Monday October 10 Ag News

Help Us Identify Yield-Limiting Factors in Nebraska Soybean Fields
| Amy Timmerman - Extension Educator
| Michael Rethwisch - Extension Educator
| Keith Glewen - Extension Educator
| Nathan Mueller - Extension Educator
| Steve Tonn - Extension Educator
| Aaron Nygren - Extension Educator
| Allan Vyhnalek - Extension Educator
| Keith Jarvi - Extension Educator
| John Wilson - Extension Educator
| Wayne Ohnesorg - Extension Educator
| Tim Lemmons - Extension Educator, among others....

The United States is the largest soybean producer in the world, accounting for 35% of total production. The North Central Region accounts for 80% of US soybean production. We have started a three-year project, funded by the Nebraska Soybean Board and the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP), to identify the key factors that preclude soybean producers from obtaining top yields that should be possible on their individual farms.

Last winter, we collected data from fields planted with soybean in 2014 and 2015 from 10 states in the north-central region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin). Producers completed surveys to provide information on 3,500 fields. A summary report, Benchmarking Soybean Production Systems in the North-Central USA, shows soybean yield and management practices in soybean fields in Nebraska and the rest of the north-central US.

Some interesting findings are:
-    Nebraska average dryland and irrigated yields were 56 bu/ac and 67 bu/ac respectively, both above the average soybean yield in the north-central region (54 bu/ac).
-    Only a small proportion of producers (2%) attained soybean yields near or above 80 bu/ac.
-    Half of the soybean area in the north-central region is no-till. Adoption of no-till in Nebraska is greater in dryland (77% of fields) than in irrigated fields (51% of fields).
-    About 25% of soybean fields in this region are planted during the first week of May or earlier. This figure rises to 45% in Nebraska.
-    Seeding rates used by producers are well above economically optimal soybean seeding rates, which, in the case of Nebraska, is 120,000 seeds/acre. (Also see On-Farm Research Network Soybean Seeding Rate Findings.)
-    Most producers in the region grow soybean at a 15-inch row spacing, except for Nebraska and eastern Iowa where 30-inch spacing still prevails.
-    Across the entire north-central region, 8%, 19% and 24% of soybean fields are treated with foliar fungicide only, insecticide only, and both fungicide and insecticide, respectively. In Nebraska, these figures are lower at 6%, 3% and 17%.
-    About 15%, 54% and 54% of fields in the north-central region received starter, phosphorous, and potassium fertilizer, respectively. In Nebraska, these figures are 15%, 70%, and 54%.

Here's How You Can Become Part of This Soybean Study
Researchers at the UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and specialists and educators in Nebraska Extension and Nebraska Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) will be collecting soybean field data again this winter. We are asking Nebraska crop producers to provide us with yield and other agronomic data specific to their fields planted with soybean in 2016. With this data, we can conduct an in‐depth analysis of what on‐farm factors might be limiting soybean yield in your fields.

Here is your opportunity to contribute to the project! Download and complete the fillable-PDF survey... http://cropwatch.unl.edu/2016-CW-News/Documents/Soybean/2016-Soybean-Survey-Form-NCSRP-Project.pdf.  Specifically, we are requesting yield and management data specific to four fields of soybean that you grew on your farm in 2016. Both dryland and irrigated fields are acceptable.

Keep in mind that all data submissions from Nebraska soybean producers will be kept strictly confidential. We would greatly appreciate it if you could download and complete this survey and e-mail it to pgrassini2@unl.edu before April 1, 2017. Alternatively, you can print the survey, fill it out, and mail it to Dr. Patricio Grassini, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, 387 Plant Sciences Hall, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68583‐0915.



New Calculator Helps Farmers Maximize Return on Harvest

During harvest, farmers often face a choice of where to market their crops. Elevators may offer different prices, but the best deal isn’t always obvious. An updated online calculator offered by the Soy Transportation Coalition can help farmers quickly determine the most profitable location to deliver their soybeans.

Farmers enter data on transportation costs, price per bushel and the distance to a local elevator versus an elevator that is farther away. The calculator then provides a side-by-side profit comparison of both elevators. The calculator is available at soytransportation.org or via an app for iPhone and Android devices by searching “STC Calculator” on the App Store or Google Play. The calculator can also be used for corn and other crops.

