Wednesday September 21 Ag News

China to Resume Imports of US Beef

China's premier promised to resume Chinese imports of U.S. beef soon, calling it a sign of Beijing's sincerity to improve commercial ties with the U.S.

Speaking to U.S. business groups in New York on Tuesday night, Premier Li Keqiang said China would soon allow imports of U.S. beef.

"We also recognize that the United States has very good beef, so why should we deny Chinese customers this choice?" Mr. Li said, in one of several less scripted moments during his remarks.

Though the premier didn't give a specific timetable, trade groups have previously said imports may resume before the end of the year. China has had a ban in place on most U.S. beef imports since 2003, partly due to concerns over the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or "mad cow" disease, after a cow with the disease was found in Washington state.



Ricketts Lauds Move by China to Resume Beef Imports

Today, Governor Pete Ricketts issued a statement following news that China has plans to resume imports of beef from the United States.  China had previously banned importation of American beef in 2003.

“This is great news for Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers.  The reopening of the beef trade with China will have huge potential to help grow Nebraska and help Nebraska’s farm and ranch families thrive in the years to come.

“This announcement is the product of tireless work from numerous partners.  During my visit to China last year, I urged Chinese government officials to reopen the beef trade with the United States because of the mutually beneficial advantages it would present to both countries.  I look forward to promoting Nebraska beef during my trade mission to China this fall.”



IANR Vice Chancellor Finalists Announced

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has announced the finalists for the position of Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and University of Nebraska Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The position opened when Ronnie Green became the university’s 20th chancellor earlier this year.

Finalists Michael Boehm, William Brown, Gary Thompson and Ron Yoder will make campus visits and meet with the university community in the next several weeks. State and campus town halls will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Michael J. Boehm is a professor of plant pathology at The Ohio State University. Since 2010, he has also served as the university’s vice provost for academic and strategic planning. In that capacity he is or has been responsible for such key initiatives as strategic planning for Ohio State’s six campuses, 15 colleges, and 17 support units; Ohio State’s four regional campuses and their 7,500 students, 172 faculty, and 200 staff members and collective annual budget of $55 million; K-12 and community college partnerships; the University Libraries System, John Glenn College of Public Affairs and Office of Institutional Research and Planning; dean reappointment reviews and academic unit reviews; integrated capital planning; and classroom readiness. Boehm oversees Ohio State’s Discovery Themes initiative, a 10-year $500 million program designed to produce durable solutions to the grand challenges of the 21st century, and he serves as co-lead for the Humanities and the Arts Discovery Theme.

William F. (Bill) Brown serves as Dean for Research and Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station at the Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee (UTIA). His office oversees all research activities and coordinates with academic programs and Extension across seven academic departments, involving approximately 170 faculty, and ten AgResearch and Education Centers across the state. He is active in national leadership roles with the Experiment  Station Committee on Policy (ESCOP), serving as Chair of the ESCOP Budget and Legislative Committee and Chair of the National Research Support Program – 1 NIMSS.

Ron Yoder is currently Interim Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the University of Nebraska, and Interim Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources IANR at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. From 2011–2016 he was Associate Vice Chancellor of the IANR, serving functionally as the chief operating officer of the Institute with oversight of the three mission areas and responsibility for day–to–day operations. Previously he was Head of the Biological Systems Engineering Department at the University of Nebraska, and Head of the Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science Department at The University of Tennessee.

Dr.  Gary Thompson serves as the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education and the Director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station in the College of Agricultural Sciences at The Pennsylvania State University. In this position, he works with students, faculty, staff, university administrators, alumni, and Pennsylvania stakeholders and is actively involved in organizations that provide regional, national, and international leadership for our land-grant institutions. As a Professor of Plant Science at Penn State, he maintains an active research program that focuses on the molecular biology of plant vascular systems and the genomics of plant responses to phloem-feeding insects. Dr. Thompson is a fellow in the APLU-sponsored Food Systems Leadership Institute.



