Monday April 24 Ag News

NEW ONLINE TOOL HELPS GROWERS FIND ON-FARM RESEARCH RESULTS

A new tool is available on the Nebraska On-Farm Research Network website that allows growers to click on a map of Nebraska to find out about research projects conducted on farms in their area.

The result finder contains over 600 studies and is updated annually. The finder is also mobile friendly and allows growers to select one, several or all counties. The database behind the map allows growers to search by keyword, filter results by year, crop, irrigation, topic and subtopic, or explore using the map.

"We have an abundance of information available to growers and crop advisers," said Laura Thompson, Nebraska Extension educator. "We wanted to make the results finder easy to use and data-rich. New data will be added each year as studies are completed."

The results finder is under "Research Results" on the on-farm research website at http://cropwatch.unl.edu/farmresearch. 

While the finder is the newest way to obtain research results, the 2016 growing season research results book is also available on the website as a PDF. The book was produced for the network's research update sessions held at several sites across Nebraska earlier this year and contains results of studies completed during last year's growing season.

"We make the research findings available in several ways so that growers and crop advisers can learn in the way that works best for them – whether that is the searchable database, the PDF book or networking at our update meetings," Thompson said. "Websites and booklets are great tools, but we frequently hear from growers that they find great value in the interactions with other growers at the annual update meetings."

The on-farm research network is a collaborative partnership that includes Nebraska Extension, the Nebraska Corn Board, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, the Nebraska Soybean Checkoff and the Nebraska Dry Bean Commission. The goal of the network is to put to use a statewide on-farm research program addressing critical farmer production, profitability and natural resources questions.

For more information, contact Thompson at 402-472-8043 or laura.thompson@unl.edu, or contact a local Nebraska Extension office.



FARM BUREAU SURVEY SHOWS NEBRASKA FARM AND RANCH FAMILIES SUFFER MOST FROM OBAMACARE

According to the Nebraska Farm Bureau (NEFB), a recent survey of Nebraska Farm Bureau members strongly indicates that farm and ranch families are negatively impacted at a much higher level than their urban counterparts as they cope with exponential growth of premiums in the individual health insurance markets, caused by the implementation the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA) also known as Obamacare.

The non-scientific survey reveals that Nebraska farmers and ranchers rely more heavily on the individual health insurance market and the health insurance exchange to purchase health insurance compared to non-farmers.

“Roughly 57 percent of farmers and ranchers purchase health insurance through either the individual market or the health insurance exchange. In comparison, only 23 percent of non-farmers purchase insurance through these markets. As a result, farmers and ranchers pay higher premiums and this expense is becoming a major overhead cost for farm and ranch families,” Steve Nelson, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau said April 19.

In just two weeks, nearly 850 people responded to the NEFB survey. “It indicates that healthcare is a hot topic in the countryside,” Nelson said. Respondents were asked to report whether they received health insurance through an employer, by directly purchasing through the open market, or through Obamacare.

“A large number of farmers and ranchers purchase their health insurance through the open individual market. We’ve been concerned for a long time about the cost of health insurance for these individuals. It’s troublesome because the risk is with farmers and ranchers who are on the open market trying to get a reasonable priced healthcare insurance product but are exposed to a market that is right now unstable and facing less competition,” Nelson said.

What was more telling was that monthly premiums paid by farmers and ranchers for health insurance tend to be higher relative to other purchasers of insurance. “Thirty-four percent of farmer and rancher respondents said their monthly premiums on insurance obtained in the individual market were greater than $1,500/month, or $18,000/year. Only 10 percent of the non-farm respondents who purchased insurance on the individual market paid a monthly premium greater than $1,500/month. Of the farmers and ranchers who obtain insurance through the exchange, 90 percent of them said they received subsidies to help with the cost of insurance,” Nelson said.

When asked their level of satisfaction with the cost and benefits they now have, farmers and ranchers overwhelmingly expressed dissatisfaction with the cost of their present health insurance – 98 percent of who purchased in the individual market expressed dissatisfaction with the cost. At the same time, 58 percent of who purchased insurance in the individual market expressed dissatisfaction with their benefits.

