and potential, natural resources and energy, leadership through communication, agricultural policy and finance, Nebraska’s political process, global perspectives, nuclear energy, social and cultural issues, understanding and developing leadership skills, agribusiness and marketing, information technology, advances in health care, the resources and people of Nebraska’s Panhandle and other areas designed to develop leaders through exposure to a broad array of current topics and issues and how they interrelate.

Nebraska LEAD 36 Fellows by hometown are:
Arthur: Ty Walker
Broken Bow: Nate Bell
Craig: Johnathan Hladik
Deshler: Ellen Schmidt
Fairfield: Thomas Kluver
Fremont: Andy Langemeier
Gibbon: Shane Bendfeldt, Kimberly Wilkens
Gothenburg: Shane Terrell
Gretna: Kelsey Vala
Hay Springs: Joseph Dorshorst
Holdrege: Chris McQuillan
Johnson Lake: David Rowe
Kearney: Dustin Knuth, Hannah Riddle, Ryan Stien
Kennard: Jennifer Arp
Lexington: Adam Smith
Lincoln: Ben Blomendahl, Nate Blum, Robert Campbell, Nora Turner
Loomis: Justin Trompke
Martell: Alex McKiernan
North Platte: Kyle Shepherd
Omaha: Dustin Smith
Stapleton: Robert Hecox
Sutherland: Shelly Kelly
Trumbull: Scott Bieck
Waverly: Lori Paulsen

The Nebraska LEAD Program is operated by the non-profit Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in cooperation with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and 12 other institutions of higher education throughout Nebraska.



Technologies for Irrigation Management Field Day Sept. 8
Bill Kranz - NE Extension Irrigation Specialist

Nebraska Extension and MidPlains Ag are collaborating on a Technologies for Irrigation Management Field Day near Elgin on Thursday, Sept. 8.  The field day will be held at the Rich Uhrenholdt farm 3 miles south and 5.5 miles west of Elgin from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Presentations will include
-    how to develop management zone maps,
-    soil water sensor technologies,
-    use of variable frequency drives for energy conservation,
-    incentives for implementing new technologies,
-    and the latest long-term weather forecast for the region.

Extension Dean Chuck Hibberd will be the keynote speaker on how Nebraska Extension can help producers implement irrigation water management tools. Discussions will address current field research. Demonstrations will include pivot pressure regulator testing and electric power safety. Participants are invited to bring a pressure regulator from their center pivot to be tested at the Nebraska Extension booth.

Over 25 companies will have exhibits related to improving irrigation water management.

A noon meal will be provided by the Elgin FFA as a fundraiser.



Managing Cattle Production Risk: Protecting Profits in Uncertain Times Workshop Planned

With the high volatility in cattle prices and increasing expenses many cow-calf producers have seen margins tighten and profits decrease.  Nebraska Extension is presenting a workshop that helps cow-calf producers manage their risk, develop a marketing plan for their calves and add value to their beef production system.

This workshop, “Managing Cattle Production Risk: Protecting Profits in Uncertain Times”will be held at the University of Nebraska Ag Research and Development Center, near Mead, NE on Tuesday, Sept. 20.  Sign-in begins at 5:30 p.m. and the program will start at 6:30 p.m. 

While attendance is free, pre-registration is required to provide a head count for the meal and program materials.  To reserve a spot, you must call the Washington County Extension Office at 402-426-9455 or email stonn2@unl.edu NO LATER THAN Monday, September 12.

Nebraska Extension ag economists and educators will provide the program.  Jay Parsons, Nebraska Extension Ag Biosystems Economist, and Jim Jansen, Nebraska Extension Educator- Ag Economics, will be teaching participants about livestock risk protection insurance and marketing tools - options and hedging, developing marketing plans for calves and Steve Tonn, Nebraska Extension Educator- Beef Systems, will share ideas on adding value to cowherds and calves.

This workshop is free to the public, through funding provided by the North Central Extension Risk Management Education Center and the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.  A meal will also be served, courtesy of Mead Cattle Company and Wahoo Livestock Commission.  Call the Washington County Extension Office at the number listed above if you have further questions.



