Wednesday March 1 Ag News

CROP SCOUT TRAINING FOR PEST MANAGERS MARCH 14

Industry representatives and corn and soybean growers wanting to learn how to better manage corn and soybean pests should plan to attend the Nebraska Extension Crop Scout Training for Pest Managers program March 14 at the University of Nebraska’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center located at the Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead.

The training provides in-depth and detailed information from university specialists. Topics include how corn and soybean plants grow and develop; soybean and corn insect management; identifying weeds -- plant morphology; using a key to identify weed seedlings; crop diseases; and nutrient deficiencies.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the workshop is from 9 a.m-5 p.m.

Cost for the training is $165 which includes a resource book. For participants attending the training only (no resource book) the fee is $50.  Fees include lunch, refreshment breaks, workshop materials and the  instruction manual. Registrants should preregister to reserve their seat and to ensure workshop materials are available the day of the training session. Updated reference materials are included in this year's take-home instruction manual.

Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits are available with 6 in pest management, 1 in crop management and .5 in fertility/nutrient management.

For more information or to register, contact Nebraska Extension at (402) 624-8030, (800) 529-8030, e-mail Keith Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu, or online at http://ardc.unl.edu/crop.shtml.



51st  Annual TRIUMPH OF AG EXPO – Farm and Ranch Machinery Show Announces Agri-Award Winner
  
Over 1,000 booths with over 200,000 square feet of Exhibit space of the latest technology will be showcased at the 51st  Annual TRIUMPH OF AGRICULTURE EXPOSITION Farm & Ranch Machinery Show, Wednesday, March 8th and Thursday, March 9th at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.

Regarded as the Area's Largest Indoor Short-line Farm Machinery Show, the EXPO has become a tradition for area farmers, ranchers, stockmen, and their families to come to the show and ask questions directly to the leading farm manufacturers and suppliers for ways to improve their farm operation right before spring fieldwork begins all at one time and under one roof. The Seminar schedule is listed below and provides a chance to learn more about some of the new products and services available at the Show.   The Farm Show is open Wed - from 9 AM to 4 PM and Thursday 9 AM to 3 PM.

The Triumph of Agriculture Exposition established the Annual “Agri-Award” as part of Nebraska’s Centennial Celebration, in 1976 to recognize outstanding organizations and individuals that have contributed to the Agricultural Development in the Midwestern area. This year’s winner is Terry Hejny. Director of the Nebraska LEAD Program.   He will receive the award at the Opening Day Luncheon on Wednesday, March 8, at 12 Noon at the CenturyLink Center Omaha.



Nebraska Corn Board Vacancies

Notice is hereby given that the terms for three members of the Nebraska Corn Development, Utilization and Marketing Board will expire June 30, 2017. The members represent Districts 2, 3, and At-Large.

District #2 Includes the counties of Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Franklin, Webster, Nuckolls, and Thayer. (Note: John Greer, the current District 2 director, has indicated that he will pursue re-appointment.)

District #3 Includes the counties of Merrick, Polk, Hamilton, and York.
(Note: Brandon Hunnicutt, the current District 3 director, has indicated that he will pursue re-appointment.)

At-Large At-Large District includes all counties in Nebraska.
(Note: Alan Tiemann, the current At-Large District director, has indicated that he will not pursue re-election.)

Appointments to the board for Districts 2 and 3 are made by the Governor. Appointment to the board for the At-Large District is made by the board.

Any candidate for appointment may place his or her name on the candidacy list by filing a petition with the Nebraska Corn Board. Qualified candidates include those individuals who are citizens of Nebraska, are at least 21 years old, have been actively engaged in growing corn in Nebraska for a period of five years, and derive a substantial portion of their income from growing corn. Board members who currently represent these districts and the at-large district are also eligible to re-petition.

Petitions may be obtained by writing the Nebraska Corn Board, P.O. Box 95107, Lincoln, NE 68509-5107 or by calling (800) 632-6761 or email susan.zabel@nebraska.gov. A candidacy petition must carry the signatures of at least 50 corn producers from that district. Candidacy petitions for the at-large district must carry the signatures of at least 50 corn producers residing in the state. All petitions must be received by the Corn Board no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2017. Faxed copies do not qualify.