The Nebraska Soybean Board (NSB) is a partner in funding the Soy Transportation Coalition.

“With farmers facing low prices for soybeans and corn this fall, they need to do everything they can to reduce costs,” said Victor Bohuslavsky, NSB executive director. “This calculator can help farmers maximize their return on this year’s crop.”



ABSENTEE BALLOT REQUEST FORMS AVAILABLE FOR REFERENDUM TO REINSTATE THE IOWA BEEF CHECKOFF
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association today announced that eligible beef producers can request an absentee ballot to participate in the referendum on whether the $.50 per head Iowa beef checkoff should be reinstated.  The referendum will be held on November 30, 2016.

Any individual, firm, corporation, partnership or association that has owned or acquired cattle during year prior to the referendum (December 1, 2015 – November 30, 2016) is an “Eligible Beef Producer” for the purposes of this referendum.

A person shall not be considered a producer if: 1) the person’s only share in the proceeds of a sale of cattle or beef is a sales commission, handling fee, or other service fee; or 2) the person acquired ownership of cattle to facilitate the transfer of ownership of such cattle from the seller to a third party; resold such cattle no later than ten days from the date on which the person acquired ownership; and certified as required by rules adopted by the council.

Producers who wish to vote by absentee ballot may do so by contacting the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.  Producers may call 515-281-5321, email beefvote@IowaAgriculture.gov or visit www.IowaAgriculture.gov and download the form located in “Hot Topics.”  They may also visit the Henry Wallace Building, 502 E 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50319 to solicit an Absentee Ballot Request Form.

The Absentee Ballot Request Form must be signed and returned to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.  The producer will then be mailed an Absentee Ballot. Absentee Ballot Request Forms should be received by the Department by November 23, 2016 and Absentee Ballots must be postmarked by November 30, 2016.

A petition to vote on the state beef checkoff was delivered to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship on September 2. The petition contains over 500 signatures of cattle producers in the state of Iowa who are interested in a referendum.

If the referendum passes, collection will begin March 1, 2017. The Iowa beef checkoff will be mandatory, but refunds will be available to interested producers. The federal beef checkoff of $1 per head remains in place and would not be affected by the Iowa vote.

For more information on how checkoff dollars are used contact the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association at (515) 296-2266 or find out more online at www.iacattlemen.org/.

In accordance with Chapter 181 of the Iowa Code, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responsible for holding beef checkoff referendum votes.  All costs incurred by the Department will be reimbursed by the Iowa Cattlemen's Association.



Apps Open to Recognize Excellence in Teaching About Ag

Many teachers throughout Iowa integrate agriculture into their classroom to enrich student learning experiences and apply science, social studies, language arts and many other subjects. Through an awards program of the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation those excellent teachers can be recognized for their efforts.

The Iowa Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture Award is open to teachers of grades pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. The award will recognize a teacher for their integrated efforts to teach students about the importance of food and agriculture and increase students' agriculture literacy. An agriculturally literate person understands and can communicate the source and value of food and agriculture as it affects quality of life.

Applications will be accepted through early November and the winner will be selected and recognized in January 2017. The selected Iowa teacher will receive $500 to support their classroom instruction. They will also receive up to $1,000 to cover expenses to attend the 2017 National Agriculture in the Classroom conference to be held in Kansas City, Mo., June 20-23.

Exemplary teachers will showcase innovative ways that they integrate food and agriculture in their classroom. Agriculture can be the vehicle to teach a number of other content areas and apply these concepts in a relevant way for Iowa students. Creative teachers will help students make connections between food production, health, energy systems, economics, environment and their interconnectedness in agriculture. Pioneering teachers will help students connect to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers.

This award is made possible by the CHS Foundation.



National Pork Month Encourages Consumer Connections via Social Media using #RealPigFarming

National Pork Month provides a unique opportunity for pork producers to connect with people interested in learning about what happens on pig farms today. The Pork Checkoff and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association are encouraging producers to share their farm stories on social media this month using the hashtag #RealPigFarming.

“The Pork Checkoff launched #RealPigFarming to encourage and empower producers and others passionate about pig farming to use social media as a platform for meaningful, impactful conversations with consumers about what happens on their farms,” said Claire Masker, Pork Checkoff public relations director.

