Wednesday December 28 Ag News

Preparing the Cow Herd for Cold Weather
Larry Howard, NE Extension Educator, Cuming County

Moisture, high winds, and cold temperatures increase the cow's energy requirements. Cows in an optimal body condition score (BCS 5 to 6) are better able to withstand adverse environmental conditions. As a risk management strategy as we go into the winter, reduce the number of BCS 4 cows and increase the number of BCS 5 cows in your herd.

Another management strategy is to provide cattle with an area that provides wind protection. The lower critical temperature of a beef cow is the lowest temperature a cow can be exposed to before she needs to have changes metabolically to cope with cold stress.

Usually what happens metabolically is cows begin to shiver. These processes require extra energy. Lower critical temperature for beef cows is influenced by hair coat condition (dry or wet/muddy), body condition (thin, moderate, fleshy) and hair coat description. 

As hair coat changes from summer to winter, BCS changes from thin to fleshy, and hair coat changes from wet to dry, the lower critical temperature decreases which means cows can withstand harsher conditions without an increase in energy needs. Magnitude of coldness is equal to Lower Critical Temperature - Wind Chill Index. Energy requirement increase about 1% for each degree of cold stress. As an example, cows that have a heavy winter hair coat that is dry and are in condition score of 5 have a lower critical temperature of 19°F.

ENERGY NEEDS OF THE HERD
Let's say, for the next week temperature is going to be 5°F and the wind out of the North at 15 mph, then the wind chill index is -10° F. At those environmental conditions, Extension Beef Specialists say that energy needs of the herd increases by about 30%.

• If the total digestible nutrients (TDN) requirements of the cows are 12 lb of TDN per head per day for this week, you would consider bumping the ration to 15.5 lb/hd/day. This is an increase in 3.5 pounds of TDN per head per day.

• If grass hay is 57% TDN, that's an increase of about 6 lb/hd/day on a dry matter basis.

• If the hay is 88% dry matter, that would mean each cow receives an additional 7 lb/hd/day.

If these cows were being fed 24 lb/hd/day under current conditions, could they eat 31 lb/hd/day during the harsh weather conditions? For a 1200 pound cow, this calculates to about 2.3% of her body weigh on a dry matter basis, - - so yes, the cows could eat the extra feed needed to maintain body condition.

Be very careful if you plan to use grains (corn) to increase the energy density of the diet during severe conditions as you may do more harm than good. Feeding more than 2-3 lb/hd/day of corn to cows on a forage based diet will decrease fiber digestion. When cows are on a forage-based diet and supplemental energy is needed, consider the use of high energy, non-starch feed stuffs such as distillers grains and soy hulls to meet cow energy requirements. It is not advisable to change rations daily, but if is predicted that weather conditions will be severe over a period of time then ration changes may be warranted.

A webinar titled Caring for Cattle in Cold Weather (http://beef.unl.edu/cattleincoldweather) highlights the effects of cold weather on cattle and management practices to help mitigate these effects.



Decline in Ag Economy, Reining in Regulation, and Calls for Tax Reform are Top Agriculture Stories of 2016

The ongoing decline in Nebraska’s agriculture economy is among the top agriculture stories of 2016, according to Nebraska Farm Bureau. Also making the list are a series of actions slowing major federal regulatory proposals widely known to be detrimental to agriculture, and a growing call for tax reform and property tax relief, said Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson.

“One out of every four jobs in Nebraska is generated from agriculture and agriculture businesses. It’s impossible for the state’s broader economy not to feel the impact of a third straight year of decline in farm incomes,” said Nelson. “Whether it’s cattle, corn or everything in between, farmers and ranchers are receiving lower prices for virtually every commodity produced in our state and it appears we are going to be in a down cycle for a while. That’s not good news for farm and ranch families or for the state as a whole.”

The downturn in the ag economy has directly contributed to shortfalls in state revenues that will have the state legislature looking to close a $1.2 billion budget shortfall when they return in January. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projections for profitability on Nebraska farms and ranches in 2016 is expected to drop by nearly half since 2013, declining from $7.5 billion to just over $4 billion.

In addition to falling farm prices, a series of measures to slow excessive and unnecessary regulations on agriculture were noteworthy in 2016.

