Monday June 5 Ag News

Nebraska Junior Beef Expo results

110 head of cattle and 65 youth exhibited during the three day event June 2-4 at Norfolk, NE- Northeast Community College. 

Supreme High Percentage Breeding Heifer- Lauren Trauernicht, Wymore, NE- representing the Simmental breed.  Reserve Supreme High Percentage Breeding Heifer- Devon Benes, Valparaiso, NE- representing the Charolais breed.

Supreme Low Percentage Breeding Heifer- Abby Nelson, Valparaiso, NE- representing the Simmental breed.  Reserve Supreme Low Percentage Breeding Heifer- Kendra Schulz, Pierce, NE- representing the Maine Anjou breed.

Supreme Market Animal- Derek Reardon, St. Edward, NE- representing the Chianina breed.  Reserve Supreme Market Animal- Kylie Kempf, Carroll, NE- representing the Charolais breed.

Champion Bred-and-Owned breeding heifer - Lauren Trauernicht, Wymore, NE representing the Simmental breed - Reserve Champion Bred-and-Owned breeding heifer - Abby Nelson, Valparaiso representing the Chianina breed. 

Supreme Jr. Showmanship- Nicole Nichols, Chambers, NE- representing the Simmental breed.  Reserve Supreme Jr. Showmanship- Cassidee Stratman, West Point, NE- representing the Maine Anjou breed

Supreme Sr. Showmanship- Abby Nelson, Valparaiso, NE- representing the Simmental breed.  Reserve Supreme Sr. Showmanship- Stephanie Kersten, Gretna, NE- representing the Simmental breed. 

Supreme Jr. Overall In Contests- Carson Maricle, Albion, NE- representing the Red Angus breed.  Reserve Supreme Jr. Overall in Contests- TIE- Megan Amos, Stapleton, NE representing the Limousin breed and Madison Hirschman, St. Paul, NE representing the Red Angus breed

Supreme Sr. Overall In Contests- Madysen Cox, Bennet, NE- representing the Shorthorn breed.  Reserve Supreme Sr. Overall in Contests- TIE- Kaydee Caldwell, Edgar, NE representing the Red Angus breed and Paige Netzke, Lamberton, MN, representing the Charolais breed

Scholarship Winners- Each will receive $500 from the NJBE
Stephanie Kersten, Gretna, NE- Simmental
Kylie Volk, Arlington, NE- Simmental
Macy Bakenhus, Columbus, NE- Shorthorn



Cost-share deadline approaching for installation of irrigation flow meters

In an effort to remain proactive in the management of our groundwater, flow meters are required on all active irrigation wells within the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District (LENRD) by January 1, 2018.

The LENRD has secured two grants to assist landowners with the expense of this requirement.  Funding is limited, and the deadline to apply for cost-share is Friday, June 30th, 2017 with some funds expiring on Friday, June 16th, 2017.  Contact your local NRCS office or the LENRD to apply.

Two funding options available:
1)  RCPP:  The LENRD received one of 6 Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grants in Nebraska to fund producers’ irrigation water management projects.  The RCPP is administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The RCPP grant, under the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), includes incentive payments for the installation of irrigation flow meters, irrigation water management, and nutrient management.  The RCPP grant is for producers who want to utilize more technology in their Irrigation Water Management (IWM).  In addition, the LENRD will offer incentive payments of $250 per flow meter to producers who are approved for the EQIP/RCPP funding.  Landowners must apply at their local NRCS office by June 16, 2017 to take advantage of this funding.

2)  WSF:  The LENRD has also received a grant from Nebraska’s Water Sustainability Fund (WSF), administered by the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, to assist landowners with the purchase of flow meters.

With the WSF grant, the LENRD will pay producers $500 per flow meter.  All producers who have installed flow meters on or after November 25th, 2015, or producers who have yet to install their flow meters, can apply for the $500 incentive payments until the funds run out.  Application for the flow meter cost-share can be completed by visiting your local NRCS office or the LENRD office in Norfolk.  LENRD Assistant General Manager, Brian Bruckner, said, “These incentives are available for producers on a first-come, first-served basis.  There is enough grant money to cost-share on 3,000 meters.   Therefore, it’s very important that producers apply at their local NRCS office or the LENRD office by June 30th, 2017.”

