Friday January 20 Ag News

MIDWEST COW-CALF SYMPOSIUM
Expanding the Cowherd - The Confinement Option

Are you considering an expansion of the cow herd to help meet the demand for Beef?  Are you looking for a revenue source within the Beef Industry that will allow the next generation a chance to come back to the farm? With less grazing land available, increased cost of land ownership and surplus feedstuffs in the cornbelt; now may be the time to consider Cow-Calf confinement or semi-confinement.  This Symposium is designed to allow you the chance to gain the insight needed to consider cow-calf confinement as a viable beef production model for the future.

Symposium Agenda:
Tuesday, March 21
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm     Hotel/Tradeshow Check-In
2:00 pm - 2:15 pm     Welcome to the Midwest Cow-Calf Symposium
2:15 pm - 3:00 pm     Getting Started in Cow-Calf Confinement Production - Morgan Hayes, Ph.D., P.E.  - University of Kentucky
3:00 pm - 3:45 pm     An Economic Analysis: Investing in the Next Generation - Moe Russell - Russell Consulting Group
3:45 pm - 4:30 pm     Tradeshow/Break
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm     Health Management in a Confined Scenario - Sarah Barber, D.V.M. - Veterinary Medical Center
5:15 pm - 6:00 pm     Cattlemen's Social Hour
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm     Cattlemen's Supper (provided)
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm     Cow-Calf Confinement Producer Panel - Session 1

Wednesday, March 22nd
7:30 am - 8:15 am     Breakfast (provided)
8:15 am - 9:00 am     Financing a Cow-Calf Facility: What You Need To Know - Bruce Eberle - Rabo AgriFinance
9:00am - 9:30 am     Tradeshow/Break
9:30 am - 10:15 am     Managing Cows in Confinement: Theory in Practice - Kelly Jones - Cactus Feeders, Inc.
10:15 am - 11:00 am     Nutritional Management of Confined Production Cows - Karla Jenkins - UNL Panhandle Research & Extension Center
11:00 am - 11:45 am     Tradeshow/Break
11:45 am - 12:15 pm     Cattlemen's Supper (provided)
12:15 pm - 2:00 pm     Virtual Barn Tour & Producer Panel - Session 2

 Hotel Accomodations:
Coco Keys Resort Hotel/Hotel RL (formerly Ramada Inn) | Special room rate of $79.00 under the "Midwest Cow-Calf" room block. Deadline for special rate is March 1st, 2017.

The Midwest Cow-Calf Symposium is hosted by The Alliance for the Future of Agricululture in Nebraska, Nebraska Cattlemen, Iowa Cattlemens Association, and the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers.  More inforamtion at www.becomeafan.org. 



NEBRASKA PRODUCERS FACE STRESSFUL FARM LOAN RENEWAL SEASON

More than 77 percent of Nebraska producers are concerned that they may not be able to obtain operating capital in 2017, according to the 2016 Farm Financial Health Survey conducted by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Agricultural Economics.

Nebraska Extension is increasing its efforts to help producers, who rely on annual operating notes to finance day-to-day needs such as seed, chemicals, fertilizer, feed and utilities.

"Demand is on the rise for operating loans, which is leading to some difficult conversations between producers and their bankers," said Jessica Groskopf, assistant extension educator with Nebraska Extension.

Low commodity prices have resulted in the fourth consecutive year of declining net farm income, or the return that farmers and ranchers get for their input of labor, management and capital. The decline has forced producers to use cash reserves to service debt and to pay for non-farm expenses such as family living that now exceed earnings. This reduces the operation's ability to make debt payments, which makes it more difficult for banks to approve operating loans.

So what can farmers and ranchers do to ensure a smooth farm loan renewal season? Starting the process as soon as possible is critical, Groskopf said.

"Producers need to talk to their loan officer early," she said. "Some banks will work through your options with you if you are low on capital, which is why you need to start the conversation early."

If a producer's operating loan is turned down, their next steps will likely involve trying to find another lender, restructuring debt and making changes to their operations. 

