Thursday October 20 Ag News

USDA Seeks Applications for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Loans and Grants

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) applications for renewable energy system and energy efficiency guaranteed loans and grants and energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants. See page 71689 of the October 18 Federal Register for more information.

  Applications for renewable energy system and energy efficiency grants of $20,000 or less (25% total eligible project costs) are due by Oct. 31, 2016, for the first funding cycle and March 31, 2017, for the second funding cycle.  Grant requests for this round have a simplified, streamlined process and can be as low as $2,500 for renewable energy projects and $1,500 for energy efficiency projects. The next funding deadline will be March 31, 2017 for projects of any size with maximum grants limited to $500,000 for renewable energy projects and $250,000 for energy efficiency projects (25% of total eligible project costs).  Any eligible applications not funded during the October 31, 2017 funding cycle will be reconsidered.

  All agricultural producers, including farmers and ranchers, who derive 50% or more of their gross income from agricultural operations are eligible. Businesses in a rural area, meeting the Small Business Administration size standards, may also apply. A private entity, a rural utility, and rural electric cooperatives are typically eligible, however non-profit and public bodies are not eligible.

  USDA Rural Development provides financial assistance in the form of grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements through the REAP.  This program provides funds for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems and to make energy-efficiency improvements.  The renewable energy projects range from installation of solar, geothermal, wind, and biomass; and energy efficiency improvements to irrigation systems, poultry houses, upgrading air conditioning, lighting and refrigeration systems.

  The application deadline for energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants is Jan. 31, 2017.

  Eligible applicants for energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants include State, tribal or local governments, institutions of higher education, and rural electric cooperatives and public power entities.

  Assistance must be provided to agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Rural small businesses must be located in eligible rural areas. This restriction does not apply to agricultural producers. Assistance provided must consist of energy audits, renewable energy technical assistance, renewable energy site assessments, and eligible project costs which may include salaries directly related to the project; travel expenses directly related to conducting energy audits or renewable energy development assistance;  office supplies, administrative expenses, up to a maximum of 5% of the grant, which include but are not limited to utilities, office space, operation expenses of office and other project-related equipment.

  Applications for renewable energy system and energy efficiency guaranteed loans and grants are due by October 31, 2016 4:30 CST.  Please contact Jeff Carpenter, State Energy Coordinator, at the Nebraska USDA Rural Development State Office, Suite 308, Federal Building 100 Centennial Mall North Lincoln, Nebraska 68508. Call 402-437-5554 or email jeff.carpenter@ne.usda.gov.



Record Beef and Pork Production for September

Commercial red meat production for the United States totaled 4.32 billion pounds in September according to USDA, up 4 percent from the 4.14 billion pounds produced in September 2015.

By State (million pounds) - Sept '16  -  % of Sept '15
Nebraska ...........:                      702.7            104      
Iowa ..................:                      607.6            108      
Kansas ...............:                      468.5            104      

Beef production, at 2.18 billion pounds, was 4 percent above the previous year. Cattle slaughter totaled 2.62 million head, up 6 percent from September 2015. The average live weight was down 12 pounds from the previous year, at 1,370 pounds.

Veal production totaled 6.2 million pounds, 10 percent below September a year ago. Calf slaughter totaled 42,500 head, up 14 percent from September 2015. The average live weight was down 61 pounds from last year, at 251 pounds.

Pork production totaled 2.13 billion pounds, up 4 percent from the previous year. Hog slaughter totaled 10.2 million head, up 5 percent from September 2015. The average live weight was unchanged from the previous year, at 280 pounds.

Lamb and mutton production, at 12.0 million pounds, was down 2 percent from September 2015. Sheep slaughter totaled 193,300 head, slightly above last year. The average live weight was 125 pounds, down 3 pounds from September a year ago.

January to September 2016 commercial red meat production was 37.0 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2015. Accumulated beef production was up 6 percent from last year, veal was down 8 percent, pork was up 1 percent from last year, and lamb and mutton production was down 1 percent.



September Milk Production up 2.3 Percent
                       
Milk production in the 23 major States during September totaled 16.0 billion pounds, up 2.3 percent from September 2015 according to USDA.  August revised production at 16.7 billion pounds, was up 1.9 percent from August 2015.  The August revision represented a decrease of 3 million pounds or less than 0.1 percent from last month's preliminary production estimate.