The LENRD has approved seven meters for installation.  LENRD Projects Manager, Curt Becker, said, “The change in our Groundwater Management Area rules and regulations also requires anyone installing a flow meter within the LENRD to attend an installation training session to become a certified installer.”  A list of the approved meters as well as a list of the LENRD Certified Flow Meter Installation Contractors can be found on the district’s website.  These contractors have already completed the required flow meter installation training.  Becker added, “If you do not want to become certified to install your own meter, you must select a certified installer from the list.”  If you would like to be trained to install your own flow meter, please contact the LENRD, or visit www.lenrd.org/flow-meters for more information.



 E85 for Just 85 Cents in Lincoln

Flex fuel vehicle drivers can take advantage of huge savings with E85 for just 85 cents at Pump & Pantry (West O and Sun Valley Blvd.) in Lincoln Thursday, June 8 from 3-6 p.m. Consumers will be limited to 30 gallons and no containers are allowed.

There will be a ribbon cutting at 2:30 p.m. to mark the grand opening of Pump & Pantry’s flex fuel pumps, which now dispense E85 and Clean 88 – a high-octane, cleaner-burning blend of 15 percent ethanol.

The sponsors – Nebraska Ethanol Board, Nebraska Corn Board, Husker Ag and Bosselman Enterprises – will be on site greeting drivers, pumping fuel, and providing giveaways and a limited number of Saltdogs tickets. The Nebraska Danger professional indoor arena football team will also attend to greet fans and fuel vehicles.

The excitement continues at Haymarket Park at 6:45 p.m. when the Lincoln Saltdogs play the Sioux Falls Canaries. Charlie Bosselman, CEO of Bosselman Enterprises, will throw the opening pitch followed by drawings throughout the game to win American Ethanol t-shirts, Saltdogs tickets and baseballs.

One in seven Nebraskans are driving a flex fuel vehicle, which can run on any blend of American Ethanol up to E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline). Drivers can check their owner’s manual to see if they’re driving a flex fuel vehicle. The vehicle might also have a flex fuel badge on the trunk or tailgate — or have a yellow gas cap.



CUTTING EXCESS SPRING PASTURE FOR HAY
Bruce Anderson, NE Extension Forage Specialist

               Abundant spring rain.  That’s something most folks received this year.  How will you handle the excess pasture growth all that rain will produce?

               Extra rain produces extra grass.  As pastures grow faster than cattle can eat, finding ways to use this extra grass efficiently can be like money in the bank.

               The most obvious way to conserve extra growth is by cutting hay from parts of the pasture.  Normally I try to avoid extra hay cutting but if you have the equipment, the time, and more pasture than you can use this spring, cutting hay for use later in summer or winter when pasture becomes scarce is a good option.

               If you choose the hay option, cut as seedheads emerge for good hay quality and plant regrowth potential.  Also, fence out soon the area to be cut from the rest of the pasture.  Otherwise, cattle will ignore and waste the taller, stemmier grass as they just graze new regrowth after cutting hay.  You might even apply a little nitrogen fertilizer to stimulate growth if soil moisture still is good.

               Don’t be surprised if certain weeds like common ragweed or foxtails become abundant in areas cut for hay.  Ragweed or other non-palatable broadleaf weeds can be killed easily with herbicides if necessary.  Herbicide options are much more limited for the foxtails or other annual grassy weeds, but cattle will graze them quite well if you allow them access before these weeds begin to head out.  And the same holds true for many broadleaf weeds.

               Don’t let extra spring pasture go to waste.  Cutting the excess as hay is one way to save and stretch your forage supply.



Beef and Pork Exports Moderate in April, but Remain Well above Year-ago Levels

In April, U.S. red meat exports slowed moderately from the red-hot pace established in March but were still significantly higher year-over-year, according to statistics released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Beef exports reached 99,786 metric tons (mt) in April, up 13 percent from a year ago, valued at $550.4 million, up 14 percent. For January through April, beef exports were up 14 percent in volume (392,001 mt) and 18 percent in value ($2.16 billion) compared to the same period last year.

