Monday February 27 Ag News

NEBRASKA CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION

For the month of February 2017, temperatures averaged six to eight degrees above normal across Nebraska, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Heavy snow occurred over northern portions of the State during the month. Temperatures peaked in 70’s during the third week, resulting in producers beginning preparations for spring planting. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 8 percent very short, 17 short, 68 adequate, and 7 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 9 percent very short, 21 short, 66 adequate, and 4 surplus.

Field Crops Report:
Winter wheat condition rated 2 percent very poor, 8 poor, 46 fair, 40 good, and 4 excellent.

Livestock, Pasture and Range Report:
Cattle and calf conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 13 fair, 74 good, and 12 excellent. Calving progress was 19 percent complete. Cattle and calf death loss rated 0 percent heavy, 66 average, and 34 light.

Sheep and lamb conditions rated 1 percent very poor, 1 poor, 17 fair, 77 good, and 4 excellent. Sheep and lamb death loss rated 1 percent heavy, 65 average, and 34 light.

Hay and roughage supplies rated 1 percent very short, 3 short, 89 adequate, and 7 surplus.

Stock water supplies rated 1 percent very short, 6 short, 92 adequate, and 1 surplus.



NePPA Announces Webinar Focused on Benefits of Expanding Pork Production

The Nebraska Pork Producers Association is hosting a one-hour online webinar on March 7, 2017, beginning at noon, focused on the benefits of expanding pork production in Nebraska with emphasis on resources available to support producers and county officials during discussions about proposed expansion activities. Current row crop farmers who are interested in diversifying or adding potential income, as well as current pork producers interested in expanding, are encouraged to participate. There is no fee to participate in the webinar.

Research and extension experts from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present information regarding:
 ·    Benefits of expanding pork production in relation to community development benefits and value of manure to crop production and soil fertility
 ·    Overview of the Livestock Siting Assessment Matrix and recommendations for engaging with county officials about the matrix
 ·    Presenting a plan for expansion to the community and county officials using positive language

Each segment is scheduled to last 15 minutes, with the final 15 minutes dedicated to questions and discussion, to accommodate participants joining individual segments of the webinar if unable to participate in the entire program.

Participants on the webinar will have the opportunity to pose questions and engage in discussions with UNL experts, including:

Dr. Rick Koelsch,  professor in the Departments of Biological Systems Engineering and Animal Science, with extension and teaching responsibilities for agricultural environmental related issues.
 
Dr. Rick Stowell, associate professor in the Departments of Biological Systems Engineering and Animal Science, with extension and teaching responsibilities focused on animal housing systems and environmental control.

Dr. Amy Schmidt, assistant professor in the Departments of Biological Systems Engineering and Animal Science, with research and extension responsibilities related to livestock manure management and environmental and social risk management relative to livestock production.

The webinar can be accessed by visiting the producer tab on www.nepork.org. Participants are encouraged to join the webinar a few minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure that they are connected when discussion begins.



UPDATE ON NEBRASKA CONSERVATION COMPLIANCE REVIEWS.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has been working with Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers to protect natural resources for over 80 years. During that time, one thing has remained the Agency’s main goal – help prevent soil erosion.

Since the passage of the 1985 Farm Bill, farmers have been required to control erosion on fields that are classified as highly erodible in order to be eligible for some USDA programs.  Each spring, NRCS conducts compliance reviews on a random selection of highly erodible fields to determine if erosion has been controlled as outlined in Farm Bill requirements.

            Recently, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) reviewed compliance review procedures in several states, including Nebraska.  In their report, OIG recommended some modifications to NRCS’ compliance review procedures to provide more consistency across the nation.  Nebraska NRCS will be making some adjustments during this year’s compliance reviews that may impact several producers in Nebraska.

            So, what does this mean for Nebraska farmers and ranchers?

            “The main impact will be on farmers whose cropland has been determined by NRCS to be highly erodible,” Nebraska State Conservationist Craig Derickson said, “They will need to consider installing additional conservation practices to better control ephemeral gully erosion.”

Ephemeral gully erosion is characterized by small ditches in fields that farmers often smooth over with disks. Previously, ephemeral gully erosion was only cited as a compliance problem if sediment was leaving the field and causing off-site damages.  Now, all ephemeral gullies on fields determined to be highly erodible will need to be controlled to meet the national standard.

