Friday December 09 Ag News

Irrigated acre certification hearing to be held on December 15th

The Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) is in the process of certifying irrigated acres across the 15-county district.  Once certification is completed, irrigation within the LENRD will be allowed only on acres classified as Certified Irrigated Acres.

The next Irrigated Acre Certification Public Hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 15th at the LENRD office in the Lifelong Learning Center on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk.  The parcels to be certified are listed below, or you can view the maps at the LENRD office:  601 E. Benjamin Avenue, Suite 101 in Norfolk.

Contact Mike Murphy at the LENRD office for more information at 402-371-7313.



NeCGA Offers a PRIME Program

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is accepting application for Class I of its PRIME Program. This program is designed for Nebraska producers who want to increase their knowledge and better themselves and their operation in all aspects. All sessions are focused on maximizing the long-term viability of the operation through the latest research, emerging technologies, farm management practices, and peer relationships.

The program consists of three sessions, lasting approximately two days each, plus attendance at the Nebraska Corn Growers Association Annual Meeting. Participants can expect a total time commitment of 6-8 days away from the farm over a 12-month period. The material will be relevant and presented by the best that the industry has to offer. Locations of the sessions will be determined once the class has been selected.

A registration fee of $190 is required up enrollment. The fee will be waived for NeCGA 3-year members. All other costs of the program will be covered by NeCGA. The class will consist of 8-12 corn farmers selected from applications and local association board recommendations.

Applications should be submitted by December 9th, 2016, but late applications will be considered if an email is sent to Morgan Wrich, mwrich@necga.org, or have called the office, 402-438-6459.  Call or email ASAP!  Participants will be selected and notified in January. Primary selection criteria will be the applicant’s desire and ability to participate and contribute during all sessions. Diversity among farm size, geographic location, and background will be sought as well.



THE PROTEIN-FIBER CONNECTION
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Most winter feeding programs for dry cows rely on less expensive, lower quality forages that have low amounts of crude protein, and most of their energy value comes from fiber.  How does this work?

               Cattle get energy from this fiber because microbes in their rumen can digest fiber, releasing volatile fatty acids for energy and producing microbial protein.

               These microbes, however, also need specific nutrients to function optimally. Extra vitamins or minerals rarely, if ever, are needed.  They can be deficient in protein, however, especially when the cow’s diet has low amounts of protein in lower quality forages.

               Not just any protein will do, however.  Non-protein nitrogen sources like urea are not used well by rumen microbes when most of their dietary energy comes from fiber.  Rumen microbes growing in a high fiber/low energy environment perform better when provided true protein and amino acids rather than non-protein nitrogen.  In addition, much of this protein should be ruminally degradable so the microbes can use it rather than in the form of undegradable intake protein, often referred to as escape or bypass protein.  Protein from natural plant sources, like alfalfa, soybeans, cottonseeds, and distillers grains often provide the needed types of protein most economically.

               When fed properly, rumen microbes break down and digest the fiber in the forage more completely and do it more rapidly.  Forage passes out of the rumen quicker, providing space for more forage.  Thus, it also increases forage intake by the cow.

               Lower quality forages usually are among the least expensive feedstuffs available for the cow herd.  When they are supplemented with the proper type and amount of crude protein, they can provide adequate nutrition to maintain healthy, productive animals.



Plan Now to Attend 2017 Three-State Beef Conference

Area beef producers should make plans to attend the Three-State Beef Conference set for Jan. 10, 11 and 12, 2017, with locations in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. The Three-State Beef Conference (formerly the Four-State Beef Conference) is designed to give beef cattle producers and others in the beef industry in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska a regular update on current cow-calf and stocker topics. The conference provides a forum of specialists from three of the leading beef cattle land grant universities in the U.S. as well as other industry experts.

Topics and speakers for the 2017 event
-    “Cows in Need of a Career Change – Culling Strategies to Maximize Returns” -- Patrick Gunn, Iowa State University extension cow-calf specialist
-    “Managing Common Forage Toxicity Issues of Beef Cattle” -- Chris Clark, Iowa State University extension beef program specialist
-    “Developing a Herd Health Program” -- Dr. Craig Payne, University of Missouri state extension veterinary specialist

The first session of the conference is the Iowa location in Creston at Southwestern Community College on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Registration is at 5:30 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m.

The Missouri session will be held Wednesday, Jan. 11 in Albany at the MU Hundley-Whaley Learning Discovery Center. Registration is at 5:30 p.m. and the program follows at 6 p.m.

