Friday July 14 Ag News

CRP Acres Released for Emergency Haying/Grazing
Sarah Beck, County Executive Director for the Cuming County Farm Service Agency (FSA), announces that Cuming County has just been added to the list of counties approved for Emergency Haying and Grazing of CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) acres.

Due to the drought across must of the Northern Plans, FSA has authorized emergency haying on CRP lands beginning July 16 through August 30, 2017 for counties designated as D2 or greater on the U.S. Drought Monitor.  In June, Secretary Sonny Perdue authorized emergency grazing of CRP acres in counties designated as D2 or greater on the U.S. Drought Monitor.  This authorization includes any county with any part of its border located within 150 miles of a county eligible for emergency haying.  With the new drought monitor issued last Thursday, Cuming & surrounding counties are now eligible for emergency haying or grazing.

Beck says the majority of counties in Nebraska are eligible for emergency haying or grazing of CRP acres.  Click here to see a map of the eligible counties in Nebraska..... https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-program/emergency-haying-and-grazing/index. 

Beck stresses, “CRP participants interested must contact the office BEFORE haying or grazing begins.  Not all CRP practices are eligible for emergency haying or grazing.”

There is no CRP annual rental payment reduction for acres grazed or hayed under this emergency authority.

The emergency grazing authority allows for grazing up to 75% of each field or 100% of each field at no more than 75% of the stocking rate.  The livestock must be removed by the earlier of the minimum grass height or September 30th.  The CRP acres may be leased to an eligible livestock producer.

The emergency haying authority allows for haying 50% of each field and limited to 1 cutting.  The haying ends August 31st and the bales must be removed by September 15th.  The bales may NOT be sold; however, the CRP participant can rent or lease the haying rights to an eligible livestock producer.

Producers who have questions on any FSA programs should contact the Cuming County Farm Service Agency at (402) 372-2451 Extension 2.



Central Valley Ag to Host RD Innovation Series

Central Valley Ag (CVA) has decided to change the way it communicates with farmers about new innovative strategies and technologies. The first step includes the new and improved RD Innovation Series events.

This year there will be three events held in the month of August. The first will be in Bellwood, Nebraska on August 3rd. The second event will be in Cuba, Kansas on August 8th; followed by the final RD Innovation Series event on August 10th in Randolph, Nebraska.

These events will be an excellent opportunity to learn about new practices in a constantly changing industry. CVA experts will lead discussions on hybrids, nitrogen and water management, precision technologies, an agronomic overview of each site and each event will end with an update from a specialist in the grain industry.

“The goal of these events is to provide growers an opportunity to impact the profitability of their operation for years to come,” said Mike Zwingman, Central Valley Ag Agronomy Research and Development Manager.

“These sites are going to have a few things you may have seen in the past, in addition to a lot of new things,” said Mike. “The agronomy team at CVA will be using every tool we have at our disposal to help growers make the best agronomic and economic decision possible, maximizing profitability – not just yield.”

Register to attend an RD Innovation Series event by visiting www.cvacoop.com/register/, more information including detailed agenda and speakers are available on this site.

Proud partners of the RD Innovation Series include; Verdesian, WinField United, FMC, Bayer, Mycogen, Nitrogen Maximizers, BASF, DEKALB, Asgrow, Syngenta, and Mosaic.



Weed barrier removal field day planned for July 28th

Do you have a tree planting that has weed barrier fabric that needs to be cut or removed? Are you a contractor with equipment that could provide this service?

Join us for a field day discussion on the need and methods of fabric removal around trees in conservation tree plantings.  The field day will be Friday, July 28th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Kalkowski Ranch (2 miles west of Lynch, NE on the south side of Highway 12).

Steve Rasmussen, District Forester with the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS), said, “Cutting or removing the weed barrier fabric needs to be done as the trees grow larger.   It is becoming a requirement for trees planted with the USDA Conservation Reserve Program.  Many times, removal waits until the trees are large and become constricted by the original cut opening.  This can stunt trees later in life, often times leading to a girdling of trees in the windbreak.”