“NRCS employees will be working closely with farmers to help them meet the erosion control requirements,” Derickson said.  “Farmers will not be expected to make these changes overnight. If erosion control issues are identified during this spring’s compliance reviews, producers will be given time to make adjustments and install needed conservation practices.”

Derickson said practices used to control ephemeral gullies include no-till farming, cover crops, grassed waterways, and terraces.  NRCS has conservation programs available to provide financial assistance for producers to install additional conservation practices, and Derickson said Nebraska NRCS has set aside additional funding this year to help meet this need.

Derickson stressed the importance for farmers to meet these erosion control requirements so they will remain eligible for Farm Bill program benefits – which include things like farm loans, conservation program benefits and Federal crop insurance premium subsidies.

“We want to help Nebraska’s farmers be successful in meeting the conservation compliance requirements on highly erodible land. The bottom line is NRCS staff will be available to help farmers identify where ephemeral erosion is or may occur, and then assist them with a conservation plan to identify conservation practices that best fit their farming operation,” Derickson said.

For more information, visit your local NRCS office located within the USDA Service Center or www.ne.nrcs.usda.gov.



Chemigation Certification Classes for Eastern Nebraska

University of Nebraska Extension will be hosting twenty-four chemigation certification classes across Nebraska in February and March for applicators applying fertilizer or any pesticide product through an irrigation system. See dates and locations at:  http://water.unl.edu/2017%20CHEMIGATION%20TRAINING%20DATES%20jan%2026.pdf.   

The Nebraska Chemical Act requires anyone that applies chemicals through an irrigation system, to attend a meeting and become certified. Certifications are good for four years.  Applicators have an option to complete an online course and take the exam at a testing location or simply attend a training, and pass the written exam.

The training is for initial or recertification and there is no charge.  Especially for new applicants, it is recommended to contact the host Extension Office to receive chemigation materials prior to coming to the class. You can also find these materials online at the bottom of this website link at: http://go.unl.edu/chemigation. 

If you need certification for the 2017 crop year, pre-register with the extension educator hosting the session you plan to attend by phone.

For more information contact your local Extension Office or host educator in charge of the trainings. 



BOEHM TO SPEAK AT NEBRASKA LEAD BANQUET MARCH 10

Michael Boehm, vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program recognition banquet March 10.

Boehm will discuss leadership development, specifically the need for quality leadership at all levels, during the banquet in the Nebraska East Union's Great Plains Room, 1705 Arbor Drive.

At 4:30 p.m., the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council will conduct its annual meeting and elect new officers.

Social hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the 6:30 p.m. banquet. Reservations are $25 and can be made by calling the Nebraska LEAD office at 402-472-6810 no later than March 1.

The Nebraska LEAD Program aims to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership. The program is under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, in cooperation with the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and is supported by Nebraska colleges, universities, businesses, industries and individuals throughout the state.



New Corn Herbicides for 2017
Amit Jhala - NE Extension Weed Management Specialist

The following herbicides are now available in Nebraska for weed management in corn. When selecting herbicides, note the sites of action and rotate them to help reduce the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds in your fields. For more information see the newly revised industry Herbicide Classification chart.

Acuron® Flexi
[bicyclopyrone (0.87%) + mesotrione (3.47%) + S-metolachlor (31.24%)]
Acuron Flexi is Acuron without atrazine. Acuron Flexi may be used pre-emergence or post-emergence (up to 30 inches tall or 8-leaf stage) in field corn, seed corn, silage corn. It can be used in sweet corn and yellow popcorn, but only pre-plant or pre-emergence. Acuron Flexi contains the safener benoxacor. If organic matter content of the field is less than 3%, apply Acuron Flexi at 2.0 qt/acre; if organic matter is ≥ 3% apply at 2.25 qt/acre. Do not exceed 2.25 qt/acre of this product per year. Do not make more than one post-emergence application and not more than two total applications of Acuron Flexi per year. EPA Reg. No. 100-1568. Modes of Action: 27 + 27 + 15.