Community Fish Fries to Try High Oleic Soybean Oil

 The Lenten season means the return of community fish fries across Nebraska. This year several churches and other sponsoring organizations will be using high oleic soybean oil to prepare the fish. For the second year in a row, the Nebraska Soybean Board has donated the oil to a number of groups so more people can learn about the cooking benefits of the oil made from high oleic soybeans.

High oleic soybean oil contains no trans fats, is more stable at high temperatures and has a longer shelf life than many types of cooking oil. These qualities are prized by food companies and chefs, but taste is the true test. High oleic oil has a neutral flavor profile that doesn’t overpower food, making it ideal for frying and baking.

The Nebraska Soybean Board is providing high oleic oil for fish fries in more than a dozen communities, including Wahoo, North Bend, Humphrey, Lorton, Barneston, Lyons, Fordyce, Hartington, Crofton, Elgin, Clearwater and Petersburg.

Soybean industry leaders are hoping high oleic oil will help the industry recapture market share lost because of concern about trans fats in cooking oil. As demand for the oil grows, so will the need for farmers to grow more high oleic soybeans. In Nebraska, high oleic soybeans were available for the first time last year. Farmers interested in planting high oleic soybeans in 2017 should ask their seed dealer for more information.



U.S. Pork Industry Sets the Standard for Responsible On-Farm Antibiotic Use

In 2016, the U.S. pork industry saw record-breaking pork production and strong ongoing consumer demand. Additionally, consumer interest in how food is produced is also at an all-time high, leading the National Pork Board today to reaffirm its commitment to antibiotic stewardship during a live online broadcast event. Real Change: A Live Discussion of On-Farm Antibiotic Use, hosted by The Supermarket Guru® Phil Lempert, brought together experts in pork production, retail and animal care and welfare for a live, web-based broadcast. During the 30-minute program, experts discussed the pork industry’s leadership in responsible antibiotic use and how it has implemented new strict guidelines set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Those guidelines went into effect Jan. 1.

“There is very real change happening on the farm, and we want those who care about these issues to understand the commitment that pig farmers have with regard to antibiotic stewardship and continuous improvement in animal welfare,” said John Johnson, chief operating officer of the National Pork Board. “For nearly two years, we have been educating farmers on antibiotic stewardship, investing in research and helping prepare for these changes. Hands down, it has been our largest pig farmer education campaign ever.”

FDA guidance 209 and 213 ends the use of medically important antibiotics for growth promotion and increases veterinarian oversight for on-farm antibiotic use through the Veterinary Feed Directive and prescriptions. All human medically important antibiotics administered to pigs in feed and water must have direct veterinarian oversight. This creates a strong veterinary-client-patient relationship between pig farmers and their veterinarians. These same pig farmers and veterinarians also are taking pig management and biosecurity steps that increase the health of pigs and reduce the need for antibiotics.

“We’ve always been committed to a process of continuous improvement in a number of areas, especially regarding responsible antibiotic use,” said Brad Greenway, a pig farmer from South Dakota and America’s Pig Farmer of the Year. “We have a great relationship with our veterinarian, with regular check-ins to make sure we’re operating safely and effectively. It’s only when it is medically necessary for the well-being of the animal that we are prescribed antibiotics.”

Another important topic addressed during the broadcast relates to antibiotic resistance – a complex issue that affects both veterinary and human medicine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 47 million human prescriptions are not medically necessary, at least 30% of all prescriptions written.

“The CDC has warned us that antibiotic resistance is one of the world’s most pressing health problems, and that’s why we’re committed to doing our part in antibiotic stewardship,” said Johnson.

“In the end, we’re committed to defining the ideal balance of the right medicine, in the right dose, at the right time for our pigs,” said Dr. Michelle Sprague, veterinarian and director of sow health at AMVC Management Services.

