Monday September 19 Crop Progress + Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending September 18, 2016, temperatures averaged near normal in the east and two degrees below normal across western Nebraska, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Minimal precipitation fell across western areas, while rainfall was widespread over eastern Nebraska. Parts of the northeast received five inches or more of rain. Dry bean combining was underway in western counties. Seed corn and silage harvests continued. The first fields of soybeans were being taken and winter wheat seeding was active in the west. There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 7 percent very short, 23 short, 65 adequate, and 5 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 7 percent very short, 26 short, 64 adequate, and 3 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Corn condition rated 1 percent very poor, 5 poor, 20 fair, 57 good, and 17 excellent. Corn dented was 95 percent, near 91 last year, and equal to the five-year average. Mature was 45 percent, near 41 both last year and average. Harvested was 2 percent, near 4 last year, and behind 7 average.

Sorghum condition rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 14 fair, 63 good, and 22 excellent. Sorghum mature was 42 percent, ahead of 28 last year, and well ahead of 21 average.

Soybeans condition rated 1 percent very poor, 3 poor, 19 fair, 60 good, and 17 excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves was 51 percent, behind 57 last year, but ahead of 44 average. Harvested was 2 percent, equal to last year, and near 3 average.

Winter wheat planted was 45 percent, ahead of 40 last year and 37 average. Emerged was 8 percent, near 6 last year and 4 average.

Alfalfa fourth cutting was 60 percent, behind 74 last year, and near 63 average.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 3 percent very poor, 8 poor, 25 fair, 56 good, and 8 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 1 percent very short, 11 short, 87 adequate, and 1 surplus.



IOWA CROP PROGRESS & CONDITION REPORT

 Another week of rain and storms kept producers out of the fields much of the week ending September 18, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were only 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork, but farmers in east central and southeast Iowa had over 5.0 days suitable. Activities for the week included chopping corn for silage, seed corn harvest, manure application and cutting hay.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 3 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 19 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 1 percent very short, 4 percent short, 81 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Reporters in the northern third of Iowa noted some fields with standing water.

Ninety-five percent of the corn crop reached the dent stage or beyond, 3 days ahead of the five-year average. Crops are maturing rapidly with 52 percent of corn at the mature stage, 3 days ahead of last year. There were scattered reports of corn for grain being harvested. Corn condition rated 83 percent good to excellent.

Eighty-two percent of soybeans were turning color, 2 days ahead of last year’s pace. Forty-six percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, 4 days ahead of average. Soybean condition rated 81 percent good to excellent.

The third cutting of alfalfa hay was 95 percent complete, two weeks ahead of last year. However, the precipitation made it difficult for some producers to make dry hay.

Pasture condition rated 66 percent good to excellent. While moderate temperatures were beneficial for livestock conditions, heavy rains were causing muddy feedlots.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress

Four percent of the nation's soybean crop had been harvested as of Sept. 18, according to USDA's latest Crop Progress report released Monday. That compares to 6% last year and a 5% average. Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota all reported 2% of the crop was harvested, all behind average pace.

Forty-six percent of soybeans were dropping leaves, compared to 26% last week, 50% last year and a 43% average. Soybean condition remained steady at 73% good to excellent.

Ninety-three percent of the nation's corn is in the dent stage, compared to 87% last week, 92% last year and a 91% average. Fifty-three percent of the corn is mature, compared to 33% last week, 48% last year and a 48% average.

Nine percent of the corn is harvested, compared to 5% last week, 9% last year and a 12% average. Corn condition held steady at 74% good to excellent.

Winter wheat planting is 17% complete, compared to 6% last week, 16% last year and a 16% average. Spring wheat is 98% harvested, compared to 94% last week, 99% last year and a 93% average. 

Forty-eight percent of cotton had bolls opening, compared to 41% last week, 54% last year and a 56% average. Cotton harvested was reported at 6%, compared to 4% last week, 6% last year and a 7% average.  Cotton condition improved slightly to 48% good to excellent, compared to 47% last week.