Armezon PRO
[topramezone (1.12%) + dimethenamid-P (56.25%)]
Armezon PRO is a premix of Armezon (topramezone) and Outlook (dimethenamid-P). It is an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) that provides systemic post-emergence control of emerged broadleaf and grass weeds followed by residual control in all corn types. Application rates depend on soil texture and organic matter content. It may be applied from corn emergence to V8 stage or 30-inch tall field corn and popcorn. For corn that is more than 12 inches tall but less than 30 inches, applications should be directed beneath the crop canopy using drop nozzles and appropriate nozzle spacing for best performance. EPA Reg. No. 7969-372. Modes of Action:  15 + 27.

DiFlexx® DUO
[dicamba (19.73%) + tembotrione (2.83%)]
DiFlexx DUO is a premix of DiFlexx (dicamba) and Laudis (tembotrione). DiFlexx DUO can be used for post-emergence selective control of broadleaf and grass weeds in corn and postharvest burndown weed control. DiFlexx DUO includes exclusive CSI™ safener technology which enables corn plants to better withstand herbicidal activity and provides better crop safety. It can be applied from emergence up to, but not including the V7 stage of growth, 36-inch tall corn, or 15 days prior to tassel, whichever occurs first. The application rates of DiFlexx DUO vary from 24 to 40 fl oz/acre depending on weed type and growth stage. Apply a maximum of two applications per growing season, separated by two weeks or more. EPA Reg. No. 264-1184. Modes of Action: 4 + 27.

Enlist™ DUO
[2,4-D choline (24.4%) + glyphosate (22.1%)]
For control of annual and perennial weeds in Enlist corn only. Do NOT use this product on Roundup Ready, Liberty Link, or any other type of corn. This herbicide is based on Colex-D technology. 2,4-D products that do not contain Colex-D technology are not authorized for use in Enlist corn and soybeans. It is a systemic herbicide intended for control of annual and perennial weeds.

Apply 3.5 to 4.75 pints of Enlist Duo per acre. Apply when weeds are small and corn is no larger than V8 growth stage or 30 inches tall (free standing), whichever occurs first. For corn heights 30 to 48 inches (free standing), apply using only ground application equipment using drop nozzles aligned to avoid spraying into the whorl of corn plants. Make one to two applications with a minimum of 12 days between applications. Do not apply more than 4.75 pints of Enlist Duo per acre per application. Do not apply more than 14.25 pints/acre of Enlist Duo per use season. EPA Reg. No. 62719-649. Modes of Action: 4 + 9.

Incinerate™
[mesotrione (40%)]
Incinerate is for control of annual broadleaf weeds in field corn, seed corn, yellow popcorn, and sweet corn. This product has an active ingredient similar to Dual II Magnum. EPA Reg. No. 100-1131-1381. Mode of Acton: 27.

Resicore™
acetochlor (31%) + mesotrione (3.3%) + clopyralid (2.7%)]
Resicore is for control of annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in field corn, seed corn, and silage corn with preplant, pre-emergence, and post-emergence application. Resicore can only be applied preplant or pre-emergence in yellow popcorn. Resicore is a premix of three herbicides with different modes of action. The application rate of Resicore is in the range of 2.25 to 3.0 qts/acre based on soil texture and organic matter content. EPA Reg. No. 62719-693. Modes of Action: 15 + 27 + 4.



REGISTRATION DRAWS NEAR FOR 2017 GOVERNOR’S AG CONFERENCE

Early registration ends soon for the 29th Annual Governor’s Ag Conference, March 14-15, 2017, at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Kearney. After Feb. 28, the conference registration fee increases from $100 to $125. 

“The Governor’s Ag Conference is an important event for farmers, ranchers, ag leaders and agri-business managers in Nebraska,” said Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) Director Greg Ibach. “Along with a line-up of great speakers, the conference provides participants a chance to network, share ideas and concerns, and learn more about the future of agriculture.”

The conference starts Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 3:30 p.m., with welcomes and remarks from Governor Pete Ricketts and NDA Director Ibach.

Also on Tuesday’s agenda is a panel discussion on “Growing Nebraska in Broken Bow.” The panel features Broken Bow’s community leaders from city government, the Chamber of Commerce, and agriculture, including specialists in purchasing, production and finance.

The annual “Celebrate Nebraska Agriculture” reception begins at 6:00 p.m. on March 14 and features a mix of Nebraska food products and entertainment by leadership expert and author Rhett Laubach.

