Monday May 22 Ag News

EUROPEAN DISTRIBUTOR, METRO TO FEATURE BEEF FROM NEBRASKA

Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach today announced METRO, a French based chain store with 780 stores in 25 countries, will showcase beef from Nebraska in their European stores.  METRO, is self-described as catering to the needs of the key target group of hotels, restaurants and catering firms through exceptional competence in fresh foods.

Ibach announced the news after returning from a trip to the European Union last week, where he was accompanied by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Animal Science Professor Dr. Chris Calkins.  During meetings just outside of Brussels, the two worked together to share the story of beef from Nebraska with key sales, purchasing managers and decision makers from each country where METRO stores are located.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to announce this partnership with METRO,” said Ibach.  “The story of beef from Nebraska resonates well in every country, and more and more consumers are seeking high quality beef to serve to their families.  This is a tremendous opportunity for Nebraska and we are excited to continue our work to further develop relationships with METRO stores.”

According to Ibach, Greater Omaha Packing will be supplying the beef to METRO via INALCA an Italian importer.

In 2016, Nebraska beef accounted for 48.3 percent of the $265.6 million worth of beef exports to Europe.

Later in the trade trip, during a meeting with Goodman’s, a fine dining restaurant with multiple locations in London, Ibach and Calkins were able to assist the restaurant’s chefs in understanding ways to increase the number of cuts included on their menu, increasing the use of U.S. and Nebraska beef products.

The final stop of the trip was the 2nd Annual Celebration of Nebraska Beef at Zelman Meats in London.  The promotion was geared towards food influencers in the London area and had a large turnout where the story of beef from Nebraska was shared while the attendees were able to enjoy a wide variety of beef products.

The promotional activities were partially funded by the Nebraska Beef Council and represent a continued partnership between Nebraska’s beef community and the Nebraska Department of Agriculture to increase the sales of Nebraska beef.  Since the beginning of the partnership in 2005, Nebraska’s share of the international U.S. beef sales have increased from 3.6 percent to over 18 percent and Nebraska’s market share in Europe has also increased from 5 percent to nearly 50 percent of total sales.



New Agricultural Economic and Technology Summit Focuses on Agriculture’s Economic Outlook, Technology, Cattle Markets, and More

From global trade to the data and technology use, Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and agriculture professionals will get the information they need to develop strategies for not only this year’s growing and marketing season, but also to better position themselves for the future through tough economic times. The new Agricultural Economic and Technology Summit, to be held at the Kearney Holiday Inn, June 13-14, is a partnership between Nebraska Farm Bureau, the University of Nebraska Lincoln Agricultural Economics, Biological Systems Engineering Department, and KRVN Rural Radio Network.

“With planting and birthing season wrapping up, now is the opportunity for folks in agriculture to get away from the day-to-day grind and get the latest happenings in the world of agriculture. Plus, those attending can compare notes with fellow producers and others involved in agriculture from across the state on how the year is going so far,” said Jay Rempe, Nebraska Farm Bureau senior economist.

The summit will feature a range of Nebraska-based and national experts, including Michael Swanson, an agricultural economist and consultant for Wells Fargo; Paul Genho, an independent consultant and visiting professor for the University of Florida; Kent Bacus with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, who will discuss the ins and outs of U.S. Agricultural Trade; and Al Dutcher, Nebraska’s extension agricultural climatologist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, who will share his insights on Nebraska’s weather and climate for the remainder of the growing season.

Jim Pollock, a partner with Prassack Advisors, will share his vision and insight into the adoption and use of technology and how it is fundamentally changing how agriculture operates. Mary Kay Thatcher, American Farm Bureau’s senior director of congressional relations, is set to provide a look at the future of farm programs.

The Agricultural Economic and Technology Summit will also feature a series of breakout sessions to dig deeper into a range of subjects important to today’s agriculture. Topics include; commodity marketing strategies, technology in livestock production, nitrogen management, livestock market drivers, using data to benchmark efficiency, financial strategies to weather falling income, and UAVs in Agriculture.