Production per cow in the 23 major States averaged 1,842 pounds for September, 35 pounds above September 2015.  This is the highest production per cow for the month of September since the 23 State series began in 2003.

The number of milk cows on farms in the 23 major States was 8.67 million head, 36,000 head more than September 2015, but 2,000 head less than August 2016.

July-September Milk Production up 1.7 Percent
Milk production in the United States during the July - September quarter totaled 52.6 billion pounds, up 1.7 percent from the July - September quarter last year.  The average number of milk cows in the United States during the quarter was 9.34 million head, 9,000 head more than the April - June quarter, and 21,000 head more than the same period last year.

Nebraska Milk Production
Milk production in Nebraska during July-September 2016 quarter totaled 344 million pounds, up 7 percent from the July-September quarter last year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The average number of milk cows was 60,000 head.

IOWA:  Milk production in Iowa during September 2016 totaled 397 million pounds, up 4 percent from the previous September according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during September, at 211,000 head, was the same as last month, but 1,000 more than last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 1,880 pounds, up 70 pounds from last September.



Scout for Corn Molds and Ear Rots This Harvest Season

The Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) has received several questions from southwest Iowa producers about corn mold this harvest season. Based on producer descriptions of black mold or black dust that becomes airborne when the plants are disturbed, common corn smut is the most likely culprit in many of these cases.ears of corn with corn smut

Corn smut is caused by the fungus Ustilago maydis or Ustilago zeae and at harvest can typically be identified as black masses of spores that create a dark dust when the corn plants are disturbed. This spore material often is described as powdery or sooty in consistency and can be found on various parts of the corn plant including ears, tassels, stalks and leaves.

Iowa State Extension and Outreach beef specialist Chris Clark said corn smut can impact grain quality and yield but generally is not associated with mycotoxin production.

“If a mold in question is truly corn smut, the grain can probably be fed to livestock without any great concern about toxicity,” he said.

Corn smut can, however, be confused with other corn molds and fungal ear rot organisms that can produce dangerous mycotoxins. Corn plants are susceptible to numerous fungal organisms, some of which are commonly associated with mycotoxin production.

Iowa State veterinary toxicologist Steve Ensley said Aspergillus, Fusarium, Gibberella, and Penicillium organisms are most commonly associated with production of mycotoxins that can be negatively impact animal health and performance.

There also is evidence that smut-infected ears are more susceptible to infection by Fusarium and Aspergillus. The smut fungus may not directly produce mycotoxins but can potentially cause greater susceptibility to secondary infections with organisms that are associated with mycotoxin production. That’s why it’s important to scout fields and identify corn molds affecting the crop.

The Iowa State VDL offers mycotoxin screening of grain and feed samples. Producers can find sampling guidelines, submission forms, prices and other information on the VDL website. The site also includes a great deal of information about mycotoxins including species affected and health effects.

Both Clark and Ensley are available to address questions and concerns about corn molds and mycotoxins. Contact Clark by phone at 712-250-0070 or email at caclark@iastate.edu. Call Ensley at 515-294-2783 or email him at sensley@iastate.edu.



2016 ICM Conference Will Evaluate Ag Economy, Discuss Crop Production Issues

The 2016 Integrated Crop Management Conference will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the Scheman Building in Ames, Iowa. The conference will consist of 45 workshop topics and eight invited guest speakers from industry and four state universities—Purdue University, University of Arkansas, University of Wyoming and University of Illinois. Iowa State University faculty and extension specialists along with invited guests will provide research results, updated management recommendations, and information on current and future crop production issues.

ICM conferenceHighlights of the ICM Conference are invited guest speakers, multiple sessions to choose from each hour and the opportunity to network with others in the agriculture industry.

“With almost 1,000 attendees each year for the past six years, the ICM Conference is a great opportunity for farmers, industry, ag retailers, agronomists and educators to network with each other and interact with specialists,” said Alison Robertson, associate professor and extension plant pathologist in plant pathology and microbiology. “We’ve also received a lot of positive feedback for having guest speakers at the conference, so it’s something we continue to focus on each year.”

With Palmer amaranth now confirmed in over 40 Iowa counties this year, Bob Hartzler, professor in agronomy and extension weed specialist at Iowa State, will discuss how the weed was introduced, the risk it poses now and how to best manage Palmer amaranth during the workshop Palmer amaranth: It’s here, now what? Mike Owen, university professor and extension specialist in agronomy and weed science at Iowa State, will give a weed management update for 2017 and beyond, and guest speaker Aaron Hager, associate professor in weed science at the University of Illinois, will talk about herbicide resistance east of the Mississippi River.