Shifting to the consumer landscape, the broadcast also focused on consumer concerns about food safety and animal welfare. The use of antibiotics on the farm has drawn increased questions from consumers, and the pork industry is dedicated to encouraging an open dialogue, working with its partners and building confidence in today’s pork supply.

“It’s a shared responsibility, and we all have to do our part to navigate this evolving discussion about antibiotics and providing safe food to our consumers,” said Rick Stein, vice president of fresh foods at Food Marketing Institute. “Organizations like the National Pork Board are getting out there and being stewards of this complicated and evolving issue. The pork industry invites collaboration and constructive criticism among the leaders in food production and distribution.”

A replay of the broadcast can be viewed online at: RealChangeOnFarms.org. For more information on the National Pork Board’s efforts to assist farmers and others who want to learn more about responsible on-farm antibiotic use, visit pork.org/antibiotics.



USDA Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 5.12 million tons (171 million bushels) in January 2017, compared to 5.07 million tons (169 million bushels) in December 2016 and 4.81 million tons (160 million bushels) in January 2016. Crude oil produced was 1.98 billion pounds up 1 percent from December 2016 and up 6 percent from January 2016. Soybean once refined oil production at 1.31 billion pounds during January 2017 decreased 7 percent from December 2016 but increased 6 percent from January 2016.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 177 thousand tons in January 2017, compared to 179 thousand tons in December 2017 and 148 thousand tons in January 2016. Canola crude oil produced was 151 million pounds up 1 percent from December 2016 and up 20 percent from January 2016. Canola once refined oil production at 115 million pounds during January 2017 was down 2 percent from December 2016 and down 7 percent from January 2016. Cottonseed once refined oil production at 44.3 million pounds during January 2017 was down 14 percent from December 2016 and down 1 percent from January 2016.

Edible tallow production was 70.4 million pounds during January 2017, down 7 percent from December 2016 and down 21 percent from January 2016. Inedible tallow production was 289 million pounds during January 2017, down 8 percent from December 2016 but up 4 percent from January 2016. Technical tallow production was 95.8 million pounds during January 2017, down 4 percent from December 2016 but up 5 percent from January 2016. Choice white grease production at 113 million pounds during January 2017 decreased 7 percent from December 2016 but increased 1 percent from January 2016.



USDA 2016 Fats and Oils Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks Data Published

As part of the Current Agricultural Industrial Reports (CAIR) program, the 2016 Annual Summary of the Fats and Oils: Oilseed Crushings, Production, Consumption and Stocks contains data and annual totals for January through December of 2016.

Soybeans crushed for crude oil was 57.1 million tons in 2016.  Crude oil production was 22.1 billion pounds.

Canola seeds crushed for crude oil was 2.10 million tons in 2016.

Tallow was published in three categories (edible, inedible, and technical). The largest percentage of tallow production was inedible tallow at 3.50 billion pounds in 2016.  Choice white grease production was 1.37 billion pounds in 2016.



USDA Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

Total corn consumed for alcohol and other uses was 530 million bushels in January 2017. Total corn consumption was up 7 percent from January 2016. January 2017 usage included 91.8 percent for alcohol and 8.2 percent for other purposes. Corn consumed for beverage alcohol totaled 2.42 million bushels, down 23 percent from January 2016. Corn consumed for fuel alcohol, at 476 million bushels, was up slightly from December 2016 and up 7 percent from January 2016. Corn consumed in January 2017 for dry milling fuel production and wet milling fuel production was 89.6 percent and 10.4 percent respectively.

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 2.07 million tons during January 2017, up 9 percent from January 2016. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 1.39 million tons in January 2017, up 6 percent from January 2016.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 347 thousand tons during January 2017, down 1 percent from December 2016 but up 9 percent from January 2016. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 315 thousand tons in January 2017, up 8 percent from January 2016.



USDA 2016 Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production

As part of the Current Agricultural Industrial Reports (CAIR) program, the 2016 Annual Summary of the Grain Crushings and Co-Products Production contains data and annual totals for January through December 2016.

Total corn consumed for alcohol for 2016 was 5.39 billion bushels, up 1 percent from 2015. Corn for beverage alcohol in 2016 totaled 34.1 million bushels, up 1 percent from 2015. Corn for fuel alcohol was 5.29 billion bushels in 2016, up 1 percent from 2015. 

