Monday November 28 Ag News

LAST WEEKLY 2016 NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the week ending November 27, 2016, temperatures averaged four to six degrees above normal, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rain at mid-week and over the weekend brought an inch of precipitation to eastern border counties and parts of central Nebraska. Western Nebraska remained mostly dry. Fall harvest activities were near completion, with only scattered fields remaining. Fall tillage and anhydrous applications were active. There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 11 percent very short, 30 short, 57 adequate, and 2 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 11 percent very short, 31 short, 57 adequate, and 1 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 2 percent very poor, 11 poor, 34 fair, 48 good, and 5 excellent.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Pasture and range conditions rated 5 percent very poor, 10 poor, 32 fair, 49 good, and 4 excellent. Stock water supplies rated 1 percent very short, 13 short, 85 adequate, and 1 surplus.



FINAL WEEKLY IOWA CROP PROGRESS REPORT '16

Fieldwork across much of Iowa was winding down and wrapping up in many parts of the State during the week ending November 27, 2016, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork. Activities included harvesting, tiling, baling corn stalks, hauling and spreading manure, and anhydrous application when conditions were dry enough.

Topsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 9 percent short, 84 percent adequate and 5 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 83 percent adequate and 7 percent surplus.

Corn harvested for grain was virtually complete in Iowa at 99 percent, equal to both the previous year and the 5- year average. Precipitation during the week hampered producers in southwest and south central Iowa as they tried to finish corn and soybean harvest.

Grain movement from farm to elevator was rated 40 percent moderate to heavy, down 11 percentage points from the previous week. Off-farm grain storage availability was rated 63 percent adequate to surplus. On-farm grain storage availability was rated 60 percent adequate to surplus.

Wet conditions caused by early and late week rains left feedlots muddy, causing stress to livestock.

This is the final weekly Crop Progress and Condition report for 2016. Thanks to everyone who reported this year and made the reports possible.  Weekly Crop Progress and Condition reports will resume on April 3, 2017.



USDA Weekly Crop Progress

U.S. winter wheat conditions held steady last week compared to the previous week, according to the last weekly USDA Crop Progress report of 2016 released Monday. USDA reported 92% of the winter wheat crop had emerged as of Sunday, even with a year ago and even with the five-year average of 92% emerged.

Corn harvest is complete in most states with USDA no longer reporting national harvest progress this week.

Cotton harvest, at 77% complete, continued to lag behind the average pace of 84%. Sorghum harvest was 96% complete, near 97% last year and equal to the five-year average.



Ag Land Management Workshops in Norfolk on December 5th

The Landlord/Tenant Cash Lease workshop will be offered Monday December 5th, starting at 9:30 a.m. It will be held at the Lifelong Learning Center at the NECC in Norfolk.  In the afternoon of the same day, there will be a Flexible Lease workshop.

It is designed to help landlords and tenants put together a lease that is right for both parties, and help maintain positive farm leasing relations.

Topics for discussion at the leasing workshop include:
-  Latest information about land values and cash rental rates for the area and state;
- Lease communication, determining appropriate information sharing for both the tenant and landlord;
-  Lease termination, including terminating handshake or verbal leases;
- Review of common lease provisions with emphasis on common questions about provisions;
- Legal issues related to land ownership – basic ownership structures and what they mean;
- Business structures/entities and how they affect ownership – quick look at how entity ownership affects legal and financial risk management;
- Ownership transition;
- State/federal resources for beginning farmers and ranchers; and
- Other topics, like irrigation systems, hay rent, pasture rental agreements, and grain bin rental will be covered as time allows.

The free workshop is sponsored by the Northcentral Risk Management Education Center.  Registration is requested.  To register for the workshop, contact the Madison County Extension Office by calling 402-370-4000.  Register by Friday, December 2nd, to ensure that there are enough handouts and other materials.

The Flexible Farmland Lease Workshop will be offered in the afternoon of December 5th starting at 1:30 p.m.  Flexible leases provisions are gaining popularity.  The goal is to give participants information and education about:  What a flex lease is, how to set up a flex lease, and review common flex lease provisions.