Duty MetalWorks Inc of Brookings, SD will also be on hand to demonstrate a skid-loader implement designed for pulling out and rolling up the fabric from established trees.

The field day is free and is being coordinated by the NFS, local Natural Resources Districts (NRDs), and area USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices.  For more information, contact the Lewis & Clark NRD in Hartington, the Lower Niobrara NRD in Butte, the Upper Elkhorn NRD in O’Neill, or Steve Rasmussen, NFS District Forester at 402.375.0101 or srasmussen2@unl.edu.



Beef Checkoff's Inaugural Advocate of the Year Announced

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association, a contractor to the beef checkoff, has selected blogger and cattlewoman Anne Burkholder as the recipient of the inaugural Advocate of the Year award. The Advocate of The Year is selected by NCBA and state checkoff staff as the standout advocate amongst the 12 monthly award winners.

A Florida native, Burkholder moved to Nebraska with her husband in 1997 to run a family feed yard that had been in her husband's family since the 1970s. Since then, the mother of three started a successful blog entitled "Feed Yard Foodie" and works for Progressive Beef to ensure that its supply chain is producing high-quality, sustainable beef.

While many beef advocates grow up with an agricultural background, Burkholder grew up in Palm Beach County, Florida, a self-proclaimed jock, and attended Dartmouth University where she majored in psychology. This unique perspective allows her to relate to consumers who may not be familiar with beef production.

"Managing a feed yard for 20 years inspired me to learn to identify and fill meaningful gaps. With thousands of cattle relying on me each and every day, recognizing if an important gap existed between the care that I offered and what the animal needed was absolutely critical for good welfare. This same philosophy of working to 'fill the gap' extends to all of the areas of my life including beef advocacy," explains Burkholder. "A gap clearly exists between the truth of how beef is raised and the general consumer knowledge of the beef industry. As someone actively engaged in caring for cattle and raising beef, it is my job to help fill that gap with truthful information."

Burkholder's passion for communicating with consumers led her to become an early graduate of the Masters of Beef Advocacy (MBA) program. She has taken that training, paired with her firsthand experience, to another level over the years partnering with the beef checkoff as a spokesperson. She has participated in national media interviews and high-profile panel discussions to share beef's positive story with consumers around the country.

"Feed Yard Foodie is a natural extension of me -- It is an "Anne Gate" that creates appropriate transparency as I try to bridge the seemingly unending chasm between urban and rural America. I truly believe that 'together we are stronger' and my advocacy efforts focus on finding common ground with those that were not granted the blessing of living on a farm," said Burkholder.

Burkholder is no stranger to awards. She was awarded the BEEF Magazine Trailblazer award in 2014, she was named to Vance Publishing's 40 under 40 in agriculture in 2013, and in 2009, she was awarded the Beef Quality Assurance Producer of the Year award. 



Iowa Ranch Honored for Outstanding Environmental Stewardship

SFI, Inc., in Nemaha, Iowa, has been selected as one of six regional honorees of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). The award, announced during the 2017 Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting July 13, 2017, recognizes the operation’s outstanding stewardship and conservation efforts. This year’s regional winners will compete for the national award, which will be announced during the Annual Cattle Industry Convention in Phoenix, Ariz., in February 2018.

Established in 1991 by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to recognize outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry, ESAP is generously sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.

“Cattlemen and women everywhere understand that the land, air and water resources in their care are the cornerstone of their success and they are only stewards of those resources for a short time,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Craig Uden. “Each of us understands the importance of improving those resources and leaving them better for future generations. This year’s nominees are outstanding examples of what is possible for the beef industry and they serve as an inspiration for producers everywhere to continue improving their stewardship practices now and in the future.”