The Nebraska session is Thursday, Jan. 12 at the Gage County UNL Extension Center in Beatrice with registration at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting at 6 p.m.

Clark, who is the Iowa contact for the conference, said attendees are strongly encouraged to preregister for any location by Friday, Jan. 6.

“Calling or e-mailing your reservation helps with meal plans and also helps keep costs down,” he explained. “The registration fee is $25 per person and it includes a meal and copy of the conference proceedings.”

The conference brochure has agenda information and a registration form.  For more information, those interested may contact their local university extension office or visit the conference website at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/feci/3StBeef/. For more general information, contact Clark at 712-250-0070 or email at caclark@iastate.edu. Or contact any regional Iowa State University Extension and Outreach livestock specialist.



2017 Nebraska Pork Producers Association Annual Meeting
February 14, 2017 @ 10:30 am - 5:30 pm, Innovation Campus, UNL, Lincoln, NE

10:30 a.m. Board of Directors Meeting/Board & Officer Elections

11:15 a.m. Mike Brumm

12:30 p.m. Awards Luncheon: Service Awards, Recognition of Nebraska Pork Producers Association Mentors and Leadership Group

2:00 p.m. What’s Up in Washington? - Speaker: Bill Davis, Senior Director for Congressional Relations, National Pork Producers Council, Washington, D.C.

3:00 p.m. Employee Hiring Do’s & Don’ts Panel Discussion

4:30 p.m. Allied Recognition

5:15 p.m. Nebraska Legislative Briefing

Ribs & Bibs – Salute to Senators
5:30 p.m. Hors’ devours and Cocktails
6:15 p.m. Dinner

Go to www.nepork.org to get more details and reserve your spot.



Nebraska Specialty Crop Projects Receive Funding from USDA Grant Program

From popcorn and peas to honey and hops, specialty crops are an important part of Nebraska’s agriculture industry. Sixteen specialty crop projects are set to receive more than $620,000 in funding as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Administered by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA), the state’s program supports research, development and marketing of specialty crops.

“Specialty crops are important to Nebraska’s ag industry because they create economic diversity for the state,” said NDA Director Greg Ibach. “By focusing on critical areas like research, production and the environment, these new projects will help specialty crop producers stay competitive and grow their businesses.”

Specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, horticulture and nursery crops. Two of the 16 projects in Nebraska are related to dry bean production. Nebraska ranks number five in the nation for all dry edible bean production. The state is number one in Great Northern bean production and number two in pinto bean production. The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will receive funding to: evaluate the sustainability of adding dry beans to dryland cropping systems in western Nebraska; and, identify sources of common blight in dry bean crops.

A description of the other specialty crop projects being funded in Nebraska and the grant recipients are as follows:

·         Expanding hop production with local growers by providing educational resources and promoting a conference focused on growing, harvesting and processing hops—UNL;

·         Reducing losses to sunflower growers due to Phomopsis stem canker disease—UNL;

·         Identifying pea varieties and production practices for high seed protein content in western Nebraska—UNL;

·         Inter-seeding cover crops into popcorn fields to help with the popcorn plant’s health and reduce weed population in popcorn fields—Hilger Agri-Natural Popcorn;

·         Identifying the best peppermint and spearmint varieties for production in western Nebraska—UNL;

·         Reducing the use of herbicides in vineyards by replacing groundcovers beneath grapevines—UNL;

·         Using ozonated water to control disease, reduce pesticide use and enhance plant growth—Mac’s Creek Vineyards and Winery;

·         Extending the growing season of table grapes by growing them in high tunnels—UNL;

·         Enhancing sustainable landscapes to promote honey production in bee colonies near agricultural fields in Nebraska—UNL.

NDA will also receive funding for specialty crop projects for the inspection of plants for pests and diseases.

Projects will have up to three years to complete their work. For more information about the grants or this year’s recipients, go to the USDA’s website at http://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/awards and click on “FY2016 pdf.”

NDA administered a two-phase competitive grant application process. Phase I involved the submission of concept proposals, which allowed applicants to explain the main points of their project. The concept proposals were independently and competitively scored by a field review panel. Projects with the highest combined scores were asked to complete Phase II of the application process. NDA funds projects that produce the highest degree of measurable benefits to Nebraska specialty crop producers in relation to each dollar spent. 



