Tuesday August 16 Ag News

OPTIONS FOR LATE SUMMER PASTURE WEEDS
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               How does your pasture look today?  Is it full of weeds?  Let’s discuss your options to deal with this problem.

               Weeds have exploded recently in many pastures.  Plants like ragweed, ironweed, goldenrod, and vervain are abundant everywhere.  Where did we go wrong and what can you do now?

               Abundant summer rains stimulated growth of these weeds.  Even seemingly well-managed pastures have problems, often in areas that were grazed while soils were wet and soft.  Cattle trampling is these spots opened areas for weeds to get started.  Only pastures or areas in pastures with thick, relatively tall grass stands have few weeds.

               Spraying many weeds now does little good.  Many weeds are too large to kill so herbicides might only reduce seed production and make pastures a bit more attractive.  Shredding could actually work better to reduce weed seeds if it’s not already too late.

               Two other approaches are more important for long-term weed control.  First, rotationally graze next year to improve the health, vigor, and density of your grass.  That will happen if, as you rotate, you leave more residue behind when moving animals to a new pasture to maintain higher competition.  Healthy, competitive grass stands are essential to reduce weed populations economically.

               Second, target herbicide applications for when they will do the most good.  Late May to early June usually is most effective with most of our pasture herbicides.  Most perennial weeds, and many annuals, are sensitive to chemicals in June.  Weed control, along with good grazing, will thicken your grass stands so herbicides won’t be needed as often in the future.

               Don’t let weeds take over your pasture, but don’t spend money controlling them needlessly.  A good plan will work best.



USDA NASS TO COLLECT 2016 SMALL GRAIN PRODUCTION AND CROP STOCKS DATA

During the first two weeks of September, growers of small grains around the country will be contacted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The agency is taking a comprehensive look into the 2016 production and supply of small grains, which include wheat, oats, barley, and rye.

“The small grains industry is important to Nebraska agriculture and it is crucial for everyone to have accurate data about this key sector of the economy,” said director of the NASS Northern Plains Regional Field Office Dean Groskurth. “We will contact more than 2,500 producers in Nebraska to accurately measure 2016 acreage, yield, and production for small grains and the quantities of grains and oilseeds stored on farm.”

“Responses to the survey will also be used in calculating county yields,” explained Groskurth. “USDA uses county yield information from the survey to evaluate and administer vital farm disaster mitigation and insurance programs such as the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC). Farmers who receive this survey should use this opportunity to assure their county is accurately represented in the calculation of Nebraska county yields.”

NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents and publishes only aggregate data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified.

Survey results will be published in several reports, including the annual Small Grains Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on September 30. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov. For more information call the NASS Nebraska Field Office at 800-582-6443.



Seven farmers elected to the Iowa Soybean Association board of directors

Seven soybean farmers, including five newcomers, recently elected to the Iowa Soybean Association Board will help shape policy and invest checkoff dollars to improve the competitiveness of colleagues.

They are: Rick Juchems, Plainfield (District 3); LaVerne Arndt, Sac City (District 4); Dave Walton, Wilton (District 6); Randy Miller, Lacona (District 8); and Warren Bachman, Osceola (District 8).  They will be officially seated at the association’s September board meeting.

Retiring directors are: Shelia Hebenstreit, Jefferson; Scott McGregor, Nashua; Cliff Mulder, Pella; Tom Oswald, Cleghorn; and Ed Ulch, Solon. Oswald will remain an Iowa director on the United Soybean Board.

“We are grateful for our outgoing directors’ dedication and service during their terms, and say a big thank you to President Fredericks for his outstanding leadership,” said Schnell, ISA president elect. “We also congratulate the newly elected directors and welcome the fresh perspectives they bring to the work of our board.”

Joining Schnell and the newly elected directors on the ISA board are: ISA President Wayne Fredericks, Osage (District 2); Chuck White, Spencer and Mark Vosika, Pocahontas (District 1); April Hemmes, Hampton (District 2); Suzanne Shirbroun, Farmersburg (District 3); Randy Souder, Rockwell City (District 4); Morey Hill, Madrid (District 5); Robb Ewoldt, Blue Grass (District 6); Jeff Jorgenson, Sidney (District 7); Mark Jackson, Rose Hill and Pat Swanson, Ottumwa (District 9); Tim Bardole of Rippey, Lindsay Greiner of Keota, Stephanie Essick of Dickens as At Large directors.