April exports accounted for 13.6 percent of total U.S. beef production and 10.6 percent for muscle cuts only – up from 13 percent and 9.9 percent, respectively, last year. Through April, exports accounted for 12.7 percent of total beef production (up slightly from last year) and 10 percent for muscle cuts (up from 9.5 percent). April export value per head of fed slaughter averaged $283.52 – up 12 percent from a year ago and the highest of 2017. Through April, per-head export value averaged $271.57, up 11 percent.

Pork exports followed a record-breaking March with a solid April performance, reaching 203,091 mt – up 8 percent from a year ago and the largest April volume on record. Export value was up 11 percent to $517.5 million. For January through April, pork exports increased 15 percent in volume (830,738 mt) and 19 percent in value ($2.1 billion).

Pork exports as a percentage of U.S. production continued to run well ahead of last year, as April exports accounted for 28.4 percent of total pork production and 23.5 percent for muscle cuts only – up from 26.2 percent and 22.1 percent, respectively. Through April, exports accounted 27.5 percent of total pork production and 22.8 for muscle cuts (up from 24.4 percent and 20.5 percent last year). Export value per head slaughtered also trended much higher than a year ago – averaging $55.39 for April (up 11 percent) and $53.12 through April (up 16 percent).

“While April was a very solid month for U.S. red meat exports, we remain in an extremely competitive situation across the world and must stay aggressive with our marketing efforts,” said Philip Seng, USMEF president and CEO. “It is especially gratifying to see our per-head return growing in 2017, even as slaughter numbers are on the rise. But this is also not lost on our competitors, who will quickly fill the void if we do not defend our market share. This is why the continued investment of checkoff dollars and USDA funding in international market development is so critically important.”

Asian markets continue to fuel beef export growth
Leading market Japan continued to shine for U.S. beef in April, with exports up 15 percent in volume (23,540 mt) and 17 percent in value ($143.3 million). Through April, exports to Japan exceeded last year’s pace by more than one-third in both volume (97,951 mt, up 34 percent) and value ($570.6 million, up 35 percent). Growth to Japan has been driven by the surging volume of chilled U.S. beef, with the U.S. capturing 52 percent of Japan’s chilled imports, up from 39 percent market share during the first four months of 2016. U.S. chilled exports through April increased by 48 percent to 45,295 mt, valued at $320 million (up 43 percent), indicating widespread acceptance and a growing range of U.S. cuts available in both the retail and foodservice sectors.

Beef exports to South Korea cooled to some degree in April but remained above last year’s strong pace at 11,837 mt (up 8 percent) valued at $78.5 million (up 17 percent). For January through April, exports to Korea were up 19 percent in volume (54,388 mt) and 27 percent in value ($346 million). Similar to Japan, the driver of growth to Korea is in chilled U.S. beef, with exports through April totaling 12,003 mt (up 84 percent) valued at $106 million (up 86 percent). Korean quarantine clearance data show this strong growth continued through May, with the U.S. share of Korea’s chilled beef imports climbing to 53 percent – up from 38 percent in the same period last year.

The recent rebound continued for beef exports to Hong Kong, where a strong April performance pushed year-to-date exports ahead of last year’s pace. April exports were up 73 percent in volume (11,232 mt) and 67 percent in value ($66.6 million). Through April, exports to Hong Kong totaled 37,392 mt (up 2 percent) valued at $233.9 million (up 10 percent).

Driven by excellent results in the Philippines and Vietnam, April exports to the ASEAN region more than doubled from a year ago in volume (3,783 mt, up 105 percent) and nearly doubled in value ($18.1 million, up 95 percent). April exports to the Philippines (1,522 mt) were the largest in two years and the volume shipped to Vietnam (1,035 mt) was the largest since 2012. For January through April, exports to the ASEAN region increased 62 percent from a year ago in volume (10,975 mt) and 48 percent in value ($59.9 million).

Beef exports to Taiwan remained on a very solid pace, with April volume up 15 percent to 3,753 mt and value up 30 percent to $32.9 million. Through April, exports to Taiwan totaled 13,499 mt (up 24 percent) valued at $118.5 million (up 29 percent). This included chilled beef exports of 5,320 mt valued at 61.6 million.