Vilsack to Deliver Keynote Address at Global Leaders Forum on Agriculture and Trade

On Fri., Sept. 23, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will deliver keynote remarks at the Global Leaders Forum on Agriculture and Trade. Vilsack will discuss the economic impact of international trade for the agricultural community and the necessity of passing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). After Vilsack's remarks, Agriculture Acting Deputy Secretary Michael Scuse will participate in a panel discussion on agriculture and trade with international agricultural leaders.

Under the Obama Administration, U.S. agricultural exports and trade have reached its strongest period in history. In fiscal year 2015, American farmers and ranchers exported $139.7 billion of food and goods, supporting over 1 million jobs. Passage of TPP into law will expand U.S. agricultural exports to compete some of the fastest growing countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The partnership will expand U.S. agricultural exports, generate more rural economic activity, and support higher-paying American jobs. USDA is committed to advocating for the agricultural sector in opening trade and economic opportunity.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to deliver keynote remarks on the importance of international trade for agriculture.

WHEN:
Friday, September 23, 2016
11:30 a.m.: Vilsack Keynote Remarks
12:30 p.m.: Panel on Agriculture and Trade featuring Acting Deputy Secretary Michael Scuse

WHERE:
CenturyLink Center, 455 N 10th St, Omaha, NE 68102, Ballroom A



SAMPLE AND TEST HAY BEFORE WINTER FEEDING
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               How will you know how much protein and energy your cows will get when you start feeding your hay and silage?  Or how much supplement to feed?  Find out by following instructions for sampling and testing.

               Correct sampling techniques, followed by lab tests of forage quality, are necessary for cattle producers who want to get the most value from their forages and profit from their animals.

               Maybe the most important step in sampling hay, and sometimes the most difficult step, is deciding which bales and stacks should be included in each sample.  Ideally, each sample should include only bales that were produced under nearly identical conditions.

               Obviously, the place to start grouping is to separate different types of hay, like alfalfa or CRP or corn stalk or meadow hay.  But each cutting of hay probably is different from the other cuttings also, so there is another separation.  And no two fields or meadows are ever exactly the same, especially if they were cut more than two days apart, so that makes another grouping.  And what if part of the field was rained on before it was baled?  The hay made without rain damage probably will be different from hay with rain damage.

               After you’ve made all these separations, which could result in quite a few groups of similar bales, then and only then are you ready to sample.  From each group gather a dozen or more cores from different bales or stacks and combine them into one sample.  Be sure to use a good hay probe that can core into at least one foot of the bale.

               Finally, send these samples to a certified lab for tests of energy content and protein, maybe nitrates, and any other nutrients of interest to you.

               Then use this information to feed your cattle as profitably as possible.



Slips and Falls on the Farm Can Be Deadly

Sept.18-24 is National Farm Safety and Health Week, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach wants farmers to focus their attention on potential slips and falls, which can be linked to serious injuries.

Charles Schwab, ISU Extension and Outreach safety specialist, said slips and falls are a major cause of injuries throughout the year, but especially common around machinery, equipment and structures during harvest.

According to Schwab, there are simple steps to follow that can help farmers avoid slips and falls:
-    Always consider the height from which you work.
-    Before climbing on farm machine or structures, scrape mud or manure off shoes.
-    Keep the work platform, foot plate and steps free of debris.
-    Use shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles and heels.
-    Dismount equipment only when it has come to a complete stop.

Tops of combines are 12-14 feet off the ground and the operator’s platform usually 6-8 feet above the ground. Ladders on grain bins can exceed 30 feet. A fall to the ground or onto other machinery can result in back injuries, serious sprains, broken bones or death.

Secondary hazards on work or walk surfaces increase the possibility of falls.

“Mud, grease or loose grain can make work surfaces slippery,” Schwab said. “That’s why it’s important to keep shoes clean, and always keep those walking surfaces free of debris.”