Dry mill co-product production of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) was 23.2 million tons during 2016, up 4 percent from 2015. Distillers wet grains (DWG) 65 percent or more moisture was 15.3 million tons in 2016, down 5 percent from 2015.  Distillers dried grain (DDG) was 4.86 million tons in 2016, down 5 percent from 2015.

Wet mill corn gluten feed production was 3.95 million tons during 2016, up 1 percent from 2015. Wet corn gluten feed 40 to 60 percent moisture was 3.67 million tons, down 1 percent from 2015.

Dry and wet mill carbon dioxide captured was 2.53 million tons in 2016, up 1 percent from 2015.



All Retail Fertilizer Prices Higher

Retail fertilizer prices continued to rise the fourth week of February 2017, albeit at a slower rate than in recent weeks, according to fertilizer retailers surveyed by DTN. This is the fifth-consecutive week prices have moved higher.

All eight major fertilizers were higher compared to a month earlier, marking the first time in several months that all price moves were to the higher side. While all fertilizers were higher, none of the eight were up any significant amount.

DAP had an average price of $433 per ton, MAP $452/ton, potash $332/ton and urea $359/ton. 10-34-0 had an average price of $440/ton, anhydrous $490/ton, UAN28 $241/ton and UAN32 $276/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.39/lb.N, anhydrous $0.30/lb.N, UAN28 $0.43/lb.N and UAN32 $0.43/lb.N.

Retail fertilizers are lower compared to a year earlier. Only three of the eight major fertilizer are double digits lower.

10-34-0 is 22% lower from a year ago while both potash and UAN32 are 11% less expensive. Both DAP and anhydrous are 9% less expensive, MAP is 8% lower, UAN28 is 7% less expensive and urea is 3% compared to year earlier.



USDA Announces Commodity Credit Corporation Lending Rates for March 2017

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) today announced interest rates for March 2017. The CCC borrowing rate-based charge for March is 0.875 percent, unchanged from 0.875 percent in February.

The interest rate for crop year commodity loans less than one year disbursed during March is 1.875 percent, unchanged from 1.875 percent in February.

Interest rates for Farm Storage Facility Loans approved for March are as follows, 1.500 percent with three-year loan terms, unchanged from 1.500 percent in February; 1.875 percent with five-year loan terms, down from 2.000 percent in February; 2.250 percent with seven-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.250 percent in February; 2.500 percent with 10-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.500 percent in February and; 2.500 percent with 12-year loan terms, unchanged from 2.500 percent in February.



Farm Bureau Welcomes Zinke Confirmation to Lead Dept. of Interior
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall

“Ryan Zinke will bring much-needed balance to the management of our nation’s land and natural resources. Farmers and ranchers are ready for an interior secretary that will work with agriculture to fulfill its mission to protect and manage America’s natural resources and cultural heritage.

“Secretary Zinke does not have an easy task before him, but we are confident he’s up to the challenge. He’s a proven leader committed to responsible land use and energy development. Agriculture is ready for an Interior Department that recognizes the importance of active land management and works with us, rather than pushes us out. From arbitrary grazing reductions to overpopulation of wild horses and burros to an outdated Endangered Species Act, farmers and ranchers have suffered for too long.

“We are encouraged by the strong bipartisan support Secretary Zinke received in his confirmation. We look forward to working with the administration and Congress to ensure the management of our nation’s resources is governed by science and sound policies.”



Animal Agriculture Alliance announces “30 for 30th” membership drive

The Animal Agriculture Alliance, an industry-united nonprofit organization working to bridge the communication gap between farm and fork, launched a membership drive today in celebration of its 30th anniversary. The organization is seeking to add 30 new members during the month of March.

“If your company or organization is part of animal agriculture, now is the perfect time to join the Alliance,” said Allyson Jones-Brimmer, Alliance membership and marketing manager. “We have three decades of connecting stakeholders, engaging influencers and protecting the reputation and future of the industry. We’re ready to build on that history by welcoming new members and finding new ways to serve farmers and ranchers.”