Nebraska Extension is ramping up efforts to support the state's producers through this process. In addition to its normal support team, more than 20 extension professionals across the state have been trained on financial literacy. These professionals are available to help producers on an on-demand basis or through workshops.

The Quicken record-keeping workshop is designed to help producers use the commercial software for farms and ranches. The tool can be flexible for ag and non-ag business enterprises and separates family living expenses.

Additionally, financial health check workshops focus on financial documents. Extension educators will go through a balance sheet, cash flow and income statement and show producers what ratios a banker will be looking at on those documents.

"The financial health check workshops can help producers identify potential weaknesses on their statements, which allows them to create a proactive plan and control the conversation with their banker," Groskopf said. 

For producers in need of immediate assistance, the State of Nebraska has a dedicated farm/ranch hotline. Producers can call 1-800-464-0258 to find financial, legal and counseling services and referrals. 

Producers across the nation are facing this issue, but the impact will be greater in Nebraska, according to Groskopf.

"With Nebraska's economy highly dependent on agriculture, we're going to see this reflect on our state budget and on main street in our hometowns," she said.

For more information on how Nebraska Extension can help producers through farm loan renewal season, contact Groskopf at jgroskopf2@unl.edu or 308-632-1247. Resources can also be found at http://cropwatch.unl.edu and http://beef.unl.edu.



Volume of New Ag Loans Drops
Nathan Kauffman, KC Fed Assistant Vice President and Omaha Branch Executive
Matt Clark, Assistant Economist

Fourth Quarter National Farm Loan Data
The volume of new farm loans dropped sharply in the fourth quarter of 2016, according to respondents to the Survey of Terms of Bank Lending to Farmers. The survey, which asks bankers about new loans to farmers, indicated the volume of non-real estate loans in the farm sector dropped 40 percent from a year ago. The 40-percent drop was the largest year-over-year decline in nearly 20 years. 

The sharp reduction in the volume of new farm loans at commercial banks occurred during a prolonged decline in farm revenue. In 2016, prices for most agricultural commodities continued to fall, building on the declines of previous years, with soybeans being a notable exception. A 30-percent year-over-year drop in the price of feeder cattle helped reduce the cost of purchasing the animals and likely contributed to the sharp reduction in loan volumes in the livestock sector. More generally, lower prices appeared to temper demand for new agricultural financing as producers tried to curtail expenditures. Some banks, recognizing greater risk in the farm sector, may have been more selective in financing new loan requests, and some financing decisions may have been delayed in the environment of heightened risk.

In addition to lower commodity prices, lower prices for agricultural inputs may have contributed to the drop in loan volume for items other than real estate. The cost of seeds, fertilizer and cash rents all were down from a year ago. The decline in input costs likely was a significant factor in reducing the volume of loans used, specifically, to finance operating expenses. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that the cost of cash rent, fertilizer and seed accounted for more than 60 percent of the total cost of corn production in 2016. Because loans used for operating expenses comprise about 60 percent of non-real estate loan volume, the decline in input expenses likely curbed the volume of new farm loans originated in the fourth quarter as farmers prepared for the 2017 planting season.

 Although expenses declined, profit margins remained tight and bankers responded with further adjustments to loan terms. Bankers extended the maturities for feeder livestock, other livestock and farm machinery loans by 16, 42 and 13 percent, respectively. Longer maturities on intermediate assets may help some producers facing short-term cash flow shortages and also may help banks avoid past-due payments.

Bankers also raised interest rates in the fourth quarter on all types of non-real estate farm loans. Most notably, interest rates for other livestock and farm machinery increased 0.89 and 0.45 percentage point, respectively. Farm machinery and other livestock carry longer maturity periods and a rate increase may represent a risk-compensation measure when profit margins are tight. Because more than 85 percent of non-real estate loans carried a floating interest rate in the fourth quarter, slight increases in market interest rates may have led to slightly higher interest rates for short-term operating loans in the farm sector. Conversely, interest rates for farm real estate loans edged lower to 4.0 percent in the fourth quarter.