The workshops have been held extensively across Nebraska for the past few years with over 3,300 attending.  The vast majority of both landlords and tenants find the information to be very helpful in improving communications, setting rental terms, and learning about Ag land ownership types and alternatives.  As crop budgets tighten, it is even more important to attend and listen to the latest discussion about leasing issues.

For more information or assistance, please contact Allan Vyhnalek, Extension Educator in Platte County at 402-563-4901, or by e-mail at avyhnalek2@unl.edu.



Learn about the National Food Entrepreneur Program

The Center for Rural Affairs and the National Food Entrepreneur Program are partnering to host a free presentation on the National Food Entrepreneur Program and a tour of the University of Nebraska Food Processing Center that will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8, in Lincoln, Neb.

“This event will be especially helpful for food businesses and entrepreneurs, economic developers, chamber members, civic leaders, farmers and farmers market vendors,” Sandra Renner with the Center for Rural Affairs said. “Space is limited so we encourage everyone to RSVP as soon as you can.”

Participants can register here: http://www.cfra.org/events/rural-food-business-growth-presentation-and-tour.

On Dec. 8, 2016, at 2 p.m., participants should meet at the main entry of the University of Nebraska Food Processing Center, Nebraska Innovation Campus, 1625 Arbor Dr., Lincoln, Neb.

According to Renner, participants will first learn about the National Food Entrepreneur Program and who it is intended for. Participants will learn how many entrepreneurs throughout the country have utilized the program to start their own small food businesses, and provide information on how you can participate.

Following that 30-minute presentation, attendees have the opportunity to tour the University of Nebraska Food Processing Center located on the new Nebraska Innovation Campus.

Both the presentation and tour are free of charge. Space is limited. Anyone may attend, but please register in advance to receive a free parking pass and ensure a place on the tour.

Participants can register here: http://www.cfra.org/events/rural-food-business-growth-presentation-and-tour. 

This presentation and tour are part of Center for Rural Affairs’ Rural Food Business Growth project, and is funded by United States Department of Agriculture Rural Business Development.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln parking passes will be provided for all registrants. Mileage reimbursement is available for residents of Burt, Cuming, Stanton, Thurston and Wayne counties.



ICON PREPARES FOR ELEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING

Independent Cattlemen of Nebraska (ICON) will be hosting their ELEVENTH Annual Meeting in Ainsworth, NE, on Friday, December 9, 2016, 12 noon CST, at the Elk’s Lodge.

The day starts at 11 a.m. with registration. A luncheon will be served at the Lodge at noon and followed by the afternoon activities.

The traditional Senator’s Panel will lead off at 1 p.m. with State Senators discussing what’s happening in the legislature. At 2:30 p.m., Mike Schultz, R-CALF USA, will talk about current issues facing cattlemen, which will be followed by a presentation from Kim Ulmer of Mobridge, SD who has been involved in livestock marketing since 1988, at 3:30 p.m. ICON Business Meeting will begin at 4:30 followed by a social hour at 5:30 p.m., Banquet at 6 p.m., silent auction for Jim Hanna Memorial Scholarship and a panel on Wind Energy will round out the evening.

Registration for the 2016 ICON Annual Meeting is $50 and includes the noon luncheon. Guests accompanying a paid registration can register for $20. The evening Banquet with prime rib is an extra $25 per attendee. ICON membership dues for 2016 are $100 and if members pay the day of the meeting, there will be a $10 discount.

ICON Annual Meeting registration can be sent to: ICON/Linda Wuebben, 55669 888th Road, Fordyce, NE 68736. For more information, call 402-357-3778 or visit ICON online at www.independentcattlemen.com.



Optimism abounds at AFAN annual meeting

Despite current low prices, there’s plenty of optimism about the future of the livestock industry in Nebraska.

That was evident at the recent annual meeting of the Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN) in Lincoln as leaders of Nebraska’s cattle, hog, dairy and poultry industries talked about the growth—and potential for growth—in their individual production sectors. 