EXHIBITS TO FOCUS ON CLIMATE, 'WEATHER READY FARMS'

    Agricultural producers and Nebraskans attending Husker Harvest Days near Grand Island Sept. 13-15 will learn ways to maintain profitability while addressing challenges from the state's climate at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources exhibit.

    "Our faculty and staff have a wealth of research and information to share with Nebraskans on being prepared to manage their operations during significant variations in weather and climate," said Ron Yoder, IANR vice chancellor. "For the first time in recent years, we are taking a second year to build upon our previous year's exhibit theme that focused on successfully weathering extremes.

    "With a theme of 'Weather Ready Farms: Successfully Managing Extremes,' we have further defined our focus on research, recommendations and tools designed to help our farmers and ranchers prepare for large variations in weather and economic conditions, and to improve their prospects for success in challenging environments. It is part of our ongoing focus on critical and groundbreaking research and initiatives that are important not only to all Nebraskans, but also nationally and globally, as we enhance our reputation as a leader in these areas of critically important research and education.”

    The exhibit will be house inside and next to the university's Husker Red steel building at Lot 321 on the south side of the exhibit grounds. Showgoers will get the latest information for planning successful agricultural operations.

    Exhibits and displays inside the building will highlight:
    > New tools available from the Nebraska State Climate Office that enable farmers to immediately access current and historical weather data for their specific area of the state;
    > Strategies that help farmers improve risk management and financial stability in the face of economic extremes in agriculture;
    > Resources from the National Drought Mitigation Center designed to help farmers and communities better deal with drought;
    > Strategies for drought management in grassland and range systems;
    > The role of cover crops in building more resilient, stable soils that better withstand the effects of extreme events;
    > Management tools for climate-resilient irrigation systems to improve efficiency and improve uniformity of water application;
    > Adding value to weather data by using crop models to improve corn yield forecasts and decision-making.

    Outside and adjacent to the Husker Red building, live demonstrations and small plots will provide information on development of cover crops, energy crops, irrigation sensors for water conservation, crop scouting for insects, the interrelationship between manure and soil health, and cattle shading systems to reduce heat stress in feedlots.

    "We are significantly expanding the use of our outdoor, living exhibits to help demonstrate the innovation and research of IANR in the form of living exhibits," Yoder said.

    Inside the building, IANR faculty and staff will be available to answer questions on a variety of extension and research-related topics, provide copies of helpful NebGuides, and direct those needing further information to extension experts in their local area.

    Showgoers can also learn about the latest opportunities for students at the university's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis. College representatives will be available throughout the show to answer questions from potential students. Those interested in the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education Action Development) program can also visit with a LEAD representative.

    "This is an opportunity for us to bring the best of UNL to Husker Harvest Days and we take that very seriously," Yoder said.

    IANR has been part of Husker Harvest Days since the first show in 1978.

    "We always appreciate the opportunity to visit with stakeholders about what they see as Nebraska’s main challenges and opportunities," Yoder said. "We are your land-grant university."



Pivot Pressure Regulator Testing to be Offered at HHD
Bill Kranz - NE Extension Irrigation Specialist

Nebraska Extension is offering free testing of center pivot irrigation pressure regulators at the IANR building all three days of Husker Harvest Days September 13-15 in Grand Island.

Irrigators are encouraged to bring two regulators per pivot span for testing. They can be dropped off at the IANR building in the morning and picked up, along with a report, later in the day.

Regulators typically work correctly for many years, but should be inspected regularly for damage or malfunction.

Regulators have a flexible membrane that may rupture over time and lead to water spraying out the sides of the regulator (Figure 1). This spraying may be hidden from view amid the water spraying out of the sprinkler so you may have to look closely to identify the water source.