The conference resumes on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, with the following speakers:

·         Doug Carr, senior account executive at Firespring, who will discuss domestic trade and the value of a brand;

·         Bobby Richey, Jr., deputy administrator of USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, who will discuss working with USDA/Foreign Ag Service and Nebraska’s international branding efforts;

·         Steve Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association, speaking on the “Outlook for the Farm Bill and Other Farmer Priorities in the Trump Administration;” and

·         Dr. Michael Boehm, vice chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources and vice president for NU’s Agriculture and Natural Resources who will discuss people, places, partnerships and possibilities.

“We’re fortunate to be able to bring such knowledgeable and experienced speakers to this conference to share information about marketing, economic development and farm policies and what it all means to Nebraska agriculture,” said Ibach.

The Governor's Ag Conference is coordinated by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and is co-sponsored by Farm Credit Services of America. Registration and additional information is available online at nda.nebraska.gov or by calling 800-831-0550.



CattleFax elects Officers for 2017

Todd Allen, a cattle feeder from Newton, Kan., has been elected 2017 President of CattleFax, one of several new officers elected at the 49th annual business meeting of the organization on Feb. 2, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn.

Allen has been involved in cattle feeding throughout the Central Plains for over 35 years. He has served on several committees and in leadership positions for Kansas Livestock Association, including President. At the national level Allen has served on the Executive Committee for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and has served on various NCBA committees, including Beef Safety, Live Cattle Marketing and Product Science and Technology. 

President Elect is Dale Smith, a stocker Operator from Amarillo, Texas.  Nick Hunt of Atlantic, Iowa was elected to replace Jamie Willrett of Malta, Ill., representing the Midwest region. Don Quincey of Chiefland, Fla., was re-elected to a four-year term representing the Southeast region.

Other directors currently serving terms for CattleFax are: Pono Von Holt of Kamuela, Hawaii; Mark Frasier of Fort Morgan, Colo.; Jerry Adams of Broken Bow, Neb.; and Jeff Sparrowk of Clements, Calif.  Tom Jensen of Omaha, Neb., will continue as Finance Director.



New Research Examines Beef Demand Indices

Beef demand is critical to understand and monitor as it directly influences overall beef industry prosperity. When beef demand strengthens, beef and cattle prices for the entire industry are higher than they otherwise would be, says Kansas State University Economist Glynn Tonsor. This highlights the clear economic value in accurately measuring beef demand. One way to do this is through construction of an index that provides an easy to understand, single-measure indicator of beef demand over time. A beef checkoff-funded study by Glynn T. Tonsor, and Ted. C. Schroeder, both of Kansas State University, recently examined the feasibility of developing new foodservice and grocery store beef demand indices.

“Despite the usefulness of existing demand indices for monitoring demand strength, all have a number of important limitations,” says Tonsor. “Indices that are updated more frequently, and that can be dissected by product or market region, can be especially informative about where demand is changing most. Armed with such information, the beef industry could better adjust, target and monitor product marketing strategies.”

As beef demand changes over time, insights from regularly updated demand indices would provide the entire industry a barometer of demand strength. Operators throughout the nation’s retail sector could use this information to benchmark their own situation within the broader beef demand position. If demand is improving in a retailer’s region but not in their operation, that information might lead to more timely solutions to their marketing challenges. Conversely, if a retailer’s operation is experiencing stronger beef demand than their broader region, that could provide valuable lessons about the elements of “winning strategies.”

“Ultimately a deeper understanding of any situation requires ongoing effort and appreciation for details that previously may have been ignored. Beef demand is no different,” says Tonsor. “Previously available insights regarding beef demand were limited to summarizing the situation in a highly aggregated, national manner. Going forward, refined insights specific to geographic regions or product type could be used to refine understanding of current beef demand.”

It is the researchers’ hope that this improved understanding will assist all beef industry stakeholders, including retailers who act as the face of the industry for consumers.



 NPPC Applauds White House Appointment; Champion of Agriculture to Advise President Trump

 Filling a position left vacant for most of the Obama administration, the National Pork Producers Council applauds today’s White House appointment of Ray Starling to the position of Special Assistant to the President for Agriculture, Trade and Food Aid. Starling currently serves as chief of staff for Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C. The following statement can be attributed to John Weber, president of the National Pork Producers Council.