“The findings reinforce the need to assure the stability of the individual market for health insurance. Each day we’re hearing of insurance companies questioning the economic viability of the individual market,” Nelson said. The findings also serve as an important reminder that any kind of legislation that impacts the viability of the individual health care market is a concern.

“We have heard from farmers and ranchers that their monthly health care premium is becoming the number one or number two family living expense, it clearly points out that the health insurance system we have now is broken and needs fixed. These exploding expenses are coming at a time when the farm economy is very weak and net farm income is one-half of what it was just a few years ago,” said Nelson.



Register Now for Farm Finance and Ag Law Clinics in May 

Openings are available for one-on-one, confidential farm finance and ag law consultations being conducted across the state each month. An experienced ag law attorney and ag financial counselor will be available to address farm and ranch issues related to financial planning, estate and transition planning, farm loan programs, debtor/creditor law, water rights, and other relevant matters. The clinics offer an opportunity to seek an experienced outside opinion on issues affecting your farm or ranch.

Clinic Sites and Dates
    Fairbury — Tuesday, May 2
    Norfolk — Tuesday, May 23

To sign up for a free clinic or to get more information, call Michelle at the Nebraska Farm Hotline at 1-800-464-0258.  The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and Legal Aid of Nebraska sponsor these clinics.



GETTING THE MOST OUT OF OAT PASTURE
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Many people are trying oat pasture this spring.  The potential seems great, but you may be disappointed if you don’t graze it right.

               Oat pastures have increased in popularity in recent years.  They can reduce problems from drought and provide fast, early grazing.  Oat pastures can be very productive and last through early summer, but they also disappoint sometimes.  While we don’t know all we need to know, here are a few grazing recommendations that will help you succeed.

               Oats grows rapidly.  Once it gets five or six inches tall, it quickly can shoot up to a foot tall in almost no time.  As nice as this sounds, if initial oat growth gets that tall it may not stool out, tiller, and regrow after grazing very well.  So it’s important to start grazing early and to graze hard enough to keep your oats vegetative and leafy, thereby stimulating it to constantly form new tillers.

               So how early is early?  That’s hard to say, but if your animals start to first graze when oats get six to eight inches tall and they remove just half the growth it should recover rapidly and tiller well.  You probably will need to give your oats a couple weeks to regrow after this first grazing, though, before grazing again.

               After this first grazing stimulates tillering, keep oat regrowth between six and sixteen inches tall using either continuous or rotational stocking.  Begin with a light stocking rate, maybe about one animal every two or three acres.  Then adjust animal number as oat growth changes.  Don’t worry if a few plants head out.  But if many plants get tall and approach the boot stage, either stock heavily for one last hard graze-out grazing or consider cutting for hay.

               We will need to experiment a bit to perfect it, but oat grazing looks promising.



Lower Elkhorn NRD promotes Arbor Day with tree sales    

In Nebraska, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated on the last Friday in April.  The 145th Anniversary of Arbor Day will be celebrated this Friday, April 28th.

Being the birth state of Arbor Day, it’s only appropriate that the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) promotes tree-planting programs each year.  The LENRD will have tree seedlings available for purchase this Friday in celebration of Arbor Day, at the Maskenthine Lake Recreation Area, north of Stanton.  From Norfolk, the lake is located 10 miles east on highway 275 and then 2 miles south on Ridge Road.  Signs will direct you to the LENRD Tree Distribution Center (approximately 2 miles north of Stanton).  The Center will be open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Arbor Day.  Seedlings can be purchased in bundles of 25 for $22.  Small acreage packages will also be available for $44.

LENRD Forester, Pam Bergstrom, said, “Plant a tree to protect your property and the future.  Our parents did it for us, and we should return the favor for future generations.”

Contact Bergstrom at the LENRD office, 402-371-7313, if you have questions about your trees or if you need further assistance.



Update for Veterinarians to be Held by ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will host an update for veterinarians on May 31 at the McNay Memorial Research and Demonstration Farm near Chariton, Iowa.

The event begins at 9 a.m. and will run until 4 p.m. The day will feature both hands-on demonstrations as well as updates on treatments and practices.