Mexico was the only major market in which April beef exports dipped below last year’s pace, totaling 17,525 mt (down 15 percent) valued at $69.2 million (down 23 percent). Through April, exports to Mexico were still up 7 percent from a year ago in volume (74,582 mt) but were 4 percent lower in value ($296 million).

Mexico leads April pork export growth as demand from China softens
Mexico continued to solidify its position as the largest volume destination for U.S. pork as April exports were up 10 percent from a year ago in volume (58,828 mt) and exceeded $100 million in value for the 12th consecutive month ($104.7 million, up 12 percent). Through April, exports to Mexico were 24 percent higher than a year ago in volume (265,090 mt) and up 34 percent in value ($476.6 million).

April pork exports to leading value market Japan were steady with last year’s volume at 32,552 mt and 2 percent higher in value at $129.5 million. Through April, exports to Japan remained 5 percent higher than a year ago in volume (134,133 mt) and were up 10 percent in value ($540.8 million). Japanese import data indicate that Canada continues to aggressively pursue Japan’s high-value chilled market, with imports from Canada (53,220 mt) running 19 percent ahead of last year’s pace while chilled imports from the U.S. were up 2 percent to 71,228 mt.

As China’s domestic pork production rebounds, U.S. pork muscle cut exports to China/Hong Kong have trended below year-ago levels each month in 2017 (although exports in April were the largest this year). Exports of pork variety meat, however, have continued to outpace year-ago levels and helped offset much of the decline in muscle cut exports. For combined pork and pork variety meat exports, April volume was down 7 percent to 48,457 mt but value was steady with last year at $96.7 million. For January through April, exports to China/Hong Kong were still 2 percent higher than a year ago in volume (179,493 mt) and up 8 percent in value to $355.5 million. This was driven by a 21 percent increase in variety meat exports to 115,305 mt. These exports also commanded higher prices as value jumped 29 percent to $239 million.

With exports to China/Hong Kong expected to face steeper terrain in coming months as China’s domestic hog prices continue to fall, other destinations for U.S. pork used for further processing take on added importance. In addition to leading market Mexico, some markets that posted impressive April results included:
-    Pork exports to South Korea continued their upward trajectory in April, climbing 21 percent above last year in volume (14,585 mt) and 32 percent higher in value ($41 million). Through April, exports to Korea were 28 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (65,743 mt) and 37 percent higher in value ($177.9 million).
-    April pork exports to Australia were 11 percent higher than a year ago in volume (5,485 mt) and 17 percent higher in value ($16 million), pushing January-April results to 26,092 mt (up 31 percent) valued at $73.8 million (up 36 percent).
-    Colombia led a very strong month for pork exports to Central and South America, with April exports to Colombia increasing 84 percent from a year ago in volume (5,085 mt) and more than doubling in value ($12.2 million, up 118 percent). Through April, export volume to Colombia was up 96 percent to 21,617 mt while value jumped 104 percent to $48.7 million. Bolstered also by a large increase in exports to Chile, export volume to Central and South America was up 45 percent through April at 53,741 mt while value climbed 47 percent to $127.8 million.
-    April exports to the Philippines increased 91 percent from a year ago in volume (3,430 mt) and soared 217 percent in value to $9.2 million. This pushed January-April exports to the Philippines to 11,217 mt (up 14 percent) valued at $28.3 million (up 42 percent). Exports to the ASEAN region were 6 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (12,907 mt) through April while value was up 28 percent to $33.4 million.
-    April exports to the Dominican Republic were up 53 percent in volume (3,567 mt) and 73 percent in value (just under $8 million). Through April, exports increased 29 percent in volume (11,365 mt) and 38 percent in value ($25.2 million).

Lamb exports retreat in April
After a strong performance in March, U.S. lamb exports slumped in April with volume (493 mt) down 23 percent from a year ago and value falling 19 percent to $1.3 million. Through April, lamb exports were down 25 percent from a year ago to 2,479 mt but were still 3 percent higher in value at $6.3 million. Although down sharply in April, lamb muscle cut exports remained 17 percent ahead of last year’s pace in volume (731 mt) and 20 percent higher in value ($4.3 million), including promising growth to the Caribbean and Hong Kong.