Due to a clerical error, a re-vote for the final At Large board seat will be held. New ballots are being mailed to members throughout the state and must be returned by September 12. The new director will be seated at the next board meeting.



TRUMP ANNOUNCES AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Today Donald J. Trump announced his new Agricultural Advisory Committee. The men and women on the committee will provide pioneering new ideas to strengthen the nation’s agricultural industry as well as provide support to the country’s rural communities. Mr. Trump understands the critical role the United States’ agricultural community plays in feeding not only its citizens, but the world, and how important these Americans are to powering the U.S. economy.

The formation of the board represents Mr. Trump’s endorsement of these individuals’ diverse skill sets and ideas that can improve the lives of those in agricultural communities. He has received widespread support from voters who understand he is the only candidate with the best interests of the agricultural community at the heart of his policies.

Mr. Trump said, "The members of my agricultural advisory committee represent the best that America can offer to help serve agricultural communities. Many of these officials have been elected by their communities to solve the issues that impact our rural areas every day. I’m very proud to stand with these men and women, and look forward to serving those who serve all Americans from the White House."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to work with each member of the committee to support Donald J. Trump and his campaign to be the next President of the United States of America," said Charles W. Herbster, who will serve as National Chairman of the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Committee. "As a fifth-generation farmer, Owner of Herbster Angus Farms, and Owner and Chief Executive Officer of the Conklin Company—a company that specializes in agriculture and animal health products, among others—I look forward to working with this esteemed group of individuals. Each of these committee members has a diverse background in agriculture and do not take lightly the responsibility we have to keep the American farmer in business and profitable. Those who put food on our tables and keep our economy growing need our continued support and as the National Chairman on this committee, I will make it my goal to take care of those who make it their livelihood to take care of us."