Spring tension also wears down over time. If the spring becomes weak, it decreases the pressure of the water going through the regulator (Figure 2) and increases the flow rate. Irrigators may see the irrigation system pressure decrease and the gallons per minute increase on a flow meter. These issues may indicate failed regulators. That's why it is important to maintain a good reliable pressure gauge on the system and a good functioning flow meter to monitor flow of irrigation water.

For more information on pressure regulators consult Nebraska Extension NebGuide G888, Flow Control Devices for Center Pivot Irrigation Systems.



Nebraska Soybean Board to Give Away Weber Grill and Omaha Steaks Gift Cards Sept. 6

The Nebraska Soybean Board will wrap up its Sizzle of Summer Sweepstakes with the final drawing on Sept. 6. Nebraskans still have time to enter for a chance to win the grand prize, a new Weber Genesis EP-310 gas grill. Entrants could also receive $250 in Omaha Steaks gift cards, with lesser amounts given to four other winners.

The Sizzle of Summer Sweepstakes is open to all Nebraska residents and limited to one entry per household. To enter, visit TasteoftheTailgate.com. The website also features videos with grilling tips from Nebraska experts and cookout-friendly recipes.  

Follow the Nebraska Soybean Board on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the sweepstakes as well as tips and information for Nebraska soybean farmers.



AquaCrop-OS website provides open-source tool for agricultural water management

Globally, there are growing demands to produce more food with less pressure on water resources and the environment. Mathematical models that simulate how crops respond to water are powerful tools for addressing this complex challenge. These models become much more valuable if they are easily and widely accessible to researchers and others who can integrate them with other management software. 

An international group of researchers has recently developed AquaCrop-OS, a free and open-source version of AquaCrop, a crop water productivity model that was first developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2009. Farm managers, policymakers, researchers and other practitioners can use the tool for water use decision-making from the field to the basin scales. Launched Monday, Aug. 29, during World Water Week 2016, anyone can now download the model and documentation for free from aquacropos.com.

Partners involved in the project include the Water for Food Global Institute at the University of Nebraska, FAO, the University of Manchester, and Imperial College, London. The lead developer of the AquaCrop-OS program is Tim Foster, lecturer in water-food security at the University of Manchester and former WFI postdoctoral researcher.

"We created AquaCrop-OS to provide a free, open-source software tool that makes it easier for scientists and policymakers to devise creative solutions to real-world water and food security challenges," said Foster.

AquaCrop-OS has a number of innovative features that are valuable to those interested in improving agricultural water management:
-    Support for multiple operating systems, extending AquaCrop to Mac and Linux users.
-    Capacity to integrate with high-performance computing resources, such as models for assessing climate change impacts on agriculture.
-    Ability to quickly and effectively link with other water resources management tools, even if the software has been developed in a different programming language.

"AquaCrop-OS is a versatile tool that will allow researchers and decision-makers to gain new insights about managing agricultural water use in droughts, the economic impact of aquifer depletion and a host of other critical issues," said Nicholas Brozović, director of policy, Water for Food Global Institute.

"FAO is excited to be a partner in the development of AquaCrop-OS, which we believe will provide an import extension of AquaCrop, for users interested in assessing the complex economic, social, and environmental implications of agricultural water use," said Pasquale Steduto, FAO's deputy regional representative for the Near East and North Africa Region.



About 10% of All Land in Farms Expected to be Transferred in Four Years

The relatively advanced age of the U.S. farming population-about a third of principal farm operators in 2014 were at least age 65 compared with 12 percent of self-employed workers in nonagricultural businesses- has sparked interest in the manner in which land will be transferred to other landowners, including the next generation of farm operators.

USDA reports say farmland owners planned to transfer 93 million acres in the next 5 years (2015-2019), which is about 10 percent of all land in farms-through a variety of means.

Landowners anticipated selling 3.8 percent of all farmland, with just 2.3 percent planned to be sold to non-relatives. A larger share of land (6.5 percent) is expected to be transferred through trusts, gifts, and wills.

The share of farmland available for purchase by non-relatives during 2015-19 will likely rise above 2.3 percent as some individuals (or entities) that inherit land may choose to sell it. And, those who inherit land but don't sell it may decide to rent it out to farm operators.