Sixty-four percent of the rice crop was harvested, compared to 50% last week, 52% last year and a 49% average.

Sorghum was 88% coloring, compared to 83% last week, 88% last year and an 81% average. Sorghum harvest was 29% complete, compared to 26% last week, 30% last year and a 29% average. Sorghum condition improved slightly to 66% good to excellent, compared 65% last week.



Two funding sources available to assist producers with flow meter costs

All irrigation wells in the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) will need a district approved flow meter installed by January 1, 2018.  The LENRD has secured two grants to assist landowners with the expense of this requirement.

1)      RCPP:  The LENRD received one of 6 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grants in Nebraska to fund producers’ irrigation water management projects.  The RCPP is administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The RCPP grant, under the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), includes incentive payments for the installation of irrigation flow meters, irrigation water management, and nutrient management.  The RCPP grant is for producers who want to utilize more technology in their Irrigation Water Management (IWM).  In addition, the LENRD will offer incentive payments of $250 per flow meter to producers who are approved for the EQIP/RCPP funding.  Landowners must apply at their local NRCS office prior to October 21, 2016, and be approved for EQIP/RCPP funding prior to purchase and installation of the flow meter.

2)  WSF:  The LENRD has also received a grant from Nebraska’s Water Sustainability Fund (WSF), administered by the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, to assist landowners with the purchase of flow meters.

With the WSF grant, the LENRD will pay producers $500 per flow meter.  All producers who have installed flow meters on or after November 25th, 2015, or producers who have yet to install their flow meters, can now apply for the $500 incentive payments until the funds run out.  Application for the flow meter cost-share can be completed by visiting your local NRCS office or the LENRD office in Norfolk.

LENRD water resources manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “These incentives are available for producers on a first-come, first-served basis.  There is enough grant money to cost-share on 3,000 of the estimated 4,500 meters left to install.  Therefore, it’s very important that producers apply at their local NRCS office or the LENRD office as soon as possible.”  Get more information at www.lenrd.org. 



Event Postponed: Cattlemen’s Boot Camp in Nebraska

The Cattlemen’s Boot Camp scheduled for Sept. 21-22 at the University of Nebraska’s East Campus in Lincoln, Neb., has been postponed. The American Angus Association and the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL) will work together to reschedule the educational event in the near future.

Cattlemen’s Boot Camps provide purebred and commercial cattle producers with timely information presented by academic and industry professionals. Generously funded by the Angus Foundation, the events are open to all cattle producers and feature two days of educational speakers and workshops, and hands-on activities to help cattlemen and cattlewomen improve their herd operations.

Attendees will look forward to hearing from industry professionals on a market outlook, range and crop management tips, updates on carcass trends and information on bull selection, source verification, genetic improvement, and general herd management.

Visit www.angus.org for more information on the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Boot Camp as it develops.



E15 American Ethanol Blend Now Available in Omaha

On Friday, September 23 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Omaha area drivers will be able fill their tanks with E15, a fuel blend of 15 percent American Ethanol, at a special introductory price of just $1.15 per gallon at participating Kum & Go locations across the metro.

Since 2011, E15 has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use in all passenger vehicles model year 2001 or newer, including cars, pickups, vans and SUVs.   Flex-fuel vehicles, capable of operating on blends up to E85 (85 percent American Ethanol) can also use E15 regardless of model year.  Omaha now joins more than 80 cities in 26 states across the U.S. offering E15 now sold at select Kum & Go locations.

All vehicles, regardless of model year, are approved to use E10, which is widely available across the country. American Ethanol E15 provides consumers with an additional fueling choice at the pump, while typically costing less than other choices. E15 also increases vehicle performance due to the higher octane in the blend.

American Ethanol is also a cleaner burning, renewable source of octane that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, ground-level ozone and toxic exhaust emissions.  Higher levels of American Ethanol reduce the volume of cancer-causing toxic compounds added to fuel, which helps reduce toxic emissions and harmful particulate matter from the tailpipe.