Pork Checkoff Publishes New PRRS Initiative Research Book

The National Pork Board’s new porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus research booklet is now available. The guide, PRRS Initiative Research, is the most comprehensive source of Checkoff-funded research available on the subject, spanning 20 years of results.

“Each year, the effect of PRRS is felt on pig farms across the country, and it has a $664 million annual impact on the U.S. pork industry,” said David Pyburn, DVM, senior vice president of science and technology, National Pork Board. “The Pork Checkoff has consistently invested in swine science and PRRS research, and the result is a guide that will provide value to understanding PRRS in an effort to address its impact.”

The updated and expanded 2017 edition contains Checkoff-funded PRRS research from 1997 to 2016, which can help producers, swine veterinarians and researchers learn more about how to control the costly virus. The guide has six sections including:
-    Immunology, virology and pathogenesis
-    Vaccine development
-    Epidemiology, risk factors and control strategies
-    Diagnostic testing
-    Surveillance and elimination strategies
-    Genetic resistance

The PRRS Initiative Research (1997-2016) is available online. For more information on the guide, contact Lisa Becton, DVM, at LBecton@pork.org­­ or at (515) 223-2791. This week, World Pork Expo attendees also can receive more information on the new guide and discuss research findings with Pork Checkoff staff on-site at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, June 7-9, in Des Moines.



Perdue Statement on Visit to Toronto, First International Trip as Secretary of Agriculture

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today completed a trip to Toronto, marking his first international trip as secretary.  Perdue conducted a series of meetings with Canadian officials, including Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay and current Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne, regarding bilateral trade issues of importance.  Among other issues, Perdue raised the topic of American ultra-filtered milk that has been a point of disagreement between the U.S. and Canada.

Perdue also participated in a celebration of the 10th year of the Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS-CP), an organization meant to foster mutually beneficial relationships Perdue helped found as governor of Georgia in 2007.  Perdue participated in a “fireside chat” regarding SEUS-CP with former Premier of Quebec Jean Charest.

Finally, Perdue attended the inaugural “tasteU.S.” culinary showcase of Southeastern United States products at the Marché Mövenpick Brookfield Restaurant.

Following his meetings in Canada, Perdue issued the following statement:
“We had very good, very candid discussions, very frank, like family members discussing some things that are not necessarily comfortable.  We laid out a great framework to begin renegotiating NAFTA.

“I was able to describe the issues that we feel are important to resolve – and can be resolved – as we begin to renegotiate NAFTA.  That has to do, obviously, with the dairy issue and the wheat grading issue that deals with feed grade wheat that’s not grown in Canada.  And also certain provincial wine issues, where wines are not displayed out in front where other Canadian wine is.

“It was not the purpose today to enter into deep negotiations back and forth, but to lay out the issues that we had concerns about.  It’s not our purpose to try to manage or try to get involved in their internal supply management regarding the dairy industry.  The ultra-filtered milk was not included in NAFTA.  And I made it very clear that the Class 7 designation we felt was an unfair undercutting of the U.S. industry that grew up south of the U.S.-Canada border.  It cut these producers and this industry out of shipping the ultra-filtered milk into their cheese industry, which was in demand in Canada.  I also said, if you want to manage your dairy supply with supply management, that’s fine.  You just need to manage it and not overproduce to create a glut of milk solids on the world market that’s being dumped at unfair prices.

“While we didn’t try to negotiate back and forth, I think it was clearly understood that we consider all options on the table and we’ll pursue them in the best interests of U.S. producers.”



Restaurant Performance Index Falls
Katelyn McCullock, Economist, American Farm Bureau Federation

The latest data, released June 1, 2017, reflects a steep drop-1.5 percent-- from March to April in the Restaurant Performance Index. The RPI is a monthly composite of the health of the U.S. restaurant industry and is measured in values relative to 100.  Values exceeding 100 indicate the industry is expanding, while values below 100 indicate contraction.  April currently stands at 100.3, just barely over the 100 mark.  The National Restaurant Association cites a net decline in customer traffic and same-store sales, as well as a decline in optimism over the economy, compared to the March survey. Figure 1 shows the RPI 2003 to April 2017.