In 2014, 39 percent of all farmland was rented and 61 percent was owned by farm operators.



CWT Assists with 1.9 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted eight requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America and Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold), who have contracts to sell 1.830 million pounds (830 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese, and 110,231 pounds (50 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from August through December 2016.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 33.482 million pounds of American-type cheese, 8.483 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 21.301 million pounds of whole milk powder to 21 countries on five continents. The sales are equivalent to 655.409 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. Totals have been adjusted due to cancellations.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long-term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



Decade Lows in Wheat Prices Supports Need for Effective Farm Bill

Record yields across the U.S. and favorable conditions around the world this harvest season have brought the lowest price of wheat in nearly a decade, with wheat futures down, causing a dilemma for elevator operators as an oversupply of wheat has caused over-capacity in some areas. Affecting everyone from farmers to agriculture suppliers, these depressed prices are contributing to a general downward spiral of the farm economy, exacerbated by the threat of cut to certain programs in the Farm Bill, such as crop insurance and Title 1 programs, which protect farmers in times like this. With stagnant markets, many producers aren’t able to cover their cost of production.

Rural communities and farmers’ livelihood are both in danger if this downward trend continues, which makes it ever more important that a functional and successful Farm Bill is developed and implemented in 2018. To achieve this goal, NAWG has developed and launched a Farm Bill Survey, intended to gather feedback from growers about what policies are most important to them. With the threat of continued low prices, it is increasingly important that growers’ priorities are heard and listened to as NAWG works towards an effective Farm Bill which will improve farm safety net programs, as well as maintain the already successful programs.

As a grassroots, membership-based organization, NAWG relies on input from wheat growers to proactively address wheat growers’ needs and translate these needs into a Farm Bill which will protect growers. The Farm Bill Survey asks farmers to describe their experiences with their crop insurance coverage, Title 1 programs like ARC and PLC, and Title 2 conservation programs. The planning and implementation of a functional 2018 Farm Bill depends on the active and insightful input from wheat growers, to clarify the successes and miss-steps from previous Farm Bills, improve programs that are not as effective as they could be, and maintain and improve the programs that benefit wheat growers.

NAWG encourages wheat growers to complete the NAWG Farm Bill Survey and contribute their voices to the planning of a successful Farm Bill. The Survey can be found on the NAWG website.



R-CALF Attorneys Seek Quick End to Beef Checkoff Lawsuit

In response to the government's August motion to dismiss or stay the lawsuit R-CALF USA filed against the national beef checkoff program (Beef Checkoff) in May, late yesterday R-CALF USA's attorneys asked the court to award R-CALF USA summary judgment and immediately end the program's unconstitutional taxation of ranchers.

The group's lawsuit alleges the government, represented by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is operating the Beef Checkoff in a manner that violates the U.S. Constitution. According to the lawsuit, the Beef Checkoff, which compels producers to pay $1 per head every time cattle are sold, is a federal tax that funds the private speech of the Montana Beef Council. The group states that the council's private speech is objectionable because it promotes the message that there is no difference between domestic beef produced under U.S. food safety laws and beef produced in foreign countries.

Compelling citizens to subsidize private speech violates the First Amendment, the group says.

In its August motion, the government barely contested R-CALF USA's claim that the checkoff had been an unconstitutional, compelled subsidy. Instead, USDA argued the subsidy was no longer compelled because the agency is currently promulgating a new rule that would allow producers in most states to petition their respective state beef councils to redirect checkoff dollars away from those private state councils and to the federal Beef Checkoff program, which is operated under the direct supervision of the USDA.

Citing the proposed rule, the government moved to either dismiss or to stay the case, saying it believes the disputed tax distribution will be resolved through its rulemaking process.

In R-CALF USA's motion it states that the government's proposed solution is woefully inadequate. The group asserts that a violation of the Constitution cannot be remedied by imposing an additional burden on independent cattle producers though an opt-out scheme. Instead, the Constitution requires the government first obtain the affirmative consent from those who are required to pay the federal cattle tax before it can use those taxes to fund private speech.