"These breakouts will give the summit participants the ability to focus on the topics that are most interesting and critical to the health of their farms and ranches," Rempe said.

Information on the summit, including an online registration form and agenda, can be found at https://www.nefb.org/agecontech or contact Whittney Kelley at 402-421-4760 or via email at whittneyk@nefb.org.



TIME TO PUT NITROGEN ON WARM-SEASON GRASSES
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Warm-season grasses provide good pasture and hay, and they use soil nutrients efficiently.  However, adding a little fertilizer can stimulate a lot more growth.

              As summer approaches, it soon becomes time to apply fetilizer to warm-season grasses.  Where you have moisture, these grasses will begin growing rapidly as soil and air temperature increase.  Adding fertilizer now will help these grasses produce extra hay or grazing.

               So – how much should you apply?  Well, that depends on your own situation.  For starters, will you effectively use the extra grass to graze more cattle or increase hay yields?  It's surprising how often we apply fertilizer and then waste extra growth by grazing poorly.  This may seem obvious, but unless you economically harvest extra growth as hay or with livestock, do not fertilize!

               Also consider the ability of your warm-season grass to yield more.  Taller warm-season grasses like big bluestem, switchgrass, and indiangrass will give a larger response to fertilizer than will shorter grasses like little bluestem, sideoats grama, or blue grama.

               And finally, adjust fertilizer for moisture conditions.  In eastern Nebraska, 50 to 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre works well for average or better moisture conditions.  In central and western Nebraska only subirrigated meadows normally have enough growth potential to respond to added nitrogen; there about 40 pounds per acre will do.  Check your moisture conditions, though, before investing in fertilizer nitrogen.  Many of these fields also need a little phosphorus so follow soil test recommendations for its amount.

               If you can benefit from extra growth on your warm-season grasses, fertilize now, in late May, for higher yields.  Then graze or cut hay on a timely basis for profitable returns.

 

PORK Academy Seminars Offer On-Farm Tips at World Pork Expo June 7-8

The Pork Checkoff’s Producer Opportunity for Revenue and Knowledge (PORK) Academy sessions will return to World Pork Expo, with seminars held Wednesday, June 7, and Thursday, June 8, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. The annual sessions help educate pig farmers on the latest trends in pork production.

“The PORK Academy sessions offer more than leading pork industry news,” said Andrew Reinecker, chair of the Checkoff’s Producer and State Services Committee and a pig farmer from York Springs, Pennsylvania. “Attendees learn more about different aspects of the industry and programs funded by the Pork Checkoff. The sessions also provide networking opportunities with leading industry professionals.”

2017 PORK Academy seminars will be held at the Varied Industries Building, Room C. Following are the topics and schedule.
 
WEDNESDAY- JUNE 7, 2017 - Varied Industries Building – Room C

9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.                                                                        
Pork Quality Initiative
Everett Forkner, Truline Genetics
The National Pork Board has been involved with producer-led meat-quality projects and initiatives for more than 25 years. The objective has always been to create more value to all segments of the pork chain by producing a better product for all consumers. Increasing the consistency of pork quality will be the major cornerstone of reaching this objective primarily by sorting various pork quality attributes such as pH, color and marbling. The ideal cooking temperature – 145o F, with a three-minute rest, also will continue to be emphasized.

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Social Media in Pork Production
Erin Brenneman, Brenneman Farms
Logan Thornton, 2017 Pig Farmer of Tomorrow
Brad Greenway, 2016 America’s Pig Farmer of the Year
There are over 2.3 billion active social media users worldwide, and that number continues to climb. With so many people active on social media sites, the importance of sharing your #RealPigFarming story online continues to grow. At this session, the three producers will share how they share their farms’ stories through social media and offer tips on how you can join the conversation.