Operated by the Smith family, which consists of Lynn and Joy, son Seth and his wife Etta, SFI, Inc., is in the heart of the Upper Raccoon River watershed, where Lynn Smith’s family settled in 1886. Lynn began farming at SFI, Inc. in 1971 with Seth, following in his footsteps in 2001. Today, the farm consists of 1,900 acres of row crops, 510 acres of pasture, a 500 head feeder-to-finish hog barn, 210 cow-calf pairs and a 2,200 head feedlot.

“My dad’s dad came here from Illinois,” said Lynn, “and they settled a little west of here, so they’ve been there ever since. I think it’s been 130 years that the Smiths have farmed, or put a crop in.”

Lynn has been using conservation tillage on the farm since 1977, and SFI, Inc., operates on a “closed loop” of enterprises that support each other. The Smiths converted erodible land to pasture and rotationally graze to optimize efficiency. SFI, Inc., has cover crops that also provide fall and spring grazing worth $40 to $60 per acre. The farm is able to greatly reduce nitrate losses thanks to the use of in-season nitrogen applications, cover crops and composted feedlot manure.

The family planted 4,000 feet of windbreaks around the feedlot to protect the cattle, provide a habitat for wildlife and improve the aesthetics. SFI, Inc., also has monoslope feedlot barns that keep rain off the cattle and manure to reduce runoff. Corn stalks provide bedding for the feedlot, and, when composted with manure, provides SFI, Inc., with most of their fertilizer. Water from the feedlot lagoon is recycled via an irrigation pivot onto row crops and serves as fertilizer as well, and a wash bay with a pit captures nutrients from trucks and equipment for recycling.

“The Smiths are just great stewards of the land,” said Jim Frederick, a retired assistant state conservationist for NRCS, “and it’s going to be generational. They’re always willing to teach, and always willing to learn; that’s a good combination to have.”

“The desire to leave the land better than they found it is a common trait among cattle raisers,” says Dave Owens, beef marketing specialist with sponsor Dow AgroSciences. “You certainly see that in action in the Smith family. They’re making a real, on-the-ground difference in protecting and improving the environment.”

SFI, Inc., is located in the drainages, which were targeted by the 2015 Des Moines Water Works lawsuit, which blamed farmers for high nitrate levels in the water. The suit has since been dismissed, but even before the suit the Smiths were focusing on efforts to improve water quality. The Smiths have surpassed regulations to build a double containment system for fuel and feedlot manure. The system has kept containments from streams, even when a tornado opened a valve.

The Smiths are also always looking for ways to share their stewardship story, even providing the beef for the burgers served at a nearby restaurant with a menu that educates consumers about SFI, Inc., and its environmental practices.

The Smiths continue to implement and try new stewardship practices every year, knowing that the changes they implement today will help ensure their farm is around for generations to come.

“I feel like we owe that to the generations prior to us that did a lot of these things that we get to enjoy,” said Seth. “It’s our job to continue that, to pass that on so that every generation that comes along makes things a little better.”



Iowa Corn Thanks Members, Fans for Great Ethanol-Powered Race

Last week's 11th running of the Iowa Corn 300 will be remembered for many reasons. Helio Castroneves brought home his first win at the Iowa Corn 300. Also, this year's race included many unique aspects showcasing Iowa Corn farmers and the corn-based ethanol that fuels IndyCars.

The corn start/finish line on the track of the Iowa Speedway was a highlight and made the connection to Iowa's corn fields and ethanol powered racing on the track. Iowa Corn Promotion Board President Larry Klever kicked off the race by saying "Drivers, start your Iowa corn ethanol power engines" while Iowa Corn Growers Association President Kurt Hora waved the green flag. Klever and Hora presented Castroneves with the Iowa Corn 300 trophy in victory lane.

"Iowa Corn would like to congratulate Helio Castroneves on his first win here at the Iowa Corn 300," said ICPB President Larry Klever, a farmer from Audubon. "This event continues to be an excellent platform for promoting and showcasing the true power and performance of ethanol. Over the past decade, INDYCAR drivers have logged millions of miles racing on E85. It's a great way to remind consumers to fill up like the pros."