Including the hashtag symbol (#) before “RealPigFarming” helps people search social media posts with the same phrase and makes it easier for them to follow conversations. “Consumers are asking more and more questions about where their food comes from, including how pigs are raised,” Masker says. “There is no better time than now to continue conversations on social media. #RealPigFarming allows producers to actively participate in social media as an avenue for these important conversations.”

With the ability to show images and videos of everyday life on a pig farm, the social media outreach program enables producers to generate valuable, factual content and messaging, and to share their story with consumers who are actively seeking information. In addition to enriching consumer knowledge about real pig farming, the program has proven to be a rewarding experience for the producers involved.

“Social media is just another tool that provides producers with an avenue to continue the conversation about how pigs are raised and how food safety starts on the farm,” says Russ Vering, Nebraska producer. “It has not only allowed me to share my story, it has enabled me to connect with consumers on a level that wasn’t possible a few years ago.”

National Pork Month promotions help to elevate awareness about using social media for producers and encourage more people with a passion for pig farming to get involved with #RealPigFarming.

“We encourage everyone who has a passion for agriculture, or a positive story about real pig farming they can share, to use #RealPigFarming in status updates, tweets, Instagram photos, blogs, vlogs and other social media updates,” Masker said.



Broad Beef Producer Input Sought for 2016 National Beef Quality Audit

Beef producers all across the country, from every segment of the industry, are being encouraged to participate in a survey that will help establish a benchmark and course for the beef industry for 2017 and beyond. The Producer Survey of the checkoff-funded 2016 National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA) will collect producer information and opinions, which will be added to the audit's traditional production research to form an in-depth look at where the industry stands and what its successes and shortcomings are.

"It's very important that every interested producer weigh in with their information and opinions," according to Jesse Fulton, NBQA audit manager. "By having substantial participation in the survey across all industry segments, we create the best opportunity for determining where the industry is and where we need to take it."

The survey will be completely anonymous and include both information about the industry's cattle operations and the opinions of the people who run them about the strengths and weaknesses of the industry. Input from every segment of the industry - cow-calf, stocker, feeder, dairy and others - is valued and will become part of the detailed picture of the U.S. cattle industry. The survey can be accessed at the Beef Quality Assurance website at http://www.bqa.org/nbqa-producer-survey.

Initiated in 1991, NBQA since its inception has provided the industry a meaningful set of guideposts and measurements relative to the quality conformance of the U.S. beef supply. Conducted every five years, it is based on a set of core principles:
-    Only that which is measured can be effectively managed;
-    An industry-wide scorecard provides direction to individual decision-makers across the beef supply chain to improve the quality and value of the U.S. beef supply; and
-    Identifying and correcting quality shortfalls and non-conformance will lead to greater profitability through improved beef demand in both domestic and international markets, the capture of lost opportunities, and commitment to the hard work of continuous improvement.

The most recent NBQA, in 2011, concluded the industry has come a long way in terms of improving beef quality, and suggested significant changes for further improvement in product integrity and eating satisfaction. Similar information is expected in the 2016 NBQA."With broad participation, this survey will help establish a clearer picture of our industry from the producer's view in 2016," says Fulton. "We hope every producer will access the survey and take the time to honestly and candidly answer the questions so that our final results will be as complete as possible."

Upon completing the survey, participants can choose to leave their contact information to be entered for a chance at winning a YETI® Tundra 75 Marine Cooler. For more information, contact Jesse Fulton at jfulton@beef.org or 303/850-3461.

Final results of the 2016 NBQA will be released in July 2017.


   
RFA Website Now Tracking E15 Prices, Data

Searching for stations offering 15 percent ethanol blends — and prices — just got a lot easier. The website E85prices.com, managed by the Renewable Fuels Association, now includes E15 in its services.

The website, a crowdsourced service, now allows consumers to toggle between E15 and E85, locating information and reporting prices on either fuel blend. The improvements also allow consumers to review E15 prices reported by others, price spreads for each state, historical statistics and more, giving them access to the lowest price gasoline available. In 2012, EPA gave final approval to E15 for 2001 and later model year vehicles, which accounts for 80 percent of today’s automotive fleet.

“We are pleased to be able to broaden the website’s information to include information on E15,” said Robert White, vice president of industry relations at RFA. “There are now hundreds of stations throughout most of the U.S. that offer E15, and that number will grow into the thousands next year. We want to make sure consumers know and can track that information, so they can take advantage of higher ethanol blends and the savings associated with using alternative fuels.”