Third Quarter Call Report Data
Despite the sharp reduction in new loan originations, outstanding farm-sector debt at commercial banks continued to rise, but at a slower pace. Call Report data indicated outstanding debt increased 5 percent from a year ago. Although the volume of new loans has dropped recently, a slower rate of loan repayments likely has contributed to further increases in the amount of total farm debt outstanding at commercial banks. Nevertheless, the 5-percent increase in outstanding debt was the smallest in more than three years.

Slower growth in the level of non-real estate farm debt has reduced the overall pace of debt accumulation in the sector. For example, from the third quarter of 2012 to the third quarter of 2015, outstanding debt used to finance non-real estate farm loans grew at an average annual rate of 6 percent following 12 years of growth that averaged less than 0.5 percent. In the third quarter of 2016, however, non-real estate debt grew less than 2 percent from the previous year. Growth in farm real estate debt also slowed slightly in 2016, but has remained relatively steady since 2000.

An increase in nonperforming loans may also explain a portion of the slowdown in debt accumulation. In the third quarter, the share of nonperforming loans increased to 1.7 percent from 1.1 percent a year earlier. Although still modest historically, the share of total nonperforming loans in the third quarter was the highest since 2012, and may have caused some lenders and borrowers to moderate their use of debt to prevent further financial stress.  

Despite slight increases in nonperforming loans, performance of agricultural banks remained strong. Returns on assets, a typical measure of bank performance, increased to 0.91 percent, the highest third quarter rate of return since 1998. The loan-to-deposit ratio at agricultural banks also increased to 0.81 percent, the highest since the third quarter of 2009.

Third Quarter Regional Agricultural Data
Regional Federal Reserve surveys also showed that demand for non-real estate financing in the farm sector increased, but not as strongly as in recent years. According to the surveys, demand for non-real estate loans increased in the Chicago, Kansas City and Minneapolis districts in the third quarter. However, growth was slower in Kansas City and Minneapolis than in 2015. Additionally, demand for non-real estate financing in the third quarter declined in the Dallas district for the first time since 2013 and was unchanged in the St. Louis district for the second consecutive year.

In addition to loan demand, demand for loan renewals and extensions also has continued to rise. The share of bankers that reported an increase in loan renewals and extensions was the highest in survey history for the Chicago, Kansas City, Minneapolis and St. Louis districts and the highest since 2001 in the Dallas district. Conversely, the share of bankers that reported higher repayment rates was at, or near, historical lows for the Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis and St. Louis districts and the lowest since 1999 in the Kansas City District. Elevated demand for loan renewals and extensions and weaker repayment rates underscored a growing sense of financial stress in the farm sector.

Prolonged financial stress in the farm sector also has continued to curb farm real estate values. In fact, farmland values in all states in the Chicago, Kansas City and Minneapolis districts have declined from their recent peaks. Most notably, nonirrigated cropland values have dropped by 20 percent, on average, in Kansas and 19 percent in Iowa since 2013. Although, this represents an annualized rate of only 5-8 percent, persistent and gradual declines could lead to further financial stress in the farm sector in the coming years.

Conclusion
A gradual increase in the level of financial stress in the farm sector has caused agricultural lenders and borrowers to become increasingly cautious. Although declines in the cost of some key inputs have provided modest relief, profit margins have remained low and new farm loan originations dropped sharply in the fourth quarter. If profit margins remain low through 2017, the pace of new debt will be a key indicator to monitor in assessing the severity of financial stress through the year.



PLAN FOR DROUGHT WHEN PREPARING PASTURE LEASE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Do you rent pasture?  What happens if drought lowers pasture production below expectations?  Specifically, what does your pasture lease say about drought?

               It’s hard to think about drought in mid-winter but drought can play havoc on pasture leases.  All too often, pasture leases fail to include an appropriate plan to adjust to this problem.

               Without a plan, both the landowner and the tenant are at risk.  Landowners risk having the pasture become overgrazed, resulting in future weed problems, reduced long-term production, and lowered value.  The tenant risks poor performance or health of the livestock due to less forage and lower quality feed.  This can lead to higher supplemental feed costs or being forced to sell the cattle.