Al Juhnke, executive director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, delivered a very positive report.  Juhnke said Nebraska’s pig numbers are up nine percent, with finishing hogs up ten percent.
 “We’ve turned the corner on pork production in Nebraska, “Juhnke said. “Nebraska is open for business in pork production.”

After several years of declines, Nebraska’s dairy cow numbers are also increasing, according to Nebraska State Dairy Association executive director Rod Johnson.

“We’ve started to turn it around.  We‘ve seen a 14 percent increase in dairy cows in recent years,” Johnson said.

One sector that holds great promise is broiler chickens.  In the coming months, Costco and Lincoln Premium Poultry will make a final decision on plans to build a chicken processing plant at Fremont. The proposed plant will process two million chickens a week and the chickens would be raised by over 100 contract growers in east-central Nebraska.  The birds would consume 365,000 bushels of corn and 3,000 tons of soybean meal each week, all of which will come from local farmers.

Bill Crider of Lincoln Premium Poultry addressed the gathering.  He said company officials have been “overwhelmed by the response of farmers—it’s fun to be around people so excited about agriculture.” Crider also thanked AFAN for its assistance throughout the process.

“We wouldn’t be here today without AFAN and AFAN’s partners.  Nebraska’s leadership has been amazing,” Crider said.

In her annual report, AFAN executive director Willow Holoubek urged supporters to get involved in livestock expansion efforts.

“We expect to have about 200 permitting hearings in the coming year,” Holoubek said. “The ‘not in my backyard’ mentality is a challenge in Nebraska and we need to help people understand how important the livestock industry is to their communities and to the state.”

The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, Extension Specialist in Animal Genomics and Biotechnology at the University of California-Davis.  She spoke on “Effective Communication about Agriculture: What Works and What Does Not”.

“I try to have a discussion with the audience about what it is that concerns them about animal agriculture and then give them kind of a scenario where it’s like, ‘Okay, you don’t like this particular production practice being used—this is why it’s used—and here are the alternatives to address that problem’. And then make them wrestle with the trade-offs associated with all technologies,” Van Eenennaam said.

“There’s very real ramifications to agricultural production systems when you preclude access to innovation,” she added. “Just saying ‘no’ actually comes with some very real consequences.”

The annual meeting of AFAN was sponsored by the Nebraska Soybean Board and Nebraska Corn Board.



NORTHEY REQUESTS $500,000 FOR ANIMAL DISEASE EMERGENCY PREPARATION
NEARLY $500 MILLION FOR WATER QUALITY

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today requested an additional $500,000 for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Animal Industry Bureau to aid in preparing for and potentially responding to a foreign animal disease outbreak.  Northey also reiterated his support for the proposal passed by the Iowa House of Representatives last session that would have provided nearly $500 million through 2029 for water quality efforts in the state.

Northey highlighted these proposals in his public budget meeting with Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad.

“I recognize we are in a very tight budget time in the state, due in large part to the challenging economic environment in Iowa’s ag industry.  However, it is important we continue to invest in priority areas that put the state in a good position for continued growth,” Northey said.

Northey requested $500,000 for the Department’s Animal Industry Bureau for foreign animal disease outbreak response preparation.  The funds would be used to provide livestock farmers with additional expertise to increase biosecurity efforts and allow the Department to better equip and prepare for future responses to foreign animal disease outbreaks that may occur.

“The value of Iowa’s animal industry is $13.45 billion, and growing.  Unfortunately, the High Path Avian Influenza outbreak last year showed how devastating a foreign animal disease can be in our state.  These funds would allow the Department to better prepare for a future animal disease emergency response,” Northey said.

Northey also reiterated his support for the water quality funding proposal the Department supported and helped draft that would have provided nearly $500 million through 2029 for water quality efforts without raising taxes.  This proposal prioritized existing infrastructure funds toward edge-of-field and in-field infrastructure, like wetlands, saturated buffers, and bioreactors to improve water quality. It also directed fees Iowans already pay on their water bills toward improving wastewater and drinking water facilities.

This proposal passed the Iowa House last session with bipartisan support but was never considered by the Iowa Senate.