Other presentation topics at the 2016 ICM Conference include: the crop market outlook, spray equipment operation for emerging herbicide technology, pest resistance issues, nitrogen myths and realities, water quality and new decision-making tools. An Iowa farmland market update will take a look at the current farmland market and compare the similarities and differences to the 1920s and 1980s farm crises.

The conference is approved for continuing education credits for Certified Crop Advisors, with a total of 14 CCA credits available; categories dependent on workshops selected. Iowa commercial pesticide applicator recertification for 2016 is also available in categories 1A, 1B, 1C, 4 and 10.

“This year, attendees will have seven concurrent sessions to choose from each hour,” said Brent Pringnitz, coordinator for ANR Program Services. “This format allows participants to customize their conference experience and fulfill necessary CCA credit needs.”

To register, go to the ICM Conference website www.aep.iastate.edu/icm. Space is limited for the event and requires pre-registration. Early registration for the event is $200 and ends midnight, Nov. 18. After Nov. 18, the fee increases to $250, and registrations will be accepted, as space allows, until noon, Nov. 28. No registrations will be accepted at the door. For registration questions, contact ANR Program Services at anr@iastate.edu or 515-294-6429.

The Integrated Crop Management Conference is hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.



RFS Volume Standards Move to White House

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final standards for 2017 and biomass-based diesel volume for 2018 for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) moved to the last review step. EPA has sent the final standards to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for interagency review, which includes addressing input from the USDA and DOE.

In the coming days and weeks, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) will coordinate meetings between NBB staff, with members of the RVO Working Group, and the Administration to again press our case for stronger Biomass-based Diesel and Advanced Biofuel volumes. After the OMB review, EPA will finalize the standards and release them publicly.

The EPA proposal calls for increasing the Biomass-based Diesel volume from 2 billion gallons in 2017 to 2.1 billion gallons in 2018. Additionally, it calls for increasing the overall Advanced Biofuel volume it previously set for 2016 of 3.61 billion gallons to 4 billion gallons in 2017, well below the statutorily required volume of 9 billion gallons. The American Soybean Association and NBB have made the case to revise the volumes upward to at least 2.5 billion gallons for Biomass-based Diesel for 2018 and 4.75 billion gallons for overall Advanced Biofuels for 2017.

EPA remains on pace to issue the final standards by Nov. 30. We will keep you posted on any developments.



High-Level Southeast Asian Team Sees U.S. Corn Production, Shows Interest in Imports

A delegation led by Malaysia's Minister of Agriculture Dato Sri Ahd Shabery Bin Cheek recently traveled to the U.S. Midwest and Pacific Northwest to become better acquainted with the corn supply chain and understand how a bushel of grain moves from the field to feed mill. 

"Currently, Malaysia adopts single source corn origination, which can be very problematic in the event of supply shocks and other market disruptions," said USGC Regional Director for South and Southeast Asia Kevin Roepke, who is based in Kuala Lumpur.

"From a food security standpoint, the Council wanted to promote a multi-hemispheric approach to corn imports to insulate Malaysians from price spikes."

Malaysia has among the highest per capita consumptions of poultry meat in the world and imports nearly all of the corn used to produce compound feed. As an open and free trader, Malaysia also enjoys one of the highest food security indexes in the developing world and the highest in the regional organization ASEAN after Singapore.

While in the United States, the minister and his team were special dignitaries at the World Food Prize events in Iowa. In addition, the team got to learn firsthand about the benefits of modern transgenic technology, as well as some new and innovative technologies in plant breeding like CRISPR-Cas9 and gene editing. The team also explored corn harvest and learned how corn is collected in rural elevators, loaded onto barges and ultimately shipped out around the world via grain export terminals.

Roepke said that as a result of the tour, he expected the United States will have a better opportunity at sourcing some of Malaysia's 3 - 3.5 million metric ton (118 - 138 million bushel) corn import market.

"Minister Shabery was very impressed with the United States' meticulous attention to quality control, scale and 'just-in-time' capability to move corn into the world market in only a matter of days, at a moment's notice," he said.