               So, who decides when drought has lowered pasture production low enough to remove the cattle?  And, what should be the adjustment in the rent payment?  And who gets insurance or government payments?

               Unfortunately, I can’t give you a specific answer.  Instead, now is the time to discuss these issues as landlord and tenant.  Be sure to list the length of the grazing period in the lease along with beginning and ending dates.  Also make sure that stocking rates are specified in the lease, adjusting these stocking levels for increased cow size if necessary.  Usually, it is best to design the lease so both landowner and tenant share in the opportunity and risk associated with drought by adding an appropriate escape clause due to drought.  Indicate how a drought adjustment will be made and how that will affect rent payments.   And get it all in writing to avoid any misunderstandings later.

               Drought can cause a lot of headaches.  But if you’ve planned ahead, making sudden adjustments to your pasture leases won’t be one of them.



NeCGA Farm Bill Survey 2017

The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is asking for your input! It’s that time again, time to put together another Farm Bill and we need your opinion. Below is a link that will take you to an anonymous survey with 9 questions regarding the upcoming Farm Bill. If you have already taken the paper copy survey at a farm show or other event, the questions are the same. No need to take it twice! If you have any questions about this survey, please call the office. Remember, NeCGA is YOUR voice in Lincoln and in Washington D.C.!

Click here to take the survey... https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FHZSN5T. 



NE NRDs Talk National Security, Emerald Ash Borer Beetle, Historical Groundwater Plan and More

The NRDs are proud to announce Governor Pete Ricketts will be kicking off the Natural Resources Districts 2017 Legislative Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lincoln, Nebraska on Tuesday, January 24th at 8:45 am. The NRDs protect people’s lives, property and future by helping conserve the state’s natural resources, fight potential flooding and much more. 

Speakers will present information Tuesday, January 24th starting at 9:00 am and also Wednesday, January 25th from 8:30 am – Noon (Wednesday is when most presentations are scheduled). 

Dozens of Nebraska senators are confirmed they’ll be attending the conference. It’s being held at Embassy Suites-Lincoln at 1040 P St, Lincoln, NE. You can find parking in the parking garage at the corner of Q St. and 11th St in downtown Lincoln.

A few important topics that affect all Nebraskans include:
-          An opportunity to learn how water is not only the number one priority in Nebraska but is also the top priority of our National and International Security. Discussion on worldwide natural resource challenges and how it impacts immigration, migration and food security. (Wed. 9:20 am, Room: Regents C)

-          An update on the latest status of the Emerald Ash Borer in Nebraska, and activities underway at Nebraska Forest Service to help battle the beetle.  The presentation will also outline the details of legislation introduced for the Tree Recovery Act. (Wed. 9:20 am, Room: Regents F)

-          Nebraska’s Bazile Groundwater Management Area (BGMA) Project is the first federally recognized groundwater-focused plan to address pollution in the nation. Learn what the project has accomplished in just the last few months and the big plans for making a positive difference in our conservation efforts in the future. (Tues. 9:00 am, Room: Regents AB)



Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Directors Elect Officer Positions for 2017-18

The Upper Big Blue NRD Board of Directors met Thursday, January 19, 2017, at the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District office to discuss and vote on January’s committee actions and reports.  During the meeting, Upper Big Blue NRD board members were nominated and votes were cast to fill board officer positions for a two-year term as follows: 
  - Lynn W. Yates of Geneva—CHAIRMAN;
  - Michael D. Nuss of Sutton—VICE CHAIRMAN;
  - William “Bill” Stahly of Milford—SECRETARY; 
  - Doug C. Bruns of Waco—TREASURER;
  - Larry K. Moore of Ulysses—NARD (Nebraska Association of Resources Districts) REPRESENTATIVE;
  - Gary E. Eberle of Bradshaw—NARD (Nebraska Association of Resources Districts) REPRESENTATIVE ALTERNATE.  