"There is no reason to continue unconstitutionally taxing America's independent ranchers when the government already admits it should have never happened in the first place," said David Muraskin, Food Project attorney with Public Justice, who represents R-CALF, USA. "Every day that passes without action is another day ranchers are taxed and more money is improperly funneled to programs that harm them. There is no disagreement when it comes to ending this policy, and there is no reason the court should allow it to continue for even one day more."

Dudley Butler, former USDA administrator, said, "The Beef Checkoff has been a complete debacle. It has taxed independent ranchers for decades and provided no real benefit. It has subsidized meatpackers and special interest groups who want cattle ranchers to become serfs on their own land like poultry growers. All the while USDA has looked the other way."

According to R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard, the group's membership voted overwhelmingly in 2014 to direct R-CALF USA to work for the repeal of the current Beef Checkoff because it was fraught with corruption and abuse.

"We filed our lawsuit only after Secretary Vilsack and his USDA refused to follow through with any of the reforms they had said were necessary since 2010. It is quite alarming that independent U.S. ranchers have been forced for 30 years to advertise beef produced by their foreign competitors and it is our hope that our organization can soon put an end to this once and for all," Bullard said.

In addition to Public Justice and the Butler Farm & Ranch Law Group, R-CALF USA is also represented by Bill Rossbach of Rossbach Law, P.C. in Missoula, Mont.



Energy Regulatory Commission of Mexico Releases Ethanol Blending Regulation

The Energy Regulatory Commission of Mexico (CRE) published Monday their recently-passed fuel regulation (NOM-016-CRE-2016) in the Mexican federal register, allowing for the blending and sale of up to 5.8 percent ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply outside of the three major metropolitan areas of Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

The fuel specification will become effective 60 days after publication, marking the first time in history that Mexico has established a policy on ethanol. Organizations in the United States working to promote the export of U.S.-produced ethanol applauded this development by its close trading partner.

"By approving new fuel standards that allow for ethanol blending at a 5.8 percent rate throughout much of the country, the Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission has taken an important step forward in improving the quality of motor fuel provided to its citizens," said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy.

"These standards aren’t applied universally throughout the entire country, however, so there is certainly more progress to be made. Ethanol is a cleaner burning fuel additive that increases octane and reduces reliance on toxic cancer-causing additives. Our collective goal should be greater harmonization across all of North America on fuel regulations that embrace cleaner burning biofuels like ethanol because that is in the best interest of every mother, father and child. Growth Energy will continue to work with our public and private sector colleagues in Mexico to clearly demonstrate the value of ethanol to their environment, water quality, rural sector and consumers.”

“We are pleased to see Mexico begin to embrace the inclusion of fuel ethanol in their gasoline. The U.S. Grains Council has worked in Mexico for many years and has seen enormous growth in that market’s demand for U.S. products of all types in the past two decades. We welcome this positive development related to ethanol use and what it could mean for furthering of the U.S.-Mexican trade partnership,” said Tom Sleight, president and CEO of the U.S. Grains Council.

"We look forward to continuing to work with our colleagues in the U.S. ethanol industry to provide Mexican regulators, fuel industry officials and the public with information that highlights the proven benefits ethanol can provide for air quality and rural economic development in their country. We are hopeful that all of Mexico will be able to achieve these benefits from ethanol use soon.”

"The Mexican Energy Regulatory Commission should be commended for recognizing the positive role ethanol can play in advancing that country’s energy, economic and environmental policies. Ethanol blended gasolines can reduce all criteria pollutants – carbon monoxide, ozone, particulates and toxics. As a result, we believe the Commission has erred in excluding ethanol use from the three most populous cities," said Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

"We will continue to work with our partners here and the Mexican government to assure the most up-to-date science is applied, providing the Commission with confidence the use of ethanol will help them in their effort to fight ozone pollution and provide a more open and competitive market for the benefit of Mexican consumers."