“The hand-on demonstrations are a new feature this year,” said Joe Sellers, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “During the afternoon sessions attendees will have an opportunity to perform a liver biopsy on cattle. The day will also feature new information on genetic testing to identify cattle who are more tolerant to grazing tall fescue.”

Sessions
9 a.m. – Ancillary therapies for BRD treatment; Dr. Jenna Funk, Iowa State University.
9:45 a.m. – Mineral requirements and evaluating mineral status of beef cattle; Stephanie Hansen, associate professor of Animal Science, Iowa State University.
10:30 a.m. – Genomic snip test to identify fescue tolerance in beef cattle; Diane Spurlock, AgBotanica.
11:30 a.m. – Improve vs. renovate fescue pastures; Craig Roberts, professor and extension program director, University of Missouri.
12 p.m. – Where are we on the Veterinary Feed Directive? Discussion about experiences the first four months; Dr. Chris Clark, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
1:15 p.m. – Concurrent sessions, beef facilities
    Wet lab collecting liver biopsies (hands-on); Dr. Scott Radke, Iowa State University; Dr. Grant Dewell, ISU Extension and Outreach.
    Heifer development, young cow nutrition, managing cow nutrition on fescue; Clark and Sellers, ISU Extension and Outreach; Roberts.
2:30 p.m. – Rotate to second session
4 p.m. – Adjourn

Registration fee for the event is $65 and is due by May 29; fee increases to $85 after that date. Online registration form can be downloaded from the Iowa Beef Center website.



IA House republicans advance water quality bill but came up short

Iowa Soybean Association CEO Kirk Leeds issued this statement following today’s adjournment of the Iowa legislature.

“This year’s legislative session was a missed opportunity to act boldly on improving Iowa’s water.

“While the Iowa House advanced a substantive bill that ultimately fell short of making it to the Governor’s desk, we’re disappointed that action providing long-term funding for a watershed-based approach to conservation will have to wait another year.

“ISA will continue to be a leader in advancing farmer-led efforts throughout the state that benefit soil, water and ag productivity. Soybean farmers will dialogue with legislators about the benefits of a collaborative, watershed approach to improved water quality. And ISA will seek continued partnerships with farmers and cities to make real progress on conservation to the benefit of all Iowans.” 



End of Legislative Session – Water Quality Funding

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey issued the following statement following the closing of the 2017 Legislative Session.  Northey’s statement follows here:

“Iowa is recognized as a national leader for its collaborative, research-based efforts to improve water quality and we are proud of all the work that is being done on our farms and in communities across the state.

I want to thank the Iowa legislature for approving increased annual appropriations for both the water quality initiative and soil conservation efforts in fiscal year 2018.  The Iowa legislature approved over $10.5 million for water quality efforts this session which will allow us to continue to expand the efforts already underway.  I also want to thank the Governor and Lt. Governor for their continued leadership in identifying and securing ongoing funding to support water quality efforts in Iowa.

While I am disappointed the Legislature was not able to reach an agreement on a long-term water quality funding source this year, we will continue the important work of reaching out and working with all Iowans to achieve the water quality goals we share.”



Cattle on Feed: Placements Record Large in March
Katelyn McCullock, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

Cattle on feed came out last Friday providing an update of cattle supplies moving in and out of feedlots.  Placements into feedlots were record large since this series began in 1996, coming in 11% above 2016, adding 210,000 head.  Fed cattle marketed continued its aggressive pace of 10% above a year ago; while supplies of cattle on feed were up slightly, about 51,000 head higher, or half a percent.

April is also a quarterly report for cattle on feed which includes the class mix of cattle.  The steer and heifer mix showed an increase in heifers, which were up 5% compared to last year and make up 34% of the total inventory.  Steers on feed are down 2% from the previous year but still account for 66% of inventory. This is the highest number of heifers on feed since April 2014.  Although this number is greater than it has been in the last couple of years, it is still relatively low compared to historical values.  Higher herd inventories and a larger calf crop translates to more heifers available even while producers may still be in an expansionary phase.