11:15 a.m. – Noon      
Compensation in Pork Production
Karen Hoare, National Pork Board
The 2017 survey of Employee Compensation and HR Practices in Pork Production provides both a benchmark for producers when evaluating their current HR strategies and positive talking points when promoting careers in pork production. At this session, learn about the key findings from the survey and comparisons with the 2011 survey. Hoare also will highlight successes and opportunities for the pork industry in recruiting and retaining employees.

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Sub-Therapeutic Growth Promoting Antibiotic Alternatives
Wes Schweer, Iowa State University
Due to increased restrictions in the use of sub-therapeutic antibiotic growth promotants in pigs, there is a need to understand effective ways to evaluate dietary alternatives. This review of published literature was performed to determine how different alternatives influenced growth performance.

2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Who Are the Auditors Coming onto my Farm?
Collette Kaster, PAACO
This session will provide producers with more details about the types of people who are conducting Common Swine Industry Audits, including their backgrounds, the types of training they receive and their ethical responsibilities as third-party auditors.

THURSDAY- JUNE 8, 2017 - Varied Industries Building – Room C

9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Pork Quality Initiative
Jim Compart, Compart Family Farms, Inc.
The National Pork Board has been involved with producer-led meat-quality projects and initiatives for more than 25 years. The objective has always been to create more value to all segments of the pork chain by producing a better product for all consumers. Increasing the consistency of pork quality will be the major cornerstone of reaching this objective primarily by sorting various pork quality attributes such as pH, color and marbling. The ideal cooking temperature – 145o F, with a with three-minute rest, also will continue to be emphasized.
          
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Veterinary Feed Directive
Chris Rademacher, Iowa State University
This session will to answer your questions on the increased use of veterinary feed directives (VFDs) in pork production.

11:15 a.m. – Noon      
Walking through Sow Housing and Tools Available
Tim Safranski, University of Missouri
This session will present an overview of sow housing, including an introduction to recently developed tools available to help you choose or use various sow housing options.

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Secure Pork Supply Implementation
Pam Zaabel, Iowa State University
Business continuity for the pork industry during a foreign animal disease outbreak revolves around the ability to move animals to processing facilities and between production premises. Having the Secure Pork Supply Plan implemented prior to an outbreak enhances coordination and communication between all stakeholders. Webb and Zaabel will present an overview on the progress of the Secure Pork Supply Plan.

2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
U.S. Exports and International Trade
Becca Nepple, National Pork Board
Dermot Hayes, Iowa State University
Lean about U.S. pork export markets, insights into world economics and the growing opportunities for global trade.

For more information about Pork Checkoff-sponsored events and activities at World Pork Expo, call the Pork Checkoff Service Center at (800) 456-7675. For information about other World Pork Expo activities, visit www.worldpork.org.



Dairy Iowa Event is June 8

Dairy Iowa, a partnership between individuals and organizations invested in Iowa’s dairy industry, will hold its annual June Dairy Month event June 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Heartland Agribition Center in Independence. The meeting’s keynote speaker is Kevin Murphy of Food Chain Communications, addressing the challenges faced by the dairy community from misinformation and extremist attitudes, and how to respond.

The day’s events are concurrent with a youth communications workshop presented by Midwest Dairy. All Iowa dairy youth enthusiasts are encouraged to attend.

The program includes a panel of dairy farmers sharing their labor-saving and value-added efforts, as well as roundtable discussions among many of the groups who work on behalf of dairy throughout Iowa. In addition to Midwest Dairy and the Iowa State Dairy Association, participants will include the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, Northeast Iowa Community College, the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa State University.

In addition, the meeting will host the presentation of the annual Ralph Keeling Awards given to individuals dedicated to Iowa’s dairy legacy, and scholarships presented by Midwest Dairy Association and the Iowa State Dairy Association.

Those wishing to attend may visit IowaDairy.org for more information, or may contact Mitch Schulte at mschulte@midwestdairy.com or 319-775-3451.