Employ grab bars or railings when mounting and dismounting. It is important when mounting and dismounting to keep three points of contact: two hand holds and one foot, or two feet and one hand hold at all times. This three-point connection reduces the potential of a fall.

"Also avoid carrying items in your hands while climbing ladders or equipment steps," Schwab said.



EIA: Ethanol Stocks, Output Down

Total domestic fuel ethanol inventories declined last week to the lowest level since early December, with plant production and refiner and blender inputs sliding to 3-1/2 month lows, according to a petroleum report released by the Energy Information Administration Wednesday.

The data showed U.S. ethanol inventories fell 200,000 barrels (bbl), or 0.9%, to 20.0 million bbl during the week-ended Sept. 16, which is the lowest since Dec. 24, 2015, when supply was at 19.83 million bbl. Inventories are still 1.1 million bbl, or 5.9%, higher year over year.

Plant production fell 23,000 barrels per day (bpd), or 2.3%, to 981,000 bpd last week. Output remains 43,000 bpd or 4.6% higher year over year. For the four weeks ended Sept. 16, domestic ethanol production averaged 1.002 million bpd, 50,000 bpd, or 5.3%, above the comparable year-ago period.

Net refiner and blender inputs of ethanol, which measures demand, eased again last week, down 1,000 bpd to 920,000 bpd during the week-ended Sept. 16, the lowest blending rate since June 3 when inputs were at 904,000 bpd. Year over year, refiner and blender inputs are still up 28,000 bpd, or 3.14%. The four-week average blender input rate through Sept. 16 is up 29,000 bpd, or 3.2%, year over year at 926,000 bpd.



More Than 6,000 Farmers Ask Congress to Pass TPP

To date, 6,325 corn farmers from across the country have written letters to Members of Congress, urging them to take up and pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement in 2016. The National Corn Growers Association will be delivering them to Capitol Hill starting today.

“America’s farmers and ranchers need Congress to step up and pass TPP now,” said Chip Bowling, president of the National Corn Growers Association and a farmer from Newburg, Maryland. “At a time when the farm economy is struggling, exports represent a rare bright spot for American agriculture. America’s farmers and ranchers stand ready to share our bounty and meet the challenge of feeding and fueling a growing world. But we can’t do that without trade agreements like TPP.”

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a trade agreement between the United States and 11 Pacific Rim countries, representing 40 percent of the global economy and one of the fastest-growing regions in the world. President Obama signed the TPP agreement earlier this year, but it now must be voted on by Congress.

“Trade is good for America, especially our farm economy,” said Bowling. “On behalf of all corn farmers across America, we urge Congress to act now. Pass TPP and give America’s farmers and ranchers a chance to compete for the world’s business.”



NAWG Applauds Senate Prioritization of Farm Economy Amidst Low Prices

Today, the Senate Agriculture Committee is holding a hearing on the Current State of the Farm Economy, with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testifying. NAWG submitted testimony to the Committee discussing the dire economic conditions in wheat country, conveying the importance of current safety net and risk management tools. With Congress in session for only a limited time this month, NAWG is pleased to see that the Senate Ag Committee has elevated the discussion of the state of the farm economy, particularly given the current low prices.

“Strong support for our nation’s farmers is critical when the agriculture economy declines to the level we’re experiencing today,” says NAWG President Gordon Stoner, a wheat grower from Outlook, Montana. “With severely depressed wheat prices, and countries like China violating their WTO commitments, American wheat growers are unable to compete globally, let alone cover their own cost of production. Now, more than ever, it is important that we have a strong farm safety net and risk management tools in place to support the growers who feed the world.”