2017 Crop Advantage Series Coming to 14 Iowa Locations

The 2017 Crop Advantage Series offers a unique opportunity for farmers and crop advisers to hear current research and crop production information from Iowa State University in their own back yard.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach specialists will travel to 14 locations around Iowa from Jan. 4-27, providing updated management options and recommendations on current and future crop production issues. Continuing educations credits for Certified Crop Advisers and pesticide safety recertification also will be offered.

“There is no other program in our crop production education year that we are able to bring this many extension specialists together to individual sites across the state like we are able to do for these crop advantage meetings,” said Joel DeJong, field agronomist in northwest Iowa with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

In 2016, a total of 2,094 individuals attended the meetings across the state, representing 97 of the 99 counties in Iowa. When asked the impact of information about managing operation margins for 2016 and beyond, 44 percent of attendees estimated a value of $5-10 per acre and 24 percent estimated a value of $10-20 per acre.

“Our goal is to prepare producers to manage potential issues when they arise, or even before they arise, by sharing the most up-to-date scientific knowledge from Iowa State University,” said DeJong. “Content at the meetings is driven by county needs and production issues.”

Topics on the agenda this year include managing economic challenges, nitrogen dynamics with rye cover crop, new and emerging corn diseases to look for in 2017, pest resistance management plan for soybean aphid, and drainage design for profits and water quality. Other topics will include a crop market outlook and preventing Palmer amaranth from moving onto a farm. 

“Palmer amaranth will be a large discussion topic since it’s now been identified in the majority of Iowa counties, along with the risk and return of specific management factors in all inputs of crop production,” said DeJong. “Almost all topics will relate back to the narrow or negative margins many have been seeing in production agriculture.”

The series features two new meeting locations for 2017. Denison will replace the Carroll meeting location, and the Davenport meeting is a joint effort between ISU Extension and Outreach and University of Illinois Extension.

2017 CAS Meeting Dates and Locations
    Jan. 4 – Sheldon
    Jan. 5 – Okoboji
    Jan. 6 – Burlington
    Jan. 10 – Storm Lake
    Jan. 11 – Ames
    Jan. 12 – Moravia
    Jan. 13 – Mason City
    Jan. 17 – Atlantic, Cass County Community Building, 8:00am - 3:45pm
    Jan. 18 – Fort Dodge
    Jan. 19 – Waterloo
    Jan. 24 – Le Mars, Le Mars Convention Center, 9:30am - 4:30pm
    Jan. 25 – Iowa City
    Jan. 26 – Denison (new location for 2017), Boulders Conference Center, 9:00am - 4:00pm
    Jan. 29 – Davenport (new location for 2017)

For locations, times, program content and host information, visit www.cropadvantage.org.
Early registration for each location is $50; late registration made less than seven days prior to the meeting or on site is $60. Registration includes lunch, printed proceedings, private pesticide applicator recertification and CCA credits. Online registration and additional information is available at www.cropadvantage.org or from any county extension office. For questions, contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429 or anr@iastate.edu, or contact a regional Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomist. 

Crop Advantage Series is presented by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach with support from the Iowa Soybean Association and from the North Central SARE Program–Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education.



Soil Health Partnership Holds Virtual Farmer-to-Farmer Field Day Webinar

Before you step back in the field this spring, why not invest an hour in learning more about ways you can protect the soil beneath your feet? The Soil Health Partnership (SHP) will host a Virtual Field Day Webinar on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 11:00 a.m.

An initiative of the National Corn Growers Association in partnership with the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and others, the SHP provides the spark for greater understanding and implementation of agricultural best practices to protect resources for future generations. This farmer-led initiative, regularly hosts field days to help farmers learn from their peers about how changing certain practices can improve the environment, and maybe even their bottom-line.

Haven’t attended one of the events yet? They’re bringing this VIRTUAL field day to farmers. Practices discussed will include cover crops, nutrient management and soil management, framed under the umbrella of Iowa’s progressive water quality leadership. You’ll also hear from an Iowa farmer enrolled in the program about his experience in changing the way he farms.

Speakers:
-    Elyssa McFarland, Soil Health Partnership Field Manager
-    Jim Jordahl, Program Manager, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance
-    Wade Kent, SHP Farmer, Algona, Iowa  
-    Dave Muth, AgSolver

Are you ready to improve your soil? Take the first steps today with The Soil Health Partnership! Register for a Virtual Field Day Webinar Dec. 15 to learn what you can do. http://tinyurl.com/webinarSHP. 