USDA Cold Storage April 2017 Highlights

Total red meat supplies in freezers were up 4 percent on April 30, 2017 from the previous month but down 4 percent from last year. Total pounds of beef in freezers were down 1 percent from the previous month and down 2 percent from last year. Frozen pork supplies were up 9 percent from the previous month but down 6 percent from last year. Stocks of pork bellies were up 66 percent from last month but down 53 percent from last year.

Total frozen poultry supplies on April 30, 2017 were up 7 percent from the previous month and up 5 percent from a year ago. Total stocks of chicken were up 4 percent from the previous month but down 1 percent from last year. Total pounds of turkey in freezers were up 11 percent from last month and up 20 percent from April 30, 2016.

Total natural cheese stocks in refrigerated warehouses on April 30, 2017 were up 3 percent from the previous month and up 10 percent from April 30, 2016. Butter stocks were up 7 percent from last month but down 1 percent from a year ago.

Total frozen fruit stocks were down 6 percent from last month but up 17 percent from a year ago.  Total frozen vegetable stocks were down 8 percent from last month but up 5 percent from a year ago.



NEBRASKA CHICKEN AND EGGS

All layers in Nebraska during April 2017 totaled 8.25 million, down from 8.94 million the previous year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Nebraska egg production during April totaled 203 million eggs, down from 219 million in 2016. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,455 eggs, compared to 2,447 eggs in 2016.



IOWA CHICKEN & EGGS REPORT

Iowa egg production during April 2017 was 1.31 billion eggs, down 4 percent from last month, but up 21 percent from last year, according to the latest Chickens and Eggs report from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.

The average number of all layers on hand during April 2017 was 54.7 million, down 1 percent from last month, but up 11 percent from last year. Eggs per 100 layers for April were 2,388, down 3 percent from last month, but up 8 percent from last year.



April Egg Production Up 4 Percent in US

United States egg production totaled 8.64 billion during April 2017, up 4 percent from last year, according to USDA. Production included 7.55 billion table eggs, and 1.10 billion hatching eggs, of which 1.02 billion were broiler-type and 78.4 million were egg-type. The total number of layers during April 2017 averaged 374 million, up 2 percent from last year. April egg production per 100 layers was 2,311 eggs, up 2 percent from April 2016.
                                   
All layers in the United States on May 1, 2017 totaled 373 million, up 2 percent from last year. The 373 million layers consisted of 313 million layers producing table or market type eggs, 55.8 million layers producing broiler-type hatching eggs, and 3.24 million layers producing egg-type hatching eggs. Rate of lay per day on May 1, 2017, averaged 76.7 eggs per 100 layers, up 1 percent from May 1, 2016.

Egg-Type Chicks Hatched Up 1 Percent
Egg-type chicks hatched during April 2017 totaled 51.6 million, up 1 percent from April 2016. Eggs in incubators totaled 47.4 million on May 1, 2017, down 9 percent from a year ago.

Domestic placements of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks by leading breeders totaled 228 thousand during April 2017, down 35 percent from April 2016.

Broiler-Type Chicks Hatched Up 2 Percent
Broiler-type chicks hatched during April 2017 totaled 793 million, up 2 percent from April 2016. Eggs in incubators totaled 668 million on May 1, 2017, up 3 percent from a year ago.

Leading breeders placed 7.05 million broiler-type pullet chicks for future domestic hatchery supply flocks during April 2017, down 7 percent from April 2016.



ASA Welcomes Branstad as Incoming Ambassador to China

Following a vote by the Senate today to confirm former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad as the U.S. Ambassador to China, American Soybean Association (ASA) President and Illinois farmer Ron Moore expressed congratulations and support, citing Branstad’s extensive experience working with China and the importance of the market for U.S. soybean farmers.