Fans at the track enjoyed many family friendly activities including a sweetcorn feed and a fan walk. At the Iowa Corn VIP tent, Iowa Corn Growers Association members heard from IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand as well U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, U.S. Congressman Rod Blum, U.S. Congressman Dave Loebsack, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, and Iowa Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig.

"2017 marks the 50th anniversary of the Iowa Corn Growers Association as one of the longest standing and highly respected ag organizations in the country representing 7,500 Iowa corn farmer-members," said ICGA President Kurt Hora, a farmer from Washington. "We thank our Iowa Corn members and their families for helping us celebrate 50 years and another great Iowa Corn 300."



Senator Joni Ernst Presented AAW Champion of Agriculture Award

Last month Iowa's Senator Joni Ernst received the American Agri-Women (AAW) Champion of Agriculture Award during the annual AAW Fly-In in Washington D.C.

Senator Ernst supports agriculture through her work on the Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

American Agri-Women member Natalina Sents presents the "Champion of Agriculture Award" to fellow Iowan, Senator Joni Ernst

In early February, Senator Ernst met with Sonny Perdue, who was at the time the nominee for Secretary of Agriculture, and discussed with him the agriculture economy and the challenges farmers and ranchers across the nation are facing. She also spoke of the importance of renewable fuels and strong trade agreements with other countries; both of which are very important to Iowa’s economy.

Senator Ernst introduced legislation in the Senate (which passed the Senate and House) to dismiss the expanded definition of WOTUS. She recognized the flaws in the expanded WOTUS Rule, and the need for a more effective approach to protecting our water without placing unnecessary regulatory burdens on our farmers, businesses, and manufacturers.

Senator Ernst’s passion for agriculture is rooted deep in her Iowa heritage and life experiences. Being raised on a family farm in Iowa, she grew up walking soybeans and cornfields, and feeding hogs.

"As Senator, Joni Ernst has worked on behalf of agriculture by supporting and initiating pro-ag legislation. Her commitment to families in farming, ranching, and agribusiness has proven her to be a true advocate for rural America, and she continues to show a willingness to face the challenges that lie ahead for the industry," said Krystal Doolittle, Iowa Agri-Women member.

AAW President Doris Mold explained, "We are honored to recognize a true Champion of Agriculture in Senator Joni Ernst. Her concern and dedication to agriculture and rural America is evident in both her words and actions."

“Championing Iowa’s farmers is a priority of mine. I will continue to work to cut burdensome regulations, and lead efforts that promote our agriculture economy and rural communities. I am grateful for this honor as we work to assist the men and women who help feed and fuel our nation and world,” said Senator Ernst.



Perdue Applauds Presidential Nomination of Censky for USDA Deputy Secretary

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue Thursday applauded President Donald J. Trump’s nomination of Stephen Censky to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.  Perdue issued the following statement:

“Our work has only just begun in delivering results for the people of American agriculture, and the experience and leadership skills of Stephen Censky will only enhance our efforts.  He will bring enthusiasm and a dedication to this country which will be great assets to USDA’s customers.  I am extremely pleased with the nomination for this key position and am hopeful that the Senate will take it up in short order.”



Censky’s Legacy at ASA Makes Him a Perfect Fit for Deputy Secretary

Following the nomination of Steve Censky by President Donald Trump as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the American Soybean Association offered its strong support. Censky has led the association as CEO since 1996.

“Steve has guided our organization for 21 years and in that time he has proven himself as an effective, dedicated and visionary voice on behalf of soybean farmers nationwide. Nobody in agriculture is better equipped to assist Secretary Perdue in meeting the needs of farmers with practical solutions than Steve. He is a perfect fit for this role and we give him our strongest endorsement,” said Ron Moore, ASA president from Roseville, Ill.

The transition would mark a return to both Washington and USDA for Censky. Prior to his service at ASA, he served at USDA in the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, including as administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service. Censky came to Washington originally as a legislative aide to then-Senator Jim Abdnor of South Dakota.