“By picking a true champion of American agriculture to serve in this key advisory role, President Trump is sending a clear signal of his commitment to reverse unnecessary regulations inhibiting pork producers and all U.S. farmers from doing what they do best: supplying the world with the most nutritious, affordable and abundant food available.

“Growing up raising hogs on a farm in North Carolina that his family continues to operate today, Ray’s long, distinguished career in agriculture policy has always been informed by a deep understanding of pork producers and a sector so vital to our economy and national security. We look forward to working with Ray and the Trump administration to address the needs of rural America.”



Cattlemen Applaud Appointment of Starling to Council of Economic Advisors

Colin Woodall, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA’s) senior vice president of government affairs, today released the following statement in response to Ray Starling’s appointment to President Trump’s Council of Economic Advisors:

“This is great news not just for America’s cattle producers, but for America’s entire economy. In short, Ray Starling gets it. He has a sharp understanding of how the economy works, and especially how the agricultural sector operates and benefits the citizens of every state in the nation, while also providing the world’s safest and most prosperous food supply. This is an A+ appointment, and we look forward to working with Ray and the rest of the president’s team on behalf of the American beef industry.”



NCGA Welcomes Exploration of the World of Corn
   
U.S. corn farmers reached new heights in 2016, growing the largest crop on record at 15.1 billion bushels, with a record national average yield of 174.6 bushels per acre.

To highlight this achievement, the National Corn Growers Association delves into the facts about corn production, using a historical comparison in its newest edition of the World of Corn. This statistical look at the corn industry, both domestic and worldwide, features a wide array of information on corn production and usage. In addition to the traditional statistics guide, this year's distribution includes a poster highlighting the ways corn farmers increase sustainability while also growing demand for their crop.

"America's corn farmers demonstrated their ability to sustainably produce an abundant crop in 2016," NCGA President Wesley Spurlock and Chief Executive Officer Chris Novak note in the introduction. "This record-setting crop offers infinite possibilities for feeding and fueling a growing world. From renewable fuels to high-quality feed to food ingredients, corn improves our lives today and offers a future limited only by our imaginations."

World of Corn is a respected collection of the most important statistics about corn production, exports and consumption, providing key information in a readable format, comparing numbers and trends across the years.

Again this year, NCGA proudly offers an interactive online presentation of the World of Corn that allows users to easily locate information or to explore the limitless possibilities the crop offers at their leisure. The format offers improved navigability with an elegant user interface.

To explore the World of Corn online, click here... http://worldofcorn.com. 

This year's publication, which was generously co-sponsored by Monsanto, is distributed through The Progressive Farmer and at the 2017 Commodity Classic in San Antonio.  A special edition of the World of Corn featuring statistics in metric measurements will soon follow.



Growth Energy Denounces Illegitimate Efforts to Rewrite RFS

Growth Energy today condemned efforts by Carl Icahn, owner of CVR Refining, to strike a backroom deal with the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) that would irreparably change the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by shifting the point of obligation from oil refiners to fuel retailers and violating the Trump Administration’s commitment to the RFS.

“If true, this proposal would eviscerate America’s progress under the RFS and impose indefensible costs on consumers,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “Neither RFA nor Carl Icahn have the authority to strike a ‘deal.’ Mr. Icahn does not work for the U.S. government; he owns CVR Refining, which would profit directly from this change.  RFA does not represent a majority of the biofuels industry; RFA’s largest member is an oil refiner, which would also profit directly from such a change. They’re negotiating for the same side – and that is not the side of the ethanol industry or the American farmer.

“This move would be a slap in the face of rural America, its representatives in Congress, and the president. This is precisely the sort of self-serving insider deal the American consumer rejects. The administration must reject any such proposed deal and protect the program that has been working for 11 years to deliver better, cleaner, and more affordable choices at the pump.

“In exchange for getting his company an exemption for its responsibility under current law, Mr. Icahn has allegedly promised support for a Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver from the EPA, a change that already has strong bipartisan support because it is a common sense solution that would increase summer sales of higher ethanol blends.