“The sheer volume of major regulatory initiatives proposed on agriculture has been staggering over the last several years. 2016 was a landmark in that the brakes were put on many major regulations viewed to be unnecessary and damaging to agriculture operations,” said Nelson.

In June, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati validated a previous federal stay on the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule. If implemented, the wide reaching regulation could have given the agency more control over activities on private land, including requirements for farmers to obtain federal permits for common farming practices.

In September, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit leveled a major setback against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) which had attempted to implement new restrictions on the handling and storage of anhydrous ammonia, a common fertilizer used in agriculture. The court action required OSHA to start over using the official rulemaking process for implementing changes which would have translated to higher costs and limited farmer and rancher access to the fertilizer product.

“If implemented, these regulations would be damaging to Nebraska farms and ranches. The legal actions supported by Farm Bureau to stop these measures were major wins and we expect positive regulatory reforms under the new Administration,” said Nelson.

The growing call for state tax reform to address property taxes also topped Nebraska Farm Bureau’s list of key stories in 2016.

“2016 is likely to be remembered as the year when momentum for major tax reform in our state began. We heard more from individuals, both inside and outside of our organization, about the need for tax reform to address the property tax burden than ever before,” said Nelson. “The concerns about property taxes came through loud and clear, particularly on election day when voters in Southeast Nebraska soundly rejected a $369 million community college bond measure that would have raised property taxes for farmers, businesses, and homeowners.”

Looking forward into 2017 Nebraska Farm Bureau predicts tax reform to remain on the list of major news items at both the state and national levels.

“In addition to state tax reform, we’re anticipating movement on federal tax reform, including potential action to eliminate the federal estate tax or ‘death tax’,” said Nelson. “We also fully expect movement on several other key issues for agriculture, including broader regulatory reform and healthcare reform. Development of a Farm Bill and trade issues are likely to be making headlines as well.”



Motor Fuels Tax Rate Set for January Through June

The Nebraska motor fuels tax rate for January 1 through June 30, 2017, will be 27.3 cents per gallon, up from 25.8 cents per gallon. The components of the future and current rates include wholesale, variable and fixed rates.

The wholesale tax rate is set depending on the wholesale price of fuel. The variable rate is adjusted to comply with legislative appropriations for roads. The fixed rate is the rate that will increase annually through 2019 as a result of LB 610.

Questions regarding the calculation of the variable percentage rate may be directed to the Nebraska Department of Roads at 402-479-4635. Statistical information regarding motor fuels tax receipts can be found on the Nebraska Department of Revenue's (Department) website under Motor Fuels, and Statistics.

The Petroleum Release Remedial Action Fee is not included in the state motor fuels tax and remains unchanged at 0.9 cents per gallon on motor vehicle fuels and 0.3 cents per gallon on diesel fuels.

Current and historical motor fuels tax rates per gallon can also be found on the Department's website under Motor Fuels, and Fuel Tax Rates. For questions about the motor fuels tax, please contact Motor Fuels Taxpayer Assistance at 800-554-FUEL (800-554-3835) or 402-471-5730.



Avoid Winter Manure Application to Retain Nutrients, Protect Water

For some Iowa livestock producers, manure application is now limited. But all livestock and poultry producers can benefit by avoiding manure application on snow-covered ground.

Runoff and nutrient loss are more likely when manure can't be injected into the soil or incorporated into a field. Freeze and thaw cycles throughout winter can cause nutrients to runoff when snow melts. Keeping nutrients on the fields also protects streams.

For animal producers with totally roofed (confinements) facilities, limits on applying liquid manure on snow-covered ground began Dec. 21. Confinement facilities with 500 or more animal units cannot apply liquid manure on ground covered with an inch or more of snow or 0.5 inch of ice. Generally, 500 animal units is equal to 1,250 finishing hogs; 5,000 nursery pigs; 500 steers, immature dairy cows or other cattle; or 357 mature dairy cows.

Except in emergencies, state law limits liquid manure application from Dec. 21 to April 1 on snow-covered ground unless manure can be properly injected or incorporated. Producers must call the local DNR field office to report emergency applications before they apply.

Starting Feb. 1, liquid manure application on frozen ground is restricted.

While the law affects confinements with liquid manure, open feedlots and poultry producers can help keep manure in place by using common sense and choosing application areas far from a stream, on flat land with little snow cover.