In recent weeks, the price of wheat has dipped to decade-lows and is not expected to rebound anytime soon. With prices so low, Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) and Loan Deficiency Payments (LDPs), which provide short-term cash flow assistance, have been triggered for the first time in several years. Although this kind of support is helpful for growers, it is critical that in the next Farm Bill, functional farm safety nets are maintained, to protect farmers against circumstances outside their control. This is particularly important for a new generation of wheat growers, who may have started out when prices were better, and are not yet properly equipped to survive through periods of extremely low prices. Support programs and risk management tools must be in place, to ensure that the increasingly older generations of farmers are succeeded by a new generation of younger farmers.

To prepare for the next Farm Bill debate, NAWG is working on developing priorities by gathering feedback through our grower survey. Additionally, NAWG is hopeful that this hearing will help policymakers better understand the economic circumstances that wheat growers are facing today.

While NAWG is pleased to see that the Senate Ag Committee is paying attention to the declining farm economy that is hurting wheat growers, we urge Congress to continue that support by protecting Title 1 crop insurance programs in the next Farm Bill. Congress should also oppose destructive efforts by non-agriculture think tanks to undermine the current structure of the crop insurance program and push policies that would hurt farmers. It is the voices of farm organizations which advocate for the survival and success of farmers that should be heard in the conversations about the farm economy. With the farm economy declining, it is imperative that growers are given the support they need to carry on feeding America and the world.



Retail Fertilizer Prices Continue to Move Lower

Retail fertilizer prices continued their steep decline the second week of September 2016, according to fertilizer retailers surveyed by DTN. For the sixth week in a row, prices for fertilizers are considerably lower with all but one of the fertilizers having sizeable prices drops.

Leading the way lower this week is 10-34-0. The starter fertilizer is 10% lower compared to month earlier and had an average price of $474 per ton. UAN32 is 9% less expensive and has an average price of $272/ton. Potash is down 7% and has an average price of $320/ton.

Both urea and UAN28 were down 6% compared to the previous month. Urea had an average price of $324/ton and UAN28 $233/ton.

Both MAP and anhydrous were 5% less expensive, looking back to a month earlier. MAP had an average price of $458/ton and anhydrous $496/ton.

The one fertilizer with just a slight price decline compared to last month was DAP. The phosphorus fertilizer had an average price of $444/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.35/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.42/lb.N and UAN32 $0.42/lb.N.

Retail fertilizer prices are lower compared to a year earlier. All fertilizers are now double-digits lower.

10-34-0 is now down 20% while DAP, MAP and UAN32 are all 21% lower. UAN28 is now 22% lower, anhydrous is 24% less expensive, urea is down 25% and potash is 31% lower compared to a year prior.



Illinois and China Study Wheat Bran for Pigs

Research conducted by the University of Illinois is helping determine the nutritional value of wheat bran in diets fed to pigs. Wheat bran, like many other co-products from the human food industries, contains more fiber than corn and soybean meal, which adversely affects energy digestibility.

"To save on feed costs, more producers are turning to co-products," says Hans H. Stein, professor of animal sciences at Illinois. "Therefore, there is a need to determine the energy contribution from fiber-rich ingredients. But the effect of dietary fiber on heat production and net energy of diets is unclear."

In collaboration with colleagues at China Agricultural University (CAU) in Beijing, China, the research was conducted in the calorimetry unit at CAU. Growing barrows were fed diets containing 0, 15, or 30 percent wheat bran. The pigs were housed in metabolism crates inside calorimetry chambers built to measure gas exchange and heat production.

The digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE) in the diets declined as more wheat bran was included. The DE content of diets containing no wheat bran was 3,454 kcal/kg, compared with 3,161 kcal/kg in diets containing 30 percent wheat bran. The ME content of the diets decreased from 3,400 to 3,091 kcal/kg, and NE content decreased from 1,808 to 1,458 kcal/kg.

The research also validated a procedure commonly used to determine NE. Using the difference procedure, Stein's team determined the DE, ME, and NE of wheat bran to be 2,168, 2,117, and 896 kcal/kg, respectively. These values were similar to those derived using a regression procedure.