Executive board members will convene on a regular basis. The more than 60 advisory board members include:
    Charles W. Herbster – National Chairman of the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Committee for the Donald J. Trump Campaign for President
    Sam Clovis – National Chief Policy Advisory for the Donald J. Trump Campaign for President
    Rebeckah Adcock – CropLife, Senior Director, Government Affairs
    Robert Aderholt – Congressman from Alabama; Chairman, Subcommittee on Agriculture
    Jay Armstrong – Kansas Wheat Commission; Chairman, Farm Foundation
    Gary Black – Commissioner Agriculture, Georgia
    John Block – Former Sec. of USDA
    Mike Brandenburg – State Legislator, North Dakota
    Terry Branstad – Governor of Iowa
    Sam Brownback – Governor of Kansas
    Chuck Conner – CEO, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
    Mike Conaway – House Agriculture Chairman
    Jack Dalrymple – Governor of North Dakota
    Dennis Daugaard – Governor of South Dakota
    Rodney Davis – Congressman from Illinois; House Agriculture Committee and Subcommittee Chair of Bio Tech
    Mary Fallin – Governor of Oklahoma
    Eddie Fields – Senator from Oklahoma; Chair Senate Ag and Rural Development
    Steve Foglesong – Former President National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
    Jim Gilmore – Former Governor of Virginia; Chairman of Report on Terrorism and Agro-Terrorism
    Bob Goodale – Former CEO of Harris Teeter
    Bob Goodlatte – Congressman from Virginia; Former Chairman House Agriculture Committee
    Mike Green – Senate Senator, Michigan; Appropriations Agriculture Chair; Senate Agriculture Committee Vice Chair
    Helen Groves – Rancher; daughter of Robert Kleberg (King Ranch); well known in Texas/ranching world
    Ron Heck – Iowa farmer and past President of the American Soybean Association
    Dave Heineman – Former Governor of Nebraska
    Hans Hunts – State Legislator, Wyoming; Wyoming House Ag Committee; rancher
    Cindy Hyde-Smith – Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Mississippi
    Brent Jackson – State Senator, North Carolina
    A.G. Kawamura – Former Sec. Food & Agriculture, California
    John Kautz – California wine producer; CEO Ironstone Vineyards
    Charlotte Kelley – Tennessee cotton grower along with her husband (14,000 acres) plus operates a cotton gin processing 30,000 plus bales and a leader in the cotton industry
    Mark Killian – Commissioner of Agriculture, Arizona; farmer and rancher from Arizona
    Brian Klippenstein – Protect the Harvest
    Tsosie Lewis – Former CEO of Navaho Nation’s Agricultural Products Industries
    Forrest Lucas – CEO Lucas Oil; Protect the Harvest
    Mike McCloskey – CEO Fair Oaks Farms (one of the largest dairies in the United States)
    Beau McCoy – State Senator, Nebraska; National Chair Council State Governments
    Ted McKinney – Former Director of Global Corp. Affairs for Elanco Animal Health
    Sid Miller – Commissioner of Agriculture, Texas
    Jim Moseley – Former consultant on agriculture at EPA; Former Deputy Secretary of USDA
    Brian Munzlinger – Chairman Missouri Senate Ag Committee
    Casey Murdock – State Senate, Oklahoma
    Tom Nassif – President Western Governors; Former Ambassador
    Garry Niemeyer – Former President National Corn Growers
    Bill Northy – Secretary of Ag. Iowa
    Sonny Perdue – Former Governor of Georgia
    Rick Perry – Former Governor of Texas
    Ryan Quarles – Commissioner of Agriculture, Kentucky
    Bruce Rastetter – Summit Ag Group of Alden, Iowa; Hosted first Republican Presidential debate
    Jim Reese – Secretary of Agriculture for Governor Mary Fallin of Oklahoma
    Larry Rhoden – State Senator, South Dakota; House Majority Leader and Senate Majority Whip; Chair Senate Ag Committee
    Pete Ricketts – Governor of Nebraska
    Pat Roberts – U.S. Senator, Kansas
    Marcus Rust – CEO Rose Acre Farms (second-largest egg producer in the United States)
    Leslie Rutledge – Attorney General, Arkansas; Co-Chair of the National Association of Attorney General Agriculture Committee and is married to a soybean producer
    David Spears – Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Dole Ag Advisor; Senior Vice President, Mid-Kansas Cooperative, Inc.
    Dr. Mike Strain – Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana
    Red Steagall – Official Cowboy Poet of Texas
    Annette Sweeney – Former Iowa House Agriculture, Chair; farmer; agriculture advocate
    Kip Tom – CEO, Tom Farms LLC (Largest agri-business farm operator in Indiana); operates farms in South America
    Johnny Trotter – CEO of BarG (125,000 feedlot operation and farms 10,000 acres in Texas)
    Steve Wellman – Former President of the American Soybean Association
    Walt Whitcomb – Ag Commissioner, Main
    John Wilkinson – Chairman, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee Georgia State Senate



EPA Atrazine Decision Could Cost Corn Farmers $2.5 Billion

A new report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on atrazine could cost the industry $2.5 billion in yield losses and increased input costs, at a time when net farm incomes are already in steep decline.

"Farmers cannot afford to lose access to atrazine," said Wesley Spurlock, a farmer from Stratford, Texas, and First Vice President of the National Corn Growers Association. "The farm economy has been struggling the past few years, and this could mean the difference between a profit and a loss for many farmers."

EPA released its draft ecological risk assessment for atrazine in June 2016, as part of the re-registration process for the herbicide. If the recommendations included within the assessment stand, it would effectively ban atrazine. EPA is accepting public comments on the assessment through October 4.

A 2012 economic analysis by the University of Chicago found that farming without atrazine could cost corn farmers up to $59 per acre. That's a staggering cost at a time when net farm income has already declined 55 percent over the past 2 years, according to USDA figures─and one that's bound to have repercussions across the entire agriculture industry.

"Farmers have been tightening their belts the last couple years, and we've seen those ripple effects throughout our rural communities," said Spurlock. "Implement dealers sell less equipment, manufacturers scale back production, and agribusinesses lay off employees. We can't further weaken the farm economy by taking away one of the most effective tools farmers have to combat weeds and grow an abundant crop."

Atrazine has been a mainstay of corn, sorghum, and sugar cane farmers for more than 50 years for its proven control of a broad range of weeds that waste water and nutrients. Some of the most destructive weeds are resistant to other pesticides, but not to atrazine.