All producers must follow setbacks from certain buildings and environmentally sensitive areas for surface application.

Find more information on separation distances and manure application at www.iowadnr.gov/afo. Look for recommendations from the Iowa Manure Management Action Group on applying manure in winter at www.agronext.iastate.edu/immag/pubs/imms/vol3.pdf.



New Alfalfa Checkoff to Launch in January

A new national alfalfa checkoff program has been created to invest more research dollars into the industry.

National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance President Beth Nelson says there is a need for more research.

"Alfalfa is the nation's third most valuable field crop behind corn and soybeans," Nelson said. "Our acres have been declining and we attribute some of that to the lack of public research. There isn't the same public commitment to research you seen in corn and beans or wheat."

The checkoff rate is $1 for every bag of alfalfa seed sold. Participation by the seed companies is also voluntary.

The checkoff will officially launch January 1, with the first request for research proposals will be made this spring.



CWT Assists with 1.5 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 10 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association, Inc., Michigan Milk Producers Association, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) and United Dairymen of Arizona. These member cooperatives have contracts to sell 436,515 pounds (198 metric tons) of Cheddar, Gouda and Monterey Jack cheeses, and 1.049 million pounds (476 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and North Africa. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from December 2016 through March 2017.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 50.322 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 12.125 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) and 21.316 million pounds of whole milk powder to 23 countries on five continents. The sales are the equivalent of 892.911 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis. Totals and milk equivalent have been adjusted for cancellations.

Assisting CWT members through the Export Assistance program in the long term helps member cooperatives gain and maintain market share, thus expanding the demand for U.S. dairy products and the U.S. farm milk that produces them. This, in turn, positively affects all U.S. dairy farmers by strengthening and maintaining the value of dairy products that directly impact their milk price.



US Farm Equipment Sales, Exports Continue to Decline
Russ Quinn, DTN Staff Reporter

Tough times continue for U.S. farm equipment manufacturers as both domestic and global sales continue to be down compared to a year earlier. In a recent Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Ag Executive Advisor December newsletter, the group released data from November. The number of farm tractors and combines sales is not very good.

Looking at the U.S. numbers, total two-wheel-drive tractors are actually up 8.4% comparing Nov. 2016 to 2015. What is supporting this market is 40 horsepower (hp) tractors and under. This market saw an increase of 22.6% during this time.

"Farm tractors under 40hp reported a growth of 33% in Nov. 2016, compared to the same period last year," the report said. "Year to date, this category has experienced an 11.7% growth."

Tractors from 40hp to 100hp was down 5% while tractors over 100hp were even worse, coming in 27.1% lower compared to last year. The newsletter said tractors in the 40 to 100hp range continue to underperform compared to the previous year, but they straddled the five-year average.

"The relatively strong incomes in the livestock sub-segment that supported demand is expected to become subdued over the next year," the reported added.

Four-wheel drive tractors were also lower, down 4.2% compared to a year earlier. Combine sales fared even worse than tractor sales during this time with sales data showing a 30% drop looking back to November 2015.

The global market for manufacturers is not much better, according to AEM. U.S. farm equipment exports were down 14% overall for the first three quarters of 2016 compared to the same period in 2015, for a total $5.1 billion shipped to global markets.

The region with the largest drop off was Asia, down 44% from last year with a total of $440 million. Australia/Oceania was down 30% for a total of $395 million, South America was off 28% with a total of $374 million, Africa dropped 21% to $160 million and Canada was off 15% for a total of $1.5 billion.

Two regions that continue to be growth leaders for U.S. farm equipment manufacturers are Central America and Europe. Central America gained 16% for a total of $978 million while Europe gained 4% for a total of $1.2 billion.

"The ag equipment industry continues to suffer from a global ag downturn in large part to low commodity prices," the newsletter said. "While some counties might benefit from their higher commodity production levels, the U.S. manufacturers are watching from the sidelines as a strong dollar is making them less competitive in the global marketplace."

The AEM stated their outlook for the fourth quarter of 2016 remains subdued as the U.S. dollar is experiencing its longest rally in 16 years.