Stein says that DE and ME are usually determined using the difference procedure, but NE is usually determined using regression equations. As far as he knows, nobody has compared values derived from the difference procedure with values derived via regression.

"Because experiments to determine NE via the difference procedure are more difficult to conduct than determining DE and ME, it's helpful to know that using regression to determine NE will yield an accurate value," Stein concludes.

The paper, "Wheat bran reduces concentrations of digestible, metabolizable, and net energy in diets fed to pigs, but energy values in wheat bran determined by the difference procedure are not different from values estimated from a linear regression procedure," is published in the the Journal of Animal Science. It was co-authored by Neil Jaworski of the University of Illinois, and Dewen Liu and Defa Li of China Agricultural University in Beijing.



CWT Assists with 3.7 Million Pounds of Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 19 requests for export assistance from members who have contracts to sell 3.702 million pounds (1,679 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheese to customers in Asia. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from September through December 2016.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 35.860 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 7.491 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 21.301 million pounds of whole milk powder to 21 countries on five continents. The sales are the equivalent of 655.044 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. Some totals are adjusted for 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 impacts their milk price.



NCGA Reminds Growers to Minimize Fire Risks in Dry Areas this Harvest
  
With some parts of the country reporting extremely dry conditions this harvest, the National Corn Growers Association reminds farmers to carefully follow proper safety procedures that minimize the possibility of a combine or tractor fire. Even if the weather has not been warm and dry, fuel sources such as leaves, stalks, husks, dust, oil and fuel come into constant contact with potential sources of ignition from farm equipment, such as exhaust, bearings and electrical wiring presenting an ever present fire risk.

"Equipment fires are not only dangerous but are often extremely costly for farmers," said NCGA President Chip Bowling, a Maryland farmer who has seen dry conditions firsthand. "During this busy season, a fire can halt harvest work in an instant causing property damage and consuming valuable time. Building risk management practices into your harvest schedule could end up saving both time and money."

First, keep farm equipment clean, particularly the engine compartment as 75 percent of all machinery fires start there. Using either a pressure washer or high pressure air, remove all caked-on grease, oil and crop residue. Cleaning the engine thoroughly will allow it to run cooler, operate more efficiently and will greatly reduce the risk of a fire.

Once the equipment has been cleaned, make sure to keep it clean. Frequently blow dry chaff, leaves or other material off of the machine with compressed air or a portable leaf blower. Then, remove wrapped plant materials on or near bearings, belts and any other moving parts.

At the beginning of each day, check engine fluid levels, particularly coolant and oil levels, in all equipment that will be used. While doing so, look for any possible leaking fuel or oil hoses, fittings or metal lines. Often, areas that may rub from wear, such as the pressurized oil supply line, may breach causing an oil leak. Should a leak be found, repair it immediately.

Next, eliminate heat sources that could increase fire risk. Most commonly, exhaust system surfaces containing flammable material ignite fires in this fashion. To minimize this risk, check to ensure the exhaust system, including the manifold, muffler and turbocharger, are in good condition and free of leaks. Again, should damage be found, repair it immediately.

As arcing electrical wires generate extremely high temperatures in farm machinery, make sure to scan for signs of wiring damage or deterioration daily. Replace any worn or malfunctioning components properly. Notably, frequently blowing fuses or intermittent circuit disruptions often signal a short or loose connection in that system.

Much like damaged wiring, worn bearings can also reach extremely high temperatures which can cause any rubber belt coming into contact with this intense heat to ignite. Make sure to inspect for worn bearings, belts and chains frequently.

Despite the most vigilant care, farm equipment fires can still occur. It is essential that each machine carries a working, fully charged fire extinguisher mounted in the cab and still within reach from the ground.

Should a fire break out while you are operating a machine, shut off the engine, grab the extinguisher and immediately exit the vehicle. Then, use either a cellular phone or two-way radio to signal that professional assistance is required as quickly as possible.