Using different industry indicators, the RPI can be divided into current situation or expectations. The current situation part of the index uses four industry indicators: same-store sales, traffic, labor and capital expenditures.  This too dipped below the previous month, down 2.3 percent from March to 99.1.  The current situation would indicate restaurants are currently in a contraction-oriented phase.

The expectation piece of this index remains expansionary--with the expectation index still over 100, at 101.5-although it is down 0.7 percent since March.  The expectation index looks at four indicators as well but over the next six months.  It takes into account restaurant operators' outlook on same-store sales, employees, capital expenditures and business conditions.  Although the index is still over 100, NRA noted April is the lowest expectation index in the last six months.

An expansionary outlook on the economy bodes well for livestock producers and should provide a boost to demand to help lessen the negative effects of the large production numbers that are expected in beef, pork and chicken.  However, the decline in the index relative to the first three months of the year in expectations is a bit worrisome and could spell trouble later in the year.  For now though, the outlook remains positive. Another boost to the domestic demand picture is the growing interest in new cuts of meat, which NRA named as the top new food trend in 2017.  Vegetarian and vegan dishes were listed as cooling trends.  These trendy changes will certainly add to domestic consumption as we see more meat dishes featured throughout the restaurant complex.



KDA to Host Animal Disease Traceability Forum June 22

The Kansas Department of Agriculture will host an Animal Disease Traceability (ADT) Forum on Thursday, June 22, 2017, at the K-State Alumni Center at 1720 Anderson Ave. in Manhattan. The forum will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m.

Similar to other public forums held around the country, officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) will be on hand to provide information about the current ADT system and engage in a discussion on the successes and challenges of the current ADT framework, specifically for traceability in cattle and bison. Participants in the forum will also have the opportunity to provide solutions for improving the existing ADT system and ideas for the future of the program.

Animal disease traceability — knowing where diseased and at-risk animals are, where they've been, and when — is important to ensure a rapid response when animal disease events take place. An efficient and accurate animal disease traceability system helps reduce the number of animals involved in an investigation, reduces the time needed to respond, and decreases the cost to producers and the government. The federal Traceability for Livestock Moved Interstate rule went into effect in March 2013 and established minimum national official identification and documentation requirements for the traceability of livestock moving interstate.

The ADT forum in Kansas is open to the public. Individuals wishing to participate in the forum can register at the formsite link or at the KDA website, agriculture.ks.gov/ADT. Registration will be available on site. Individuals who have questions about the forum should contact Mary Soukup at Mary.Soukup@ks.gov or call 785-564-6700 for more information.



National Agricultural Genotyping Center Announces New Tools in Corn Disease Identification

Identifying corn diseases and pursuing the best management plan available just got easier, faster and more cost effective due to new testing protocols announced today by the National Agricultural Genotyping Center located in Fargo, North Dakota.

“Farming is a complicated pursuit that involves many choices. Making the right choice at the right time can have a huge effect on profitability,” said Larry Hoffman, Chairman of the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Productivity & Quality Action Team. “This is especially true when it comes to identifying the dozens of diseases that can harm healthy corn plants, yields and grain quality.”

Corn has effective genetic resistance to many of the important diseases, according to Pete Snyder, President and CEO of NAGC, however, numerous challenges remain in identifying corn diseases in timely fashion. NAGC is targeting a couple of key diseases, Goss’s Wilt and Xanthomonas, in their first disease assays, or tests now available to corn farmers, agronomists and crop consultants.

“A key part of our mission at the National Agricultural Genotyping Center  is to translate scientific discoveries into solutions for farmers and production agriculture. This is another important step in that regard,” Snyder said. “The new assays we have developed will provide proper identification in weeks rather than months and cut costs substantially.”

NAGC, a non-profit initiative founded by the National Corn Growers Association and Los Alamos National Laboratory, will provide research and testing services to both public and private researchers. The center translates scientific discoveries into solutions for production agriculture, food safety, functional foods, and bioenergy. and national security.