President Claims another 1.5 Million Acres through Antiquities Act

The Obama administration on Tuesday declared two new monument designations - 1.35 million acres at Bears Ears in Utah and 350,000 acres at Gold Butte in Nevada. Both designations were made unilaterally and despite overwhelming local opposition. Public Lands Council President and Utah rancher Dave Eliason criticized the outgoing administration for both their disregard for local input and the manner in which these latest designations were executed. 

“Designating a monument in this manner – under the cloak of darkness and without even the decency of notifying the local communities, the states, or the congressional delegations of Utah or Nevada – speaks volumes about the disregard this administration has for local input,” said Eliason. “If the administration was proud of this action, they would have touted it proudly yesterday when the designation was made. Instead, the administration hid out while no one impacted by this monument was given the courtesy of a simple phone call until a full day after the papers were signed."

The designations of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah and the Gold Butte National Monument in Nevada make it the 29th time President Obama has used his executive power under the Antiquities Act, more than any other president before him.



MyPlate, MyWins Helps Americans Turn Resolutions into Real Solutions for Healthy Eating in the New Year

Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) launched a New Year’s campaign to help Americans turn their resolutions into real solutions for healthy eating in 2017. This campaign is supported by new and existing MyPlate, MyWins resources available on ChooseMyPlate.gov, which are designed such that Americans can decide where to start on the journey to healthy eating.

“As Americans begin thinking about setting goals for the New Year, MyPlate, MyWins is the place to start,” said Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. “With the new resources available on the MyPlate, MyWins webpages, Americans can set small, attainable, healthy eating solutions to incorporate into their lifestyle now and into the future.”

Turning Resolutions into Real Solutions
Every January, Americans are overloaded with information about New Year’s resolutions. While starting with the best intentions, many people set unrealistic resolutions and incorporate goals that are difficult to maintain. Starting with small steps and celebrating milestones along the way are shown to be more beneficial strategies in keeping resolutions. This is where MyPlate, MyWins comes in; MyPlate, MyWins is a resource to help Americans turn resolutions into real solutions to achieve a healthy eating style in alignment with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020.

Real solutions are small, practical changes that add up to a healthy lifestyle over time. These changes can be incorporated into Americans’ lives to maintain a healthy eating style based on the five food groups of MyPlate. MyPlate, MyWins encourages consumers to find and celebrate their wins and their real solutions. Since everyone has different eating habits, MyPlate, MyWins helps individuals create their own, personalized nutrition goals and solutions.

New MyPlate, MyWins Animated Video Series
Over the course of five weeks as part of the New Year campaign, CNPP will release five MyPlate, MyWins animated videos to the new Make Small Changes webpage. These short, animated videos demonstrate simple changes Americans can make to their typical meals to decrease sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars. Each video has a different theme including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages.

“Making a small change, for example, switching from two slices of pepperoni pizza for lunch to one slice of veggie pizza, a salad, and an apple decreases sodium and saturated fat intake, while adding items from other food groups,” said Angie Tagtow, Executive Directors of USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. “The videos demonstrate to Americans that small, healthy changes, or switches, during meal and snack times can add up over time and improve your eating style.”

To supplement these videos, there are new, meal-specific webpages with nutrition information, more examples of small ways to improve typical meals, and five new MyPlate, MyWins tip sheets. The tip sheets provide suggestions for making healthier choices in typical dining environments: potlucks and parties, coffee shops, buffets, Italian restaurants, and Asian cuisine takeout. All of these resources can help consumers utilize real solutions in their typical day to achieve nutrition goals and maintain a healthy eating style now and into the future.

SuperTracker New Year’s Challenge and More Resources
On January 2, 2017, SuperTracker will kick off a public New Year’s Challenge that encourages participants to start slowly and develop a healthy eating style over time. Over five weeks, participants will be challenged to incorporate the five MyPlate food groups – fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy – into each day. To officially join the challenge and receive encouraging messages along the way, individuals will need to create a free SuperTracker account.

The MyPlate, MyWins landing page has many additional resources to assist Americans in modifying their meals in order to maintain healthier eating habits throughout their lives. The Stories from Families and Individuals page includes videos from relatable families about their healthy eating solutions and testimonials from the MyPlate staff. There also are ways to get involved for partners, professionals, and consumers. Additionally, CNPP encourages consumers to share their real solutions and wins via Twitter and Facebook using #MyPlateMyWins.