The additional funding would allow the Department to significantly expand the water quality efforts underway.  To date through the Iowa Water Quality Initiative, more than 5,000 farmers have signed up to try water quality practices on their farms and there are currently 45 demonstration projects throughout the state to help implement and demonstrate these practices in both rural and urban settings. More than 100 organizations are participating in these projects.  In addition, countless more farmers are trying practices on their farm without any assistance.

“As we have worked to scale-up the Iowa Water Quality Initiative, identifying significant, sustainable, and ongoing funding to support the state’s water quality efforts has been a priority.  I appreciate the leadership from the Governor and Iowa House on this issue and believe this plan that has received strong bipartisan support and allows us to make a significant investment in water quality without raising taxes is the right path forward on this critically important issue,” Northey said.

Northey also requested $6.75 million for conservation cost share again in fiscal 2018.  For over four decades, Iowa’s soil conservation cost share program has encouraged the adoption of conservation structures and practices to protect and preserve our state’s natural resources.  Last year alone, the state’s $6.29 million investment generated $8.676 million in matching funds from Iowa farmers and land owners to support conservation practices.

In the meeting with Branstad, Northey also requested $1.875 million to close Agriculture Drainage Wells (ADWs).  Of the 300 registered ADWs in Iowa, 18 remain to be closed at an estimated cost of $7.5 million.  This level of funding over the next four years would allow all of the remaining ADWs to be closed.

The final request for additional funding that was presented was $150,000 from the Technology Reinvestment Fund to begin the process of updating the Iowa Commercial Pesticide License and Certification Database system.   The database carries records for over 20,000 certified private applicators, over 14,000 certified commercial applicators and handlers, as well as over 4,000 licensees.  The Department’s Pesticide Bureau has annually collected more than $5 million in fees in recent years that are used to support the Groundwater Protection Fund in the Iowa DNR and more than $1 million returned to the State’s General Fund.



Iowa Forage and Grassland Council Conference Set for Jan. 19-20, 2017

Building upon the success of last year’s move to Ames in January, the annual Iowa Forage and Grassland Council Conference will remain in Ames for its 2017 event. The conference is set for Jan. 19-20 at the Iowa State University Alumni Center, just south of Stephens Auditorium at the Iowa State Center.

Registration begins at noon with the first session at 12:15 p.m. on Jan. 19, and adjourns at 11:45 a.m. on Jan. 20. The Practical Farmers of Iowa conference immediately follows, starting at noon at the Scheman Building at the Iowa State Center.

ISU Extension and Outreach beef program specialist and current IFGC President Joe Sellers said IFGC is partnering with PFI to offer a full slate of producer and industry expert speakers on a variety of topics at the conference. Topics include multispecies grazing, the impact of grazing on soil health, new technologies in grazing, a new genetic test to identify fescue tolerance of beef cattle, pasture renovation strategies and managing the nutritional needs of beef and sheep.

“One reason we’ve partnered with PFI is to share speakers their members have identified. This year Will Harris of Bluffton, Ga., will present at both the IFGC and PFI events,” Sellers said. “Other featured speakers include Jeff Goodwin and Rob Cook from the Samuel L. Noble Foundation in Oklahoma, Craig Roberts of the University of Missouri, Diane Spurlock of Ag Botanica and producer Seth Watkins of southwest Iowa.”

The conference also will feature two producer panels on extended grazing and grazing management experiences and break-out presentations on beef and sheep forage nutrition and mineral nutrition. The IFGC business meeting will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday.

“Thanks to support from the North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education – or SARE - program, the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the Iowa Beef Center, the Iowa Farm Bureau and many forage partners of IFGC, the cost to attend is low,” Sellers said. “To attend both days of the IFGC conference or the PFI conference, IFGC or PFI members pay just $50 in advance or $60 at the door. Non-members pay $70 or $80 respectively, and single day rates also are available.”

The detailed agenda and registration form are available on the IBC website and at http://www.iowaforage.org.  For more information, contact Sellers by phone at 641-203-1270 or by email at sellers@iastate.edu



Pork Checkoff Addresses Growing Pork Supply

America’s pig farmers will produce a record-breaking number of market hogs this year, resulting in ample supplies of pork hitting grocery stores and restaurants. It is anticipated that this high level of production will continue well into 2017.