“We cannot understate the importance of maintaining a good trading relationship with China, along with all of our top exporting countries, and having Gov. Branstad in place will help ensure that agricultural trade remains a top priority between our two countries,” Moore said.

The U.S. soybean sector exported $27 billion in soybean products last year, making it the largest agricultural export. Of that, sales to China comprised more than $14 billion, establishing the market as the most significant for U.S. soy.

“ASA is hopeful that Gov. Branstad’s background in agriculture will help the U.S. and China create greater transparency and efficiencies in the biotech approval process and maintain good trade relations,” Moore added.



Cattlemen Applaud Gov. Terry Branstad's Confirmation As Ambassador to China: "Ideal person to help facilitate the U.S. beef industry’s return to the Chinese market"

Craig Uden, president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad to be the U.S. Ambassador to China:

“As the six-term governor of a state with more than $10 billion in annual agricultural exports, Terry Branstad is an ideal person to help facilitate the U.S. beef industry’s return to the Chinese market for the first time in 13-plus years. Ambassador Branstad has said that he intends to serve American-produced beef at the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and America’s cattle producers look forward to working with him to make that a reality as soon as possible.”

In addition, Mike Cline, president of the Iowa Cattlemen's Association, said:

"Ambassador Branstad has been a great friend to Iowa cattlemen and the agriculture industry as Governor of Iowa. He has shown a great commitment to the growth of beef and other agricultural exports, and we look forward to the work he will do on behalf of all Americans in his new capacity as Ambassador to China."



Growth Energy Applauds Confirmation of Ambassador Branstad to China

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor released the following statement regarding the Senate’s confirmation of Iowa Governor Terry Branstad for Ambassador to China.

“We congratulate Ambassador Branstad on his confirmation and look forward to a great champion for ethanol to serve in this role. This will hopefully be an important first step to re-opening the Chinese marketplace to American ethanol and distiller’s grains (DDGs).

“We thank Ambassador Branstad for his tireless work on behalf of America’s farmers and the biofuels industry in his capacity as governor of Iowa and we are excited to have a trusted ally in this important new role.”



Iowa Soybean Association, biodiesel industry welcome Kim Reynolds as Iowa Governor

With the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Terry Branstad as U.S. Ambassador to China, the Iowa Biodiesel Board and Iowa Soybean Association welcome Kim Reynolds as the 43rd Governor of Iowa. Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) President Rolland Schnell of Newton and Grant Kimberley, ISA director of market development and executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, issued the following statement:

Rolland Schnell
“Gov. Kim Reynolds is a proven advocate for farm families, supporting Iowa jobs and improving the prosperity of our local communities. Her experience as lieutenant governor and state senator provides her with a unique understanding of agriculture’s role as a catalyst for employment and economic development in Iowa.

“She also knows the important role trade plays in supporting Iowa jobs and economic prosperity. She has been a staunch supporter of the soybean industry, participating in numerous trade missions while welcoming international delegations to Iowa. Soybean farmers look forward to accompanying her on a trade mission to China this summer as we continue to build relationships and business with key markets.

“Gov. Reynolds is also keenly aware of the leadership role Iowa plays in producing and selling soybeans and how soybean farmers are demonstrating efficient production with improved conservation and water quality practices. We will work closely with her to establish dedicated and sustained funding to drive greater adoption of conservation practices to the betterment of all Iowans.”

Grant Kimberley
“It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome Kim Reynolds as Governor of Iowa. We have no doubt she will be an extremely capable governor who will continue to care deeply about science, agriculture and biofuels, recognizing the benefits these key industries bring to our state.

“Having worked with her on trade missions abroad and on biofuels issues at home, she has shown herself to be a natural-born leader in her own right. Governor Reynolds has steadfastly supported the comprehensive state biodiesel policies that help make Iowa the number one biodiesel-producing state. At the federal level, we’re confident she will be an outspoken proponent of the Renewable Fuel Standard, as was her predecessor. 