“This particulate matter poses a health threat to all of us, but poses a special danger to infants, children, the elderly and those who suffer from asthma, heart disease and cardiopulmonary disease,” said Angela Tin, Vice President of Environmental Health for the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest.  “Using ethanol blended fuels helps make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone.”

Greg Youell, executive director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Agency (MAPA), said that E15 is a great way for metro area consumers to participate in MAPA’s “Little Steps, Big Impact”, a campaign to improve air quality and reduce ground-level ozone in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area.  “Biofuels such as American Ethanol are an easy way for consumers to make a choice for cleaner air in the Omaha area,” he said.  “E15 gives even more people the opportunity to help improve air quality in Omaha and save money at the same time.  It’s truly a win-win for all of us.”

Kum & Go pumps with E15 are easily identified by the blue hose on the dispenser.  Following is a list of the Omaha area Kum & Go locations that carry E15 and are participating in the $1.15 per gallon promotion this Friday:

1010 S 154th St, Omaha
8990 Boyd St, Omaha
4041 N 168th St, Omaha
11205 Wickersham Blvd, Gretna
2627 S HWS Cleveland Blvd, Omaha
14353 Q Street, Omaha
1819 N 72nd St, Omaha
4443 S 84th St, Omaha
10764 Virginia Plaza, Papillion

For more information and for a list of participating locations, visit E15Omaha.com or AmericanEthanolNE.org.



WINTER GRAZING OPPORTUNITIES
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               As our growing season winds down, it’s time to plan and assess your winter grazing options.  Some options may be pretty good this year.

               Hay and silage are expensive winter feeds for many livestock.  If you can find something for your animals to graze rather than be fed hay and silage, you could save around a dollar per day per cow.

               Extra rain in many areas this summer and fall produced more than the usual amount of growth on grasslands, plus good regrowth on alfalfa and grass hay fields.  A few fields of summer annual grasses have good new regrowth and many early planted cover crops have grown nicely.  There’s even a lot of volunteer winter wheat growing in some areas.

               These all can be grazed this fall and winter.  Yes – you may need to take some slight precautions to do it safely.  Alfalfa has a slight risk of bloat.  Green wheat and grass regrowth might have a tendency to cause some grass tetany or respiratory problems if animals are moved to these lush pastures from dry, brown pastures without any adaptation.  Be careful following a hard freeze, or maybe wait until a few days after a killing freeze happens before putting animals on lush pastures.  And many fields may need some temporary fence or have water hauled to them.

               But don’t let these challenges prevent you from using these resources.  Not only will you get some good quality, less expensive feed for your animals, grazing also could be good for the land.  Most of the nutrients in the plants will be recycled back to the soil via manure and urine, making them available to support next year’s crop.

               Look around.  Wherever you have grazable growth remaining, take advantage of it.  It’s like money in the bank, and good feed, too.



Webinar to Focus on Soil Health, Nitrate Retention

As fall cover crops go into the ground, many farmers have questions about how to best manage cover crops and achieve benefits such as soil health and nitrate retention. Mike Castellano will share his research on how cover crops can best be managed to maximize benefits during the Iowa Learning Farms' monthly webinar on Sept. 21. The webinar is free, and all that is needed to participate is a computer with internet access.

"Future gains in crop production and environmental quality will require a systems approach that integrates many disciplines," Castellano said. To achieve this vision, Castellano uses expertise in soil science and ecosystem ecology to work with a broad range of scientists, managers and policy makers. Castellano is the William T. Frankenberger Professor of Soil Science and associate professor in the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University. He has a PhD in soil science from Pennsylvania State University.

The Iowa Learning Farms webinars are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. To log in, go to https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/ilf/ at 1 p.m. on the afternoon of the webinar and log in through the "guest" option. Webinar participants can ask questions during the presentation using the chat function. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the Iowa Learning Farms website for viewing at any time at https://www.iowalearningfarms.org/page/webinars.