“The U.S. economy is growing, and that is good for meat demand,” said Len Steiner, a pork industry economist. “Some key indicators of growth include the stock market recently hitting all-time record highs, increasing consumer confidence and an unemployment rate now at 4.9 percent, demonstrating the U.S. economy is at or near full employment.”

Steiner added that total meat production continues to increase, moving from 90.9 billion pounds in 2014 with expectations for meat output to exceed 101 billion pounds this year. Not since the mid-1990s has meat production increased so quickly.

“We estimate that 2016 U.S. pork production will set an all-time record just shy of 25 billion pounds, with even more pork expected to be produced in 2017,” Steiner said. “The good news is that retailers and foodservice operators feel more secure about the growing meat supply, which can translate into falling meat prices and more promotional activity.”

National Pork Board President Jan Archer, who is a pig farmer from North Carolina, noted that the Pork Checkoff is taking a number of significant steps right now to help move the large supply of pork through the U.S. market place. Consumers can expect more pork at potentially lower prices at U.S. meat counters and in restaurants. This quarter, the Pork Checkoff has been:

+    Partnering with major grocery retailers. The Pork Checkoff is working with the top 10 U.S. grocery retailers – representing 65 percent of the U.S. retail market – to feature key pork cuts. Retail promotions are underway with Walmart, Costco and Kroger, among others.

+    Focusing on foodservice. The foodservice team works closely with most of the top 100 high-volume restaurant chains to share the opportunity pork presents through versatility, profitability, availability and customer appeal. A focused effort is also underway to launch pork promotions with food distributors who provide groceries to independently owned restaurants, contract foodservice providers and large, independently operated colleges and universities.

+    Implementing digital marketing and online promotion. For the holidays, the Pork Checkoff launched the Make it a Moment campaign on social media to help pork stand out.

+    Connecting with multicultural consumers. Latinos and African Americans are some of pork’s best customers. Building on the success of this year’s summer campaign, promotions for the fourth quarter’s Make it a Moment campaign will include a Spanish-language web site and new videos.

“The fourth quarter is consistently the strongest quarter for pork sales,” said Patrick Fleming, director of market intelligence for the National Pork Board. “In 2015, fourth-quarter pork sales totaled $3.6 billion, with the 1.125 billion pounds representing 28 percent of the sales for the entire year. The industry is prepared for a similar situation in 2016.”

Fleming added that in foodservice, pork is on trend as the fastest-growing protein.

“Pork is featured in the top three items on restaurant menus today,” Fleming said. “And it is not just main entrees like ham and pork loin, but now includes such items as candied bacon, pork belly and porchetta. Flavor, versatility and value set pork apart.”

While the high value of the U.S. dollar and competition from other countries in key export markets have curbed U.S. pork export demand, there are positive signs on the horizon.

“About 25 percent of U.S. pork production goes overseas, and we need to keep moving product to keep producers profitable,” said Becca Nepple, vice president of international trade for the National Pork Board. “Mexico, China, Japan, Korea and Canada are our big five buyers, and the Pork Checkoff, through the U.S. Meat Export Federation, continues to invest in pork promotions overseas.”

“As a pork producer, I’m very excited about the work going on behind the scenes to help producers market this much product,” Archer said. “Our goal always is to provide high-quality, delicious pork to consumers in the U.S. and around the globe.”



   
RFA Welcomes New Member Valero Renewable Fuels Company LLC

The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased to announce the addition of Valero Renewable Fuels Company LLC, a subsidiary of Valero Energy Corporation, to its membership.

Valero is one of the largest biofuels producers in the United States. Valero owns and operates 11 corn ethanol plants throughout Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Valero is the third largest ethanol producer in the United States with a total annual production capacity of 1.4 billion gallons per year. In addition, it is the largest renewable diesel producer in the U.S., and the world’s largest independent refiner.