Upper Big Blue NRD Announces Variable Rate Irrigation Pilot Program
The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (UBBNRD) is offering financial incentives to landowners interested in installing Variable Rate Irrigation systems.  The UBBNRD’s Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) Pilot Program is intended to provide financial assistance for the design, installation, and technical support of Variable Rate Irrigation systems.  Properly managed VRI systems can provide a variety of benefits such as: precision application of irrigation water, decreased nitrate leaching due to over irrigation, increased chemigation application efficiency, decreased pumping energy expenses, lowered frequency/severity of yield loss and/or stuck pivots due to over irrigation, reduced irrigation application on hillslopes where runoff potential is high, and elimination of irrigation application on uncropped areas and/or wetlands.

Approved applicants can receive 50% cost-share up to $7,500.00 for installation of a VRI system.  The amount of funding available during this initial phase of the UBBNRD VRI Pilot Program is limited to $30,000.00 per year.  Applications are available at the local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office. The first application deadline is March 1, 2017.  Applications will be accepted/awarded on a bi-monthly basis (applications deadlines are March 1, May 1, September 1, November 1, and January 2) until available funds are expended. Certain terms and conditions do apply.

For questions please contact your local NRCS office, or the Jack Wergin, UBBNRD Projects Department Manager at 402-362-6601.



$199.6 Million Invested in Rural Nebraska in 2016 by USDA Rural Development

Nebraska’s rural communities received $199.6 million in USDA Rural Development funding in federal fiscal year 2016. USDA Rural Development’s investment in rural Nebraska now totals more than $3 billion, according to Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul.

“Nebraska communities, businesses and citizens invested millions of dollars in fiscal year 2016, with the support and resources of USDA Rural Development,” said Moul. “Our Nebraska staff strives each year to utilize the financial resources available through USDA Rural Development to help build stronger rural communities throughout the state.”

Rural Development programs assist in funding for rural housing, business and community development, water and waste water, energy, distance learning and telemedicine, electric companies and telecommunications.

Private and community foundations and counties, municipalities and other local governments contributed strongly to the projects funded.

Highlights of Fiscal Year 2016 Nebraska Rural Development Funding include:

Housing:
·         $100.2 million provided to 995 rural Nebraska families to finance homes and provided necessary repairs and removed health and safety hazards for owner-occupied homes.
·         $8.3 million provided 2,422 tenants residing in Rural Development’s nearly 200 multi-family rural rental housing complexes with affordable rents.

Community:
·         $52.9 million impacted 43 rural communities through community facilities and water and wastewater loans and grants. Funding provided for ambulances, libraries and other community facility needs along with water and wastewater projects.

Business:
·         $36.8 million was invested in Nebraska’s rural businesses and ag producers, supporting 98 projects.

Telecommunications:
·          Two Distance Learning and Telemedicine projects in Nebraska totaling $309,807 will bring the benefits of advanced telecommunications services to rural Nebraskans.

Visit www.rd.usda.gov/ne for the full Nebraska 2016 Progress Report.



“Who’s Watching Nebraska’s Water?” Panel Discussion Set

In light of the proposed construction of a Costco-owned chicken processing plant to be located south of Fremont, NE, alongside the Platte River, three experts on will be on hand January 25th and 26th to speak about water quality and public health.

-        Bill Stowe, CEO and General Manager of Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), has an engineering background, and has been the key spokesperson for the Des Moines Water Works lawsuit against three Iowa counties that are believed to have caused an increase in nitrates in Des Moines drinking water.  DMWW is now exploring building a new de-nitrification facility that is estimated to cost $80 million, which would cause further rising utility costs.

-        Dr. Alan Kolok, Director of the Nebraska Watershed Network and Director of the Center for Environmental Health and Toxicology at UNMC, specializes in land use and its impact on water quality and environmental health.  Kolok is the author of “Modern Poisons:  A Brief Introduction to Contemporary Toxicology”, and several other academic publications, and;

-        A Representative from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ), will serve as an expert for the water permitting process for industrialized agricultural operations.

The first discussion will be on Wednesday, January 25th from 7:00-9:00 pm at the University of Nebraska – Omaha’s Community Engagement Center (6400 University Drive South, Room 230, Omaha, NE).  Free parking is available for this event, on UNO’s campus north of the CEC building between the clock tower and Library. 