Placements favored increases in the 700-799 weight category, representing 61% of the total increase in all placements. Increases in placements are due to larger supplies of Mexican feeders as well as improved feedlot returns and cattle coming off of wheat pasture.  Marketings however, have been aggressive year to date and pulled cattle weights down compounding the normal seasonal decline in dressed weights.  Dressed weights have been running below a year ago since the start of the year tempering the effect of higher cattle supplies.  Steer dressed weights were down 28 pounds year over year for the week ending April 8th, continuing a trend that has put steer dressed weights down an average of 13 pounds per week though the first 14 weeks of the year.  Heifer dressed weights have had similar declines.



USDA Cold Storage March 2017 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers on March 31, 2017 were down 5 percent from the previous month and down 7 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 8 percent from the previous month and down 4 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 10 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 27 percent from last month but down 68 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on March 31, 2017 were up 2 percent from the previous month and up 2 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were down 3 percent from the previous month and down 3 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 13 percent from last month and up 16 percent from March 31, 2016.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on March 31, 2017 were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 8 percent from March 31, 2016.  Butter stocks were up 1 percent from last month and up 12 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 9 percent from last month but up 24 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 6 percent from last month but up 8 percent from a year ago.



NBB Argues for Higher Advanced-Biofuel Volumes Before the D.C. Court of Appeals

Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) for 2014-16. The NBB challenged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) interpretation and use of its waiver authority under the RFS statute.

“Today’s case provides a strong opportunity to defend higher advanced-biofuel volumes. Clear market signals from more robust EPA requirements will encourage continued growth in America’s advanced biofuel—biodiesel,” said Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs at the National Biodiesel Board.

Various groups are seeking to force changes to the fuel volumes required for compliance years 2014-16 and the biomass-based diesel volume for 2017. Several cases were consolidated into the one considered today. The NBB supported EPA on the cellulosic and biomass-based diesel volume arguments by pointing to D.C. Circuit Court precedent that affirms EPA’s authority and lack of harm to obligated parties. While joining various ethanol groups on arguments related to EPA’s general waiver authority, the NBB also raised numerous arguments related to EPA’s advanced-biofuel volumes.

Historically, EPA has not deviated from the advanced-biofuel volumes required by the RFS statute, even if the agency lowered other kinds of fuels’ volumes (such as cellulosic). For the first time, EPA reduced the volumes required for advanced biofuel for 2014-16. This set the advanced-biofuels industry back, because U.S. biodiesel responds to increased demand with increased production. The NBB argues that EPA exceeded its authority and failed to move the advanced-biofuel program forward as Congress envisioned.

Congress sought to increase production and stimulate investment—not simply follow the market and maintain the status quo. Reducing the required volumes based on demand-side considerations undermines continued investment and the innovation that has successfully diversified feedstocks, increased efficiencies and lowered costs.

“There is room for more aggressive growth; the U.S. biodiesel industry can do more. We hope that the court will be persuaded by our arguments and that EPA will put in place more aggressive advanced-biofuel requirements moving forward,” said Steckel. “We look forward to working with the Trump administration to realize the potential to support additional jobs and investment in rural economies.”

The RFS—a bipartisan policy passed in 2005 and signed into law by President George W. Bush—requires increasing volumes of renewable fuels to be blended into the U.S. fuel stream. The law is divided into two broad categories: conventional biofuels, which must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 percent, and advanced biofuels, which must have a 50 percent reduction. Biodiesel is the first advanced biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide and has made up the vast majority of advanced biofuel production under the RFS to date.

Made from a diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil and animal fats, biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning diesel replacement used in existing diesel engines. According to the EPA, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 57 percent to 86 percent compared with petroleum diesel, qualifying it as an advanced biofuel under the RFS.

NBB also has a trade case pending before the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission on biodiesel imports. The National Biodiesel Board is the U.S. trade association representing the biodiesel and renewable diesel industries, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors.