Cost savings from the actual testing are as much as 75 percent less with a move from single sample testing to utilizing 96 sample trays. NAGC is working with farmers via crop consultants and agronomists to streamline the process of collecting samples and ramping up the assay process.

Goss’s wilt is a bacterial disease that may cause systemic infection and wilting of corn plants, as well as severe leaf blighting. Under the right conditions this disease can cause devastating damage with grain yield losses approaching 50%. Xanthomonas, another bacterial disease, is being targeted because it is often confused with Gray Leaf Spot leading to ineffective fungicide treatments and loss of income for farmers.

“It can cost $40 an acre to treat Gray Leaf Spot, but those treatments are ineffective against Xanthomonas,” Hoffman said. “And it’s not just lost profit but lost opportunity. Once identified we can deal with Xanthomonas through management practices such as tillage and crop rotation.”

Testing is largely done through samples of the effected plant leaf tissue. However, soil samples can be assayed by NAGC early in the growing season to identify or the presence of Xanthomonas.



National FFA Organization’s Washington Leadership Conference Instills Importance of Growth, Leadership, Community Service

Thousands of FFA members from throughout the country are converging on Washington, D.C., this summer to evaluate their personal skills and interests, develop leadership talent and create service plans that will make a difference in their communities.

More than 2,300 students are registered for the 2017 Washington Leadership Conference, the second-largest student experience that the National FFA Organization hosts each year. Created in 1969 and held annually, the conference begins June 6 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

FFA members can attend the conference during one of seven weeks through July 29.  They will spend the week under the guidance of professionals, counselors and FFA staff. In workshops, seminars and small groups, members will focus on identifying and developing their personal strengths and goals while undergoing comprehensive leadership training that will help them guide their local FFA chapters. The capstone of the event will be a civic engagement activity where participants apply what they have learned to a hands-on activity.

Members will also analyze the needs of their communities, develop wide-ranging and high-impact community service initiatives and implement their plans with the help of their FFA chapters upon return home. Students in recent years have promoted agricultural literacy; brought attention to abuse; collected and distributed shoes to individuals in Haiti; created a hunger awareness plan; and more.

FFA members will experience the history of the nation's capital and tour landmarks including the Washington Monument, War Memorial, the National Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol, among others. Members will also have an opportunity to participate in congressional visits during the week.

The 2017 Washington Leadership Conference is sponsored by title sponsors CSX, Monsanto, Farm Credit and weekly sponsor Valent. For more information, visit FFA.org/WLC.



New Educational Opportunity Available to Young Interested in Ag Policy

Next month, the American Soybean Association (ASA) and Valent USA will host the first Soy Leaders of the Future program. This is a new opportunity for young people interested in improving their understanding of major policy issues that impact soybean farmers, the importance of advocacy, and careers that can impact agricultural policy. The first class will take place this summer and will be held in conjunction with the ASA Board Meeting and Soy Issues Briefing, July 10-13, 2017, in Washington, D.C. Student travel expenses will be covered by the program sponsors.

The U.S. agriculture industry needs more leaders in Washington, D.C. who understand the needs of farmers and the agriculture industry, especially as it relates to the development of policies and regulations that impact farm productivity. The proportion of rural congressional districts is at its lowest point in history, and more than half of the U.S. population currently resides in 39 of the nation’s largest cities. Positions on Congressional staffs, regulatory agencies and services groups within the Federal government are often filled with individuals who have a very limited understanding of farming and the needs of the agriculture industry.

The new Soy Leaders of the Future program, sponsored by Valent and ASA, is designed to provide an education on major policy issues and advocacy to young people with a connection to the farm. The program will also encourage these future young leaders to consider careers within agriculture associations and industry, as well as government regulatory and legislative positions.

Application Information
To apply for the Soy Leaders of the Future program, students must be at least 18 years old and have an interest in learning more about advocacy and policy issues that impact U.S. soybean farmers and career opportunities in Washington, D.C. and the agriculture industry. This program may be especially appealing to students majoring in a various areas of agriculture, political science, communications and business. Program sponsors will cover all travel, lodging and meal expenses for the students who are selected for this program.