The second discussion will be Thursday, January 26th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Unitarian Church (6300 A Street, Lincoln, NE).

The meetings are being held by the Nebraska League of Women Voters, Omaha Together One Community, Guardians of the Aquifer, and Nebraska Communities United.  Additional event co-sponsors include Farm Aid, Socially Responsible Ag Project, Sierra Club, Bold Nebraska, Center for Rural Affairs, Nebraska Wildlife Federation, Douglas/Lancaster County Farmers Unions, Nebraskans for Peace, the Unitarian Church of Lincoln Green Sanctuary Committee and GC Resolve.  The League of Women Voters will be moderating the panel discussion.

“Clean water is everybody’s most important issue; however many communities don't realize it until a serious problem occurs. The League of Women Voters of Nebraska believes now is a good time for the public to learn more from those whose careers are devoted to keeping our water safe,” said Nebraska League of Women Voters President Sherry Miller.

“OTOC’s Environmental Sustainability Action Team (ESAT) is pleased to co-host this important panel discussion.  The goal is to communicate with the public so everyone is aware of major water quality concerns posed by the Costco/Lincoln Premium Poultry plant planned south of Fremont,” said MaryRuth Stegman, Chairperson of OTOC’s Environmental Sustainability Action Team. “This operation will also place over 400 industrial chicken barns around the area. The ESAT members urge action by citizens to stop contamination of our waters and lands which could lead to costly treatment for safe drinking water."

“We must, at this critical time, ask ourselves what is the legacy we are handing our children, and for the young people in the state, now is time to ensure you have a healthy environment for generations to come,” said Randy Ruppert, President of Nebraska Communities United.

"When the people of Omaha and Lincoln understand the issues for our water and health that will come from this Costco chicken processing plant and the litter from the barns, they will insist on government action to protect us. We do not want to be the next Flint, Michigan," stated Mary Pipher with Guardians of the Aquifer.



Iowa Pork to distribute discount pork coupons on Jan. 25

Iowa pig farmers and 2017 Iowa Pork Producers Association Youth Leadership Team contestants will be out in force on Jan. 25 during the Iowa Pork Congress distributing discount "Dine on Us" coupons in downtown Des Moines.

Consumers will receive $5 "Dine on Us!" discount coupons to reduce the cost of a pork meal at any Des Moines-area restaurant participating in the promotion. The coupons will be honored from Jan. 25 through Feb. 15.

"Dine on Us is a promotion that not only allows us to showcase our great pork products, but also many of the Metro's fine restaurants," said IPPA Consumer Information Director Joyce Hoppes. "We thank the 16 restaurants that are participating and giving consumers an opportunity to enjoy a discounted pork entrée at their establishment."

The coupon giveaway will be held on the skywalk over 6th Street between Grand and Locust and over Walnut between 6th and 7th streets and 8th and 9th streets. The pork groups will have displays and hand out coupons from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the 25th.

The participating restaurants are Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Co., Smokey D's (3 locations), Jethro's (6 locations), Buzzard Billy's, The Cub Club, Big City Burgers and Greens, Splash Seafood Bar and Grill, RoCA, Goldfinch, Bubba, Guru BBQ, Vivian's, American Restaurant and Lounge, Malo, Django and Centro.

Several of the restaurants routinely menu pork, but others are putting pork on their menu just for the promotion.

Iowa pig farmers proudly raise the most hogs of any state in the nation and adhere to the Ethical Principles of pork production: Producing safe food, protecting and promoting animal well-being, protecting public health, safeguarding natural resources, and supporting their local community.



ISU Extension and Outreach Offers Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Short Course

Making sound soil fertility management decisions is an important part of successful crop production, on both an economic and environmental level. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be offering a two-day short course focusing on principles of soils, soil fertility and nutrient management to help crop production professionals make more informed decisions.

Highlights include soil sampling and testing, pH and liming, essential, secondary and micronutrients, nitrogen dynamics and manure management. The small class size allows for increased discussion and interaction with extension specialists.

The Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management Short Course will be held Feb. 8-9 in room 004 of the Scheman Building on the Iowa State campus in Ames. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. with classwork beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. Feb 9. Registration is limited to 40 participants and pre-registration is required. The cost is $275 and includes course reference notebook, lunches and breaks. Registration and fees must be received by midnight, Jan. 31, 2017.

Additional course information and online registration with a credit card is available at www.aep.iastate.edu/soil. For more information, please call ANR Program Services at 515- 294-6429 or email anr@iastate.edu.



Swine health will be key topic at 2017 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences

Swine health, a swine market outlook and barn safety will be three of the subjects discussed at the 2017 Iowa Pork Regional Conferences.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association, the Iowa Pork Industry Center and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach swine specialists will host the meetings at four Iowa locations Feb. 20-22 and Feb. 24.

All sessions are hosted from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Conference dates and locations are as follows:
 ● Monday, Feb. 20 - Orange City, Sioux County Extension Office
● Tuesday, Feb. 21 - Carroll, Carroll County Extension Office
● Wednesday, Feb. 22 - Washington, Washington County Extension Office
● Friday, Feb. 24 - Nashua, Borlaug Learning Center

"It's imperative that our producers are equipped with valuable resources for current industry topics," said IPPA Producer Education Director Drew Mogler. "This year's regional conferences will provide worthwhile information for anyone involved in the day-to-day management of pork production."

The following presentations will be delivered at each location:
 
Swine Health Update
Dr. Chris Rademacher, Extension swine veterinarian - ISU College of Veterinary Medicine
Rademacher will disclose what's been learned about how to manage and prevent introduction or re-introduction of PEDV back into our swine herds. He'll also discuss the current state of PRRS management and what researchers are learning about how to manage and prevent this disease. The latest on Senecavirus A also will be discussed.
 
Swine Market Outlook
Dr. Lee Schulz, ISU Extension livestock economist
Exports, domestic demand, health challenges and a multitude of other factors can impact the livestock producer's bottom line. Dr. Schulz will dive into these issues and current projections, review forecasts for input costs and market hog value in 2017 and discuss what profit opportunity may be in store for producers in the year to come.
 
"Safe Pigs, Safe People - Steps to Make Your Barn Safer for All"
Erik Potter, swine specialist, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach
You've built the barn for the safety and well-being of the pigs, but have you identified the safety risks to you or your employees? Participants will learn how to identify risks along with steps to eliminate or minimize those risks. Topics to include animal handling, slips/trips/fall hazards, machine guarding, lock out/tag out, hazard communication, emergency preparedness and pit pumping.
 
Swine Health Management and Antibiotic Stewardship
ISU Extension swine specialists
Swine producers need to prepare their farms for new regulations that will likely change their health management strategies. As producers, we can choose to ignore, dispute or defend our operations, but during this session, the fourth option, stewardship, will be promoted. The swine specialists will look at what's always been done and try to find ways to do it better. They'll also focus on tools and techniques to use to reduce antibiotic usage.

Free PQA Plus® producer certification training sessions will be held prior to each conference. Training will be hosted from 9:30 a.m. to noon at each location.

To pre-register for the conference and/or certification training, contact Barb Nelson at (800) 372-7675 or bnelson@iowapork.org. The regional conferences are free for those who pre-register or $5 at the door.

For more information, contact Drew Mogler at (800) 372-7675.



NORTHEY ANNOUNCES UPDATED SENSITIVE CROP DIRECTORY

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Bill Northey today encouraged Iowans with pesticide sensitive crops and apiaries to register their locations using the Department’s new sensitive crop registry through FieldWatch™, Inc.  FieldWatch™ is a non-profit company that was created by Purdue University in collaboration with interested agricultural stakeholder groups.

The new registry offers two online platforms that provide state of the art mapping features.   DriftWatch® is a registry site for use by producers of commercial crops sensitive to pesticides and includes the online capacity to map boundaries around production fields.  BeeCheck® is a registry site for beekeepers that designates one-mile radius boundaries around apiaries.  Sensitive crop producers with apiaries may enter hive locations using either the DriftWatch® or BeeCheck® registries.