Biofuels Stakeholders Issue Statement on Oral Arguments for 2014-2016 Renewable Volume Obligations

In response to oral arguments held earlier today by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on the petition for review of the Renewable Volume Obligations for 2014-2016 filed by Americans for Clean Energy, et al. v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in January 2016, the American Coalition for Ethanol, BIO, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, National Sorghum Producers, and Renewable Fuels Association issued the following statement:

“Today’s proceedings reinforced our view that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) renewable fuel targets for 2014 through 2016 were legally and factually indefensible, as well as wholly inconsistent with Congressional intent behind the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program.  That program was designed to transform the fuel market and force the oil industry to change the status quo—not to perpetuate it, as EPA has done through its annual rulemakings. The statutory basis for granting a waiver based on an 'inadequate domestic supply' of 'renewable fuels' does not allow EPA to take into account “factors that affect the consumption of renewable fuels,” as the Agency has suggested. Moreover, since the RFS program allows obligated parties to use carryover renewable identification numbers (RINs) to demonstrate compliance with the annual volume obligations, it would be hypocritical for the Agency to exclude such carryover RIN credits when determining whether the amount of available renewable fuel is adequate to achieve compliance.”  

“We are optimistic that the Court will honor Congress’ intent and remove these and other obstacles EPA has impermissibly erected to cleaner and more sustainable renewable fuels from entering the marketplace.”



New Online Training Provides Tools to Engage with Consumers in a New Way

A new online program offered by The Center for Food Integrity (CFI) equips participants in the food and agriculture industries with a unique approach to effectively engaging to earn trust with today’s increasingly curious, and often skeptical, consumer.

CFI’s Engage Online includes a series of five self-paced online modules that takes a deeper dive into current consumer attitudes and provides curriculum and activities based on CFI’s trust research, which demonstrates the power of communicating with shared values.

“Often, the first response to a consumer’s question or comment about how food is produced is to provide facts and science,” said Donna Moenning, CFI Engage Online coordinator. “But our research shows that this approach isn’t effective and can actually distance consumers. Engage Online gives participants the confidence to engage in conversations using shared values.”

CFI’s peer-reviewed and published research shows that communicating using the shared values approach is three-to-five times more important to earning trust than simply sharing facts and science or demonstrating expertise.

Engage Online is modeled after CFI’s successful Engage program, an in-person course that has trained thousands in the food and agriculture industries across the U.S. since it first launched in 2009.

Engage Online allows CFI to provide this unique training to a broader audience, said Moenning, as it can be taken anytime and anywhere. It’s available for groups and individuals.

“Engage Online is very engaging and easy to follow. It provides information that can be difficult to grasp, but it’s presented in a way that’s easy to comprehend,” said McKenzie Baecker, education specialist with National FFA Organization. “The course is relevant and appropriate for a range of audiences, from students to CEOs.”

Curriculum includes the erosion of trust, CFI consumer trust research, three steps to engaging to earn trust and values messaging.

To learn more about Engage Online, log on to www.CFI-Online.org or contact Moenning at donna.moenning@foodintegrity.org.



Land O'Lakes, Inc. Announces New Chief Financial Officer

Land O'Lakes, Inc. today announced that Bill Pieper has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, reporting directly to Chris Policinski, president and CEO. Pieper, a 12-year veteran of Land O'Lakes, will assume responsibility on May 1, 2017, for corporate finance, accounting, audit and treasury for the enterprise.

"Bill brings deep financial experience both within our farmer-owned cooperative and across related industries, and we are pleased to have him assume the CFO role," said Chris Policinski, president and CEO. "Bill's strategic financial management mindset has and will continue to support Land O'Lakes' strong growth trajectory."

Pieper joined Land O'Lakes in 2005 as vice president, finance and accounting for Purina and has had progressive roles across the businesses to move into his current role of vice president, chief accounting officer and treasurer. Prior to joining Land O'Lakes, he held senior finance roles at ADC Telecommunications and NRG Energy. He also spent seven years at KPMG earlier in his career.

Pieper steps into the role of CFO following the announcement of pending retirement for Land O'Lakes' long-time Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dan Knutson, who has served as CFO since 2000.



CWT Assists with 741,000 Pounds of Cheese Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 6 requests for export assistance from member cooperatives that have contracts to sell 740,753 pounds (336 metric tons) of Cheddar cheese to customers in Asia and the Middle East. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from April through July 2017.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives who have contracts to sell 29.164 million pounds of American-type cheeses, and 1.427 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 14 countries on four continents. The sales are the equivalent of 301.301 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.