Members who join as part of the 30 for 30th drive will receive recognition at the 2017 Stakeholders Summit, in addition to the benefits of Alliance membership. Membership begins at $500. Interested individuals and companies can learn more at www.animalagalliance.org/join.

Membership in the Alliance includes:
-    Access to all the Alliance's resources, such as farm security resources, information on anti-animal agriculture activist organizations, crisis management tips, and reports and graphics to help you share animal ag's story.
-    Action alerts and special reports on emerging issues facing animal agriculture.
-    Discounted registration for our annual conference, the Stakeholders Summit.
-    Depending on membership level, an invitation to join Alliance committees and have the honorarium waived for an Alliance staff member presentation for your organization.

Membership contributions – which are 100% tax-deductible - help support our mission to bridge the communication gap between farm and fork and protect the future of animal agriculture. A few of our current initiatives include:
-    Coordinating industry wide efforts, such as bringing together a supply channel committee to share ideas and resources to enhance engagement with the restaurant and retailer community and a working group to investigate activist groups' use of religion as a strategy to end modern animal agriculture and develop necessary resources to help stakeholders engage at a grassroots level.
-    Proactively engaging mainstream media about hot topic issues, working with trade media to share information with the industry and robustly utilizing social media to engage influencers and consumers.
-    A Meat Matters campaign to help people understand the role of meat and poultry in a healthy, balanced diet.
-    Monitoring anti-animal agriculture activist organizations.

The Alliance looks forward to welcoming 30 new members to share its resources with more industry stakeholders and grow its network to broaden the organization’s reach.



Cattlemen, Public Lands Council Applaud Confirmation of Zinke for Interior Secretary

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council today hailed the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Ryan Zinke to be the next U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

“This is great news for America’s ranchers and cattle producers,” NCBA President Craig Uden said. “Ryan Zinke has an outstanding record advocating for Western communities and ranchers, and for the real inclusion of stakeholders’ voices in the decisions that affect them. We look forward to working with Secretary Zinke to restore common sense and balance on issues like public lands management, conservation, and endangered species.” 

PLC President Dave Eliason said having a Secretary of Interior who understands public lands and who values true cooperation with stakeholders is in the best interest of all Americans.

"Secretary Zinke is from the West and understands the unique challenges faced by communities with a large federal footprint,” Eliason said. “We look forward to working with him and his staff at the Department of the Interior to restore the role of local input in planning and review processes, fix laws like the Endangered Species Act, and protect grazing rights that are so critical to western economies."

Western ranchers own approximately 120 million acres of the most productive private land in the West and manage nearly 250 million acres of public land. Ranchers who hold grazing permits on public land do vital work that benefits public land including the improvement of water sources, improvement of wildlife habitat, and maintaining the open space that Americans enjoy, yet are often targeted by outside interest groups.



DuPont Pioneer Soil Fertility Study Affirms Phosphorus, Potassium Levels Can Impact Yields

Critical analysis of yield results from the 2016 growing season further affirmed a DuPont Pioneer study released in August 2016 that indicated growers may be leaving profit potential in the field by not carefully managing phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels.

“Growers have told Pioneer that they think improving soil fertility management is one of the best ways to increase corn and soybean yields,” said Rick Radliff, DuPont Pioneer senior agronomy manager. “In Iowa alone, our results indicate that marginal soil fertility may contribute to hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue each year.”

With data from Iowa and across the Corn Belt, Pioneer found that yields trend lower in areas where phosphorous and potassium levels fall below state recommendations. This aligns with previous research conducted at Iowa State University indicating a 65 percent to 80 percent probability of positive yield response by fertilizing to raise P or K soil-test values from very low or low to optimum (Iowa State University Extension PM 1688).

The data also showed that the highest corn yields did not benefit from P and K levels that were above the optimum recommended amount; however, more work needs to be conducted as some growers are striving for much higher yields. Additionally, data variability indicates other factors could influence crop yield, such as soil compaction, planting date and population, drainage, foliar disease, insect feeding and weather.