National FFA Organization Names Stars Over America

FFA members from Oklahoma, Minnesota and South Dakota earned the most prestigious honor awarded to a student by the National FFA Organization Thursday at the 89th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

The American Star awards – including the American Star Farmer, American Star in Agribusiness, American Star in Agricultural Placement and American Star in Agriscience – are awarded to FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through completion of a supervised agricultural experience. A required activity in FFA, an SAE allows students to learn by doing by either owning or operating an agricultural business, working or serving in an internship at an agriculture-based business or conducting an agriculture-based scientific experiment and reporting results.

This year’s winners are:
    American Star Farmer: Tyler Jacob Schnaithman, Garber FFA Chapter, Oklahoma,
    American Star in Agribusiness: Shane A. Mueller, Garretson FFA Chapter, South Dakota,
    American Star in Agricultural Placement: Brett K. Petersen, Kerkhoven Murdock Sunburg-KMS FFA Chapter, Minnesota,
    American Star in Agriscience: Elizabeth A. Renner, West Central FFA Chapter, South Dakota,

Other requirements to achieve the award include demonstrating top management skills; completing key agricultural education, scholastic and leadership requirements; and earning an American FFA Degree, the organization’s highest level of student accomplishment.

Sixteen American Star award finalists from throughout the United States are nominated for a panel of judges to interview during the national convention and expo. Four were named winners during an onstage ceremony tonight and received cash awards totaling $4,000. All American Star finalists receive a $2,000 cash award. The Star Over America Awards are sponsored by ADM Crop Risk Services; Case IH; Elanco Animal Health; Farm Credit and Syngenta.



Soy Growers Support Tool to Streamline Precision Ag Data

Soy growers and other agriculture groups are praising AgGateway for finding an easier way for farmers using precision ag to compile and analyze data from various sources.

AgGateway companies worked together to create ADAPT to solve the problem and last week, the American Soybean Association (ASA), along with other ag groups, sent a letter to the AgGateway Board of Directors supporting the format.

“ADAPT will eliminate the major pain points to the broad use of precision ag data by easily enabling interoperability between different software and hardware applications,” the groups wrote in the letter. “We understand the ADAPT solution allows each equipment manufacturer to keep its own proprietary software and technology in the cab and monitor, but allow participating companies to ‘export to’ and ‘import from’ a common, open-source ADAPT file format. This will allow Farm Management Information Software (FMIS) companies to program once and be able to receive data from all companies using the ADAPT format, including other FMIS companies. It also will allow an FMIS to export a prescription to any monitor that is using ADAPT.”

Several ag tech providers have agreed to release plug-ins for ADAPT and ASA encourages Farm Management Information Software (FMIS) to support and integrate the framework in the near future.



NCGA Now Accepting Applications for the 2018 Corn Board

The National Corn Growers Association Nominating Committee is now accepting applications from members for the 2018 Corn Board.  Through the Corn Board, members can become an integral part of the organization's leadership. Click here for the application, which provides complete information on requirements, responsibilities and deadlines.

"I have had the privilege of working with so many talented, dedicated volunteers who step forward to lead this organization during my years on the Corn Board," said NCGA Chairman and Nominating Committee Chair Chip Bowling. "Their willingness to step forward as volunteer leaders plays a crucial role in building NCGA's future successes. As a true grassroots organization, we rely upon farmers to volunteer to lead, helping to shape policy and drive efforts. Serving on the Corn Board empowers farmers to play a proactive role in determining the collective future of our industry."

The NCGA Corn Board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations.  Board members serve the organization in a variety of ways.  They represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokespeople for the NCGA and enhance the organization's public standing on all organizational and policy issues.

Applications are due Friday, January 6. Nominated candidates will be introduced at the March 2017 Corn Congress meeting, held in conjunction with the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas. Corn Board members will be elected at the July 2017 Corn Congress in Washington, D.C., and the new terms begin Oct. 1.

For more information, growers may contact Kathy Baker at NCGA's St. Louis office at (636) 733-9004.



DYK Beef Checkoff Shorts - Promotion

Did you know ... with the launch of the new Families In Motion campaign the beef checkoff’s Facebook page has been sharing and promoting recipes that consumers can relate to through lifestyle moments and cooking styles? Through this personalized and targeted sharing the checkoff’s “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” Facebook page has reached nearly 1 MILLION likes! Please visit the “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.” Facebook page for more delicious beef imagery and inspiration in the year to come!