Ag Producer Confidence Reaches New Low … Again

Bad has become the new normal as ag producer confidence continues its downward spiral after setting yet another all-time low, according to the latest DTN/The Progressive Farmer Ag Confidence Index (ACI).

Overall producer confidence has fallen dramatically the past year. In that time, it plunged from a score of 98.2 to a record low of 71.9 in August. The value of 100 is neutral. Values above 100 indicate optimism, while values below signify pessimism.

“In seven years of tracking producers’ attitudes about their economic situation and prospects, producer confidence has never been worse,” said DTN Editor-In-Chief Greg Horstmeier.

The confidence index, which surveyed 500 crop and livestock producers between Aug. 9-23, measures their sentiments on their overall agriculture sector impressions. Producers also rate current and long-term input prices and net farm income to gauge their attitudes toward the present situation and future expectations. Since 2010, DTN/The Progressive Farmer has conducted the ACI three times a year – before planting, before harvest and after harvest.

The combination of low commodity prices, high input costs and low income projections have producers feeling more pessimistic about their economic situation than ever before.

“Harvest time is usually a season of optimism for ag producers, but not this year,” said Horstmeier. “Many producers will need record crops just to break even given today’s rising production costs.” Earlier this month, USDA projected record corn and soybean production of 15.1 billion bushels and 4.2 billion bushels, respectively.

Producers’ attitudes for the present situation dropped sharply over the past year from an optimistic score of 105.2 to index all-time low of 56.0. Producers’ expectations for the future remain pessimistic but did not vary as much as other index scores, falling from 94.6 last August to 80.7.

“Our previous index research indicated that producers’ attitudes trended neutral-to-optimistic for their present situation and pessimistic for the future,” said Horstmeier. “That’s now flipped with producers now more pessimistic for the current situation and optimistic for the future.”

Horstmeier said this trend change is the result of the declining prices and rising costs that followed multiple years of high commodity prices. “Producers knew the good times couldn’t continue so they were pessimistic regarding the future. As those conditions changed, producers have become gloomier about their current situation but now appear hopeful things will turn around over the next 12 months,” he explained.

Other key ACI findings include:
·         The overall indexes for producers in the Midwest (58.5), Southeast (77.8) and Southwest (84.6) remain in the pessimistic range.
·         Driven by low market prices, producers in the large row crop regions of the Midwest (31.6) and Southeast (89.4) remain pessimistic about their present economic situation, whereas producers in the Southwest (107.1), where specialty crops play a factor, are optimistic.
·         With prices falling for most livestock products especially dairy, livestock producer confidence continues its dramatic slide from 107.1 last August to now 63.6, with their present situation at 61.6 and future expectations at 64.5.
·         40 percent of producers consider net farm income as bad, and 55 percent said it will get worse over the next year.
·         39 percent of producers surveyed rate input prices as bad, with 57 percent saying that input prices will not improve in the next 12 months.

“Four times as many producers expect to see input costs, particularly for seed, get worse than get better,” said Horstmeier. “Land costs show signs for improvement, and producers recently have encountered favorable fertilizer costs. Which leaves chemicals and seed as major cost-reduction targets for crop producers.”

Horstmeier indicated that producers are extremely hesitant to commit to any 2017 crop expenses right now. He says seed suppliers are reviewing their pricing models and may need to make deeper-than-usual discounts and offer better financing terms to get crop producers to make commitments.

Agribusiness Confidence Index
Agribusiness confidence has held rather steady over the past year, despite many producers cutting input costs. In fact, agribusinesses feel better about current conditions.

According to the latest DTN/The Progressive Farmer Agribusiness Confidence Index, which measured the sentiments of 100 agribusinesses Aug. 15-19, agribusiness confidence remains pessimistic but improved slightly from 88.7 a year ago to now 90.6.

Unlike producers, agribusinesses are still optimistic about their present economic situation, which had a value of 105.6 though it fell from 111.4 in August 2015.