“We are thrilled to welcome Valero Renewable Fuels to our membership,” said Renewable Fuels Association Board Chairman and Commonwealth Agri-Energy General Manager Mick Henderson. “Valero complements RFA as we advocate for continued growth and use of renewables. Through its vast ethanol plant footprint in the United States, Valero provides countless benefits to consumers by helping to clean the air, increase energy independence and boost local economies. We are proud to count Valero Renewables as an RFA member and look forward to the company being an active member as we work together to expand marketplace opportunities for ethanol.”

“Valero is proud of our high performing ethanol plants, their excellent safety record and commitment to the communities where we operate,” said Valero Vice President of Alternative Fuels Martin Parrish. “Joining RFA provides a strong conduit to support our operations, especially as we cooperatively work to promote renewables, grow our ethanol market and provide opportunities to further strengthen the nation’s liquid fuel sector.”



RFA Welcomes New Member KAAPA Ethanol Ravenna

The Renewable Fuels Association is pleased to announce the addition of KAAPA Ethanol Ravenna LLC to its membership.

On Sept. 30, KAAPA Ethanol Holdings closed on its acquisition of the former Abengoa Bioenergy ethanol plant in Ravenna, Nebraska. The facility uses 33 million bushels of corn to produce 90 million gallons of ethanol per year. KAAPA Ethanol Holdings owns and operates another facility in Minden, Nebraska, and its latest addition brings the company’s combined ethanol production capacity to 170 million gallons per year. This is the company’s second producer membership to RFA.

“We are pleased that KAAPA’s experience already being an RFA member made it an easier choice to add their second facility to our roster,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “The hardworking farmer-owners of KAAPA Ethanol Holdings are providing consumers with ethanol, the lowest cost, cleanest-burning and highest octane source in the world. We welcome KAAPA’s second ethanol plant to our membership and look forward to its participation and input.”

“RFA has a stellar reputation of providing outstanding member services, technical analyses and policy support, which benefits our entire ethanol industry and directly affects our two ethanol plants,” said KAAPA Ethanol Holdings CEO Chuck Woodside. “RFA continues to be at the forefront of promoting even further growth of our industry through higher ethanol blends, while simultaneously combatting misinformation propagated by our critics. We are thrilled to add another plant to our RFA membership and look forward to future growth opportunities under the RFA umbrella.”



Tonsager Is Designated Chairman and CEO of Farm Credit Administration

Dallas P. Tonsager has been designated by President Barack Obama as chairman and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration. The designation was effective Nov. 22.

Mr. Tonsager has served as a member of the FCA board and concurrently as chairman of the board of directors of the Farm Credit System Insurance Corporation (FCSIC) since his appointment to the position by President Obama in March 2015. His term on the FCA board will expire on May 21, 2020. He succeeds Kenneth A. Spearman, who has served as chairman and CEO since March 13, 2015. Mr. Spearman will remain a member of the FCA and FCSIC boards until a successor is appointed and confirmed by the Senate.

Mr. Tonsager brings to his position on the FCA board extensive experience as an agriculture leader and producer, and a commitment to promoting and implementing innovative development strategies to benefit rural residents and their communities.

Mr. Tonsager served as under secretary for rural development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from 2009 to 2013. In this position, he expanded broadband communication in rural America and implemented other key elements of the Recovery Act for rural America. He dramatically expanded USDA’s water and wastewater programs, expanded funding for first- and second-generation biofuels, and funded hospitals and other public facilities in rural America.

In addition, Mr. Tonsager worked with the Farm Credit System and others to set up new venture capital investment funds. From 2010 to 2013, he was a member of the Commodity Credit Corporation board of directors.

From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Tonsager served as a member of the FCA board, as well as a member of the FCSIC board of directors.



FluSure XP® Vaccine With Strain Update Now Available From Zoetis

Zoetis Inc. today announced the availability of its FluSure XP® vaccine updated with clusters IV-A and IV-B of the H3N2 subtype. Because influenza A virus of swine (IAV-S) continues to evolve and challenge swine herds, Zoetis has responded by updating FluSure XP to include the most relevant strains found to be circulating in U.S. herds. The updated vaccine is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“We are committed to offering pork producers and swine veterinarians the most relevant solutions as the influenza virus continues to impact sows and pigs across the United States,” said Michael Kuhn, DVM, MBA, Director, U.S. Pork Technical Services, Zoetis. “We’re continuously surveying the ever-changing landscape of IAV-S and aggressively updating our vaccines as needed.”