Did you know ... the beef checkoff has collaborated with Food52, one of the leading online cooking and lifestyle destinations, to develop an extensive library of practical digital content that builds consumer confidence in cooking and serving beef? With a mission of helping people become smarter, happier and better cooks, Food52 is an ideal partner to help in sharing inspirational and educational beef content to its millions of followers. From cut selection and storage tips to exciting ethnic preparations with beef, this partnership has delivered more than a dozen custom posts, infographics, videos and more. The national checkoff and state beef councils will extend the content throughout the year to help spread beef content to consumers. 

Did you know ... the successful checkoff-funded 30-Day Protein Challenge recently wrapped its Year 2 campaign, with results surpassing 2015? The program is built around educating consumers on the benefits of consuming protein, like nutrient-rich beef, throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Learn more about the 30-Day Protein Challenge on BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

To learn more about your beef checkoff investment, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.



Veterinary Feed Directive: Set Your Deadline Ahead of Jan. 1, 2017

Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) and Jan. 1, 2017. These are two phrases people in the cattle industry have heard together a lot in the past year. Jan. 1, 2017, is the deadline for implementing the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) VFD regulation, which will require a VFD for all medically important antibiotics (those important in human and animal health) administered in feed and a veterinary prescription for all medically important antibiotics used in water. But it’s important for people in the industry to be working ahead of this date to ensure they are ready to be compliant.

“There’s work for everyone involved in the industry — it’s a learning process, requires more teamwork, open communication and additional records — to get everything prepared to comply with the amended changes,” said Tom Peters, PhD, consulting nutritionist at Superior Attitude Livestock Technologies, LLC in Oregon, Illinois. “This is not something you should be starting to prepare for at the end of December. So there are no last-minute surprises, I urge producers, veterinarians and nutritionists to set a deadline for compliance with the VFD rules much ahead of Jan. 1, 2017. In fact, for most of the cattle producers I work with, we’ve set a deadline of October 2016 to work through the process.”

Have everyone on the same page
Every operation is unique, and there’s not a one-size-fits-all plan to follow between now and Jan. 1, 2017, but one thing remains constant for all — implementing the VFD changes starts with more communication from everyone involved in the operation. This includes everyone from the feed truck drivers to feed mill operators, cowboys, managers, consulting nutritionist and local veterinarian.

Dr. Peters recommended making sure everyone involved understands the regulation. Work through all of the planned changes ahead of time. It is important to be aware of all products and combinations of products impacted by the revised rules. For example, chlortetracycline products, such as AUREOMYCIN®, included in feed will require a VFD, but they also will require a VFD when used in combination with an approved product that won’t require a VFD, such as an ionophore.

Dr. Peters said other questions that should be asked are: Does the operation have a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), as defined by state regulation, and is the veterinarian comfortable writing VFDs? Copies of all VFDs, written or electronic, must be maintained for a period of two years. Veterinarians must retain the original format of the VFD record, while feed suppliers and producers may store either a hard copy or electronic copy.

More open communication
Zoetis nutritionist Marty Andersen, PhD, Beef Strategic Technical Services, agrees with Dr. Peters that the VFD regulation is going to push for more communication between veterinarians, nutritionists and producers.

“Historically, nutritionists have been the driver for helping producers make the right decisions about products added to feed,” Dr. Andersen said. “As veterinarians now become involved in these decisions, it’s still important for nutritionists to stay closely involved with the producer and veterinarian.”

Having added insight from veterinarians will bring some advantages for producers and the livestock industry. Veterinarians have unique training and a skill set that can bring recommendations about disease cycles into the equation as well.

“The next time there’s a veterinarian scheduled to visit the operation, have a nutritionist there also to have face-to-face communication about what works best for the operation,” Dr. Andersen said. “Make a plan for how you are all going to work together through the required changes and any challenges ahead of January 2017.”

More responsible use of antibiotics
The overall goal of the FDA VFD regulation is the responsible use of ALL antibiotics. This requires a team effort from the entire livestock industry for a seamless transition and complete compliance.

“This regulation only increases conversation about the responsible use of antibiotics, what works best for the performance and health of cattle on every operation and, ultimately, what is best for consumers,” Dr. Peters said. “Our objective as an industry has always been zero violations to government regulations. Even though some rules are changing and becoming more heightened, this objective of compliance for the health of animals and humans hasn’t and won’t change when we continue to work together as a team.”