As fires are dangerous, flaring up dramatically if doors, hatches or other entry points are opened, it is crucial to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle at all times. Using the flexible hose on the extinguisher, spray the base of any visible flames continuously to cool the fire and prevent a reflash until help arrives.



Red Cross First Aid App Now Features Rural Safety Content

Monsanto Company and the American Red Cross announced today a three-year partnership that adds rural safety content to the American Red Cross First Aid App. The collaboration will help ensure that individuals and families in both rural and urban communities have access to life-saving information and other safety resources.

“Spring planting will begin soon in regions across the United States, and may have already started in some locations,” said Rod Denton, Global Environmental Safety & Health Lead at Monsanto. ”It’s extremely important to keep safety top-of-mind during this busy time of year for farmers and everyone involved in U.S. agriculture. The Red Cross First Aid App and its new farm-focused content will be a valuable safety resource for both our customers and employees.”

Monsanto is the exclusive sponsor of the Red Cross’ award-winning first aid app, which now features videos, tips and other interactive content to promote topics such as child safety and emergency preparedness on the farm, as well as safety content related to all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), grain bins, farm electrical safety and more. Designed for Apple® and Android® mobile devices and tablets, the app features preloaded content that gives instant access to all safety information at any time, regardless of internet or data connection. To date, the app has been downloaded more than 3 million times.

“We are extremely grateful to Monsanto for their help bringing this lifesaving information to our agricultural communities. Our rural families will be safer and better prepared thanks to this partnership with Monsanto,” said Cindy Erickson, CEO, American Red Cross of Eastern Missouri.

“The Red Cross has had a strong presence in local communities throughout the country for more than 135 years,” said Denton. “The new content mirrors our strong focus on safety and support for rural communities, and we’re proud to partner with them through this unique sponsorship.”



CLAAS ANNOUNCES SEVEN NEW PRODUCTS  

CLAAS of America announced seven new products, two product updates, new technology and a purchase agreement at the 2016 Farm Progress Show in Boone, IA.  New products/updates include:

Six new balers
CLAAS has offered a strong selection of round balers to farmers across North America for many years, and in 2017, that selection expands with five new 400-series VARIANT balers and a new ROLLANT 620 fixed-chamber baler. Read full details here.

A new, more efficient DISCO mower
The new DISCO 1100 Trend mower was recently added to the DISCO 1100 line, offering the same capacity as the conditioned units (DISCO 1100 triple mower), without the added weight or expense of the conditioners. Read more about the new DISCO 1100 Trend mower here.

JAGUAR forage harvester upgrades
CLAAS continues its industry-leading innovations with upgrades to the JAGUAR 970 and 980 forage harvester models. The comprehensive upgrades include enhancements to the engine, cooling system, header drive, front axle, shearbar and AUTO FILL system among other upgrades. Read more about the updates here.

SHREDLAGE comes into the fold
After a successful launch of SHREDLAGE technology in 2015, the company has purchased the technology from the developers. The technology was previously manufactured under a licensing agreement. Read more about the SHREDLAGE technology here.

LEXION gets even more efficient
The patented Accelerated Pre-Separation (APS) Hybrid System made the LEXION the most efficient combine on the market – however, that hasn’t stopped CLAAS from continuing to update the machine. The all-new 4D Cleaning System is specifically designed to automatically compensate for rolling, hilly terrain, the new AUTO CROP FLOW function automatically senses heavy loads on the drives of these systems and takes action to prevent overloading, and TELEMATICS is now standard on every LEXION. Read more about the LEXION updates here.

EASY technology gets even easier to use
CLAAS goes wireless – the “EASY on board” app takes all the controls of a dedicated ISOBUS monitor and delivers it in a simple, wireless iPad solution. The app controls all ISOBUS-enabled CLAAS implements, where dedicated hard-wired monitors were once required.