These new strains were added based on ongoing surveillance with the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The license was granted based on studies demonstrating serologic response as per USDA Veterinary Services Memorandum 800.111 and results from a challenge study using a virulent H3N2 cluster IV-A strain. In this study, protection was demonstrated by reduction of lung lesions, rectal temperature, nasal shedding and viral titer in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid at necropsy.

FluSure XP has been updated to include the following strains offering the most demonstrated, relevant cross-protection for influenza in swine:
-    H1N1 Gamma
-    H1N2 Delta-1
-    H3N2 Cluster-IV-A
-    H3N2 Cluster-IV-B

FluSure XP is a killed vaccine that helps protect swine, including pregnant sows and gilts three weeks or older, against respiratory disease caused by swine influenza virus subtypes H1N1, H1N2 and H3N2. FluSure XP is offered in combination with other vaccines, including RespiSure® and RespiSure-ONE®, ER Bac® Plus and FarrowSure® GOLD.

“We’ve seen influenza evolve quite rapidly since 1998 when viruses from different species, including humans and birds, began infecting pigs,” said Dr. Kuhn. “The mixing of genes from different influenza viruses has led to significant changes in how influenza impacts pigs and how the pig’s immune system responds. This is seen even in previously vaccinated animals, particularly if that vaccine did not contain the appropriate subtypes.”

Influenza continues to be a costly virus in U.S. swine herds. An influenza outbreak can cost producers more than $10 per pig in medication costs and performance losses.3 A whole-herd vaccination program that helps protect against the most relevant influenza strains and can lead to more flu-negative pigs at weaning thus reducing risks associated with outbreaks.



Major Review Finds Neonic Poses Low Risk to Aquatic Invertebrates

A major new ecotoxicological review and risk assessment has been published in the peer-reviewed literature and concluded that registered crop and non-crop uses of imidacloprid in the United States are of minimal risk to sensitive aquatic invertebrate communities. This is also good news for other wildlife, such as birds and fish, since these insects are an important part of their diet.

The neonicotinoid imidacloprid is one of the most widely-used insecticides in the world because of its effectiveness and its relatively favorable human and environmental safety profile. Because aquatic invertebrates serve an important function in nature, many studies have been performed to characterize the potential impact across a variety of species. The publication details the body of research, the careful selection and use of the best available data, and the probabilistic risk assessment. The probabilistic approach better predicts the effects to sensitive species, the relevant exposures and the potential risks to aquatic invertebrate communities in terms of the actual label use directions and the natural environment for these crops and treated landscapes.

The researchers found that higher-tier studies provide the most robust data for regulatory decision making.  “Laboratory testing is necessary to establish toxicity endpoints for a wide range of organisms, however such studies have unrealistic exposure conditions which often lead to overestimated toxicity. Fortunately, we had data from many higher-tier mesocosm studies for imidacloprid, which is almost unprecedented,” said Dr. Dwayne Moore, Senior VP and Scientist at Intrinsik Environmental Sciences (US) Corp., one of the researchers involved in the review. “The higher tier studies enabled us to look at aquatic invertebrate communities containing a wide array of invertebrate species in realistic environmental settings, which is far more predictive of the biological realities of aquatic ecosystems than are tests on single species in artificial environments in the laboratory.”  

In the assessment, refined exposure models that better represent pest treatments and the environments where applications could be made were used. The researchers found that their aquatic exposure predictions were consistent with a decade of water sampling data available from public sources, including the U.S. Geological Survey.  “We conducted 30-year simulations based on realistic, but conservative, assumptions and found that aquatic communities are unlikely to be at risk from acute or chronic exposures to registered uses of imidacloprid,” noted Dr. Moore. “In fact, risks were de minimis, the lowest possible category, for all crop and non-crop uses.”