“This is somewhat surprising, but it is likely due to the fact that farmers still need to invest in inputs, though they are being more cautious about purchases. Historically, the Agribusiness Index has been more neutral, with smaller swings to the optimistic or pessimistic sides, than for farmers,” Horstmeier said.

In addition, agribusiness expectations for the future improved slightly from 72.5 last August to 79.7 last month. Cash from the 2015 farm programs has started to flow to producers, Horstmeier said, which has brightened the outlook for some agribusinesses.




House Panel Clears Bill Expanding Livestock Sale Protections

Processors and producers who buy and sell livestock through online, video or other electronic means would fall under transaction regulations in the Packers and Stockyards Act as part of legislation approved by the House Agriculture Committee September 14.

HR 5883 would amend the 1921 law to expand the definition of “market agency” to include those who buy and sell livestock electronically, not just at a physical facility. The bill also specifies that funds used to purchase livestock can be transferred to the seller electronically or in any other manner that USDA finds appropriate.

The Packers and Stockyards Act offers financial protections for livestock producers engaged in transactions with packers, such as a requirement that meat packers with annual purchases over $500,000 be bonded, as well as trust protections for producers in case of nonpayment by a buyer. The bill would clarify that those protections include more modern avenues for livestock sales, such as the internet.



Long-term Grain Storage Requires Good Management 

Given the low grain prices some grain may be stored for many months or even more than a year, requiring extra care and management, according to North Dakota State University's grain storage expert.

"Grain that will be stored for an extended time needs to be good-quality grain," says NDSU Extension Service agricultural engineer Ken Hellevang. "The outer layer of a grain kernel is the pericarp, or seed coat, and provides protection for the kernel. If the pericarp is damaged, the kernel is more susceptible to mold growth and insect infestations. This reduces the expected storage life of the grain."

Broken kernels and foreign material should be removed by cleaning the grain before storing it.

Segregation based on size and density occurs as grain flows into storage. Fines accumulate in the middle unless a functioning distributor spreads them throughout the grain. Unloading some grain from the center of the bin will remove some of the fines and help level the grain in the bin.

Also, immature kernels have a much shorter expected storage life. Grain test weight may be an indicator of maturity and storability.

Assure that the storage facility is clean and insects are not living in aeration ducts, under perforated floors, or in handling equipment or debris around the facility. Fumigate the empty bin to kill insects under the floor or in aeration ducts if an infestation occurred during the previous year. Also, consider applying an approved residual bin spray and a grain protectant to repel potential insect infestations if storing grain during warmer portions of the year.

 Mold growth requires moist conditions, usually above about 70% relative humidity, and warm temperatures. To reduce the potential for mold growth, the grain moisture content should be below the equilibrium moisture content (EMC), at 60% to 65% relative humidity.

The EMC of corn at 70°F and 65% relative humidity is about 13.5%, and at 50°F, the EMC is about 15%. If you can keep stored corn below 50°F, you can store it at 15% moisture. But if the temperature will be warmer, the recommended storage moisture content is about 13.5%. Equilibrium moisture content charts for various types of grain are available on the internet.

Grain going into long-term storage should be dried and cooled rapidly after harvest. The allowable storage time (AST) is an estimate of the life of the grain until it has deteriorated enough to affect grain quality. Grain AST charts are available online.

The AST is cumulative, so if one-half of the storage life is used before the grain has been dried and cooled, only about one-half of the life is available for the drier grain. For example, corn stored at 20% moisture and 50°F has an AST of about 50 days. If it is dried to 15% after 25 days and cooled for winter storage but warms to 70°F next summer, the AST at 15% and 70°F is only about 60 days, rather than the 125 days shown in an allowable storage time chart.

Monitoring Grain Temperature
"Controlling grain temperature is critical for maintaining grain quality," Hellevang says. "Insect reproduction is reduced below about 70°F, insects are dormant below about 50°F, and insects are killed if grain is below 30°F for a few weeks."