Spurlock urged farmers to contact the EPA and voice their concerns at www.ncga.com/atz.



Soybean Board Busts Top Soy Myths with Science-Backed Facts

Soy consumption is up 14 percent since 2011,26 yet confusion lingers over soy's role in everything from human health to food production. To clear up misperceptions, the United Soybean Board (USB) busts five common soy myths with science-backed facts on SoyConnection.com/soy-wisdom.

1) Eating soy does not increase breast cancer risk.
Clinical studies show soy isoflavone exposure does not adversely affect breast tissue as assessed by markers of breast cancer risk, such as breast cell proliferation. The American Institute for Cancer Research and the American Cancer Society say that women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer can safely consume soyfoods. In fact, the World Cancer Research Fund International has identified a link between soy consumption and an improved survival of breast cancer patients.

"Not only does evidence indicate soyfoods may benefit women with breast cancer, but consuming soy when young helps prevent the onset of this disease later in life," stated Mark Messina, Ph.D., who has dedicated the past 30 years to understanding the health effects of soyfoods.

2) Feminizing effects from soy? Not a chance.
A meta-analysis of more than 30 clinical studies found that neither soyfoods nor isoflavones affect levels of the male sex hormone, testosterone. And, a comprehensive review of the clinical research concluded that isoflavone exposure doesn't affect circulating estrogen levels in men, either. Clinical studies show soy has no effect on sperm and semen parameters.

"Clinical research shows that soy does not lower testosterone levels, raise estrogen levels or affect sperm count," added Messina.

3) The bottom line is, crops derived through biotechnology are safe for people and the planet.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recently released an analysis that concludes genetically engineered (GE) crops are safe for humans to eat and are not harmful to the environment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, European Food Safety Authority, and The World Health Organization, among others, have also concluded that food made from current GE crops in the U.S. are safe.

GE ingredients have been part of the U.S. food supply since the 1990s. These foods must adhere to the same safety requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act that apply to foods derived from traditionally bred plants.25

Many experts agree that GE crops play a positive role in food production. "Biotechnology is a tool that helps increase crop yield and may positively impact nutrition status and the global food supply," stated Lisa Katic, registered dietitian nutritionist, expert in food policy and biotechnology.

4) The largest survey conducted found only 0.0005 percent of adults are allergic to soy protein.
Cow's milk allergy is about 40 times more common than soy allergy.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that only 0.4 percent of children are allergic to soy protein. Of those, an estimated 70 percent will outgrow their allergy by age 10.

5) Farmers grow what they want.
Farmers are not forced to grow GE crops. Many U.S. farmers choose to grow GE crops because they are a more sustainable option. As stewards of the land, farmers work to leave the land better than they found it.

"Farmers grow whatever they want, whenever they want," said United Soybean Board Farmer-Director Nancy Kavazanjian. "Genetically engineered crops actually enable us to use fewer chemicals, and we've reduced our carbon emissions -- which is the equivalent of taking 10 million cars off our roads annually."

For more soy wisdom and corresponding references, visit SoyConnection.com/soy-wisdom.



National FFA Organization, Discovery Education and AgCareers.com Join Forces to Introduce Students to Agriculture

 In today's world, students are always looking for ways to get a jumpstart on the competition, and employers are looking for employees who are a cut above the rest. It's for this reason that the National FFA Organization, Discovery Education and AgCareers.com have partnered to create AgExplorer.

AgExplorer.com is a new career exploration website that is a robust, comprehensive career resource to help students explore the broad range of careers in agriculture.

"We're excited to introduce this transformational resource that will allow students to explore the 235 unique careers in agriculture," said Joshua Bledsoe, chief operating officer of the National FFA Organization. "FFA is uniquely positioned to provide the foundation of the talent pipeline for the agricultural industry. In addition to engaging our students and supporting our teachers, AgExplorer.com will help us tell our story and the story of agriculture to the world. Together, we can all strengthen the future of agriculture."

In the next five years, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the industry of agriculture will have more than 60,000 job openings annually, and an estimated 22,500 of those openings will not have highly skilled graduates to fill them. In 2015, AgCareers.com hosted nearly 78,000 job postings in the U.S. alone. AgExplorer is the tool students can use to explore this industry and see what career is the best fit for them.