“ASA is better and stronger because of the work of Steve Censky,” said Richard Wilkins, ASA chairman from Greenwood, Del. “He has helped us grow through our advocacy for farmers in Washington, and our service to them in their communities. We will be sad to lose his leadership, but glad to know that it will benefit millions of Americans who rely on the work of the department every day.”

“One of the best things I did as ASA president was to hire Steve as our CEO,” said John Long, a farmer from Newberry, S.C., and ASA’s president when Censky was selected as CEO in 1996. “When Steve came to ASA, our industry was beginning a period of rapid growth. Since then, our acreage has grown by more than 20 million acres, we have established soybeans as the leader in American agricultural exports, and foreign markets abroad have been greatly expanded through trade agreements and marketing, especially in China. The use of soy in biodiesel and biobased products has grown from virtually zero to become significant markets, and soybeans have become a program crop under the Farm Bill. We’ve seen the widespread adoption and acceptance of agricultural biotechnology, and built soy demand in markets around the globe. These are the good works and the legacy that Steve leaves at ASA. They are his successes and ours.”

Censky grew up on a soybean, corn, and diversified livestock farm near Jackson, Minn., and holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from South Dakota State University, as well as a Master’s Diploma in Agriculture Science from the University of Melbourne, Australia.

The Senate Agriculture Committee has not announced when it will hold a hearing on Censky’s nomination.



NBB Statement on Censky's Nomination to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

Thursday, the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) issued the following statement from CEO Donnell Rehagen: 

"President Trump’s pick of Steve Censky to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture is an outstanding step forward for agriculture and the countless related markets, like biodiesel, that play a key role in supporting our economy. Steve implicitly understands the immeasurable benefits that agriculture and related products deliver, as well as the ongoing challenges we face. We are thrilled to see Steve take on this new role with the administration, and we know he will continue to advance America’s successful efforts in renewable energy and sustainability.”



NAWG Strongly Endorses Steve Censky for Deputy Secretary of USDA

Steve Censky, CEO of the American Soybean Association, has been nominated by President Donald Trump as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“NAWG extends our congratulations to Steve Censky on his nomination for Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” stated Chandler Goule, CEO of the National Association of Wheat Growers. “His experience as a farmer and vast understanding of agriculture sector make him an ideal candidate for this role.”

“I’ve worked with Steve for years and over the last year as a fellow commodity organization CEO. I have seen firsthand his dedication to American agriculture,” stated Goule. “He is an aggressive advocate for farmers and truly understands how important international trade is to the ag economy, and how critical a strong crop insurance program is for farmers to farm another year when they experience a weather or economic storm.”

“NAWG urges the U.S Senate to quickly take up his nomination and confirm his appointment before the August recess.



AFBF Lists Farm Bill Goals

With serious economic challenges facing agriculture, underscored by even deeper concerns in some commodity sectors, the American Farm Bureau Federation board of directors outlined the organization’s key objectives for the 2018 farm bill.

After its meeting this week in Washington, D.C., the AFBF board sent its goals and recommendations to leadership on the Senate and House agriculture committees in anticipation of the upcoming farm bill debate.

“Because of low commodity prices, many of America’s farmers and ranchers are struggling,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “The risk management and safety net provisions of farm bills are most important in times like these.

“The bill also will help protect our nation’s food security and our supply of domestic renewable energy and fiber. It will provide critical food assistance to those who need it, and it will continue to offer incentives to conserve our natural resources. Farm Bureau stands ready to work with the House and Senate ag committees to ensure the next farm bill works for farmers, ranchers and all Americans.”

In a letter, Duvall told the congressional ag committee chairmen, Sen. Pat Roberts and Rep. Mike Conaway, and ranking members, Sen. Debbie Stabenow and Rep. Collin Peterson, that Farm Bureau is prepared to help them “achieve the best possible farm bill that meets our key farm policy objectives while assisting you in meeting the challenges this important legislation will endure.”