“Any assertion that this tradeoff would ‘greatly expand the market opportunities for ethanol’ is simply untrue. An RVP waiver means little if retailers no longer have an incentive to sell higher ethanol blends. This would halt and likely reverse all the progress we’ve made with hundreds of gasoline retailers who now offer consumers higher blends of ethanol. Changing the point of obligation impacts hundreds, if not thousands of new parties, demanding new rules, new staff, and new infrastructure. Moreover, the EPA is ill-equipped to manage such a large-scale restructuring of fuel markets, which could mean turmoil for retailers, higher costs for consumers, and years of uncertainty for hundreds of thousands of workers in the biofuel industry.”



CWT Assists with 2.6 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 19 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) and Tillamook County Creamery Association. These member cooperatives have contracts to sell 2.588 million pounds (1,174 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and 52,360 pounds (23.75 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, Central America, the Middle East and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from February through May 2017.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives that have contracts to sell 10.962 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 1.375 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 11 countries on four continents. The sales are the equivalent of 132.124 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis.

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.



Zoetis Introduces Veterinary Feed Directive Mobile Application

To benefit veterinarians and their busy schedules amid the implementation of the new Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) regulation, Zoetis has introduced a mobile application for use on smartphones, helping simplify the process of writing a VFD for AUREOMYCIN® (chlortetracycline) or AUREO S 700® (chlortetracycline/sulfamethazine) for their cattle clients.

“Veterinarians now have the important responsibility of providing oversight and issuing VFDs for the use of medicated feeds, including AUREOMYCIN and AUREO S 700,” said Lynn Godbersen, senior marketing manager, feed additives with Zoetis. “Our goal is to provide a convenient and mobile tool for veterinarians to help facilitate the process of successful VFD implementation.”

The free VFD mobile app from Zoetis allows veterinarians to:
-    Easily download and register for the app at no charge.
-    Enter client information.
-    Ensure appropriate product indications based on animal health need, for seamless VFD development.
-    Access product information and combination clearances.
-    Quickly calculate drug levels per ton for the ration with a feed additive calculator.
-    Easily access previously issued VFDs.

The mobile application generates a PDF that can be emailed to clients and feed distributors. Further enhancing convenience and reducing unnecessary time and paperwork, the app saves the VFD in the veterinarian’s account, should it need to be reissued for the same client in the future.

“In an effort to demonstrate our continued commitment to veterinarians, we’re excited to offer this unique tool that will simplify the process of creating a VFD and assist veterinarians with providing the appropriate oversight to their clients when they utilize AUREOMYCIN and AUREO S 700 in the feed,” said Dr. Mitch Blanding, associate director, Beef Technical Services at Zoetis.

The app is available now for iOS (iPhone®) or Android™ phone operating systems. The links, when opened on a mobile device, will take you directly to the app store for your device. Or you can also search for My VFD app in iTunes® or Zoetis VFD Management in Google Play™. For more information, please visit with your Zoetis representative.



Mississippi River Sees Grain Barge Glut

A glut of idled river barges is clogging Mississippi River shorelines from St. Louis to New Orleans, leaving U.S. barge companies that haul grain, coal and other bulk goods counting their losses. Even with record-large exports of corn and soybeans, typically a boon for shippers that haul grain to Gulf Coast export terminals, the collapse of coal shipments to the lowest levels in decades has left the dry bulk barge fleet chasing too little cargo.

In pursuit of rising grain volumes since 2014, many shippers expanded their fleets too quickly.

Barge lease rates paid to companies like Archer Daniels Midland Co's American River Transportation Company, privately held Ingram Barge and a handful of smaller operators are at 1-1/2-month lows and more than 30 percent below the five-year average for February. Rates from St. Louis to the Gulf Coast of $8.40 per ton are down from a pre-harvest high of $18.00 - not enough for many barge companies to turn a profit.

A rise in grain shipments has not been enough to offset the steeper decline in coal shipments. Grain barge shipments rose 21 percent from 2012 to 2015 to a near-record 89.7 million tons, but coal shipments dropped by nearly 47 million tons in that period, to 126.2 million tons. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which tracks barge traffic, has not yet released data for 2016.

Demand for barges is at "historically weak levels," barge maker Trinity Industries Inc told analysts on a conference call last week. Orders for new barges in the fourth quarter totaled just $18 million, compared with $190 million in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Some barge lines are paying companies to lash their mothballed vessels along river banks rather than lose money keeping them active, according to barge brokers. At least 11 percent of the fleet was idled this winter, a number that could double by spring as South America's harvest competes with the United States for exports, according to industry estimates.