The website also maintains a database of blender pump locations and an online forum.



National Agriculture Day Theme Announced

The Agriculture Council of America will host National Agriculture Day on March 21, 2017. This will mark the 44th anniversary of National Ag Day which is celebrated in classrooms and communities across the country. The theme for event will be "Agriculture: Food for Life."

ACA will host major events in the nation's capital including a breakfast event at the National Press Club as well as a Taste of Agriculture Celebration on the Hill. Additionally, the ACA will bring approximately 100 college students to Washington to deliver the message of Ag Day.

These events honor National Agriculture Day and mark a nationwide effort to tell the true story of American agriculture and remind citizens that agriculture is a part of all of us. A number of producers, agricultural associations, corporations, students and government organizations involved in agriculture are expected to participate.

National Ag Day is organized by the Agriculture Council of America. ACA is a nonprofit organization composed of leaders in the agricultural, food and fiber community, dedicating its efforts to increasing the public's awareness of agriculture's role in modern society.

In addition to the events in Washington, DC, the ACA will once again feature the Ag Day Essay Contest in addition to an Ag Day Photography Contest. The winning photograph will be part of the 2017 National Ag Day Poster.

Visit www.agday.org for more information on National Ag Day in 2017.



Ag Retailers Reaffirm and strengthen commitment to Environmental Stewardship

The 11-member agriculture retailers of Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance (ACWA) have reaffirmed their agreement to the Environmental Code of Practice for 2016 and strengthened their commitment to proper nutrient application through the 4R framework.

 “For over 15 years, we have focused on proper nutrient management and environmental stewardship and now is no exception,” said Dan Dix, NEW Cooperative general manager and ACWA president. “The Code of Practice is a fundamental aspect of ACWA membership, and we are glad to be a 4R Partner. The 4R principles are globally accepted standards of best practices for cropping systems and we are proud to enhance our focus and offerings through them.”

4R Nutrient Stewardship focuses on fertilizer application with the consideration of the right source, right rate, right time and right place. The 4R Partner program, administered by The Fertilizer Institute, is a nationwide program with over 130 participants aimed at expanding awareness and implementation of fertilizer best management practices.

 “Our Code of Practice aligns with the 4Rs and there is synergy in the guidelines,” said Harry Ahrenholtz, ACWA chairman. “We whole-heartedly adhere to these principles and are now part of a nationwide agribusiness community that does as well. ACWA members hold each other accountable to abide by these standards, and each retailer notifies the group when fall fertilizer applications begin.”

In the Code of Practice, ACWA members agree to delay fall anhydrous applications without a nitrification inhibitor until soil temperatures are 50 degrees Fahrenheit and trending lower. Members use the county soil temperature and forecast maps compiled by Iowa State University as a decision-tool for beginning fall fertilizer applications.

Like the ACWA Code of Practice, the 4R program stresses timing. The program also encourages the consideration of all nutrient sources and soil tests, both of which are in the ACWA Code of Practice.

“Agriculture retailers are an essential part of the path to progress when it comes to nutrient optimization and management,” said Lara Moody, senior director of stewardship and sustainability at The Fertilizer Institute. “We applaud ACWA members for their dedication to not only the 4Rs, but also their commitment to stewardship of the Iowa environment.”

Not only do ACWA members agree to follow nutrient best management practices during the fall, but also in the spring and throughout the growing season.

ACWA supports adoption of nutrient management technologies to maximize nutrient use efficiency and help protect water quality. These technologies include nitrogen stabilizers, slow release fertilizers, incorporation or injection, soil nitrate testing and other tools that minimize loss of nitrogen to water sources.

Furthermore, ACWA encourages farmers to implement additional conservation and edge-of-field practices to reduce nitrate flow from tile systems including bioreactors, constructed wetlands, conservation stream buffers and fall cover crops.

“Members are dedicated to helping farmers manage nutrients to enhance both environmental quality and crop production,” said Roger Wolf, ACWA executive director. “The agriculture community remains committed to implementing practices that have a positive impact on environmental and water quality as well as improving crop production.”

For more information about the ACWA, visit www.acwa-rrws.org/.

For more information about 4R Partners, visit www.nutrientstewardship.org.