National Pork Board Releases Statement on Discovery of Antibiotic-Resistant Gene

The National Pork Board this week reacted to the recent research paper from the Ohio State University research study detailing the researchers’ discovery of an antibiotic-resistant gene in one farrowing barn.

According to the National Pork Board, an important takeaway from the study is that the U.S. pork supply is safe. The resistant gene identified in the study was not found in a market hog, and there was no threat to food safety.

As experts in swine production, the Pork Checkoff is eager to analyze the initial findings, alongside its authors, and better understand results of this report from this farm. Specifically, resistant gene samples were found in one barn, on one site without any confirmed indication of how the resistant gene got there.

Ohio State University researchers acknowledge that it is unknown how the Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) bacteria was introduced to the facility and that it could have been introduced by an outside source. The conclusions drawn without further validation, replication and research demonstrate this issue requires additional study.

The fact that CRE was found in one area of the farm indicates that current internal biosecurity measures are effective. The U.S. pork industry supports efforts to monitor for the occurrence of this type of isolated incident. However, consistent with FDA and Pork Quality Assurance® Plus requirements, Ceftiofur should only be used in the treatment and control of disease with veterinarian oversight and direction.

Pig farmers in many states voluntarily participate in the Ohio State University’s Public Health Preparedness for Infectious Diseases Program. These producers take part in this research to better understand emerging disease issues. The National Pork Board agrees that more studies be performed to validate and attempt to replicate the finding. The National Pork Board looks forward to learning more about ongoing surveillance efforts that protect human and animal health.



Find-A-Vet Tool Helps U.S. Pig Farmers Locate a Veterinarian

Find-A-Vet is a timely tool created by GlobalVetLINK that assists U.S. pig farmers who are searching for a veterinarian for their animals. The Pork Checkoff, collaborating with the Ames, Iowa-based company, is making this online tool more accessible to all producers by linking it directly to the Pork Checkoff’s homepage at pork.org.

The online tool allows animal owners to quickly find a veterinarian in their area who offers services, such as the establishment of a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) and/or a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Both a VCPR and a VFD will be necessary to use many in-feed antibiotics starting on Jan. 1, 2017. To use Find-A-Vet, producers will need to enter their ZIP code to search for the veterinarians closest to their location.

“This is just another example of how the Pork Checkoff is trying to help make the adjustment in antibiotic regulations easier for all producers,” said National Pork Board President Jan Archer, a pig farmer from Goldsboro, North Carolina. “While many of us already have a well-established working relationship with a veterinarian, we know some producers and youth exhibitors who live in places with few pigs may not have easy access to veterinary help. We hope this tool will help with that potential scenario.”

Dr. Dave Pyburn, senior vice-president of science and technology at the Pork Checkoff, says that having a valid VCPR is critical as we enter 2017 because that’s the only way you can legally obtain a VFD for in-feed antibiotics or a prescription for medications used via water, as required by FDA regulations.

“Exploring the information on the Antibiotics Resource Center on the pork.org website is a good way to learn more about specific issues and scenarios related to the new regulations,” Pyburn said. “With less than a month to go, the Checkoff is continuing to expand its materials and information to assist producers in this momentous change in how antibiotics are used and obtained. If everyone takes these steps now, we’ll be ready to go Jan. 1.”



Bovine TB Identified in Two Michigan Herds

Bovine tuberculosis was recently confirmed in a large dairy herd in Alpena County and a large beef herd in Montmorency County during annual surveillance testing. These are the 67th and 68th herds identified with bovine TB in Michigan since 1998.

Both herds are located within the USDA-designated bovine TB Modified Accredited Zone, which encompasses Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties. Annual surveillance testing of herds and testing cattle before movement is required in this area to prevent the spread of disease.

Within the MAZ, bovine TB is endemic in the free-ranging white-tailed deer population, and any shared contact between deer and cattle can be a potential source of infection. MDARD, Michigan State University Extension, Alpena Conservation District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and local producers are working together on a voluntary Enhanced Wildlife Risk Mitigation program for high risk herds in the MAZ to help cattle producers strengthen their herd's protection against wildlife interactions and bovine TB.

With a team of disease control experts and local producers, herd owners work to further assess the potential vulnerabilities on their farm. The team provides education on bovine TB transmission, examines deer behavior on their farm, and suggests changes to the farmer, which will help them heighten their biosecurity. Additionally, MDARD has provided cost-share funding opportunities to producers for implementing some of the recommendations that may be cost prohibitive.