As outlined in the letter, Farm Bureau’s goals for the next farm bill are to:
-    Protect current farm bill spending;
-    Maintain a unified farm bill that includes nutrition programs and farm programs together;
-    Ensure any changes to current farm legislation be an amendment to the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 or the Agricultural Act of 1949;
-    Prioritize our top funding concerns (risk management tools, which include both federal crop insurance and Title I commodity programs); and
-    Ensure programs are compliant with World Trade Organization agreements.

The AFBF board also presented the following farm policy recommendations based on these goals:
-    Allow farmers to select the “higher of” the five-year Olympic Average yield for the Agriculture Risk Coverage County Program or a simple 10-year average yield.
-    Increase the reference price used as a floor for the ARC-CO program by 5 percent for corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum and other minor crops.
-    Support a cotton lint program and/or designating cotton seed as an “other oilseed” to make cotton eligible for Title 1 commodity support programs.
-    Improve the Dairy Margin Protection Program by supporting a package that contains the following provisions: a) a two-tiered approach to providing a safety net for dairy by continuing to treat production of 4 million pounds of milk covered annually differently than more than 4 million pounds of production; b) increase the administrative fee from $100 to $300 for catastrophic level of protection; c) reduce premium rates 25 percent from the current rate for the first 4 million pounds of production history covered and increase premium rates 25 percent from the current rate for coverage above 4 million pounds; d) lower the maximum coverage level from $8.00 to $7.00; e) raise the catastrophic level from $4.00 to $4.50; and f) increase the feed ration formula for all producers by 10 percent.
-    Increase the $20 million annual cap on livestock insurance products to $75 million annually.



First Half 2017 Barge Tonnages 14% Above Average

For the first 6 months of 2017, grain barge tonnages on the locking system of the Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas Rivers were 17.6 million tons, 14 percent higher than the 3-year average.

Corn was the principal grain moved, representing 63 percent of tonnages for the first half of 2017, soybeans were 30 percent, and wheat, sorghum, barley and oats were 7 percent.

Despite the increased demand for barge services, barge freight rates have been below average for most of the year, which may be due to barge supply.

As of July 11, barge rates for export grain at major shipping origins are 5 to 26 percent below average, indicating that the barge supply has been more than adequate for the current demand and may be dampening rates.

According to barge operators, the size of the covered barge fleet has increased in recent years as more new barges have been built and a substantial number of open barges have been converted to covered.

Barge operators have reported that future rates for barge services will likely remain below average for the second half of the year.



CLA Applauds Missouri’s Swift Resolution on Dicamba

On Thursday, Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn issued a Notice of Release from the statewide Stop Sale, Use or Removal Order for specific dicamba products. This follows action the Department took on July 7, 2017, temporarily issuing a Stop Sale, Use or Removal Order on all dicamba products in Missouri following reports of non-target drift.

The Department has approved a Special Local Need label for each herbicide which includes special provisions and added safeguards as it relates to wind speed, timing of application, certified applicator training, notice of application and additional record keeping requirements for the use of this technology.

“From the moment the stop sale and use order went into effect, we’ve been working to get these weed control products back into the hands of our farmers,” said Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn. “BASF, Monsanto and DuPont came to the table and agreed to additional safeguards for product use in response to issues we’ve faced this growing season.”

“Collaboration among all interested entities, including farmers, regulators, registrants, retailers and applicators, is integral to the good stewardship of all products and CropLife America (CLA) applauds the Missouri Department of Agriculture for its leadership on this important issue,” stated Jay Vroom, president and CEO of CLA.

“We are pleased that Missouri worked with our member companies to swiftly resolve the short-term issues. If other states have concerns, we would welcome similar collaboration efforts. CLA continues to work with departments of agriculture, at the state level, through the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture and farm and retailer organizations to ensure that crop protection products continue to be used according to label and are available for farmers,” concluded Vroom.

There are ongoing training opportunities available regarding the use of dicamba in accordance with its label. Applicators can find more information about training by visiting BASF’s Grow Smart University website, DuPont’s training module website and Monsanto’s training website.