DuPont Pioneer agronomists advise that these challenges can be addressed through regular soil-testing, a clear understanding of each field’s yield potential and a field-by-field fertilizer program that results in the biggest return on investment. Five specific tips for managing soil fertility include:
-    Know your soil test levels.
-    Don’t reduce nutrient application rates in low-testing soils, even if the fields are rented.
-    Don’t apply buildup rates within two years that are higher than needed to optimize yield goals.
-    Don’t fertilize in high-testing soils if budgets are tight.
-    Avoid practices that inhibit root development and nutrient uptake.

“Managing soil fertility is complex,” said Radliff. “Through offerings such as EncircaSM Fertility services, growers can access resources to help them achieve their goals.”

The study was conducted as part of the Pioneer® GrowingPoint® agronomy program, which provides valuable crop-management insights for growers on production practices to help growers improve productivity and profit potential.

Pioneer sampled nearly 9,000 fields between 2015 and 2016, with some fields in 10 Corn Belt states showing at least some deficiencies in soil phosphorus levels. This can lead to issues with early root and shoot growth and can reduce tolerance to drought, disease and temperature stresses. The same samples found that four Corn Belt states had at least some deficiency in potassium in its soils, which affects water regulation, enzyme activation and promotes stalk strength and late-season standability. Pioneer has developed individualized P and K reports for states and regions, as well as aggregate results for the Corn Belt.



BASF Announces University Partnerships for Living Acres Monarch Initiative

As part of its research-based initiative, Living Acres, BASF announced today it has provided grants to Texas Tech University, the University of Arkansas and the University of Minnesota to research how to effectively establish and maintain milkweed, the reproductive habitat for monarch butterflies and the only plant on which their larvae feed.

In the last two decades, the monarch butterfly population has declined due to a variety of factors, including loss of habitat. It’s estimated that the monarch has lost more than 165 million acres of habitat — an area roughly the size of Texas. As an iconic North American insect and a pollinator of fruits, nuts and vegetables, the monarch butterfly plays a vital role in our ecosystem and economy. Through Living Acres and its research partnerships, BASF aims to restore the monarch’s habitat by providing actionable guidance for farmers looking to cultivate milkweed in non-crop areas of their land.

“Restoring the monarch butterfly population will require collaboration from various entities and landowners,” said Luke Bozeman, Director, Research and Development Crop Protection, BASF. “Through these partnerships, BASF and university researchers will be able to share rich insights and determine the best approach for growing and restoring the monarch butterfly habitat.”

Led by experts in environmental and agricultural research, the universities will evaluate how to increase the monarch habitat and how the agricultural community can make an impact. Below is a summary of the research partnerships and objectives:

Texas Tech University ​
-    ​Establish demonstration sites for milkweed plants in the Rolling Plains Ecoregion of West Texas
-    Evaluate and quantify monarch butterfly utilization of these milkweed stands
-    Enhance the understanding of the value of milkweed in growing monarch butterfly populations

University of Arkansas
-    Evaluate changes in the monarch butterfly habitat over the past 25 years
-    Analyze the current land available for monarch butterfly habitats in the U.S.
-    Investigate the potential for restoring and expanding monarch butterfly habitats
-    Develop a migratory flyway habitat restoration and conservation plan for monarch butterflies

University of Minnesota
-    Determine the feasibility of programs that rely on farmer participation to promote biodiversity on the farm landscape
-    Identify the types and numbers of farmers likely to participate in milkweed establishment and maintenance programs in support of the monarch butterfly

Living Acres started as a research initiative at the BASF research farm in Holly Springs, North Carolina. The program provides guidance to farmers looking to increase biodiversity on their operations. The first issue Living Acres is helping to address is the monarch butterfly population. BASF research determined that farmers were uniquely positioned to positively impact the monarch habitat. With an upfront investment, farmers can establish milkweed plots in non-cropland areas of their farms, such as ditches, roadsides, alleyways and border areas. Restoring the monarch population is important for agriculture production systems and allows farmers to further demonstrate their role as stewards of the land.