Moisture migration increases the moisture content at the top of the bin when about a 20- degree temperature difference occurs between the grain and average outdoor temperature.

Therefore, the grain should be cooled with aeration when you have a 10- to 15-degree difference between grain and average outdoor temperatures. Cool the grain to 25°F to 30°F in northern states and 40°F or cooler in southern states for winter storage.

The bin vents could ice over when the aeration system is operated near or below 32°F. Utilize a sensor to stop the aeration fan if bin roof pressures become excessive, or leave access doors open to serve as pressure relief valves if operating the aeration system near freezing temperatures to reduce the potential for damaging the roof.

Long-Term Storage Checklist
Hellevang also has this advice for long-term grain storage:
-    Check the grain at least every two weeks until it has been cooled for winter storage and every two to four weeks during the winter.
-    Verify that the moisture content is at the recommended storage level.
-    Check the grain temperature.
-    Inspect for insects.
-    Look for indications of storage problems such as condensation on the roof.

"Using temperature cables or sensors to monitor grain temperature is encouraged, but remember that because grain is a good insulator, the temperature can be different just a few feet from the sensor," Hellevang says.



EPA: Glyphosate Does Not Cause Cancer

Glyphosate, the key ingredient in Monsanto Co's Roundup herbicide, is not likely carcinogenic to humans, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday as it outlined its current position on the controversial chemical.

The EPA has been involved in a decades-long process to assess human and animal health risks, as well as ecological risks, of glyphosate. Various agencies around the world have offered conflicting opinions on whether glyphosate causes cancer, reports Reuters.

The EPA's "proposed" position on glyphosate was outlined in a 227-page paper it published on the regulations.gov website, which the EPA manages.

After reviewing the available data, the paper states, "The strongest support is for 'not likely to be carcinogenic to humans' at doses relevant to human health risk assessment."

The paper was among 86 documents, which included dozens of research studies about glyphosate. All the material is to be reviewed next month by an advisory group of scientists known as the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Scientific Advisory Panel.

Reuters reports that the panel is tasked with reviewing scientific issues related to the agency's ongoing evaluation of whether the herbicide does - or does not - have the potential to cause cancer in humans.



USDA Reports Total U.S. Corn Export Sales Up 1.8 Percent in 2015/2016

The United States exported more than 1.8 billion bushels of corn in the 2015/2016 marketing year, a 1.8 percent increase from the prior year, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture's weekly sales reports.

Mexico, Japan and Colombia ranked in the top three for total accumulated exports of U.S. corn with more than 492.1 million bushels, 413.4 million bushels and 177.2 million bushels, respectively.

Export sales rose 16 percent to Mexico and 5 percent to Colombia from the previous year. Both of these markets have benefited from aggressive marketing and long-term development efforts by the U.S. Grains Council.

The weekly sales report issued Sept. 15 also showed that the 2016/2017 marketing year is starting off strong for corn with more than 55.1 million bushels in sales and carried over sales from the prior marketing year, an increase of 33 percent from a year ago.

USDA provides weekly export sales reports to identify outstanding sales and accumulated exports broken down by trading partner, allowing the trade and industry to measure export activity for selected U.S. agricultural commodities.



Valuable Pocket Recordkeeping Tool for Cattle Producers Available

A pocket-sized recordkeeping tool that has been used by cattle producers for more than 30 years to enhance profitability will be available for the 2017 year starting Oct. 3, 2016.  The Integrated Resource Management (IRM) Redbook from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association helps cattle producers effectively and efficiently record their daily production efforts.

The 2017 Redbook has more than 100 pages to record calving activity, herd health, pasture use, cattle inventory, body condition, cattle treatment, AI breeding records and more.  It also contains a Producers Guide for Judicious Use of Antimicrobials in Cattle, Beef Quality Assurance Best Practices, and proper injection technique information, as well as a calendar and notes section.