Titan Machinery Reports Lower Sales, Bump in Net Income

Titan Machinery Inc. reported financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended July 31, 2016. For the second quarter of fiscal 2017, revenue was $278.3 million, compared to $334.2 million in the second quarter last year. Equipment sales were $173.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $221.0 million in the second quarter last year.

Parts sales were $58.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $62.1 million in the second quarter last year. Revenue generated from service was $31.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $32.8 million in the second quarter last year. Revenue from rental and other was $15.4 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $18.3 million in the second quarter last year.

Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 was $52.9 million, compared to $62.1 million in the second quarter last year, primarily reflecting a decrease in revenue. The Company's gross profit margin was 19.0% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to 18.6% in the second quarter last year.

This increase in gross profit margin was mainly due to the change in gross profit mix to the Company's higher-margin parts and service businesses. Gross profit from parts, service and rental and other for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 was 76.6% of overall gross profit, compared to 71.2% in the second quarter last year.

Operating expenses decreased by $3.9 million to $51.5 million, or 18.5% of revenue, for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, compared to $55.4 million, or 16.6% of revenue, for the second quarter of last year. The increase in operating expenses as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to the decrease in total revenue in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016.



DuPont Pioneer, CHS Announce New High Oleic Soybean Contracting Program for MN & IA

DuPont Pioneer and CHS Inc. (CHS) announced today that CHS Processing and Food Ingredients will offer production contracts for Pioneer® brand Plenish®^ high oleic soybeans for 2017 production in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Contracted soybeans will be processed at the CHS Fairmont, Minn., plant and expand the footprint for high oleic soybean production, increasing grower access to this value-added market opportunity.
   
“CHS is focused on helping its farmer-owners grow, and this regional collaboration with Pioneer creates higher margin soybean markets,” said Dave Mack, CHS director, Processing and Food Ingredients, oils and proteins. “It also benefits CHS food ingredients customers by meeting consumer demand for healthy, versatile vegetable oils.”

Farmers who contract with CHS to grow Pioneer® brand soybeans with the Plenish® high oleic soybean trait in the 2017 growing season will be eligible for a grain premium. Additional program details including delivery information are available from CHS Minnesota soybean merchandisers and area Pioneer sales professionals.

“Plenish® high oleic soybeans have been developed for this specific growing area and have outstanding yield and agronomic performance in the field,” said Jamie Williamson, DuPont Pioneer commercial unit lead. “We’re pleased to be working with CHS to bring these higher-value soybeans to market in Minnesota and Iowa.”

The development and commercialization of Plenish® high oleic soybeans illustrates how biotechnology can provide direct benefits to the food industry, consumers and growers. 

With 0g transfat per serving and 20 percent less saturated fat than commodity soybean oil, Plenish® high oleic soybean oil provides a sustainable, U.S. grown, soy-based trans-fat alternative for food companies and foodservice operators. The improved fatty acid profile provides the highest oxidative stability level of any commercially produced soybean oil. Additionally, this enhanced stability means longer fry life in restaurant applications and less polymerized oil buildup on equipment, which reduces cleaning costs.

For food manufacturers, the oil’s stability extends the shelf life for packaged food products without sacrificing flavor and eliminates the need for artificial preservatives, creating the opportunity for a cleaner ingredient label.

Pioneer® brand Plenish® high oleic soybean varieties are being developed with elite genetics using Pioneer’s latest Accelerated Yield Technology (AYT) 4.0.  Five years of field testing has confirmed yields are on par with similar elite commercial soybean varieties.

Traits included in Plenish® high oleic soybean products have received regulatory approvals in nearly all key U.S. soybean export markets and approvals are pending in remaining export markets.



With 29 new soybean varieties, Syngenta offers growers more yield-maximizing solutions for 2017

Each season, growers seek diversity and fresh choices to help them start the next year strong. That’s why Syngenta remains steadfast in its focus on innovation, a commitment that is delivering 29 new soybean varieties to growers for the 2017 season.