“The State of Iowa is fortunate to have her take the helm from Governor Branstad, who we heartily thank for his decades of strong leadership. His work made Iowa a better place, and we look forward to many productive years ahead working with Governor Reynolds on issues critical to Iowa’s economy and environment.”



CWT Assists with 2.8 Million Pounds of Cheese and Butter Export Sales

Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) has accepted 14 requests for export assistance from Dairy Farmers of America, Foremost Farms USA, Northwest Dairy Association (Darigold) and Tillamook County Creamery Association, which have contracts to sell 2.57 million pounds (1,165 metric tons) of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and 220,462 pounds (100 metric tons) of butter to customers in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Oceania. The product has been contracted for delivery in the period from May through August 2017.

So far this year, CWT has assisted member cooperatives that have contracts to sell 34.17 million pounds of American-type cheeses and 2.31 million pounds of butter (82% milkfat) to 16 countries on four continents. The sales are the equivalent of 367.38 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.



Urge Congress to Pass Legislation Eliminating Unnecessary NPDES Permits

Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 953) and U.S. Senate (S. 340) that would clarify that federal law does not require the redundant and unfairly burdensome National Polluntant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for already regulated pesticide applications.  

The requirement to obtain NPDES permits for point source discharges from pesticide applications to waters of the United States stems from a 2009 decision by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.  In its ruling, the Sixth Circuit determined that (1) biological pesticides and (2) chemical pesticides that leave a residue are pollutants as defined under the CWA and as such are subject to regulations applicable to pollutants. Courts have previously determined that applications of pesticides, such as from nozzles of planes and trucks, irrigation equipment, etc. are point sources.

The Agricultural Retailers Association and allied industry stakeholders have been leading an effort to pass this legislation over the past several years.  It was one of ARA's priority issues discussed during the 2017 ARA Winter Board meeting and Legislative Fly-In this past February.  There are many obstacles in our path to secure a NPDES permit legislative fix and we need your help in urging your Senators and Representatives to support and pass this common-sense, bipartisan legislation.

H.R. 953 is pending in the House Rules Committee and scheduled to be considered by the full U.S. House of Representatives this Wednesday, May 24, 2017.



Terry Wehrkamp takes leadership of Animal Agriculture Alliance board

Terry Wehrkamp, director of live production, Cooper Farms, is now chairperson of The Animal Agriculture Alliance Board of Directors. Cooper Farms has been a member of the Alliance for more than ten years and Wehrkamp has served on the board since 2014. Wehrkamp accepted the gavel at the spring board meeting earlier this month from immediate past chairperson Sherrie Webb, director of animal welfare for the National Pork Board.

As director of live production, Wehrkamp manages the teams caring for the company’s turkeys, hogs and chickens and its feed production. A well-respected industry leader, Wehrkamp was inducted into The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences Hall of Fame in December 2015 and was awarded the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010.

At the same meeting, the board elected Sarah Novak of the American Feed Industry Association as its chair-elect for a two-year term beginning in May 2019. AFIA, one of the founders of the Alliance, has remained a member of the organization for its entire 30-year history. Novak joined the Alliance board in 2009. Novak is the American Feed Industry Association’s vice president of membership and public relations. Prior to joining AFIA, Novak was Director of Membership for the U.S. Grains Council and has industry experience from her employment with Vita Plus and Milk Specialties. Novak joined AFIA in 2007 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in animal science and a Master’s degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin.

“The Alliance is very appreciative to Sherrie Webb for two years of supportive, innovative leadership,” said Kay Johnson Smith, Alliance president and CEO. “We are excited to work with Terry as our new chair and Sarah as our chair-elect. They both possess clear passion for animal agriculture, and I know their guidance will help take the Alliance’s efforts to new heights.

The Alliance also announced two new members of its Executive Committee: Dallas Hockman, vice president of industry relations, National Pork Producers Council and Derek Yancey, president, Morning Fresh Farms.