“With the growth of branded beef programs, consumers are asking for more and more documentation on how you raise your cattle,” according to John Paterson, a New Mexico rancher. “The redbook gives you that documentation, putting it right there in your shirt pocket. Just as important, it helps identify potential problems with your cow herd, and provides specific information that you need to better assess your progress, such as the percent of calves born in the first third of calving season and the percent born in the last. It helps manage many of the challenges on your farm or ranch.”

Redbooks can be purchased for $7.00 each, plus shipping and handling. Customization of the Redbooks is available (for 100 books or more) and quantity discounts are available.  To order, visit www.beefusa.org.          

For more information on the NCBA Redbooks, contact Grace Webb at gwebb@beef.org, (800) 525-3085.



Higher Ethanol Blends Can Alleviate Gasoline Shortages and Price Spikes

A September 9 leak in the Colonial pipeline, which supplies gasoline to many states in the southeast and east coast has resulted not only in gasoline shortages, but also price spikes at the pump. As workers act to fix the leak and remediate the environmental consequences of a 336,000-gallon gasoline spill, Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy issued the following statement:

"We are relieved to know that no one was hurt in this incident. It is, however, a sobering reminder of the important role biofuels, like ethanol play in our nation's fuel mix - and why they must be increased. While ethanol is already in 97 percent of the nation's fuel supply, the widespread adoption of increased blends, such as E15 across the nation, can help blunt the severity of these supply shortages and price shocks.

"Studies show that ethanol is cleaner burning, biodegradable and helps reduce gasoline prices by $.50 to $1.50 a gallon. Furthermore, they are higher in octane and are better for engines and the environment, helping reduce the use of toxic additives that lead to groundwater contamination, smog, asthma and cancer.

"Currently consumers are facing growing lines to fill up their cars and are paying more due to this one incident. This just reinforces how dangerous our singular dependence on gasoline is and why increased blends must be added to our nation's fuel mix to ensure stability and savings."



Preconditioning Impacts Feedlot Performance

Before calves arrive at the feedlot, they can make a number of stops along the way — from the ranch of origin, to the stocker or backgrounder operation and then to the finishing facility. A proven way for feeding operations to reduce illness and increase sustainability is by choosing calves with an immune system capable of handling infectious challenges they could encounter along the way.

“We care for these animals, and in the spirit of being true stewards and good stockmen, we naturally look for information that can help us improve overall herd health and operational outcomes,” said Elizabeth Fraser, DVM, Beef Technical Services at Zoetis. “Selecting well-managed calves that have been well fed and received vaccines at the ranch consistently result in better health and productivity in the feedyard.”

Buying calves that were preconditioned ahead of stressors like shipment and commingling helps ward off potential health risks, such as bovine respiratory disease (BRD). BRD accounts for annual feedlot losses of $1 billion due to loss of production, increased labor expenses, pharmaceutical costs and death.

Purchasing cattle enrolled in a third-party verified preconditioning program like SelectVAC® from Zoetis provides additional insight into the cattle being purchased and improves transparency. SelectVAC details how the cattle were managed, products administered and the timing of product administration.

“Each feedyard has its own arrival protocols,” said Dr. Fraser. “Having verified information detailing previous vaccination and herd management information can help feedlots make important initial processing decisions.”

Preconditioning results in better health and feedlot performance by reducing feedlot morbidity and mortality, and lowering treatment costs. Calves enrolled in SelectVAC demonstrated better performance than other preconditioning programs in a commercial feedlot study and were more than four times less likely to get sick or die than calves with an unverified health history.

Performance improvements seen in preconditioned cattle included higher average daily gains, improved feed conversion and lower cost of gain. These differences increased the value of preconditioned calves for feedlot managers by $5.25/cwt.

“If you have animals facing the challenges of shipment and commingling, their potential for success is enhanced by being armed with a properly stimulated immune system,” said Dr. Fraser. “Actively sourcing preconditioned cattle will increase their potential to remain healthy and productive, which is definitely an added value for buyers.”