Class size is limited. All interested participants must complete and submit an online application by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 9.  Contact your state's soybean association for more information. 



USDA Dairy Products April 2017 Productio Highlights

Total cheese output (excluding cottage cheese) was 1.04 billion pounds, 3.7 percent above April 2016 but 2.1 percent below March 2017.  Italian type cheese production totaled 448 million pounds, 2.2 percent above April 2016 but 4.4 percent below March 2017.  American type cheese production totaled 419 million pounds, 5.3 percent above April 2016 and 0.8 percent above March 2017.  Butter production was 164 million pounds, 4.1 percent below April 2016 and 6.8 percent below March 2017.

Dry milk powders (comparisons with April 2016)
Nonfat dry milk, human - 171 million pounds, down slightly.
Skim milk powders - 50.2 million pounds, up 16.2 percent.

Whey products (comparisons with April 2016)
Dry whey, total - 84.3 million pounds, up 3.0 percent.
Lactose, human and animal - 96.5 million pounds, up 5.4 percent.
Whey protein concentrate, total - 42.9 million pounds, up 10.0 percent.

Frozen products (comparisons with April 2016)
Ice cream, regular (hard) - 70.8 million gallons, down 3.1 percent.
Ice cream, lowfat (total) - 38.7 million gallons, down 3.9 percent.
Sherbet (hard) - 3.52 million gallons, down 4.7 percent.
Frozen yogurt (total) - 6.85 million gallons, up 9.0 percent.



INNVICTIS CROP CARE, LLC Introduces New TREVO TRZ Fungicide

A new powerful force for disease control is now available from INNVICTIS CROP CARE, LLC.

TREVO TRZ is a combination of Tetraconazole and Azoxystrobin.  With curative and preventative control, TREVO TRZ provides a one two punch against the most costly diseases in corn, soybeans, and sugarbeets including gray leaf spot, Northern corn leaf blight, frogeye leaf spot cercospora, powdery mildew, rust and a host of others. The combination of these 2 different modes of action not only helps fight against resistance but also broadens the spectrum of disease control and lengthens residual.

What makes TREVO TRZ truly unique is the combination of these two specific active ingredients. Tetraconazole is the most highly systemic Triazole on the market today. It penetrates the leaf surface quickly and then moves throughout the plant migrating to new plant growth for added protection. Azoxystrobin, a strobilurin, provides the broadest spectrum of control and proven performance.

“TREVO TRZ is the combination of Azoxystrobin and Tetraconazole, two powerful fungicides that exhibit preventative, systemic, and curative activity to offer the best in class fungicide protection against numerous plant pathogens while maximizing yields and providing a return on investment,” says Will Scott, Technical Services and Market Development Manager for INNVICTIS CROP CARE, LLC.

A healthy crop is a yielding crop. Protection against yield robbing diseases with TREVO TRZ will help protect your bottom line. Apply TREVO TRZ when conditions are favorable for disease development.



Deere to Acquire World's Largest Road Construction Equip Maker

Deere & Company has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Wirtgen Group, a privately-held international company that is the leading manufacturer worldwide of road construction equipment.

The purchase price for the equity is EUR 4.357 billion in an all-cash transaction. The total transaction value is approximately EUR 4.6 billion (USD 5.2 billion based on current exchange rates), including the assumption of net debt and other consideration. The Wirtgen Group had sales of EUR 2.6 billion in the year ending December 31, 2016. Deere expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings per share and currently expects to fund the acquisition from a combination of cash and new equipment operations debt financing.

Headquartered in Germany, the Wirtgen Group has five premium brands across the entire road construction sector spanning milling, processing, mixing, paving, compaction and rehabilitation. Wirtgen's highly complementary product portfolio enhances Deere's existing construction equipment offering and establishes Deere as an industry leader in global road construction. The Wirtgen Group has a global footprint with approximately 8,000 employees and sells products in more than 100 countries through a large network of company-owned and independent dealers.

Deere plans to maintain the Wirtgen Group's existing brands, management, manufacturing footprint, employees and distribution network. The combined business is expected to benefit from sharing best practices in distribution, customer support, manufacturing and technology as well as in scale and efficiency of operations.