These announcements were made earlier this month at the Alliance’s spring board meeting, held in conjunction with the 2017 Stakeholders Summit. The Summit, themed “Connect to Protect Animal Agriculture: #ActionPlease2017” attracted a record-setting crowd of 276 to Kansas City. Recorded sessions are available to view at: http://agtoday.us/2017-aaa-summit.



A Look at the Economics of Parasite Control

When cattle prices are lower and every input cost is scrutinized, it’s tempting to drop parasite control from the health program to save a little money. However, studies have shown a true economic benefit to controlling parasites.

“Parasite burdens in grazing cattle can decrease efficiency due to decreased appetites and utilization of feed that is readily available,” said Libby Fraser, DVM, Beef Technical Services at Zoetis. “When cattle are gathering their own feed, it is important for them to have healthy appetites. That good appetite can often be measured in end-of-grazing season weight gains.”

A field trial in preweaned grazing beef calves nursing their dams demonstrated a net value advantage for DECTOMAX® Injectable Solution when compared to LongRange® and a set of control animals that were not treated for parasites.1 Both treated groups received the recommended label dosage of 1 mL per 110 lbs. of body weight at turnout time in June. The DECTOMAX group received a second dose in August at the time calves were processed for preconditioning vaccinations. The LongRange group only received the single dose at the beginning of the grazing season as per its label.

While the calves treated for parasites showed a significant (P-value < .03) advantage in gain over the control group, there was no difference in gain between DECTOMAX and LongRange. When the labor costs, the costs of the products and the pounds of gain were all analyzed, the DECTOMAX group had a net value advantage over the control group of $65.55, while LongRange had a $62.50 advantage.1 Controlling parasites had a true economic benefit in this field trial.

Benjamin Ranch near Silma, Colorado, had a similar experience with the products in grazing yearling stocker cattle. Lee Benjamin and his family operates a commercial cow/calf herd of about 250 Angus cows bred to Charolais bulls, as well as grazing yearlings.

Benjamin wanted to see how DECTOMAX Injectable and LongRange would perform in his grazing yearlings. At the end of a 96-day grazing season, during which he conducted a small side-by-side trial, Benjamin was pleased with the results he had in the yearlings receiving DECTOMAX.

“Overall, I was really pleased with the health and performance of the cattle receiving DECTOMAX, and it cost less to administer,” said Benjamin. “When you couple those two together, it makes more sense to me.”

“My biggest disappointment for 2016 was that I gave all of my yearlings LongRange except the 18 head that received DECTOMAX,” Benjamin said. “I feel like I used the wrong product on 175 head of yearlings.”

When developing a parasite control program, work closely with your veterinarian or visit with your Zoetis representative about options available.




Deere Announces Second-Quarter Earnings of $802 Million

Net income attributable to Deere & Company was $802.4 million, or $2.49 per share, for the second quarter ended April 30, 2017, compared with $495.4 million, or $1.56 per share, for the period ended May 1, 2016.

For the first six months of the year, net income attributable to Deere & Company was $996.2 million, or $3.10 per share, compared with $749.8 million, or $2.36 per share, last year.

Worldwide net sales and revenues increased 5 percent, to $8.287 billion, for the second quarter and increased 4 percent, to $13.912 billion, for six months. Net sales of the equipment operations were $7.260 billion for the quarter and $11.958 billion for the first six months, compared with $7.107 billion and $11.876 billion for the same periods last year.

"John Deere reported strong results in the second quarter as market conditions showed signs of further stabilization," said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and chief executive officer. "We are seeing modestly higher overall demand for our products, with farm machinery sales in South America experiencing a strong recovery. Deere's performance also reflects the sound execution of our operating plans, the strength of a broad product portfolio, and the impact of our actions to develop a more agile cost structure. As a result, we have raised our forecast and are now calling for significantly higher earnings for the full year."