Ranging in relative maturity from 0.01 to 6.9, the new varieties expand the current portfolio with additional options and feature agronomic characteristics that protect against many of today’s toughest threats. By offering varieties with built-in resistance to pests and diseases such as soybean cyst nematodes, sudden death syndrome, brown stem rot and Phytophthora root rot, Syngenta is equipping growers with solutions to help maximize yields while decreasing risk.

Twelve of the new varieties also include dicamba-tolerant Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® technology, which upon registration of the herbicide products, will provide another line of defense in managing weed resistance.

“We strive to provide the most advanced seed technology for those growers seeking a competitive edge,” said Scott Erickson, product marketing manager, soybean seed at Syngenta. “Each and every Syngenta soybean variety is the result of advanced research and development, leading to superior performance in a range of conditions. The addition of the Roundup Ready 2 Xtend trait takes that another step further.”

Syngenta invests more than $3.9 million daily in global R&D. By tapping into the company’s award-winning Y.E.S. Yield Engineering System™, Syngenta researchers are able to bring the latest varieties to market faster than ever before, allowing for nimble responses to ever-changing environmental conditions.

Along with the new NK® varieties, 2017 will also feature Golden Harvest® Soybeans. These select new varieties will be available through Golden Harvest Seed Advisors and extend the Golden Harvest seed brand’s trusted combination of in-depth seeds expertise and agronomic know-how.



HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology Available Across U.S. starting Jan 1, 2017

HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology from Forage Genetics International, LLC (FGI), the industry’s first genetically enhanced alfalfa developed to maximize quality compared to conventional alfalfa at the same stage of maturity, by reducing the amount of lignin in the plant, is widely available for planting across the continental United States starting Jan 1, 2017. Limited quantities of HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology planted in 2015 and 2016 scored high marks from farmers in an independent research trial, preparing the way for broader distribution in 2017.*

 “We’re looking forward to offering HarvXtra® alfalfa benefits to more growers in the coming season,” said Shawn Barnett, FGI general manager. “By modifying lignin content beyond what’s possible with conventional alfalfa breeding techniques, HarvXtra® alfalfa has been proven to change the relationship between forage quality and date of maturity. During its introductory phase last year and into this season, growers have reported seeing improved forage quality and greater cutting flexibility.”

HarvXtra® alfalfa, which is also stacked with Roundup Ready® Technology, offers growers a significant increase in quality when a normal harvest schedule is maintained. Research trials show a 16 percent increase in relative forage quality (RFQ) and 16 percent higher neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFd) across cuttings. Alternatively, growers benefit from cutting flexibility, and the ability to delay harvest for 7-10 days for an increased yield potential of up to 26 percent over the life of the stand, without sacrificing forage quality.**

“After we started the first cutting this year, it rained every couple of days, taking us more than a week to finish cutting,” said Wisconsin grower Mike Brunmeier. “We cut the HarvXtra® alfalfa last – about 10 days after the first fields were cut – along with a conventional alfalfa field for comparison. The samples we pulled showed that the HarvXtra® had a 42-point advantage in relative forage quality and scored higher than the conventional alfalfa in other feed value areas.”

Pennsylvania farmer Donnie Martin reported a significant difference in milk weight after feeding his dairy cows a ration that included HarvXtra® alfalfa in 2015. “We kept everything in the feed ration the same, only replacing the conventional alfalfa with HarvXtra® alfalfa,” he explained. “After the switch, we gained more than 2.5 pounds of milk per cow per day. That extra milk can really add up in a month.”

Visit harvxtra.com to learn more and find a list of brands that will offer HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology and discover where they can be purchased.

*Until December 31, 2016, HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology may only be sold and planted in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin (the “Eastern States”)

Starting January 1, 2017, HarvXtra® Alfalfa with Roundup Ready® Technology may be sold and planted in the Eastern States and also in the following states subject to a Seed and Feed Use Agreement: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming (the “Western States”)