AgExplorer features 235 unduplicated agricultural career profiles that include a career description, typical responsibilities, job outlook, education requirements, average salary and links to a college and university database and jobs currently available.

The National FFA Organization's strategic career success partner, AgCareers.com, worked with industry leaders to identify 235 unduplicated careers in agriculture and developed profiles for each career. In addition, AgCareers.com maintains a database of all two- and four-year colleges and universities that offers some type of agricultural degree. This database is then linked to each career profile. Additionally, the salary data provided for each role is industry validated through the AgCareers.com Compensation Benchmark Review™ tool and will be continually monitored as part of the partnership with AgCareers.com.

“I am constantly searching for ways to better engage my students and expose them to diverse career pathways. AgExplorer gives me the tools to connect my students to real opportunities in the agricultural industry,” said Patti Grammens, a teacher at Lakeside Middle School in Georgia’s Forsyth County Schools. “AgExplorer will give all teachers, even those without agricultural experience, the resources to get students excited about careers they may have otherwise not considered. I am looking forward to using this program in my classroom this year.”

AgExplorer also features nine videos that highlight how each of the eight agricultural pathways and agricultural education are part of the global solutions to feeding the world. It also offers the Career Finder, an interactive assessment designed to help students match careers with their interests.

“Discovery Education is proud to partner with the National FFA Organization to offer classrooms nationwide an array of dynamic, digital resources that help connect real-world STEM applications to a variety of potential agricultural career paths,” said Lori McFarling, senior vice president of Discovery Education. “We are dedicated to preparing students to be college and career ready, and AgExplorer will help achieve this mission by connecting students’ interests and academic strengths to a broad array of promising careers in today’s rapidly growing agriculture industry.”



Help Support Young Veterinary Careers

For the third consecutive year, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) is offering Future Service Scholarships to support future cattle veterinarians graduating from the Iowa State University (ISU) College of Veterinary Medicine.

BIVI formed an alliance with the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Foundation to offer this unique scholarship to graduating seniors at ISU. The final amount of the scholarship is determined by BIVI veterinarian and producer customers submitting box tops from Pyramid® 5 and Pyramid® 5 + Presponse® SQ product boxes.

BIVI will donate the following to fund the Future Service Scholarships. The donation is doubled for producers and veterinarians who participate in the Iowa Green and Gold Tag Preconditioning Program...
    $2.50 per 100 doses of PYRAMID 5 + PRESPONSE SQ
    $1.25 per 100 doses of PYRAMID 5

From now through Dec. 31, 2016, producers and veterinarians throughout Iowa are encouraged to help fund the scholarship by clipping their box tops. Producers should forward their box tops to their veterinary clinics. Clinics then work with their BIVI sales representatives to submit to:
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc.
c/o Shanya Hunter
3902 Gene Field Road
St. Joseph, MO 64506

“Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. has been very generous in supporting future veterinarians,” said Dr. Randy Wheeler, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Foundation executive director. “Because of this alliance, the program has made a significant difference to these students and allowed them to specialize in bovine practice.”

The 2016 Future Service Scholarship recipients are Drs. Blaine Johnson, Megan Kleve, Eric Post, Ryan Shuey, Molly Stafne and Jenny Stumpf, who each received $2,500. Students were selected based on academic achievement, financial need, clinical proficiency, leadership, and other awards. The college will announce the online application process for 2017 later this year.

“Tuition and debt levels for veterinary students continue to climb, leaving many veterinarians struggling early in their careers, or not able to pursue the career path at all,” said Dr. Scott King, marketing director for the U.S. Cattle Business Segment at BIVI. “IVMA programs fit well with our philosophy, and we are proud to partner with them to provide monetary support for educational expenses to help support a deserving student.”

IVMA administers the Iowa Green and Gold Tag Preconditioning Program, which requires that all calves in the preconditioning program be vaccinated for a number of diseases, including the five key viral causes of respiratory disease — BVD Types 1 and 2, IBR, BRSV and PI3V — plus Mannheimia haemolytica. BIVI believes PYRAMID 5 + PRESPONSE SQ is a perfect fit for veterinarians and producers wanting to meet this requirement.