“We’re excited to offer this new directory with all of its capabilities.  The mapping features, streamlined data entry, and increased accuracy of the information presented will promote better communication of sensitive site data between farmers and pesticide applicators,” Northey said.  “By improving our Sensitive Crop Registry we hope to make sure Iowa continues to be a great place for all types of agriculture.”

Commercial pesticide applicators are also encouraged to register through FieldWatch™ to gain increased access to mapping features and e-mail notifications about new sensitive sites in their spray areas.  Applicators can also access downloadable files including shapefiles, Excel, csv or live stream through a software provider for a $100 per year fee.  Also, agriculture retailers can join for a $500 fee and $100 per location to give multiple applicators access to the downloadable files.

An information session for applicators will be held during the FieldWatch annual meeting on February 15 as part of the Agribusiness Showcase and Conference at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. More information about this session is available online at http://agribizshowcase.com.

The new registry was made possible by a monetary award presented to IDALS by the Agribusiness Association of Iowa Foundation.  Donors included the Iowa Agriculture Aviation Association, Syngenta Crop Protection, Dow AgroScience, GROWMARK Foundation, Monsanto, BASF, Bayer CropScience, Iowa Wine Growers Association, Crop Production Services, Inc., Helena Chemical, and Meridian Agriculture.

Along with apiary sites, half an acre or larger commercial vineyards, orchards, fruit and vegetable grow sites, nursery and Christmas tree production sites, and certified organic crops are included in the registry.

“No Spray” signs will still be provided at cost by IDALS.  FieldWatch™ also offers signage on their website.  Links to the FieldWatch™ site and the Department’s “No Spray” signs can be found at http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/Horticulture_and_FarmersMarkets/sensitiveCropDirectory.asp .  Questions can be directed to IDALS State Horticulturist, Paul Ovrom, at paul.ovrom@iowaagriculture.gov or 515-242-6239.



BASF expands its On Target Application Academy stewardship program with a new online training module

The advent of new and advanced herbicide technologies demands increased stewardship education to ensure proper application and to reduce weed resistance. BASF is responding to this need by expanding its On Target Application Academy (OTAA) stewardship program with an online training module. The new digital training provides growers and applicators easy-to-access best practices for proper and effective herbicide application, including the application of Engenia™ herbicide, the most flexible and advanced dicamba for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.

“Proper application is critical for success with any crop protection product,” said Dr. Bob Wolf, owner of Wolf Consulting & Research LLC and OTAA trainer. “With easy-to-access herbicide application tips, growers and applicators can improve on-target applications.”

The online module, which can be accessed in the field or at home on any device, includes a series of educational videos that feature tips for a successful application, including drift mitigation, nozzle selection and proper calibration.

Additionally, applicators seeking to earn Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits can qualify for 1.0 CEU by completing the OTAA digital training module.

“BASF is continuing its commitment to stewardship through this one-of-a-kind program,” said Chad Asmus, Technical Marketing Manager, BASF. “The newly released module allows BASF to reach more applicators with information that will help steward new technologies and the land for future generations.”

Engenia herbicide is the newest innovation in the BASF herbicide portfolio. It controls more than 200 broadleaf weeds, including glyphosate resistant weeds in dicamba tolerant soybeans and cotton. With stakeholder input, BASF developed a comprehensive set of best management practices and label requirements for Engenia herbicide to maximize on-target application and minimize off-target spray drift.

Since its inception in 2012, the OTAA stewardship program has reached more than 13,400 growers across 31 states. These sessions have tallied more than 9,700 grower and applicator training hours. By taking the program online, BASF aims to bring critical application knowledge inside the homes of growers across the country. In-depth in-person trainings are available for those seeking more extensive training from the OTAA application experts.

Growers and applicators can take the OTAA training module by visiting www.growsmartuniversity.com, clicking on the “Herbicides” tab and selecting the module titled “Making an On Target Engenia Herbicide Application.”